8. Oktober 2023
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Welcome to the mesmerizing island of Sri Lanka, where lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and ancient temples await your wanderlust. If you’re looking for an authentic
3 Weeks in Sri Lanka: Your perfect adventure in the Indian Ocean
Are you ready to go on an unforgettable adventure to the teardrop-shaped paradise known as Sri Lanka? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a virtual journey through a 3 Week Sri Lanka itinerary. Get ready to explore lush jungles, pristine beaches, ancient temples, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a surfer, or simply seeking relaxation, the heart of the Indian Ocean has something for everyone. Let’s dive into this incredible journey!
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Basic Information about Sri Lanka
Welcome to Sri Lanka, a tropical paradise renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Often referred to as the „Pearl of the Indian Ocean,“ this island nation offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring ancient temples and historical sites to lounging on pristine beaches and embarking on thrilling wildlife safaris.
For us, the best way to explore Sri Lanka like a local is to rent a tuk-tuk and drive by yourself. If you’re interested in doing this, be sure to read our blog post about tuktuk rentals in Sri Lanka.
In our opinion, Sri Lanka is more expensive than Thailand or Indonesia but not as developed as these two countries. The South of Sri Lanka is a bit of an exception as it’s more touristy but also more expensive. Also, be sure to check out the dry and rainy seasons in Sri Lanka. When there’s a rainy season in the Northern and Eastern parts, then there’s the dry season in the West and South, and the other way round! Most countries will need a visa and you can save money when you get it online. For more detailed information, check out our country page of Sri Lanka.
1. Colombo/Negombo (1-2 nights)
Your 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary begins with your arrival in Colombo, the vibrant capital city of Sri Lanka. As you step off the plane, you’ll immediately sense the tropical warmth in the air.
Upon landing at Bandaranaike International Airport, the most convenient way to reach Colombo city is by taking a taxi or an Uber. The journey takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Colombo, a city where modernity meets tradition, offers a delightful blend of experiences. From colonial-era architecture to bustling markets and serene temples, there’s much to see and do. Start your day with a visit to the Gangaramaya Temple, a serene Buddhist temple with intricate architecture. Don’t forget to explore the vibrant Pettah Market, where you can shop for souvenirs, spices, and local crafts. In the evening you can enjoy a cocktail at a fancy rooftop bar.
Alternatively, and that’s what we did, stay in Negombo. There aren’t many attractions but it’s a good stop to get used to the time shift and the tropical climate. It’s closer to the airport and there is the main office of Tuktuk Rental. We stayed at Cloud 9 Negombo and can recommend it. An even better stay offers the Ayur Ayur Negombo where friends of us stayed. Because of the famous Hamilton-Canal there are tons of mosquitos here, so better come prepared!
2. Sigiriya (3 nights)
After spending one or two days in Colombo, it’s time to head inland to Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic rock fortress. We stayed at Roys Villa and can recommend it as they offer many community events, although it is a bit overpriced when you ask us. Other nice options include the Nivadoo Resort, the Sigiriya King’s Resort (more expensive), or the Atha Resort.
The highlight of your visit to Sigiriya is undoubtedly the ascent of Sigiriya also called Lions Rock. It’s one of the most famous landmarks of Sri Lanka and probably the reason everyone wants to visit this small sleepy town. You can not only see it from different angles all around Sigiriya, but you can also climb the famous rock itself. It’s a bit of a hike with a lot of stairs, but the panoramic views and the old Buddhist monastery on the top are worth it. Unfortunately, Sigiriya Rock is pretty expensive as admission is 30$.
As an alternative, head to Pidurangala Rock. It’s close by and if you climb up here instead you’ll get a view of its famous brother. The walk is about 20 minutes long, so not really a big hike. The most popular times are during sunrise or sunset because during the day it can get too hot. The admission is only 1.000rp/3€ so 1/10 of Lions Rock. You need to go through a temple before so cover your knees and shoulders. We went there for sunrise and nobody really cared, but be prepared.
Close to Sigiriya, there are also the Kaudulla National Park and Minneriya National Park. You can spot wild elephant herds here (or also just on the streets around Sigiriya), making it an unforgettable experience. The chances are pretty high because there are over 300 elephants around. It was our first time seeing elephants in their natural habitat. Usually, the tour operators decide in the morning to which park they go as the elephants wander around. We booked with our hotel and paid 45$ each for a shared safari incl. transport.
3. Trincomalee (3 nights)
Why you should make a stop in Trincomalee, a coastal fishing town in the northeastern part of the island? It’s still a chilled, sleepy place (maybe it will be as fancy as Arugam Bay one day) but here you can still enjoy pristine beaches without a lot of tourists. We can recommend the Trinco Beach by DSK which is located inside the city but also has a beachfront location.
Explore the stunning Nilaveli Beach and Pigeon Island for snorkeling adventures. You can go snorkeling there by boat but we decided against it, because the national park (without the boat) price is crazy high: 40$ per person. The main tourist hub is around Uppuveli Beach and Fernandos is the place to be. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Koneswaram Temple, a holy Hindu temple, perched on Swami Rock for panoramic views for free.
If you’ve rented a tuktuk, the way from Trincomalee to Arugam Bay is pretty far. Consider stopping in Batticaloa or Kalkudah. We stayed at the Kayjay Palms for 1 night which we can totally recommend. The rooms are spacious, it’s quiet, the design is modern and it has a huge pool. Breakfast is included and it’s also close to the famous Pasikuda Beach (5 min.).
4. Arugam Bay (3-4 nights)
Continuing your Sri Lanka adventure, you’ll make your way to Arugam Bay, a laid-back surfer’s paradise on the East Coast. The Salty Alchemy offers a basic double room (without AC) right on the beach. They saved some street dogs, so only go there when you like dogs. Next to the Salty Alchemy is Stay Golden which has comfier rooms, an AC, and a pool. Consider that both hotels are a 10-15 minute walk away from the city center.
As it’s really hard to find good hotel options in Arugam Bay, we collected some other accommodations, we’d stay the next time: Oruwa Boutique Villas (a more upscale option a bit out of town), Oasis Bay (more basic in the center) or Aqua Blue (close to the beach on the northern end of the main road).
There’s not that much to do in Arugam Bay but it’s perfect to relax. Learn surfing and catch some waves or simply soak up the relaxed vibe of Arugam Bay. If you’re not into surfing, take a tuktuk to the nearby Kumana National Park for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
We spent one week in Arugam and liked the place a lot. All the different restaurants (our favorite was Shady Lane, but we can also recommend the Hideout Lounge, Pizza Hub, Little Bang Kitchen, or Squeeze Me) combined with the beach town vibes really caught us. From what we’ve seen it’s one of the most touristy places but nothing compared to Bali or Thailand.
5. Ella (4 nights)
Next stop, Ella! This small town is a heaven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. From hiking to waterfalls to exploring caves, Ella offers tons of activities. It is so green and will be a big difference, from what you’ve seen on your journey to Sri Lanka. We stayed at Serenite Ella and loved it. They just renovated and breakfast is included in the price. You’ll have a stunning view over a canyon and can even see a waterfall in the far. It’s a 10-minute drive away from the city center.
Another option that is more central is The Symbol of Ella. It’s only one room, the host is amiable and helps whenever possible. Other good hotel options would be The Spice Lodge, Dhanudi Homestay, or Winwood Ella. For food, head to The Barn or Chill Cafe.
Some say you have to do Ella Rock for stunning sunrise views. But the climb can be exhausting, so we decided to go to Little Adams Peak instead. If you are lazy like us this will be a good option. You can drive all the way up to the Ravana Pool Club and park there. From here, it’s only a 15-20min hike up some stairs. The view is priceless!
One of our highlights was Diyaluma Falls. They are located about 1,5 hours away from Ella (by tuktuk) but it’s so worth it. The Falls are over 200m (600 feet) high. Hike your way to the top, whereas the heat is more exhausting than the duration (around 20 min.) and you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view and natural pools in which you can cool down. On the way, there are also the Ravana Falls, which are right on the main street and a bit too touristy in our opinion.
From Ella, embark on a picturesque train journey to Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as „Little England“ due to its colonial architecture and cool climate. You can reach it by train in 4 hours. Once in Nuwara Eliya, explore the lush tea plantations and enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea.
We didn’t have the time, so we decided to take the short version to still experience a little bit of the famous train ride adventure and drove from Ella to Badulla. It only takes 45 minutes but you’ll get the full experience and also ride over the famous Nine Arch Bridge (twice if you go back and forth). The train ride to Nuwara Eliya maybe even more scenic (more rivers, waterfalls, and tea plantations to cross), but it is also longer. You can book your tickets in advance for the best seats.
But you can also visit the Nine Arch Bridge by foot. Go there early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat. We went right after the sunrise at Little Adams Peak and there were only 5 other people.
6. Yala National Park (2 nights)
As your journey continues, you’ll head to Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife destination. Here, you can encounter leopards, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, deer, water buffalos, and countless birds. In Yala, we had the best hotel we’ve ever stayed in. Uga Chena Huts is a luxury hotel with stunning domes with private pools, delicious 5-star food, and a location directly at the ocean.
They offer morning or evening jeep safari. In our experience, it’s a gamble on which one is better. We skipped ones and missed awesome sightings, so better just go as often as you can. Keep your camera ready, and you might just capture a leopard in action. The probability of seeing leopards is even higher than in Africa.
7. Mirissa / Ahangama (3-4 nights)
The final leg of your tour begins in Mirissa, a coastal paradise known for its pristine beaches and laid-back vibe. If you want to treat yourself, stay at the fancy The Hotel right on the beach of Ahangama, like we did. Another great (and cheaper) option is Villa Alba. It’s a 10-minute drive away from the main road but we loved the rooms, the pool, and the lush garden. Halfway between these two hotels is Casa Tikiri (adults only) which is awesome as well!
Take some time to relax on Mirissa Beach, sip a fresh coconut, and enjoy the serenity of the ocean. Mirissa is also a great spot for surfing. Be sure to visit the famous Coconut Tree Hill which is one of the most famous spots of Sri Lanka. But Mirissa is not only about beaches; it’s also a hotspot for whale watching. But check out in advance if it’s the right season to see some of those gentle giants.
A short drive from Ahangama, you’ll find the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Galle Fort, visit boutique shops, and dine at seaside restaurants. We can recommend the MARU Galle Fort for delicious and affordable bowls.
End your coastal adventure with a visit to Tangalle, a tranquil beach town known for its untouched beauty. Spend your days lounging on the golden sands of Tangalle Beach or exploring nearby coves and lagoons. It’s the perfect place to unwind before heading back to Colombo.
What we missed but you shouldn't
We skipped Kandy, as we heard that it’s not really worth visiting. When visiting Kandy, the Grand Serendib Hotel is a good option as friends of ours have been there and enjoyed their stay. If you go, you have to see the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world, a UNESCO-listed site that houses a tooth believed to belong to Buddha himself. Between Ella and Kandy it is also worth to visit a tea plantation and learn about the harvesting process.
As we’ve seen many elephants in Kaudalla National Park, we skipped Udawalawe National Park, famous for its elephant population. Join a safari and witness these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. Udawalawe is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, so keep your binoculars handy.
Just a short drive from Sigiriya, you’ll find the ancient cave temples of Dambulla. These caves are adorned with intricate murals and house a remarkable collection of Buddha statues. The entry is 2.000rp. This would be another half-day trip to fill up your itinerary.
Conclusion
In this 3 Week Sri Lanka itinerary, we’ve uncovered the magic of the „Pearl of the Indian Ocean.“ As you plan your adventure, remember to embrace the rich culture, savor the mouthwatering cuisine, and connect with the warm-hearted locals. Sri Lanka is definitely different than other South-East-Asian backpacker destinations. It will be an experience that you will remember. But be sure to plan your travel budget and check out the rainy and dry seasons in the different areas on the island!
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