Plan For 5 Days In Sri Lanka

This itinerary in Sri Lanka gives you  a mix of experiences and is sure to whet your appetite for more

Sri Lanka is now offering multiple entry visas, and, especially for Indians, the island nation to the south is always a quick getaway.

There’s much to see and do, and, if you find yourself spoilt for choice, this itinerary is sure to help you plan better. It works its way across the visitor-friendly western coast of the country and goes into hill country. Five days will do, but adding another two or three is ideal.

Day 1

Pick a flight the day before that arrives in Colombo late evening or night, so you can start your exploration of the capital fresh in the morning. Get breakfast out of the way at your stay option, then visit Independence Square, the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, and the Colombo National Museum to get a history fix. The Dutch Hospital Precinct has plenty of options for lunch, including the famous Ministry of Crab. Get under the skin of local life with a wander through Pettah, where you can shop for everything from tea to textiles. As evening falls, stroll along the Galle Face promenade; you can even dine on the street food here.

Day 2

Drive to Galle (main image), two and a half hours away from Colombo, stopping to marvel at famous architect Geoffrey Bawa’s residence, Lunuganga Estate, which is now a hotel. After Bentota – a good stop for lunch – stop at Ambalangoda to marvel at the distinctive Sri Lankan masks at Ariyapala & Sons. In Galle, spend a few hours exploring the ramparts and charming lanes of the seafront town. Go back to Bentota (above) and squeeze in some time by the sea. Stay  overnight.

Day 3

After a boat ride on the Bentota River, it’s time for elephants at Udawalawe sanctuary, which also cocoons an orphanage for the pachyderms. Catch a feeding session and a safari in the sanctuary. Stay overnight close by at Kaduruketha.

Day 4

Make your way up to Ella. Trek to the Nine Arches Bridge before taking a train up to Nanuoya, and then a drive to Nuwara Eliya hill station. Visit the lake and wander through the bustling local markets. Stay overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 5

On your way to Kandy, two and a half hours away, stop at a tea estate and do a sampling. In Kandy, head straight to the Temple of The Sacred Tooth Relic and spend some hours exploring the temple complex (above). The airport in Colombo is a three-hour drive away – plan accordingly.

Images: Shutterstock

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