Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details.
Sri Lanka is an island that defies the ordinary. This Indian Ocean jewel is framed by sandy beaches and a sanctuary for biodiversity on land and surrounding waters.
The country’s terrain is dramatically varied: the central highlands boast peaks shrouded in mist and valleys teeming with wildlife, while the flat plains to the north and east present a starkly different landscape, one that is equally compelling.
Planning a month-long itinerary in Sri Lanka can seem daunting, but with my four-week travel guide, you can maximise your time in this crazy, beautiful country.
4 week Sri Lanka itinerary
Historically, Sri Lanka has played a crucial role as a maritime hub. Its strategic location on the ancient Silk Road fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas, cultures, and goods, shaping the nation’s unique cultural heritage.
Today, echoes of this dynamic past resonate across the island, from Anuradhapura’s sacred city to Sigiriya’s ancient frescoes.
Sri Lanka’s cultural tapestry is as diverse as its landscapes. The country is a mosaic of ethnic groups with traditions and religious practices.
This diversity is celebrated through various colourful festivals, art, dance, and music, making every visit a chance to experience something new.
sri lanka itinerary 1 month
Sri Lanka 4 week travel guide
Many people travelling to Sri Lanka try to cram too many destinations into a 1- or 2-week trip.
You should factor in travel time between places, general rest and recovery time.
By planning a 4-week trip to Sri Lanka, you can travel a little more slowly and have more time in the places you visit.
For our Sri Lanka itinerary, I’ve included an exciting mix of cities, mountains, beaches, and safaris to really capture the essence of all the incredible things to do in Sri Lanka.
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Unsurprisingly, the cheapest time to visit Sri Lanka is the rainy season, from October to November, when it will likely rain almost everywhere on the island.
Despite being a relatively small island, Sri Lanka has different weather depending on where and what time of year you visit.
Sri Lanka weather
The best time to visit Sri Lanka’s hill country and the south and west coast is from December to March. The weather should be lovely and sunny then.
However, if you want to visit the East Coast, you should aim to visit between April and September.
The weather should be nicer then. Ensure your Sri Lanka itinerary considers the weather of the region you plan to visit.
One month in Sri Lanka
You can see a range of destinations when you spend one month in Sri Lanka. I wouldn’t try to cram too many places, as you want to spend a few days in each location.
Slow travel is always better than just spending one night in a town, city or village.
Here are the places featured in this four week Sri Lanka guide.
Colombo
Negombo
Dambulla
Sigiriya
Kandy
Ella
Yala National Park
Tangalle
Mirissa and Weligama
Galle Fort
Getting around Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka can be difficult for first-time visitors to navigate. Although it is small, travelling around can be frustrating and time-consuming.
If you are short of time in Sri Lanka, one option is to take an organised tour.
This is a great way to travel around Sri Lanka in comfort while also seeing the major highlights without worrying.
I have been on several G Adventure tours, which have always been brilliant fun.
Colombo and Mt Lavina
Days 1-3
Honestly, as far as Asian cities go, Colombo might not immediately strike you as the most exciting.
However, there are many unique things to do in Colombo if you know where to look.
Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka and has a sprawling, loud and congestion-filled metropolitan area.
There are still some beautiful Colonial buildings to see in the Fort area as well as temples, spas, museums and markets.
It’s a good place to begin your trip though, especially if you need some recovery time after a long haul flight.
Bandaranaike Airport to Colombo
You can travel to Colombo city from the airport via local bus [which can be tricky to find].
You can also take private transport from the taxi stand at the airport. This is the fastest and most direct way to your Colombo hotel.
We took a taxi to our hotel for 3,300 rupees [approx. £15/$18/€15] and arrived in an air-conditioned car after only 45 minutes.
Best things to do in Colombo
Some of the best things to do in Colombo include visiting Viharamahadevi Park, getting cultured at the National Museum of Colombo, or visiting the chaotic Pettah Market.
I recommend a tuk-tuk tour with a local guide if you want to go where the locals go.
This is because you may find your ‘cultural tour’ is being taken to a series of gem shops.
This is a common scam in Sri Lanka where the driver gets a commission for bringing in tourists.
So always keep your wits about you, You don’t want to fall for a travel scam whilst on holiday do you?
Dodgy bar crawl of Colombo
If you are looking for alternative activities in Colombo, I would get you on a dodgy bar crawl of Colombo.
On this fun and booze-filled evening, you will visit various quirky Colombo bars.
Some include a Seafarers Mission, an ex-service bar and delightful dive bars in the historic Fort district.
On this Colombo bar tour, you can try some Sri Lankan alcoholic spirits and eat some ‘bites’ (Sri Lanka’s version of tapas).
It’s also a good opportunity to learn more about Sri Lankan politics and culture from your friendly and well-dressed guide.
Mount Lavina beach day trip
If you want to escape the city, you can head to the laid-back Mount Lavina beach for a day trip, or book a night there if you want to stay a little longer.
This chilled-out suburb is only a few miles from Colombo, and you can take the train there for just 20 rupees, which is a ridiculously small amount!
Use this site to help plan your trip and buy your station tickets.
Day trip to Mt. Lavina
If you are going on a day trip to Mt. Lavina, stick around for the sunset!
Find a decent seafood spot on the beach and watch the sun go down with a spicy fish curry!
I highly recommend the Shelton Sea Food Restaurant, definitely get the fiery prawns!
Colombo to Negombo
From Colombo, you can head to other parts of Sri Lanka. Some trains connect you to other cities, and you can take the bus to most parts of Sri Lanka.
From Colombo, we headed to the beachside city of Negombo for a few days by the sea.
Negombo
Days 3-6
You might wonder why we spent three days in Negombo, which is often thought of as a transit town given its proximity to the international airport.
There are actually lots of things to do in Negombo, though, and it definitely has its own charm.
The reason we decided to spend four days in Negombo is that travelling around Sri Lanka can be a long and laborious process.
Travelling around Sri Lanka
Bus and train journeys in Sri Lanka can be long [and occasionally mildly harrowing].
Some destinations in Sri Lanka are also sparsely covered by public transport.
Therefore, if your budget allows, it’s better to travel slower and for slightly longer. You can often lose half a day travelling to your next destination as well.
If you aim to spend 3-4 days in a location, you will actually see more of it than if you just rush through.
Train Colombo Fort to Negombo
This is why we chose to do 4 weeks in Sri Lanka, which meant we could travel slower and take our time at each destination.
We got the train from Colombo Fort to Negombo for 100 rupees for both of us. The train takes an hour and a half and is a rather entertaining journey.
There were snack sellers boarding the train every so often and performers asking for money, including a dwarf paying the flute [I am not making this up!]
Things to do in Negombo
Negombo is a modest beach town with the usual beachfront hotels, bars and restaurants.
Its real charm, however, lies in its back alleys, canals, and range of unexpected activities.
Take your time to research your Negombo beach options to make the most of your time here.
There are many things to do in Negombo if you are prepared to wander off the beaten track.
Negombo Lagoon
Negombo is dominated by water. Its attractions include Negombo beach, the picturesque Negombo Lagoon, and canals and rivers.
It’s a traditional fisherman town combined with beach vibes. Step away from the fancy resorts to explore the hidden parts.
Check out the fish markets, the canals and the quieter parts of Negombo Beach to see newly caught fish drying out on the sand.
You’ll find the true essence of Negombo here. It’s one of the many uncommon places to visit in Sri Lanka
Negombo tours
Take a boat ride through the Negombo canals with Sareth boat tours. For only $15 dollars per person, you can explore the Negombo Dutch Canal.
You can get a unique perspective of Negombo, as you float past fishermen’s houses, boats and wildlife.
Negombo boat tour
Book a sunset trip to watch the fishermen cast their nets as the sun sets with a blaze of orange and pink. It’s a truly memorable experience!
Kayaking in Negombo
Other activities in Negombo include diving, kayaking at Jet skiing. Kayaking on Negombo lagoon is great for a gentle paddle with scenic views.
Jet watersports operate from the swanky Jetwing Lagoon Resort, so be sure to treat yourself to coffee with a view afterwards.
Dambulla
Days 7-9
The ancient city of Dambulla is part of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, including the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
Dambulla is a great place to base yourself for day trips to Sigiriya and excursions to Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
Things to do in Dambulla
One of the highlights of Dambulla is the iconic Dambulla Cave Temple. This sacred cave monastery features five caves (shrine rooms) full of ornate Buddha statues.
There are also various personages of the Buddhist Order. It’s a really spiritual and peaceful place to visit, and you should remember to be quiet and respectful when visiting.
Dambulla Cave Temple
The dress code for Dambulla Cave Temple requires shoulders and knees to be covered. So remember to dress appropriately for your visit and be a mindful visitor.
You must also remove your shoes to enter the temple. You can pay Rs.25 to the ‘shoe-keeper’ at the entrance.
Best time to visit Dambulla Cave Temple
The best time to visit Dambulla Cave Temple is around an hour before sunset. The caves were so quiet, and we were the only people in them at one point.
It was so serene and ‘otherworldly’. I was on the verge of some kind of epiphany, and then I remembered I had to get some shots for the ‘gram. Unfortunately, I am not cut out for spirituality.
With fewer visitors to the temples, we could wander around and admire the statues, delicate paintings and murals.
If you visit around 6 p.m., you can also catch the sunset, which offers gorgeous, sun-bathed views of the surrounding area.
Dambulla golden temple
If you are also looking for the ‘golden temple’, remember that the Dambulla Cave and Golden Temple are all one temple complex.
I would visit Dambulla cave temple first and then make your way down to the ‘golden Buddha statue’. Inside the giant statue is the Golden Temple Buddhist Museum.
Admittedly there’s not much inside, but it’s worth a quick visit. Even if it’s just for photos.
Dambulla cave temples ticket counter
Make sure you head to the Dambulla cave temple ticket counter first. Otherwise, you will have to hike up the 2300 steps to the temple and then back down to purchase tickets.
Day trip to Sigiriya
The jewel of the cultural triangle is surely the imposing, honey-coloured rock fortress Sigiriya. This fortified, fifth-century city is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.
You can easily take a day trip to Sigiriya from Dambulla; they are only 40 minutes apart.
Sigiriya tour
It was worth having the peace of mind to book our transport in advance and not haggle roadside!
Best time to visit Sigiriya
A Sigiriya entrance ticket costs $30 per person, which is a little steep at first. I can honestly say the views and the hike up is absolutely worth the money and the hard slog.
There are 1200 steps to the top of the Lion Rock fortress, but luckily, there are several spots along the way to have a rest and a selfie.
The best time to visit Sigiriya is first thing in the morning, around 7:30 a.m. That way, you will beat the crowds and the heat.
Climbing Sigiriya
During the climb up, you can choose to see some lovely alfresco paintings on the rock face, which can be accessed via a narrow circular staircase.
You can then continue your climb to the top. I would head straight to the top unless you are particularly interested in paintings. Ideally, you want to beat the crowds to the Sigiriya summit.
Hornets of Sigiriya
The last bit of the climb up is fairly challenging, and this is not helped by warning signs that alarmingly read, “Noise may provoke hornet attacks.”
That’s right, darlings, hornets. It turns out the Hornets of Sigiriya are a big problem. Guess who forgot to do their research and turned up blissfully unaware?
Luckily, we didn’t run into any angry wasps on our climb up, but if you do disturb them, head straight for a ‘hornet tent’ and start praying to your chosen deity.
Despite the climb and the fear of hornets, the view from the top of Sigiriya is marvellous. You can see the beautiful surroundings for miles and get some fabulous photographs.
Sigiriya monkeys
Another fun activity is to watch tourists pose for selfies whilst dangling closer and closer to the edge of the fortress.
Be aware that many monkeys hang around Sigiriya. While they may appear cute, these guys have some seriously sharp teeth.
Do not attempt to feed them or cuddle them. They will rip your pretty little face off.
Kandy
Days 10-12
You can take the bus from Dambulla to Kandy, either a local bus or an A/C bus.
Typically, there isn’t much information about transport in Sri Lanka in the way of timetables. Your best bet is to ask the hotel staff or tuk-tuk drivers about bus options.
We asked our tuk-tuk driver to take us to the ‘Air-Conditioned bus to Kandy’, and he seemed to know exactly where to drop us off.
How long to stay in Kandy?
Many people will tell you that one day in Kandy is enough time there and they are bang on the money in many ways.
However, if you want to travel slowly around Sri Lanka, I recommend booking mid-range priced accommodation outside of Kandy and relaxing for a couple of days before your next journey.
Kandy Accommodation
They even had a lovely swimming pool and sunbathing area. This meant we could spend a few days swimming and chilling before travelling to our next destination.
It’s a great place to stay if you are looking for a budget hotel in Kandy.
Things to do in Kandy
The city of Kandy is probably best known for its gorgeous centrepiece lake. This pretty lake dominates most of the cultural capital and is a fantastic place for a stroll and for photography opportunities.
Be aware that when you stroll around, you might get approached by locals asking for money or trying to direct you to a ‘Cultural Dance Show’.
Kandy tour
As with any other destination, exercise caution and always buy tickets to experiences from proper ticket offices, or in advance online.
You could always book an all-inclusive City Tour of Kandy with a qualified Kandy guide to visit most of the major sights in and around the city.
Temple of the Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Tooth Relic (the sacred tooth of the Buddha) is a famous pilgrimage site popular with both locals and tourists.
Like most sacred sites in Sri Lanka, there is a dress code for the Temple of the Tooth Relic.
The dress code includes covering shoulders and knees for both men and women. You also need to take your shoes off and leave them with a ‘shoe keeper’.
Temple of the tooth entry fee
The temple is home to Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic, a tooth of the Buddha.
The tooth is kept in a gold casket, which means you don’t actually see the tooth; you have just to imagine it.
Temple of the tooth entry fee
During offerings and prayers, [puja], the room that houses the tooth, is open to tourists and Buddhist devotees.
Other shrines and temples on the site are also pleasant to walk around.
If you feel spiritual, you could take in some flower offerings by buying some from stands surrounding the temple.
White Buddha Kandy
You definitely need to make time to visit the giant Buddha statue of Bahirawa Kanda. Otherwise known as ‘The White Buddha’.
The White Buddha statue is at the top of Bahirawa Kanda hill, which can be reached by walking up or taking a tuk-tuk.
This incredibly sculpted statue is 88 feet tall and features Buddha in the seated Nirvana pose.
Temple of Bahirawa Kanda
Once you reach the top of the hill, you can enjoy lovely panoramic views of Kandy and the surrounding area.
You can also enter the temple of Bahirawa Kanda if you wear your shoes appropriately.
You can even climb a little up the statue for better city views.
Ella
Days 13-15
The scenic train route is the best way to travel from Kanda to Ella. The Kandy to Ella train is a popular service for locals and tourists.
Buying tickets for the Kandy to Ella train route can be tricky, and you must do some research.
Kandy to Ella train
As with all of Sri Lanka’s rail services, train tickets come in reserved or non-reserved and in several classes, including first, second and third.
You can’t buy Kandy to Ella train tickets online unless you try to purchase them through a company.
However, be aware that not all companies are reputable. Many will promise tickets only to go radio silent after you pay for them online.
Kandy to Ella train tickets
You can try booking tickets in person at a station, but be aware that first-class tickets often sell out weeks in advance.
Despite arriving at the station early, we could not get reserved seats for our chosen train.
Second-class tickets from Kandy to Ella train
We then bought second-class unreserved tickets for 230 rupees [around £1]. The first train we attempted to board was way too full.
There were literally locals hanging off the side of the train. Luckily, we managed to squeeze into third class on the next train.
The Kandy to Ella train is one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. It takes around six hours and passes through incredible scenery.
You’ll gently roll through picturesque tea plantations, forests and small towns.
Taking the train in Sri Lanka
As the train slowly winds its way around pretty hilltops, you can soak up the atmosphere of the train, especially in third class.
There will often be loud music, singing and sweet treats shared among passengers.
If you get hungry, vendors wander up and down the train selling snacks and steaming cups of chai.
As you look out the window, you can also see all the backpackers riding with their legs dangling out the open doors. It’s such a fun and immersive train experience.
Kandy to Ella train journey
The Kandy to Ella train journey was one of the most spectacular train journeys I have ever taken. It was a perfect mix of scenery, atmosphere and adventure.
If you want to get the classic Instagram photo of hanging out of the moving train then be sure to take safety precautions.
Kandy train photo
It’s not worth putting yourself at risk just for a photo, though. The train is very slow-moving, but you shouldn’t hang right out of the doors, just in case you fall or get hit by an obstruction.
I gingerly poked my head out for some shots, but I had at least three other people watching me and advising when it was safe. Thank you, fellow thrill-seeking train passengers, for that!
Things to do in Ella
Ella is a small, chilled mountain town with gorgeous surroundings and backpacker vibes.
There are many homestays, coffee shops, Instagrammable bridges, hikes and waterfalls to keep you entertained here.
Homestay Ella
There are many things to do in Ella and you could easily spend a few weeks here.
I would book into a homestay in Ella. These reasonably priced mix of hotels and family homes are a great way to get to know the local people.
Nine Arches Bridge
The iconic Nine Arches Bridge is a favourite Instagram spot amongst tourists.
You can get up at dawn and wander through a footpath through the trees to reach this pretty bridge.
If you arrive early you can get fantastic shots in and around the tracks.
Nine Arches bridge location
If you time it right, you can get some snaps of a train crossing the Nine Arches Bridge.
Remember to take water and snacks with you, as the wait could be quite long. It’s definitely worth sticking around for.
You can find the location of the Nine Arches Bridge on Google Maps.
Little Adam’s Peak
One of the must-do activities in Ella is hiking up Little Adams Peak. Little Adam’s Peak is 1141 m in height and is a gradual and moderate hike.
It takes around 1-2 hours to hike Little Adams Peak. It depends on how fast you can hike and how many ‘photo stops’ you have. In my case, we had many, many photo stops.
The hike is great for walkers who don’t fancy trekking up the full-size 2,243m Adams Peak. This shorter and less challenging hike still offers beautiful scenic views.
Climbing Little Adam’s Peak
You can take your time on the Little Adam’s Peak hike, as there are plenty of photo opportunities, including tea plantations and mountain views.
Make sure to wear proper walking shoes for the trek and take plenty of water.
Also, be careful when scrambling around on the final ascent to the top. You don’t want to lose your footing at this point, right?
Once you get to the top of Little Adam’s Peak, the views are incredible and totally worth the sore calves!
Ravana falls
Ravana Falls is a gorgeous, 3-tier cascading waterfall that is one of the widest falls in Sri Lanka. You can negotiate for a return tuk-tuk ride from Ella for a few hundred rupees.
The falls are part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, and there are plenty of cheeky monkies around them.
There are a few stands around the falls selling king coconuts and snacks if you get hungry?
Yala National Park
Days 16-18
Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife park and should definitely be on your Sri Lanka itinerary.
It’s known for its wild elephants and elusive Leopards. When you arrive at Yala National Park, you can book 4×4 safari tours or a private half-day safari online.
Booking Yala Safari
Be careful who you book your Yala Sarafi with, as the quality of safaris can range massively.
If possible, start your safari from one of the quieter Yala entrances.
Try the Buttalla Kataragama entrance to escape the crowds. You might also have a higher chance of wildlife sightings without many jeeps around you.
Yala Half Day Safari
We then paid for the Yala National Park entrance fee on top, which was around £35 for both of us.
Yala Safari jeep hire
You can organise to share a jeep in Yala with other people to split the jeep costs if needed.
We wanted our own jeep to get the best possible wildlife shots without spoiling other people’s view of the animals.
In total, jeep hire and Yala Park entry cost around £55 for both of us.
Yala Safari jeep prices
Booking your Yala Safari through a hotel should mean you get a better quality safari.
The safari companies recommended by the hotels want to keep getting referrals, so are incentivised to offer a good service.
They serve a daily catch of fresh seafood, curries, and Western-style dishes. It’s one of the best places for seafood in Tangalle.
Tangalle Bars
There’s a range of seafront restaurants and bars that follow the Tangalle coastline.
Many of these bars and restaurants offer cocktails on the menu, although the quality can be a bit variable.
Try the Last Drop and Friendship Beach for great cocktails, candlelight and acoustic music.
If you don’t want to spend too much time on TripAdvisor planning ahead, I recommend going on your own mini bar crawl! See where you think the best cocktails are in Tangalle.
Days 22-27
Mirissa and Weligama
You can travel from Tangalle to Mirissa by local bus or book a private car transfer.
We spoiled ourselves with a private transfer, as it was a short distance. We booked a car through our hotel and paid around £25 for both of us.
Spend a few days exploring the lively beach towns of Mirissa and Weligama.
Kick back in hammocks, try surfing, have cocktails at a beach party, or snorkel in beautiful bays.
No matter what kind of Sri Lanka beach holiday you want, you’ll find all the seaside fun in these funky towns.
Things to do in Mirissa
Mirissa is a crowded beach town with cheap backpacker hostels, mid-range family-run places and fancy hotels.
There are many things to do in Mirissa if you spend a few days there.
There are plenty of foodie finds, beach bars and activities to keep you entertained.
Whale watching in Mirissa
One of the most popular activities in Mirissa is whale watching. We didn’t go on a whale-watching trip because we were concerned about the ethical implications.
This is because many locals had told us that unscrupulous firms were chasing the whales and causing them distress.
Whale watching Sri Lanka
If you do want to go whale watching in Mirissa, please be sure to do your research. Book your trip with an ethical company that treats marine life with respect.
Check that the company stays a safe distance from whales and dolphins and switches off the boat engines when approaching the animals.
Secret Beach Mirissa
It turns out that secret beach Mirissa is a not-so-secret beach, as there are numerous signposts to this small and hidden beach.
It’s not the easiest place to reach by foot, but all the tuk-tuk drivers will know where to drop you off.
The secret beach has a small lagoon area that’s sheltered by rocks. It’s a lovely scenic spot for swimming and snorkelling.
As the waves crash over, you’ll see lots of little fishes swimming in and around the rocks.
Coconut Tree Hill
One of the most Instagrammed spots in Mirissa is Coconut Tree Hill. Looking up from the small bay beneath it, you can see people queuing up to get their shot.
Beat the crowds by arriving at dawn and getting your Insta-worthy snaps of the pretty views.
Coconut Tree Hill’s location can be found on Google Maps or by asking any of the locals. Even if you aren’t much of an Instagrammer, it’s still a picturesque place to come to watch the sunset.
Mirissa Sunset drinks
The beach party scene has been off and on in Mirissa over the years due to some parties getting out of hand.
There were reports of assaults on travellers at these parties, and many raucous Mirissa bar parties were shut down as a result.
These days, the scene appears to be a little more chilled out. There are many bars and restaurants along the beach where people seem to enjoy food, drinks, and music responsibly.
Mirissa nightlife
Mirissa has some amazing sunsets best enjoyed with a cocktail or two.
I recommend grabbing a seat shortly before sunset and enjoying dinner and a cocktail with a view.
Some of the best beach bars in Mirissa include Zephyr Restaurant & Bar, Kama Mirissa and Papa Mango.
Weligama
Weligama has lovely sandy bays and a selection of surf shacks lining the beach, where you can rent a board or take surfing lessons.
Weligama offers a range of watersports, including surfing, stand-up paddling, and snorkelling. It is actually one of the best places to surfin Sri Lanka.
Mirissa to Weligama
You could book a hotel in Weligama or base yourself in Mirissa and take a day trip to Weligama.
Mirissa and Weligama are only 20 minutes drive apart, so you can catch a bus from Mirissa to Weligama. You can even get a tuk-tuk for only a few hundred rupees.
Stand-Up Paddling in Weligama
Why not get a paddleboard workout amongst gorgeous surroundings?
We spent some time gliding through the beautiful waters of Fisherman’s Bay, navigating our way around little fishing boats.
We had a guide and a private boat that we could base ourselves in, which was really convenient.
In Weligama, you can expect to pay around $70 for an hour of stand-up paddling. We went with Borderlands Adventures, which organises high-quality adventure tours and water sports in the area.
Our tour price included transport to and from activity location, from the Borderlands Adventure Centre and all equipment.
Snorkelling in Weligama
The diving and snorkelling season in Weligama and the South of Sri Lanka lasts from around October until May.
Weligama and Mirissa are two of the best places to go snorkelling in Sri Lanka.
Book a welligma snorkelling trip with a professional guide to see colourful fish and coral reefs.
Snorkelling in the gorgeous, crystal-clear water of the Indian Ocean is certainly an unforgettable experience.
We spent 1.5 hours with a professional guide looking for parrotfish, angel fish, moray eels and pretty corrals.
Weligama is one of the best places to snorkel with turtles in Sri Lanka, but sadly we didn’t see any on our snorkel trip.
Always an excuse for another trip to Sri Lanka, though, right?
Galle Fort
Days 27-30
You can get the bus or the train from Mirissa to Galle Fort. Each is about 1 hour in length.
The Portuguese built Galle Fort in 1588 and fortified by the Dutch in the 1600s.
This historic fort has beautiful Dutch colonial buildings that house boutique hotels, stylish shops and hip restaurants.
There are also the Galle Fort ramparts to walk around and the lovely Galle Fort lighthouse to gaze at.
Things to do in Galle Fort
There are lots of things to do in Galle Fort. It’s an oasis of calm full of pretty colonial-style buildings and picturesque streets full of shops and restaurants.
There are even a few small beaches to take a dip and get some respite from the heat.
Stroll along the sun-drenched Galle Fort ramparts for a marvellous view of the sea and corals below.
The best time to walk the Galle seafront ramparts is first thing in the morning or at sunset.
This is because there is no protection from the sun here, so it can get really hot when walking the circuit.
Self-guided walk Galle Fort
There are some breaks in the walk and stretches that can’t actually be reached or walked over.
You can walk most of the Galle seafront ramparts, and you can take a few self-guided walks.
You can find them in travel guidebooks or on travel websites. Allow time to take in the sights and walk to the pretty 18m (59ft) Galle lighthouse.
It’s located at the Point Utrecht Bastion and is really picturesque.
Jungle Beach
A short drive away from Galle Fort is Jungle Beach. It is a small and secluded beach surrounded by jungle that many locals visit.
The beach’s location is on Google Maps. It is located northwest of the beach at Unawatuna.
This small bay is not easily accessible, so I would recommend getting a tuk-tuk there.
Snorkelling in Jungle Beach
For keen snorkellers, there is a small coral reef located a few metres from the beach.
A lot of tourists get sucked into paying for expensive snorkelling trips here, but if you have your own Snorkel gear, then there is no need to book a trip.
It’s not one of the best snorkelling spots in Sri Lanka, which is why it’s not really worth paying for a guided trip.
It’s also a lovely swimming spot as the sea is relatively calm for Sri Lanka.
Jungle beach monkeys
A small boat shack on the beach serves snacks and local beer and will even shake you up a mean cocktail.
There are also many monkeys hanging out in the trees that you can take snaps of.
As usual with monkeys in Sri Lanka, do not try to feed or touch them. They are wild animals and should be treated as such.
Galle Fort’s picturesque streets
Galle Fort’s streets are full of boutique shops, hip cafes and inviting restaurants.
Walking around Galle Fort is also a great opportunity to spot some glorious examples of Dutch architecture.
Some of the prettiest buildings include Groote Kerk and the Amangalla hotel.
Pedlar St Galle Fort
Walk along Pedlar St to shop for local souvenirs, clothes, handwoven bags, gems and jewellery.
There’s also a selection of inviting cafes and restaurants. I would recommend the hip Pedlar’s Inn Cafe.
Places to eat Pedlar St
Housed in a former British post office, it has original features and a fabulous menu. It’s a great breakfast spot and is one of the best places for coffee in Galle.
For cheap eats, check out the Lucky Fort Restaurant. This family-run business is off the main strip down a pretty side road. Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in cosy surroundings.
Another great hipster cafe is The Heritage Cafe & Bistro on Pedlar St., where you can enjoy fresh and healthy breakfasts in uber-chic surroundings.
They also serve a fantastic lunch and dinner menu with pizzas, pasta, salads and bagels.
Departing Sri Lanka
Day 31
You can get an airport transfer from Galle Fort to Bandaranaike International Airport when departing Sri Lanka.
Or you could do one more night in Galle, Colombo or Negombo? If you still have a little budget left, why not spoil yourself with a luxury hotel in Colombo? It’s the perfect way to end your Sri Lanka holiday.
This gorgeous 5-star Colombo hotel has a stunning infinity pool on the roof where you can lounge poolside or take a dip to escape the heat of Colombo.
Luxury hotel Colombo
The contemporary hotel rooms have amenities like a private bathroom fitted with a bath, flat-screen TV, air conditioning and coffee-making facilities.
There are also restaurants, a fitness centre and a roof-top garden serving tasty snacks, drinks and mains.
You can also book a very reasonably priced airport transfer from the hotel to the airport.
I would really recommend Marino Beach Colombofor a luxurious Sri Lanka hotel treat on your last night.
Before you visit Sri Lanka
Here are a few important things to do before you visit Sri Lanka:
Visa – Check your visa requirements to enter Sri Lanka, as most visitors will need one.
Money – The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee. It’s a closed currency, though, so it can only be bought once you arrive in Sri Lanka.
Health – make sure to check with your doctor what vaccinations you need
Travel Insurance – Definitely buy travel insurance for Sri Lanka. You don’t want to have a ‘travel fail‘
4 weeks travel in Sri Lanka
You can amend this itinerary if you have less or more time in Sri Lanka. For example, you could plan a 14-day itinerary or a 10-day itinerary.
4 weeks travelling around Sri Lanka should allow for some slow travel and to not rush each destination.
Sri Lanka 1 month itinerary
You could speed it up and add more destinations in, but be mindful of transport around Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka buses especially can be slow and do not stick to any sort of timetable. You can often spend a whole day travelling from one destination to another.
4 weeks in Sri Lanka meant that we didn’t mind having travel days as we knew we had a few rest days when we arrived at our next location.
Are you planning to follow a Sri Lanka itinerary? What places will you visit? Let me know in the comments below!
Love this post? Why not pin it and share it?
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details.
We are also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
Portia Jones has spent years traversing the globe and having many misadventures. She now works as a freelance travel journalist and is a Lonely Planet guidebook author and hosts the Travel Goals Podcast. She specialises in adventure travel, destination guides and city breaks. Her work has appeared in The Times, National Geographic, Wanderlust Magazine and the Independent. She can normally be found hiking, swimming outdoors in icy waters, or drinking coffee in bougie cafes.
The mesmerising Veneto region is located in the north-east of Italy that stretches from Lake Garda to the Adriatic. It’s best known for the popular Italian destinations of Venice, Verona and Lake Garda. There are plenty of places to visit in Veneto that are outside of these tourist hotspots though. Veneto is…
The Dutch city of Rotterdam is full of quirky architecture, foodie finds, unusual attractions and trendy cafes. There are so many interesting places to visit in Rotterdam that it’s hard to know where to begin? This major port city in the Dutch province of South Holland is pulsating with innovation…
Dreaming of the Florida sunshine? Why not head to Clearwater in the Tampa Bay area for a beach break in the most gorgeous city in Florida? Clearwater is a popular tourist destination on the western coast of Florida, along the Gulf of Mexico. It’s known for its white sand beaches,…
There are lots of amazing Game of Thrones filming locations in Ireland to be discovered. Most hardcore Thrones fans will know that many of the iconic Game of Thrones scenes were actually shot in Ireland. Around 80% of the popular series was filmed there. Game of Thrones filming locations Northern…
The Gower and the Swansea Bay area is one of Wales’s coastal gems. It has dramatic coastlines, breathtaking scenery and fantastic places to eat. It’s also home to some of the best surfing in the UK. There are lots of things to do in the Gower in Wales. There are…
While Orlando is best known as a big-ticket family holiday destination, the theme park capital of the world also has plenty of fun activities for an adults-only vacation. From thrilling rides to sophisticated shopping, downtown dining, and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of things to do in Orlando if you’re…
Show your support
BUY ME A COFFEE
If you love my articles and podcasts, it would be great if you could shoot me a coffee so that I can stay fully caffeinated while creating travel content for you.
