Looking for Sri Lanka itinerary for 3 weeks?
It is an undoubtable fact that Sri Lanka has taken the world of travel by surprise. Thanks to its numerous historical, religious, and cultural heritage, its popularity as one of the best travel destinations of all time is surging by the minute.
Although Sri Lanka is not an extremely large country, it’s jam-packed with countless places and unforgettable things to do. After landing in the most popular Sri Lankan cities like Colombo, you can explore the unimaginable jungles, hills, endless tea plantations, lush jungles, and exciting coastlines using the best Sri Lankan Routes. With all this and more, 3 weeks is an ideal time to explore this tropical island.
This is the most epic itinerary for a 3 weeks stay in Sri Lanka. Buckle up, and let’s go through everything you need to know!
Days 1-2: Negombo
Negombo is a Sri Lankan City near the airport and very close to Colombo. This is the best place to rest and freshen up after an hour-long flight.
Mark the beginning of an unforgettable travel experience ina city near Colombo – Sri Lanka’s capital, where you’ll discover a unique blend of modern and traditional infrastructure coupled with bustling streets. There’s plenty of sightseeing to do in Negombo, and of course, you don’t want to miss taking a stroll on the city beaches and the beautiful parks where you can rest as you enjoy the trees, attractive flowers, and unique tropical plants.
Hotels in Negombo
Enjoy a coastal relaxation experience and a picturesque view of the Sri Lankan beaches from the best hotels in Negombo, including:
- Villa Kapuru
- Kadupul (Serenity)
- The Cave (Blue Bird)
- Camelot Beach Hotel
Days 3-4: Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is an ancient capital jam-packed with temple remains that give you a unique exposure to the country’s religious past. Two days are ideal to explore the different sites and grasp the country’s immense history.
The most famous attraction in Anuradhapura is the Samadhi Buddha Statue, a must-see sculpture that is centuries old.
Enjoy panoramic views, ancient temples, and sunset hikes in Mihintale, Anuradhapura. If you’re keen to gain an understanding of the Buddhist religion, visit the Ruwanwelisaya site. You can also go for a mini-safari in Wilpattu National Park, where you’ll see various animals, including leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.
Hotels in Anuradhapura
- Heritage Hotel
- Hotel Alakamanda
- Hotel Randiya
Days 5-6: Polonnaruwa
Are you craving to experience the ancient religious and historical Sri Lankan Heritage? You won’t go wrong with visiting Polonnaruwa – the ancient capital of this hillside country. Thanks to the ancient temples, Buddha statues, impressive shrines, and impressive ruins of ancient Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is a must-stop destination for any Sri Lanka itinerary.
Hotels in Polonnaruwa
- Hotel Mahanuge
- Ancient Village hotel
- Tishan Holiday Resort
Day 7: Sigiriya
Add color to your Sri Lanka trip by one of the UNESCO world heritage sites – Lion Rock. This is a very famous landmark in Sigiriya. Hike the enormous square-shaped rock and explore the ancient palace remains packed with unique drawings on every corner you take.
Surrounding the famous Lion Rock is a flat landscape full of lush green forests and grasslands where you cansee the elephants, feed them, and possibly walk with them along the lush jungles.
You can also opt to head over to the smaller Pidurangula Rock nearby. Although much smaller, it provides an excellent view! Remember that you might have to pay some rupees as an entrance fee!
Hotels in Sigiriya
- Hotel Sigiriya
- Lion Gate Hotel
- Royal Rock Sigiriya
Days 8-9: Kandy
Kandy is yet another city located right in the heartland of Sri Lanka. Fully packed with a huge religious and historical significance as well as a variety of natural attractions of nature, Kandy is an absolute favorite destination for travelers.
The main attraction here is a holyshrine, the Temple of The Tooth, which is significant toBuddhism. On top of that are various attractions,including the Kandy Lake and the Royal Botanical Gardens, which you’ll no doubt enjoy.
Hotels in Kandy
- Golden Crown Hotel
- Kandy City Hotel
- The Swiss residence
Days 10-11: NuwaraEliya
After exploring Kandy to your heart’s content and having recuperated from the tiresome adventure, hop on to the Kandy to Ella train. It is the most scenic train ride in Sri Lanka and perhaps in the world. Enjoy the stunning view of enormous lush green tea plantations, rolling hilltops, and forests. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you probably won’t resist hanging out the door to enjoy the cool-blowing wind currents in your hair.
The Kandy to Ella train is a 7-hour journey with some stops here and there. Get off earlier and enjoy a day at NuwaraEliya, the City of the Plain. It is a city in the hill country of Sri Lanka and is famous for its lush tea plantations.But it’s not all green as you’d think; there are lots of stylish Bungalows dotted through these fields thanks to the English Colonization.
Days 12-13: Ella
After enjoying the natural views of NuwaraEliya, head over to the blissful city of Ella. Complemented by the mountainous and hilly surroundings, the small town has a hippy vibe that’ll suit every traveling enthusiast. Book a hilltop hotel room with fascinating views!
The Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock, and Adams Pick are some of the absolute must-do in Ella.
Hotels in Ella
- Tea Cabins
- Royal Mount Ella
- Ella 100 View Cottage
Days 14-15: Yala National Park
From Ella, it is super easy to travel to YalaNational Park. As the second largest national park in Sri Lanka, Yala is on many travelers’ radars for an adventurous safari with diverse biodiversity and wildlife.
If lady luck is on your side, you might even encounter the exclusive leopard!
Jump in a tourist jeep and get ready for an incredible adventure – from spotting groups of wild elephants among other animals and exploring lakesides to experiencing the thrill that comes with traveling across dirty and bumpy roads.
Days 16-17: Mirissa
From Yala National Park, head south to Mirissa, one of the most popular beach destinations in Sri Lanka, which is a real paradise for beach lovers. Mirissa has it all! Whether you are looking for the ideal place to surf on great waves, the feel of the coarse sand under your feet, unique beachside delicacies, or mesmerizing marine life sceneries including turtles and blue whales.
Hotels in Mirissa
- Triple O Six
- Ashiyana Hotel
- Paradise Beach Club Hotel
- Green Hill Hotel
Days 18-20: Galle
Galle is a beach town in the southwest of Sri Lanka. With a heritage of museums, dutch-style buildings, and windy beaches, it has the best tropical experience. Galle is, therefore, a must-visit destination before winding up your trip.
Galle Fort, Groote Kerk, Fort Clock Tower, Kottawa Forest, and the Galle Dutch Fort are some places to visit in Galle.After you’ve had your fill of this beachy town, don’t miss the Galle Face Green situated in Colombo.
Hotels in Galle
- Jetwing Lighthouse
- Galle Fort Hotel
- Amangalla
The Best Travel Options – Get Around Sri Lanka Easily
Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) and Rajapaksa Airport (Hambantota) are two of the most popular international airports in Sri Lanka. Most of the international flights land in Bandaranaike – Colombo, and that’s where most travelers in Sri Lanka arrive.
Most travelers start their trip by sightseeing in the big Sri Lankan cities. Take Colombo, for instance; there are many must-visit destinations, including the Galle Face Green, the Dutch Period Museum, and the Viharamahadevi Park. But how do you get around in Sri Lanka?
There are plenty of travel options to help you get around in Sri Lanka, from public to private transport options, so you won’t miss your favorite pick.Public transport is the best way to save a few bucks like any other place, but it’s also the slowest. Whichever the case, whether traveling by bus, train, or tuk-tuk, public transport will give you an unforgettable experience of the culture in Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, in the wake of developing infrastructure, the country is improving its wide range of readily available travel options.
The most common and affordable travel option in Sri Lanka is the bus. If you are on a tight budget, you can book a regular bus ticket, but if you are looking for a more cozy option, hop on a luxury VIP bus. Taking a taxi is affordable and fast when traveling in a group of less than five people. For longer journeys, however, the best option is taking a train, which has the most enjoyable and scenic rides you’ll remember.
Expense Costs in Sri Lanka
Regardingaccommodation, food, and transport, the costs in Sri Lanka vary depending on your specific city or region, but overall, this country is very budget-friendly.
If you are on a budget or simply a backpacker, you can settle for a very cheap option: booking a hostel dorm for around $7 and enjoying a delicious local meal for just $3 is quite a catch.
On the other hand, if you enjoy luxury, you won’t be short of costly five-star hotels, exquisite cuisines, luxury resorts, and high-end cafes and restaurants. That said, you can opt for a luxury trip that might cost up to $250 a day.
The home currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee (LKR), with an exchange rate of approximately 300 Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) to a dollar (USD). While some places will undoubtedly allow you to spend in Dollars, always carry some local currency.
Final Word – Sri Lanka Itinerary 3 Weeks
Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon, is absolutely one of the favorite travel destinations for travel enthusiasts, especially if you simply want to enjoy an exciting holiday on an island. Moreover, this tropical island is a real oasis for summer fanatics.
Despite its popularity among travelers around the globe, this country surprisingly doesn’t feel too overcrowded; thus, you’ll definitely get to enjoy your moment. Filled with lush green landscapes, colorful coastal towns, stunning beaches, friendly locals, and countless cuisines, I highly recommend adding this country to your radar.
Detailed above is an itinerary that you can use for your 3-week travel in this Asian country, and hopefully, you’ll love it there as much as many travelers do. Feel free to swap places on this travel itinerary to fit your own convenience and time and make it a unique and unforgettable Sri Lanka trip.
Contact Sri Lanka Tour Guides to get Sri Lanka itinerary for 3 weeks.
