Creating an itinerary for Sri Lanka can be quite challenging. This incredibly beautiful island offers so many amazing destinations to choose from. We’ve visited Sri Lanka four times in recent years and have seen almost everything. To help you get started, we’ve mapped out the ultimate itinerary based on all those experiences, allowing you to make a diverse journey in two to four weeks. We’ve also written separate articles with tips for each destination on this itinerary, making planning your trip to Sri Lanka a breeze!
Transportation for this Sri Lanka itinerary
Sri Lanka is roughly the size of the Netherlands and Belgium combined. The distances are not too far, so you rarely have to travel long distances. Public transportation is very well organized and inexpensive. There are many good train connections, and buses run between all places. Private transport is also possible and affordable. All of this makes Sri Lanka a perfect country for a road trip.
Traveling by Train and Bus in Sri Lanka
Traveling by Private Transport in Sri Lanka
Tip: Taxi drivers at the airport often quote outrageous prices, and after your flight, you probably don’t feel like negotiating right away. Therefore, it’s advisable to arrange a pickup in advance to start your journey relaxed. This way, you’ll save money and hassle. Someone will be waiting for you with a name sign, and you can hop in right away to head to your hotel. You can book your pickup here.
How Many Weeks Do You Need for the Sri Lanka Itinerary?
If you intend to complete the entire itinerary, you’ll need approximately three weeks. Although it may seem like many destinations, the distances are quite manageable, allowing you to see a lot. Of course, this depends on your travel pace, but considering all the activities, this timeframe is a good estimate.
Shortening the itinerary: If you have less time available, you’ll need to trim down the itinerary a bit. For instance, you could skip Anuradhapura, Wilpattu, and Sigiriya. You could also opt to visit only one beach destination. Finally, you could skip Nuwara Eliya as it’s similar to Ella. You may visit fewer places, but you’ll still have a fantastic and diverse journey.
