What do you need to see in one week in Sri Lanka
Best places to see in Sri Lanka
According to UNESCO Sri Lanka hosts 8 sites with an outstanding universal value. In detail, the Cultural sites are mainly north of Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital, and form the so-called Cultural triangle. Under this name is the vast area including the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy. The sixth cultural site is the Dutch fort at Galle, a former Portuguese colony south of Colombo. Another impressive archeological site is Buduruwagala with its rock carvings south of Ella. Among the best places to see in Sri Lanka the tea plantation area from Kandy to Ella, passing through Nuwara Eliya should be included in every itinerary. From a natural standpoint, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the Central Highlands boast outstanding biodiversity. Sri Lanka also has stunning beaches especially in the north like Manalkadu and Kalpitya, home of the largest coral reef of Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa?
Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are the vaster archeological sites in Sri Lanka. Built in the fourth century BC as a monastic center, Anuradhapura was the first capital of the country. Due to frequent invasions from South India, the city declined in the tenth century AD. This center still takes on great importance among Buddhists as it hosts the Sri Maha Bodhi, a fig tree planted in 288 BC by an Indian princess and grown from a branch on the now died Bodhi tree of Bodh Gaya, India. In detail, under Bodh Gaya Siddharta Gautama, on whose lessons Buddhism was founded, reached enlightenment and became known as Buddha. On the other side, Polonnaruwa is the medieval capital of Sri Lanka developed on a lavish-scale. Closer to Dambulla and Sigiriya, the historical places in Polonnaruwa are usually preferred to Anuradhapura for the logistics and for the impressive Gal Viharaya, hosting a giant group of Buddha statues carved into the rock.
How to plan a perfect Sri Lanka itinerary
While I usually travel solo, this time my husband joined my journey. This was a significant challenge in planning our couple itinerary, but I managed to reach a compromise between our travel desires. With my educational background in archeological studies, what I really wanted to visit was the Cultural Triangle. On the other side, my husband’s primary wish was to dive in Sri Lanka as he always does in every country he visits. Moreover, spending one week in Sri Lanka, we added to our itinerary other must-sees and some couple relaxing time. To finalize this one week itinerary in Sri Lanka, we excluded Anuradhapura, the northern farther archeological site. Many people add to their tour a visit to a wildlife sanctuary. Apparently, the best is the Yala National Park, but I tent to avoid visiting places that involve animals, as I am never sure about how they are treated.
Day 1 From the airport to Dambulla
As our flight was supposed to arrive at lunchtime, I planned to visit in the afternoon the archeological site of Dambulla. From the Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake, 18.5 miles (30 km) north to Colombo, it takes over three hours to arrive at the Cave temples of Dambulla. The journey is tiring especially because it comes after a long haul flight and you might feel jetlagged. However, the desire of exploring a new place keeps you awake. The road passes through the coconut triangle, a vast area of land whose landscape is predominantly constituted by coconut trees. As my driver guide, Ashan Weerathunga explains, “many trees are now cut for building houses.” His words relate to deforestation, one of the leading environmental issues that afflict Sri Lanka. From the car window, you can spy daily life Sri Lankan scenes with street vendors along the streets selling coconuts, fruits, and other produce.
The history of Dambulla Cave Temple
After a doable climb on 500 steps circa, you will reach the Dambulla Cave temple. As soon as I entered the site, I was curious to know why the most impressive cave in Sri Lanka was built in that place. A fascinating historical explanation satisfied my curiosity. During the 1st century BC king Walagamba’s repaired here from Anuradhapura after that his throne was usurped. In this area, he was able to assemble an army and defeated the usurpers. To honor this victory, he built a temple here. Differently, from the present aspect, the Dambulla Cave temple was originally a unique cave monastery. Later on, kings of different dynasties divided it into the current five caves promoting renovation and embellishment works like gliding Buddha statues or painting the ceiling. The figures of these kings are hosted inside the caves along the Buddha statues and some Hindu deities.
The UNESCO site of Dambulla Cave Temple
Once a king’s refuge, Dambulla Cave Temple is now a UNESCO heritage site. Cut into the rock, the caves hosts beautiful frescoes and 157 statues. In detail, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns from the religious imaginary following the contours of the rock. Inside the caves are different statues of Buddha. In 1190 king Nissankamalla glided the sculptures adding 70 statues. The stone inscription mentioning it is the only explanation you can find in situ. The Kandyan Kings, one of the 9 Sri Lankan dynasties, carried further restoration works, including the painting over the ceilings, in the 18th century. As Buddhism place, a stupa (a closed circular structure usually hosting relics of a monk) under the porch offers a meditation spot. Another one is under the fig tree (Bodhi tree), resembling the one under which Gautama Siddharta reached the enlightenment. The pillars and gabled entrances to the cave where added in 1938.
Things to know before visiting Dambulla Cave Temple
Climbing to the Dambulla Caves, you will enjoy a stunning view of the sub-mountains that start from this area, close to the central highlands. From a terrace, before the cave, you can even spy the rock fortress of Sigiriya, which is 12 miles circa (19 km) away. The site suffers severe conservative problems. As a place of worships the smoke of the incense has caused significant damaged to the frescos. Insects and swopping swallows entering the caves at dusk cause other threats. For this reason, it is now forbidden to burn incense, while the noise of electrical machines inside the cave is meant to keep insects and birds away.
Good to know Before entering you need to leave your shoes off. There is a supervised space to leave them for a fee of $ 0,15. Also, you must cover your knees and shoulder and take your hat off.
Since you need to enter barefoot in all the temples and archeological sites, the best way to beat the hot flooring is by wearing pilates socks like I did.
Day 2 Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
We dedicated our second day in Sri Lanka exploring two other sites of the cultural triangle: Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. Sigiriya is a fortress rock whose walls are decorated with frescoes, and it’s probably Sri Lanka’s most visited attraction. In detail, Sigiriya paintings are considered the finest example of classical Sri Lankan art. Surrounded by vibrant greenery, this rock became the royal palace of King Kassapa I (478–496) over the ruins of a previous, abandoned monastery. Approaching this solitary rock, you can appreciate his majestic appearance. Etymologically meaning lion rock, Sigiriya was a royal fortress with on the grounds a complex city with gardens enclosed by ramparts. Particularly noteworthy are the gardens, amongst the oldest surviving historical gardens in Asia. To access the summit of the peak, you will pass through the mouth of a gigantic, so-called lion. However, the fingers’ shape and number persuade scholars to revise in it a mythical bird.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya
The UNESCO site of Sigiriya is considered a masterwork of urban planning and hydraulic engineering. The water garden, under whose name are the several bodies of water, constitutes an unmatched feature of the site. Rock, water, and man-made structures create a striking design. The best way to enjoy it is from the top of the peak. The mirror walls are another unique detail with their polished limestone reflecting the images of the stunning paintings on the rock. These last, considered a masterpiece of Sri Lankan classic art, represents in vibrant colors female figures whose meaning is still debated by scholars. Abandoned after the death of the King Kassapa I in 496, the site was still visited from the 6th to the 12th century as numerous graffiti on the mirror walls testify. Sigiriya was fully rediscovered at the end of the 19th century.
What to know before visiting Sigiriya
Sigiriya is a famous fortress rock that rises 590 ft. (180 mt) from the grounds. Visiting the site requires proper physical preparation, as you will need to climb 1200 steps before reaching the lion rock palace. It is essential to carry water bottles to stay hydrated during your climb and eventually wearing a hat to protect your head from the heat of the sun. The better period to visit Sigiriya is early in the morning at 7:30 am. When we arrived some minutes before 8 am, we had to wait 10 minutes to pay the ticket fee, and we lined for more than 20 minutes before being able to admire the famous frescoes. This archeological site gets packed pretty soon with crowds of tourists and students. There are some vendors selling water close to the museum and ticket entrance but no one after entering the ramparts.
Pidurangala Royal Cave temple
On a side of the lion rock is another rock hosting Pidurangala Royal Cave temple. This last is a Buddhism monastery. According to the most believed traditions, the monks who were living in the lion rock were moved here when King Kassapa I decided to build his fortified city and palace. Many tourists choose to visit it after having been to Sigiriya. Despite the evocative name, this place hosts only a reclining Buddha statue partly made of bricks. At a lower level than the lion rock, the former monastery of Pidurangala overlooks on the same stunning landscape of Sigiriya. I have read on some reviews that people suggest skipping Sigiriya and visiting Pidurangala, whose entrance fee is much cheaper. While Sigiriya is the most expensive archeological site I have visited in Sri Lanka, it also hosts these paintings of rare beauty that make the price worth the art enjoyment experience.
Day 2 Polonnaruwa
The second stop of our second day in Sri Lanka was visiting the city of Polonnaruwa. After the Chola invasion from South India in 993 AD, the invaders established here, in 1017 their capital. This vast and well-preserved site was in the 12th century one of the main urban centers in South Asia. Nowadays Polonnaruwa is one of the best-preserved UNESCO World heritage sites of Sri Lanka. Given its vast dimensions, it is ideal visiting it with an experienced guide and by car. This is particularly important to save time (especially if you are spending one week in Sri Lanka) and avoid the heat. Additionally, you should try to visit the site, or at least the majority of it before 2 pm when the weather reaches its hottest temperatures. Many areas of the city are sacred, and you need to visit them barefoot and without any headgear.
What to see in Polonnaruwa
To tour the city, you can start from the farther area of Potgul Vihara complex whose main peculiarity is its circular shrine. Next proceed to visit the Royal court of king Parakramabahu the Great (1153–1186), under whose reign Polonnaruwa reached its golden age. Leaving it, visit the Dalada Maluwa, a sacred area used to host the tooth relic of Buddha in its different buildings. Here are some of the finest archeological sites among whom stand out Vatadage, one of the most remarkable architectural monuments in Polonnaruwa. Then stop by the Rankoth Vehera or stupa with a golden pinnacle before reaching Alahana Pirivena, the largest monastic complex in Polonnaruwa. Notable here is the carved statue of Buddha. End your visit by the rock temple, the most scenic site of the city. This site contains a group of 4 figures of rock carved Buddha portrayed in different poses.
Ayurveda or the Science of life
The Cultural Triangle, the most ancient area where Sri Lankan civilization grew, is also home of the Ayurveda, whose meaning is the science of life. According to tradition, in the 6th century BC Indian prince Vijaya, skilled Ayurveda practitioner, introduced it into the island becoming Sri Lankan first king. Since then the oldest of all the holistic medical treatments in the world is still commonly practiced. Around Dambulla and Polonnaruwa but also in other areas of the country you can notice many Hospitals treating their patients following the Ayurveda principals. These are based on the theory of the Tri-Dosha or Three Vital Forces that define each individual nature. Only when the doshas, Vata (wind), Pita (fire), and Kapha (earth), are in harmony the body is in good health. If not, Ayurveda provides to restore the balance.
From Dambulla to Kandy
Visiting Sri Lanka in one week, we spent two nights in Dambulla before moving to our next destination, Kandy. The journey to reach the last capital of Sri Lanka kingdom passed through the city of Matale. This is the largest town in the central province and houses a fascinating Hindu temple, the Sri Muthu Mariamman Thevasthanam. Built at the end of the 19th century testifies the bonds between Sri Lankan and their Indian neighbors. It was, in fact, an Indian community in businesses relationships with the city of Matale to finance the realization of this project. On the way from Dambulla to Kandy impress the high number of herbal gardens you will pass on your way. In this fertile area whose climate is particularly favorable are many herbs cultivations especially of cinnamon. In detail, Sri Lanka provides 35% of cinnamon on the world market. We stopped by to visit the lovely Luck Grove spice garden, buying some natural creams.
Day 3 Kandy
During our seven days in Sri Lanka, we passed our third day in Kandy, the last independent capital of the Sinhala dynasty kingdom. This royal family survived for two centuries to colonial invasions of Portuguese and Dutch. However, in 1815 Kandy, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, felt to the British who united the island under their crown. Surrounded by hills, Kandy hosts at his center a charming lake. But what makes it a primary worldwide Buddhism pilgrimage site is the presence of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Within the royal palace complex, the temple stores on its precincts the sacred tooth of Buddha. This religious site suffered from a terrorist attack in January 1998 when three Tamil Separatists suicide bombers crashed against the temple’s gate. Images of the event are still visible inside the museum behind the temple. Another attraction of Kandy is the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya.
Everything you need to know before visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic
The main attraction in Kandy is the Temple of the Tooth Relic or Dalada Maligawa. In a golden casket inside the old temple building is stored the relic of a tooth belonged to Buddha. According to the traditional folklore, the tooth arrived in Sri Lanka from India brought by a princess. Sri Lankans kings considered the relic a symbol of their royal power, and they moved the relic in the different capitals. Finally, the remnant found a home in the temple built in the 16th century. During the Kandy Esala Perahera festival, the sacred tooth relic leaves the temple and is displayed on a procession. People can venerate the tooth on its casket brought on the back of the Maligawa Tusker elephant. The celebration lasts ten days between the end of July and the beginning of August with dancers and drums.
The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya
The second major attraction in Kandy is the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. Passing through a tilting bridge, you will enter inside this green oasis, housing marvelous plants and flowers. Over an area of 147 acres (60 hectares), the garden hosts 4000 species. Formally established in 1843, his story dates back to 1371 when on its precinct king Vickramabahu III moved his court at Peradeniya. Palm avenues, giant ficus, and bamboo groves are the most impressive features. Among the highlights of the garden is the orchid house with a captivating display of colorful species and the next flower garden lining a paved path. What impressed me most was the presence of the flying fox, giant bat 9 inches long (23 cm) with a wingspan of 3–5 ft. (1.2–1.5 mt).
From Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
There is a very famous railway that connects Kandy to Ella, in the south of Sri Lanka. This journey is considered one of the most scenic train trips in the world. I haven’t personally experienced it as I spent my one week in Sri Lanka visiting the different places in a private car. However, I can tell you that the roads are likewise stunning. In addition, passing the Central Highlands by car allowed us to spend two nights near Nuwara Eliya in the heart of the tea plantation area. Moving rice terrace cultivations, pink pout flowers (Tabebuia ), and breathtaking landscapes along the curvy roads make the trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya a fantastic one. While on the way you can spy lovely waterfalls like the Ramboda. However, when we visited, the season was unusually dry, and this like all the other cascades were flowing a tiny amount of water.
Where to sleep in Nuwara Eliya
As a slow traveling advocate, I plan my travels alternating exploration to relaxing time. I booked for two nights at the Amaya Langdale hotel. This small luxury hotel, boosting only 13 rooms, is the ideal spot to unwind after intense days exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Being surrounded by the majestic greenery scenery of the tea plantation, you will experience a colonial vibe. Located on a hill overlooking and surrounded by tea estates, this boutique hotel owns a tea growing area where you can stroll around the lush natural scenery. Among the other facilities are a tennis court, a spa, and a small swimming pool.
Day 4 Nuwara Eliya and the tea plantation
On our fourth day in Sri Lanka, we visited an organic tree plantationand the city of Nuwara Eliya. Undoubtedly, discovering the so-called Little England area is an unmissable experience every visitor should add to his itinerary. The region is strictly bonded with the British colonial era, and many estates keep in their name traces of the past. Somerset and Edinburgh estates are only a few of the Scottish plantations started in this area in the 80s of the 19th century. The famous Ceylon tea comes from here gathering its name from the former term used to indicate Sri Lanka. Bushes of tea and some acacia trees that provide an essential shadow to the plants dominate the landscape. After a restorative lunch at Calamander admiring the charming Gregory Lake, we ended our explorations in Nuwara Eliya. Here we made a stop at the most touristic attraction, the old post office.
Day 5 Lipton seat, Ella and Buduruwagala
We dedicated our fifth day in Sri Lanka visiting the Lipton seat, Ella, and the archeological site of Buduruwagala. Passing through the misty area of Blackpool peppered with vegetable cultivation, early in the morning we reached the Lipton Seat. Considered one of the most scenic overlooking in the world, the spot is at the peak of a tea plantation. Here a seated bronze sculpture of Sir Thomas J Lipton gives the name to this place. A plaque mentions the history of Lipton who created a tea emperor introducing the cutting-edge Ceylon tea bag packaging. According to folklore in this spot, sir Lipton used to have sexual encounters with the south Indian women who were working in the plantation. During the journey to the top, you will get a sneak inside tea plantations workers’ lives. The beauty of the ride to the top makes the Lipton seat a must-sees place.
Things to know about the Lipton seat
Many tourists decide to walk up to the seat, while we made it in 20 minutes circa with a tuk-tuk ride. This allowed us to save time and be able to explore Ella and Buduruwagala on the same day. If you decide to walk to the top, I highly suggest bringing with you plenty of water. Once at the peak you will find a small eatery offering a few meal options and beverages. From the cement plateau over it, even higher than the Lipton seat, you can enjoy a fabulous view. Many guides suggest visiting the Lipton seat at after drawn as the area is very misty and you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the view. We arrived at 10 am, and our guide reassured us that we could experience the panorama with the same visibility as the ones who come early in the morning.
Cost $ 0. 60 cent | Tuk tuk ride varies between $ 20–28
A stroll around Ella
Shortly before lunchtime, we reached Ella from whose station depart the train to Kandy. Backpackers have in this city their favorite spot, and a large number of western bars and restaurants confirm the impression. The place itself doesn’t offer any particular attraction. However, as my guide Ashan explained, young people flock here attracted by the nature. From Ella starts some of the best hiking paths of Sri Lanka. After our lunch at Café Chill, we left the urban center to visit the near waterfall. Unfortunately, due to the unusually dry season, the Ravana falls were not abundant in waters limiting the awe. Located in the middle of a curvy road the site is kept under surveillance by local policemen. In detail, as Ashan explained many tourists lost their lives in the attempt to climb the waterfall. Many fruit vendors pepper the road down this touristic attraction.
The archeological site of Buduruwagala
Of all the roads we have covered in one week in Sri Lanka, the one that brings to Buduruwagala is one of the most charming. After a humble village, a bumpy road passes a wetland with a water basin surrounded by lush vegetation. Here is another living statement of the meaning of Sri Lanka, the resplendent island. Colorful spots dot the landscape. These are the Japanese gerberas named after the Japanese soldiers who planted them once they landed in the area during WWII. Crocodiles, monitor lizards, pythons, vipers but also elephants and beautiful birds live in this peaceful area ending with a Buddhism monastery. To the left of it, after a short walk, you reach the site of Buduruwagala, literally Buddha statue stone. This is one of the most beautiful heritage sites in Sri Lanka. To the left of the Buddhist monks’ hospice are the rests of a brick building stupa.
Around the area of Buduruwagala
The area surrounding Buduruwagala is of a rare natural beauty fascinating as the village next to the monument. Here modest houses made of mud pepper the lush land that seems abandoned from the rest of the country. As my guide Ashan points out, some people are illegally planting Marihuana in this area. Under the shadows of bananas and mangoes, few women sell in front of their houses the fruits of their land. A 7 years old girl, holding a red balloon, smiles at me. Ashan stops the car engine and buys some fruits from her mum. My gaze at them reveals my astonishment in discovering something I have never seen before. While the grandmother brings me down the tree where these small white hard balls grow, the mum cut one of them with its machete and offers to me.
Day 6 Diving in Unawatuna
Among all the diving spots on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Unawatuna is considered the best. The reason relies on the presence of its seabed of several shipwrecks deeply connected with the history of the area. This part of Sri Lanka was the protagonist of the major shipping traffic for over 500 years. Trade and conflicts from the colonization eras of Portuguese, Dutch, and the British took place around Unawatuna, immediately south of Galle. Testimonials of this shipping traffic are the ships’ relics like Rangoon, an 1863 steamboat, now sank 105 ft. (32 mt) under the sea level. Around it and the other many underwater ships swim a multitude of colorful fishes. Another highlight of the area is the coral reef. After the damages brought by El Niño oscillations in 1997 corals are now slowly growing again.
Day 7 Visit the Dutch fort at Galle
Our one week in Sri Lanka ended visiting the sixth UNESCO World Heritage site of the country. Galle, 107 miles (173 km) south of Colombo, is maybe the most manicured city of Sri Lanka with its strong western influences. Theater of an impressive succession of colonizers, the city is now peppered with boutique hotels, charming cafés, and lovely shops. Still, it is possible to breathe an authentic Sri Lankan flavor in the fish market outside the ramparts. Considered as the best example of a fortified colonial city in Southeast Asia, Galle was founded by Portuguese conquers in the 16th century. In 1640 Dutch took over the town and under their domination, Galle flourished as a vital trade center. Many highlights around the city were built in this era. The last conquerors in 1796 were the British who changed the main access to the city.
What to see in Galle Fort
Galle Fort is a lively place, and many tourists spend here a few nights enjoying its resort atmosphere. The beach of Unawatuna is a short car drive, and the city offers several interesting cultural spots worth a visit. Among them are the Maritime Museum, inside the walls of the original Dutch fort, and the British ramparts. Moreover, Galle hosts several colonial-era churches, like the lovely Dutch Reformed Church and the Methodist church. Within the city precincts, there is also a mosque to testify the vital importance of Galle on the trade routes. The lovely lighthouse framed by palm trees is one of the most photographed sites of the city. Before entering inside the charming streets filled with colonial buildings allot some time to wander inside the Museum. Many shops sell the gemstones for which Sri Lanka is famous.
Gems of Sri Lanka
During one of our long car journeys, Ashan asked us if we were interested in buying gems. Immediately I reminded that former Ceylon it’s famous for its gemstones, and especially for sapphires. As the better-known Italian compatriot and explorer, Marco Polo, sailing to old Ceylon, remarked:
You must know that rubies are found in this Island and in no other country in the world but this. They find there also sapphires and topazes and amethysts, and many other stones of price.
Gems are one of Sri Lankan prime natural resources, and the country is only second to Brazil in the number of varieties produced. In particular, the country is famous for its beautiful Ceylon Blue Sapphire. A type of this stone was mounted on Princess Diana engagement ring, later worn by Kate Middleton.
Buying a sapphire in Sri Lanka
To buy a precious gem, you should select a qualified seller. While in Galle, Ashan showed us the store of Lanka Gems & Jewellery Factory Outlet. This jewelry store, with other 4 branches across the country, is a Government approved store. Moreover, the National Gem and Jewellery Colombo can verify the goodness of your purchase. Before buying a sapphire in Sri Lanka, you should scrutinize the stone. If it doesn’t have at least one impurity inside, like a small dot, it might be a fake natural gem. Not all the sapphires are blue as they can range from white to almost black, comprising pinks and yellow nuances. Color, number of impurities, shape, and cut contribute to the quality of the gem. Sapphires come from the areas of Elahera and Ratnapura, while moonstones are from Galle. You can find many shops in Galle where is also a gem museum.
Best season to visit Sri Lanka
I planned my one week in Sri Lanka itinerary during March carefully taking into account the weather. Tropical monsoons, as in other South Eastern Asian countries, affects the climate. The rainy season affects the northeast from December to March and the southwest from June to October. Diving centers in Unawatuna close from April to mid-October and fewer tourists, if known, visit the national parks in the south during the monsoon. The peak season in the southwest of Sri Lanka runs from December until March. On the other side, from May to September is the ideal period to enjoy the east coast with its pristine beaches. In particular, in the area of Trincomalee are numerous Buddhist and Hindu temples as well as hot spring. During the same period, it is recommended exploring the north coast with the wild dunes of Malikadu.
Other places to visit in Sri Lanka
Given the amount of time I could spend in Sri Lanka, I had to exclude from my itinerary other destinations worth a visit. In particular, I am thinking of the archeological site of Anuradhapura, Sri Lankan kingdom first capital. Having more time in Sri Lanka, you could add this heritage destination to your trip. Another travel experience unique to the country could be visiting the sapphire mining in Elahara. Sri Lanka is also a preferred destination by nature lovers for its magnificent wildlife sanctuaries. Among them, you could visit a national park like Yala National Park, widely renowned as the best one. The mysterious Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a UNESCO natural site, is the biggest virgin rainforest of the island. Strolling around this forest is considered the ultimate jungle experience.
Is one week in Sri Lanka enough?
After having spent seven days traveling around Sri Lanka, I can positively reassure you that one week in Sri Lanka is enough. Ideally, you could extend your stay to 10 days or two weeks, however, one week allows you to see the main attractions in Sri Lanka. With a more extended stay, you could include more sights we weren’t able to check. Additionally, you might soak by the beach for more days or experience an Ayurveda retreat as many of them offer other therapies like yoga or mediation. From my perspective one week in Sri Lanka is enough to experience the main cultural and natural sceneries the country provides.
How to travel around Sri Lanka
The best way to travel around Sri Lanka is by car and with an experienced guide at your side. This allows you to cover the long distances between destinations at your own pace and sincerely appreciate the country while visiting it. During my week I toured Sri Lanka with Luxe Asia, a prime quality travel company based in Colombo. They provided me a fantastic and very knowledgeable driver-guide, Ashan Weerathunga. Traveling in this way, I was able to discover and discuss many details about the country I wouldn’t otherwise be aware of. Moreover, the central office helped in tailoring my travel plan. The impeccable service they provided and their discrete way of taking care of us made my time in Sri Lanka an unforgettable one.
Why you shouldn’t rent a car in Sri Lanka
If you are familiar with my traveling style, you know that I tend to rent a car whenever I go. I firmly believe that visiting a country by car is still the best way to discover all the hidden gems. However, this applies mainly to Western countries where I feel culturally more confident. While I was road tripping during my one week in Sri Lanka, I was panicking watching at how local drivers behave on the road. Buses, tuk-tuks, and other cars drivers enter inside the main road do not check if others are arriving. Streets are not clearly named, and my overall impression is that you need to stay over-focused in the attempt to safely driving there. On the other side, while tuk-tuk can cover small distances, they aren’t a safe means of transportation for longer journeys.
