Trip Highlights
Short on time but want to experience Sri Lanka's highlights? This action-packed 5-day itinerary covers the island's most iconic experiences – ancient ruins, misty mountains, the famous train ride, and a taste of colonial history. It's perfect for a quick getaway or as part of a longer Asia trip.
At a Glance
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombo → Sigiriya | Arrival, Sigiriya Rock Fortress |
| 2 | Sigiriya → Kandy | Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy |
| 3 | Kandy → Ella | Scenic train ride |
| 4 | Ella → Galle | Nine Arch Bridge, beach transfer |
| 5 | Galle → Colombo | Galle Fort, departure |
Day 1: Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Distance from airport: 170 km (4 hours)
Morning: Arrival & Transfer
Land at Colombo airport and head straight to Sigiriya. Your driver will take you through rural Sri Lanka.
Afternoon: Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Climb the iconic 5th-century rock fortress – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia's most remarkable archaeological sites.
The magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress
What You'll See:
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Ancient frescoes of the "Cloud Maidens"
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The Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti
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Lion's Paw entrance gateway
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Ruins of the palace on the summit
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Entry fee: $30 USD
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Time needed: 2-3 hours
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Best time: Afternoon (cooler, fewer crowds)
Evening
Relax at your hotel and recover from your flight.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Sigiriya Village ($40/night)
- Mid-range: Kassapa Lions Rock ($80/night)
- Luxury: Jetwing Vil Uyana ($200/night)
Day 2: Dambulla & Kandy
Distance: 115 km (3-4 hours with stops)
Morning: Dambulla Cave Temple
Start early and visit the spectacular cave temple complex with over 150 Buddha statues and stunning ancient murals.
- Entry fee: 1500 LKR (~$4.50)
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
- Note: Remove shoes, cover shoulders and knees
Midday: Drive to Kandy
Continue through scenic hill country to Kandy, Sri Lanka's cultural capital. Stop at a spice garden along the way.
Afternoon: Explore Kandy
Stroll around Kandy Lake and explore the town's markets and shops.
Evening: Temple of the Tooth
Visit Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist site during the atmospheric evening puja ceremony at 6:30 PM.
The sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Entry fee: 2000 LKR (~$6)
Where to Stay in Kandy
- Budget: Freedom Lodge ($25/night)
- Mid-range: Theva Residency ($90/night)
- Luxury: Earl's Regency ($150/night)
Day 3: Scenic Train to Ella
The highlight of any Sri Lanka trip
Morning: Board the Train
Catch the famous Kandy-Ella train for what many call the world's most beautiful train journey.
- Recommended train: 8:47 AM departure
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Tickets: Book first class in advance ($10)
The Journey
Watch the incredible scenery unfold as the train winds through:
- Lush tea plantations
- Misty mountain peaks
- Cascading waterfalls
- The famous Nine Arch Bridge
The stunning journey through tea country
Pro Tips:
- Sit on the right side for best views
- Hang from the open doors (carefully!) for photos
- Pack snacks and water
Evening: Arrive in Ella
Check into your guesthouse and enjoy the cool mountain air. Ella is a charming town with great cafes and restaurants.
Where to Stay in Ella
- Budget: Ella Flower Garden Resort ($20/night)
- Mid-range: 98 Acres Resort ($100/night)
Day 4: Ella to Galle
Distance: 200 km (5-6 hours)
Early Morning: Nine Arch Bridge
Wake early and walk to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge (30 minutes from town). Watch the train cross at 6:45 AM – it's magical in the morning mist.
Morning: Little Adam's Peak (Optional)
If you have time, do the quick 45-minute hike for panoramic valley views.
Late Morning: Transfer to South Coast
Begin the scenic drive down from the hills to the coast. You'll pass through Yala National Park area (no time for safari on this trip, but beautiful scenery).
Afternoon: Arrive at Beach
Check into your hotel near Galle or Unawatuna. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach.
Golden beaches of Sri Lanka's south coast
Evening: Beach Sunset
Watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean with a cocktail in hand.
Where to Stay
- Budget: Sam's Guesthouse, Unawatuna ($30/night)
- Mid-range: Thaproban Beach House ($80/night)
- Luxury: Amangalla, Galle Fort ($400/night)
Day 5: Galle Fort & Departure
Distance to airport: 150 km (2.5-3 hours via expressway)
Morning: Galle Fort
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Dutch Fort – a perfect blend of European architecture and Asian heritage.
Must-Do in Galle:
- Walk the fort walls at sunrise
- Browse boutique shops
- Have breakfast at a charming cafe
- Visit the Dutch Reformed Church
- Photograph the iconic lighthouse
Late Morning: Transfer to Airport
Head to Colombo airport via the Southern Expressway. The journey takes about 2.5-3 hours.
If time allows:
- Stop at a turtle hatchery near Kosgoda
- Visit Bentota for a quick river safari
5-Day Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (4 nights) | $115-140 | $280-350 | $700+ |
| Transport (5 days with driver) | $200-250 | $250-300 | $350-400 |
| Entrance fees | $50-60 | $50-60 | $50-60 |
| Food | $50-80 | $100-150 | $200+ |
| Train ticket | $3-10 | $10 | $10 |
| Total per person | $420-540 | $690-870 | $1310+ |
5-Day Itinerary Tips
Getting Around
- Best option: Hire a private driver ($40-60/day including fuel)
- This gives you flexibility and comfort
- Driver will wait while you're on the train
What to Pack
- Light, breathable clothes
- Temple-appropriate attire (cover shoulders/knees)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen and hat
- Light jacket for hills and train
Best Time for 5 Days
- December to March: Ideal weather for this route
- Avoid May-June: Monsoon season on west coast
Can You Add a Beach Day?
If you can extend to 6 days, add a full beach day before Galle. Mirissa or Unawatuna are perfect options.
Alternative 5-Day Routes
Beach Focus (5 Days)
Day 1: Colombo → Galle Day 2: Galle & Unawatuna beaches Day 3: Mirissa (whale watching) Day 4: Weligama (surfing) or Tangalle Day 5: Beach → Airport
Culture Focus (5 Days)
Day 1: Colombo → Anuradhapura Day 2: Anuradhapura → Polonnaruwa Day 3: Sigiriya Day 4: Sigiriya → Kandy Day 5: Kandy → Airport
Is 5 Days Enough?
Five days gives you a taste of Sri Lanka's highlights, but you'll be moving quickly. If possible:
- 7 days allows a more relaxed pace
- 10 days lets you add beaches and wildlife
- 14 days covers the whole island comfortably
But if 5 days is what you have, this itinerary maximizes every moment!
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