9-Day Travel Itinerary for Sri Lanka
Discover the beauty of Sri Lanka, a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture.
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your adventure begins in Colombo, the bustling capital city. Start your day with a visit to the National Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the country's rich history and cultural heritage. In the afternoon, head to the Gangaramaya Temple, a stunning Buddhist temple that features a mix of modern and traditional architecture. In the evening, take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a scenic promenade that offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
National Museum Gangaramaya Temple Galle Face Green DirectionsDay 2: Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
Today, you'll explore two ancient cities that are rich in history and culture. Start your day early and head to Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb to the top of the fortress and marvel at the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. In the afternoon, head to Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a collection of ancient ruins and temples. Don't miss the Gal Vihara, a group of four Buddha statues that are carved into a single granite rock.
Sigiriya Polonnaruwa Gal Vihara DirectionsDay 3: Kandy
Today, you'll head to Kandy, a picturesque city that is known for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Start your day with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, a sacred Buddhist temple that houses a relic of the tooth of the Buddha. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, which feature a stunning collection of plants and trees from around the world. In the evening, catch a traditional Kandyan dance performance at the Kandy Cultural Show.
Temple of the Tooth Peradeniya Botanical Gardens Kandy Cultural Show DirectionsDay 4: Nuwara Eliya
Today, you'll head to Nuwara Eliya, a charming town that is known for its tea plantations and scenic beauty. Start your day with a visit to a local tea factory and learn about the process of tea production. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, which feature a stunning collection of roses and other flowers. In the evening, take a walk through the town and enjoy the cool mountain air.
Nuwara Eliya Tea Factory Hakgala Botanical Gardens DirectionsDay 5: Yala National Park
Today, you'll head to Yala National Park, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Start your day early and embark on a safari tour of the park. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species. In the afternoon, take a dip in the Unawatuna Beach, a stunning beach that is known for its clear blue waters and white sand.
Yala National Park Unawatuna Beach DirectionsDay 6: Mirissa
Today, you'll head to Mirissa, a laid-back town that is known for its stunning beaches and surfing spots. Start your day with a visit to the Mirissa Beach, a beautiful beach that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. In the afternoon, take a whale watching tour and spot some of the largest mammals on earth. In the evening, catch a stunning sunset at the Parrot Rock.
Mirissa Beach Whale Watching Tour DirectionsDay 7: Galle
Today, you'll head to Galle, a historic city that is known for its stunning architecture and cultural heritage. Start your day with a visit to the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a collection of colonial-era buildings and museums. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the Galle Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. In the evening, catch a traditional Sri Lankan dance performance at the Koggala Folk Museum.
Galle Fort Galle Lighthouse Koggala Folk Museum DirectionsDay 8: Bentota
Today, you'll head to Bentota, a stunning coastal town that is known for its beautiful beaches and water sports activities. Start your day with a visit to the Bentota Beach, a beautiful beach that is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. In the afternoon, go on a Madu River Safari, and explore the mangrove forests and wildlife. In the evening, catch a stunning sunset at the Kande Viharaya Temple.
Bentota Beach Madu River Safari DirectionsDay 9: Departure from Colombo
Today is your last day in Sri Lanka. Head back to Colombo and spend some time exploring the city on your own. You can visit some of the local markets and shops to pick up some souvenirs to take back home. In the evening, head to the airport for your flight back home.
Directions