When visiting Sri Lanka between November and April, here’s a recommended tour plan for either a one or two-week stay. Upon arrival, you can stay the first night in Negombo, or if arriving during the day, head straight to Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, or Polonnaruwa. Customize your tour based on your preferences and the duration of your stay. Below are some must-visit destinations and activities in Sri Lanka, designed to help you create a memorable, personalized travel experience.
Anuradhapura – The Ancient Capital
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s capital from 5 B.C. to 1017 A.D., is a treasure trove of history and architecture. Highlights include:
- Jethawanaramaya Pagoda: The world’s largest and oldest man-made brick structure.
- The Sacred Bo Tree: Over 2,000 years old, revered in Buddhist culture.
- Ruwanwelisaya and Abhayagiri Dagobas: Massive ancient stupas.
- Samadhi Buddha Statue, Brazen Palace, Kuttam Pokuna, Moonstone, Royal Palace: Remarkable historical sites.
To explore the Anuradhapura complex, allocate 4-5 hours.
Ticket Prices:
Foreign Adult: USD 30 | Foreign Child: USD 15
SAARC Adult: USD 15 | SAARC Child: USD 15
Polonnaruwa – The Second Ancient Capital
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s capital for over 200 years, boasts an array of archaeological wonders. Key sites include:
- Royal Palace, Audience Hall, Sacred Quadrangle, Pabalu Vehera
- Gal Vihara: Famous for its rock-cut Buddha figures.
- Rankot and Kiri Viharas, Shiva Devale
Plan to spend 4-5 hours here.
Ticket Prices:
Foreign Adult: USD 30 | Foreign Child: USD 15
SAARC Adult: USD 15 | SAARC Child: USD 15
Sigiriya – The 8th Wonder of the World
Visit Sigiriya Rock, an ancient rock fortress with a rich history. Attractions include:
- King’s Palace and Water Gardens
- World-renowned Sigiriya frescoes
- Lions Paws, Mirror Wall, Boulder Garden
Allocate 2-2.5 hours to climb and explore Sigiriya Rock.
Ticket Prices:
Foreign Adult: USD 35 | Foreign Child: USD 18
SAARC Adult: USD 18 | SAARC Child: USD 18
Pidurangala Rock, another highlight, offers stunning sunrise and sunset views, taking about 40 minutes to climb.
Ticket Prices:
Foreign Adult: USD 3-4 | Foreign Child: USD 1-2
SAARC Adult: USD 1-2 | SAARC Child: USD 1-2
Village Tours & National Park Safaris
Experience the authentic village lifestyle with activities like:
- Oxen Cart Rides, Catamaran Rides, Paddy Field Walks
- Cookery Demonstration followed by a traditional local lunch.
For wildlife enthusiasts, jeep safaris at Minneriya, Kaudulla, or Eco National Parks offer the chance to witness wild elephants, especially during the November-March season. From April to October, Kaudulla and Minneriya lakes offer sights of up to 200 elephants.
Dambulla Cave Temple
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple, featuring 153 Buddha statues and intricate murals. Spend about 1.5 hours exploring the complex.
Ticket Prices:
Foreign Adult: USD 7-8 | Foreign Child: USD 3-4
SAARC Adult: USD 7-8 | SAARC Child: USD 3-4
Kandy – The Cultural Capital
In Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, housing one of Buddha’s most revered relics. Plan your visit during one of the daily rituals (5:30 AM, 9:30 AM, or 6:30 PM) for a spiritual experience.
Ticket Prices:
Foreign Adult: USD 7-8 | Foreign Child: USD 3-4
SAARC Adult: USD 7-8 | SAARC Child: USD 3-4
The Royal Botanical Gardens showcase over 4,000 plant species, including colorful flowers and towering palms.
Ticket Prices:
Foreign Adult: USD 25 | Foreign Child: USD 15
SAARC Adult: USD 15 | SAARC Child: USD 15
Historical temples like Embekka, Lankathilaka, and Gadaladeniya are nearby, offering insight into 14th-century architecture.
Visit the White Buddha Statue and Arthur’s Seat Viewpoint for panoramic views of Kandy.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Located just outside of Kandy, this orphanage cares for abandoned and injured elephants. Witness the elephant bathing ritual and feed baby elephants. Allocate 2 hours here.
Ticket Prices:
Foreign Adult: USD 15 | Foreign Child: USD 5
SAARC Adult: USD 10 | SAARC Child: USD 7-8
For a more interactive experience, visit the Millennium Elephant Foundation, where you can enjoy elephant rides(walking with elephant), bathing,Elephant feeding and a visit to the Elephant Museum.
Day Trips from Kandy to Kitulgala
For adrenaline seekers, Kitulgala offers White Water Rafting, Canyoning, and Zip Lining. Alternatively, trek through the scenic Knuckles Valley.
On the way to Nuwara Eliya, stop by Ambuluwawa Tower, offering 360-degree views, and the stunning Ramboda Waterfall. Visit tea plantations like Macwoods Tea Factory for a tea-tasting experience.
Nuwara Eliya – The Hill Station
Explore Victoria Park, Hakgala Botanical Gardens, and Gregory Lake. For Hindu culture, visit the Seetha Amman Temple.
Head to Horton Plains for a trek through a cloud forest and visit World’s End and Baker’s Falls. This 9km trail takes about 3-4 hours and should be started early to avoid the mist.
Ella – A Scenic Getaway
Take the iconic scenic train journey from Nuwara Eliya (Nanuoya) to Ella, passing through lush tea plantations, tunnels, and waterfalls.
In Ella, enjoy a hike up Little Adam’s Peak, explore the Nine Arch Bridge, or take a challenging trek to Ella Rock. For sunrise or sunset views, visit Lipton’s Seat.
Yala and Udawalawe National Parks
Both parks offer exceptional wildlife experiences, with Yala being famous for its high density of leopards and Udawalawe known for its elephant populations.
Beach Destinations
Wrap up your trip with a visit to one of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches:
- Unawatuna– Golden Sand Beach, Scuba Diving, Snorkling, Stilt Fisherman, Lagoon Canoeing Tour, Little bit crowded, Swing Palms
- Jungle Beach Unawatuna– great for snorkling
- Dalawella Beach Unawatuna- Sunset, Palm tree swing ,See Giant Turtles, Not Busy Beach
- Mirissa- Whales & Dolphins Watching Tour, Deep Sea Fishing, Resturants, Bar, Snorkling
- Secret Beach Mirissa – Excellent place for snorkling & Sun set
- Dickwella – Swings, Enjoy Sunset
- Weligama- Surfing, Snorkling, Scuba Diving
- Ahangama- Surfing
- Hiriketiya– Surfing
- Koggala- Surfing, Stilt Fisherman, Quiet beach, watching colorful fish turtles, Small Sharks, Stilt Fisherman
- Kosgoda- You can release of baby green sea turtles to sea
- Talpe- Near to Galle, Calm & Quite Beach
- Kirinda- Snorkling
- Tangalle Beach – Quite place recommend for relax, Long beach is perfect for walk, fantastic place to watching sunset
- Polhena Beach- swim with wild turtles
- West Coast in Sri Lanka
- Negombo – Near to Air Port, Scuba Diving, snorkeling, Wind Surfing, Boat Trips round the Lagoon, Water Sliing, Banana & Tube Ride
- Kalpitiya– Kite Surfing, Watching Dolphins with boat Tour, Scuba Diving, Snorkeling
- Bentota- Wind Surfing, Scuba Diving, Kayaking, Canoes, Jet Ski, Water Skiing, Speed Boat Ride, Banana & Tube Ride
- Hikkaduwa-Swim with wild turtles, Paddle Board, Scuba Diving, Snorkling, Surfing, Deep Sea Fishing, Water Skiing, See baby turtle being released, Amazing sea food, Little bit crowded
These beaches offer various activities, from surfing to scuba diving and whale watching.
By following this plan, you’ll experience Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and incredible wildlife. Tailor the tour to your preferences, and enjoy an unforgettable adventure!
