How to See the Best of Sri Lanka in One Week (7-Day Itinerary)

# How to See the Best of Sri Lanka in One Week (7-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary)

In October 2023, we finally ticked off Sri Lanka from our travel bucket list with a memorable 7-day adventure from India. Though a week isn’t enough to explore everything this island nation offers, we discovered that it’s just the right amount of time to fall in love with its charm, culture, and scenic beauty. We went for a week-long trip to Sri Lanka from India during October 2023, and it turned out to be one of the most enriching travel experiences we’ve had. With its lush landscapes, ancient sites, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, Sri Lanka truly lives up to its title as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.”

Of course, there’s a lot to explore in this beautiful island nation. But if you’re short on time, a seven-day itinerary can still give you a fulfilling glimpse into what makes Sri Lanka so special. This guide is based on our personal travel experience and is perfect for anyone looking to cover historical landmarks, scenic spots, and serene beaches within a week.

## Pre-Trip Planning Essentials

A little planning goes a long way in ensuring a stress-free vacation. Here’s what we did before embarking on our one week Sri Lankan adventure:

Currency Exchange: We compared exchange rates at various points and found that the best rates were available in Colombo. So, we exchanged our Indian rupees for Sri Lankan rupees after arriving in the country.

Flight Bookings: We booked our tickets from Bangalore to Colombo around two months in advance. This helped us secure better prices and allowed time to plan the rest of the trip.

Accommodation: Hotels were booked well ahead of time based on the cities we planned to visit. This saved us the trouble of last-minute searches and ensured we stayed in well-reviewed places.

Transport: A Sri Lankan friend helped us book a reliable taxi service that stayed with us for the entire duration of the trip. Having a local driver really enhanced our experience, as he also acted as an informal guide.

## Day 1: Arrival in Colombo and Drive to Sigiriya

We landed at Bandaranaike International Airport around noon. The initial vibe of Sri Lanka was very welcoming, and we were excited to begin our journey. Our pre-arranged taxi driver was already waiting at the airport, which made the transition smooth and stress-free.

Without wasting much time, we headed straight for Sigiriya. The drive took us through scenic countryside roads, with lush greenery flanking both sides. By evening, we reached Sigiriya and checked into Hotel Sigiriya, a beautiful property that offers a stunning view of the iconic Lion Rock. After freshening up, we went out for a relaxed dinner at a local open-air restaurant and tried some delicious Sri Lankan cuisine.

## Day 2: Lion Rock and Ambuluwawa Tower

After a hearty breakfast, we headed to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as Lion Rock, this ancient rock citadel is believed to have been the palace of King Ravana, a central figure in the Ramayana. The rock stands at around 200 meters high and involves a steep climb of over 1200 steps.

The entire hike, including time spent at the top admiring the views and exploring the ruins, took us around three hours. Be prepared for a bit of exertion—especially if you’re traveling with children or elderly family members. There is a tuk-tuk service available for those who prefer to avoid the strenuous climb.

Post our climb, we checked out of our hotel and started our journey towards Nuwara Eliya. En route, we made a stop at the Ambuluwawa Tower, a unique spiral structure perched on a hilltop. The climb to the top of the tower is not for the faint-hearted—it gets narrower as you go up, and it’s quite a climb. However, the panoramic view with floating clouds around us was absolutely breathtaking and well worth the effort.

We arrived in **Nuwara Eliya** later in the evening.

## Day 3: Ramayana Trail, Ella, and Ravana Falls

This day was packed with activities as we aimed to cover the major Ramayana trail highlights around Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Though Nuwara Eliya is famous for its tea plantations and factory tours, we skipped this part since we had already experienced similar tea estates in India.

Our first stop was the Seetha Amman Temple, located at a spot believed to be the Ashoka Vatika where Sita was held captive. It’s a small temple with a footprint believed to be that of Hanuman etched in stone. The visit doesn’t take more than 15–20 minutes and is ideal as a quick spiritual stop.

Next, we drove to Ella, a picturesque hill town. Our main attraction here was the Nine Arch Bridge, a marvel of colonial-era railway construction. Due to rain, the trekking path to the bridge was muddy and slippery, so we chose to take a tuk-tuk. Luckily, we arrived just in time to witness a train pass over the bridge—a sight that made the bumpy ride completely worth it.

Afterward, we visited the nearby Ravana Falls, a scenic spot tied to the legend of Ravana holding Sita captive. It’s a great spot for pictures and a quick break before heading back.

We returned to Nuwara Eliya in the evening. While this was our most hectic day due to all the traveling involved, the experiences were definitely unforgettable.

## Days 4–6: Beach Retreat in Bentota

After a few packed days, we were ready to unwind. We headed towards Bentota, a beach town known for its serene coastline and laid-back vibe. The next three days were all about soaking in the sun, relaxing at the beach, and enjoying some downtime.

On the second day in Bentota, we went for the Bentota River Safari. This was a unique experience, taking us through mangroves and showing us a completely different side of Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. We saw various birds, reptiles, and even a small Buddhist temple tucked away among the trees.

Other than that, our time in Bentota was spent enjoying fresh seafood, sipping king coconut water, and taking long beach walks during sunset. This part of the trip gave us the perfect break after the action-packed days in the hills.

🛍️ *Shopping Tip*: Avoid tourist traps. Ask your driver to take you to **Aluthgama** for budget-friendly souvenirs, sarongs, and handcrafted items.

## Day 7: Departure from Colombo

We headed back to Colombo and flew to Bangalore with hearts full of memories. While we didn’t get to explore every corner of the country, this one-week trip gave us a meaningful glimpse of Sri Lanka’s rich diversity.

## Final Travel Tips

– 📅 **Best time to visit**: October to March (ideal for west/south coasts) – 💧 **Hydrate**: Especially when climbing or exploring hill areas – 🍛 **Local food to try**: Kottu roti, hoppers, sambols, seafood – 📶 **Connectivity**: Buy a local SIM card at the airport – 🚕 **Local transport**: Tuk-tuks are fun and convenient for short rides

## Would We Visit Again?

Absolutely. From **mythical landmarks** and **mountain getaways** to **beachfront bliss**, Sri Lanka gave us everything we could ask for. One week was just the beginning. We’ll be back for more.

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