So, are you thinking about visiting Sri Lanka in August? Well, that is a perfect time.
The reason for that is the weather is just calm, and there’s so much to see and do.
Trust us, this country has a way of sneaking into your heart. From ancient ruins to tea plantations, Sri Lanka feels like a treasure.
With that being said, let us walk you through a week-long itinerary that covers some of the best spots.
Day 1: Trincomalee
Let’s start things off in Trincomalee, a coastal spot on the island’s eastern side.
Picture this: golden beaches, calm water waves, and a relaxed vibe. Trinco (as the locals call it) is the perfect place to ease into your trip.
So, as your first step, start your day with a visit to Koneswaram Temple, which is on a cliff with a view of the ocean.
It’s one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Sri Lanka, and the views are absolutely breathtaking.
Therefore, take your time to walk around this place by getting in the spiritual energy while snapping some photos.
Then, go to Nilaveli Beach. This place is a true paradise.
Note to those allergic to sunlight: Indeed, you can rent a sunbed, buy yourself a cool coconut drink and just chill.
And if you’re feeling more adventurous, hop on a boat to Pigeon Island. It’s a little coral island, where you can snorkel and see colourful fish in their natural habitat.
Day 2: Sigiriya
On Day 2, make your way to Sigiriya. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient palace built atop a massive rock.
Think of it as a real-life castle in the sky.
Speaking of which, climbing Sigiriya isn’t that easy, but trust us—it’s worth every step.
Along the way, you’ll pass by stunning frescoes painted on the rock face and a mirrored wall that dates back centuries.
Anyway, once you reach the top, you’ll have the opportunity to see panoramic views of the surrounding jungle.
Therefore, bring your camera because you’ll want to capture this moment.
Day 3: Minneriya
Day 3 is all about wildlife, and Minneriya National Park is the highlight over here.
Whereas you can hop into a jeep for an early morning safari, as it’s the best time to spot animals when they’re most active.
Plus, Minneriya is famous for its elephants. This means that during the dry season (including August), hundreds of elephants gather around the park’s reservoir.
Believe us, seeing these majestic creatures sip, frolic and frolic with another one is something to be seen. And you may see baby elephants frolicking in the water too!
On the other hand that is; aside from elephants, look out for deer, monkeys, and several bird species.
Who knows? You may stumble on species so rare you have never seen them anywhere else.
Day 4: Sigiriya
Once again, Sigiriya. We know that you’ve already seen Sigiriya Rock, but there’s more to explore in the area.
So, spend your Day 4 by discovering the cultural spots nearby.
Whereas you can visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This complex of caves houses murals and statues of Buddha. Where it’s a peaceful place to relax and learn about Sri Lanka’s Buddhist side.
Next, stop by a spice garden. This is because Sri Lanka is also known for its spices, and touring a garden gives you a chance to see how cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper are grown.
Plus, you can stock up on souvenirs to bring back home.
Day 5: Kandy
On Day 5, you can head to Kandy, one of the cultural locations in Sri Lanka.
Speaking of which, your first stop should be the Sri Dalada Maligawa Tempe in Kandy.
This temple is one of the respected Buddhist sites that houses a tooth relic of Lord Buddha.
Afterwards, take a peaceful walk around the Kandy Lake.
Since the lake is surrounded by trees and gives out a peaceful vibe from the city area, you can spend some quality time over there.
Plus, you can also visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, which has towering trees and various flowers, as it’s the perfect spot for you to snap some pics.
Day 6: Nuwara Eliya
Day 6 takes you to Nuwara Eliya, which is often called as the “Little England.”
To be honest, this town is well-known for its cool climate and colonial architecture.
Anyway, the highlight of Nuwara Eliya is its tea plantations. Where you can take a guided tour of a tea factory to check out how Ceylon tea is made.
Whereas you’ll get to taste freshly brewed tea straight from the source, as it doesn’t get better than that.
After all, Sri Lanka is commonly known for its tea production.
With that, while you’re here, don’t miss:
- Victoria Park: A beautiful area that is perfect for picnics.
- Hakgala Botanical Garden: Known for its roses and orchids.
- Gregory Lake: Great for boating or simply enjoying the view.
Day 7: Ella
For your final day, head to Ella, a beautiful town surrounded by mountains and tea fields. It’s the kind of place where time slows down so you can have some quality time.
Anyway, start your morning with a hike to Little Adam’s Peak. Trust us, the trail is easy, and the views of the valley below are quite fascinating.
To be honest, it’s a great way to wake up and stretch your legs.
Next, check out the Nine Arches Bridge. This iconic railway bridge is a marvel of engineering and looks especially stunning against the trees that are around.
In fact, if you’re lucky, you might catch a train that passes by as it’s quite the photo you will mostly get.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a week-long adventure through Sri Lanka in August.
From the beaches of Trincomalee to the misty hills of Ella, this itinerary covers history, culture, nature, and plenty of fun.
Remember that Sri Lanka is one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.
This is because its warmth comes from the tropical sun and the people who welcome you with open arms.
So pack your bags, bring your adventurous spirit, and get ready for an unforgettable journey.
Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Editorial Staff at Travelco Leisure are specialist on Sri Lanka tourism.