Looking for Sri Lanka itinerary for 1 month?
Sri Lanka, also referred to as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is a country known for its welcoming locals, picturesque beaches, tropical climate, diverse biodiversity and wildlife, cultural cities, enviable history, and most importantly, its sacred temples and shrines, which indicate its rich religious heritage.
With this small island nation accruing so manyattributes to its name, it is truly a gem for any travel enthusiast. Sri Lanka is a must-visit if you are a typical backpacker looking for a thrilling adventure!
Below is a one-month Sri Lanka itinerary to help you enjoy a genuine, authentic trip to this Asian country.The itinerary unfolds the must-visit attractions, accommodations, and the best travel options. Let’s get started:
Day 1, 2 & 3 – Colombo
Colombo, the bustling capital city,is an epic start to any Sri Lankan trip. From the diverse history to the immense culture exhibited by every corner of Colombo, this city gives a colorful first impression of this island. Moreover, the city is very close to the major international airports. For instance, it is approximately 45 minutes drive away from the famous Colombo International Airport.
Therefore, I recommend booking a hotel in Colombo on the first day of your arrival, resting and recuperating before sightseeing a range of historical and cultural monuments for the next 2 days.
Here are some of the attractions to visit in Colombo:
- The Gangaramaya Temple is among the most popular temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The entrance fee will allow you to access the temple, which isequipped with countless Buddha statues.
- The Independence Square is one of the most important monuments to commemorate the country’s independence.
- Viharamahadevi Park:Also known as Victoria Park, it is an incredibly peaceful park where you can go for a stroll. You can also enjoy the scenic view of the gigantic Gold Buddha statue that stands tall across Colombo’s Town Hall.
- The Pettah Market:Pettah Market is a must-visit if you love to interact with the locals. This chaotic market in the heart of Colombo is where the locals shop for almost anything, from foodstuffs and fabric to electronics.
- Lotus Tower: This is yet another iconic site in Colombo. I recommend climbing its observation deck, especially on an illuminated night.
Colombo has a mind-blowing number of attractions that you can visit on foot. Nevertheless, if you mind the busy streets, you can always hop onto a tuk-tuk from one spot to the next.
There are plenty of hotels in Colombo to cater to high-end and tight-budget visitors. Hilton Colombo Residence, Granbell Hotel, and Marino Beach.
Day 4, 5 & 6 – Sigiriya
After sightseeing in Colombo, delve deeper into your thrilling Sri Lankan trip by heading to the iconic Rock Fortress. Sigiriya is one of the world’s top wonders, and thanks to its vitality, it attracts tourists from all over the world. Here are some of the attractions in Sigiriya:
- Sigiriya Rock: It’s aUnesco World Heritage Site and a tourist attraction worth checking out. Climb the steps and ensure you get to the top of the Sigiriya rock by early morning to enjoy the incredible sunrise view.
- Pindurangala: If you are a hiking enthusiast, Pindurangala is definitely a better option. With a more involved hike, make it to the top and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Sigiriya or Lion Rock, especially in the early morning when the sun is just rising or at sunset.
From Colombo, you can opt for a ride-share driver to Sigiriya or board a train. If you want a more comfortable ride, you can hire a taxi or hop onto a bus. There is also the tuk-tuk option! If you have your car, the route from Colombo to Sigiriya is approximately three hours.
Sigiriya offers visitors affordable accommodations across all budgets. Our top pick hotels include EKHO Sigiriya and JetwingVilUyana.
Day 7 & 8 – Dambulla
The Dambulla Cave Temple is another Unesco World Heritage site in Sri Lanka. Inside the temple, you’ll be amazed at the 150+ Buddha statues. The cave isa testament to the culture and history of the Sri Lankan people.
The trip from Sigiriya to Dambullais relatively short, and the ideal transport option is by tuk-tuk.
Spend the night at one of their nice resorts. Some of the hotels available include Heritance Kandalama and Nice Place Resort.
Day 9, 10 & 11 – Kandy
The next stop on our itinerary is Kandy, where we’ll spend three nights. There are a lot of places to explore in Kandy, including:
- The Temple of The Tooth: This is one of the holiest temples in Sri Lanka. The temple is built on the royal palace complex. Attend a ceremony at the temple and get a chance to witness the golden casket that holds one of the most religious relics: the Buddha’steeth.
- The Royal Botanical Gardens: You can stroll in the garden and enjoy a relaxing evening as the wind blows your air.
- Kandy Lake: The lake is just a walking distance from the temple of the tooth.
You can take a bus from Dambulla to Candy. Most public buses are pretty cramped but less costly. If you are looking for a more comfortable transport option, go for a private bus, although it will cost you some bucks more, the air conditioning and comfort it offers is worth it.
Thereis a wide variety of accommodations in Kandy City Center and outside Kandy. Enjoy picturesque mountain views and tasty delicacies from hotels like Topaz Kandy and Thailanka Hotel.
Day 12, 13 & 14 – Nuwara Eliya (Little England)
At about 2,000m above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is the highest city in Sri Lanka. This hilly city was once a spot where British colonialists could spend their leisure time playing cricket or golf. Up to date, colonial-style bungalows and lush green lawns are a significant sight. The major attractions in this city include:
- Tea plantations
- The Hakgala Botanical Gardens
- A beautiful boat tour on Lake Gregory
- The Victoria Park
- Adam’s Peak
- Horton Plains National Park
Located between Kandy and Ella cities, it is easier to travel to Nuwara Eliya using the famous Kandy to Ella train ride. It is much faster and cheaper to get off the train and spend at least three nights at Nuwara Eliya before finally boarding back the train to Ella.
Accommodation options in NuwaraEliya include The Wind Castle and the Araliya Green Hills Hotel.
Day 15, 16, 17 & 18 – Ella
The train ride from Kandy to Ella is considered the most scenic train ride ever. Any Sri Lanka itinerary would be lacking without this. Even though it is a long 7-hour ride, every minute is thrilling. From the attractive sceneries along the way to the calm wind blowing your hair, you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime!
The must-visit attractions in Ella include:
- The Nine Arch Bridge:Built entirely from brick and cement, this bridge is an iconic landmark in Sri Lanka.
- The Little Adam’s Peak:Much smaller than the Adam’s Peak, yet gives excellent views.
- Ella Rock:A massive rock offering a 10 km hike around it.
- The UvaTea Factory:Established in the early 1900s during colonial rule, the Uva tea factory and tea plantation tours are offered to tourists.
Some of the recommended accommodations in Ella include Sky Green Resort and 98 Aces Resort & Spa.
Day 19 & 20 – Udawalawe National Park
If you are a fan of safaris, then Udawalawe is yet another national park in Sri Lanka. From the elephants, deer, and water buffaloes to the crocodiles and jackals, diverse wildlife keeps your trip thrilling every step of the way.
The keyattractions in Udawalawe include:
- Udawalawe National Park:Udawalawe is much smaller and less congested than the Yala National Park.
- The Elephant Transit Home: This is where young and orphaned elephants are rehabilitated. There’s a viewing platform where you can observe them being fed several a day.
The accommodations in Udawalawe include Centauria Wild and the Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort.
Day 21, 22, 23 & 24 –Mirissa
It is one of the most popular beach towns in Sri Lanka, where you can swim or enjoy beach-side delicacies. This beach town attracts surfers, and this is definitely the place to learn some surfing skills or simply join the chill crowd and enjoy watching the experts. With a coastal beach vibe, our Sri Lanka itinerary gives it four days of exploration.
The Key attractions in Mirissa include:
- The Parrot Rock
- The coconut Tree Hill
- The Secret Beach
- Fisheries Harbor
- The Doctors House
There is a wide range of accommodation options at Mirrissa, ranging from luxurious hotels to elegant yet minimalistic décor ones such as the Paradise Beach Club and Somerset Mirissa.
Day 25, 26 & 27 – Galle
The major attraction in Galle is the Galle Fort,which is definitely the largest fortress in Asia. Built by the Dutch in the 1600s,this fascinating structure was awarded a Unesco Word Heritage status in the 1980s. Most travelers opt to spend a few nights at the fort, and needless to say, it’s incredible!
Galle is another beach townthat mesmerizes the eye with its cozy beach points. In addition, it features historical ruins and fascinating cultural highlights,making it a favorite for most travelers.
Moving around Galle is easy, thanks to the numerous Tuk-tuks on every corner.
Accommodations in Galle include Fort Bazaar and Galle Fort Hotel.
Day 28, 29 & 30 – Arugam Bay
The final stop on our Sri Lanka itinerary is Arugam Bay. Although you can explore Arugam Bay in just two days, a little chill is a welcome respite after the tiresome trip.
The must-do activities at Arugam Bay include:
- Enjoying the beach and elegant restaurants
- Surfing at Whisky Point
- Climbing the Elephant Rock Point to enjoy the fascinating sunset views
Accommodations at Arugam Bay include Rainbow Village, The Spice Trail, and the Moon Garden Hotel.
Contact Sri Lanka Tour Guides to get Sri Lanka itinerary for 1 month.
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