9 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary
9 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Sri Lanka travel route planner
Start: Colombo
Drive
1
Anuradhapura
— 1 day
Drive
2
Nilaveli
— 1 night
Drive
3
Habarana
— 3 nights
Drive
4
Hikkaduwa
— 3 nights
Drive
5
Hambantota
— 1 night
Drive
End: Colombo
Fri, Nov 27 - Sat, Dec 5
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See full calendar
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Explore the well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization and its former capital at Anuradhapura, a World Heritage Site and erstwhile center of Theravada Buddhism set amidst peaceful green parks.On the 27th (Fri), delve into the mystery of Sakwala Chakraya (Star Gate), then admire the landmark architecture of Ruwanwelisaya, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
For photos, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Anuradhapura vacation builder tool.
Colombo to Anuradhapura is an approximately 4-hour car ride. You can also do a combination of bus and flight; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Nilaveli.
Things to do in Anuradhapura
Highlights from your trip
1
night
1
night

The coastal resort town of Nilaveli draws visitors with its beaches, dive spots, and seaside hotels.Start off your visit on the 28th (Sat): kick back and relax at Nilaveli Beach, then explore the different monuments and memorials at Trincomalee War Cemetery, and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sri Pathrakali Amman Temple.
To see traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Nilaveli trip itinerary builder website.
You can drive from Anuradhapura to Nilaveli in 2.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Sat) early enough to drive to Habarana.
Things to do in Nilaveli
Side Trip
Highlights from your trip
3
nights
3
nights

Although lacking in sights of its own, tourism in Habarana flourishes due to its proximity to cultural and natural attractions.Golden Temple of Dambulla and Polonnaruwa Vatadage will appeal to history buffs. Explore hidden gems such as Lankathilaka Image House and Pethikada. Explore Habarana's surroundings by going to Polonnaruwa (Gal Vihara & Siva Devalaya (No 1)). Next up on the itinerary: identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas, delve into the distant past at Sigiriya Fortress, and don't miss a visit to Dambulla Cave Temple.
For ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Habarana trip site.
Traveling by car from Nilaveli to Habarana takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Tue) early enough to go by car to Hikkaduwa.
Things to do in Habarana
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
3
nights
3
nights

One of the most scenic beach resorts in Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa features a number of long white sand beaches with palm trees and gentle waves.We've included these beaches for you: Beruwala Beach and Bentota Beach. Get some historical perspective at Galle Fort and Unawatuna Devol Devalaya. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Hikkaduwa: Spas (in Unawatuna), Safaris (in Beruwala) and Cara Jewellers (in Galle). There's still lots to do: take in the exciting artwork at Tsunami Photo Museum, see the interesting displays at Community Tsunami Museum, explore the galleries of Saffron Robes, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Sea Turtle Farm Galle Mahamodara.
To find ratings, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Hikkaduwa trip planner.
You can drive from Habarana to Hikkaduwa in 4 hours. Other options are to fly; or do a combination of train and taxi. In December, daytime highs in Hikkaduwa are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Fri) early enough to travel to Hambantota.
Things to do in Hikkaduwa
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
1
night
1
night

Hambantota is the main town in Hambantota District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka. On the 5th (Sat), take an in-depth tour of Magampura Ruhunu Heritage Museum, see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, and then surround yourself with nature on Kamal Safari Bundala Park.
To find reviews, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Hambantota online trip maker.
You can drive from Hikkaduwa to Hambantota in 2.5 hours. In December, daily temperatures in Hambantota can reach 35°C, while at night they dip to 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.
To find reviews, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Hambantota online trip maker.
You can drive from Hikkaduwa to Hambantota in 2.5 hours. In December, daily temperatures in Hambantota can reach 35°C, while at night they dip to 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.
Things to do in Hambantota
Highlights from your trip
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Sri Lanka travel guide
India's Teardrop
Shaped like a teardrop and located just below the southern tip of India, lush Sri Lanka boasts some of the greatest biodiversity in the world. Unless you time your Sri Lanka holiday for monsoon season, you can expect bright blue skies and plenty of sunshine, perfect for exploring tropical forests, historic temples, colonial forts, and many other buildings dating back to Dutch rule. Popular things to do in Sri Lanka include swimming, sailing, and surfing, though a growing number of visitors come here just to eat their way around the country. Greatly influenced by nearby India, the national cuisine also features many elements of European cooking--a result of the Dutch and Portuguese colonial years. Of course, a trip to Sri Lanka would not be complete without a cup of its world-famous Ceylon tea.