Sri Lanka Itinerary for November: Best 7-14 Day Travel Plans

So, you’re thinking about heading to Sri Lanka in November? Well, we must say that it is a great choice! Let us tell you why. 

Sri Lanka is one of those magical places that feels like everything has been put into one tiny island. 

Whereas you’ve got beaches, mountains, wildlife, ancient ruins, and food that’ll make you to eat more. And November? Well, November is kind of the sweet spot. 

This is because it’s not the peak tourist season yet, so things are quite calm, but the weather is starting to shift into something really pleasant. 

In fact, you could think of warm days, cool nights, and just enough amount of rain to keep things green without ruining your plans.

Therefore, trust us, this is the perfect time to explore this country without feeling like you’re stuck in a bad weather condition or fighting through a crowd of tourists.

With that thought in mind, let’s get into the major points of your travel itinerary for November.

Is November a Good Time to Visit Sri Lanka? 

Alright, let’s break it down a bit more. 

Is November *really* a good time to visit Sri Lanka? 

The short answer is yes, but it depends on where you go. This is because Sri Lanka’s weather can be tricky because the island is small but diverse. 

Here’s the deal:

• West and South Coast: These areas are coming out of its monsoon season, so you can expect sunny days with occasional showers, which is perfect for beach activities!

• East Coast: The northeast monsoon starts around November, so it gets rainier here. Therefore, it is not ideal for beach lovers.

• Central Highlands: Places like Nuwara Eliya and Ella are cool and refreshing year-round. So, these places are especially lovely in November because the rain starts to go down.

Anyway, it doesn’t matter when you are planning to take your trip. This is because every month in Sri Lanka has different scenarios with pros and cons.

Therefore, let’s see the benefits and drawbacks of travelling here in November.

Pros:

• Fewer tourists compared to December and January.
• Comfortable temperature rates across most of the island.
• Wildlife safaris are excellent as animals gather around water sources.
• Beaches on the west and south coasts are gorgeous and less crowded.

Cons:

• Some parts of the country might still experience the rain.
• East coast destinations aren’t at their best.
• Peak season prices start to go up towards the end of the month.

So yeah, November is pretty much a win-win if you stick to the right regions. 

However, just pack an umbrella and feel the green places as it’s all part of the adventure!

7-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary for November 

If you’ve only got a week, don’t think about it a lot. This is because you can still get some of Sri Lanka’s highlights by focusing on the west/south coast and the Cultural Triangle. 

Here’s how:

Day 1-2: Colombo

Start your trip in Colombo, which is the most well-known city in Sri Lanka. 

So, spend a day here by exploring Galle Face Green with the chance of sipping fresh coconut water and by walking through the Pettah Market. 

Plus, if you’re lucky, catch a sunset at the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct. Anyway, keep it low-key as Colombo is more of a pit stop than a destination to travel.

Day 3-4: Sigiriya & Dambulla

Next, head north to the Cultural Triangle. 

Whereas you can climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress early in the morning before the heat sets in. 

Then, visit the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has ancient cave paintings and statues. 

Trust us, these places will give you a real sense of Sri Lanka’s history, along with the aspect of Buddhism.

Day 5: Kandy

Afterwards, make your way to Kandy, which is a popular cultural area on the island. 

So, once you are here, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, take a walk around the Kandy Lake, and maybe catch a traditional dance performance. 

Also, don’t forget to try some local sweets from the market too!

Day 6-7: Mirissa or Unawatuna

Once you’ve got the Kandian experience, finish your journey with some beach time. 

Whereas you can head down to Mirissa or Unawatuna on the south coast. 

Speaking of which, these beaches are stunning, with soft sand and water waves that are perfect for swimming. 

Plus, you can relax, grab some seafood, and maybe even book a whale-watching tour if you’re feeling like trying something new.

And with that, there you have it—a wonderful week that covers culture, history, and relaxation!

10-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary for November 

Got a bit more time? Fantastic! 

A 10-day trip will give you the opportunity to dive deeper into Sri Lanka’s diversity. 

Therefore, let’s mix beaches, hills, and wildlife for the ultimate experience to see how it goes.

Day 1-2: Colombo

Same drill as before—start your journey in Colombo. In fact, use these days to recover from your plane ride and get the cultural vibe while you can by visiting the Gangaramaya temple.

And later on, make a visit to the Viharamahadevi park to spend some lovely time to relax your mind.

Day 3-4: Nuwara Eliya

Then, take a train ride to Nuwara Eliya, or, in other words, “Little England.” 

Whereas this hill country is famous for its tea plantations and as you may already know, which is Sri Lanka is mostly famous for. 

Therefore, to get that experience in real life, make sure to take a tour of a tea factory, sip on some Ceylon tea, and enjoy the cool mountain air. 

Plus, don’t miss the Victoria Park. This is because it’s stunning in November.

Day 5-6: Yala National Park

Next, let’s head to Yala for a safari adventure. 

In this case, early mornings are the best time to spot leopards, elephants, and crocodiles. 

Therefore, make sure to plan your outings accordingly.

On the other hand, even if you don’t see any big cats, the park’s random spots are breathtaking.

Day 7-8: Mirissa

Moving on, back to the coast! Where you can spend two days by relaxing in Mirissa. 

With that in mind, you can rent a scooter to explore nearby beaches, try some fresh seafood, and consider booking a whale-watching tour. 

Trust us, blue whales migrate through these spots, as November is a decent time to spot them.

Day 9-10: Galle

Finally, you can wrap up your trip in Galle. 

However, before doing that, make sure to explore the historic fort area, shop for handmade souvenirs, and watch the sunset that goes over the Indian Ocean. 

This is because it’s a peaceful way to end your journey by adding the touch of nature.

14-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary for November (Full Island Exploration)

Now we’re talking! Fourteen days gives you plenty of time to see almost all of Sri Lanka. 

So prepare because it’s going to be epic. 

This is because within two weeks, you can smoothly go from busy cities to ancient ruins, misty mountains, wild jungles, and peaceful beaches. 

Therefore, without talking about any, let’s dive into the details.

Day 1-2: Colombo

Your adventure begins in Colombo, as always, which is known by many tourists. 

Anyway, take it easy on your first day after landing, because we know how it feels after a plane ride. 

Then, spend some time by walking along Galle Face Green, where locals fly kites and eat snacks from small food carts. 

Plus, make sure to grab a king coconut (they’ll chop it open for you with a straw) and feel that ocean breeze. 

On Day 2, explore the Pettah Market to get some cheap items, as you have so many things to find here, from clothes to tech gadgets. 

On the other hand, if you’re into history, make sure to check out the Gangaramaya Temple or the National Museum. 

Therefore, by the end of these two days, you’ll have a good feel for the city’s energy and charm.

Day 3-4: Sigiriya & Dambulla

From Colombo, you can head north to the Cultural Triangle. 

As in the first stop is the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Trust us, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an absolute must-see. 

Therefore, wake up early to avoid the heat in order to climb the massive rock fortress. 

Now, we know that the climb isn’t going to be easy, but the views from the top are fascinating.

Tip: Bring water and wear comfy shoes because those stairs are not a joke! 

Then, with all that, afterwards, make your way to Dambulla Cave Temple that is nearby. 

Whereas, inside of it, you’ll find murals and statues of Buddha that date back centuries. 

Day 5-6: Kandy

Next, let’s go to Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. 

Located among hills, this city feels like a breath of fresh air. 

Therefore, start your journey with the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the Buddhist temples that has the attention of tourists and locals alike.

On the other hand, even if you’re not religious, the architecture that you can find here is quite mesmerising. 

Then, on Day 6, you can visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, which is a paradise of tropical plants, towering trees, and fragrant flowers. 

Day 7-8: Nuwara Eliya

Leaving Kandy behind, you can hop on a train to Nuwara Eliya. 

Trust us, this train ride is legendary as it winds through tea plantations, misty valleys, and fascinating waterfalls. 

Therefore, once you arrive, embrace the cooler temperature and colonial vibes that you can feel here. 

Plus, you can visit a tea factory to learn how Ceylon tea is made, then sip a steaming cup while gazing at the hills in order to get the real taste of Sri Lankan tea. 

Day 9-10: Ella

From Nuwara Eliya, it’s a short drive or a train ride to Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful towns. 

Speaking of which, Ella is all about relaxation vibes and incredible hikes. 

Therefore, you can start with Little Adam’s Peak, which is not that challenging to climb. 

Trust us, the panoramic view from above will leave you speechless. 

Day 11-12: Yala National Park

Now it’s time to trade hills for wildlife! 

So, in order to get this experience, you can head south to Yala National Park, which is home to leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. 

Anyway, early morning safaris are the best way to spot animals when they’re most active. 

Therefore, keep your camera ready as you never know what you’ll see! 

Moreover, if you don’t spot a leopard, don’t stress. This is because watching herds of elephants roam freely or spotting a lazy croc sunbathing by a watering hole is still unforgettable. 

Day 13-14: Mirissa & Galle

Finally, you can wind down your trip with some beach time in Mirissa and a touch of history in Galle. 

Trust us, Mirissa is dreamy, where you can find soft sand, calm water waves, and palm trees. 

Therefore, you can spend your days here by relaxing, snorkelling, or trying out fresh seafood. 

On the other hand, if you’re feeling adventurous, book a whale-watching tour. 

This is because blue whales migrate through these areas, and November offers decent chances to spot them. 

With that, on your final day, head to Galle, which is a coastal town that is famous for its Dutch fort. 

Trust us, walking along the cobblestone street and boutique shops in Galle is quite amazing, as you wouldn’t get this experience elsewhere. 

Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in November

Let’s talk about must-see spots in November. 

• Colombo (Quick Stop): Sure, Colombo isn’t everyone’s favourite, but it’s worth a quick stop. Therefore, once you are here, hit up the markets and try out street food.

• Kandy (Temple of the Tooth): Kandy is serene and spiritual. Whereas the Temple of the Tooth is a highlight, but the city itself is also full of charm. 

• Sigiriya & Dambulla (UNESCO Sites): These ancient sites are quite special and unique to Sri Lanka and Sigiriya’s views alone are worth the climb.

• Nuwara Eliya (Tea Country): Fascinating hills, wide tea fields, and fresh air make Nuwara Eliya unforgettable.   

• Yala / Wilpattu National Parks (Wildlife Safaris): Both parks are perfect for thrilling safaris. Whereas Yala is known for leopards, while Wilpattu is quieter and equally rewarding.

• Mirissa / Unawatuna (Best Beaches): To be honest, these beaches are paradises. Where you can find clear water and palm trees, which makes it perfect for relaxing.  

November Travel Tips for Sri Lanka

Here are a few tips to help you to make the most of your November trip:

• Weather Expectations (Monsoon Transitions): Pack for unexpected weather changes. Whereas mornings and evenings can be cool, while afternoons are warm. 

• Packing List (Light Clothes, Sunscreen): Definitely bring sunscreen, a hat, a rain jacket, and comfortable shoes, which are a must too.

• Booking Advice (Early for Peak Season): November is technically the shoulder season, but popular spots can be crowded as December approaches. Therefore, book accommodations and transport in advance.

So, what do you think? November is a wonderful time to visit Sri Lanka if you know where to go. 

This is because with fewer tourists, comfortable weather conditions, and plenty of activities, it’s hard to say no to a month like this. 

Anyway, the point is that you must bring all your essentials, such as light clothes, sunscreen, cameras and other stuff.

With all that, go ahead and start planning, as we are sure that you won’t regret it!

Contact Travelco Leisure to get Sri Lanka November itinerary.

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