3 week visit in Sri Lanka

Day 5: Kandy to Ella Train Ride

Head back to Kandy to catch the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka. This long train ride is one of the top things to do on any Sri Lanka route, taking you through stunning rolling hilltops, rainforest, and luscious green tea plantations. Hang out the door with the wind in your hair and feel the weather get cooler as you move higher up into the mist and the clouds of the Sri Lanka highlands. Get Kandy Train Tickets here.

Day 6 – 7: Nuwara Eliya

The train from Kandy goes all the way to Ella, making a few stops on the way. Get off a little earlier and spend a night in the natural beauty of Nuwara Eliya, an area famous for tea plantations.

It’s especially well known as being home to the Lipton plantation, one of the world’s most famous tea growers and exporters! In fact, the history of colonization here by the English has even affected the architecture, with lots of English-style bungalows dotted through the fields, giving Nuwara Eliya the nickname ‘Little England’.

Day 8 – 10: Ella

Visit one of the most blissful and natural places in Sri Lanka: Ella. The small town has a laid-back hippy vibe, complemented by the great mountains and hills that tower over the town. Stay in a hilltop guesthouse with incredible views, and use it as a base to climb to Adams Peak, Ella Rock, or the mesmerizing Nine Arch Bridge. When you’re done hiking, head for one of the many picturesque waterfall pools for a refreshing dip.

Ella is one of the most beautiful places in the country and an absolute must-do in Sri Lanka!

Day 11 – 13: Arugam Bay

Ready to catch some waves? Arugam Bay is the most famous surfing spot in Sri Lanka. It’s so popular that many surfers make this their home between April and October when the days are sunny and warm, and the waves are great. It’s easy to see why people spend so much time here, with the relaxed way of life, living in a wooden beach hut, surfing and sunbathing by day, and enjoying all the fantastic bars and restaurants by night. This is where you’ll truly find hammock-swinging and coconut-sipping vibes!

Day 14: Go on Safari in Sri Lanka

From Arugam Bay, it’s super easy to take a day trip to Yala National Park for a safari amongst nature. You might even be lucky enough to spot the elusive leopard!

Join a tour, jump in a jeep, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. As you cross over bumpy dirt roads, around lakes, and through bushland, you’ll see vast groups of wild elephants and other animals. There are plenty of national parks to choose from in Sri Lanka, some of the most popular being Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park.

Day 15 – 16: Mirissa

Head south to the paradise beach town of Mirissa. Take off your shoes and say goodbye to regular life as you slow down, feel the sand between your toes and the waves against your feet. Mirissa isn’t just about the beach, though; there are beautiful coconut tree forests to explore, fascinating tidal islands, and endless great restaurants.

Mirissa is also one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see Whales, which migrate here between November and March. You’ll find the most spectacular sunsets in this part of the country, a winning combination with a sunset whale watching trip.

Day 17 – 19: Unawatuna

The Unawatuna area has the most famous beaches in Sri Lanka, known for the white sand, great surfing, lively beach bars, and Instagram-famous palm-tree swings. The town is small, but it has excellent shopping, guesthouses, and trendy restaurants.

It’s also a great jumping-off point to local sights nearby, like Galle Fort, Koggala Lake, or even the bright lights of Colombo! You could quickly lose track of time in this beautiful little beach town, and it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind at the end of your Sri Lanka route.

Day 20+21: Back to Colombo

Finish your trip and stay close to the airport in Colombo. If you have a little extra time before your flight, visit Barefoot handicraft and its fantastic restaurant or tick of some of the sights you may have missed at the beginning of your trip.