Sri Lanka 4 Day Itinerary

Sri Lanka 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo and Exploring Negombo

  • Morning: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and take a taxi or Uber to your hotel in Negombo (approximately 30 minutes, $10-15)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Negombo Lagoon and take a boat tour to see the local fishing industry
    • Explore the Dutch Canal, a historic waterway built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch
    • Walk along the Negombo Beach and enjoy the sunset
  • Evening: Enjoy seafood dinner at one of the many restaurants in Negombo

Things to Know:

  • Sri Lanka is 5.5 hours ahead of GMT
  • The official language is Sinhala, but English is widely spoken
  • Local currency is LKR (Sri Lankan Rupee), although USD and credit cards are accepted in tourist areas
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples or cultural sites

Day 2: Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress

  • Morning: Take a bus or hire a car and driver to Dambulla (approximately 4 hours, $10-20)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring five caves with over 150 Buddha statues
    • Explore the surrounding countryside and villages
  • Evening: Check-in to your hotel in Sigiriya and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of the Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Go on an elephant safari or nature walk in the evening

Day 3: Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Kandy

  • Morning: Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, another UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient frescoes and stunning views (approximately 2 hours)
  • Afternoon:
    • Take a bus or hire a car and driver to Kandy (approximately 3 hours, $10-20)
    • Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a sacred Buddhist site
    • Explore the Kandy Lake and surrounding hills
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kandyan dance performance

Things to Know:

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a steep climb, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water
  • Respect local customs when visiting temples or cultural sites
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist attractions

Day 4: Kandy to Colombo and Departure

  • Morning: Take a bus or hire a car and driver back to Colombo (approximately 3 hours, $10-20)
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the National Museum of Colombo to learn about Sri Lanka’s history and culture
    • Explore the Colombo Fort Area, featuring colonial-era architecture and bustling streets
  • Evening: Depart from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens of most countries can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before arrival or a visa on arrival at the airport
  • Check with the Sri Lankan Department of Immigration and Emigration for specific requirements

Transportation:

  • Bus: An affordable option, but may not be as comfortable or convenient as hiring a car and driver
  • Car and Driver: A more expensive option, but provides flexibility and convenience
  • Taxi/Uber: Available in major cities, but may not be as affordable as buses

Other Things of Interest to Tourists:

  • Try local cuisine, including rice and curry, hoppers, and string hoppers
  • Buy local handicrafts, such as batik, wood carvings, or gemstones
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or cultural sites