Three weeks lets you see the whole island. This 21-day Sri Lanka itinerary adds Jaffna, the east coast and time to slow down.
With three weeks, Sri Lanka opens up. You reach the Tamil north, the quiet east and the hill country, and you still have time for lazy beach days.
This Sri Lanka 3-week itinerary works best from May to September, when the north and east are at their driest.
Rest near the airport, then drive to the ancient capital of Anuradhapura. Cycle between the giant white stupas and the sacred Bodhi tree.
Explore Nallur temple, Jaffna Fort and the islands. Eat crab curry and local ice cream. Read our Jaffna travel guide.
Snorkel at Pigeon Island, visit Koneswaram temple on its cliff and go whale watching in season.
Climb Sigiriya and Pidurangala, explore Polonnaruwa by bicycle and visit the Dambulla cave temple.
One day for Kandy's temple and gardens, one for a walk in the Knuckles Mountain Range.
Visit a tea factory in Nuwara Eliya, walk Horton Plains, then take the train to Ella. Hike Ella Rock or Little Adam's Peak.
In summer, head east to Arugam Bay for surf and lagoon safaris. In winter, choose a Yala leopard safari instead.
Visit the gem mines of Ratnapura, the heart of Sri Lanka's gem tourism. Watch miners at work and see sapphires cut and polished. Our Sapphire Trail tour covers the full experience.
Relax in Tangalle, Mirissa or Unawatuna. Spend an evening inside Galle Fort.
Drive to Colombo for last shopping, or straight to the airport.
Not at all. Many travellers find it is the first time they feel they have seen Sri Lanka properly. Build in two or three rest days, and the pace stays comfortable.
From December to April, the north and east are wetter. Spend more time on the south and west coasts, and add Wilpattu for a quieter safari.
Sri Lanka Travel Tours plans private 21-day tours with a driver-guide, trusted hotels and local experiences in every region. Send us your dates and we will tailor the route to the season.
Tell us what you're picturing and we'll build a trip around it.
