From Kandy to Galle: This Is Our Ultimate 7-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary
Discover the best of Sri Lanka in just 7 days with our ultimate itinerary. From the bustling markets of Colombo to the mist-covered mountains of Ella and the tranquil beaches of Hiriketiya, this journey through Sri Lanka will ignite your senses and leave you yearning for more.
Sri Lanka is one of the world’s great destinations. A place where, in 7 short days, you can go from bustling cities to elephant-covered plains, over misty mountains to alluring beachside havens.
Embrace the allure of Sri Lanka as you embark on our 7-day itinerary through the heart of the country. As visitors to this country over three times, our itinerary is not just a mere travel plan; it's a 7-day snapshot that will ignite your senses, touch your soul, and leave you yearning for your (longer) return.
Start in Colombo and savour the sensory symphony of bustling markets and chaotic streets, where new meets old, and home to some of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants.
In Kandy, feel the rhythm of centuries-old traditions come alive as you explore sacred temples adorned with intricate sculptures, the echoes of prayers lingering in the air.
Heading into the hills, picture yourself amidst the world’s most famous train journey, arriving in the emerald tea gardens of Ella, where mist-kissed hills stretch into eternity, and outdoor adventures await.
Then, let the tranquil embrace of Sri Lanka's coastal wonders captivate you. Sink your toes into golden sands, let the waves kiss your feet, and watch as the sun dips below the horizon in a blaze of colours that mirror the emotions of this spirited nation.
Throughout your 7-day Sri Lankan Itinerary, you’ll learn to embrace the warm hospitality that defines Sri Lanka, where every smile and greeting is an invitation into the heart of this enchanting nation. You’ll also discover one of the world’s finest cuisines, where vibrant flavours and delicacies from the land await.
In this itinerary, we’ve shared the places we think are essential to visit, that showcase Sri Lanka at its very best. We’ve included where to stay, how to get around, and other important travel tips for Sri Lanka.
This is the very best of Sri Lanka, in 7 days.
LOVE OUR PHOTOS? Edit like us with our Tropical Dreams Preset Packs, and Tropical Bliss mobile video filters, inspired by the tropical beauty and colour of this beautiful country
7-DAY SRI LANKA
ITINERARY SNAPSHOT
DAY #1 | Explore Colombo
DAY #2 | Visit the cultural capital of Kandy
DAY #3 | See historic Dambulla & Sigiriya
DAY #4 | Kandy to Ella Train, explore Ella
DAY #5 | Outdoor fun in Ella
DAY #6 | Beach days in Hiriketiya
DAY #7 | Colonial history in Galle Fort
7-DAY ITINERARY | SEE THE BEST OF SRI LANKA
DAY 1 | EXPLORE COLOMBO
The first point of call on your 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary is the capital, Colombo, where the country’s international airport is located (well, it’s actually located just outside of Colombo in Negombo, an hour away).
Colombo isn’t our favourite place in the world; A large, sprawling port city that’s lacking in attractions, charm, or beauty, it’s quite easy to arrive in Sri Lanka and head straight to Galle Fort, the cultural hinterland, or emerald southern coast.
Yet, while Colombo may be hard to love, spend enough time here and you’ll discover it’s actually an enjoyable city with plenty of atmosphere and character, so jump in a tuk-tuk and experience kamikaze style driving while exploring the city’s treasures.
We recommend starting the day at the National Museum, which is a great place to get an understanding of Sri Lanka’s rich and diverse history, from ancient kingdoms to colonial times.
Then, head to the colourful and chaotic Pettah Markets, the best place to get initiated with the hustle and bustle of local life in the city. Selling everything from fresh produce to clothing, the chaos is intoxicating if not a little draining. Make sure you eat from one of the street food vendors!
Also located in Pettah is the ‘must-see’ Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid). Built in 1908, the mosque’s tall minarets and domes can be seen from quite a distance and its mesmerising colour patterns and architecture are enough to take your breath away. It's possible for both men and women to enter, but you need to cover your arms, legs and hair.
The city's cultural melting pot is reflected in its excellent cuisine, with a diverse range of street food vendors, upscale restaurants serving everything from spicy curries to fresh seafood, and the ubiquitous street food, kottu.
We suggest making your way to Ministry of Crab for lunch and enjoying one of Sri Lanka’s prime restaurant experiences. Explore the colonial relics in the historic Fort area, where the colonial history of the city is evident in its architecture, with grand old buildings sitting side-by-side with modern skyscrapers.
In the late afternoon, do as the locals do, and head to Galle Face Green for sunset. This is an ocean-side urban park, stretching along the coast in the heart of Colombo. Pack with vendors selling everything from cooked crabs to sliced mango and chilli (a popular Sri Lankan street food!), it’s a great place to grab an afternoon ice cream and watch the locals indulge in their favourite pastimes.
Oh, and one more food tip - if/when you hear the noise and rhythm of metal on metal, stop! It means one thing: Sri Lanka’s famous street food, kottu roti. A delicious mash-up of roti, onions, leek, cabbage, eggs and sometimes chicken, mutton, beef, or our fave, cheese, Kottu roti is basically the best food ever. Our fave is Uwa Hotel (hotel means restaurant in Sri Lanka).
COLOMBO | THE DETAILS
Where to stay in Colombo | Cinnamon Grand Hotel is a great luxury option, or the more affordable Vibe Hostel
How to get around Colombo | Colombo isn’t easy to get around, however, trusty tuk-tuks are your best bet. Always use the ‘Pick Me’ app to book a tuk-tuk, or hire a tuk-tuk off the street (but always ask for the driver to put the meter on - this is a common travel mistake)
PLAN | Plan your time in Colombo with our city guide
DAY 2 | EXPLORE THE CULTURAL CAPITAL OF KANDY
Take an early private transfer from Colombo to the City of Kings, Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second city and the island’s undisputed historical and cultural capital.
The best-known of these sites is the Temple of the Tooth relic; Buddhism’s most important religious shrine, and said to be the location of a piece of Buddha’s tooth. Spend a few hours here to fully appreciate the temple and the surrounding Royal Palace.
After lunch, make a visit to The Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya, the largest and most extensive in Sri Lanka, which are amongst the best in the world, home to the impressive and insta-worthy avenue of royal palms. When you’re done sightseeing, there are also a number of expansive lawns in which to relax and escape the Sri Lankan heat.
Spend the rest of the day walking Kandy’s stunning city lake, and meandering through the streets, laneways and market areas of the old town, which during the afternoon golden hour, take on a whole new level of beauty.
To top off your Kandy experience, you must visit an evening session of the Kandy Cultural Dance Show. Showcasing the traditional dances of the former Kandy Kingdom, the artistic show is filled with incredible costumes, dances, acrobatics and fire walking - a seriously stimulating experience from start to finish, and one you won’t be able to keep your eyes off. The show starts at 5:30 pm daily and is housed close to Kandy Lake at the Kandy Lake Club. We highly recommend booking tickets in advance, which you can do here.
KANDY | THE DETAILS
Where to stay in Kandy | We stayed at Kandy City View Hotel, and also recommend Helga’s Folly, and OZO Kandy
How to get around Kandy | Kandy is a very walkable city, however, use Pick Me or Uber for attractions further away. Beware of Kandy’s tuk-tuk mafia who are notorious for overcharging unsuspecting tourists
PLAN | The best things to do in Kandy
DAY 3 | DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF SIGIRIYA & DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE
Located north of Kandy is the cultural heartland of Sri Lanka, an area filled with incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites, National Parks and endless beauty.
Start your day early with a transfer from Kandy to Sigiriya, an ancient palace and fortress built in 480AD atop a unique rock island that rises 200m above the jungle below.
Starting in the gardens, the hike to the summit of Sigiriya is demanding; it is 1200 steps after all. You’ll then pass through ancient frescoes, the 1600-year-old Mirror Wall, and the famous lion paws. From here, it’s more stairs up to the top.
Although arduous and a little sweaty (even at 8 am we were drenched!), the hike is absolutely worth it - the view from the top is awe-inspiring; weathered stone ruins overlook the dense jungle, surrounding plains, and the incredible fortress grounds below.
Often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world, Sigiriya is an astounding site to witness, and one of the most impressive attractions Sri Lanka has to offer - read our guide to Sigiriya to find out more.
Next, visit nearby Dambulla and the famous royal rock temple complex of Dambulla.
This UNESCO World Heritage site sits proudly atop a 160m rock and contains five separate caves with over 150 Buddhist statues and paintings, some dating back over 2,000 years. These are related to Gautama Buddha and his life, with murals covering over 2,100 square metres of cave walls, including depictions of the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon.
The views from atop the rock are incredible, overlooking the surrounding valley, with Sigiriya in the distance; just watch out for the monkeys as they can be rather vicious!
To make life easier on this short week-long itinerary, we suggest staying another night in Kandy.
THE DETAILS
Where | Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, Dambulla cave temple complex, Dambulla
Where to stay | Book Back of Beyond Pidurangala here, or search for other accommodation in Sigiriya here
Cost | Sigiriya entry: LKR 4,500. Dambulla entry: LKR 1,500
PLAN | How to visit Sigiriya
DAY 4 & 5 | KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN, AND EXPLORE ELLA
Get up early for one of the best experiences in Sri Lanka and the highlight of your 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary - catching the train from Kandy to Ella.
Winding through misty forests, verdant tea plantations; over gushing waterfalls and streams, and past colourful towns and excitable locals, the train ride from Kandy to Ella is, in our opinion, the most picturesque train ride in the world.
Grab a window seat (on the left) for the seven-hour ride and watch the lush countryside roll by.
Upon arrival at Ella, prepare to be blown away.
Tucked away in the misty Sri Lankan high country, amongst idyllic green hills and flowing waterfalls, Ella is the centre of all things outdoors, and there’s so much to see and do in Ella that you could spend a month here, however with one full day, you will be able to see the main sites.
Upon arrival, take an afternoon hike to Ella Rock, one of Ella’s most popular attractions. The hike is fairly strenuous, however, with the spectacular views over Ella, Little Adam's Peak, and Ella Gap, it’s an epic place to witness. Treat yourself to a well-earned fresh coconut at the summit.
In the evening, visit the iconic Cafe Chill in the centre of town for good food and good vibes. Alternatively, treat yourself to some of the best Sri Lankan rice & curry and Matey Hut.
On day #5, get up early and head to the mystical Nine Arch Bridge, where you’ll have the place to yourself (minus a few instagrammers like us!). The Nine Arch Bridge, a must-see in Ella, stands proudly across the valley below, flanked by verdant forests and tea plantations. On misty days, low cloud hangs in the valley, giving the whole area a moody, mystical feel. It’s just a bridge, but a bloody beautiful one at that.
If you’re keen to get ’that’ shot, of the train going over the bridge, be there around the following times 9:30, 11:30, 15:30, 16:30, and 17:30 (train times are notoriously unreliable in Sri Lanka, so it may be a little late!).
After a quick breakfast in town, jump aboard a tuk-tuk tour to visit the famous Lipton Seat, as well as the Lipton tea factory, where you can learn all about Sri Lanka’s most famous (and delicious) export. Don’t forget to sample some tea while overlooking the gorgeous views.
Afternoons are best spent hiking Little Adam’s Peak. The easy trek takes about two-hours roundtrip from Ella town and starts in the lush tea plantations before slowly snaking its way to the first set of viewpoints. From here, you'll have 360-degree views overlooking the giant Ella Rock and Ella Gap towards Udawalawe National Park, perfect for photos. Hike up late afternoon and watch the glorious sunset unfold before you.
On the way down, stop by the hip Ravenna Pool Club for a swim, cocktail and good vibes.
If you have time, finish your time in Ella by doing a traditional Sri Lankan cooking class at Lanka's. Run by Lanka himself out of a purpose-built kitchen area at his family home, and using traditional clay pots over a fire; this is about as authentic a cooking experience as you can get in Sri Lanka. You’ll learn how to cook an assortment of curries, including potato, okra, beetroot, pumpkin, and jackfruit curries in no time at all - and they were pretty amazing if we do say so ourselves!
ELLA | THE DETAILS
Where to stay in Ella | We’ve written a comprehensive guide to where to stay in Ella featuring all the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses to stay in for all budgets.
How to get from Ella to Kandy | The Ella to Kandy train (2nd class: LKR 310, 3rd class: LKR 175) - Read our Kandy to Ella train guide for all the details (including how to book tickets on 12go.asia)
READ | All the best things to do in Ella, A comprehensive guide to the Nine Arch Bridge, A guide to Diyaluma Waterfall, Where to stay in Ella
DAY 6 | EMBRACE THE SOUTHERN COAST
Leaving the misty mountains behind, it’s time to embrace Sri Lanka’s famed southern coast.
There are many amazing seaside candidates, including Unwatuna, Mirissa and Hikkaduwa, however, we suggest spending time in the hipster enclave of Hiriketiya.
What was once a sleepy hidden gem on Sri Lanka’s south coast, Hiriketiya is fast becoming the ‘it’ place for digital nomads and their acai bowls, bronzed surfers riding waves all day long, and salty-haired wanderers chilling into a new level of zen. We suspect it feels a little like Bali did 30 years ago, and we’re secretly hoping it stays this way.
Start your days at Bahia, which serves exceptional coffee, delicious breakfast tacos, and rosti eggs benedict which are to die for. You’ll be in foodie heaven here (and enjoy a welcome respite from rice and curry!).
For the rest of the day, take your pick of beachside relaxation, surfing or yoga. Or all.
Surfers can hire boards from the water’s edge for around LKR 250 ($1.50!), which is an absolute bargain. Be warned though - the waves get very busy from mid-morning to sunset, so we'd suggest surfing just after sunrise. Also, please remember to use surfing etiquette and respect the locals and their waves.
For the ultimate zen, join a yoga session (or two) set amongst the jungles of Hiriketiya at Salt House.
In the late afternoon, head to Mond for cocktails and good vibes. And for dinner, book Smoke & Bitters, one of Asia’s top #50 bars, serving food and cocktails with locally sourced ingredients (bitters, syrups, liqueurs and spirit infusions are made in-house!).
Try the signature Mai Chai, which uses chai rum, chai tea, orgeat, chai syrup and triple sec, and wash it down with the kurumba calamari, made from tempura coconut flesh and topped with salsa.
Honestly, this is the best restaurant and bar in Sri Lanka, so enjoy.
THE DETAILS
Where | Hiriketiya Beach
Where to stay in Hiriketiya | Jasper House is peak Sri Lanka -12 airy rooms feature beautiful rooms with local furniture, antique decor, and a few steps to the surf.
Read more | Our ultimate guide to Hiriketiya
DAY 7 | UNMISSABLE GALLE FORT
Alluring, exotic, and totally loveable, Galle Fort is one of the unmissable points of interest on your Sri Lankan itinerary (you can learn all about Galle Fort with our guide). Narrow, bustling laneways and crumbling colonial relics, an ever-present scent of exotic spices and the incredible tropical setting; there’s just something about this UNESCO World Heritage site that charms and captivates.
By morning, explore the Galle Fort walls and ramparts, starting at the historic Clock Tower, before moving onto the Main Gate. There’s a heap of historic buildings to see within the Fort, including the Dutch Reform Church and the restored Old Dutch Hospital. Finish at the famous Galle Fort Lighthouse. Alternatively, head outside the Galle Fort to the local fruit, spice and flower markets to embrace some authentic Sri Lankan culture.
During the day, escape the incessant heat and shop in some of the local boutiques, art galleries, and spice and gem stores, or pick yourself up a retro Ceylon poster from Stick No Bills (our favourite shop in Galle Fort).
Each afternoon, join the locals and tourists alike and head to the fort walls to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean (Trition Bastion or Galle Lighthouse are your best bet). We’ve now visited Galle twice on two separate trips, and watching a sunset from the Fort walls remains one of our favourite things to do in Galle.
By night, there is a myriad of great restaurants to choose from, from local ‘rice and curry’ haunts to upmarket one-dining. We loved A Minute by Tuk Tuk at the Old Dutch Hospital, where they served delicious contemporary Sri Lankan food. Try 'Batu Moju', an eggplant moju with roti and curry dips, washed down with the local brew, Lion Beer.
While the Fort is rapidly gentrifying, it really is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, and a must on any Sri Lanka itinerary.
GALLE FORT | THE DETAILS
Where | Galle Fort
Where to stay in Galle Fort | Here’s our comprehensive guide on Galle’s best hotels. The Fort Printers is our top recommendation, though
Read more | Our comprehensive Galle Fort guide, Where to stay in Galle Fort
ALTERNATIVE STOPS | SRI LANKA ITINERARY
YALA NATIONAL PARK
The impressive Yala National Park straddles the southeastern coastline of Sri Lanka and is a must-see on any Sri Lanka itinerary. The 1268sq km park is home to a rich array of dunes, forest, open plains and lush lagoons, which also attracts a huge diversity of wildlife; 44 mammal species (including elephants) and over 215 bird species, to be exact, and leopards, lots of leopards.
Book a morning safari (pick up at 5:30 am, park opens at 6:30 am) for the best chance to spot the rare and incredible animals of Sri Lanka. Although you’re not guaranteed to see a leopard, the chances here in Yala are much higher than elsewhere, so keep your eyes peeled.
It’s worth noting that the safari routes can get very popular and crowded, especially during high season. To avoid this, we'd suggest visiting during shoulder season or joining a safari tour group.
You can book a safari through your accommodation, or when you arrive in Kirinda. There are a number of Jeeps that roam the streets looking for tourists, so enquire with one of these and negotiate a price you’re comfortable with. We negotiated LKR 5,000 for the jeep hire, guide and morning safari, however, this price does not include the park entry fees, which are LKR 3,500 per person.
THE DETAILS
Where | Yala National Park, Southeast Sri Lanka
Cost | LKR 3,500 per person
Where to stay in Yala National Park | Search and book Yala National Park accommodation here
PLAN | Our detailed guide to Yala National Park
UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
If Yala National Park is the place to spot Leopards in the wild, then Udawalawe National Park is definitely the place to visit in Sri Lanka to spot elephants. In fact, during our early morning safari, we spotted well over 15 elephants including a number of impossibly cute bubs.
Sprawling across the southern lowlands, nestled near the towering Horton Plains, Udawalawe is one of the most popular parks in Sri Lanka. Although the park's landscape is fairly monotonous, it provides the best viewing opportunities for elephants and other fauna.
It’s also possible to spot buffalo, monkeys, deer, crocodiles and leopards (although the latter is extremely rare).
In many ways, we preferred our safari in Udawalawe to Yala National Park, mostly due to the numerous elephant sightings, and the lack of crowds that overrun Yala in peak season.
THE DETAILS
Where | Udawalawe National Park
Cost | LKR 3,500 per person entry. An eight-seater safari jeep will cost around LKR 3,500 for a morning hire
Where to stay in Udawalawe | Search and book Uda Walawe National Park accommodation here
PLAN | How to visit Udawalawe National Park
LEARN TO SURF IN WELIGAMA
Alternatively, if you’re on a backpacker budget (like us 99.9% of the time!), hit up the super cool surfing town of Weligama. A short bus ride from Unawatuna (LKR 100), or a cheap tuk tuk ride (LKR 1000), Weligama is built for surfers, with hundreds of surf schools located right on the beach - just turn up, speak to a tout and you’ll be learning your way around a board just a few minutes later.
For beginner surfers like us (we know, we’re terrible Australians!), Weligama is a great place to learn, with warm waters, cheap boards and easy waves the perfect combination to catch that first wave.
A 1 - 1.5 hour lesson costs around LKR 2,500 per person, and will teach you the basics of surfing including how to stand up, paddle for a wave, surfing etiquette, and safety.
We recommend basing yourself at Ceylon Sliders, a boutique hotel-cum-cafe-cum-surf store celebrating surf culture in Sri Lanka. It’s basically the coolest place on the southern coast, where surfers and yogis come to enjoy the best of Sri Lanka, in an environment that wouldn’t be out of place in Bali. They also have some of the best food in Sri Lanka and the coolest staff we've ever met.
THE DETAILS
Where | Weligama, Sri Lanka
Cost | Lessons cost around LKR 2,500pp
Where to stay in Weligama | We recommend staying at Ceylon Sliders.
BEST TOURS OF SRI LANKA
Although we’re definitely advocates for independent travel, we understand some travellers may want to experience Sri Lanka with a guide, and with all the nitty gritty travel details taken care of. Below are selection of tours in Sri Lanka, and the best day tours around the Island.
Sri Lanka Encompassed with G Adventures | A 14-day small group tour visiting major cultural sights within Sri Lanka, including the most scenic train ride in the world from Kandy to Ella. Includes expert guides, meals and transport. Book here
Essential Sri Lanka with Intrepid Travel | An 11-day tour package for 18-29 year olds, focused on seeing all the major sights in this incredible country. Book here
Circle Sri Lanka with Intrepid Travel | An in-depth cultural tour of Sri Lanka that takes in nine major sights including Sigiriya, Kandy, Galle and Ella. Book here
SRI LANKA 7-DAY ITINERARY MAP
We’ve created a detailed map of our 7-day Sri Lanka itinerary, which you can download and follow for your visit.
To save our map, click the star to the right of the map title, which will download the map to: your places - maps in your Google account.
Easy!
SRI LANKA TRAVEL GUIDE | OUR SRI LANKA TRIP PLANNING ESSENTIALS
HOW TO GET TO SRI LANKA
Being an island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, pretty much the only way to get to Sri Lanka is by plane.
The main gateway to the country is Bandaranaike International Airport, at Katunayake, 30km north of the capital Colombo. The main frustration with the airport is the distance to Colombo, and the rest of the country - in traffic it can take over an hour to arrive at Colombo Fort.
We advise that you organise a taxi to Colombo (around LKR 2,500). Taxis are regulated from the airport and prices are almost always fixed, so you can be comfortable knowing you’re not being ripped off. Alternatively, you can walk outside the airport grounds to hire a tuk-tuk, which should cost marginally less (but is far less comfortable).
In general, airfares to Sri Lanka remain consistent, however, it pays to book well in advance to secret the cheapest deal.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SRI LANKA?
Sri Lanka’s weather, much like its politics, is a complicated beast punctuated by two separate monsoons, which affect different parts of the island and at different times of year.
When the monsoon occurs will define where you should travel to, however, it also means that some parts of the island will have good weather when you decide to visit!
The main monsoon, "Yala”, occurs from April/May to September on the west and southwest coasts (including main tourism sites such as Galle, Unawatuna, and the southern coast), with the wettest months from April - June. The less severe “Maha” monsoon usually hits the east coast from November to March (including Arugam Bay and Trincomalee).
Temperatures in Sri Lanka are fairly consistent due to its position on the Equator, ranging between 25 - 32°C in the coastal and lowland areas such as Colombo, Galle and the southern coast. In the hill country including Kandy, temperatures range from between 18 - 22°C, while at higher altitudes, such as Ella and Nuwara Eliya, temperatures can range between 14 - 28°C. One thing to consider is the humidity, as it generally hovers around 90% in the southwest, and 60 - 80% in other areas.
If you’re wanting to visit the incredible sights of the south and central areas, December to March is the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
Alternatively, if you’re keen to hit the surf breaks of Arugam Bay and Trincomalee, April/May to September is the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
7-DAY SRI LANKA ITINERARY | HOW TO GET AROUND SRI LANKA
Due to Sri Lanka’s small size and abundance of transport options, getting around the island is easy, if not a little time-consuming and uncomfortable.
Buses and tuk tuks are the most common form of transport on the island, and service even the most remote corners. Buses, however, are a fraction of the cost of tuk tuks and often times make for a much faster method of getting from A to B.
The most picturesque form of transport, however, is Sri Lanka’s train network. The network may be slow, cumbersome, and somewhat unreliable, but it services all the main areas of the island and provides travellers with rich cultural experiences that just aren’t common in western countries.
However.
Given the short time of a week in Sri Lanka, we suggest hiring private transfers between each main town or attraction (apart from the Kandy to Ella train).
Private transfers are affordable, efficient and often air-conditioned, which means comfort for all. They can be organised via your hotel, or in advance here. Expect to pay around LKR 16,000 per day.
Hiring a private drivers for the duration of your trip will cost around LKR 16,000 - LKR 32,000 ($50 - $100) a day, however, we found hiring a driver between each destination was the most cost effective method.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA
Responsible, sustainable travel is what we’re all about here at TCW HQ, and this is especially true when we travel to places suffering from climate change and plastic pollution, such as Mirissa.
TRAVEL DURING SHOULDER SEASON | Shoulder season is the time before and after the peak season when things are quieter, cheaper, and more enjoyable (especially in the Med!). Travel then to reduce over-tourism, and extend the season for local operators
DON’T BUY BOTTLED DRINKS | Please, for the love of the ocean: DO NOT BUY SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLES! You'll understand why when you see a bunch of plastic bottles bob past you in the open sea. Buy one of these fantastic bottles instead
USE LESS WATER | To help reduce the pressure on water supplies, keep your water usage to a minimum. We know that’s hard to do on holidays, but quick showers, and turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, cleaning etc. really help
OCEAN-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Everything that goes down the boat drain ends up in the ocean, try and make sure all your toiletries, sunscreen, shampoo is as ocean-friendly as possible! Solid bars are a great place to start (see below to buy some eco-friendly toiletries).
DO YOUR OWN CLEANUPS | See rubbish on the beach, forest or town? Pick it up, and dispose of it properly. If every traveller helped out during their holiday, the beaches, oceans and forests would be a much happier place for it
DON’T USE PLASTIC BAGS | Pack a reusable tote and use these to carry your snacks, drinks, or new souvenirs instead
LEAVE NO TRACE | Limit your consumption of plastic, and opt for sustainable / zero waste alternatives instead. Pack a reusable water bottle, bring your reusable coffee cup, and if you can’t sip your cocktails without a straw, bring a metal or bamboo one along instead. And never leave a trace...
BE ANIMAL-FRIENDLY | Observe sea creatures from a distance, don’t pick up wildlife like starfish or urchins, or grab onto turtles, dolphins, etc. If an animal wants to interact with you, it’ll approach you 🙂
SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY | Visit a locally owned taverna for a meal, buy which means both supporting the local economy and community, and also giving you a real authentic experience.
ICE CREAM CONE | bonus tip - eat your ice cream in a cone, rather than a cup and plastic spoon for the ultimate plastic-free indulgence!
SRI LANKA PACKING ESSENTIALS
Travelling through Sri Lanka comes with a unique set of needs.
To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allow us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!)
A TOTE BAG | The humble tote is a versatile little lifesaver when on the road. They're plastic-free, small, easily foldable, and can pack a surprising amount! Check out this range of beautifully designed, personalisable totes bags here
BIODEGRADABLE WET WIPES | Keep clean without destroying the planet!
HAND SANITISER | This is not something we’d actually recommend normally, but we now live in Covid times... so this can be a bloody great investment
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL ADAPTER | You’ll need a European plug to keep your gear going!
POWER BANK | Don’t get caught out without power for your devices
BIO-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Avoid damaging and chemical-heavy products and facial scrubs with microbeads altogether. We recommend Lush solid shampoo, conditioner and bodywash bars, ocean-friendly sunscreen (Stream2Sea), a mooncup is a great investment for “that” week and Lip balm for the sun
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF SRI LANKA
SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | 31 incredible things to do in Sri Lanka, Our essential 3-week Sri Lanka Itinerary, Everything you need to know before you visit Sri Lanka (39 essential tips!), Where to stay in Galle
SRI LANKA CITY GUIDES | We’ve got in-depth guides to Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Jaffna, Hiriketiya, Mirissa Beach
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS | Our essential guides to both Sigiriya and Pidurangala, A guide to Polonnaruwa
TRANSPORT GUIDES | Our definitive guide to the Kandy to Ella train, how to get from Colombo to Kandy, how to get from Colombo to Galle
ELLA, SRI LANKA | Our complete guide to Ella, a guide to the Nine Arch Bridge, How to see Diyaluma Falls, Ella accommodation options for every budget (+ our recommendations)
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF SRI LANKA WITH OUR GUIDES
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That, and you're officially a legend.
