Sri Lanka Itinerary 7 Days
01
Day 1: Arrival In Colombo And Journey To Kandy
Start your Sri Lanka Itinerary 7 Days with an arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, where a representative will greet you for your transfer to Kandy. On the way, visit the renowned Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a sanctuary for rescued elephants, where you can witness feeding and bathing sessions. Upon reaching Kandy, check into your hotel and relax before embarking on a scenic drive around Upper Lake.
Enjoy panoramic views from the Kandy View Point and stroll along the serene Kandy Lake. Conclude the day by attending a vibrant Kandyan Dance Show, featuring traditional music and a stunning fire-walking performance, before heading back to the hotel for the night.
TRAVEL TIME: 30–60 minutes from the airport to Colombo city centre, Colombo to Kandy (3 hours)
Enjoy panoramic views from the Kandy View Point and stroll along the serene Kandy Lake. Conclude the day by attending a vibrant Kandyan Dance Show, featuring traditional music and a stunning fire-walking performance, before heading back to the hotel for the night.
TRAVEL TIME: 30–60 minutes from the airport to Colombo city centre, Colombo to Kandy (3 hours)
ITINERARY BEFORE LUNCH: Arrival in Colombo, Transfer to Kandy, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
LUNCH RECOMMENDATIONS: Buono, Cafe 1886, Balaji Dosai
POST LUNCH ITINERARY: Upper Lake, Kandyan Dance Show
DINNER RECOMMENDED: Grill 'N' Chill Japanese BBQ, Cafe Nuwara, Fab Ceylon
HOTELS RECOMMENDATION: Cinnamon Citadel Kandy, Mount Blue Kandy, Thilanka Hotel
Best of
02
Day 2: Day Trip To Sigiriya
On the second day of your best 7 day itinerary of Sri Lanka, embark on a day trip to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the "Lion's Rock," this ancient marvel rises majestically above the surrounding plains. Begin your visit by exploring the intricate frescoes and the well-preserved water gardens at the base.
For the adventurous, a climb up the 1,200 steps to the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of lush forests and distant mountains. After immersing yourself in the rich history and architectural brilliance of Sigiriya, return to your hotel for a restful evening.
For the adventurous, a climb up the 1,200 steps to the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of lush forests and distant mountains. After immersing yourself in the rich history and architectural brilliance of Sigiriya, return to your hotel for a restful evening.
TRAVEL TIME: Kandy to Sigiriya (2.5 hours)
ITINERARY BEFORE LUNCH: Sigiriya, Sigiriya Rock Fortress
LUNCH RECOMMENDATIONS: Sigiriya Wew Thawulla Restaurant, The Downtown Gastropub, Kenoli Restaurant
POST LUNCH ITINERARY: Sigiriya
DINNER RECOMMENDED: Hideout Lounge, June Bistros, The Bakehouse
Best of
03
Day 3 Half-Day Kandy Sightseeing Tour | Transfer To Nuwara Eliya
Start day 3 of your best 7 day itinerary of Sri Lanka with a half-day sightseeing tour in Kandy, exploring some of its most iconic landmarks. Begin with a visit to the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, a towering white monument on Bahirawakanda Hill offering panoramic views of the city. Continue to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, known for its extensive collection of exotic orchids and lush landscapes.
Conclude your Kandy tour at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the tour, travel to Nuwara Eliya, where you will check in to your hotel and enjoy the serene surroundings of this hill station.
Conclude your Kandy tour at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the tour, travel to Nuwara Eliya, where you will check in to your hotel and enjoy the serene surroundings of this hill station.
TRAVEL TIME: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (2.5 hours)
ITINERARY BEFORE LUNCH: Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
LUNCH RECOMMENDATIONS: Soul Food, Cafe Aroma Inn
POST LUNCH ITINERARY: Transfer to Nuwara Eliya
DINNER RECOMMENDED: The Magnolia, Restaurant GURU, Cozies Restaurant by Silver Falls
HOTELS RECOMMENDATION: The Cottage by Jetwing, Heaven Seven Nuwara Eliya, The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
Best of
04
Day 4 Nuwara Eliya Sightseeing Tour | Transfer To Bentota
Day 4 of your best 7 day Sri Lanka itinerary begins with a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya, letting you explore its charming landmarks. Start with a visit to the Seetha Amman Temple, a revered site connected to the Ramayana, believed to be where Seetha was held captive by Ravana. Next, explore the Hakgala Botanical Garden, home to exotic flora and lush greenery.
Continue to Victoria Park, perfect for a peaceful walk amidst well-maintained gardens. Finally, enjoy the serene beauty of Gregory Lake, ideal for a stroll or a relaxing moment by the water. After the tour, travel to Bentota and check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Continue to Victoria Park, perfect for a peaceful walk amidst well-maintained gardens. Finally, enjoy the serene beauty of Gregory Lake, ideal for a stroll or a relaxing moment by the water. After the tour, travel to Bentota and check in to your hotel for an overnight stay.
TRAVEL TIME: Nuwara Eliya to Bentota (5.5 hours)
ITINERARY BEFORE LUNCH: Seetha Amman Temple, Hakgala Botanical Garden, Gregory Lake, Victoria Park
LUNCH RECOMMENDATIONS: Themparadu, Salmiya Italian Restaurant, Cafe Noshers
POST LUNCH ITINERARY: Shri Bhakta Hanuman Kovil, Ramboda Falls, Transfer to Bentota
DINNER RECOMMENDED: Secret Harbour, Boss of Prawns, Bamboos Garden Restaurant
HOTELS RECOMMENDATION: Cinnamon Bentota Beach, Grand Lotus Bentota, Rockside Beach Resort
Best of
.jpg?gravity=center&width=90&height=90&crop=fill&quality=auto&fetch_format=auto&flags=strip_profile&format=jpg&sign_url=true)
05
Day 5 Day Trip To Galle And Mirissa
Your Sri Lanka 6 nights 7 days itinerary continues with a visit to Galle, where you will explore the Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its charming streets filled with colonial architecture. Stop by the Dutch Reformed Church and the Galle Fort Lighthouse, offering stunning views of the coastline.
Continue your journey to Mirissa, where you can relax at Mirissa Beach, known for its golden sands and turquoise waters. Take a scenic walk to Coconut Tree Hill for breathtaking views before returning to your hotel in Bentota.
Continue your journey to Mirissa, where you can relax at Mirissa Beach, known for its golden sands and turquoise waters. Take a scenic walk to Coconut Tree Hill for breathtaking views before returning to your hotel in Bentota.
TRAVEL TIME: Bentota to Galle (1.5 hours)
ITINERARY BEFORE LUNCH: Dutch Reformed Church, Galle Dutch Fort, Galle Fort Lighthouse
LUNCH RECOMMENDATIONS: MARU-Galle Fort, Pedlar’s Inn Café and Restaurant, Comida Restaurant
POST LUNCH ITINERARY: Mirissa Beach, Coconut Tree Hill
DINNER RECOMMENDED: Colette, Concept La Mer, Lava Mirissa
Best of
06
Day 6 Transfer To Colombo | Colombo Sightseeing Tour
On this day of your best 7 day itinerary of Sri Lanka, check out and travel to Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before embarking on a city tour. Start with a visit to the Gangaramaya Temple, a historic and cultural landmark. Continue to the Colombo Lotus Tower, South Asia’s tallest structure, offering panoramic city views.
Next, explore the Pettah Floating Market, known for its unique shopping experience, and end the day with a leisurely walk along Galle Face Green, a popular oceanside park. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Next, explore the Pettah Floating Market, known for its unique shopping experience, and end the day with a leisurely walk along Galle Face Green, a popular oceanside park. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
TRAVEL TIME: Bentota to Colombo (1.5 hours)
ITINERARY BEFORE LUNCH: Transfer to Colombo, Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo Lotus Tower
LUNCH RECOMMENDATIONS: The Lagoon, Upali’s by Nawaloka, Ministry of Crab
POST LUNCH ITINERARY: Pettah Floating Market, Galle Face Green Beach
DINNER RECOMMENDED: Nuga Gama, King of the Mambo, Spice & Tang
HOTELS RECOMMENDATION: City Hotel Colombo 02, Galle Face Hotel, Cinnamon Grand Colombo
Best of
07
Day 7 Farewell Sri Lanka
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and prepare for your departure. Later, board your transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport, marking the end of your Sri Lanka Itinerary 7 Days.
ITINERARY BEFORE LUNCH: Leisure Day
Read More: Things To Do In Sri Lanka
Read more
ITINERARY BEFORE LUNCH: Leisure Day
Read More: Things To Do In Sri Lanka
Best of
Essential Information
08
How To Get To Sri Lanka?
.jpg?gravity=center&width=752&height=450&crop=fill&quality=auto&fetch_format=auto&flags=strip_profile&format=jpg&sign_url=true)
By Air: Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Sri Lanka from India. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kochi offer direct flights to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Popular airlines such as SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo, and Air India operate on these routes. Direct flights to Sri Lanka usually take around 1.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the departure city.
For connecting flights, transit times can vary based on the layover location and airline, with total travel times ranging from 5 to 8 hours. Colombo's airport is well-connected to key destinations across Sri Lanka, making air travel the preferred choice for most tourists.
By Sea: Sea travel is a less common but unique option for reaching Sri Lanka. Ferry services operate between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu (India) and Talaimannar in the Mannar Island (Sri Lanka), providing an affordable journey across the Palk Strait. For a more leisurely experience, cruises from Mumbai to Colombo are available. These cruises typically last one to two days and offer scenic views of the Indian Ocean along with several onboard amenities.
While slower than air travel, this option appeals to travellers seeking a relaxed and picturesque route to start their Sri Lanka Itinerary 7 Days.
Both options provide memorable ways to arrive in this tropical paradise, depending on your preference for speed or a scenic journey.
Read More: Honeymoon Places In Sri Lanka
Read More: Honeymoon Places In Sri Lanka
09
Best Time To Travel To Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination with varying weather conditions influenced by two distinct monsoon seasons. Temperatures typically range between 22°C and 32°C, with coastal regions remaining warm and humid, while hill stations like Nuwara Eliya experience cooler climates, sometimes dipping below 15°C.
The southwest monsoon affects the west and south coasts from May to September, while the northeast monsoon brings rains to the east and north from October to January. This makes it essential to plan your trip based on the specific region and season.
The southwest monsoon affects the west and south coasts from May to September, while the northeast monsoon brings rains to the east and north from October to January. This makes it essential to plan your trip based on the specific region and season.
Travellers can enjoy diverse activities such as wildlife safaris, beach visits, and surfing depending on the time of year. The monsoon months turn the countryside lush and vibrant, enhancing the beauty of waterfalls and scenic landscapes. Drier months are ideal for outdoor adventures, including hiking and exploring cultural landmarks.
Festivals like Kandy Esala Perahera and Duruthu Perahera add a cultural richness to the Sri Lanka Itinerary 7 Days, ensuring a memorable experience for every traveller.
Read More: Places To Visit In Sri Lanka With Family
Best of
10
Sri Lanka Trip Cost
With a range of options, travelling in Sri Lanka can suit all budgets, offering flexibility for every traveller.
Budget Trip: Approx. INR 40,000 to INR 50,000
Economy Trip: Approx. INR 50,000 to INR 70,000
Luxury Trip: Approx. INR 70,000 to INR 1,00,000
The cost of a Sri Lanka Itinerary 7 Days depends on whether you choose affordable accommodations or luxury experiences. Budget travellers can enjoy comfortable guesthouses, inexpensive local meals, and tuk-tuk rides for daily transport. Mid-budget trips offer a mix of affordability and comfort with mid-range hotels, taxis, and standard restaurants.
Luxury travellers can indulge in premium resorts, fine dining, and private chauffeurs for a more exclusive experience.
Activities such as wildlife safaris and cultural tours are reasonably priced, making it easy to explore the best 7 day itinerary of Sri Lanka without overspending. From budget-friendly trips to luxurious getaways, Sri Lanka offers incredible value for money.
Read More: Places To Visit In Sri Lanka
Read More: Places To Visit In Sri Lanka
11
Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Information
Indian tourists need a visa to enter Sri Lanka, with the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system being the most convenient option. The application process is simple and can be completed online by providing basic details, paying the required fee, and receiving approval via email within 2-3 working days.
The ETA permits a stay of up to 30 days, making it perfect for a Sri Lanka 6 nights 7 days itinerary or slightly longer trips. For those planning an extended visit, visas can be renewed by visiting the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
The ETA permits a stay of up to 30 days, making it perfect for a Sri Lanka 6 nights 7 days itinerary or slightly longer trips. For those planning an extended visit, visas can be renewed by visiting the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
Travellers must ensure they have a passport valid for at least six months, confirmed return flight tickets, and proof of accommodation. Carrying health insurance is also recommended for added security.
While visa-on-arrival is an option, it often involves long queues at the airport. Completing the online application beforehand ensures a hassle-free entry, allowing travellers to focus on experiencing the best 7 day Sri Lanka itinerary.
Read More: Sri Lanka In December
Best of
.jpg?gravity=center&width=90&height=90&crop=fill&quality=auto&fetch_format=auto&flags=strip_profile&format=jpg&sign_url=true)
12
What To Pack For 7 Days In Sri Lanka
Packing wisely for your trip ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience of the best 7 day itinerary of Sri Lanka.
Clothing
Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for warm and humid weather.
Modest attire, including long pants or skirts and tops with covered shoulders for temple visits.
A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, especially in hill stations like Nuwara Eliya.
Comfortable and durable walking shoes or sandals for sightseeing.
Essentials
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against the tropical sun.
Insect repellent to guard against mosquitoes, especially in forested or coastal areas.
A reusable water bottle and electrolyte sachets to stay hydrated in the heat.
Basic toiletries and a first-aid kit with common medications like pain relievers and anti-allergy tablets.
Additional Items
Swimwear for beaches, pools, or water-based activities like snorkelling.
A universal power adapter and a portable charger to keep your devices powered.
Rain gear, such as a compact umbrella or raincoat, to deal with sudden downpours during the monsoon.
Waterproof ziplock bags for keeping valuables safe from water or humidity.
A guidebook or offline map app for navigation and local tips.
With these essentials, you can comfortably explore the best 7 day itinerary of Sri Lanka, whether it includes hiking in the hills or relaxing on the beaches.
Read More: Sri Lanka In December
Read More: Sri Lanka In December
