Trying to figure out exactly how to spend 7 days in Sri Lanka isn’t an easy task for one obvious reason. With only 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary, it’s virtually guaranteed you’ll need to leave some of your Sri Lanka bucket list items unchecked.

That being said, you can absolutely have an amazing trip to Sri Lanka in 1 week and walk away feeling like you’ve enjoyed a fantastic taste of the country. Literally and figuratively!

I’ve put together this guide to seeing Sri Lanka in one week to help you choose the best 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary for you, offer some guidance on your trip planning, and give a realistic overview of what spending a week in Sri Lanka can look like.

I’ve written a few posts that will hopefully help you always know how to travel cheaper, longer, and smarter in Sri Lanka. In this post, you’ll find a Sri Lanka itinerary for 7 days exploring. It’s quite a whirlwind but it pretty much mirrors what I did so it is very doable. Of course, if you have more time or just like to take things more slowly then do spend more time in each place. Accordingly, I will definitely be back to see more of Sri Lanka as 7 days is really nowhere near enough.

How to Plan Perfect 7 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary

How Much Time Should I Spend in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is only about 270 miles tall and 140 miles wide. But don’t let its relatively small size fool you. Since the country is a unique blend of the cultural aspects along with the wildlife and the attractive beaches it can take hours upon hours to travel from place to place. Sri Lanka offers plenty of different things to do. From the heritage sites in central Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and green hill country with a patchwork of rolling, seemingly endless tea plantations to the beaches along the south coast of Sri Lanka – the list goes on.

Planning your Sri Lanka itinerary and wondering how long to spend in each city? If you truly want to get the most out of your trip, I’d recommend spending at least 3 weeks on the island. Clearly, not everyone can up and leave their home or job for weeks at a time, nor might you want to.

The 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary you’re about to read is based on what I did on my trip and includes my favorite places that I think should be visited during a trip to Sri Lanka. The drawbacks? While this one-week Sri Lanka itinerary includes a variety of places that hold the particular grace and significance in the culture and the history of the country, you should know it is very rushed. You will visit fewer cities, and there will be no long sleeps. However, if you have some extra time and want to explore sights at a little more leisurely pace, make sure to spend at least 10 days in Sri Lanka.

For example, if you are eager to take the iconic train journey from Kandy to Ella, feel free to customize the itinerary to better suit your needs. You may want to either take the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, or Nuwara Eliya to Ella rather than the full length between Kandy and Ella. By doing so you simply make your trip more predictable because train struggles and long delays are still common.

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an exciting place to visit at any time of the year. However, the climate is influenced by monsoons and it is a major factor that may affect your Sri Lanka trip. When the Maha Monsoon (October to January) is in full swing in the east and north, the south and west remain fairly clear. When the Southwest Yala Monsoon wind starts blowing into the west and south coast (from May to August), the north and east coasts see drier weather.

While this one week Sri Lanka itinerary focuses primarily on destinations in the southwest and center of the country, December to March is generally considered the best time to visit the hill country of the Central Province. It includes Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. You may still experience some rain but it’s not as torrential as at other times of the year.

Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Information

You will need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. Most travelers will need to organize it online via ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) prior to arrival, fill in their info, and pay $35 USD with a credit card. Nationals of Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles are exempted for visa requirements up to 30 days. It usually takes 24-48 hours for the visa confirmation to come through via e-mail.

Alternatively, you can get a Sri Lankan visa upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. Although lines can be long and you will pay a higher fee of $40 USD.

What to Pack For 7 Days In Sri Lanka

Given the variety of climate and terrain, you need to be ready for both beaches and temples. Packing for Sri Lanka is really dependent on what kind of trip you’re about to embark on. After traveling three weeks in Sri Lanka, I can now say the country seems to be quite strict when it comes to dress code in temples; way stricter than Thailand, for example. I’d say keep it light. Pack athletic and casual.

You must cover your knees and shoulders when entering temples or other sacred sites. Unlike Thailand, there is no possibility to buy or borrow some extra coverage. So it’s best to bring long sleeves and pants or shorts past the knees. To stay cool and avoid heatstroke, you’ll want to reach for lightweight clothes in natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk. Always wear a hat or a cap! Naturally, you will have to remove it before entering the temple. Up in the hills temperatures can dip much lower so you will need to bring a waterproof jacket and some warm layers as well.

It would be wise to bring two backpacks with you. A roomy sized backpack that stores a lot while being comfortable to wear and not too large, and a smaller daypack for all of your valuables.

A trip to Sri Lanka is easily doable in a sturdy pair of sandals. While culture-related adventures can be found all around Sri Lanka there are also a lot of sharp, slippery surfaces too. If you plan on doing any serious hiking, a great pair of breathable trekking boots will keep your feet from getting cut up on stone or any other unforgiving surface the is death to sharp. To prevent blisters on your feet make sure to wear them beforehand at least a couple of times if you’re buying new ones.

My Sri Lanka Packing List

Regardless of the time of year, here’s a packing list of travel essentials for your 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary.

• Comfy shoes or Sandals
• Hiking shoes
• A water bottle
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunscreen
• Dry shampoo
• Hand sanitizer
• Rain gear (jacket, dry sacs)
• A sweater or sweatshirt
• Warm weather clothing
• Bathing suit
• Sarong or quick-dry towel
• Hiking shoes
• Camera, charger, power bank

Even if you forget any of these things, you can easily buy most of what you need in Colombo, for example.

Listed Below is Sri Lanka Itinerary for 1 week.

Colombo – Habarana – Sigiriya – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Negombo – Colombo

Day 1: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport / Colombo

What better way to kick off your 7 days in Sri Lanka than by exploring Colombo, a city with a historic past and a rich culture? Colombo is an easy place to travel to since Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is situated some 20 miles north in a suburb of Negombo. Take a UBER ride (much cheaper than a taxi) or bus into Colombo and get a good night’s rest. A taxi ride to Colombo from the airport these days should cost around 2,400 LKR ($13 USD), UBER is around 1,800 LKR ($9 USD) and buses will set you back 130 LKR (<$1).

Although Sri Lanka capital is the transportation hub to the rest of the island, it has plenty of vibrant neighborhoods to explore. As well as many smaller neighboring areas that are popping up with chic hang out places every now and then. You can easily see the best of Colombo in one day. This is an excellent place to start your 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary or unwind towards the end of your trip.

You May Also Like: Two Weeks In Thailand. The Perfect 14-Day Itinerary

Unfortunately, the major sights are spread across the city and the distances between the Colombo sights are pretty big and not exactly walkable. If you want to visit the city on your own, there are plenty of tuk-tuks that can take you around. Hopping aboard a tuk-tuk is an experience in itself and quite fun. Just make sure you agree in advance on the price to avoid disappointment. Generally, Colombo is a safe place to travel, but tourist scams targeting tourists happen there.

Alternatively, you can visit Colombo with a local guide to just fit in as much a possible. Consider taking a small-group tuk-tuk tour with a local guide. You will explore the city for 4 hours on a tuk-tuk, without having to negotiate the price. If you have more time, there is a full-day sightseeing tour of Colombo, too.

Make sure to visit the Gangaramaya temple. It is not only one of the most prominent Buddhist temples in Colombo city but also features amazing views, as it overlooks Beira Lake.

Among many temples in the city, this 19th-century Buddhist temple is quite different and a must-visit place on your first day in Colombo! The temple is Buddhist, featuring an unusual blend of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture.

The highlight of the temple is an enormous Buddha statue in meditation pose flanked by statuettes of heavenly creatures. The exterior is special, too. It’s boldly decorated in elaborate designs and golden adornments with the golden Buddha statues at the entrance. Another interesting thing is the tiny Buddha statue (visible through a magnifying glass). It is said to be the smallest one in the world. There is no entry ticket to the temple per se, but there is a small fee of 200 LKR for entering the museum.

Where To Stay In Colombo

Budget: Colombo Downtown Monkey | Mrs Pepperpots | A One Hotel The Marine |
Midrange: Colombo Orchid Villa | Renuka City Hotel |
Higher End: Taj Sumurda | Hilton Colombo Hotel |

Day 2: Dambulla Cave Temple and Minneriya Safari

After a day in Colombo, it’s time to head north-east and experience the true charm of Sri Lanka. The next stop is Habarana. A small town in central Sri Lanka with a perfect location. It allows exploring all the cultural sights around the area. I recommend leaving Colombo pretty early in the morning or even split your day 2 in two if you can add a day.

There are also a few other towns like Kandy, Anuradhapura, or Dambulla to base yourself in. But Habarana offers a bit more tranquil vibes and is relatively off-the-beaten-path place. Habarana sits less than 30 minutes drive from the famous Sigiriya rock and in one hour drive from the ruins of Polonnaruwa.

On your way to Habarana make sure to pay Jumbukola Vihara (Dambulla Cave Temple) a visit. There are five caves that make up the temple, each with a different interior, Buddha statues and ancient paintings. The temple itself is a UNESCO site and built 160m above the surrounding plains, so you need to walk up a steep hill to visit it. This is unquestionably the most popular religious and historical attraction in Dambulla and after spending some time here for myself, it’s easy to see why. It literally took my breath away!

A moderate hike up to the top can take around 15 minutes to 30 minutes and the entrance to the temple is 1,500 LKR ($8 USD).

Another (and the last one for today) highlight of day 2 is a Safari at Minneriya National Park some 10 km (6 miles) from the city of Habarana. A relatively new national park, Minneriya is home to 160 species of birds, 24 species of mammals, and several dozen butterfly species.

However, most people come to Minneriya to see Asian Elephants. There a few dozens of these beautiful animals and the best way to spot them is to take a safari tour. Watch the elephant gathering in the grasslands around the tank or, if you’re lucky enough, spot many other animals such as axis deer, sambar deer, purple-faced langur, lorises, leopards, and sloth bears.

If you’re looking for a place to stay near Dambulla, then take a closer look at Jetwing Lake hotel.

Day 3: Sigiriya

Get another early start and head to Sigiriya, which is some 30 minutes away from Dambulla. Sigiriya “Lion Rock” is an important historical site in Sri Lanka’s “Cultural Triangle”. It is also home to the imposing fortress measuring nearly 200-metres tall. Lion’s Rock is one of the most popular tourist things to do in Sri Lanka.

Since 1982 the Sigiriya Rock fortress is on the UNESCO list and the attraction is quite touristy. Make sure to visit it early in the morning, before the midday suffocating heat and massive (mainly Chinese) tourist groups invade the place. Following my 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary, you still have a long trip to Kandy ahead.

Keep in mind that Sigiriya Museum is included in the entrance ticket and well worth a visit after the climb. It is very interesting to visit the museum so you’ll get more insight into what you’ve seen. You will learn about the way Sigiriya Rock Fortress looked like back in the days of King Kasyapa, the history of the land, the paintings and more! Set aside at least 45 minutes to see everything at the museum.

It’s noteworthy that climbing Sigiriya rock is almost ten times more expensive (5,600 LKR) than climbing the nearby Pidurangala rock. Located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya, Pidurangala is a great alternative. It allows getting that same 360 degrees view together with a beautiful view on the Sigirya rock. The entrance fee for Pidurangala rock is 500 LKR.

Where To Stay In Habarana

Budget: Green Garden Resort
Midrange: Priyavimana resort
Higher End: Cinnamon Lodge Habarana

Getting from Habarana to Kandy

There are no trains that connect Habarana/Dambulla to Kandy. So you will have to catch a bus to get to Kandy. This is a big city and there are several buses coming from Jaffna and Vavuniya. There is at least one AC Express bus as far as I know. If you are not sure which bus you need, ask the hotel staff or simply ask people at a bus stand in Habarana. It usually takes around 3 hours to get to Kandy depending on the traffic and the road condition.

Day 4: Kandy

The next stop on our 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary is Kandy.

After spending the morning sightseeing in Sigiriya head back to Habarana or Dambulla to hop on a bus to Kandy. Situated in the heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a cultural capital and the second-largest city on the island. It’s dotted with many interesting and important landmarks, and without a surprise, it enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Site status since 1988. Expect to arrive in the late afternoon to witness a traditional Kandyan dance show and watch the sunset over Kandy Lake.

In a nutshell, there are 3 essential things to do in Kandy: the Temple of the Tooth, the city markets, and a traditional Kandyan dance.

First of all, the Temple of the Tooth. This impressive Buddhist temple houses a tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. It can be seen twice a day during a special ceremony. It’s a must-visit but, be advised: It’s swarming with tourists at all times of the day. If you are skipping the traditional dance, then make sure to visit at night. This is when the candles are lit outside and the entire sight has an exquisite atmosphere.

Read Next: The Ultimate Travel Guide to El Nido, Palawan

Other places that are definitely worth your time are Kandy Lake and the city markets. Moreover, Kandy serves as a great starting point for one of the world’s most scenic train rides.

For the afternoon, I’d recommend hitting the markets or taking a leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake. Kandy Market Hall, which is right in the center of town, next to the clock tower and bus station. Upon entering, you will notice all sorts of sweets for sale. A little bit further you’ll find the fruit and spices section! All kinds of dried food items, meat, vegetables, and spices. Upstairs is more for shopping for clothes, shoes, medicine, and crafts. Many of the clothes in the US are made in the local garment factories. So you can get a good deal on branded clothes.

If you happen to be in Kandy during Esala (July or August) lunar month on the Sinhalese calendar, you will most probably stumble upon the Perahera religious celebration. Also known as the Festival of the Tooth, the Perahera Festival is a magnificent annual procession in honor of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Gautam Buddha – the founder of Buddhism. Celebrations involve numerous musicians, dancers, singers, acrobats and other performers in elaborate outfits.

Where To Stay In Kandy

Budget: Comfort Homestay | La Colina Kandy | Charlton Kandy City Rest
Midrange: Kandy City Hotel | Sevana City Hotel | Cafe Aroma Inn
Higher End: King’s Pavillion | OZO Kandy | The Radh Hotel

Take a Kandy City Tour

Day 5: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Train Ride

Traveling by old-fashioned blue train from Kandy to Nanu Oya (the closest station, 8km from Nuwara Eliya) offers the best views in all of Sri Lanka. This is also an incredibly cost-effective and scenic way to get around Sri Lanka. Many travelers rightfully believe it’s an integral part of the overall Ceylon travel experience.

The lush green scenery is purely breathtaking. The train runs through Sri Lanka’s Hill Country (at 1,868m), through dense forest, tunnels and dreamy tea fields. Expect plenty of twists and turns as the route soars over bridges and valleys, crossing a dozen of bridges along the way. If you look closely every so often you’ll notice the colorfully dressed tea pickers pop their heads up amongst the tea plantations as they carry on with their work.

The train trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is not only taken by foreigners but also by locals. This isn’t just a tourist attraction, it is an everyday reality for the people of Sri Lanka and I’m sure they must find it somewhat humorous how excited foreign travelers are about a casual train ride. But after all, nobody’s perfect, right?

Three trains a day (at 3:30 am, at 8:47 am, and at 11:10 am) make the 3-hour journey between Kandy and Nanu Oya. Ticket prices start at around $7 for 2nd class seats and $16 for a 1st class seats. Tourists who want to splurge and are looking at luxury travel should keep in mind that the 1st class carriages have A/C and windows are shut at all times.

To fully appreciate the train experience I’d recommend traveling on the second class where windows are open. Temperatures remain comfortable due to mountain setting outside. The first-class tickets are available to buy at train stations a day before or right on the day of departure.

Day 6: Nuwara Eliya Hills

Nicknamed ‘Little England’, Nuwara Eliya has a colonial charm and feels like far away from civilization. Somehow it is. The internet signal is weak and hotels sometimes have issues with hot water. I am speaking from my own experience here! Of course, I’m not going to blame anyone because Nuwara Eliya is all about nature, hills, and tea. If you love nature and idyllic surroundings, you might even wish to stay longer.

On day 6 in Sri Lanka, I visited an organic tree plantation in Nuwara Eliya. Certainly, exploring the area around Nuwara Eliya is an unmissable experience every visitor should add to this 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary. The architecture of the region owes much to the influence of British colonial rule, and many estates keep in their name traces of the past.

Many hundreds of thousands of trees that provide an essential shadow to the plants dominate the landscape. After a healthy and filling lunch at Calamander Lake Gregory admiring the lovely lake, I ended my explorations in Nuwara Eliya.

Take a Tea Plantation Tour in Nuwara Eliya

Day 7: Back To Negombo

The final leg of my trip was the 5-hour drive back to the West Coast. Depending on flight times, you could set off early and fly the same day. Or do what I did and arrive late, stay overnight in a local hotel (I stayed in Jetwing Lagoon has this time), and then fly out first thing in the morning.

If you wish to catch a glimpse of beaches in Negombo, palm trees around and the occasional traditional fishing boat, make sure to base yourself further from the fort and lagoon area, where the resorts are. Water is cleaner there, you can even do water sports and enjoy the beach at the fullest. Consider hitting Negombo Beach Park if you have extra time.

Where To Stay in Negombo

Budget: Hill4 Residence
Midrange: Tropical Villas
Luxury: Villa Hundira

Extending The Sri Lanka Itinerary To 10 Days

For those looking for a 10-day itinerary, I would highly recommend adding Yala National Park, down in the southeast corner of the country, and the old fort town of Galle. Unfortunately, I ran out of time to visit Yala National Park. But Galle’s Dutch colonial fort and Galle lighthouse are definitely worth including on your itinerary.

I’d recommend spending at least two nights in Yala. Simply because it takes 2 hours to reach Yala from Colombo, and 4 hours from Yala to Galle, and probably one night in Galle, before the 2.5-hour drive back to the Bandaranaike airport.

There you have it – the whirlwind one-week itinerary for Sri Lanka! If you’ve never visited Sri Lanka, then you are missing out on an incredible adventure. Nicknamed Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, and the Island of Dharma, Sri Lanka is an amazing and affordable destination that has something for everyone.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and it will help you to plan your 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary. Let me know in the comments below what you would do!

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. By booking through these links I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). It allows me to keep MindTheTravel up to date and expand on the resources.

PIN FOR LATER!

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

What to Know Before You Climb Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Travel Tips: What to Know Before Visiting Sri Lanka

Insider Tips for Traveling to Hong Kong