Sri Lanka 6 Day Itinerary

Title: Sri Lanka 6-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Colombo

  • Place to Go: Start your journey in Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Visit Galle Face Green, Independence Square, and Pettah Market.
  • Activities: Explore the vibrant street food scene at Galle Face Green, shop for souvenirs at Pettah Market, and learn about Sri Lankan history at Independence Memorial Hall.
  • Things to Know: Colombo can be quite chaotic, but it’s full of life and energy. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like markets.
  • Visa Requirements: A tourist visa is required for most nationalities. You can easily apply online and get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
  • Transportation: Tuk-tuks are the cheapest way to travel within Colombo, but taxis are also widely available.

Day 2: Dambulla & Sigiriya

  • Place to Go: Visit Dambulla Golden Temple and climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
  • Activities: Marvel at the Buddhist murals and statues inside the Dambulla Cave Temple, and hike up Sigiriya Rock for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Things to Know: The climb up Sigiriya is steep and requires a good level of fitness. Wear comfortable shoes and carry water.
  • Transportation: Hire a car or join a tour from Colombo, as public transportation can be challenging in this area.

Day 3: Polonnaruwa & Minneriya National Park

  • Place to Go: Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and visit Minneriya National Park for a safari.
  • Activities: Discover the ruins of Polonnaruwa, including the Gal Vihara rock temple carvings. In the afternoon, go on a safari in Minneriya National Park to spot elephants, leopards, and birds.
  • Things to Know: The park is best visited during the dry season (July to October) when animals gather around the water reservoir.
  • Transportation: Hire a car or join a tour from Sigiriya.

Day 4: Kandy

  • Place to Go: Visit the Temple of the Tooth, Royal Botanical Gardens, and explore the city.
  • Activities: Witness the evening Puja ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, and explore Kandy Lake and the bustling local markets.
  • Things to Know: Be respectful when visiting religious sites; remove shoes and dress modestly.
  • Transportation: Hire a car or join a tour from Polonnaruwa or Sigiriya.

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya

  • Place to Go: Visit the tea plantations, Gregory Lake, and Sita Temple in Nuwara Eliya.
  • Activities: Learn about the tea production process at a tea factory, enjoy a boat ride on Gregory Lake, and visit the Sita Temple dedicated to Lord Rama’s wife.
  • Things to Know: Nuwara Eliya is located at a high altitude, so it can be chilly; pack warm clothing.
  • Transportation: Hire a car or join a tour from Kandy.

Day 6: Galle & Unawatuna

  • Place to Go: Explore the Dutch colonial town of Galle and relax at Unawatuna Beach.
  • Activities: Walk around the Galle Fort, visit the National Maritime Museum, and unwind at Unawatuna Beach.
  • Things to Know: Galle is famous for its seafood; try some at one of the local restaurants.
  • Transportation: Hire a car or join a tour from Nuwara Eliya. Alternatively, take a train from Kandy to Ella and then connect to Galle by bus or taxi.