Sri Lanka in a week
Planning to visit or tour Sri Lanka and want to know how to make the best of your holiday? Check out this itinerary and explore some of what the island has to offer in a short span of seven days!
DAY 1
Negombo
Under half an hour from the Bandaranaike International Airport a.k.a. BIA (13.4 kilometres along the A3)
Indulge in amazing seaside experiences as you head over to one of the island’s most popular beachfront destinations not far from the country’s main international airport. From fresh seafood to pub and bar hopping, it’s a great start to a week in paradise isle.
DAY 2
Habarana
Around three and a half hours from Negombo (151 kilometres along the A6)
This is one of the main bases of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage and wildlife circuits. Choose from among the attractions of Sigiri ya, Pidurangala, Dambulla and Ritigala for a taste of exquisite heritage, and add a quick tour of Hiriwaduna to experience that scenic village feel. Make sure to visit one of the three wildlife parks in this neck of the woods.
DAY 3
Polonnaruwa
Roughly an hour’s drive from Habarana (46 kilo metres along the A11)
This is an ancient capital and royal city. Visit its ruins from those days of glory extant in ruins and relics, which range from monasteries, massive stupas, dagobas and twin ponds to a grand royal palace – all nestled within a sprawling forest and verdant surrounds. Immerse yourself in the architectural wonders of historic Sri Lanka including hydro-technology that was centuries ahead of its time!
DAY 4
Matale
Slightly over three hours from Polonnaruwa (137 kilometres along the A11 and A9)
Nestled in the valley of the Knuckles Mountain Range, Matale is a great place to visit if you want to avoid the madding crowds at touristy hotspots such as Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Hike through pristine forests or visit the isolated village of Meemure as well as the scenic man-made Sembuwatta Lake.
DAY 5
Mahiyanganaya
A little over two and a half hours from Matale (88 kilometres along the A9 and A26)
This is the home of Sri Lanka’s indigenous tribe known as the Veddas. Visit their village in Dambana and catch a glimpse of how these native inhabitants of the island get about their daily lives. Make sure to visit the stunning Sorabora Wewa, which is a reservoir that’s said to have been built by a giant named Bulatha.
DAY 6
Yala National Park
Roughly three and a half hours from Mahiyanganaya (160 kilometres along the B57, B56 and B35)
Yala is one of the island’s most loved wildlife destinations – especially since it brings you up close to regal leopards, majestic elephants, ambling bears, and a plethora of brilliantly coloured migratory and endemic birds. Visit the ancient temple of Sithulpawwa and Kirinda Beach, which are located in the park.
DAY 7
Bentota
Three hours from Yala (206 kilometres along the E01)
Bentota is a beachfront as well as riverine holiday destination, and has a bit of everything to see. Start the day with a visit to the architectural wonder of Brief Garden, then head over to Bentota Beach to enjoy the adrenaline pumping water sports while you work up an appetite. Then tuck into the amazing local dishes and wrap up your trip with a Madu Ganga river safari.
Compiled by Nicola Jayasundera
Thank you for visiting Sri Lanka and we hope to see you again soon – Ayubowan (may you live long)!
NOTE: Travel times and distances are based on Google Maps.