Welcome to an island where ancient temples pierce the jungle canopy, where leopards prowl through national parks, and where the scent of Ceylon tea mingles with fragrant curry spices. In just five extraordinary days, Sri Lanka unveils its treasures like pages from a well-loved storybook – each day bringing a new wonder.
From the cultural riches of Kandy to the sun-kissed beaches of the south, this teardrop-shaped island packs more variety into its modest size than seems possible. Whether you’re watching baby elephants play in Minneriya, climbing the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, or catching waves along the coast, Sri Lanka proves that paradise isn’t just found – it’s experienced in countless ways. Join us as we journey through this tropical haven where every moment tells a story, and every day brings a new adventure.
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Related Reading: Top Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Check out our 5-Day Sri Lanka Adventure on YouTube here
Our Sri Lanka 5-day Itinerary
Day 1 – Negombo to Minneriya National Park, Accommodation at Heritance Kandalama
Day 2 – Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Village Tour, Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site, Accommodation at Heritance Kandalama
Day 3 – Dambulla Golden Temple, Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, Paramount Spice Garden, Kandy Cultural Centre, Accommodation Grand Kandyan Kandy
Day 4 – Kandy – Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Kandy Market, Giragama Tea State and Factory, Kosgordo Turtle Care, Accommodation Radisson Blu Galle
Day 5 – Galle Stilt Fishermen, Galle Dutch Fort Accommodation Radisson Blu Galle
Should You Book a Tour or a Private Guide With Car
This is a question we are always asked and it comes down to whether you prefer to travel in a group where the itinerary is planned each day and there are time constraints on the places that you visit.
With a private guide and a car you can work with him to create the itinerary that is better suited for your interests. You can arrange your departure time each morning, how much time you want to spend in each location and what time you want to return back to the hotel. You can choose your morning and afternoon tea locations as well as lunch. This is a very flexible option.
If you would like to have your own guide and an air-conditioned car we can highly recommend the services of Jayantha Fernando from Oishi Tours. He is a passionate guide and you will certainly be in good hands.
Contact details: Instagram
email: [email protected]
If you do reach out to Fernando (as he is known) let him know that you got this information from Jane at To Travel Too.
How To Spend 5 Days in Sri Lanka
Day 1 Sri Lanka Itinerary – Minneriya National Park
We undertook a tour of Sri Lanka as part of a 3 country tour visiting the Golden Triangle of India and the Maldives.
Our flight arrived in Colombo late the previous night and our small group spent the night in Negombo staying at the Arie Lagoon Resort, 587 Pamunugama Road, Thalahena, Negombo. The journey time was around 20 minutes for the 17.1 km distance.
Such beautiful accommodation located on the lake. It was a shame we were not able to stay 2 nights in this luxury resort. As we headed off to breakfast from our spacious bedroom we could not believe our position on the lake. Our breakfast buffet was extensive with so many offerings – Western and Sri Lankan that it was hard to choose what to enjoy whilst looking over the infinity pool towards the lake. We were so impressed with the quality of our short stay and can recommend the Arie Lagoon Resort hotel.
You can book your room at the Arie Lagoon Resort here
Our first-day road journey around Sri Lanka saw us heading towards Dambulla in the centre of the island to the North. After spending the previous week in bustling Delhi, Jaipur and Agra travelling on Sri Lankan roads was a lot quieter.
Lunch was at the Ariya Restaurant on Trinco Road Pelwehera 6.5 km from Dambulla. The Sri Lankan buffet options were plentiful catering for vegetarians and meat eaters. A great spot for lunch and very popular.
Our first activity in Sri Lanka was a highlight – Sri Lanka elephant safari at Minneriya National Park by jeep for 2 hours. Our safari started off slow with the first hour only sighting two elephants. As we drove deeper into the National Park we came across small herds of elephants. By the end of the safari, we counted around 45 elephants. Just as we were about to finish, the highlight was seeing several elephants heading to the water hole, having a bath and a play before heading back into the jungle. There are around 300 elephants in Minneriya, which is said to be one of the largest gatherings of elephants in the world.
Accommodation for the next two nights at Heritance Kandalama a 50-minute drive from Minneriya National Park.
The iconic Heritance Kandalama, designed by renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, is a masterpiece of sustainable architecture that revolutionized hotel design when it opened in 1994. Built into the face of a rock cliff overlooking the ancient Kandalama reservoir and Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the hotel embodies Bawa’s philosophy of tropical modernism. The structure seems to grow out of the mountainside, with its green-covered walls creating a living facade that allows the building to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings. Each aspect of the design was carefully considered to minimize environmental impact – from its unique ‘through-building’ layout that allows for natural ventilation, to the preservation of elephant corridors beneath the structure.
You can book your room here at the Heritance Kandalama.
Day 2 Sri Lankan Itinerary – Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Village Tour, Polonnaruwa UNESCO World Heritage Site
After a hearty breakfast from the Heritance’s excellent buffet, we headed to Sri Lanka’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site Sigiriya Rock Fortress a 40-minute drive away.
Sigiriya is the 5th-century rock citadel of King Kasyapa. The 1200-step climb is achievable if you are fairly fit. You will need a good pair of walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and water. It is worth the climb for the views and a wander through the ruins. On the return journey down you have time to visit the frescoes, which is also a bit of a challenge to reach with its winding staircase.
Some facts about Sigiriya:
- It is located 350 metres above sea level
- It dates back to pre-historic times 10th – 9th centuries BC
- Brahmi rock inscriptions show Buddhist religious activities around the time of 3rd-century BC
- It is built in a rectangular city plan with high ramparts, deep moats, water gardens, a mirror wall, a boulder garden
- The Lions Paw terrace is the final ascent to the royal palace on top of the 1.5-hectare rock summit
- 19 frescoes of female figures can be seen on the plastered rock face
- The site is open from 6.30 am to 7.00 pm
- The Sigiriya Museum is open from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm
Good to know: You are not allowed to take photos of the frescoes. It can be busy so allow extra time to visit if you are going to climb to the top.
You can book a tour here that includes climbing Sigiriya
A local village tour was next on the agenda with a buffalo cart ride to the lake where we had a short cruise. We then visited a local home where we were shown how to make local bread and a coconut sambal which we enjoyed for lunch.
Just under 2 hours away was the ancient city of Polonnaruwa where we had a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built during the 12th century under King Parakramabahu I, this ancient city showcases extraordinary architectural and engineering achievements. The sprawling complex features magnificently preserved ruins including the Royal Palace, the stunning Gal Vihara with its four massive Buddha statues carved from a single granite wall, and the impressive Vatadage circular relic house.
As you explore the site you can see well-preserved Buddhist temples, fascinating Hindu sculptures, and grand structures like the Lankathilaka Temple with its towering walls and colossal Buddha statue.
Good to know: The museum is open daily from 7 am to 5.30 pm. Do not take photographs with your back facing Buddha images or touch them in a way that shows disrespect to the religious and cultural values of the country.
A welcome King Coconut drink bought at a roadside stall rehydrated us after our adventure. The orange-coloured King Coconut is found in Sri Lanka and it has many health benefits and is packed with essential electrolytes, minerals, and natural sugars. A must-try when travelling around Sri Lanka.
Day 3 Sri Lankan Itinerary – Golden Temple Complex, Paramount Spice Garden,
Saying goodbye to the Heritance Kandalama we arrive at the Dambulla Golden Temple complex.
The Golden Buddha stands at 19.8 m and sits on top of the museum at the site. There is a Golden Stupa in the same complex.
The Rock Cave Temple houses a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses and dates back to the first century BCE. The Rock Cave Temple has 364 steps to climb to the caves which will take you around 15 minutes. It is the best-preserved temple complex and the largest in Sri Lanka. The temple is built under a 150m tall hanging rock.
A visit is a must-see and worth the climb. The Buddha statues are impressive.
Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm but the ticket centre closes at 5 pm
Good to know: You have to remove your shoes at the entrance, we advise that you take a pair of socks with you as the surface can be hot and dusty.
Paramount Spice Garden
Address: Kawdupelella, Matale Sri Lanka
A visit to the Paramount Spice Garden to learn about the use of spices and herbs grown in Sri Lanka. The interesting tour of the garden took about an hour, followed by a shoulder and neck massage before enjoying a variety of tasty Sri Lankan dishes.
They prepare a variety of oils eg :
- sandalwood oil used for the removal of acne
- herbal oil for snoring
- herbal diabetes tablets
- cinnamon oil for toothache and earache
- oils for migraines
- oils for varicose
- kidney and liver tonic
Top travel tip: if you purchase any of the oils and tonics make sure that you place them in your checked-in luggage and not in your carry-on.
Dambulla to Kandy – a distance of 72 km taking around 2.25 hours
Kandy Cultural Performance
At the Kandy Lake Club at 5 pm there is an hour of performances of all types of Sri Lankan dance styles ending with a demonstration of fire walking. A very high-energy performance that can be quite loud and noisy at times but worth a visit.
Address: 7 Sangamitta Mawatha, Kandy
Accommodation: Grand Kandyan Hotel – 89/10 Lady Gorden’s Drive Kandy
One night was not long enough to enjoy the Grand Kandyan Hotel in Kandy. The hotel is located on a hill that overlooks the ancient city of Kandy. On arrival, you enter a world of luxury and grandeur, chandeliers, ornate tables and decor, plush lounges and sofas. The beds are very comfortable and every amenity you require for a great stay is provided.
You wake up to breathtaking panoramic views of the Knuckles Mountain Range from your bedroom. The rooftop restaurant is perfect for a swim, a sundowner and dinner.
You can book your room at the Grand Kandyan Hotel here
Day 4 – Sri Lankan Adventure Kandy – Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Kandy Market, Giragama Tea State and Factory, Kosgordo Turtle Care visit
In the Royal Palace Complex in Kandy lies the Temple of the Sacred Tooth. The tooth of Buddha is located in a heavily guarded room within the complex in one of 7 golden caskets. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We visited in the morning when it was busy with worshippers bringing lotus flowers and frangipanis for their pujas (prayers and offerings). Times to visit are 5.30 am, 9.30 am and 6.30 pm.
Good to know: You will need to leave your shoes at the entrance to the complex
Kandy City Tour
Allow some time to wander through the streets of Kandy.
We recommend taking one of the following city tours:
Giragama Tea State and Factory
On our way to Galle our next destination on our 5-day Sri Lankan adventure we had the pleasure of visiting the Giragama Tea State and Factory. Sri Lanka is world famous for its finest Ceylon Tea. As we approach Giragama we see perfectly manicured vibrant green tea bushes cascading down into the valleys.
When you visit Giragama it is a total experience learning about the production of tea and of course, the opportunity to taste and purchase a range of tea products.
Kosgordo Turtle Care Projects with Shantha Fernando
At the Kosgoda Turtle Conservation Project along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, dedicated conservation efforts are helping to protect five species of endangered sea turtles, including the majestic Green turtle and the rare Leatherback.
Local conservationists work tirelessly to safeguard freshly laid eggs from poachers and predators, carefully relocating them to protected hatcheries where they can safely incubate in the warm sand. They even purchase the eggs from the poachers to protect the species paying the same amount as the poachers would receive out on the black markets.
Accommodation for the next two nights at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Galle
We can recommend staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Galle. All 172 rooms have balconies and views over the expansive swimming pool to the ocean. There are 5 restaurants, a spa and a kids club. Pay a visit to the rooftop bar and restaurant – Bommu for a sundowner. The rooms were a good size 39 metres square.
We dined at Fusion for dinner which offered a buffet or a la carte menu. Breakfast was at Fusion – the buffet offered a range of Western and Sri Lankan dishes overlooking the pool.
Book your stay here at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Galle
Day 5 – Galle Stilt Fishermen, Galle Dutch Fort
Sri Lankan beaches are some of the best in the world. Unawatuna Beach is one of the favourite beaches in and around Galle.
The best Sri Lanka surfing spots can be found in the south – east area. Unawatuna Bay is perfect for experienced surfers whilst beginners should choose Dewata Beach close to Galle Fort.
The Galle Stilt fishermen that we visited were located in Koggala. Unfortunately, the technique of fishing this way has finished. The stilt fishermen that you see are locals who are there for the tourists and their $$.
Galle Fort Sri Lanka
Galle Fort is located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka in the Bay of Galle.
The Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1588. It has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take some time to wander the 2.5 km trail along the headland overlooking the Indian Ocean. In 1640 the Dutch seized the Fort and added to the existing buildings before handing it over to the British in 1796.
We didn’t have time to stay in this historical area of Galle but enjoyed dinner at Pedlars Corner Cafe. An extensive menu serving a variety of Western food, Sri Lankan curries and seafood.
Galle Tours
Some suggestions whilst visiting Galle:
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed our 5-day Sri Lanka travel guide.
As our five days in paradise drew to a close, we found that Sri Lanka had woven itself into our hearts in unexpected ways.
From the moment we watched the early morning light paint the ancient stones of Sigiriya Rock Fortress gold, to our final sunset over Galle’s historic ramparts, each day revealed new wonders in this teardrop isle. We’ve tasted spices that danced on our tongues, met smiles that warmed our souls and discovered stories in every corner – from misty tea plantations to pristine beaches.
While five days merely scratched the surface of Sri Lanka’s treasures, it’s enough to understand why travellers throughout history have called this island paradise. As we bid farewell to this magical land, we hope you will be planning your Sri Lankan vacation, for Sri Lanka doesn’t just offer adventures – it promises memories that will call you back time and time again.
Interesting Facts about Sri Lanka
- The capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
- Languages: Sinhala, Tamil (English is widely spoken)
- Timezone: GMT +5.30
- Sri Lanka is an evergreen country
- National Bird: Jungle fowl
- National Flower: Water Lily
- National Game: Volleyball
- Rice and curries are the staple foods, 2 crops per year of rice,
- 22 different types of bananas are grown
- Tree of life is the coconut tree – all parts of the tree is used
- 8000 wild elephants in the country
- 400 species of birds, 33 are endemic to Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka has one of the oldest irrigation systems in the world
Sri Lanka Travel Tips
- Wear light cotton clothes
- Hats, sunscreens and good walking shoes are recommended
- When visiting Buddhist and Hindu temples you will need to remove shoes and hats
- Selfies with Buddha statues are prohibited
- Ask before you take photos, some areas may charge for the use of cameras
- When swimming ensure you understand the currents. Avoid swimming where red flags are positioned
Sri Lanka Weather
Sri Lanka has two monsoon season:
Maha – October to January affecting the North and East
Yala – May to August affecting the South & West
The best times to visit Sri Lanka are during September to October and the month of April.
Getting To Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is served by over 20 international carriers. Sri Lankan Airlines (UL) is the national carrier. For flight schedules and latest ticket prices we use Skyscanner.
Bandaranaike International Airport (airport code CMB) in Negombo is 30 km from the centre of Colombo. The average journey time is 25 – 30 minutes.
You can organise a private transfer from the Airport to your hotel in Colombo here.
If you are looking to organise a transfer to a destination outside Colombo click here for details
Getting Around Sri Lanka
It is easy for travellers to travel around Sri Lanka. The buses are regular and reliable and there is a good train network.
To check schedules and prices click here.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Sri Lanka Accommodation
There are many luxury hotels in Sri Lanka as well as a range of accommodations to suit all budgets from guest houses, bungalows, villas to boutique hotels.
E-Sims
Throughout Sri Lanka, we used e-simatic for our e-sim. It was fast and reliable, connected as soon as we landed at Colombo and we also use it as a hotspot to my laptop for banking and emails. You can purchase your e-sim here.
Visa for Sri Lanka
Check here if you need a visa for Sri Lanka.
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