See the Best of Sri Lanka in 15 Days
I believe that you can never have enough Sri Lanka. That’s because there is so much to see and do in this coastal nation. The best of Sri Lanka, however, is steeped in the contrasting shades that you can observe through its countryside. If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka for the first time, here’s a 15-day itinerary that will lead you to some of its best attractions.
Table of Contents
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo
Depending on the time of your flight, you should plan your first day in Colombo. Colombo is a fascinating city that is not only Sri Lanka’s commercial capital but also a melting pot where East and West collide. It is nearly 50 kilometres from Sri Lanka’s only international airport. If you arrive early in the morning, you can relax in your hotel for a few hours before heading out to see some sights in the evening. If you arrive at noon, I recommend that you take it easy and relax on this day.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Colombo
On the second day, however, begin your sightseeing tour early in the morning and end it late in the evening. That way, you’ll get to see at least 8-10 interesting places. The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Old Dutch Hospital, Clock Tower, Town Hall, BMICH, Pettah Bazaar, and the Red Mosque are among the sights to see. Take a look at our recommended list of Colombo’s best landmarks. I was able to cover these in one day!
Day 3: Travel from Colombo to Habarana
Habarana is 180 kilometres from Colombo and takes approximately 3 hours to reach. You must stop by the Kurunegala Ridi Viharaya, also known as the Silver Temple, along the way. Visit the Khau Dulla or Minneria National Parks in the evening. Large herds of elephants, as well as jackals and water buffaloes, can be seen in these national parks.
Day 4: Habarana to Kandy
On day four, depart Habarana early in the morning and travel to Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Habarana is about a 30-minute drive from Sigiriya Rock Fortress. While you’re here, take advantage of the opportunity to climb this royal citadel and learn about its fascinating history. Keep a few hours aside for this activity because the climb alone is 1200 steps one way. After descending, grab an authentic Sri Lankan lunch at one of the nearby restaurants before heading to Kandy. Stop by one of the Spice Gardens en route to Kandy to learn about the exotic Sri Lankan herbs and spices.
Spices can also be purchased from the Ceylon Spice Gardens. Kandy is about 100 kilometres from Habarana and takes three hours to get there. Expect to arrive in Kandy by late afternoon if you take the Sigiriya and Spice Garden tour. After that, check into your hotel and watch a one-hour Kandy cultural show at the theatre. You can choose between two-time slots: 4.30 – 5.30 PM or 5.30 – 6.30 PM. This cultural show creates an inhabitable atmosphere for attendees to learn about Sri Lanka’s rich history.
Day 5: Sightseeing in Kandy
On day five, take a stroll through Kandy’s charming town, stopping by its lake and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Sri Lanka’s most important relic, a tooth of the Buddha, is housed in this temple with a golden roof. This heavily guarded room is opened to visitors during the worship service. However, the Buddha’s tooth is kept in a gold dagoba casket. It’s a set of six dagoba caskets in progressively smaller sizes. This temple’s campus also includes smaller temples, shrines, and museums worth visiting.
After lunch, go to the Royal Botanic Gardens, which are known for their Orchid collection. The Royal Botanic Gardens, which are located next to Sri Lanka’s National Herbarium, are home to over 4000 plant and tree species. If time allows, visit the Udawatta Kele, a historic 104-hectare forest reserve in the Udawattakele National Park. This reserve, which is located above the royal palace, is known for its diverse fauna.
Day 6: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Drive from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya on day six. Even though the distance between these two cities is only 85 kilometres, getting to Nuwara Eliya will take close to three hours. The greenest of tea estates and plantations can be found along this entire route. Furthermore, Nuwara Eliya is perched at 6,183 feet above sea level, with the coolest and crispiest weather in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s Little England is a tranquil retreat reminiscent of the English Lake District.
Spend a few hours at the Damro Tea Estate and Plantation, touring the factory and sampling the finest Ceylon Tea blend available. This tour is available to book online. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya late in the afternoon, check into your hotel, and take an evening stroll around the city.
Day 7: Relax in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful hill station full of natural wonders such as waterfalls, birds, plants, and caves. You will always be surrounded by imposing natural elements, no matter where you go. You must also try golfing at Nuwara Eliya’s golf course, rated as one of the most picturesque in Asia, for an unrivalled thrill of leisure. Visit the market, Lake Gregory, the Seetha Amman Temple, the Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity, and the well-kept parks on the second day of sightseeing.
Day 8: Nuwara Eliya to Bandarawela
Drive from Nuwara Eliya to Nanu Oya Railway Station on day eight. This railway station will take you about 30 minutes to reach. Book a train ticket to Haputale, a small town in the Badulla District of the Uva Province, from Nanu Oya. This train ride, dubbed “the most scenic in Sri Lanka,” lives up to its billing. The train slithers through a dense forestation with diverse flora and fauna blossoming on either side as it ascends to an elevation of 1400+ metres. After a few hours on this dream train, you’ll arrive at Haputale’s misty hilltop. Drive 18 kilometres from the Haputale Railway Station to Bandarawela.
Take a photo stop along the way at Adisham Bungalow, a country house that houses the Saint Benedict Monastery. Inside the chapel, you can see St. Sylvester’s relic.
Day 9: Bandarawela Sightseeing
Drive to Lipton’s Seat on this day. You can also climb/walk the 7-kilometre trail, surrounded by lush green tea plantations with occasional tea pluckers. You can either take the Nayabedda estate or the Dambatenna estate route to the hilltop. Signboards mark each route that leads to narrow paved roads. The climb takes close to three hours, but the views are well worth it. Along the way, you’ll pass by original British Era stone structures that are fascinating to look at from a historical standpoint. Bandarawela is a good place to stay. Relax in your hotel or go shopping in the Bandarawela market in the evening.
Day 10: Bandarawela to Galle
Drive to Galle on the tenth day. Start early in the morning from Bandarawela, which is 220 kilometres away from Galle and takes about 4-hours to reach. Enjoy the ride along the coast as the salty breeze kisses your face. Arrive in Galle, relax, unwind, and take an evening stroll around the Galle Fort. Try to catch the sunset here if at all possible. It’s fantastic! I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top ten things to do in Galle in a single day. You can look over our list and schedule your sightseeing at your leisure. You can either do-it-all in one day or spread it out over two days.
Day 11: Galle Sightseeing
Set out the next day to learn about Galle‘s Dutch origins – the best example of how European architectural styles blend with South Asian traditions is this fortified city. The Galle Fort is Asia’s largest remaining fortress, built by Europeans in Southeast Asia. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 12: Drive to Bentota
Drive to Bentota, a beach city about 65 kilometres from Galle, on the twelfth day. Bentota is about an hour and a half drive from Galle. Visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery en route, a haven for extinct sea turtles. Volunteers at Kosgoda work to save turtles that are on the verge of extinction. They do this by protecting sea turtle eggs and releasing baby turtles into the sea a week after birth.
Day 13: Bentota River Safari
Spend the day on the Bentota River Safari to the mangroves on this day. This three to four-hour river cruise takes you around Sri Lanka’s third-largest river, including its mangrove lagoon. You can also see water monitors and other creatures that call this place home. Although you are unlikely to see a crocodile, river birds can be found in abundance. This river cruise is incredibly relaxing because it allows you to soak up the beauty of the riverine scenery. After lunch, you can participate in water sports such as a banana boat ride or a jet ski ride.
Day 14: Drive from Bentota to Colombo
You have the option of staying in Bentota or returning to Colombo on the second last day of your trip. Bentota is 100 kilometres from Colombo, a distance that takes an hour and a half to travel by car. If you want to see more of Colombo, this is the day for you.
Day 15: Bandaranaike International Airport
On the 15th day, depart from Katunayake’s Bandaranaike International Airport for your home country. If you’re driving from Bentota, it’ll take you two hours to get to the airport. If you drive from Colombo, you can get to the airport in an hour if you avoid the traffic.
