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 3-week tailored itinerary.
I had three weeks at my disposal, this should give me the potential to really explore the island in depth.
The plan was one night in Negombo, and then start my exploration of the island with two nights in Colombo city, with its museums and colonial monuments. Next, I was going to take the train to historic Galle, supposedly Sri Lanka’s most charming coastal city, in order to soak up the history. I was then going to detour inland to Uda Walawe National Park, for elephant encounters. Next I would head for the hills, starting off in Ella, departure point for the scenic train ride. Next, check into a colonial-era hotel in Nuwara Eliya and explore the tea country. Then roll north to cultured Kandy. Then it would be time for the history tour. Starting with a visit to the cave temples of Dambulla, then climb to the rock-top palace/fortress of Sigiriya. Next, drop down to carving-filled Polonnaruwa. Then on to stunning, temple covered Anuradhapura. I would then take the train back down to Colombo – back to Bandaranaike International Airport, in order to fly home.
Getting around: train travel is my first choice.
According to my guide book, the British-built railways that rattle along the coast and rumble into the hills offer a perfect vantage point for observing this idyllic island – particularly when standing 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. First class option does not allow people standing in the open doorway.
Top Train Journeys on my list.
Travelling the coast line: The scenic train 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 journey’s as you trundle through emerald tea plantations.
My 22 – day Sri Lanka Itinerary in depth.
Day 1-2: 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.
