Ultimate 3 week Sri Lanka Itinerary: 2024 Guide

Planning 3 weeks in Sri Lanka? You’re in the right place! Sri Lanka is an amazing country to explore with beautiful beaches, rich culture, vibrant jungles and the friendliest of people. This is our detailed and easy to follow 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary and beyond!

We share how to get around the country and how much things should cost in Sri Lanka. Let’s find out how to spend the best 3 weeks in Sri Lanka!

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How to Plan a 3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary

This is your ultimate guide on how to plan a 3 week trip to Sri Lanka! We’ll cover the following topics:

• How long to spend in Sri Lanka
• Where to visit in Sri Lanka
• What types of accommodation you can stay in
• How to get around Sri Lanka
• How much do things cost in Sri Lanka

First time in Sri Lanka? Check out these 20 Tips to Know Before Travelling to Sri Lanka!

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka? (Weather in Sri Lanka)

The best time to visit Sri Lanka is between December and April. Although it’s possible to visit Sri Lanka all year round as the country experiences two monsoons at opposite times of the year.

If you’re wondering where to go in Sri Lanka in December, the southwest is a great choice! As the southwest monsoon is from late April to September and the northeast monsoon is from November to March. So if you’re thinking about where to go in Sri Lanka in August, why not explore the north and find some hidden gems!

Our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary is best suited for those visiting between December and April and is considered the best time to go to Sri Lanka to see the main sights.

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How to get around Sri Lanka?

Public Buses & Trains – This is one of the best ways to get a local feel of Sri Lanka, buses run everywhere in the country and trains are great to use in the hilly country & the west/southwest of Sri Lanka. They’re very affordable and a fun experience on your backpacking Sri Lanka itinerary!

Hire a driver – This is a very popular option for those travelling in groups or with suitcases. It’s the most comfortable way to get around Sri Lanka and you’ll have more freedom with your own schedule. We found many Sri Lankan drivers through Facebook groups.

Catch local tuk-tuk’s – The distance from each destination isn’t too long in Sri Lanka, so it’s possible to catch local tuk-tuk’s throughout the country! This option is flexible but will cost more than public buses and trains.

Rent your own tuk-tuk – Did you know it’s possible to rent and drive a tuk-tuk for the whole of your Sri Lanka itinerary? What an amazing way to tour the country! You’ll need to pick up an extra license in Colombo before you begin your trip. Find out more here – Tuk-tuk rentals.

Ultimate 3 week Sri Lanka Itinerary

Here we go! The reason you came to this article – What to do in Sri Lanka – In this 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary, we’ll show you the top places to visit in Sri Lanka and how to get to each destination.

Day 1 | Negombo

Negombo is where you’ll want to start your 3 week Sri Lanka trip, you’ll be arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) which is much closer to Negombo than it is Colombo.

How to get to Negombo from the airport? – The best way to get to your Negombo accommodation is to download the app PickMe and catch a local tuk-tuk. From the airport to Negombo beach it should only take 30 minutes and the journey cost around Rs 600.

Things to do in Negombo

Relax and unwind from your journey

After your long journey to Sri Lanka, you may want to relax, sleep and try out some delicious Sri Lankan food in Negombo. Head out to Negombo Beach to find the main strip of restaurants and shops.

Negombo Beach

This is the main beach in Negombo, lined with beachside restaurants – it’s a good place to take your first dip in Sri Lanka (the Indian Ocean)

Muthurajawela Marsh

You can do a 1-hour boat ride from Diksan Boat Tours and spot wildlife along the marsh. Find out more here – Muthurajawela Marsh Details

Where to stay in Negombo

Serendib Village Guest House ($) – A peaceful jungly spot in Negombo

Find them on Booking.com here – Serendib Village Guest House (Negombo)

How to get from Negombo to Sigiriya

The next place to visit on your Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary is Sigiriya. You can arrange a mini-van with your hotel to get to Sigiriya or you can catch local buses. We opted for local bus rides and have created a detailed guide on How to get from Negombo to Sigiriya. It’s so affordable by bus!

Days 2-4 | Sigiriya

Sigiriya is one of the top places to visit in Sri Lanka and the perfect way to kick off your Sri Lanka backpacking itinerary! There are many amazing activities in Sigiriya that should be at the top of your Sri Lanka bucket list. Here are a few ways you can spend 2-3 days in the small jungle town:

Things to do in Sigiriya

Sunrise at Pidurangala rock

The first thing you’ll want to do in Sigiriya is a sunrise hike at Pidurangala Rock. The views are breathtaking as you get to look out onto the famous Sigiriya Rock. The climb only takes The price is $3 USD which is perfect for those backpacking Sri Lanka.

It takes about 30 minutes to get to the top and some parts are very rocky. Hiking up to the rock for sunrise was honestly one of our favourite things to do in Sri Lanka.

Spend the afternoon in Dambulla

Dambulla is famous for having the best-preserved and largest cave temple in Sri Lanka. You only need to spend an afternoon in Dambulla to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple (Rs 1500). It’s possible to get there by public bus or tuk-tuk.

Sunset at Sigiriya Rock

Another one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka is to climb Sigiriya Rock (also known as Lion Rock). If you’ve seen photos of Sri Lanka, you may have seen this impressive rock in the middle of the jungle. It takes around 30-45 minutes to climb to the top with steps the whole way.

It’s very popular to go for sunset as it opens at 7 am (meaning you miss sunset). The price is USD $30pp which is one of the most pricey activities you will do in Sri Lanka, but we think it’s worth it. Sigiriya Rock is a must on your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary if you have the budget for it.

Day Trip to Polonnaruwa

If you’re wondering whether to visit Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura, we recommend Polonnaruwa! It’s a great day trip from Sigiriya and the ruins are more preserved here than in Anuradhapura.

The ticket price to visit the ruins of Polonnaruwa is US $25 which is another pricey activity in Sri Lanka, but a very historic place to visit. There are many ruins and temples to visit here such as Kiri Vehera and Satmahal Prasada – you can even spot monkeys in the area!

You can get from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa by tuk-tuk or by public bus starting at Inamaluwa. Ask your accommodation for details on this or you can rent a scooter and drive there yourself (which is what we did)!

One of the best experiences we had in Sri Lanka was spotting wild elephants on the side of the road whilst driving back from Polonnaruwa! They were magical to see and a complete surprise!

More things to do in Sigiriya: Another activity to do near Sigiriya is to visit Minneriya National Park – best to visit during the dry season between May to September. Find out more here – A visit to Minneriya National Park.

Where to stay in Sigiriya

Sigiriya River Side Home Stay ($) – Amazing value & Great Location

This was one of our favourite homestays in our whole 3 weeks in Sri Lanka. A lovely family serving us amazing Sri Lankan breakfasts and dinners each day. The accommodation is surrounded by jungle and very close to the Sigiriya attractions.

Find them on Booking.com here – Sigiriya River Side Home Stay (Sigiriya)

Best Restaurants in Sigiriya

Wijesiri Family Restaurant ($) – Sri Lankan & Western Cuisine

Find the location here – Wijesiri Family Restaurant Location

Eat at a local homestay! ($) We enjoyed our breakfast and dinners at our homestay in Sri Lanka and it was great to try the local cuisine from a family.

How to get from Sigiriya to Kandy

To make this journey by public bus, you have to get a bus from Sigiriya to Dambulla and then from Dambulla to Kandy. However, at the Dambulla bus station after waiting 20 minutes, a small mini-van pulled up and shouted ‘Kandy Kandy get in’, it was full of people and we had the last two seats. We paid Rs 450 each for this journey.

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Days 4-6 | Kandy

Kandy is the Cultural centre of Sri Lanka and a great place to spend 1 or 2 nights.

Things to do in Kandy

Tooth Relic

One of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and it’s the reason Kandy is considered the cultural hub of Sri Lanka.

Kandy holds the relic of a tooth of Lord Buddha himself. It’s located inside the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth and is Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic.

When visiting local tour guides may try to offer you a tour by simply following you around, just politely tell them you don’t want a tour if you’re not interested. If you do, they can be really informative and it doesn’t cost too much for the experience you’ll get.

Dress code: Cover your shoulders and knees – and you will be asked to take your shoes off before you enter the temple complex.

Botanical Gardens

The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens are a great way to spend an afternoon in Kandy. A ticket to the gardens costs Rs 2000 per person and you will need to catch a local tuk-tuk to get there. The botanical gardens are huge with over 4,000 different species of plants!

Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue

Uphill from Kandy city centre is the beautiful Buddha statue of Kandy. You can climb upstairs to reach the top next to the Buddha’s head whilst appreciating the views of Kandy city.

Kandy Lake

Kandy Lake is in the heart of Kandy, you really can’t miss it. You will spot monitor lizards, many types of birds, bats and turtles! It’s a beautiful lake to walk around in the evening after a day of exploring.

Where to stay in Kandy

Kandy Backpackers Hostel ($) – Good value in Kandy!

Slightly uphill in Kandy yet walkable to the city centre is Kandy Backpackers Hostel – they have private double rooms or dorm rooms and they offer free breakfast and dinner daily. It’s a great place to meet people and learn more about Sri Lankan cooking at dinner time. (Plus they have a swimming pool!)

Find them on Booking.com here – Kandy Backpackers Hostel

How to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

The famous train journey is the best way to get to Nuwara Eliya and you’ll have amazing views of tea plantations. At Kandy station, you can book a 2nd or 3rd class unreserved or reserved ticket. We booked our tickets at the station 2 days before and were given 3rd class reserved seats which meant we had a seat on the train.

We recommend booking a 2nd class reserved ticket as it seems the best value with more comfortable seats than 3rd class. If you don’t get a reserved seat, no worries you can try to find a seat or sit in the aisle next to the door for beautiful views.

Days 6-8 | Nuwara Eliya

The climate in Nuwara Eliya will be the coldest place you’ll visit on this 3 week Sri Lanka Itinerary. We recommend bringing a shirt to cover up in the evenings. It’s still 25 degrees Celsius in the daytime but you’ll notice the locals wearing hats and coats.

Things to do in Nuwara Eliya

The train will drop you off at Nanuoya, you can get the local bus or a tuk-tuk up to Nuwara Eliya and your accommodation.

Ramboda Falls

Ramboda Falls was one of our favourite things to do in Sri Lanka, it’s a small hike up to the impressive falls and you can even bathe in the water. It’s only Rs 100 to enter the hike which is totally worth it! We got here by scooter, however, tuk-tuk’s will also take you here for an affordable price.

Lovers Leap Waterfall

The main water source for Nuwara Eliya – Lovers Leap waterfall is about 30 meters high! To visit this waterfall you pass through beautiful tea plantations which are part of the experience itself.

Bluefield Tea Gardens

Learn about the varieties of Ceylon tea here at Bluefield Tea Gardens! When visiting the Tea Estate you can look at the tea manufacturing process whilst trying a hot cup of tea. It’s also very close to Ramboda Falls if you want to create a day trip to both.

The Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel offer many types of tea to try and it’s a great spot to relax after your busy Sri Lanka itinerary in 3 weeks! The hotel has very interesting architecture making it a lovely place to visit. They also offer many other services – find out more!

Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya

Pedro View Homestay ($) – In the hills of Nuwara Eliya

A lovely homestay near Lovers Leap Waterfall. They offer breakfast and dinner at an extra cost, but it is amazing! Very helpful family and provided blankets for the chilly nights in Nuwara Eliya.

Find them on Booking.com here – Pedro View Homestay (Nuwara Eliya)

Best Restaurants in Nuwara Eliya

Ambaal’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant ($)

Find the location here: Ambaal’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant

How to get from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

The best way to get from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is to continue on the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka. It will take a few hours but you’ll have amazing views! You can book your train tickets online in advance or book them at the train station. Alternatively, you can get a public bus or mini-van.

Days 9-10 | Ella

Ella is another beautiful mountain town in the hilly areas of Sri Lanka. We highly recommend checking out our in-depth 3 Day Ella Itinerary to find out many more tips about Ella including how to get to the following locations.

Things to do in Ella

Sunrise hike at Little Adams Peak

A sunrise hike at Little Adams Peak was one of our favourite things to do in Sri Lanka. It’s a really easy 15-minute hike to the top and if you wake up early enough to watch the sunrise, it will feel amazing. The colours are breathtaking and you will get views over the mountains and valley. For more info on how to get there – find out here!

Visit the Nine Arch Bridge

The famous Nine Arch Bridge is another popular place to visit in Sri Lanka and it’s become a very Instagrammable spot too! It’s amazing to see the train going across the bridge whilst sipping a fresh King Coconut. For more information on how to get there – find out here!

Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory

A visit to Sri Lanka is completed by tasting fresh Sri Lankan tea. Both Nuwara Eliya and Ella are surrounded by beautiful tea plantations. If you have space on your Sri Lanka 3 week Itinerary, take a visit to Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory to find out how the workers pick and make the tea. The tickets are US $3 per person for an informative tour.

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Ella Rock

Similar to Little Adams Peak, Ella Rock is a beautiful place to spend sunrise or sunset. It’s definitely a harder hike than Little Adams Peak but the views are just as rewarding. It’s a little tricky to find the way there but it’s definitely possible if you have the correct directions!

Take a Sri Lankan Cooking Class in Ella

A Sri Lankan cooking class is something you should add to your 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary! It’s an amazing experience and you get to cook and eat your own local Sri Lankan dishes! We learnt so much from Matey Hut and would 100% recommend this to anyone! Find the location here – Matey Hut Restaurant and Cooking Class.

Other things to do in Ella – Look at our 3 Day Ella Itinerary for more places to visit and in-depth information! For now, here are two other destinations: Liptons Seat location here and Diyaluma Falls Location here.

Where to stay in Ella

New Farmers Paradise ($) – Peaceful Homestay in Ella

This is where we stayed and it was one of our best homestays in Sri Lanka – fresh Sri Lankan breakfast every day and the option of dinner. The host even hiked with us to Ella Rock!

Find them on Booking.com here – New Farmers Paradise (Ella)

Mountain Heavens ($$$) – Luxury stay in Ella

Find them on Booking.com here – Mountain Heavens (Ella)

Best Restaurants in Ella

Rainbow Cafe – Located right on the main street is Rainbow cafe – a very chill cafe serving a lot of vegan-friendly food! (Very affordable vegan gnocchi, smoothie bowls and Sri Lankan cuisine too. Find the location here: Rainbow Cafe Location

Matey Hut – As we recommend their cooking class, we’d love to share their restaurant too! Amazing vegan-friendly Sri Lankan cuisine. Find the location here: Matey Hut Location

How to get from Ella to Udawalawe

To get to Udawalawe by public bus you will need to head to the junction next to Ella town. Catch a bus to Walawaya (Rs 85 per person) which should take just under 1 hour. Then you catch a bus to ‘Colombo’ that passes through Udawalawe. We had to take two buses from Walawaya, one to Thanamalwila (Rs 150) and then another to Udawalawe (Bus 98, Rs 107). You can also take a local tuk-tuk or minivan.

Day 11-12 | Udawalawe

Udawalawe National Park

The main reason Udawalawe is on our 3 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary is because of Udawalawe National Park. Safaris are one of the reasons people love visiting Sri Lanka. There are many national parks in the country however the most popular one is Yala National Park. We are recommending Udawalawe as the animals are less crowded and there will be fewer people.

You will need to hire a diver and a jeep to do a safari at Udawalawe National Park – your accommodation is the best place to book these tours. It’s good to have a full jeep (up to 6 people) when entering the park to minimize the number of jeeps and it will also be cheaper for you!

It cost us about US $20 per person to share a 5-person jeep and that included our National Park entrance fee. Before you start the safari ride make sure to ask your driver not to go too close to any animals.

Where to stay in Udawalawe

Kottawatta River Bank Resort ($$) – Amazing value in Udawalawe

Here you can stay in luxury wooden tents for only (US $30) a night! After your safari ride, you can take a dip in Kottawatta’s luxury looking swimming pool!

Find them on Booking.com here – Kottawatta River Bank Resort

How to get from Udawalawe to Tangalle

Tuk-Tuk: There will be many tuk-tuk drivers in Udawalawe asking if you need a ride to the South Coast or you can arrange one with your hotel.

By Bus: There is currently one direct bus a day at 12:30pm that goes straight to Tangalle (Bus Number 61). It will take about 2 hours to get from Udawalawe to Tangalle. If you want to leave earlier than midday, you can get a bus to Embilipitiya and then change to a bus going to Tangalle.

Days 12-13 | Tangalle

Moving onto the South Coast of Sri Lanka – this is now your time to relax on beaches, try out surfing and carefully snorkel with turtles! We have created an even more detailed South Coast Sri Lanka itinerary if you want to check it out too!

Tangalle will be your first stop in the South and you will be greeted with long beaches and a laidback vibe, it’s the quietest beach town on the itinerary but you only need 1 night here before moving on to other spots on this Sri Lanka 3 week itinerary.

Things to do in Tangalle

Kayaking in Tangalle Lagoon

Float through Tangalle’s Lagoon by renting a kayak. There are many water birds and wildlife to spot along the way. It’s possible to book these trips at local stands or with your accommodation, we also found these suggestions online!

Spot the fishermen at Harmony Beach

One of the beaches in Tangalle is Harmony Beach – a long stretch of sand leading to the Fish Market in Tangalle town centre. It’s a great place to sunbathe and watch the local fishermen.

Goyambokka Beach

A lovely way to spend the evening is to catch a sunset at Goyambokka beach. It’s an area where you’ll find more luxury accommodations in Tangalle. The beach is very cosy and you can watch the sky turn many colours of orange whilst sipping on a fresh king coconut.

Where to stay in Tangalle

Natural Cabanas – A great budget accommodation in Tangalle ($)

Natural Cabanas is only minutes from the beach and surrounded by nature! They offer breakfast included in the price and can help you book any activities in Tangalle. It’s a lovely area to stay in Tangalle. Find them on Booking.com here – Natural Cabanas (Tangalle)

Best Restaurants in Tangalle

Tangalle Rice & Curry Restaurant ($$) – Find them on Google Maps here – Tangalle Rice & Curry Restaurant. This is one of the best restaurants in Tangalle for buffet Sri Lankan food – located near Goyambokka beach.

How to get from Tangalle to Hiriketiya

You can catch most buses heading to Matara as they will pass by Hirketiya on the way. You will want to tell the bus driver you’re going to Dickwella as that’s the nearest town to Hiriketiya which is the beach area. The bus will be Rs 75 per person. You can also catch local tuk-tuks.

Days 13-15 | Hiriketiya

Hiriketiya is a surfers paradise! It’s one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for surfing and the beaches are just as enjoyable for non-surfers too! It’s a beautiful area on the south coast and definitely made it on our list when planning what to do in Sri Lanka.

Things to do in Hiriketiya

Surfing at Hiriketiya Beach

Surfing at Hiriketiya beach is one of the reasons people add this to their 3 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary. It’s great for any level of surfers and you can rent surfboards here for Rs250 – Rs500.

Blue Beach Island

A quieter beach to check out whilst in Hiriketiya is Blue Beach – at low tide, it’s possible to walk on the sand over to the island and it looks like you’re walking on water. This photo will do more justice than our words!

Mulkirigala Raja Maha Viharaya

A 30-minute drive from Hiriketiya is Mulkirigala / Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya – a Buddhist temple complex with fascinating cave shrines engraved from rock. This temple is actually more ancient than Sigiriya Rock by a couple of centuries!

Where to stay in Hiriketiya

Indunil Place (Hiriketiya) – The most comfortable homestay in Hiriketiya ($)

Just up the road from Hiriketiya Beach is Indunil Place. It’s a lovely homestay with real Sri Lankan breakfasts served each morning. It’s a great value here and the family are very helpful with anything you need.

Find them on Booking.com here – Indunil Place (Hiriketiya)

Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya

Dots Bay House ($$) – Just next to Hiriketiya Beach is Dots Bay House, a very relaxed area to take your break from the beach. We indulged in our first vegan pizza in Sri Lanka. Find them on Google Maps here – Dots Bay House

Garlic Cafe ($) – Garlic Cafe is the place to go for amazing Sri Lankan food. Separate from their menu, they even have a rice and curry buffet for only Rs500, which is a great value! Find them on Google Maps here – Garlic Cafe

How to get from Hiriketiya to Mirissa

Tuk-Tuk or Car: It’s really easy to book a ride with your accommodation or flag a tuk-tuk down on the street to take you to Mirissa. Stop by Hummanaya Blow Hole on the way to see one of the largest blowholes in the world!

Bus: We caught the 334/1 bus heading to Matara for Rs 75 each. Find a local bus stop next to traffic heading west and look out for buses heading to Matara or Galle. When a bus turns up, ask to go to Dickwella as that’s the closest town to Hiriketiya.

Days 15-18 | Mirissa

Things to do in Mirissa

Beaches in Mirissa

There are many beaches in Mirissa and Mirissa Beach is the most popular! Take the morning to sunbathe and relax or try to find Secret Beach. How to get to Secret Beach? Head through Harbor Road and follow the way to the beach.

Coconut Tree Hill

The best and most popular spot for sunset in Mirissa is Coconut Tree Hill. The photos speak for themselves! It can get very busy here in the evenings and you may prefer to visit during the day if you want an iconic picture of you on Coconut Tree Hill.

Weligama (Surfers Paradise)

Another great surfer spot in Sri Lanka is Weligama Beach – one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka to catch some waves or take a surfing lesson. It also ended up being one of our favourite spots out of our 3 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary.

The beach is long which means there’s lots of room for everyone to visit. The strip is full of beachside restaurants and you can even find vegan ice cream (Location here: Cruising Smoothly).

See turtles at Madiha Beach

A short journey away from Mirissa is Madiha Beach – one of the best places to see turtles in Sri Lanka. You can rent snorkels nearby or simply watch the turtles pop their heads up from the shore. Make sure to not touch the turtles as it can harm their bodies!

Shop at The Doctors House

Right next to Madiha Beach is The Doctors House – A great place to shop for clothes at the markets in the late afternoon.

Check out more places to visit in Mirissa in our detailed South Coast Sri Lanka itinerary!

Where to stay in Mirissa

Eco Square Resort – Great location & hotel in Mirissa ($)

Eco Square Resort was a lovely stay in Mirissa – close to the beach and our favourite restaurant! They offer free breakfast and help with anything you may need!

Find them on Booking.com here – Eco Square Resort (Mirissa)

Best Restaurants in Mirissa

Dewmini Roti Shop ($) – Our favourite restaurant in Mirissa is Dewmini Roti Shop! We ate here every day to try their kottu roti and vegan sweet roti. It’s very affordable and the owners are so lovely. Find them on Google Maps here – Dewmini Roti Shop

Shady Lane Mirissa ($$) – Popular for their smoothie bowls and avocado toast is Shady Lane Mirissa. They are one of the vegan-friendly cafes in Mirissa – Find them on Google Maps here – Shady Lane Mirissa

How to get from Mirissa to Unawatuna

Getting the bus is really easy from Mirissa to Unawatuna as you just hop on most buses that are heading west. If you take a tuk-tuk or car from Mirrisa to Unawatuna, check out Animal SOS Sri Lanka – a sanctuary supporting the animals of Sri Lanka. You can join one of their morning daily tours.

Days 18-20 | Unawatuna

Things to do in Unawatuna

Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna Beach is the main beach in Unawatuna, next to the main restaurant strip. You can go diving here, paddleboard and we even saw people on jet-skis! There are also beautiful sunsets.

Visit Galle for an afternoon

Galle definitely makes it onto our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary. Galle Fort is the main reason to visit the city on the south coast. It was first built in 1588 by the Portuguese and is now filled with restaurants and shops inside the fort walls. You can catch a public bus to Galle or a local tuk-tuk.

Things to do in Galle Fort: Galle Fort Lighthouse, Shopping & Dining, Vegan icecream at Cafe 82

Japanese Peace Pagoda & Jungle Beach

The Japanese Peace Pagoda is worth a visit in Unawatuna. It’s a unique Buddhist shrine and was made as a symbol to promote peace on the island. You can catch a tuk-tuk up the hill and even visit Jungle Beach at the same time. Once you start seeing signs to descend to the beach, it’s only a short walk down.

The Palm Rope Swing

One of the best spots for sunsets in Unawatuna is the Palm Rope Swing. It’s near Dalawella Beach which is a 30-minute walk from Unawatuna Beach. The palm tree is next to a restaurant and they usually ask for a small fee to use the swing. Here’s the location here: The Palm Rope Swing.

Where to stay in Unawatuna

Unawatuna Guest – Good location in Unawatuna ($)

Unawatuna Guest is close to the major sights including near the main strip in Unawatuna centre. You can also catch the bus to Galle very close by.

Find them on Booking.com here – Unawatuna Guest (Unawatuna)

Best Restaurants in Unawatuna

Mahesh Roti Shop ($) – Right on the main strip is Mahesh Roti Shop. They specialize in roti and you can watch them cook at the front of the restaurant. Find them on Google Maps here – Mahesh Roti Shop

Coconut Style Restaurant ($) – Down the road, you’ll find Coconut Style Restaurant. We’re adding this to our 3 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary because they have a Jackfruit Kottu Roti on their menu, which is so unique in Sri Lanka. Find them on Google Maps here – Coconut Style Restaurant

How to get from Unawatuna to Colombo

From Unawatuna, you can get one of the local trains or buses to Colombo. The trains are very easy to catch and usually have a lot of room – you may have to transfer at Galle station. Alternatively, book a private tuk-tuk or car with your accommodation.

Day 20-21 | Colombo

Colombo will be the place you end your 3 week Sri Lanka route, so you can experience one day in the capital city whilst also being close to the international airport. There are a few things to do in Colombo whilst you wait for your flight:

Things to do in Colombo

Explore Pettah Market

Pettah Market is close to Colombo Fort and is a great way to start your day in Colombo. You’ll see the real hustle of the capital city and watch the locals pick their morning produce. You can also pick up some last-minute gifts or clothes from the markets.

For a more detailed guide on Colombo, check out our 7 Best Places to visit in Colombo!

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red mosque)

Also in Colombo Fort is the Red Mosque, which opened in 1909, and was originally built to accommodate 1,500 worshippers at any one time. Its beautiful colours make it worth a visit when looking for things to do in Sri Lanka.

Visit Gangaramaya Park & Seema Malakaya

On Beira Lake in Colombo, you will find Gangaramaya Park and Seema Malakaya Temple. They’re both very peaceful places to visit in the busy city and you can even rent paddle boats on the water.

Where to stay in Colombo

C1 Colombo Fort ($$) – Great Location in Colombo

Colombo is a little more pricey than the rest of Sri Lanka, but we think C1 Colombo Fort is a great value! It’s a great location and also close to the bus and train station to get to the airport.

Find them on Booking.com here – C1 Colombo Fort (Colombo)

Best Restaurants in Colombo

Golden Cafe ($) – Vegetarian South Indian Cuisine – Find the location here – Golden Cafe Location

How to get from Colombo to Colombo Airport

Option 1 – Go to the bus station and catch the number 187 bus to the airport, it can take up to 2 hours – Rs 150 per person.

Option 2 – Book a tuk-tuk or private driver with your accommodation or PickMe

3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary Breakdown:

Negombo – Sigiriya – (Polonnaruwa) – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Udawalawe – Tangalle – Hiriketiya – Mirissa – Unawatuna – (Galle) – Colombo

• Negombo – 1 night – Airport city with beaches and international restaurants
• Sigiriya – 3 nights – Historic town with the most famous sight in Sri Lanka
• Kandy – 2 nights – Cultural hub of Sri Lanka and a lake filled with wildlife
• Nuwara Eliya – 2 nights – Small mountain town surrounded by tea plantations
• Ella – 3 nights – Mountain town with breathtaking hikes
• Udawalawe – 1 night – Safari in Udawalawe National Park
• Tangalle – 1 night – Long beaches and a chilled quiet vibe
• Hiriketiya – 2 nights – Surf spots and beautiful beaches
• Mirissa – 3 nights – The hub of the South with beaches, nightlife & surfing
• Unawatuna – 2 nights – Day trip to Galle, beaches & culture
• Colombo – 1 night– The busy Capital city of Sri Lanka

Other Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Every 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary may look a little different as so many places to visit in Sri Lanka! Here are a few options for you:

• Jaffna (city)
• Anuradhapura (ruins)
• Trincomalee (beach)
• Adams Peak (hike)
• Arugam Bay (beach)
• Hikkaduwa (beach)
• Bentota (beach)

Do you want to be a more sustainable traveller in Sri Lanka? Check out our 18 Great Eco-Friendly Travel Products You Need to Swap in 2024 guide!

Sri Lanka Price Guide

We visited Sri Lanka in January 2022 which was right before the economy dipped massively! Locals were queuing up for fuel and the Sri Lankan rupee was scarily low. As of 2024, the country is improving but the crisis is still in the background.

We’ve tried to adjust these prices using Google Maps and asking other travellers in Sri Lanka at the moment, but use our price guide as a rough guide, as things can change quickly!

➤ Get an E-sim with Airalo for your Sri Lanka trip!

Accommodation Prices:

Budget $ – Around Rs 4700 (£12 a night)
Mid $ – Around Rs 1200 (£30 a night)

Average Food Prices (prices may have changed)

• Homestay Sri Lankan Dinner – Rs 700
• Fresh Smoothie – Rs 150 – 300
• Sri Lankan Meal – Rs 200 – 500
• Western Food – Rs 500 – 1000
• Beer – Rs 500

Transportation:

Buses & Trains – Averagely around Rs 200 per long ride

Tuk-tuk – Can be around Rs 2300 for a 2-hour ride or Rs 600 for a 30-minute ride. Always ask for a better price if you think it’s too much for the distance.

Main Attractions:

• Sigiriya Rock – US $35
• Pidurangala Rock – Rs 1000
• Polonnaruwa Ruins – US $25
• Ramboda Falls – Rs 200
• Udawalawe Safari Ride – Around Rs 5000 each (5 person jeep)
• Surf Board Rental – Rs 250 – 500 per hour
• Tea Factory Tour – US $3

Market Prices:

Most clothes at a market should be around Rs 600, if there’s no price, the shop owners will usually try to charge you more.

Fruits, especially bananas, are also extremely affordable. People at the market will always try to upsell you, just ask them what the real price is.

We usually ask our homestay or accommodation for the correct Sri Lankan prices so we know beforehand.

Sim Card: Dialog 4G with 35Gb Data for Rs 1600 (£6)

As you can see, Sri Lanka is very affordable, although not as cheap as India. Did you know that Sri Lanka is around 40% cheaper than Thailand?

What to pack for Sri Lanka? (Sri Lanka Packing Guide)

Sri Lanka is a hot country, with only a few chilly areas which means you want to pack for summer! When entering temples and sacred areas you must cover your shoulders and knees which means shorts become a little inconvenient.

We recommend wearing clothes that cover your knees in most places around Sri Lanka, however, it’s also possible to wear shorts and carry a sarong for when you want to cover up.

Here are a few things you should pack for Sri Lanka on top of your ‘normal summer packing list’:

• Sarong (can also be used as a blanket on the beach)
• Long pair of trousers
• Sun cream
• Shirt or light jumper
• Rain Jacket
• Mosquito repellent
• Sandals / Flip Flops

What food to try in Sri Lanka?

The Sri Lankan Cuisine is one of the reasons we are hoping to visit Sri Lanka again in the future! It’s incredible and mostly plant-based. Here are a few dishes you must try on your Sri Lanka travel itinerary:

• Rice & Curry
• Kottu Roti
• Hoppers (traditionally with egg)
• String Hoppers (rice noodles)
• Coconut Sambol
• Coconut Roti
• Dhal Curry
• Vegetable Roti (Spicy curry triangle pastry)

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka

Hotels, homestays and guesthouses are the most popular accommodations in Sri Lanka. Hostels aren’t as popular in the country, although they are around.

We recommend finding your accommodation on Booking.com! However many hotels or homestays will make a little extra if you book with them directly.

We usually find our accommodation through Booking.com and then try to find a phone number to WhatsApp them directly. Sometimes we book 1 night online and then book more nights with them in person, so then we can leave a good review on Booking.com for others!

How do I travel Sri Lanka?

Travelling or backpacking Sri Lanka is very easy! There are trains and public buses running throughout the country and the distances are never too far as Sri Lanka is a small country. If you’re not confident about catching public transport there are many drivers or tuk-tuk’s that you can use.

How many days are enough for Sri Lanka?

Although it’s possible to see parts of Sri Lanka with any amount of time – we recommend 3 weeks in Sri Lanka to see a great variety. After reading this 10 day South Coast Sri Lanka itinerary you now know where to go in South Sri Lanka. We also have an Ella itinerary for when you visit the impressive mountains!

We recommend spending 1 week in the mountain region and up to 1 week in the cultural triangle (Sigiriya area). It’s also possible to make this a 1 week South Sri Lanka itinerary.

Is 10 days enough in Sri Lanka?

Yes! 10 days is a good amount of time to spend in Sri Lanka and still see the main highlights. If you have 10 days in Sri Lanka we recommend visiting Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Udawalawe, Mirissa – spending 1-3 days in each.

To save time it may also be best to hire a driver or choose the fastest option (like tuk-tuk’s) to get around the country. You’ll still be able to do the famous Kandy to Ella train.

2 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary | Is 2 weeks enough in Sri Lanka?

Yes, 2 weeks is a great amount of time to see Sri Lanka! With 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, you can spend 9 days in Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Then with your other 5 days pick 2 locations on the south coast and pick a National Park to explore for a day.

During a 2 week trip, you can see a lot but it may be more fast-paced than a 3 week trip to Sri Lanka.

1 Month Sri Lanka Itinerary

With 1 month in Sri Lanka, you can complete the 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary and also have extra time to visit places like Anuradhapura near Sigiriya, Trincomalee on the northeast coast, Arugam Bay on the southeast coast.

You can also spend more time in the places we’ve mentioned in this Sri Lanka itinerary as there are many things to do in Sri Lanka!

How to extend a Sri Lanka Visa?

If you want to spend longer than 30 days in Sri Lanka, then it’s possible to extend your Sri Lanka visa. Before or after your 3 week Sri Lanka trip, head to Colombo to discuss visa options at the immigration office. Also, check out the information online on the Immigration.gov.lk webpage.

What to prepare before you visit Sri Lanka

Flights to Sri Lanka – Prices will vary all around the world and at different times of the year. We took a flight from London – Warsaw – Colombo in January and we found the flight via Skyscanner and booked it directly with Polish Airlines.

(We recommend using Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the flight that is best for you and then book it directly with that company. It’s also best to book connecting flights with the same company in case something happens to your first flight, you will not be out of pocket).

Sri Lanka ETA (Visa) – At the time of writing, we had to get our visa online before arrival and it was pretty easy and we had our ETA in minutes. A Sri Lanka ETA costs – $35 USD, however for other countries prices will vary (SAARC $20 USD).

Check prices for your country here – Prices for a Sri Lanka ETA. Here’s the official Sri Lanka ETA Website to apply for your ETA. It may also be possible to get a visa on arrival as the Sri Lanka rules are always being updated in 2023.

Travel Insurance – Travel Insurance is a must when travelling to any country including Sri Lanka. We use a UK travel insurance comparison site to find the insurance that fits us best. However, we have heard extremely good things about World Nomads.

Currency – Sri Lankan Rupee is Sri Lanka’s main currency. (You will find it written in different ways: Rs 200 or 200 LKR) It’s 100% recommended to get the currency once you arrive in Sri Lanka either by using a bank card or money exchange.

Check XE Currency Converter to see the exchange rate for your country’s currency. You can find ATMs and Money Exchange all throughout the country, including the airport. If you can bring US dollars with you, it benefits Sri Lanka so much as it’s a stronger currency for them to receive.

Sim card – We recommend picking up a local sim card as soon as you arrive in Sri Lanka! We both grabbed a local sim card from Dialog 4G with 35Gb Data for Rs1600 (£6) and it was perfect! The wifi isn’t very reliable throughout Sri Lanka.

Apps – PickMe (Tuk-tuk’s in Sri Lanka)

Is Sri Lanka Safe?

Yes! We felt safe throughout our 3 weeks in Sri Lanka. There are many ways you can make yourself feel safer: Don’t leave your valuables unattended. Lock your things away in shared accommodations. Try not to walk alone when it’s dark. Keep your luggage in sight when travelling on buses or trains.

There are experiences that can happen all over the world, but we found that Sri Lanka felt safe for us and the people were always very friendly.

Here’s more of our Sri Lanka Travel Posts:

• 20 Tips to Know Before Travelling to Sri Lanka
• 3 day Ella Itinerary: What to do in Ella, Sri Lanka
• How to get from Negombo to Sigiriya by bus in 2024
• Incredible 10 Day South Coast Sri Lanka Itinerary
• What to do in Colombo: 7 Amazing Places to Visit

That’s the end of our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary! We hope you found the information you were looking for and if you need any help with planning your Sri Lanka trip, send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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