So, you’ve got a week in Sri Lanka? Well, lucky you!
As you may already know, Sri Lanka is a country that is full of culture, history, and natural beauty.
So, whether you’re into hiking, exploring ancient ruins, or just keen on chilling by the ocean, Sri Lanka is the place for you.
Anyway, in this post, we’ll walk you through a simple one-week itinerary that’ll help you to experience as much of this wonderful place as possible.
In other words, think of it as your written guide to making unforgettable memories.
Day 1 & 2 – Sigiriya/Dambulla
Alright, let’s start things off with Sigiriya and Dambulla.
These two places are pretty close to each other, so it makes a perfect combo for your first couple of days.
Speaking of which, Sigiriya is well-known due the famous Lion Rock, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s basically a giant rock fortress in the middle of nowhere.
Climbing it feels like going back in time because of the vibe and things that you can see over there.
In fact, you’ll see ancient drawings, a mirror wall, and some fascinating views from the top.
But here’s our pro tip: Don’t skip Pidurangala. It’s a nearby hike that’s less crowded and gives out an even better view of Sigiriya itself. Trust us, the effort is worth it.
Moving on, over in Dambulla, there’s plenty to keep you busy too.
Whereas one spot that you shouldn’t miss is the Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs.
These ancient burial grounds date back over 2,000 years and give you an idea of Sri Lanka’s prehistoric past.
Even though these are not beautiful or Instagrammable, they’re fascinating if you’re into history.
Plus, walking around these quiet sites feels like stepping into another world.
Oh, and don’t forget to grab some local food while you’re here.
Speaking of which, try rice and curry—it’s a Sri Lankan dish and absolutely delicious. Where you can pair it with a cold king coconut drink to cool down after all that exploring.
Day 3 – Kandy
On Day 3, you can head to Kandy, a city that’s full of culture and its own aspects.
In fact, Kandy was once the last capital of the ancient kings, and you can feel the history everywhere you go.
Anyway, the highlight here is definitely the temple that goes by the name of Sri Dalada Maligawa.
This temple houses a sacred relic—a tooth of Buddha—and it’s a must-visit temple if you are keen on looking at rare things.
In addition to that, the architecture that is in this temple is quite stunning, and the vibe inside is peaceful and spiritual.
Moving on, after experiencing the temple vibes, you can check out the Kandy National Museum.
It’s small but full of interesting artifacts that tell the story of Kandy’s royal past.
Speaking of which, you’ll see everything from old weapons to royal garments and if you’re into museums, this one’s a must visit spot as well.
Day 4 & 5 – Nuwara Eliya
Next, we’re heading to Nuwara Eliya, basically a hill that is often called as “Little England.”
Trust us, when you get there, you’ll see why.
In fact, the weather’s cooler, the surrounding area is full of greenery sights, and there’s a colonial charm that’s hard to resist.
Therefore, you can spend your day 4 and 5 by exploring those beautiful parts of the country.
Speaking of which, one of many favorite spots here is Lover’s Leap Waterfall.
Legend has it that the waterfall is named after a tragic love story, but honestly, that’s not why you should visit there.
The real reason is the sheer beauty of the place. Which is standing near the falls, surrounded by trees that feels like being in a dream.
Moreover, another must-see spot is the Hakgala Botanical Garden.
Unlike some of the bigger gardens in Sri Lanka, this one has a more intimate vibe.
Where you can walk through the flower-lined paths, spot colorful birds, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. In other words, it’s the perfect place to relax and have some energy at the same time.
Day 6 & 7 – Galle
For your final two days, it’s time to have some fun at the coast in Galle.
Speaking of which, this southern city is famous for its historical architecture and its own vibe.
When it comes to the fun part, you can spend your time by exploring Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is full of busy shops.
In fact, you can start with the Galle Fort Clock Tower.
It’s one of the oldest clock towers in Sri Lanka and quite perfect for a great photo location.
From there, you can head to the Galle Lighthouse. It’s small but iconic, and standing near it gives you amazing views of the Indian Ocean.
Plus, there’s something about the sound of the waves that crashes against the fort walls which is quite incredibly soothing.
With that being said, walking around Galle Fort feels like going into a living museum.
The reason for that is, you’ll find narrow streets with boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries that you can spend time in a unique way.
So, take your time to explore them because you never know what hidden spots you might discover. And if you’re a fan of street food, try some kottu roti. It’s a Sri Lankan classic made with chopped roti, veggies, and spices.
Note: It’s messy to eat but the taste of it has no match.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a simple, fun-filled week in Sri Lanka!
From the ancient spots of Sigiriya and Dambulla to the cultural aspects of Kandy, the cool hills of Nuwara Eliya, and the coastal vibe of Galle, this itinerary covers a lot.
Sure, you won’t see everything that Sri Lanka has in just seven days, but you’ll definitely leave with a heart full of memories and a camera roll full of photos.
Anyway, remember that traveling isn’t about ticking boxes—it’s about experiencing new things, meeting people, and creating stories.
So, whether you’re climbing rocks, sipping tea, or relaxing by the sea, embrace every moment.
This is because Sri Lanka has a way of surprising you at every turn, and that’s what makes it so special.
Editorial Staff at Travelco Leisure are specialist on Sri Lanka tourism.