7 days in Sri Lanka - 5 travel itineraries

Dreaming of an enchanting 7-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Sri Lanka, an island filled with vibrant culture, ancient history, and breathtaking natural wonders? Our carefully crafted 7 day itineraries in Sri Lanka are designed to showcase the rich tapestry of experiences this tropical paradise has to offer. From misty mountains to golden beaches, from timeless ruins to bustling city streets, each itinerary is a carefully woven story of adventure, relaxation, and discovery.

Is 7 days enough for Sri Lanka?

A 7 day itinerary in Sri Lanka gives enough time to see several key sights and experience the country's diverse cultures, landscapes and historical sites. 

While it may not be enough to see everything thoroughly, a well-planned itinerary will help you experience a multitude of attractions and activities, from the ancient ruins in the Cultural Triangle to the beautiful beaches on the south coast, the bustling streets of Colombo and the serene mountainous terrain in places like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya.

However, the ideal length of trip depends on your interests, the pace of travel, and the depth of experience you seek. If you prefer to travel slowly and immerse yourself in each place, then 7 days may seem too short. But if your goal is to sample different experiences and see the highlights, then a week may be enough time.

To avoid spending too much time moving around, focus on a single region or pick a few must-see places. Sri Lanka offers a wide range of activities, from cultural tours and wildlife safaris to tea plantation visits and beach vacations, so prioritize according to your interests to make the most of a 7-day trip.

If you're feeling overwhelmed at the thought of planning your Sri Lanka adventure, why not enlist the help of a professional? Our tailor-made travel services take the stress out of planning and booking, leaving you to focus on enjoying your trip. All our itineraries are designed by local travel experts and are fully customized.

Itinerary #1: Culture and Coast

Begin your exciting 7-day Sri Lanka journey by arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. From there, you'll be taken to the historic Sigiriya Harbor where you can relax and soak in the serene surroundings. On day two, immerse yourself in the ancient grandeur of Polonnaruwa before embarking on a thrilling Elephant Jeep Safari to one of the nearby national parks.

At dawn on the third day, get ready to climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a place rich in history and natural beauty. Later, enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at the Artist's House in Matale, a place with a rich artistic heritage, followed by a visit to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.

On the fourth day, your journey continues with a visit to the Giragama Tea Factory. The next day heralds a change of scenery as you travel to the coastal city of Galle. Immerse yourself in the history and architecture of Galle Fort on a walking tour led by a descendant of the fort's historical inhabitants.

On day six, head into the blue waters of Mirissa Harbor for a marine safari - a chance to see the majestic blue whale and a host of other marine life. Finally, your Sri Lankan odyssey will conclude with a return to Colombo where you will be escorted to the airport. Book this trip.

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this 7 day itinerary in Sri Lanka.

Day 1

• Land at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.
• Transfer to a hotel in Sigiriya, and relax for the day.

Day 2

• Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and admire the Kings Palace, Baths, tooth relic temples, stupas, and Buddhist rock carvings.
• Enjoy an Elephant Jeep Safari at Minneriya, Eco, or Kaudulla National Parks, depending on elephant locations.

Day 3

• Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and climb 1,200 steps to view water gardens, frescoes, and ruins.
• Lunch at Artist's House in Matale, enjoy a 25-dish spread and explore batik art.
• Visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and understand the significance of the tooth relic.

Day 4

• Learn about tea cultivation, harvesting, and processing in the Giragama Tea Factory.
• Discover the history of the tea industry and its importance in Sri Lanka.

Day 5

• Move to Galle Fort, and check into a hotel.
• Experience a walking tour with a 4th generation resident, exploring its rich history and architecture.

Day 6

• Embark on a marine safari in Mirissa Harbour.
• Enjoy the marine biodiversity of Sri Lanka's waters.

Day 7

• Transfer to Colombo Airport for your departure, concluding your Sri Lankan journey.

Interested? Don't miss the opportunity to book this trip now.

Itinerary #2: Mirissa, Galle and Bentota

Take an exciting 7-day journey through Sri Lanka, starting with arrival on day one at Bandaranaike International Airport and a scenic transfer to the paradisiacal coastal town of Mirissa.

On the second day, after a sumptuous breakfast, get ready for an unforgettable excursion to Mirissa, where you will be treated to the majestic dance of whales and playful dolphins.

On day three, you'll head to the charming fishing village of Weligama to watch unique fishermen on stilts, then visit the historic Dutch town of Galle and end the day with a relaxing stay in Talpa.

Spend the fourth day at leisure relaxing on Talpe's beautiful beach, or choose a tranquil motorboat ride on Lake Koggala, surrounded by abundant wildlife and serene islands.

Day five will introduce you to the turtle hatchery at Kosgoda, an important conservation project, before heading to the sandy shores of Bentota for an overnight stay.

Day six is dedicated to rest and relaxation in Bentota, where you can enjoy water sports or visit the Brief Garden Art Garden, once home to Bevis Bawa.

On the seventh day, your Sri Lanka journey will end with a hearty breakfast in Bentota before being driven to the airport, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime and a promise to return. Book this trip.

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this 7 day itinerary in Sri Lanka.

Day 1

• Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport.
• Private transfer to your hotel in Mirissa.
• Enjoy leisure time on the sandy beaches surrounded by coconut palms.
• Overnight in Mirissa.

Day 2

• Have breakfast at the hotel.
• Head out for a whale-watching tour.
• Overnight in Mirissa.

Day 3

• Travel to Weligama to observe the traditional stilt fishermen.
• Proceed to Galle, exploring its Dutch colonial architecture and ancient fort.
• Overnight in Thalpe.

Day 4

• Enjoy a relaxed day at Talpe Beach after breakfast.
• Optional: Take a motorboat tour on Koggala Lake, visiting a Buddhist temple and learning about local wildlife.
• Overnight in Talpe.

Day 5

• Post breakfast, visit the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery to learn about turtle conservation.
• Transfer to Bentota for overnight stay.

Day 6

• Relax on Bentota's beaches or indulge in water sports like jet skiing and surfing.
• Optional: Visit the Brief Garden, explore artwork and the former home of Bevis Bawa.
• Overnight in Bentota.

Day 7

• Enjoy a final breakfast in Bentota.
• Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

Looking for a new experience? Book your trip now.

Itinerary #3: Jaffna and Western Sri Lanka

Begin your week-long Sri Lankan adventure with a warm welcome at Bandaranaike International Airport, followed by a comfortable transfer to Anuradhapura. On the second day, you will immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Anuradhapura, exploring its majestic stupas and serene sacred sites, including the revered Sri Maha Bodhi and the magnificent Aukan Buddha statue.

Day three begins with a fascinating excursion to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, where you can marvel at its historic grandeur and panoramic views, before embarking on a thrilling jeep safari to one of the nearby national parks.

The journey continues on the fourth day with a scenic transfer to Jaffna, where you will have the afternoon to relax and soak up your new surroundings. Day five is set aside for an immersion in Jaffna, combining a bike ride through its busy streets with a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn the art of preparing a traditional Sri Lankan curry.

On day six, embark on an exploratory trip to the remote island of Delft, where you'll learn about wild horses and historical sites, and sample a local lunch. End your wonderful seven-day journey with a transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport, taking with you memories of a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Book this trip.

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this 7 day itinerary in Sri Lanka.

Day 1

• Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport.
• Private transfer to your hotel in Anuradhapura.
• Spend the day at leisure, acclimatizing to the serene surroundings.

Day 2

• Discover the ancient city of Anuradhapura, exploring its monasteries, stupas, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree.
• Travel between the historical sites by vehicle or bicycle.
• Return to the hotel for relaxation.

Day 3

• Tour the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, admiring its ancient frescoes and panoramic views.
• Enjoy an afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya, Eco, or Kaudulla National Parks, seeking out elephants and other wildlife.

Day 4

• Depart from Anuradhapura to Jaffna via private vehicle.
• Arrive and check in at your Jaffna hotel.
• Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Day 5

• Experience Jaffna’s culture and cuisine with a bicycle tour and a traditional curry-cooking lesson.
• Visit significant landmarks including Jaffna market and Nallur Kovil.
• Sample your culinary creations and relax back at your hotel.

Day 6

• Journey to Delft Island to explore its unique landscapes, historical sites, and wild horses.
• Enjoy a local lunch and swim at a secluded beach.
• Return to Jaffna for overnight stay.

Day 7

• Transfer from the hotel to Bandaranaike International Airport.

Interested? Don't miss the opportunity to book this trip now.

Itinerary #4: Sri Lankan Adventure for Families

Your 7-day family journey through Sri Lanka begins in the vibrant heart of Colombo. Upon arrival, soak in the city's colonial charm and ocean breeze at Galle Face Green before retreating to the lush Viharamahadevi Park.

On days two and three, move on to the ancient wonders of Sigiriya with a family trip to explore the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Delve deeper into history and enjoy panoramic views before heading into the wilderness of Minneriya National Park on a thrilling elephant safari.

On day four, enjoy Sri Lanka's spectacular scenery by train to Kandy, where spiritual serenity awaits at the sacred Temple of the Tooth.

On days five and six, Nuwara Eliya awaits, inviting you to explore verdant tea plantations and enjoy the serene beauty of Horton Plains National Park. A visit to the enchanting Sith Amman Temple will add a spiritual dimension to your vacation in the highlands.

On the seventh day, conclude your journey in Galle by strolling through the historic Old Town and viewing the architectural splendor of Galle Fort before returning to Colombo. Book this trip.

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this 7 day itinerary in Sri Lanka.

Day 1

• Explore the vibrant Galle Face Green and the lush Viharamahadevi Park for a relaxing introduction to Sri Lanka's capital.
• Overnight in Colombo.

Day 2

• Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and uncover ancient frescoes and ruins.
• Overnight in Sigiriya.

Day 3

• Experience a thrilling safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for its elephant gatherings.
• Overnight in Sigiriya.

Day 4

• Enjoy a picturesque train ride from Sigiriya to Kandy.
• Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth and stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens, renowned for its orchids and colonial legacy.
• Overnight in Kandy.

Day 5

• Tour the emerald-green tea plantations and learn about the tea production process.
• Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 6

• Hike through Horton Plains National Park to World's End and visit the Seetha Amman Temple.
• Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 7

• Wander through Galle's Old Town and the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, delving into the city’s rich history.
• Return to Colombo for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing.

Itinerary #5: Sri Lankan Wildlife Extravaganza

This 7 day itinerary in Sri Lanka begins in the coastal town of Negombo, where upon arrival you will immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Muthurajawela Marsh during an enchanting boat safari.

The next two days will be spent in the wilderness of Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka's largest national park known for its leopards and natural lakes.

On the fourth day, travel from Kandy to Dambulla, visiting an elephant orphanage where you can see these majestic creatures up close. Later, experience the spiritual serenity of the Dambulla Cave Temple, adorned with ancient murals and statues.

Days five and six are dedicated to exploring the famous Sigiriya, or Lion Rock, a historic fortress rising dramatically above the central plains. Afterward, you'll go on a safari in Minneriya National Park.

End the week with a day in Udawalawe National Park, where you will go on another safari, this time with the opportunity to see large herds of elephants and other endemic wildlife, rounding off a week of unrivaled natural beauty and immersion in Sri Lankan culture. Book this trip.

Itinerary overview

Check the overview of this 7 day itinerary in Sri Lanka.

Day 1

• Start your journey with a relaxing stay in Negombo.
• Experience the unique biodiversity of Muthurajawela Marsh through a boat safari.
• Overnight in Negombo.

Days 2-3

• Embark on thrilling safaris in Wilpattu National Park, famed for its leopards and natural lakes.
• Overnight near Wilpattu National Park for two nights and fully explore its wild beauty.

Day 4

• Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to see the gentle giants.
• Discover the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Overnight in Dambulla.

Days 5-6

• Climb the ancient fortress of Sigiriya, or Lion's Rock, for breathtaking views and historical insights.
• Enjoy a safari in Minneriya National Park, famous for its elephant gatherings.
• Overnight in Sigiriya.

Day 7

• Experience a final safari in Udawalawe National Park, a haven for elephants and diverse wildlife.
• Depending on your departure time, spend the night in the vicinity or return to Colombo.