Looking for Sri Lanka Itinerary for 7 days?
Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Within just seven short days, you can visit bustling cities, misty mountains, elephant-covered plains, and alluring beachside resorts.
Take a 7-day journey through Sri Lanka’s heart to experience the allure of the country. Having visited this country three times, our itinerary is more than a travel plan; it’s a seven-day journey that will ignite your senses, touch your soul, and make you long to return again and again.
You can start your journey from Sigiriya, famous for having an ancient palace and fortress which was built in 480AD. Afterwards, you can visit more wonderful places in Sri Lanka including Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala National Park, Bentota, and the capital Colombo.
Your 7-day Sri Lankan Itinerary will introduce you to the warm hospitality that defines this enchanting nation, where every smile and greeting is an invitation into its heart. The country’s cuisine is also among the finest in the world, featuring vibrant flavors and delicacies from the land.
Our itinerary highlights the places we think are essential to visit in Sri Lanka, and that showcase the country’s best qualities. We have included the travel tips for you to experience a hassle-free journey.
Day 1 – Sigiriya
On day 1 of your Sri Lanka itinerary, you must visit Sigiriya which is almost 30 minutes away from Dambulla. Here, you can experience the most iconic sight of Sri Lanka, the Lion Rock Fortress. This Lion Rock Fortress is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Since 1982, Lion Rock Fortress has been listed on the UNESCO list and it has become an attraction for tourists. The best time to visit the fortress is in the early morning. You can take a bus or hire a private tuk-tuk to start your journey from the hotel to the fortress early in the morning.
Remember, not to visit in the midday as you will face the massive heat and suffocation there. After the climb of the fortress, you can visit the Sigiriya Museum with an entrance ticket and you will get more insights into the museum which will take almost 45 minutes to see everything in the museum.
Pidurangala Rock is another option for you as climbing Sigiriya Rock is almost ten times more expensive. It is located north of Sigiriya a few kilometers away. 500 LKR is the entrance fee for Pidurangala Rock which is affordable for some tourists.
Suggested Read: Best 5 places to visit in Sri Lanka
Day 2 – Kandy
On day 2 of your Sri Lanka itinerary, take a private taxi or book an Uber from Sigiriya to the City of Kings, Kandy. This is the second city of Sri Lanka which is known for its historical island and cultural capital.
Here you can visit its most famous places Temple of the Tooth relic, Buddhism’s religious tomb, and said that it is the location of the piece of Buddhism’s tooth. You can spend a few hours here to appreciate the historical temple and its surroundings.
After lunch, you can visit The Royal Botanic Garden of Peradeniya which is the largest garden in Sri Lanka and famous all over the world. Here is the avenue of royal palms. When you are done sightseeing in the garden, you can take some rest on the lawn.
After that, you can visit the main city, walk around the market, wander in the streets, and enjoy the different areas of the town to see the new level of beauty. It will be your afternoon session.
In the evening, you can visit the Kandy Lake Club to enjoy the Kandy Culture Dance Show which showcases the dances of the former Kandy Kingdom, the creative show filled with ridiculous costumes, fire walking, etc. The show starts at 05:30 PM and we will recommend you book your tickets in advance.
Day 3 – Nuwara Eliya
On day 3 of your Sri Lanka itinerary, leave Kandy and start your journey through the back road of Botanic Gardens early in the morning which takes you almost 3 hours to get to Nuwara Eliya. You can also travel on the blue train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya which passes through the best views in all of Sri Lanka.
Nuwara Eliya is located in the central Sri Lankan tea country hills. Roses and tree ferns grow in the naturally landscaped Hakgala Botanical Gardens, which also houses monkeys and blue magpies. There is a colorful Hindu shrine nearby called Seetha Amman Temple decorated with religious symbols. In Galway’s Land National Park, densely forested habitats provide a haven for endemic and migratory bird species.
The visiting places in Nuwara Eliya and nearby are Lush Green Tea Gardens, Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, Ramboda Waterfalls, and Blue Field Tea Factory. You can enjoy your stay in Nuwara Eliya by hiring a tuk-tuk and asking your rider to take you to the different places to visit or even you can rent a tuk-tuk and drive it by yourself. Be aware of the tuk-tuk drivers as they sometimes overcharge you.
After lunch at Calamander Lake Georgy, you can visit the organic tree plantation factory and its surroundings. The architecture is one of the best architecture in the world.
Day 4 – Ella
On day 4 of your Sri Lanka itinerary, Ella is our next destination. By taking the whole day, you can travel by train from Nanu Oya (8km away train station) to Ella which will take almost 8 hours to get you to Ella. Try to get the seat on the right side as it will show you the most beautiful and scenic views.
After reaching Ella, you can catch the sunset view through your hotel located on the southern side of the town. After taking some rest, you can visit the nearest waterfalls and Ella Rock.
After visiting, you can walk in the streets of the market and take your dinner.
If you need a hotel in Ella check Majentra Ella.
Day 5 – Yala
On day 5 of your Sri Lanka itinerary, head towards Yala National Park. It is the most famous wild life park in Sri Lanka. It is located in the southeast corner of the country. It is famous for elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and hundreds of other bird species and aquatic birds.
You must visit the park in the morning as it will be crowded in the midday. You can also enjoy some spectacular scenery here.
Bundala National Park is also located near to Yala National Park. You can visit Bundala National Park as well as it is famous for bird watching.
You can spend a maximum of 4-5 hours here and then after lunch, you should move towards your next visiting place Bentota.
Day 6 – Bentota
On day 6 of your Sri Lanka itinerary, You must include a boat ride in your whole trip which you will get at Bentota. Bentota is famous for its panoramic views and you will find fantastic beach resorts here.
You should get up early in the morning and reach Bentota Beach as soon as possible to enjoy the boat ride. You can enjoy the pleasant weather there as there is almost a cloudy day. Your kids can enjoy Kosgoda turtle hatchery by watching the turtles here and taking snaps.
While traveling toward the beach, you can see the beauty of the mangrove forest and take some particular sights.
Day 7 – Colombo
On day 7 and the last day of your Sri Lanka itinerary, you have to start your journey to the capital of Sri Lanka Colombo City. Here you can visit the National Museum of Colombo and The Dutch Museum. As Sri Lanka has a rich history, a trip to Sri Lanka will be incomplete without taking a glimpse into it.
Finally, it will be your last day in Sri Lanka and you must shop many things for your loved ones. You can buy gifts from the famous shopping market in Colombo. After finalizing your shopping, you have to pack your luggage and go back to your home.
Contact companies like Ceylon Empire Travels to get Sri Lanka Itinerary for 7 days.
Editorial staff’s at Think Senior are experts in various niches.