Sri Lanka one week Itinerary

Colombo is an eccentric gateway into the small, beautiful, South Asian country of Sri Lanka. With a striking blend of lustrous skyscrapers, bustling street markets, and traditional, colonial-style buildings, Colombo is a vibrant hub for both culture and modern amenities. Visitors will find an abundance of shopping either at the markets or the high-end malls, as well as a lively street food scene. As for activities, there are many galleries, temples, and golden sand beaches to explore while in Sri Lanka’s capital city.

The second-largest city in Sri Lanka, Kandy, is the last capital of the ancient kings' dynasty in the country, which helps to explain the vast amount of historical, cultural, and religious sites which attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Visiting Kandy will surely leave you spoilt for choice as you decide whether to trek through the gorgeous green mountains, go back in time by visiting one of the museums, or take a relaxing stroll through the many parks and gardens that this lively city has to offer.

This quaint little village rests on the side of a mountain in south-central Sri Lanka and is the perfect pit stop on your Sri Lanka itinerary. Although the town itself is small, you’ll still need a few days in order to explore the main attraction of Ella: the gorgeous surrounding landscape. You can hike to famous sights, do some exhilarating zip-lining, and get some great tours in, all using the small village of Ella as a basecamp.

Despite being a relatively small island, Sri Lanka is home to a remarkable 22 national parks and a visit to this beautiful island isn’t complete without taking a trip to Udawalawe National Park. The park was established in 1972 to provide a sanctuary for wild animals. As you are driven through the park you'll be completely blown away by its breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. The park flaunts open plains, scrublands, wetlands, and mountainous areas. Catch elephants grazing on flat grasslands and taking a drink from the Udawalawe Reservoir.

This charming old-style city in Sri Lanka is surrounded on all sides by a wall that locks in the city’s character and charm. It’s a great day visit but can also be done in a couple of days if you want to soak up the magic of this adorable place. The streets are lined with Dutch architecture and there’s a colorful scene around every corner. At dusk, the whole city stops and enjoys the sunset from the wall surrounding the town.