Sri Lanka · Trip plan
7 days in Sri Lanka
A rock fortress, tea-country trains and whales off the south coast.
- Best time
- Dec – Apr
- Ideal length
- 7 days
- A day, mid-range
- ₹7,500 per person
- Trip for two
- about ₹1,05,000
Planning a 7-day trip to Sri Lanka? Here's a day-by-day Sri Lanka itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
December to April is dry on the west and south coasts and in the hill country, and whale-watching season off Mirissa begins.
Sri Lanka packs ancient cities, tea country, wildlife and beaches into one small island. A one-week loop covers Sigiriya, Kandy, the famous hill-country train, and the south coast's forts and beaches.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec: a good time to go
December to April: 25–31°C on the coast, 15–22°C in the hills.
Don't miss
Best things to do in Sri Lanka
- 01
Sigiriya
A palace on top of a 200-metre rock.
- 02
Temple of the Tooth
Kandy's sacred Buddhist temple.
- 03
Kandy to Ella train
One of the world's most scenic train rides.
- 04
Galle Fort
A Dutch fort town of cafés and ramparts.
Day by day
Sri Lanka itinerary for 7 days
- D1
Day 1: Colombo to Sigiriya
- Morning
- Land in Colombo and drive to Sigiriya (about 4 hours).
- Afternoon
- Check in and rest.
- Evening
- Sunset from Pidurangala Rock.
Hire a car and driver for the whole trip.
- D2
Day 2: Sigiriya and Dambulla
- Morning
- Climb Sigiriya rock fortress at dawn.
- Afternoon
- Dambulla cave temples.
- Evening
- Rest at your stay.
Start by 7 AM to beat heat and crowds.
- D3
Day 3: Kandy
- Morning
- Drive to Kandy.
- Afternoon
- Temple of the Tooth.
- Evening
- Kandyan dance show.
Dress in white or modest clothes for the temple.
- D4
Day 4: The train to Ella
- Morning
- Train from Kandy to Ella through the tea country (about 7 hours).
- Afternoon
- Lunch on board.
- Evening
- Arrive in Ella for dinner.
Book reserved seats early.
- D5
Day 5: Ella
- Morning
- Little Adam's Peak hike.
- Afternoon
- Nine Arch Bridge.
- Evening
- Café evening.
Check train times to see one cross the bridge.
- D6
Day 6: The south coast
- Morning
- Drive to Mirissa.
- Afternoon
- Beach afternoon.
- Evening
- Seafood dinner.
Whale-watching boats leave early.
- D7
Day 7: Galle
- Morning
- Whale watching from Mirissa.
- Afternoon
- Galle Fort's ramparts and cafés.
- Evening
- Drive back to Colombo.
Allow 2.5 hours to the airport.
Shorter or longer
Sri Lanka in 6, 7 or 9 days
6 days in Sri Lanka
Follow days 1 to 6 above and leave out “Galle”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
9 days in Sri Lanka
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.
What it costs
Sri Lanka trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 7 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹3,000 | ₹42,000 |
| Mid-range | ₹7,500 | ₹1,05,000 |
| Luxury | ₹25,000+ | ₹3,50,000 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Sri Lanka is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in Sri Lanka for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in Sri Lanka
Rice and curry
A spread of vegetable, dal and fish curries.
Hoppers
Bowl-shaped rice pancakes, often with an egg.
Kottu roti
Chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables.
Getting there
How to reach Sri Lanka
- Travel
- Short flights to Colombo from Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi.
- Getting around
- Hire a car with driver (about ₹5,000–6,000 a day), or mix trains and tuk-tuks.
- Visa
- Indians apply for Sri Lanka's ETA online before travel.
- Book reserved seats on the Kandy–Ella train early.
- Hire a driver for the loop; it saves a lot of time.
Before you go
What to pack for Sri Lanka
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
Sri Lanka trip FAQs
How many days are enough for Sri Lanka?
7 days are enough to see the highlights: Sigiriya, Temple of the Tooth, Kandy to Ella train. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 7-day Sri Lanka trip cost?
Roughly ₹3,000 a day per person on a budget, ₹7,500 mid-range and ₹25,000+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about ₹1,05,000 for 7 days.
What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Dec – Apr. December to April is dry on the west and south coasts and in the hill country, and whale-watching season off Mirissa begins.
Where should I stay in Sri Lanka?
Budget: Guesthouses in Ella (Ella), from about ₹2,000 a night. Mid-range: 98 Acres Resort & Spa (Ella), from about ₹15,000 a night. Luxury: Amangalla (Galle Fort), from about ₹60,000 a night.
How do I reach Sri Lanka?
Short flights to Colombo from Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi.
Do I need a visa or permit for Sri Lanka?
Indians apply for Sri Lanka's ETA online before travel.
Is 6 days enough for Sri Lanka?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 6 of the itinerary above and skip "Galle". 7 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in Sri Lanka?
December to April: 25–31°C on the coast, 15–22°C in the hills.
What food should I try in Sri Lanka?
Rice and curry: A spread of vegetable, dal and fish curries. Hoppers: Bowl-shaped rice pancakes, often with an egg. Kottu roti: Chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables.
How do I get around Sri Lanka?
Hire a car with driver (about ₹5,000–6,000 a day), or mix trains and tuk-tuks.
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