How to Plan a One Month Itinerary in Sri Lanka

Few nations in Asia are able to provide such a wide range of options inside such a small area. There are many alternatives available too. You can steer clear of the most popular tourist destinations and have a similar experience elsewhere. For instance, to avoid the crowds: rather than Mirissa, go whale watching in calmer Kalpitiya. Now, let's take a quick look at an itinerary that spans a month

From Colombo onwards...

Your trip will most likely start at the capital. When you are here, make sure you take a walk around Galle Face Green, go to the National Museum, and wind your way through the many alleyways in Pettah Market. From here, take a bus that will take you to Kalpitiya in the north, which is a dry peninsula in the northwestern part of the island. It has a laid-back atmosphere, you can easily cycle through the fishing hamlets for an unforgettable experience, and it is also a place that offers whale- and dolphin-watching cruises with fewer people. Continue to Wilpattu national park, a huge reserve which leopards, elephants and sloth bears call it there home. And it is only around 1.5 hours away by car. Make sure to book your accommodation early as possible throughout your stay. Finding accommodation at the last minute can be a struggle. For instance, you can check out Sri Lanka resorts the likes of Theme Resorts and Spa which offer properties across the island. You can enjoy seasonal discounts too.

History, culture and some wildlife adventure

The Cultural Triangle, which is located in the geographic centre of the nation is filled with world heritage sites that may be rather pricey to visit. You can always head to less touristy spots that offer a memorable experience too. Visit Ritigala, a historic woodland monastery that dates back to the 1st century BC rather than Dambulla's cave temples. You can also hike your way up Pidurangala for vistas over Sigiriya's rock castle for just a fraction of the cost. The elephants that can be seen at Minneriya National Park draw a large number of tourists each year, but the elephants that can be seen in the adjacent Kaudulla National Park are just as impressive and cost less to view.

Tea plantations and the hill country

Stop at Kandy on the way to the Hill Country so you may pay your respects at the Holy Temple of the Tooth. The hills provide excellent walking paths, tea plantations, and secret waterfalls, in addition to a railway line that passes through some of the most spectacular areas. The majority of budget travellers make their way to Ella, which is known as the low-cost hangout of the Hill Country due to its many hostels, cafés, homestays, and easy treks. However, Haputale is on the mainline train, and it is a town that offers breathtaking views of the southern plains, as well as treks (one of the most popular beings to the Lipton's Seat viewpoint), and tea plantations. Although Haputale does not yet have any hostels, there are a large number of guesthouses that provide reasonable rates.

The coastlines

Next head to the east to Arugam Bay, the journey takes about three hours. Arugam Bay is home to some of the island's lesser-known attractions, including Kumana National Park as well as an ancient coastal temple. Continue to the southern coast from here, you might consider spending the night in Wellawaya to check out the 7 Buddhist rock reliefs, which date back to the 10th century. Hiriketiya can be reached by bus in about four to five hours. The bay extends to the less crowded Dickwella Beach, which is a large expanse of sandy terrain. Access to the Mulkirigala rock temple, which is like a smaller version of Sigiriya as well as Dambulla cave temples, is possible from this location.

Head to Galle next, which can be reached in about an hour and a half by car. Galle is known for its colonial-era fort, which dates back to the 17th century, as well as its excellent shopping opportunities and guided cycling tours through the interior towns and paddy fields