Sri Lanka Itinerary

5 Days Sri Lanka Itinerary for First-time Visitors

The option to apply for an eVisa or get a Sri Lanka visa on arrival makes it simple for Indian travellers. If opting for the eVisa, you may be charged a small service fee to ensure the entire process is handled smoothly.

With your visa sorted, all that is left is to pack— do not forget sunscreen, comfy shoes, and swimwear— so you can fully enjoy the various experiences Sri Lanka has in store. Let us start your 5-day Sri Lanka itinerary from your arrival in Colombo!

• Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

  Begin your Sri Lankan adventure by arriving in Colombo, the country's bustling capital city.

  Morning:

  Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Freshen up and prepare to discover Colombo. Visit this historic Gangaramaya Temple known for its fusion of modern architecture with traditional cultural elements.

  Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

  Afternoon:

  Walk around Galle Face Green, a popular seafront park where locals and tourists gather. Grab some local snacks and enjoy the ocean breeze.

  Evening:

  Explore the vibrant Pettah Market, a buzzing market with a maze of streets filled with textiles, food, and electronics.

  Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

• Day 2: Kandy - Cultural Heritage and Natural Beauty

  Travel to Kandy, a cultural hub home to one of Sri Lanka's most significant religious sites.

  Morning:

  Head inland to Kandy and start your day by visiting the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site of immense religious importance to Buddhists.

  Opening Hours: 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM

  Afternoon:

  Take a peaceful stroll around Kandy Lake, and later visit the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. These gardens are known for their extensive orchid collection and scenic beauty.

  Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  Evening:

  Wind down with a traditional Kandyan dance performance, showcasing local music and dance.

  Showtime: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

• Day 3: Nuwara Eliya - The Heart of Tea Country

  Next in your Sri Lanka tour itinerary is the cool climate and stunning scenery of Nuwara Eliya, a town famous for its tea plantations and colonial history.

  Morning:

  Travel by train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, a journey often considered one of the most scenic in the world.

  Afternoon:

  Visit a local tea plantation like Pedro Tea Estate, where you can tour the tea factory and learn about the tea-making process.

  Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

  Evening:

  Take a relaxing walk around Gregory Lake and enjoy the cool evening air.

  Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM

• Day 4: Galle - Coastal Heritage

  Head to the southern coast of Sri Lanka to visit Galle, a city known for its colonial architecture and laid-back atmosphere.

  Morning:

  Explore the Galle Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort is full of colonial buildings, small cafes, and museums.

  Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

  Afternoon:

  Relax on the sandy shores of Unawatuna Beach or enjoy some water activities like snorkeling.

  Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

  Evening:

  Take in the sunset from the ramparts of Galle Fort, which offers panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding town.

• Day 5: Bentota - Beach Time and Adventure

  End your 5-day Sri Lanka trip in Bentota, a popular destination known for its wide beaches and water sports.

  Morning:

  Spend time at Bentota Beach, where you can enjoy swimming or simply relax on the sand.

  Afternoon:

  If you're looking for adventure, take a river safari along the Bentota River, where you can see local wildlife, including crocodiles and exotic birds

  Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Evening:

  Enjoy your last evening by the beach with a seafood dinner at a local restaurant.

FAQs

• Q: Do I need to carry my passport at all times in Sri Lanka?

  Ans: While it is not mandatory to carry your passport everywhere, it is advisable to keep a copy with you. The original can be left safely in your hotel. Your passport will be required for any formal transactions, like currency exchange or booking train tickets.

• Q: Are there any local SIM card options for tourists?

  Ans: Yes, tourists can easily buy prepaid SIM cards at the airport or from local shops. Major providers like Dialog, Mobitel, and Airtel offer affordable data and calling packages specifically designed for travellers.

• Q: Can I use my international driving license to rent a vehicle in Sri Lanka?

  Ans: You can drive in Sri Lanka with an international driving license. Still, it must be endorsed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon or the Department of Motor Traffic in Sri Lanka. This endorsement can be arranged upon arrival, typically in Colombo.

• Q: What should I do in case of a medical emergency in Sri Lanka?

  Ans: Major cities like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle have well-equipped hospitals and medical centres. For minor illnesses, pharmacies are available across the country. Having travel insurance for Sri Lanka is highly recommended to cover any unexpected medical expenses.

• Q: Are 5 days enough for Sri Lanka?

  Ans: If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka for the first time, a duration of 5 days should be good enough to start exploring popular places and experiencing the country’s vibrancy.