Looking for Sri Lanka 12 days itinerary?
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island surrounded by the Indian ocean that has so much in store for all to see and enjoy.
Blessed with the beauty of nature, rich culture, with attractive landscapes and varieties of wildlife to explore, what more can one ask for? Make this your life changing experience and take the chance to spend some quality days relaxing on this alluring island.
This guide will help you plan the perfect 12 days trip in Sri Lanka filled with laughter, excitement and endless fun.
Day 1 & 2 – Colombo
The bustling capital of Sri Lanka is a city full of life and rich in culture occupied by friendly peace-loving people. Colombo offers varieties of things to explore such as stunning architecture built during colonial times, trying out delicious local cuisines and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the city.
Day one can be spent learning about the historical and cultural significance of the city. Visit the famous Gangaramaya temple in the morning. The design of the temple is a combination of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian and Chinese architecture. Don’t forget to visit the temple museum which displays ancient Buddhist relics and artifacts.
The Seema Malaka temple, which is also a part of the Gangaramaya, is a floating temple found on the Beira lake that offers a scenic view of the city surrounded by water. Afternoon could be spent visiting the National Museum of Colombo while indulging in the island’s rich history.
Galle Face Green is the best place to relax during the evening hours as you can enjoy the gentle sea breeze with the beautiful sunset and some delicious street food to finish the day with.
On day two Consider taking a tour of Colombo and explore the city by tuk tuk to visit famous places such as the Colombo Lighthouse, Old Parliament and the Dutch Hospital. Who wouldn’t love to go on a shopping spree? The city now has massive malls such as One Galle Face or the Colombo City Center for you to shop till your heart’s content. Evening hours can be spent visiting the Lotus Tower; the view from the top is breathtaking and would be a memorable experience.
Day 3 & 4 – Bentota
Bentota is a beautiful town located in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka. It is famous for its attractive beaches, water sports and scenic environment. Start your third day relaxing as you unwind on the sandy shores watching the beautiful sunrise. A swim in the warm blue ocean would be a fun activity to try in the morning.
Bentota has various adventurous water activities such as surfing, jet-skiing, this is a place of excitement for adventurous souls in search of fun. Evenings could be spent floating in the Bentota River enjoying the scenic view of the surrounding nature.
Day four can be spent on a safari at the famous Madu River. Take an adventurous boat ride through the mangroves, discover small islands and learn about the traditional cinnamon cultivation of the community. Take a village tour by bicycle in the evening hours and interact with friendly locals and learn about rural life. If you have more time, take the chance to go on a fishing trip with the local fishermen and gain some unique experiences with them.
Day 5 & 6 – Ella
The pleasant town of Ella is known for its panoramic views, with scenic waterfalls and famous hiking trails for adventure. Start day nine with a hike to Adam’s Peak and be rewarded with stunning views. Get lost in the beauty of nature and make the most of your time among the blue mountains.
After a satisfying and a good lunch to regain your strength take the time to visit the world famous Nine Arches Bridge. The bridge provides a panoramic view of the surrounding area and has left many travelers in awe of its beauty.
Finally on the tenth day take another hike to the Ella rock though it’s a bit challenging the view from the top would not disappoint. If you are curious about tea cultivation visit a nearby tea factory and try out some of the best Ceylon teas. Overall, Ella is a place filled with adventure among nature itself and a place to capture memories.
Day 7 & 8 – Nuwara Eliya
It’s time that we leave the hotter parts of the country to the beautiful city of Nuwara Eliya located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. This city has a cold temperature and it’s wise to wear clothes that can keep you warm.
Surrounded by the lush green tea plantations with the touch of colonial influence on the architecture, would make you curious to learn more about this amazing city.
Victoria park is best to visit on the morning of the first day and take a stroll among the beautiful flowers and shady trees. Make sure to try out some of their delicious meals. Here you can find the traditional meals as well as the international menus for your satisfaction. Spend your afternoon relaxing by the scenic Gregory Lake which consists of exciting activities such as boat rides and horseback rides around the lake.
Pay a visit to the nearest tea Pedro Teas Estate to learn about the process of making tea. Try out the freshly brewed Ceylon tea that would make you crave for more.
Take a hike in the Horton plains, a national park considered as a UNESCO World Heritage. The hike will reward you with breathtaking views if the weather is clear. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of the beautiful Baker’s Falls as you return from your hike. Your evenings could be spent exploring the town and mingling with the friendly town would be an experience worth it.
Day 9 & 10 – Kandy
As we come to the latter part of our twelve-day journey it would be best to end it exploring the lush green city of Kandy. The city holds historical and cultural significance. Pay a visit to the sacred Temple of the tooth relic that houses the tooth of Lord Buddha himself. Learn about their traditions and religious values.
After this expedition, take a leisurely walk around the beautiful Kandy Lake and stop for delicious meals as you stroll. Spending your evening relaxing in the royal garden of Peradeniya surrounded by nature and wild birds would be a perfect way to end the day.
Make the best out of your last day by visiting the Ceylon Tea Museum. The museum tells the tale of ancient tea production in the history of Sri Lanka. Don’t forget to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea before you leave. Evenings are best spent with nature.
Take the time in the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, a famous place for bird lovers to explore. Nightlife at Kandy is vibrant and exciting. It consists of cultural shows of traditional Kandyan dancers exhibiting the rich culture of the island with pride.
If you love to mingle with the local community explore the markets and the streets of Kandy and find attractive handmade souvenirs to take back home. The city is a combination of natural beauty and a rich cultural experience that allows you to get the maximum within two days.
Day 11 & 12 – Sigiriya / Dambulla
It is best to climb the famous Sigiriya rock fortress early in the morning to avoid the scorching sun during the day. The climb would take you about two hours maximum and the stunning view from the top is worth the climb.
The ancient rock fortress is declared a world heritage site by UNESCO and proudly displays the ancient Mirror Walls, centuries old frescoes and ruins of the palace at the top. The fortress tells the tale of the ancient history of the island and draws the attention of many tourists.
After the hard climb it is best to relax in the evening at your accommodation in order to start your next adventure at Dambulla the next day.
Dambulla, a city that holds significant historical values. Pay a visit to the Dambulla cave temple. It consists of ancient Buddha statues and artifacts that have been well preserved from ancient times. There are five main caves at Dambulla temple and exploring them would be an adventurous time of your own.
If you are a fan of cricket the famous Rangiri Dambulla International cricket stadium is also located nearby.
Each place is unique in their own way and has varieties of excitement in store even though time is limited to enjoy them all. Take the chance to try out this twelve day plan and gain all the exciting experience by exploring these stunning places that would make you want to come back for more.
Contact Sri Lanka Tour Guides to get Sri Lanka 12 days itinerary.
