FULL GUIDE & ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA

Full guide & itinerary for Sri Lanka. Back when I visited Sri Lanka, I really didn’t know what to expect. All I knew was that it was home to one of the most talked about train rides in the world but how good could really be and what else did it offer?

To say I was blown away by what I saw would be an understatement. From day one I loved every moment and is one of the places I can’t wait to get back to and spend more time.

📶 ✈️🚂 🛳️ 🚌 📶 ✈️🚂 🛳️ 🚌 📶 ✈️🚂 🛳️ 🚌

FULL ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA: WHERE IS SRI LANKA?

Sri Lanka

FULL ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA: WHEN TO GO

The months between January and May are known as the peak season for travellers visiting Sri Lanka, and a good option if you plan to explore all ends of the country. However, to avoid the crowds of the peak season and most of the bad weather July and August are worth considering.

When to go: Jan-April, July/August

FULL ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA: HOW LONG TO STAY

How long can you get away with? If it’s a budget then fortunately Sri Lanka is one of those countries that can be done on the cheap. However if you need a time frame then anything between 10-14 days is ideal!

How long: 10 – 14 days

FULL ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA: HOW TO GET THERE

Colombo is the capital and home to the international airport with flights coming in from around the world. No matter where you are flying from I would imagine 1 stop over is all that would be required.

How to get there: Flight

FULL ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA: WEATHER

Generally Sri Lanka is warm throughout the year but it does have its monsoon seasons which vary depending on the regions you plan on visiting. The months of September to November are often wet throughout the country as well as April & May if you plan on visiting the south west.

Weather: Everything; warm, hot, wet and dry

FULL ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA: MONEY

A £ or a $ goes a long way with the Sri Lankan Rupees. £1 will get you around 250 rupees and with each meal costing only a few £ you don’t need much to do a lot here. However there are options to suit every budget, so just be sure to plan your accom and do your research on places to eat. Hostels and guesthouses can point you in the right direction depending on your budget.

ATMs are found around the cities but not so much off the beaten path, be sure to bring some U.S. dollars as a back up.

Money: Rupees, Dollars & cards accepted, very affordable

FULL ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA: LANGUAGE

Natives speak Sinhala and Tamil but English is also widely spoken, especially within the tourism industry and younger generation.

Language: Sinhala, Tamil & English

FULL ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA: HOW TO GET AROUND

There are several options to get around the island;

Tour
To save yourself the time and stress, tours are plentiful throughout the year and a good way to travel if you are afraid to go independent. However, as it is part of a fixed itinerary, there is little flexibility.

Train
If you plan on visiting, you must experience a Sri Lankan train ride, especially through the hills of Ella and Kandy. It costs next to nothing and was one of the best journeys I’ve ever experienced. Be careful when hanging out of the doors!

Bus
Buses operate throughout the island and at times the only possible way to get around where trains do not run. They can be cramped but are cheap and convenient. Get a window seat which opens, or even better, stand near to the door for better views!

How to get around: Train & bus are preferred but can also do a tour.

FULL ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA: INTERNET & MOBILE

Wifi is available in all cafes and hotels. But as always I suggest getting a local sim, especially if you are travelling independently. It’s always good to have access to the internet incase something didn’t go to plan.

Mobile: Buy a sim if required. Wi-Fi available.

FULL ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA: WHAT TO PACK

This is all dependant on the time of year you travel but regardless of that you can expect some serious heat so pack the shorts and t shirts. The mountains can get a little colder especially during the night, so a jumper might also be useful.

FULL ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA: CAN IT BE DONE ON A BUDGET (BOTH IF YOU WISH)

Expect to budget between $40-$50 depending on how much you want to do and eat! Be sure to take activities and attractions into account on top of this. However, if you wish to go all out and stay at 5 star resorts and eat at the finest restaurants then you can.

Can it be done on a budget – Yes, something for all budgets

FULL ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA: WHAT TO DO

Marvel at the scenery, hike scared mountains, explore a tea plantation, swim with whales, chill on the beach or enjoy their delightful curries. You will not be stuck for things to do in Sri Lanka

FULL ITINERARY FOR SRI LANKA: 10 – 14 DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1 – 2, TEMPLES IN COLOMBO
Airport – Colombo

15:00
After bartering with a Rickshaw driver for your drive to Colombo it’s time to check the place out before jumping on the train. I enjoyed the city but you want to spend as much of your time around the country as possible.

Take a walk around the city and appreciate the chaos that goes on every single day. Visit a temple, one of the museums or watch a show at Cirque Lanka. Sunsets on the east coast are a must every day you are here, so make your way to the promenade, you wont regret it.

DAY 3-4, SIGIRIYA
Negombo – Colombo – Sigiriya

Today we are up early and get the bus to Colombo train station. Here we will board our first train ride of the trip which will be a perfect introduction to what really makes Sri Lanka unique!

We arrive at Sigiriya, to climb one of the most popular attractions in Sri Lanka, Lion Rock. However, don’t be put off by the thought of being surrounded by 100s of tourists! You wont exactly have it to yourself but its surprisingly quiet for being a top tourist attraction. An added tip is to climb at sunrise, you will not regret this!

If you fancy staying longer, consider climbing Pidurangala Rock as there’s a good chance you will have to yourself and enjoy the incredible sunrise behind Lions Rock. It’s a little harder to climb but still possible for most fitness levels. Kaudulla & Minneriya NP are also nearby and worth a visit to see some native elephants.

DAY 5&6, TRAIN TO ADAMS PEAK
Sigiriya to Dalhousie Village

Train ride 2 of 3 will take you from Sigiriya to Hatton and said by many to be Sri Lanka’s most scenic train journey. Many people opt to go directly to Ella but I heard so much about the journey that I wanted to spread it across 2 days and what better way to break it up than another hike. Be sure to be well rested because you won’t want to close your eyes

The train stops at Hatton and then it’s onto a local bus or a rickshaw if you arrive late. Dalhousie Village is the small town at the foot of Adam’s Peak, one of the most sacred mountains in Sri Lanka. Locals come from all over the country to climb this and don’t be surprised to be people in crutches or being carried up the 5,000 steps! The views aren’t amazing, certainly not like Sigiriya but I loved the fact there were only a few tourists.

After enjoying sunrise and the view (bring a jumper as waiting for sunrise can get very cold!) its time to head down to your hotel, get a shower and chill out, we are back on the train tomorrow.

DAY 7-8, ELLA
Dalhousie Village to Ella

The final train ride takes up to Ella where you will see more of the same but it never gets old.

After arriving in Ella you will notice it is slightly more geared towards the western tourists with hostels, guesthouses and restaurants taking up the majority of the real estate. However, the small village still maintains its quaintness and never did I become disheartened with the amount of tourists flooding the place.

While here be sure and visit the 9 arches bridge for some epic photos. Double check with your hotel the train times and schedule your visit to see one pass over the amazing Harry Potter esq bridge.

If you have more time then check out Little Adam’s peak, Ella’s Rock or Ravana Ella waterfalls, but the sound of Mirissa might be too hard to resist.

DAY 8&9, MIRISSA
Ella – Mirissa

Mirissa is one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beaches and a place you could easily stay for a week if not two! A few hours on the bus will get you here from Ella and then its just a case of chilling out after the most insane 7 days going through the hills of Sri Lanka.

Here you can do a bit of Whale spotting or if you fancy a closer look the jump in and swim alongside. Just be sure to check when the best time of year is to visit.

DAY 10, DALAWELLA BEACH / GALLE
Mirissa – Galle

You’ve a few options for your next stop. Fancy another great beach stop and an iconic photo on the famous rope swing then get off at Dalawella other head just up the road to Galle. Galle is a small fort town and certainly worth a checking out as the two stops are fairly close you can always do both! Keep an eye out for the famous sunsets on this east coast!

DAY 11, DAY OF LEISURE AT NEGOMBO
Galle – Colombo – Negombo

As you might have found out when you arrived, Colombo airport is actually in Negombo, a small city to the north. So rather than spend another day in Colombo, it makes much more sense to head north. In Negombo you will be close to the airport as well as having easy access to a number of nice beaches where you can reminise about your most incredible trip here in Sri Lanka.

DAY 12, FLIGHT HOME

FINAL THOUGHTS

After you have visited and sampled the incredible beaches, train rides and amazing food you will wonder where Sri Lanka has been this entire time. After visiting 150 countries I can say it’s one of my favourites and one I cannot wait to get back to. If you do go, hit me up and let me know how it went.

SAFE TRAVELS, DS x