Sri Lanka 21 Day Itinerary (October – April)
This 21-day itinerary is for travelers who plan to visit Sri Lanka between October and April. Due to monsoon season, west coast beaches are best during this period. You can use public transport for the whole trip. But you can save time and visit more places by hiring a car and a driver.
| Day 1 | ||||
 | Arrive at Colombo International Airport, Katunayake. | |||
| Drive from Katunayake to Negombo (13 Km, 30 min). | ||||
| Visit Negombo Beach if time permits. | ||||
| Stay in Negombo | ||||
| Day 2 | ||||
 | Drive from Negombo to Anuradhapura (180km, 4h). | |||
| Visit Ancient City of Anuradhapura, a world heritage site. | ||||
| Drive from Anuradhapura to Habarana (60km, 1h 30 min). | ||||
| Stay in Habarana | ||||
| Day 3 | ||||
 | Drive from Habarana to Sigiriya (17km, 30min). | |||
| Visit Sigiriya, the most popular world heritage site in Sri Lanka. Arguably the 8th wonder of the world. | ||||
| Drive from Sigiriya to Habarana (17km, 30 min). | ||||
| Elephant Safari in Habarana. (Evening safari could start from 3pm). Costs about LKR 5000 for a 3 hour safari. Stay in Habarana | ||||
| Day 4 | ||||
 | Drive from Habarana to Dambulla (25km, 30 min). | |||
| Visit Dambulla Golden Temple, a world heritage site. | ||||
| Drive from Dambulla to Polonnaruwa (70km, 1h 30 min). | ||||
| Visit Polonnaruwa ancient city, a world heritage site, and Parakrama Samudra. Parakrama Samudra is one of the largest ancient reservoirs in Sri Lanka.Stay in Polonnaruwa | ||||
| Day 5 | ||||
 | Drive from Polonnaruwa to Kandy (140km, 4h). | |||
| To enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery, drive to Mahiyanganaya and take the famous 18 bend road to Kandy. Stay in Kandy | ||||
| Day 6 | ||||
 | Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a world heritage site. | |||
| Visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden. Stay in Kandy | ||||
| Day 7 | ||||
 | Take the train from Kandy to Nanuoya (Nuwara Eliya) to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery (Highly recommended, 4h) or drive (80km, 3h). | |||
| If you drive enjoy the Ramboda Falls on the way. Stay in Nuwara Eliya | ||||
| Day 8 | ||||
 | Visit Horton Plains National Park. | |||
| Hike the circular trail to enjoy World's End, Mini World's End and Bakers Falls.Stay in Nuwara Eliya | ||||
| Day 9 | ||||
 | Drive from Nuwara Eliya to Ella (60km, 2h). | |||
| Visit Hakgala Botanical Garden on the way. (Best in April) Stay in Ella | ||||
| Day 10 | ||||
 | Visit Dambethenna Tea Estate and Lipton Seat. | |||
| Stay in Ella | ||||
| Day 11 | ||||
 | Enjoy the scenery. Climb the Ella Rock. | |||
| Stay in Ella | ||||
| Day 12 | ||||
.jpg) | Drive from Ella to Yala (130km, 4h). | |||
| Ravana Ella is beside the road on the way from Ella to Wellawaya. | ||||
| Diyaluma Falls is a 15km detour from Wellawaya. It is the 2nd tallest and arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka. | ||||
| Stay in Yala | ||||
| Day 13 | ||||
 | Do a morning safari in Yala National Park. | |||
| A half day safari will cost about LKR 5000. | ||||
| In the evening do a safari in nearby Bundala National Park. (40km, 1 h) | ||||
| Stay in Yala | ||||
| Day 14 | ||||
 | Drive from Yala to Deniyaya. (150km, 5h) | |||
| Take the route via Embilipitiya to visit ancient Mansion Maduwanwela Walawwa on the way. Stay in Deniyaya | ||||
| Day 15 - Day 16 | ||||
 | Visit Sinharaja rainforest, a world heritage site. | |||
| Hike in the rainforest with a guide. Stay in Deniyaya | ||||
| Day 17 | ||||
.jpg) | Drive from Deniyaya to Mirissa. (70km, 2h) | |||
| Stay in Mirissa | ||||
| Day 18 - Day 19 | ||||
 | Enjoy the beach or Take a Whale Watching Cruise. | |||
| Stay in Mirissa | ||||
| Day 20 | ||||
 | Drive from Mirissa to Galle (41km, 1h). | |||
| Visit Galle Fort, a world heritage site. | ||||
| Drive from Galle to Negombo (160km, 3h). | ||||
| Stay in Negombo | ||||
| Day 21 | ||||
 | Leave for the next destination from Colombo International Airport, Katunayake. | |||