3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary: The Perfect Travel Guide
We know first-hand that with so much to think about, planning a trip to Sri Lanka can seem pretty daunting, especially with kids! We’ve put together a 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary as the ultimate guide for your adventure so that you can stop stressing and make the most of every moment.
Three weeks is enough time for you to explore Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes, take a wildlife safari, experience the vibrant culture and enjoy its iconic attractions.
Sri Lanka has a perfect blend of beaches, hills, and remarkable wildlife and is a captivating destination for both families and solo travellers looking for adventure. We visited in March, just before the monsoon season hit the south coast, and fell head over heels for this friendly country. With its distinctive culture, great food and kind people, we are confident that you will love Sri Lanka too!
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🌟 Sri Lanka Route: Colombo, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Udawalawe, Ella, Kandy, Sigiriya, Negombo
🌟 Best Wildlife Safari: Udawalawe Safari
🌟 Best Surf Beach: Mirissa Beach
🌟 Best Hike: Ella Rock and Pidurangala Rock
3-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary: Overview
Most Sri Lanka itineraries will start at the Colombo International Airport, where most travellers arrive before travelling south or east.
The most popular route is Colombo to Sigiriya, taking in the Golden Triangle, before heading off to the coast. We were visiting Sri Lanka with family, so the beaches had to come first for us!
Our plan took us south from Colombo to Mirissa, starting with beautiful beaches and wildlife. We then immersed ourselves in Sri Lankan culture in Ella, Kandy, and Sigiriya. Our final leg took us back to the coast at Negombo, which has luxury beachfront hotels and a great choice of restaurants.
This day-by-day Sri Lanka itinerary works just as well in reverse, and with a huge range of things to do in Sri Lanka, you can adapt it for your own unique adventure.
➡️Day 1-2: Colombo Explore the colonial architecture & colourful markets
➡️Day 3-5: Hikkaduwa Beaches, snorkelling, surfing & turtles
➡️Day 6-9: Mirissa Beaches, surfing, whale watching and picturesque views
➡️Day 10: Udawalawe See wild elephants on an Udawalawe Safari
➡️Day 11-14: Ella Discover Ella’s stunning views, hikes and waterfalls
➡️Day 15-16: Kandy Take the iconic Ella to Kandy Train
➡️Day 17-19: Sigiriya Hike Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rock for Sunrise or Sunset
➡️Day 20-21: Negombo Return to the beach for relaxation
Week 1: Coastal And Southern Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is perhaps best known for its pristine beaches and wildlife. There is certainly no shortage of things to do. You can immerse yourself in history by exploring gems such as Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 16th century, swim with turtles in Hikkaduwa or take a surf lesson off the coast of Mirissa!
We really enjoyed the mix of culture, relaxation and family friendly activities. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, take your pick from water sports, hiking and whale watching, or if you have the time and the budget, perhaps try them all!
Sri Lanka Itinerary Days One – Two: Colombo
Colombo offers a captivating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s dynamic culture with its mix of colonial architecture and traditional buildings. This vibrant, bustling city is always on the go but is well worth a whistle-stop tour.
How To Get From Bandaranaike International Airport To Colombo
The airport is 30km from Colombo city. A private transfer can take 40+ minutes, depending on traffic. There are other cheaper but slower options to get into the city; these include taking a taxi for around $10 US (LKR 3500) via the PickMe app or boarding the Colombo Express bus for $1.60 US.
Things To Do In Colombo
- Discover Colombo’s colonial architecture
- Stroll through Viharamahadevi Park and Independence Square
- Visit the National Museum, Jami UI-Alfar Mosque and Gangaramaya Temple
- Experience a traditional Sri Lankan markets in Pettah
Whatever else you plan to do in Sri Lanka, Colombo should be on your itinerary. Although it differs greatly from the rest of the country, you will learn a lot about Sri Lanka’s colonial history and gain an appreciation of the mixed cultures that make it truly unique.
➡️Click Here To Book Your City Tour of Colombo!
Where To Eat In Colombo
🌟Fire and Ice – A western style pizzeria. Great tasting pizza and pasta with fair prices and good service.
🌟Ranbath – Traditional Sri Lankan food. A huge range of organic, vegetarian and vegan dishes and super tasty!
Where To Stay In Colombo
📍Hotel MaRadha Colombo – A well located, family friendly hotel with a pool and a great breakfast!
➡️Click Here To Book Your Stay in Colombo
Sri Lanka Itinerary Day Three – Five: Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is a coastal town with good beaches, turtles, and popular surf breaks! This makes it a favourite destination for water enthusiasts and sunseekers alike.
How To Get From Colombo To Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is 100 kms (60 miles) from Colombo. You have the option of Bus, train, private transfer or taxi.
Things To Do In Hikkaduwa
- Relax on the beach
- Snorkel or surf
- Find out about Turtle conservation efforts in Sri Lanka
- Indulge in traditional Sri Lankan food – Roti, hoppers, Wadiya, curry, kottu & Pittu
Hikkaduwa is a very popular holiday destination with a long stretch of beach. It is, therefore, significantly busier than some of the other less visited towns.
➡️Click Here To Book Your Hikkaduwa Tour!
Where To Eat In Hikkaduwa
🌟Canal View – Traditional Homemade Sri Lankan Food. A huge selection of dishes, all at reasonable prices. A great family choice.
Where To Stay In Hikkaduwa
📍Virage Beach House – A comfortable, reasonably priced hotel with a good breakfast, and, as the name suggests, it’s right on the beach!
➡️Click Here To Book Your Stay in Hikkaduwa
Sri Lanka Itinerary Day Six – Nine: Mirissa
Mirissa is renowned for its stunning palm-fringed beaches, vibrant nightlife, surfing and whale spotting, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure on the south coast of Sri Lanka.
How To Get From Hikkaduwa To Mirissa
Mirissa is 55 km (34 miles) from Hikkaduwa. You can take the Bus, train (not advised due to overcrowding), private transfer or taxi. We requested a stop in the historic city of Galle on the way to Mirissa to explore the fort and a spice garden tour.
Things To Do In Mirissa
- Visit the historic Galle Fort en route to Mirissa
- Beach time by day and night with perfect viewpoints for sunset
- Whale-watching tour
- Surfing & snorkelling
- Turtle conservation on the beach
- Visit Parrot Rock, Coconut Tree Hill and Secret Beach for picturesque views
- Explore the nearby town of Weligama
Mirissa is our favourite beach town to explore, surf and snorkel with turtles. We could have stayed longer. Mirissa also works as a base to make day trips to other beaches along the south coast of Sri Lanka.
➡️Click Here To Book Tours In Mirissa!
Where To Eat In Mirissa
🌟Various restaurants and cafes are available within walking distance of Mirissa Beach. The Slow restaurant on the beach was one of our favourites; the setting was perfect, and meals were freshly prepared.
Where to Stay in Mirissa
📍Wood Lodge – Traditional Sri Lankan accommodation with good sized room, decent breakfast and a short walk to the beach. Not too far out of town for restaurants and shops.
➡️Click Here To Book Your Stay in Mirissa!
Week 2: Hill Country and Tea Plantations Sri Lanka
Distinguished by lush tea plantations, mist-shrouded mountains, and cascading waterfalls, this scenic area includes towns such as Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the landscape, venture into verdant surroundings, and visit renowned Sri Lankan tea estates to observe the craftsmanship behind Ceylon tea production.
Sri Lanka Itinerary Day Ten: Udawalawe Safari
Udawalawe, located in southern Sri Lanka, is renowned for its elephant population congregating at Udawalawe National Park, which is a must-do safari for kids.
How To Get From Mirissa To Udawalawe
Mirissa to Udawalawe is 100 km (60 miles). You can take the Bus, private transfer or taxi.
Things To Do In Udawalawe
- Travel to Udawalawe for an extra special safari in Udawalawe National Park.
- Witness elephants, crocodiles, water buffalo, deer and various bird species in their natural habitat.
- Take a Sri Lankan cooking class
- Chill by the pool
Taking an Udawalawe Safari virtually guarantees an elephant encounter and it did not disappoint. We saw many elephants and other amazing wildlife on our three hour tour including several menacingly named ‘Mugger’ Crocodiles. These had recently ambushed a water buffalo and had started to tuck-in, grim but incredible to see!
➡️Click Here To Book Your Udawalawe Safari
We took a daytime safari to allow us to complete our journey from Mirissa to Ella in a single day. You may, however, see more active wildlife on an early morning safari before the sun has fully risen. Staying in Udawalawe for a night before would be advisable to avoid an early departure.
Where To Eat In Udawalawe
🌟Common Rose Restaurant – Good Asian and Sri Lankan food. There is not a huge choice in Udawalawe. This was a little more expensive than some restaurants but we enjoyed our meal here.
Where to Stay in Udawalawe
📍Nature House – Good, clean traditional accommodation. Described as rustic, it is a comfortable setting and serves breakfast. Well located for a next day safari in the National Park.
➡️Click Here To Book Your Stay in Udawalawe!
Sri Lanka Itinerary Day Eleven – Fourteen: Ella
Ella is a picturesque hill town surrounded by tea fields. Expect a cooler but humid climate and tropical rainfall, giving lush greenery. Ella is popular with hikers and those seeking one of the most famous places in Sri Lanka, Nine Arch Bridge.
How To Get From Udawalwe To Ella
Ella is 100 km (60 miles) from Udawalwe. You can take the Bus, private transfer or taxi.
Things To Do In Ella
- Visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge
- Hike to Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak for stunning views
- View local waterfalls like Ravana
- Relax and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Ella
- Take the Ella to Kandy scenic train through lush tea plantations
- Take a day trip to Diyaluma Falls
The scenery, atmosphere and activity options make Ella a special place to visit, but expect lots of tourists. We also enjoyed seeing families of wild monkeys.
Embark on a 7-hour picturesque train journey through the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea plantations in the hill country, offering awe-inspiring scenery.
➡️Click Here To Book Your Ella Tour!
Where To Eat In Ella
🌟There is no shortage of cafes and restaurants in Ella. Our favourite was the Rainbow Cafe, but, having eaten in several, you can’t really go wrong here.
Where To Stay In Ella
📍 Ella Country House is ideally located close to the main street in Ella and the train station. You will be close to restaurants without having to tackle steep hills. We paid around $50 US per night for a four bed room with breakfast included.
➡️Click Here To Book Your Room In Ella
Week 3: Cultural Triangle Sri Lanka
Central Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle includes historic cities like Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya. Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Dambulla Cave Temple and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, highlighting the nation’s rich cultural and architectural legacy.
Sri Lanka Itinerary Day Fifteen – Sixteen: Kandy
Surrounded by lush landscapes, Kandy offers a blend of rich history, vibrant festivals, and scenic beauty in the heart of the island. Although some only spend one day in Kandy, Sri Lanka, we recommend two days to fit in the top things to do.
How To Get From Ella To Kandy
Kandy is 140 km (87 miles) from Ella. You have the option of Bus, train, private transfer or taxi. The most popular option is the scenic Ella to Kandy train, which takes you through stunning green scenery, although it’s not too dissimilar to what you see around Ella if you’d rather take a quicker route by road.
Things To Do In Kandy
- Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
- Enjoy a cultural dance performance
- Indulge in the tea-making process on a factory tour
- Take a walk around Kandy Lake
There are many things to do in Kandy, our favourite being a tour of the New Giragama Tea Factory. Understanding the history of Ceylon Tea was fascinating.
➡️Click Here To Book Your Kandy Tour!
Where To Eat In Kandy
🌟We enjoyed a good family meal at the Hideout Lounge. The menu options were good, with decent prices and friendly staff (and a dog).
Where To Stay In Kandy
📍There is no shortage of choice when it comes to accommodation options. We stayed for two nights in the Radisson Hotel Kandy which was comfortable, clean and had an excellent breakfast.
Centrally located, it was a short walk around the lake into the city centre. While exploring, we saw many exotic birds and enormous water monitors; don’t get too close, their bite is extremely toxic!
➡️Click Here To Book Your Room In Kandy
Sri Lanka Itinerary Day Seventeen – Nineteen: Sigiriya
Sigiriya is much more than the site of the ancient rock fortress that rises dramatically from the surrounding plains. It is the perfect spot for sunrise hikes and for relaxing in tranquillity. It also provides a gateway to other ancient wonders.
How To Get From Kandy To Sigiriya
Kandy to Sigiriya is 90 km (56 miles) by road. You can take the Bus, private transfer or taxi.
Things To Do In Sigiriya
- Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion Rock) and its ancient rock paintings
- Hike Pidurangala Rock for perfect sunrise views of Sigiriya
- Explore the Dambulla Cave Temple
- Hot Air Balloon over the Golden Triangle
- Take a safari at Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park
- Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
- Family Sri Lankan cooking class
Our time in Sigiriya was for soaking up natural wonders and relaxing. We highly recommend doing the Pidurangala Rock hike for sunrise. The panoramic views of Lion Rock are worth the early start. Alternatively, you can climb the 1,200 steps for the views from the fortress or do both and climb it for sunset.
➡️Click Here To Book Your Sigiriya Tour
Where To Eat In Sigiriya
🌟We felt our choice was slightly limited in Sigiriya although this was perhaps in keeping with the less touristy vibe. Traditional Sri Lankan food was the main option in our hotel and in the few cafes we looked in. We did however have the best Sri Lankan vegetable curry of our whole stay at the S.L.Kafé, while we were in Sigiriya!
Where To Stay In Sigiriya
📍Palitha Homestay – Superb location and great value for money with included breakfast. Bikes are available for hire and are a great option for getting around.
➡️Click Here To Book Your Stay in Sigiriya
Sri Lanka Itinerary Day Twenty – Twenty One: Negombo
Negombo, is a coastal city known for its vibrant fish markets, beaches, and Dutch-influenced architecture. The city is a gateway for travellers arriving or departing from Sri Lanka and, in our opinion, worth visiting for a day or two.
How To Get From Sigiriya To Negombo & Colombo Airport
Negombo is 145 km (90 miles) from Sigiriya by road. You can travel by bus, private transfer or taxi. This was the least scenic journey of our 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary and one of the longest completed in one stretch.
Note: When it comes to flying home, Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo Airport!) is actually closer to Negombo than Colombo. Taxis to the airport cost around 2000 LKR ($6 US). Book transport in advance.
Things To Do In Negombo
- Travel to Negombo for some relaxation by the beach
- Explore the Negombo Fish Market and Dutch Canal
- Indulge in some souvenir shopping
Negombo is a popular holiday destination with plenty of resort accommodation. We liked that many tourist shops and restaurants lined the beach. Seeing 1000’s of fish being sun-dried at the market is worth seeing. We got a nice sunset for our final night in Sri Lanka
Where To Eat In Negombo
🌟We don’t have a specific recommendation here but there are plenty of restaurants situated on the street parallel to the beach to suit all tastes. Booking might be necessary at peak times.
Where To Stay In Negombo
📍Holiday Fashion Inn – Not a big brand but something much more cosy and personal! Friendly hotel with a small pool in a good location. Walking distance to several shops and restaurants
➡️Click Here To Book Your Room In Negombo
Is 3 Weeks In Sri Lanka Enough?
We recommend at least 3-weeks in Sri Lanka for your first visit to cover the main attractions on the island and get a real feel for the country. It’s certainly a good amount of time to start with, but don’t worry if you have less time, there’s still plenty to do.
7-10 Days In Sri Lanka
A 7 to 10 day Sri Lanka itinerary will still give you a taste of the country. We suggest focussing on one or two destinations in either the cultural triangle or the South Coast. Depending on your interests, you may want to limit your travel further and make the most of what Colombo or Negombo has to offer and do day trips.
One Month Or More In Sri Lanka
With more than a month in Sri Lanka, you can cover much more of the country.
As well as spending more time in places on this three-week itinerary, you could venture to other destinations, such as the stunning beaches of Arugam Bay and Trincomalee on the East Coast. You can also add additional day trips, such as exploring more of the cultural triangle; there was plenty more we’d have done with more time!
Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on the region you plan to visit and what you want to experience. The country experiences two monsoon seasons that affect different parts of the island at different times of the year.
The southwest, which is influenced by the Yala Monsoon (May to September), and the northeast, affected by the Maha Monsoon (October to March). The peak tourist season (December to March) is when the weather is generally dry and pleasant across the most popular regions on this day by day itinerary of Sri Lanka.
| Area of Sri Lanka | Best Time To Visit |
| West and South Coasts (Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, Unawatuna) | December to March during the dry season. Whale watching is best from December to April. |
| Hill Country (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella) | December to March, and July to September are the dry seasons. Temperatures are cooler here than in other parts of the island. |
| East Coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) | December to March and July to September are the dry seasons. Temperatures are cooler here than in other parts of the island. |
Keep in mind that Sri Lanka’s weather can be unpredictable. The inter-monsoon periods (April to June and September to November) may bring some rain to various parts of the island. Be prepared with waterproofs.
Getting Around Sri Lanka
Knowing how to travel in Sri Lanka can save you time and money. The country may appear small, but be prepared for longer travel times than you may expect due to traffic and poor road conditions. There are many options to get around Sri Lanka, with public transport being the most budget friendly.
By Tuk-Tuk
A popular and common sight in Sri Lanka is the ubiquitous tuk-tuk. You can hire them for the day or for the full duration of your trip. Alternatively, you can flag down a driver for a one-off trip; just be ready to negotiate the price!
A word of caution: although tuk-tuks look fun, they are uncomfortable for long distances and may not be suitable if you have young children or lots of luggage.
By Bus
Regular public buses cover most areas of the country and are the most cost-effective way to travel. Unfortunately, whilst they may be cheap, they are often very crowded and lack air conditioning. If you are backpacking Sri Lanka, this is definitely your budget friendly option.
By Rental Car
Driving In Sri Lanka is not for the faint-hearted, but if you are used to Asian driving, hiring a rental car may be a suitable option.
Rental cars can be collected from the airport and we were approached by many agents offering us ‘cheap’ deals. While undoubtedly cheap, we recommend avoiding these and booking online before arrival to avoid potential insurance issues. As we were visiting Sri Lanka with family we opted for private transfers that could comfortably accommodate us for long distances.
By Train
Travelling by train in Sri Lanka is cheap and reliable but can often be overcrowded and hot. The train network covers the main tourist sites but not the whole country, so the journey may need to be completed by alternative transport.
The Kandy to Ella train is popular for its picturesque journey through lush green tea plantations. We travelled by second class, which was only half full and was perfectly comfortable.
By Taxi/Rideshare (Uber or PickMe)
Ride-sharing services like Uber and PickMe are available at the airport but are prohibited in places like Ella.
Taxis are widely available across Sri Lanka, and while they are more expensive, they are still reasonable. Drivers are often willing to drive long distances and may offer to cover your entire itinerary for a negotiated price.
This can be a great option but don’t be talked into giving the full amount up-front unless you are booking through an official agent. We staged payments to our driver, covering fuel and food costs until the journey was complete.
What You Need To Know Before Visiting Sri Lanka
1 | Sri Lanka Visa – 30 Days
While you can get a Visa on arrival for $60 US, there are often long waits at the airport. The cheapest ($50 US) and easiest way is to apply for a Sri Lanka Visa a few days before arrival by visiting the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization website. Double-entry visas last for 30 days, and children under 12 years old enter free.
2 | Plan Your Trip To Avoid Monsoon Season
With two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka, you may wish to ensure your visit does not coincide with one! The South Coast is mostly dry between December and March, while the East Coast is wet then and dryer from April to September.
3 | Respect Areas Of Worship – Cover Knees And Shoulders
Cover up and dress appropriately when in public by covering your knees and shoulders, especially in places of worship. Having your back facing Buddha can cause offence; be mindful of this when taking photographs.
4 | Tap Water Is Not Drinkable
Tap water in Sri Lanka doesn’t always meet the standards required for drinking. However, bottled water is readily available throughout the country. To avoid illness, teeth should be brushed in bottled water.
5 | Don’t Ride Elephants
Sri Lanka has a high concentration of domestic and wild elephants. Unfortunately, it is still common for elephant rides to be offered to tourists and, whatever else you may be told, this is not good for them! Please do not ride the elephants instead, take a trip to one of the National Parks where you can see wild elephants roaming free.
Visiting Sri Lanka: FAQ
How Many Days in Sri Lanka Is Enough?
Depending on your preferences, the ideal itinerary in Sri Lanka can range between 10 days to over a month. We found a 3-week itinerary allowed us to cover Colombo, Kandy, Ella and the cultural triangle without feeling rushed. We had plenty of time to explore the landscape, experience the culture and relax between travel days.
Is Sri Lanka Easy To Get Around?
Sri Lanka is easily navigated around on a budget by bus, train and tuk-tuk. It may, however, take you much longer to reach your destination than you have planned. Private transfers may also be more convenient, comfortable and reliable, but they do come at a price!
Can I drink Tap Water In Sri Lanka?
Tap water in Sri Lanka is best avoided as it can cause some people to become ill. Bottled water is easily available and is recommended for drinking and brushing teeth.
Is Sri Lanka Tourist Friendly?
Sri Lanka is a friendly nation, especially towards tourists. Their warm hospitality is given freely, but please respect their culture and nature.
Final Thoughts: 3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary
If you’re planning an itinerary for Sri Lanka, three weeks is a great amount of time to allow you to get the most from your trip. The island has many activities suitable for all ages, from exploring the beaches and mountain tracks to experiencing the wildlife and culture.
We thoroughly enjoyed our Sri Lanka family trip. All three generations, from kids to grandparents, took home lifelong memories. Mirissa, Ella and Sigiriya were our favourite destinations, with surfing, safari, and hiking being our top activities.
