Sri Lanka 5 Day Itinerary

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country where you can have a little bit of every aspect. 

Speaking of which, you can think of tea plantations, ancient temples, perfect beaches, and food with natural spices. 

It’s like someone took all the best parts of travel and squished them into one tiny island. Well, that is the most perfect way to describe it, right?

Anyway, if you’ve got five days to explore this wonderful country, we’ve just got the right itinerary for you. 

In fact, we have included the top main attractions in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Galle. Where you can experience a mix of culture, nature, and chill vibes. 

So, are you ready for it? Then, let’s dive in.

Day 1 – Kandy

Kandy is a wonderful city in Sri Lanka, which carries an interesting history that dates back centuries.   

In fact, this city is in the middle of the island and gives you the vibe of stepping back in time. 

As for your trip, you must start your day early because there’s so much to see. 

Speaking of which, the first stop will be at the Temple of the Tooth.

The Temple of the Tooth is a huge temple in Sri Lanka where it houses a tooth relic of Lord Buddha, and locals believe it holds spiritual power. 

On the other hand, even if you’re not into religion, the architecture and vibe inside the temple are quite worth seeing and experiencing. 

Tip: Dress respectfully (by covering your knees and shoulders) before visiting the temple.

Time to Get the Experience

After visiting the temple, if you are feeling like getting some fresh air in an open area, you can head to Kandy Lake to have a quiet walk. 

In detail, you can find a lake that is right in the middle of the city, surrounded by trees and benches. 

So, it is quite perfect for snapping some pics or to just chill under a tree by getting all that fresh air after your visit. 

Moreover, if you’re feeling like trying something out in Sri Lanka, you can grab some kottu roti from a street shop. 

It’s basically Sri Lanka’s version of the most famous food, which is made with roti, veggies, spices, and meat. Trust us; it’s delicious.

With that being said, before wrapping up the day, you can check out a cultural show. 

Whereas these performances showcase traditional Sri Lankan music and dance, that includes fire-eating and drumming that’ll leave you mesmerized. 

Therefore, by the end of Day 1, you’ll already feel like you’ve had a proper taste of Sri Lanka in a unique way.

Day 2 & 3 – Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is where Sri Lanka gets its “Little England” nickname. 

This is because you can see hills that are covered in tea plantations, colonial-era buildings, and weather that is cool enough to make you forget that you’re in a tropical country. 

It’s like a breath of fresh air after the walk that you had in Kandy.

Anyway, on day 2, you can spend your morning by visiting a tea factory. This is because visiting a tea factory is a must-do activity if you are in Nuwara Eliya.

In fact, a lot of tours will take you through the process of making tea as in from picking the leaves to brewing the perfect cup for you. 

Speaking of which, you’ll get the opportunity to sip on some of the freshest tea you’ve ever tasted. And yes, Ceylon tea really is as good as everyone says.

Later, after your tour, you can head to Victoria Park. 

This place is especially wonderful if you’re visiting during spring when all the flowers are in bloom. 

Plus, there’s something about walking through rows of hydrangeas and roses that makes you feel like you’re in a fairytale.

Moving on, day 3 is all about exploring more of the area. 

Whereas you can take a trip to Horton Plains National Park. 

This spot is famous for World’s End, a cliff that drops off further down and gives you insane views of the surrounding area. 

Note: While you’re in Nuwara Eliya, don’t miss out on trying some local strawberries. They grow them here, and they’re ridiculously sweet. In fact, you’ll find strawberry jam, juice, and even ice cream everywhere. It’s like the unofficial flavor of the town.

Day 4 & 5 – Galle

By the time you reach Galle, you’ll probably be ready to slow things down a bit—and that’s exactly what this town is perfect for. 

Speaking of which, Galle has a charm that makes you want to sit by the ocean with a coconut in hand and just relax.

Then, on Day 4, you can start with a visit to the Galle Fort. 

This UNESCO spot is a massive fortress built by the Dutch centuries ago.

In fact, inside of the fort, you’ll find narrow streets that are with cafes, boutique shops, and art galleries. 

Therefore, you could spend some time by walking around those places, popping into stores, and maybe grabbing lunch at one of the many rooftop restaurants.

On the other hand, if you’re into history, there’s also the Maritime Museum within the fort. 

It’s small but full of interesting artifacts from Sri Lanka’s past. And if you’re not into that? No worries. Just enjoy the view of the Indian Ocean from the fort walls—trust us, it’s a stunning view even to just look at.

With that being said, as we come to the 5th day, you can switch the route and focus on the beach vibe. 

Whereas Unawatuna Beach is just a short drive away and is one of the fascinating beaches in Sri Lanka. 

This is because the water waves are calm over there by making it ideal for swimming or snorkeling. 

Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even spot a turtle or two!

Conclusion

And just like that, your five-day tour of Sri Lanka comes to an end. 

If you think about it, in such a short time, you’ve managed to experience the country’s culture in Kandy, its breathtaking nature in Nuwara Eliya, and Sri Lanka’s coastal vibe in Galle. 

So, not bad for a long weekend, right?

Therefore, pack your bags, bring your essentials and get ready to fall in love with the Sri Lankan aspects.  

With our simple 5 day itinerary, we are sure that you will get the most out of your journey.