Alright, let’s dive into a 6-day itinerary for Sri Lanka.
If you’re anything like a traveler who looks into mysteries, planning trips can be both exciting and overwhelming.
But don’t worry—this guide is quite simple.
In fact, consider it to be your support note that gives you the main points in detail.
So get ready, because we’re about to take you on an unforgettable journey.
Day 1: Colombo
Let’s start your journey in Colombo, which is the most busiest city in Sri Lanka.
Now, Colombo might not show you the beauty of natural spots, but it’s got its own charm.
Whereas, you can start your morning with a walk along Galle Face Green.
It’s a long oceanfront park where locals fly kites, eat snacks from the food stalls, and just chill with their friends.
So, once you are here, don’t forget to grab some kottu roti from a roadside cart—it’s basically chopped-up rotti with veggies, eggs, or meat.
Trust us, it’s delicious.
With that, after breakfast, head to the Gangaramaya Temple.
This place is a mix of old-school Buddhist vibes and modern architecture.
The vibe inside is super peaceful, and the carvings that you can see here will leave you in another world.
Therefore, you can easily spend an hour or two here by getting it all in.
Moving on, for lunch, check out the Ministry of Crab.
Yes, it’s pricey, but if you love seafood, it’s worth every penny.
This is because their massive crabs are quite yummy.
Later, you can walk around the Pettah Market.
It’s loud and full of different vibes, as there are so many shops on either side of the road.
Speaking of which, you’ll find everything from spices to electronic items.
Anyway, while you are at it, just keep an eye on your wallet, just in case!
Day 2: Dambulla
On Day 2, it’s time to hit the road and head to Dambulla.
Speaking of which, this drive takes around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic, so get an early start.
Anyway, once you arrive, the first stop should be the Dambulla Cave Temple.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is on a hill, so you’ll need to climb a few steps to get there.
But, don’t worry—it’s not Everest! At the top, you’ll find five caves with statues of Buddha and colourful murals.
Trust us, the air feels cooler up there, which is a nice touch for you after all that climbing.
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous after climbing, visit the Pidurangala Rock before sunset.
It’s a short hike, and the panoramic views of Sigiriya Rock from the top are fascinating.
So, once you are done with that, for dinner, try some authentic Sri Lankan curry.
Whereas most local restaurants serve a mix of spicy curries, rice, and roti that you wouldn’t be able to miss.
Day 3: Kandy
Next, we are heading to Kandy! Known as the heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a must-visit place in Sri Lanka.
Speaking of which, the drive from Dambulla takes about 2 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore once you arrive.
Anyway, first things first—head to the Temple of the Tooth once you are here.
This temple acts as the place where you can find the tooth relic of Buddha, and it’s considered one of the most important pilgrimage spots in the country.
With that being said, after visiting the temple, take a walk around Kandy Lake.
It’s a man-made lake surrounded by trees, and there’s something soothing about watching the water waves while birds chirp overhead.
Moving on, for lunch, try Kandyan-style rice and curry. Where each dish has its own unique flavor, and eating with your hands (as locals do) adds to the experience list of yours for sure.
Afterwards, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. With over 4,000 plant species, it’s like going into a tropical paradise.
However, make sure to keep an eye out for giant bat-like fruit bats hanging upside down, even though they’re harmless while you are enjoying your walk!
Day 4: Nuwara Eliya
Day 4 brings us to Nuwara Eliya, aka “Little England.”
It is in the hills and this town feels like it is apart from the rest of Sri Lanka.
This is because the weather is cooler, the surrounding area is stunning, and there’s a colonial charm that’s hard to miss.
With that in mind, start your day with a visit to a tea plantation.
As you may already know, Sri Lanka is famous for its Ceylon tea, and seeing how it’s made is pretty cool.
Plus, once you are here, you can walk through rows of tea bushes, learn about the picking process, and sip freshly brewed tea at the factory.
Later, you can head to Victoria Park.
It’s small but wonderful, especially if you visit during spring when flowers are in bloom.
So, this is a fantastic opportunity for you if you are into flowers and plants that are quite unique.
Day 5: Ella
Ella is hands-down one of the most popular places in Sri Lanka.
The reason is that it’s all about nature, hiking, and breathtaking views.
Speaking of which, the train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is iconic.
Where you can picture winding tracks, misty mountains, and greenery spots all over the place. Seriously, it’s like being in a dream.
Anyway, once you arrive, drop off your bags and head to the Nine Arches Bridge.
This place is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight isn’t that strong.
Plus, here are a few other highlights in Ella:
- Little Adam’s Peak: A short hike with fascinating views.
- Ravana Falls: A beautiful waterfall perfect for photos.
- Ella Spice Garden: A place where you can learn about local herbs and spices.
Day 6: Mirissa
Our final destination is Mirissa, a paradise for beach lovers.
After a scenic drive from Ella (about 4 hours), check into your hotel and hit the beach.
Speaking of which, Mirissa Beach is wide, sandy, and lined with palm trees.
Which is quite perfect for spending your morning by lounging under the sun or taking a swim in the ocean.
Then, as the time passes, around noon, join a whale-watching tour.
Remember that from November to April, blue whales and sperm whales can be seen more often.
Trust us, seeing these creatures up close is truly unforgettable. Anyway, even if you didn’t spot any whales, dolphins often make an appearance. So, it’s a win-win situation.
Afterwards, once you’ve gotten that experience, in the evening, you can climb up to Parrot Rock for sunset views.
Trust us, you wouldn’t be able to get these moments anywhere else.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a 6-day adventure through Sri Lanka that balances culture, nature, and relaxation.
Remember, this itinerary is a starting point. Therefore, feel free to change it according to your interests.
Who knows, maybe you would like to add more beach time or skip a hike. Either way, that’s totally fine. The reason for that is traveling is all about doing what makes YOU happy.
So go ahead, book that ticket, and get ready to fall in love with this beautiful country.
Editorial Staff at Travelco Leisure are specialist on Sri Lanka tourism.