3 Week Sri Lanka Tour Packages

Sri Lanka itineraries for 3 weeks

Compiled by

NinaSri Lanka travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary, incl. Anuradhapura and Kandy

  A 21-day circuit weaves through 13 destinations across Sri Lanka, from ancient Anuradhapura to coastal Trincomalee. The route features 3 UNESCO sites, wildlife safaris, tea plantations, and pristine beaches, encompassing the Cultural Triangle, hill country, and eastern coast.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Negombo & Anuradhapura

    Start your journey in Negombo, a quick 20-minute ride from the international airport. Watch local fishermen bring in their catch at the Dutch Canal in the early morning. Take a 4-hour drive north to Anuradhapura to begin your cultural exploration. "Our guide explained so much about Sri Lanka's history and Buddhism while exploring the ancient ruins." Visit Sri Maha Bodhi temple in the evening to avoid crowds and heat.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Wilpattu & Jaffna

    Go on an early morning safari in Wilpattu National Park between 6-9am for the best wildlife spotting. Head to Jaffna to experience Tamil culture. When visiting Nallur Kovil temple remember to take off your shoes and wear clothes that cover your shoulders.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Trincomalee

    Spend time in Trincomalee mixing beach visits with cultural sites. Watch the sunrise over the natural harbor. Start your day early at Fort Frederik and Koneswaram Temple. Book whale watching trips (May-October) in the morning when the sea is calm. Visit the hot springs before 10am or after 4pm to avoid peak heat.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Pasikudah Beach

    Relax at Pasikudah's beautiful beaches. The water stays shallow far out, making it perfect for families. Try water sports but stick to well-known operators. Plan water activities between April-October when conditions are best.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Arugam Bay

    Experience this popular surf spot's relaxed atmosphere. Skip the crowded main beach and walk 10 minutes north for quiet spots. Bring reef shoes to protect your feet from rocky areas.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Ella & Nuwara Eliya

    Book your scenic train tickets a month ahead. "The train ride through tea plantations was breathtaking, but bring layers as it gets chilly in the highlands." See tea production in action with morning factory visits.

    
  • Days 16-17

    Kandy

    Visit the Temple of the Tooth during morning prayers for the best experience. Start early at the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Get to cultural shows by 4:30pm for good seats before the 5pm start.

    
  • Days 18-19

    Sigiriya

    Start your Sigiriya Rock Fortress climb at 7am. Be ready for 1,200 steps with good shoes and water. Take an afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park to see elephants, especially during their gathering from July to October.

    
  • Days 20-21

    Return to Negombo

    Spend your final full day exploring Colombo and shopping at Pettah Market. Stay in Negombo for your departure. It's much closer to the airport than Colombo, which can take 1-2 unpredictable hours.

    

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• 21 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary, incl. Colombo and Kandy

  A grand 21-day circuit encompasses 24 destinations across Sri Lanka, from Colombo's modern skyline to 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The route includes 6 national parks, ancient cities, and pristine beaches while staying in comfort-level hotels.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Colombo Introduction

    Begin your journey in Colombo to adjust to the time zone. "Colombo's Dutch hospital area is perfect for easing into Sri Lankan culture - try to visit in the evening when it's cooler and less crowded." Visit Gangaramaya Temple and the National Museum. Book your hotel near Galle Face Green for easy evening walks and street food access.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Southern Coast Experience

    Travel south to Balapitiya (3 hours) for the Madu Ganga river safari. Visit Galle and Unawatuna. "The early morning whale watching from Mirissa was incredible - bring motion sickness pills and a light jacket as the ocean can be choppy." Visit Galle Fort in late afternoon for better temperatures and lighting.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Wildlife & Hill Country

    Leave early for Yala National Park (4 hours). Look for leopards between 6-8am. Move on to Ella where "The Nine Arch Bridge is stunning but gets very busy - arrive before 8am for the best photos and bring good walking shoes as the path can be slippery."

    
  • Days 8-11

    Cultural Triangle & Tea Country

    Stay in Nuwara Eliya to explore the highlands. Start Horton Plains at 5:30am to avoid clouds. Travel to Kandy through Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. "The Temple of the Tooth gets extremely crowded - visit at 6am for the morning puja ceremony when it's most atmospheric."

    
  • Days 12-15

    Ancient Cities

    Visit Dambulla, Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa. Start climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress by 7am before it gets hot. "Bring plenty of water and take the stairs slowly - it's more challenging than it looks." Visit Minneriya National Park's elephant gathering between 3-6pm.

    
  • Days 16-18

    East Coast Beaches

    Travel to Trincomalee and Nilaveli Beach. Go snorkeling at Pigeon Island in the morning when the water is calm. "Book your Pigeon Island trip a day in advance and check weather conditions - visibility can vary greatly."

    
  • Days 19-21

    Wildlife & Departure

    Stop at Wilpattu National Park on your way to Negombo. Take morning game drives for the best wildlife viewing. Stay in Negombo your final night to avoid pre-flight traffic. "The Negombo fish market is fascinating but go early around 6am to see the most action."

    

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• 20 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary, incl. Colombo and Kandy

  A 20-day cultural tour winds through 20 destinations across Sri Lanka, showcasing 8 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The package includes 19 nights in boutique hotels, daily breakfasts, and private AC transport. Travelers visit ancient capitals, wildlife parks, tea plantations, and coastal gems like Galle Fort.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Negombo & Kandy

    Start your journey in Negombo, located just 20 minutes from the airport. This lets you skip the busy Colombo traffic and settle in smoothly. "The beachside location helps you recover from jet lag while still experiencing local life," one visitor notes. On your second day, visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage on your way to Kandy. The drive takes about 3 hours so it's best to leave early before it gets too hot.

    
  • Days 3-5

    Cultural Triangle

    Make this area your base to explore Sri Lanka's cultural treasures. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic before 8:30 AM to avoid the crowds. The drive to Sigiriya takes about 2.5 hours. Plan your rock fortress climb for early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. For the Dambulla Cave Temples, wear shoes with good grip since the stone steps can get slippery.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Ancient Cities & East Coast

    Take time to see Anuradhapura's historic sites before heading to Trincomalee. A visitor suggests: "The Koneswaram Temple offers the best vantage point for whale watching, but go early as midday heat on the cliff is intense." Stop by Marble Beach where local vendors serve excellent fresh seafood.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Hill Country

    The scenic drive to Nuwara Eliya brings cooler weather, so pack some warm clothes as temperatures can drop to 10°C (50°F). According to one traveler: "The 3-hour hike at Horton Plains needs to start by 6 AM - clouds typically roll in by 10 AM, obscuring World's End viewpoint." Book ahead for the scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella in the observation car.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Wildlife & Southern Coast

    Safari drives in Yala National Park begin at 5:30 AM. Book a morning session for better chances of spotting leopards. The roads are dusty and rough. Head to Tangalle for peaceful beaches away from the busy western coast. Look for accommodation in Parewella if you want to enjoy natural rock pools.

    
  • Days 14-17

    South Coast

    Travel from Mirissa to Galle for varied coastal experiences. Book whale watching tours (December-April) in the early morning when the sea is calmer. Explore Galle Fort in the morning or evening to avoid the midday heat. One visitor recommends: "Stay inside the fort for evening atmosphere, but book ahead as heritage hotels fill quickly."

    
  • Days 18-20

    Colombo & Departure

    Finish your trip in Colombo for shopping and city culture. Visit Gangaramaya Temple before 9 AM to avoid crowds. Plan extra time for airport transfers since Colombo traffic can be heavy, especially from 8-10 AM and 4-7 PM.

    

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