Sri Lanka was the first major stop on our backpacking adventure. Whilst planning, we expected to spend 10 to maybe 14 days maximum here.
When we arrived, we knew that two weeks wasn’t going to be anywhere near enough to explore the beauty of this country and actually ended up spending 26 days in total.
I know this approach won’t be possible for everyone, but below is our full itinerary of how many nights we spent in each location, if a longer trip is something you’re interested in planning.
Top tip: for mobile data around Sri Lanka, we used the Airalo eSim. Which was super handy and easily installed after landing in Colombo Airport!
1. Colombo (2 nights in total)
Colombo is often the starting place for most tourists after arriving into Colombo Airport (as it was for us). But it isn’t actually the closest city to visit, and if we were to do it again, we would probably head straight to Negombo as our first stop to recover from any jet lag.
However, Colombo is the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka and is a vibrant hub of culture, commerce, and history.
You can see everything we got up to in Colombo in my YouTube vlog below:
We spent two nights in Colombo in total, one night when we arrived in Sri Lanka, and another night towards the end of our trip.
3 things to see & do
- Visit Pettah Market
- Go see a cricket game
- Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)
Where we stayed
We stayed at Morven Hotel and Trillium Boutique Hotel. Both hotels were excellent with rooftop pools that looked out onto the city.
If I had to choose one, I would probably opt for Trillium as we really enjoyed the room, infinity pool on the rooftop and found the staff to be really friendly and helpful, but note that it’s not as central as Morven.
2. Negombo (8 nights in total)
The small beach town of Negombo is quite often overlooked by tourists when visiting Sri Lanka, but with it being just 10km from Colombo Airport, it’s the perfect place to start a Sri Lankan adventure.
Although there isn’t a huge amount to do in the city of Negombo compared to Colombo, it suits if you want to lounge at the pool or beach and recharge before travelling around Sri Lanka, or if like us, you need somewhere to spend a few days to do some work.
Check out what we got up to and where we stayed in Negombo in my YouTube vlog below:
3 things to see & do
- Monkey Island
- Negombo Beach
- Walk along the Dutch Canal
Where we stayed
We stayed at the same location in Negombo during our two visits. In fact, during our first four nights here, we knew instantly that we wanted to come back and end our trip here, so we booked again with our hosts.
We stayed at Sujeewani Villas, nestled down a little side street and a ten minute walk from Negombo Beach. We had our own private villa with a large bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and lounge area.
3. Sigiriya (2 nights)
When it comes to must-visit destinations in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya unquestionably tops the list.
Sigiriya is known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of its ancient inhabitants through water gardens and ancient ruins.
At the heart of Sigiriya lies a colossal rock formation, towering 200 metres above the surrounding landscape. Formed from magma of an extinct volcano, this natural wonder serves as the foundation for the ancient fortress and palace complex that crowns its summit.
You can see us hike Pidurangala Rock in my Sigiriya YouTube vlog below, as well as everything we got up to:
3 things to see & do
- Climb Lion Rock (Sigiriya Rock)
- Climb Pidurangula Rock
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temples
Where to stay
During our visit, we opted for a budget-friendly option within walking distance of the main area, where popular restaurants like Wijesiri Family Restaurant and Pradeep are located.
We stayed at the Hungry Lion Resort, and found our stay to be suitable for the two nights we were spending there.
4. Pinnawala (1 night)
You may not have heard of the small village of Pinnawala, but you have definitely seen it on social media when you have seen videos of Sri Lanka.
Pinnawala is famous for its elephant orphanage and has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world.
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established by the Sri Lankan government in 1975 to provide care to orphaned baby elephants. It is common for young elephants to sometimes fall into pits and ravines, become wounded, and displaced from the herd.
Whilst being cared for in the orphanage, the elephants are also taken for daily bathing sessions in the river, which visitors can view from the banks. Along the river, there are a number of hotels that offer dining options and have swimming pools that provide a view of the river to witness the elephants being bathed.
Where we stayed
During our visit to Pinnawala we stayed at Peacock Village, which was connected to the Grand Royal Hotel, Pinnalanda.
Peacock Village offered renovated shipping containers to stay in with balconies overlooking the banana trees and lush greenery around. This was a budget-friendly option compared to staying at the main hotel. But the hotel ferried you back and forth in a tuk tuk two minutes away to the main hotel where you could enjoy the pool, bar and main areas of the hotel as if you were also a guest there too.
5. Kandy (1 night)
Before visiting Sri Lanka, Kandy was never top of our list of places to visit. When you think of Sri Lanka, you think of white sands and palm trees, not a large bustling city.
Kandy is more than just the start of the greatest train journey, it is also a cultural gem of historical significance for Sri Lanka. Known as Sri Lanka’s second city, Kandy is nestled amidst the hills in the central province of the country.
3 things to see & do
- Kandy to Ella train ride
- Big Buddha statue
- Ambuluwana Tower
Where we stayed
For our one night in Kandy, we stayed at Galaxy City Hotel, atop a hill in the city centre. Our room and balcony offered incredible panoramic views of the mountains and hills, and the room was large and spacious.
6. Ella (2 nights)
Ella was actually one of our favourite places to visit in Sri Lanka and I’d highly recommend staying here for a few days if you can, to recharge your batteries and perhaps hike a few trails.
Located in hill country, it is a lot cooler here than the other areas of Sri Lanka and it can rain at any moment, so make sure you have a raincoat with you!
Ella is filled with travellers that have taken the scenic train down from Kandy. Because of this, the town is a lot more touristy than other areas of Sri Lanka. There is a distinct Western influence to the restaurants and bars reminiscent of destinations like Bali and Tulum.
3 things to see & do
- Hike Adam’s Peak
- Watch a train pass over the Nine Arch Bridge
- Visit Lipton’s Seat
Where we stayed
We spent two nights in Ella, staying in two different locations.
Ella River Front
We had a balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows of the most incredible view. We also had monkeys on our balcony in the morning, which was incredible but I wouldn’t leave anything outside or leave any doors open!
This was also located further away from Ella, so we had to get a tuk tuk to and from the hotel any time we wanted to venture into Ella itself, which set our budget back a little.
Ella Hilltop Guest House
This was in a great location, walking distance from the main area of Ella with shops and restaurants. But even so close, we still had incredible views from the rooftop of the guest house.
7. Yala National Park (1 night)
When it came to planning our trip to Sri Lanka, going on Safari was top of the list. There are several national parks to choose from. Parks in the northern area of Sri Lanka are renowned for elephants. But in the south, Yala boasts one of the highest densities of leopards in the world.
Yala National Park spans over 978 square kilometres, and is the country’s second largest national park, so is a very ethical way of seeing wildlife.
The park is home to a diverse array of animals. We saw so many different varieties of birds, as well as peacocks, wild boars, deer, water and domestic buffalo, crocodiles, elephants and even two of the elusive leopards – a baby cub high up in a tree licking its paws, and a larger leopard roaming across one of the roads right behind our jeep.
Where we stayed & how we booked our safari
We stayed at Gaga Bees Hotel in Yala which was perfect. Each room is a separate hut made of all natural materials. The resort comes with a pool and full kitchen where we had lunch and dinner.
We were able to book our private safari with Gaga Bees via WhatsApp before we arrived. You’ll find that most people staying at the hotel with you will also be going on a group or private safari too: +94 71 620 5343
South Coast Beach Hopping
To round out our trip around Sri Lanka, we hopped between beach towns along the southern coast of the island to discover what Sri Lanka is very popular for – its beaches and surfing. Below is the route we took, the beaches we visited and where we stayed during this time.
8. Tangalle (2 nights)
Nestled along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Tangalle was the first stop on our beach-hopping route as it boasts pristine beaches, serene coves, and swaying coconut palms. It was finally time to escape the crowds in central Sri Lanka, unwind in tranquility, and feel the Indian Ocean on our feet.
3 things to see & do
For most of these beach towns along the southern coast, there isn’t much to do other than relax, lie on the beach, sunbathe (if you’re not the palest person in the world like me) and surf. But here is a small list of things you can see and do whilst in Tangalle:
- Relax on Tangalle Beach
- Explore the Rekawa Turtle Conservation Project
- Visit the famous Silent Beach
Where we stayed
For our two nights in Tangalle, we stayed at Goyambokka Guest House. This was a two minute walk from Goyambokka Beach – the perfect location for morning and sunset walks. The beach was popular with tourists swimming and surfing and had a few restaurants overlooking the water.
9. Dikwella (1 night)
Known for its secluded beaches and laid-back atmosphere, Dikwella is a hidden gem on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Experience the beauty of untouched landscapes, enjoy water activities such as snorkelling and diving, and witness stunning sunsets.
3 things to see & do
- Visit Hiriketiya Beach
- Explore the Wewurukannala Vihara Temple
- Take a boat ride to the iconic Dikwella Blow Hole
Where we stayed
During our one night in Dikwella, we stayed at Dickwella Resort & Spa, a little bit more up-market than what our budget had previously allowed. We had been staying at £10-£20 per night hotels and guest houses for the past week or more, so it was time to allow ourselves a night of luxury.
This was a gated resort that also had access to Dikwella Bay Beach, right behind our bedroom. There was a pool, sun loungers, two restaurants, a rooftop bar, gym and spa.
10. Weligama (2 nights)
We used Weligama as a base to visit both Mirissa and Ahangama, two more beach towns along the southern coast. This meant that we didn’t actually see much of Weligama, but it’s definitely somewhere to come if you would like to learn how to surf as the waves aren’t as strong.
Where we stayed
We stayed at Onilwe Resort for two nights and I’ll say that this wouldn’t top my list of accommodations in Sri Lanka. The guest house was very out in the open and we didn’t see many other travellers during our stay or have much interaction with anyone that worked at the property.
Day trip to Mirissa
Whilst staying in Weligama, we took a day trip to Mirissa via the bus. Mirissa is another popular surfing town with stunning beaches, cafes and views.
Mirissa is also home to the famous Coconut Tree Hill, a popular Instagram photo spot as the hill is full of coconut trees, overlooking the ocean, waves and turtles swimming in the water.
Like a lot of the beach areas in Sri Lanka, Mirissa also reminded us of Bali with its cool cafes, digital nomads and surfers.
Day trip to Ahangama
We heard a lot about Ahangama whilst travelling through Sri Lanka, and if we were to come back again, we’d probably spend a few more days in this beach town.
As Sri Lanka is increasingly being referred to as the ‘new Bali’, Ahangama is the spot in particular that digital nomads are flocking to, and we can see why.
With cafes that look very similar to those in Canggu (Bali), waves that can entertain any keen surfer for hours, great WiFi, co-working spaces and cheap living conditions, we can see why the appeal is there for those wanting to live an island lifestyle without the Bali price tag.
11. Galle (2 nights)
Galle is a charming coastal city. Known for its well-preserved fort and bustling streets lined with boutique shops and cafes.
Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century, the fort stands as a testament to the colonial influence on the island. Its strategic location along key trade routes made it a crucial stronghold for various colonial powers throughout history.
Today, Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for tourists wanting to explore its cobbled streets, colonial buildings, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
3 things to see & do
- Explore Galle Fort’s ramparts, walls and museums
- Galle Library – the oldest library in the whole of Sri Lanka!
- See the working Galle Fort Lighthouse at night
Where we stayed
We stayed for two nights at Fort Thari Inn within Galle Fort itself and found this to be a great place to stay and in a perfect location. We used our time in Galle to catch up on some work and wander around the area.
12. Hikkaduwa (1 night)
A haven for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts, Hikkaduwa is famed for its vibrant coral reefs, pristine beaches, and laid-back atmosphere.
3 things to see & do
- Swim with turtles at Turtle Beach
- Visit the Community Tsunami Education Center & Museum and nearby Buddha statue in the town of Peraliya
- Release baby turtles at the Turtle Hatchery
I would strongly recommend jumping on a bus to the Tsunami Museum. This was one of the most significant experiences of my time in Sri Lanka. The museum showcases photos of the 2004 tsunami which destroyed the entire area of Peraliya and killed 1,700 people that were on board a train at the time, making it the worst train disaster in history.
Where we stayed
We spent one night at Villa Red Lobster, a large guest house with a pool and restaurant. The room was large, had a balcony and huge bathroom. We had a great stay here and I would highly recommend as somewhere to stay in Hikkaduwa!
Back to Colombo & Negombo
After our one night in Hikkaduwa, we made our way back to Colombo for one night. Then finished off our time in Sri Lanka with four more nights in Negombo.
I hope this route of Sri Lanka was helpful to you! Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions if you’re also planning a trip to Sri Lanka.
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