Sri Lanka-5-day-itinerary

5-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Sri Lanka

Day 1: Colombo and Negombo

Morning

  • Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
  • Obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or visa on arrival
  • Take a taxi or bus to Colombo city (approximately 30-45 minutes)

Afternoon

  • Visit the National Museum of Colombo to learn about Sri Lanka’s history and culture
  • Explore the Galle Face Green, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike

Evening

  • Head to Negombo for dinner and accommodation (approximately 1 hour drive)
  • Enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in Negombo

Things to Know

  • Visa requirements: ETA or visa on arrival available for most nationalities
  • Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), although US dollars are widely accepted
  • Weather: Colombo has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year

Transportation

  • Taxi: readily available at airports and in cities, but can be expensive
  • Bus: an affordable option for shorter journeys, but may not be as frequent or reliable as taxis
  • Tuk-tuk: a popular mode of transportation, especially in smaller towns and villages

Day 2: Anuradhapura and Mihintale

Morning

  • Drive to Anuradhapura (approximately 3 hours from Negombo)
  • Visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Explore the ruins of the old city, including the Sacred Bo Tree and the Twin Ponds

Afternoon

  • Head to Mihintale (approximately 30 minutes drive), a historic site with stunning views of the surrounding countryside
  • Visit the Mihintale Monastery and see the ancient statue of Lord Buddha

Evening

  • Return to Negombo for dinner and accommodation

Things to Know

  • Anuradhapura: dress modestly when visiting temples or ruins, as locals consider these sites sacred
  • Food: try local cuisine such as hoppers and string hoppers, which are popular in Sri Lanka

Day 3: Kandy

Morning

  • Drive to Kandy (approximately 2 hours from Anuradhapura)
  • Visit the Temple of the Tooth, a sacred site in Buddhism
  • Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, home to over 4,000 species of plants and trees

Afternoon

  • Head to the Kandy Lake, a beautiful spot for a leisurely walk or boat ride
  • Try some local snacks such as coconut ice cream or jackfruit juice

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in Kandy city
  • Watch a traditional Sri Lankan dance performance (optional)

Things to Know

  • Kandy: dress modestly when visiting temples, and be respectful of the sacred sites
  • Transportation: buses are readily available between towns, but can be crowded and uncomfortable
  • Health: be sure to bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as well as any necessary medications

Day 4: Nuwara Eliya and Ella

Morning

  • Drive to Nuwara Eliya (approximately 1.5 hours from Kandy)
  • Explore the scenic town of Nuwara Eliya, with its colonial architecture and beautiful gardens
  • Visit the Pedro’s Tea Factory to learn about Sri Lanka’s famous tea industry

Afternoon

  • Head to Ella (approximately 2.5 hours drive), a charming hill station
  • Take a trek through the surrounding countryside to explore the local scenery

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in Ella town
  • Relax in your accommodation, or take a leisurely walk around the village

Things to Know

  • Nuwara Eliya: be prepared for cooler temperatures and possible rain showers
  • Transportation: buses are available between towns, but can be crowded and uncomfortable
  • Health: bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as well as any necessary medications

Day 5: Yala National Park and Tissamaharama

Morning

  • Drive to Yala National Park (approximately 1 hour from Ella)
  • Take a safari through the park to see elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and other wildlife
  • Visit the Tissamaharama Temple, a sacred site in Buddhism

Afternoon

  • Head back to Colombo for your departure flight (approximately 4 hours drive)

Things to Know

  • Yala National Park: dress modestly when visiting temples or ruins, as locals consider these sites sacred
  • Transportation: buses are available between towns, but can be crowded and uncomfortable
  • Health: bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as well as any necessary medications

This itinerary provides a general overview of what to expect during your 5-day trip to Sri Lanka. Be sure to research each location in more detail to ensure that you have the most enjoyable and memorable experience possible.