17 day itinerary
Sri Lanka
Personalized with:Make it non touristic, off the track pla
Itinerary
Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of hidden gems, and I’m excited to help you craft a unique 17-day itinerary that veers off the beaten path. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Colombo
- Morning: Arrive at . Take a taxi to your accommodation in Colombo.
- Afternoon: Explore the less touristy areas of Colombo. Visit the vibrant for a sensory overload of colors and sounds.
- Evening: Enjoy a local dinner at a small eatery in Colombo, perhaps trying some kottu roti.
Day 2: Colombo to
- Morning: Head to , a charming coastal town just 30 minutes from Colombo. Check into a guesthouse.
- Afternoon: Stroll along the beach and visit the local fish market.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset by the beach with some fresh seafood.
Day 3: to
- Morning: Depart for , known for its stunning beaches and kite surfing.
- Afternoon: Check into a beach hut and relax.
- Evening: Take a boat ride to see the dolphins at sunset.
Day 4:
- All Day: Spend the day exploring the nearby islands. You can go snorkeling or just relax on the pristine beaches.
- Evening: Enjoy a beach bonfire with locals.
Day 5: to
- Morning: Travel to , an ancient city with rich history.
- Afternoon: Visit the less-visited ruins like the and the ancient ponds.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: to
- Morning: Head to , the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
- Afternoon: Hike up to the summit for stunning views and visit the ancient temples.
- Evening: Return to for the night.
Day 7: to Jaffna
- Morning: Travel to Jaffna, a culturally rich area in the north.
- Afternoon: Visit the and explore the local markets.
- Evening: Try traditional Jaffna cuisine, like crab curry.
Day 8: Jaffna
- All Day: Explore the nearby islands like and . Visit the ancient temples and enjoy the serene beaches.
- Evening: Return to Jaffna for dinner.
Day 9: Jaffna to Trincomalee
- Morning: Depart for Trincomalee, known for its beautiful beaches and historical significance.
- Afternoon: Visit the and enjoy the views from .
- Evening: Relax at Uppuveli Beach and enjoy a quiet dinner.
Day 10: Trincomalee
- All Day: Spend the day at . You can go snorkeling at or just relax on the beach.
- Evening: Enjoy a beachside dinner.
Day 11: Trincomalee to Sigiriya
- Morning: Travel to Sigiriya, but instead of the usual Lion Rock, explore the lesser-known for a stunning view.
- Afternoon: Visit the nearby village and interact with locals.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal at a homestay.
Day 12: Sigiriya to Dambulla
- Morning: Head to Dambulla to explore the cave temples, but go early to avoid crowds.
- Afternoon: Visit a local farm and learn about organic farming practices.
- Evening: Return to Sigiriya for the night.
Day 13: Sigiriya to Kandy
- Morning: Travel to Kandy, but stop at a local village on the way for a cooking class.
- Afternoon: Visit the less-visited temples in Kandy, like the .
- Evening: Enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional dance.
Day 14: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
- Morning: Take the scenic train ride to Nuwara Eliya, known for its tea plantations.
- Afternoon: Visit a tea factory and learn about the tea-making process.
- Evening: Stroll around and enjoy a cozy dinner.
Day 15: Nuwara Eliya to Ella
- Morning: Travel to Ella, a charming hill town.
- Afternoon: Hike to for breathtaking views.
- Evening: Relax at a local café and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
Day 16: Ella to Galle
- Morning: Depart for Galle, but take a detour to visit the beautiful beaches of Unawatuna.
- Afternoon: Explore the , but focus on the quieter streets and local shops.
- Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 17: Galle to Colombo
- Morning: Head back to Colombo. If time permits, visit the .
- Afternoon: Last-minute shopping at local markets or boutiques.
- Evening: Depart from .
Tips:
- Transportation: Consider hiring a private driver for flexibility and comfort.
- Accommodation: Look for guesthouses or homestays to immerse yourself in local culture.
- Food: Don’t hesitate to try street food; it’s often delicious and authentic!
I hope this itinerary gives you a fantastic blend of culture, nature, and local experiences! Enjoy your adventure in Sri Lanka! 🌴✨