An island full of contrasts
Sri Lanka surprised us. Between chaotic cities and quiet temples, tropical heat and cool mountains, wild animals and friendly people - the island is more diverse than we thought. In this 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary, we show you our highlights: Travelling through the highlands by train, eating curries by the roadside and experiencing dreamy sunsets by the sea. A journey that often challenged us - and will remain in our memories for exactly that reason.
Day 1
Negombo - not recommended!
After landing in Sri Lanka, we travelled to Negombo like many others - it is close to the airport and is often considered an uncomplicated starting point. For us, however, it was a shock: the beach was full of rubbish, there were poor huts right next to it and the whole neighbourhood looked run-down. Perhaps we simply weren't prepared - it was my first trip outside of Europe and the contrast was stark. With hindsight, we would say that Negombo is not a good place to start our three-week Sri Lanka itinerary. Better to go further inland or to quieter places on the coast.
Day 2 & 3
Kandy
After an adventurous train journey through the highlands, we arrived in Kandy - a city that seems loud, chaotic and full of traffic at first glance, but is also incredibly exciting from a cultural perspective. The Temple of the Tooth, where a tooth of Buddha is kept, is particularly famous. The atmosphere there is intense: worshippers in white clothing, drums, incense sticks, lots of gold and flowers. The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, just outside the city, were a little quieter but just as impressive. Huge trees, avenues of palm trees, an orchid house, monkeys and flying foxes hanging silently between the treetops. After the hustle and bustle of the city, this was the perfect place to take a deep breath. You can walk there for hours, just looking, listening and smelling.
Day 4 & 5
Nuwara Eliya
We travelled by train into the highlands to Nuwara Eliya. It was surprisingly rainy there, but pleasantly cool - a real refreshment after the tropical heat on the coast. The landscape is characterised by endless tea plantations and many waterfalls, which are particularly impressive after the rain. Here you almost feel like you are in another world, far away from the tropical hustle and bustle of Sri Lanka
Day 5 & 6
Ella
Ella is probably one of the most popular places in Sri Lanka - and rightly so. Surrounded by green hills, tea plantations and waterfalls, the place has a relaxed atmosphere. An absolute highlight is the hike to Little Adam's Peak: the climb is short and easy, but the views over the tea plantations and mountains are breathtaking. Also worth seeing is the famous Nine Arch Bridge, where a train travels slowly across the viaduct several times a day - a photo motif that is almost familiar from Sri Lanka.
Day 7 & 8
Tissamaharama
Tissamaharama is primarily the starting point for safaris in Yala National Park. The small town itself doesn't have much to offer, but the safari is a real adventure: if you're lucky, you might spot elephants, crocodiles, peacocks and even leopards. It's worth getting up early in the morning - the light is magical and the animals are at their most active.
Day 9 & 10
Tangalle
After the hustle and bustle of safari and travelling, Tangalle is the perfect place to unwind. The beach is wide, secluded and surrounded by palm trees - ideal if you just want to do nothing. However, swimming is not possible everywhere here as the current is often strong.
Day 11 – 15
Mirissa
Mirissa is one of Sri Lanka's most popular beach resorts - and not without reason. Here you will find the perfect mix of relaxation and a lively beach atmosphere. The long main beach is lined with numerous bars and restaurants where you can eat with your feet in the sand during the day and drink cocktails to live music in the evening. An insider tip is the Secret Beach: versteckt hinter einem kleinen Pfad liegt er in einer idyllischen Bucht, deutlich ruhiger und intimer als der Hauptstrand – perfekt, um den Sonnenuntergang in entspannter Atmosphäre zu geniessen. Ebenfalls ein Highlight ist der Coconut Tree Hill, ein kleiner Hügel voller Palmen mit traumhafter Aussicht aufs Meer. Mit etwas Glück entdeckt man im klaren Wasser sogar Meeresschildkröten.
Day 16
Galle
Galle is a completely different Sri Lanka: instead of palm-lined beaches, a colonial old town with Portuguese and Dutch influences awaits you here. Within the fortress walls, one pretty café follows the next, boutiques sell handicrafts and the narrow alleyways are perfect for a stroll. A walk along the city walls is particularly beautiful - with views of the sea, the lighthouse and the historic buildings. There is also a large lawn right on the coast, which becomes a meeting place at sunset: Families picnic, children fly kites and the atmosphere is relaxed and lively at the same time.
Day 17 & 18
Unawatuna
Just a few kilometres from Galle is Unawatuna - a lively beach resort that is particularly popular with young travellers. There is a good mix of bars, restaurants and small hotels right on the beach. Unawatuna also has great accommodation to suit all budgets - from simple guesthouses to stylish boutique hotels. We stayed at the Romaya Villas and were very satisfied. The breeding centres for sea turtles in the area are a special experience. Injured animals are cared for there and hatchlings are protected until they are strong enough to be released into the sea
Day 19 & 20
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is one of the most famous beach resorts on the south-west coast. Hikkaduwa is the perfect place to enjoy the last few days by the sea and simply switch off. The long sandy beach is perfect for long walks, sunbathing and relaxing hours in the water. The town itself has a relaxed surfer atmosphere, with numerous beach bars, cafés and small shops along the main street.
Day 21
Sigiriya
If you want to take a detour into the interior, Sigiriya is definitely one of the highlights. The famous "Lion Rock" rises out of the middle of the jungle and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tip: Hike to Pidurangala Rock early in the morning and enjoy the sunrise from there - the view of the lion rock in the first light of day is magical and the atmosphere is much calmer than later on Sigiriya itself. In the afternoon, the ascent to the Lion Rock is worthwhile. Although it is strenuous and often crowded, the view over the endless forests and lakes is spectacular.
Day 22
Colombo
Many travellers skip Colombo, but the capital is well worth a short stopover. The city is loud, chaotic and full of traffic - but at the same time incredibly lively. It is here that you can experience Sri Lankan urban life at first hand: colourful, hectic, sometimes exhausting, but very authentic. The Fort neighbourhood, which transforms into an atmospheric meeting place in the evening, is particularly worth seeing: Sweet fairy lights bathe the alleyways in warm light, and cool wall graffiti gives the setting a modern, creative touch. There are numerous restaurants and bars around the restored Old Dutch Hospital - perfect for a last dinner in Sri Lanka to round off the three-week Sri Lanka itinerary in style.
