My tailored 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary.
Thanks to the artificial intelligence app ChatGPT and my Lonely Planet guide to Sri Lanka, I put together a tailored three-week itinerary.
I had three weeks at my disposal, which should give me plenty of time to really explore the island in depth.
The plan was to spend one night in Negombo before beginning my exploration of the island with two nights in Colombo, taking in its museums and colonial monuments. Next, I was going to take the train to historic Galle, supposedly Sri Lanka’s most charming coastal city, to soak up some history.
From there, I planned to detour inland to Udawalawe National Park in search of elephants before heading for the hills. Ella would be my starting point for the scenic train journey, followed by a stay in a colonial-era hotel in Nuwara Eliya and an opportunity to explore the tea country. Then I would continue north to cultured Kandy.
After that, it would be time for a history tour: the cave temples of Dambulla, the rock-top palace and fortress of Sigiriya, the carving-filled ruins of Polonnaruwa and finally the stunning, temple-covered city of Anuradhapura. From there, I would take the train back to Colombo before returning to Bandaranaike International Airport for my flight home.
Getting around: train travel was my first choice.
According to my guidebook, the British-built railways that rattle along the coast and rumble into the hills offered a perfect vantage point for observing this idyllic island – particularly when standing in the open doorway of a train, with the cool breeze fanning your face. Some journeys are supposed to be genuinely epic – the hill train from Ella to Kandy especially. Unfortunately the train does not go to all of my destinations. Second class is supposedly the class of choice. The carriages in third class can get very full. The first-class option did not allow passengers to stand in the open doorway.
Top Train Journeys on my list.
Travelling the coastline: The scenic railway line from Colombo to Galle hugs the coast so closely that sea spray wafts into the carriages.
Ella to Kandy, with a stop over in Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya train station), through tea country, is supposed to be one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful train journeys as you trundle through emerald tea plantations.
My 22-day Sri Lanka Itinerary in depth.
Day 1-2: Negombo & Colombo.
– Explore Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, National Museum, and Pettah Market.
Day 3-4: Colombo – Galle (Train, 3 hrs).
– Visit Galle Fort, with a sunset at the end.
Day 5-6: Galle – Udawalawe (Bus, 3.5 hrs).
– Visit Elephant Transit Home and take a jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park.
Day 7-8: Udawalawe – Ella (Bus, 3 hrs).
– Hike Little Adam’s Peak, visit Nine Arches Bridge & Dhowa Rock Temple.
Day 9-10: Ella – Nuwara Eliya (Train, 2.5 hrs).
– Explore Tea Plantations, Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, and Hakgala Botanical Gardens.
Day 11-12: Nuwara Eliya – Kandy (Train, 4 hrs).
– Visit Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
Day 13-15: Kandy – Sigiriya (Bus, 4 hrs).
– Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress or Pidurangala Rock.
16-18: Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa (Bus, 1.5 hrs).
– Explore Polonnaruwa ruins by bicycle.
Day 19-21: Polonnaruwa – Anuradhapura (Bus, 5 hrs).
– Visit Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Jetavanaramaya, and Sri Maha Bodhi Tree.
Day 22: Anuradhapura – Colombo (Train, 4.5 hrs)
– Return to Colombo, do last-minute shopping, or watch a cultural show.
That’s the plan… let’s see how it all pans out.
