Best beach in Sri Lanka
Are you planning to visit Sri Lanka but not sure where to start? Here is my 2 week itinerary which includes beaches, natural parks and a bit of culture. At some places I included a hotel tip; which are places I stayed at and was especially fond of.
NEGOMBO
// 1 day //
When you fly in at Colombo Airport, the easiest and closest destination is Negombo. Spend here one night to get your bearings. In Negombo are a few sights such as the canals, the harbor and a huge beach, but it especially is a good starting place to rent a motorbike and arrange a driving permit or other necessities for your trip.
Hotel tip: Binnacle Negombo
A lovely boutique hotel with a friendly and super helpful owner. This was the cleanest and nicest place I stayed at in Sri Lanka. There is a pool to relax in and the location is close to the beach. Perfect to start and end your trip in Sri Lanka.
SIGIRIYA
// 2 days //
Take a bus or drive up to Sigiriya, here you’ll find the Lion’s Rock with a hefty entrance fee of $25. It’s a steep climb to the top but the views are rewarding. I was here an hour before closing time, perfect to skip the crowds and not to endure the intense heat.
Still enjoy a good view but not willing to spend that much? There is also a little sister version of the rock with a view of Sigiriya itself.
Lion’s Rock in Sigiriya
KANDY
// 1 day //
The city Kandy is at the heart of Sri Lanka. Although I wasn’t impressed by this place, it’s good for a night stop. The main attraction of Kandy is the Temple of the Tooth and its nearby theater where performances are held of Sri Lankan traditional dances. This show takes about one hour of your time, although I wasn’t that impressed it’s something you might want to evaluate for yourself.
NUWARA ELIYA
// 2 days //
From Kandy you go through the mountains and tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya. A beautiful trip that I enjoyed while driving a motorbike. Along the way I was able to stop at scenic points and check out a few waterfalls. The surroundings of this place is what makes it magical. The town itself is at a higher elevation thus it get much colder. If you haven’t brought a sweater, plenty of market stands here will sell you knock off Colombia or other “branded” clothing.
Horton Plains
From Nuwara Eliya it is a 1.5 hour drive to Horton Plains. Take a 3 hour easy hike through this National Park.
ELLA
// 2 days //
My favorite part of Sri Lanka was the town Ella. Stay here for 2 or 3 nights. From here you can take lovely hikes through tea plantation, towards Ella Rock and on railroad tracks. The vibe of this place is what I loved about it. From the town all the tracks are within walking distance, although some can be quite hard to find, there are always a few locals walking around willing to show you the way for a small fee. Their help sure can be valuable when you’re walking around clueless.
Hotel tip: 59B Rest Inn Ella
This guesthouse was part of my relaxing experience in Ella. This place has 2 rooms overlooking the garden and the owner gives you helpful tips for exploring the area. A delicious breakfast and a comfortable room made it all complete.
Woman working at a tea plantation in Ella
NATIONAL PARK UDAWALAWE
// 1 day //
Take a jeep safari in National Park Udawalawe. At the entrance of the park jeeps will await you to give you a tour, so it definitely is not necessary to to arrange a safari in advanced. You pay separately for the jeep safari and for the entrance of the National Park. Guaranteed views of elephants, buffalo’s, deer, birds, crocodiles and other wildlife.
Hotel tip: Nature House
Nice rooms and close to the National Park. This hotel is set in a pretty garden where the owner also prepares delicious meals. It’s not on the menu, but ask for banana pancakes for breakfast and he’s happy to oblige.
MIRISSA
// 3 days //
After seeing enough of Mainland Sri Lanka it is time to relax at the beach. Mirissa is personally one of my favorite Sri Lankan beach towns. Perfect to go swimming, plenty of nice restaurants, go sailing and take a ayurveda massage. Read more about Mirrissa and other beaches.
HIKKADUWA
// 2 days //
More beach but a change of scenery is Hikkaduwa. Because it’s a popular destination there is a lot to offer. Maybe take a diving trip.
On your way from Mirissa to Hikkaduwa make a stop at Galle. The Dutch built a fort here in the 17th century which is definitely worth a visit.
Hotel tip: L&D Lodge
L&D Lodge is clean and tidy, good breakfast and a perfect location. The only downside is that it’s right next to the railroad track where a train comes by at 10 PM and 4 AM.
NEGOMBO
// 1 day //
Spend your last day to get from Hikkaduwa to Negombo, Maybe make a stop in Colombo to see a bit of the capital.
GETTING AROUND
To move around the island of Sri Lanka there are multiple options. Each one depends on your budget and preference.
- Motorbike: I chose to rent a motorbike in Negombo and drive around the island by myself. I loved the freedom of my own transportation and to be able to stop where I want. Although most people thought I was crazy driving in this country by myself. I have to admit, of all the Asian countries I’ve ridden a motorbike, Sri Lanka was the craziest. I constantly had to be alert of my surroundings and opposite traffic that had no problem with trying to run me over.
- Bus: The cheapest option would be to take the bus and the train to get around. Sri Lanka has an extensive public bus system between the cities, but you always depend on a tuktuk or taxi to reach your final destination. The train in the Sri Lankan mainlands do offer magnificent views of the area.
- Car with driver: For those who are willing to spend more and not wanting to worry about directions. Your driver will make sure you get to the places you want, you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. Most tourists will opt for this option. I personally don’t like a guide or someone that drives me around. It makes me feel uncomfortable, but that’s just me.
TRAVEL TIPS
- Upon arrival at Colombo Airport get a 3G SIM at the arrival hall. There are several stands of phone companies that sell 3G SIM cards with a tourist package and will set up everything right there for you. I used Dialog and had good coverage all over Sri Lanka, especially since Wifi at most hotels weren’t that great. For only €10 I had 3 GB of data.
- When you plan on renting a motorbike, ask that they also arrange a Sri Lankan driving permit. Make sure to bring your international driving license from your home country. The costs are around €20 but then you won’t have any trouble with the police who have checkpoints all over Sri Lanka.
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Prachtige foto’s een goed verhaal heb er van genoten om het te lezen
So amazing Esther! Thanks to this we will now spend longer in Ella (and less time in Kandy.)
Awesome Bry! I didn’t care much for Kandy but really enjoyed Ella. Great that I could help 🙂