Feel the South Asian Vibes with One week Sri Lanka Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Colombo and Exploring the City

Most of the International tourists arrive in Colombo as the city has an International Airport and host of some five-star hotels to go with. Depending on the time of your arrival in Colombo, your tour operator would form the plan for the day exploration of the biggest city of Sri Lanka. If you arrive in the day, take some hours off before you go out venturing and engulfing the culture of Sri Lanka all by yourself. You would definitely like the architectural setting of the town with most colonial structures still preserved, the old City Hall and Dutch Period Museum. Walk around the Viharamahadevi Park which is known for its flowering plants. Visit the night to the restore the serene atmosphere of Colombo with fine dining options at many restaurants. Ministry of Crab and Barefoot Garden Café are the perfect places to visit for fine dining experiences.

Day 2: Driving from Colombo to Kandy

Most of the tour operators would plan for a driving experience from Colombo to Kandy on the second day as it is one of the most mesmerizing experiences here. In route to Kandy, you can find one of the best experiences of Sri Lanka - the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. It is a two and half hour journey from Colombo and a must for visiting tourists. It is the place where the caretakers and volunteers look after orphaned, abandoned and injured elephants before they are left into their habitat again. You can see a host of elephants walking or feeding or taking a bath. Once in Kandy, check into a hotel and rest if you must, before heading to either the Ceylon Tea Museum or World Buddhism Museum. End your day at Kandy Lake by enjoying a leisurely walk and sunset.

Day 3: Exploring Kandy

The third day of the tour would mostly cover exploring Kandy as the tourist capital of Sri Lanka. It is one of the best picturesque cities of the country on the hills and is a must-visit destination for its reservoirs of natural festivities and heritages. It is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites of the country. You can start your trip with a visit to the world-famous Temple of Tooth Relic or locally called as Dalada Maligawa. The temple has been recognized as a world heritage site and a sacred place for Buddhists all over the world. The next destination to visit in Kandy is the Gem Museum which is evidence of the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. It is here that you should buy souvenirs for your trip to Sri Lanka. Check out precious stone ornaments, Sri Lankan Sapphires in various colors which are found in abundance here. Dabble in Sri Lanka’s rich culture by witnessing a traditional Kandyan dance performance in the evening at the Kandy Lake Club, followed by sampling a few traditional dishes for dinner.

Day 4: Going for a Temple Trail

Sri Lanka is home to many world heritage sites and temples across the South Asian region. You must visit the Nuwara Eliya which has also been called the ‘England of Sri Lanka’ for its obvious beauty as compared to England. The next destination can be the Sri Baktha Hanuman temple which is around an hour travel from Kandy. The temple is situated on the hills of Ramboda and it is the place where Hanuman was searching for Sita, wife of Rama as per the Hindu epic tales of Ramayana which has a reach connection to Sri Lanka. Visit the Seetha Amman temple which is around 20 minutes drive from here. It is the place where Sita is said to have bathed in the stream that runs from the hill at the village of Sita Eliya. A temple has now been built in the name of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman, beside this stream. It is interesting to see the footprints that are said to be Lord Hanuman’s here.

In the evening time, you can visit the Gayathri Pedam which is believed to be the place from where King Ravana’s son Meghnad propitiated Lord Shiva with penance and Prayers. It is said that at this location Lord Shiva granted supernatural powers to Meghnad. End your day with a Pizza at Salmia or some Indian food at Indian Summer. Stay overnight at Nuwara Eliya.

Day 5: Exploring Bentota

On the fifth day of the trip, you should travel to Bentota. Once there, head onto the Bentota River to admire its mangroves and calm waters. It is here where scores of people come for a serene picnic. For exclusive experience, visit the Turtle Hatchery which is a habitat and nesting ground for Turtles and protected by Wildlife Protection Society in  1981. Hit the Bentota beach in the evening for water sports and enjoy the sunset there with some sports and dance.

Day 6: Back in Colombo and Shopping

Your tour operator would care to transfer you to the Capital city on the last day of the trip where you can shop for some souvenirs or rest in your hotel. Buy batik and other handicrafts at Laksala (the state-run handicrafts emporium), or apparel from the factory outlets in Odel. Tea connoisseurs can stock up at the Dilmah Tea Outlet at Crescent Boulevard.

Day 7: Departure from Colombo Airport

After spending a whole week at Sri Lanka, start packing things up and head to the Colombo Airport for departure.