17 day itinerary
Sri Lanka
Itinerary
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a rich tapestry of culture, nature, and history. With 17 days to explore, you can take your time and really soak in the sights and sounds. Here’s a relaxed itinerary that balances exploration with leisure:
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo
- Morning: Arrive at . Take a taxi to your hotel in Colombo.
- Afternoon: Relax and recover from your journey. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local café.
- Evening: Stroll along , watch the sunset, and try some street food.
Day 2: Colombo to Negombo
- Morning: After breakfast, head to Negombo (about 30 minutes away). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore Negombo’s famous fish market and take a boat ride in the lagoon.
- Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner by the beach.
Day 3: Negombo to Sigiriya
- Morning: Depart for Sigiriya (around 4 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the . Climb to the top for stunning views.
- Evening: Relax at your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Day 4: Sigiriya and Dambulla
- Morning: Visit the , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Afternoon: Return to Sigiriya and relax by the pool or explore the local area.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dinner.
Day 5: Sigiriya to Kandy
- Morning: Depart for Kandy (about 2.5 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Visit the , a sacred Buddhist site.
- Evening: Stroll around and enjoy a cultural dance show.
Day 6: Kandy
- Morning: Visit the in Peradeniya.
- Afternoon: Explore the local markets and try some Kandy specialties.
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or enjoy a quiet dinner.
Day 7: Kandy to
- Morning: Take a scenic train ride to (about 4 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the town, visit a tea plantation, and enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea.
- Evening: Stroll around and have dinner at a cozy restaurant.
Day 8:
- Morning: Visit for a morning hike to .
- Afternoon: Return to and relax at your hotel.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening with a good book or a movie.
Day 9: to Ella
- Morning: Depart for Ella (about 2 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Hike to or visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner with a view of the mountains.
Day 10: Ella
- Morning: Hike to for breathtaking views.
- Afternoon: Visit a local tea factory and learn about the tea-making process.
- Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore local eateries.
Day 11: Ella to
- Morning: Depart for Yala (about 2.5 hours). Check into your hotel or lodge.
- Afternoon: Go on an afternoon safari in .
- Evening: Enjoy a campfire dinner under the stars.
Day 12: Yala to Mirissa
- Morning: Early morning safari in Yala, then head to Mirissa (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax on the beach.
- Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant.
Day 13: Mirissa
- Morning: Go whale watching (seasonal) or relax on the beach.
- Afternoon: Explore nearby or visit the local fish market.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset cocktail on the beach.
Day 14: Mirissa to Galle
- Morning: Depart for Galle (about 1 hour). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the , a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with a view of the fort.
Day 15: Galle to
- Morning: Head to (about 1 hour). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Relax on the beach or try water sports like jet skiing or banana boat rides.
- Evening: Enjoy a beach BBQ dinner.
Day 16:
- Morning: Take a boat ride on the and visit a turtle hatchery.
- Afternoon: Relax at your hotel or enjoy a spa treatment.
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant.
Day 17: Departure from Colombo
- Morning: Depart for Colombo (about 2 hours). Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
This itinerary allows you to explore the highlights of Sri Lanka at a leisurely pace, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Don’t forget to take lots of photos and savor the delicious local cuisine! Safe travels! 🌴✈️
