Visiting the gem of the Indian Ocean? Here is Sri Lanka itinerary for 3 days for you.
If you are planning a short trip of three days in Sri Lanka, your trip has to be a good one. Though it is not possible to complete the entire tour of Sri Lanka in just three days. We have curated a three-day itinerary for you that helps you explore the diversity of this nation.
The three locations that we have chosen capture the essence of this coastal country and provide a captivating journey. Each day will provide a unique glimpse into Sri Lanka’s culture, natural landscapes, and modern times.
Day 1 – Kandy
For day 1, we will begin your tour from the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy. In the morning, you can visit the Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and commonly known as Sri Dalada Maligawa. The architecture is amazing and the temple is a sacred place for Buddhists.
Later, head over to the Royal Botanical Gardens, with more than 4000 species of orchids, spices, medicinal plants, etc. altogether. In the afternoon, have a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant. Try seafood and indulge in the authentic flavor of Sri Lanka. Then, spend some time strolling at Kandy Lake and visit the local market for handicrafts and textiles.
In the evening combined with the night, book your show at the Kandyan Cultural Dance Show. This dance show is something you cannot miss. You will get to see a glimpse of the various folk dances of Sri Lanka. The artists here are wonderful and will leave you mesmerised.
Lastly, conclude your day with a traditional Sri Lankan dinner, which includes rice, curry, kottu roti, and hoppers. This is how you can make the most of your journey at Kandy.
Day 2 – Nuwara Eliya
Your second day will be at Nuwara Eliya. It is known as the Little England of Sri Lanka for its cool climate. You will also come across colonial architecture while exploring Nuwara Eliya. We suggest you travel to Nuwara Eliya from Kandy by train. It is considered one of the most scenic journeys.
Through this train journey, you will get to see lush green tea plantations, valleys, and mountains. Waterfalls are something that just adds more beauty to this entire landscape. The monsoon is the best time to witness these waterfalls.
Make a visit to the tea plantation factory. Here, you will learn the entire process of making tea. You can start by plucking tea leaves yourself and enjoy the process until the packaging.
As the climate here is cool, you can visit Victoria Park. The park is well-maintained and is a great spot to watch birds and various species of flora. In the evening, visit Gregory Lake. You can either walk here peacefully or try paddle boating.
End your day with a great dinner. The Colonial Hotel offers a blend of Sri Lankan and British dishes. The ambience makes the dinner mood better.
Day 3 – Colombo
The last day welcomes you to the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. It is a vibrant and bustling metropolis. But it still speaks of its ancient past. In the morning, visit the Gangaramaya Temple. This Buddhist temple has a unique temple complex.
Various architectural styles make it a unique one. The temple is surrounded by greenery but just opposite is the bustling city. Then, it is time to visit the Pettah Market. It is full of local items and loaded with fresh produce, spices, souvenirs, and even clothing.
In the afternoon, you can visit the National Museum of Colombo. It is home to many artifacts that tell us about the culture and history of Sri Lanka. From ancient civilizations and colonial periods to even natural history, the museum has it all. After that, spend sunset time at Galle Face Green or at Mount Lavinia Beach.
For the night, visit Colombo city centre. Visit malls if you want to. Have a delicious dinner at a restaurant and don’t forget to try various traditional culinary options.
Conclusion
This is going to be your Sri Lanka itinerary for 3 days. A combination of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Colombo is best when you are on a short trip to Sri Lanka. You can see almost every aspect of this nation in these three locations.
Starting from the ancient capital to Kandy and ending at the new capital, Colombo, is in itself a historic journey. If you like history, nature, religious places, etc., these three cities are a perfect blend of them all.
Contact Sri Lanka Tour Guides to book Sri Lanka tour packages.
