Sri Lanka One Week Itinerary: The Best of Ceylon Island

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If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka and only have one week, you might be wondering how to fit in the best of this beautiful island. The good news? You can experience a little bit of everything—golden beaches, scenic train rides, ancient temples, and incredible wildlife—even in just seven days.

Our friend Carae has been traveling through Sri Lanka for a while, and in this pos,t she will share her tips for a one-week itinerary in Sri Lanka to help you plan your amazing adventure.

This itinerary takes you through Negombo, Colombo, Galle, Nuwara Eliya, Arugam Bay, and more, giving you a mix of relaxation, adventure, and culture. You’ll get to soak up the sun on some of Sri Lanka’s best beaches, try delicious local food like kottu roti, go surfing, take in breathtaking landscapes, and maybe even spot elephants on a safari.

Whether you’re backpacking through Asia, planning a honeymoon, or just looking for a fun getaway, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable Sri Lanka vacation. Get ready for an epic 7-day adventure with tips on where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of your time!

nine arches bridge sri lanka — Train on the nine arches bridge

Sri Lanka Itinerary Overview

Sri Lanka is full to the brim with amazing things to do, I stayed for 3 months, traveling the west and east coast and still felt like I didn’t have enough time to see everything.

The country is like a crooked oval, with most people exploring the Southern and Western coastlines. Most itineraries make a complete circle, starting in Colombo, making stops along the coast or in the mountains of central Sri Lanka and then returning to the capital.

This makes it easy to stop in the places you really want to see and keep moving past the ones that don’t sound as interesting to you.

But there’s no wrong way to travel to Sri Lanka, so feel free to mix and match or add on some extra days if you can spare them.

With that said, let’s get into my one-week itinerary for Sri Lanka!

The Ultimate Sri Lanka One Week Itinerary

Now, I want to inform you that your week will be busy. You can slow it down and skip some places if you like, but I recommend just powering through. I mean, you can sleep when you go back home, right?

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration in Colombo

Unless you’re coming in from India or another nearby country, chances are you’ll be flying into Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport.

The airport is approximately a 40-minute drive from the city center. You have a few options to get there: take a taxi, book a ride on PickMe (Sri Lanka’s version of Uber), or hop on the local bus, which runs every 30 minutes between 5:30 AM and 8:30 PM.

Settle into your hotel, and then it’s time to explore the city!

Colombo’s such a cool city to check out—there’s this mix of modern vibes and old-school colonial architecture that makes it so interesting.

Here are some must-visit spots in Colombo

The National Museum of Colombo

Get a peek at the crazy history of Colombo when you spend a few hours wandering around this museum. It houses a vast collection of Sri Lankan art, artifacts and archaeology. I learned so much about the civil war, the tsunami and Sri Lankan culture in general when I visited.

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Personally, I think this was the coolest thing I saw in Colombo, the mosque is right in the middle of the Pettah market and its dark red exterior with insane architecture just blew my mind.

Pettah Market

It’s wild, chaotic, and vibrant—basically, you can find anything here, from clothes to food to souvenirs.

Gangaramaya Temple

This is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in Colombo, famous for its beautiful architecture and artifacts. Sitting right next to Beira Lake, it has such a peaceful atmosphere. With massive gold Buddha statues and murals, it’s definitely worth checking out.

If you have some energy left, head to Galle Face Green—a green open space by the ocean—to watch the sunset and grab a snack from one of the food carts.

One of the best ways to explore Colombo is by tuk-tuk with a local guide. Check out one of the most highly-rated tours.

Day 2: Discovering the Nature of Nuwara Eliya

waterfalls in nuwara elya — Carae at the Waterfalls in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya often flies under the radar for many travelers. Most people focus on the popular Kandy-to-Ella route, which is certainly worth doing if time allows. However, Kandy and Sigiriya Rock are located quite far to the north, making the journey lengthy. In my experience, both destinations felt somewhat skippable.

Sigiriya Rock looks sick if you have a drone but after climbing it, I realized the views aren’t all that great and it’s just crawling with tourists.

Kandy, on the other hand, has a few interesting sights like the Temple of the Tooth with the sacred tooth relic and botanical gardens, but it lacks that local charm and feels very touristy.

But Nuwara Eliya, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country, is where you can truly experience the beauty of Sri Lanka’s nature. It’s a charming little town known as “Little England” due to its colonial architecture and cool climate.

You’ll want to leave Colombo as early as possible as it takes about 5 hours to reach Nuwara Eliya by car. I know—long! But once you’re here, this is where the true holiday starts!

We absolutely loved our time in Nuwara Eliya, from the incredible guesthouse we stayed at to the breathtaking landscapes and tea plantations.

Here are some activities you should definitely do while in Nuwara Eliya:

High Tea at The Grand Hotel

I told you, little England! Here you can experience an authentic high tea in a beautiful colonial setting. The hotel is stunning and the food is delicious, making it a great spot to relax and indulge.

Cost: $20 for standard high tea, $30 with Prosecco pairing Time: Daily, 12:30 PM – 6:00 PM

Carae having high tea in Nuara Eliya — Carae having tea at The Grand Hotel

Hike to Lovers Leap Waterfall

You’ve got to check out this waterfall in Hawa Eliya—it’s incredible! The hike to get there is only about 30 minutes, and you’ll walk through these beautiful tea plantations. Totally worth it for the views. You’ll pass a tea factory on the way and the trail is just a little dirt road, but it’s super easy to follow with signs along the way.

Take a Tea Plantation Tour

The most popular thing to do in Nuwara Eliya is visit a tea plantation, and for good reason! The views are absolutely breathtaking, and it’s a great opportunity to learn about the process of tea production. We visited Pedro Tea Estate and Damro Tea and were blown away by the stunning landscapes and knowledgeable guide. We were able to try different types of tea and even got to pick some fresh leaves ourselves.

After a day in the highlands of Sri Lanka, enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan dinner at a local restaurant and head to bed; you’ve got another adventure waiting for you tomorrow!

Enjoy a private Tuk Tuk Tour to tea plantations, waterfalls and more!

Day 3: The Famous Scenic Train Ride to Ella

Get ready for one of the absolute highlights of your trip: the scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.

I’m sure you’re thinking, I thought it was Kandy to Ella, and while you’re right it is, the best part of the train ride is actually between Nanu Oya (the station closest to Nuwara Eliya) and Ella. This train journey takes you through rolling hills, lush tea plantations, and charming villages.

With the doors open and the warm breeze blowing through, you’ll feel like you’re in a movie. It’s no wonder that this train ride is considered one of the most beautiful in the world!

To make sure you get a seat on the right side of the train for optimal views, book your tickets in advance or try your luck at the train station early in the morning. Trust me, it’s worth it!

Some people will also tell you to get the first class tickets, but we found that second class was just as comfortable and offered better views from the open doors.

Once you arrive in Ella, check into your hotel and enjoy an evening in the cute little town. Stroll through the streets, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, and soak in the laid-back vibes.

Discover Ella by Tuk Tuk Here!

Day 4: Adventure in Ella

Start your day early with a sunrise hike up to Little Adam’s Peak. The hike is fairly easy and takes around an hour up and 35 minutes down, depending on your pace.

(Watch out for the leeches, wear tall socks and closed-toe shoes!)

Once you reach the top, hang out for a little bit to watch the sunrise and enjoy the stunning views of Ella’s rolling green mountains.

Next up, head to Nine Arch Bridge, a stunning railway bridge surrounded by lush greenery. You can watch trains pass by or even take a stroll along the tracks (just be careful!).

This iconic bridge can get PACKED! This is why I recommend doing this as early as possible, as soon as you’re done with sunrise at Little Adam’s Peak, you’ll want to head straight here before the crowds arrive.

After all that walking, you’ll probably be hungry, so grab a late breakfast at one of the many cafes in town. Rainbow Cafe was our absolute favorite. The upstairs feels like you’re in a tree house and their dishes are delicious and beautifully presented.

In the afternoon, take a tuk-tuk to Yala National Park for your next adventure. We recommend staying at one of the eco-lodges nearby for a unique experience. Spend the evening relaxing in nature before an early morning safari the next day.

You can book a transfer from Ella to Yala National Park to Hirikeitya here! Making it super easy to get from one place to the next.

Day 5: Safari at Yala National Park

Start your day early—like, before the sun’s even up—and head to Yala National Park for an epic jeep safari. This place is full of wildlife: think elephants, leopards (if you’re lucky), crocodiles chilling by waterholes, and tons of colorful birds.

Our driver was awesome—he always got us in the best spots to see the animals up close, which made it all even better. We were one of the lucky groups that got to spot a leopard right after its breakfast—how cool!

The safari is a half-day trip, and they keep you fueled with breakfast, tea, and snacks.

Bring a good camera with a zoom lens—I only had my iPhone, and while my pictures are still epic, I wish I could zoom in a bit more on the leopard and some baby elephants.

Oh, and don’t forget sunglasses, a hat, and binoculars. Trust me, they’ll come in handy.

After the excitement of the safari, head back to your eco-lodge for some lunch and a bit of chill time. Once you’re recharged, make your way to Hirikeitiya Beach (you’re lodge should be able to schedule you a Tuk Tuk or taxi transfer) it’s this beautiful little crescent-shaped bay with palm trees and clear blue water on the southern coast.

Honestly, it’s my favorite spot in Sri Lanka. The vibes are so chill, but there’s still plenty to do. Whether you’re into surfing, swimming, or just relaxing to the sound of the waves, Hirikeitiya is the perfect way to wrap up your day.

I recommend heading to Lemon Grass Cafe, one of our favorite restaurants in Hiriketiya. You’ll be greeted by the sweetest Sri Lankan woman who will make sure you’re well taken care of. Their food is delicious and I’m talking MASSIVE portions for just a few bucks.

Day 6: Beach Day and Surfing in Hiriketiya

Hiriketiya, located on the stunning south coast, is all about embracing the laid-back beach lifestyle. So grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and surfboard (or rent one there) and get ready for a day of fun in the sun.

Begin your day with a relaxing yoga sesh followed by a delicious breakfast at Dots Bay House, another fan favorite. They have traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers or acai bowls, perfect for fueling up before hitting the waves.

Dots is also one of the best places to stay in Hiriketiya. With yoga classes, a pool, and beachfront bungalows, it’s the ultimate beach getaway.

After breakfast, make your way to the beach for some surfing. The waves at Hiriketiya are perfect for beginners and experienced surfers. If you’re new to surfing, there are several surf schools in the area that offer lessons and equipment rental for a super affordable price.

And if surfing isn’t your thing, not a problem. You can snag a lounge chair at one of the beachfront restaurants and just go for a dip, drink a king coconut and soak up the sun. This is where I was for about 3 weeks straight, ha!

As the day winds down, make sure to catch one of Hiriketiya’s breathtaking sunsets. The sun sets behind the bay, so heading to the left side of the bay is the best spot to watch. Grab a drink and enjoy the view, or take a stroll along the beach as the sun dips below the horizon.

Have some dinner and check out any beach parties happening that night. Hiriketiya is known for its nightlife, with beach bonfires and live music being a regular occurrence.

Day 7: Return from Hiriketiya to Colombo

Depending on your flight schedule, you can either spend one last morning in Hiriketiya or head straight to Colombo. If you have some time, make sure to grab a delicious breakfast at Mond, it’s one of the best cafes in the area.

After breakfast, gather your belongings and make your way back to Colombo. If you’re taking a bus, I recommend leaving early, as it can take around 6 hours to get back. However, I think booking a private transfer is worth the extra cost for a more comfortable and efficient journey.

If you have the time, make a stop at Galle Fort along the way. It’s a beautiful old Dutch fort with lots of shops and restaurants to explore.

Either head to your hotel and enjoy one last evening in the city of Colombo, or head straight to the airport for your flight home. It’s been an epic week of exploring, adventuring and relaxing in beautiful Sri Lanka.

An array of Sri Lankan dishes featuring hoppers, vibrant curries, and sambal, presented in colorful bowls with banana leaf garnishes, atop a metal tray. — Sri Lanka Dishes

A Full Week in Sri Lanka Itinerary

I told you—this itinerary will keep you busy! But it’s more than enough time to experience the highlights and get a taste of the beautiful country of Sri Lanka.

While you are just scratching the surface with this one-week itinerary, you have likely fallen in love with the country and are already planning your next trip back. I mean from hiking Little Adams Peak to catching some waves in Hirikeitya, how could you not?

Sri Lanka truly has something for everyone—whether you are a beach lover, a foodie, or an adventure seeker. I hope this itinerary has inspired you to come and see for yourself just how amazing Sri Lanka is.