Discover the most beautiful places in southern Sri Lanka. Exotic beaches, rich culture, breathtaking nature - all this and much more is offered by the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and you can discover it in less than two weeks. Minimum travel time, maximum experiences!
You will spend the first day in the seaside town of Negombo, where you will soak up the exotic atmosphere for the first time.
Welcome to Sri Lanka! You'll arrive at the airport which bears the name of the capital city, but is actually located closer to the resort town of Negombo, and that's where you'll head straight after arrival in a traditional South Asian means of transport - a tuk-tuk. "Tuk-tuk drivers" will accompany you throughout the trip, and you'll do best to download the PickMe app, where you can conveniently (and very cheaply) order all your adventurous rides - like Uber.
The journey to Negombo takes about 20 minutes, and after your long trip, you can check in and start soaking up the first scents and impressions. If you have time, go and see the majestic Indian Ocean for the first time - Negombo is located in the west of the country, and the first sunset is guaranteed to take your breath away. And if you're already in the mood for a local delicacy, pop into one of the restaurants, like Fish&Chips by Oasis. Good night and recharge your batteries!
You will get to know the cultural gems of the capital city of Colombo, and then take a train to the beautiful south coast of the country, which will be the centerpiece of the trip.
Enjoy a rich Sri Lankan breakfast and move to Colombo, where the capital's landmark and one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples awaits you - Gangaramaya Temple. A peaceful atmosphere, the scent of fresh flowers and incense sticks, golden statues and frescoes depicting the life of Buddha will absorb you. You can buy the ticket on the spot and be careful - Buddhist temples only without shoes!
Just a few minutes away is the remote Seema Malakaya Temple - a temple on the lake. The same ticket applies here, so just enjoy the contrast between the traditional architecture and the modern buildings of Colombo in the background.
Your next stop is the Colombo Fort train station - depending on the train departure time (buy a ticket here) you can also explore other places in the vibrant and slightly chaotic, but culturally rich coastal metropolis. At the station, look for the train to Beliatta, but only buy a ticket to Habaraduwa. South Asian trains are a chapter in themselves. They usually have first, second and third class - choose according to your courage. But there is nothing to be afraid of! Even the third class carriages are clean and an authentic experience is guaranteed.
- If you are looking for any connections during the trip, you can search for them like this.
The journey from Colombo to Habaraduwa takes almost 3 hours, but don't worry, there will still be plenty to see, as the entire route runs along the coast and palm forests. After all, Sri Lanka is known for its scenic train rides. If you leave after noon, you will arrive before sunset, which you can then enjoy on the beach right in front of your accommodation, and that is quite an experience - a wild sea, an endless beach lined with coconut palms, and a pink horizon. Just like you know it from postcards and photos, but a hundred times better. You'll get a similar view here many times.
Habaraduwa is calm and untouched - a hidden gem.
You're on the south coast, where you'll see some of the most beautiful wild beaches in Asia. So, you'll spend the third day relaxing.
If you're lucky, you'll have Habaraduwa Beach all to yourself.
You can also visit a station where they take care of baby turtles here...
...or check out the neighboring town of Koggala, where there's a large lake and (like almost everywhere in Sri Lanka) a beautiful Buddhist temple. Pro-tip: if you're there on a full moon day, you can experience the Buddhist full moon celebrations in and around the temple, which is a wonderful cultural experience. Or any other holiday - Buddhists have quite a few.
You'll move further along the coast to the town of Tangalle, which boasts a breathtaking unspoiled beach.
From Habaraduwa, you'll move to Tangalle, which is a slightly more well-known resort. You'll find more restaurants and bars here, but the natural beauty remains. From Habaraduwa, you'll take the same train further to the final station, Beliatta, where a tuk-tuk driver will be waiting to take you to Tangalle.
This is where you'll stay, and you can start exploring. Try the Ceylon Excel restaurant or the Chill house restaurant Tangalle, where you can taste curry, seafood, or local specialties like kottu and rotti. Sri Lankan cuisine is full of flavors, colors, and, of course, spices, so watch out for the intensity.
Sun, sand between your toes, the scent of the ocean, wind in your hair, fresh tropical fruit, smiling people, and the feeling that all your worries have melted away... enjoy Tangalle Beach.
Another day mainly on the beach, where you can rest your body and soul.
This beautiful place deserves more than a day. If you get up early, you might be rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise you'll ever see.
But you can also check out the neighboring Rekawa Beach, where with a little luck you can see turtles hatching...
...or check out the Henakaduwa Purana temple in Tangalle. The locals will be happy to see you there.
The highlight of today will be a full-day trip to Yala National Park, where you will find the typical fauna and flora of Sri Lanka.
You can spend the morning on the beach and in the afternoon take a trip to the most famous Sri Lankan National Park - Yala. Here you will see elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, crocodiles and even a leopard! Seeing animals that we only know from the zoo in the wild is a lifetime experience. Transfer to the park and tickets will be provided by a local company, you can find many offers on GetYourGuide.
After four days of relaxation in Tangalle, you will visit the larger city of Matara, in whose surroundings you will also find other natural gems. There are several beaches to choose from, you'll see which one grabs your heart the most...
Take a bus from Tangalle (Beliaththa) to the town of Matara, which lies in Dondra Bay. Get off at the stop closest to your accommodation, check in, and explore the area.
Around Matara you will find many beautiful beaches including the famous surf Sk Town Beach...
...or Polhena Beach, where a sea turtle will probably appear next to you in the water.
Discover, stop where you like the most, and take a look at Matara itself, where you can get an excellent Sri Lankan dinner.
What would a visit to the south of Sri Lanka be without a visit to the famous Coconut Tree Hill. You will also discover the beautiful Mirissa beach.
One of the most famous places in the south of Sri Lanka, Coconut Tree Hill, is definitely worth a visit. Palm trees swaying in the wind and the endless ocean behind them - judge for yourself.
From here, you can head to Mirissa Beach with its famous rock formation, Parrot Rock. This is THE beach if you want to spend the whole day in the water - the waves are gentle, ideal for swimming, and you'll also find surf instructors here.
Enjoy the last sips of the peaceful atmosphere in one of the most beautiful places where the wild ocean meets the fine sand and majestic palm trees.
This place is worth coming back to as well. After sunset, head to Dhana's Curry Pot. An unassuming family bistro, but you'll remember their curry long after you return.
On the penultimate day, you will move back to the west of the country to Negombo and discover what you didn't manage to see on the first day.
Right next to the bus stop in Matara is also a famous temple Parewi Duwa standing on the sea, don't forget to check it out.
This time you will take a bus from Matara, which is faster. The best information regarding departure times and possible reservations will be provided at your accommodation. Or you can search like this again.
After arriving at the hotel in Negombo, you can relax by the pool, on the beach, or go explore the city.
The penultimate day is dedicated to Negombo's famous attractions such as the fish market or the magnificent Buddhist temple Angurukaramulla. After that, it's up to you - a final rest on the wide beach, tasting local specialties, buying Ceylon cinnamon, or a short trip to Colombo?
On the last day, you can get up early and go see the largest fish market in Negombo - you'll see fresh catches of fish, as well as rays and sharks.
The Angurukaramulla temple is also worth a visit, one of the three temples in Sri Lanka where an entire room is dedicated to Buddhist hell, and you will also see a Buddha made of mother-of-pearl. Unlike the lesser-known temples on the south coast, you have to buy a ticket here, but local prices are very favorable, and as a bonus, a guide will take you through the temple and answer any questions you may have about this exotic religion for us.
Depending on your departure time, you'll spend time in Negombo and then say goodbye to Sri Lanka. Have a pleasant flight home.
You can use the accommodation's airport transfer service (if they have one) or take a tuk-tuk. Remember to be at the airport at least 2/3 hours before departure. Full of experiences, you are ready for a comfortable flight home.
I hope you were thrilled with Sri Lanka and that maybe you'll come back sometime and explore another part of this beautiful and diverse country!
Discover the most beautiful places in southern Sri Lanka. Exotic beaches, rich culture, breathtaking nature - all this and much more is offered by the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and you can discover it in less than two weeks. Minimum travel time, maximum experiences!
You will spend the first day in the seaside town of Negombo, where you will soak up the exotic atmosphere for the first time.
Welcome to Sri Lanka! You'll arrive at the airport which bears the name of the capital city, but is actually located closer to the resort town of Negombo, and that's where you'll head straight after arrival in a traditional South Asian means of transport - a tuk-tuk. "Tuk-tuk drivers" will accompany you throughout the trip, and you'll do best to download the PickMe app, where you can conveniently (and very cheaply) order all your adventurous rides - like Uber.
The journey to Negombo takes about 20 minutes, and after your long trip, you can check in and start soaking up the first scents and impressions. If you have time, go and see the majestic Indian Ocean for the first time - Negombo is located in the west of the country, and the first sunset is guaranteed to take your breath away. And if you're already in the mood for a local delicacy, pop into one of the restaurants, like Fish&Chips by Oasis. Good night and recharge your batteries!
You will get to know the cultural gems of the capital city of Colombo, and then take a train to the beautiful south coast of the country, which will be the centerpiece of the trip.
Enjoy a rich Sri Lankan breakfast and move to Colombo, where the capital's landmark and one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples awaits you - Gangaramaya Temple. A peaceful atmosphere, the scent of fresh flowers and incense sticks, golden statues and frescoes depicting the life of Buddha will absorb you. You can buy the ticket on the spot and be careful - Buddhist temples only without shoes!
Just a few minutes away is the remote Seema Malakaya Temple - a temple on the lake. The same ticket applies here, so just enjoy the contrast between the traditional architecture and the modern buildings of Colombo in the background.
Your next stop is the Colombo Fort train station - depending on the train departure time (buy a ticket here) you can also explore other places in the vibrant and slightly chaotic, but culturally rich coastal metropolis. At the station, look for the train to Beliatta, but only buy a ticket to Habaraduwa. South Asian trains are a chapter in themselves. They usually have first, second and third class - choose according to your courage. But there is nothing to be afraid of! Even the third class carriages are clean and an authentic experience is guaranteed.
- If you are looking for any connections during the trip, you can search for them like this.
The journey from Colombo to Habaraduwa takes almost 3 hours, but don't worry, there will still be plenty to see, as the entire route runs along the coast and palm forests. After all, Sri Lanka is known for its scenic train rides. If you leave after noon, you will arrive before sunset, which you can then enjoy on the beach right in front of your accommodation, and that is quite an experience - a wild sea, an endless beach lined with coconut palms, and a pink horizon. Just like you know it from postcards and photos, but a hundred times better. You'll get a similar view here many times.
Habaraduwa is calm and untouched - a hidden gem.
You're on the south coast, where you'll see some of the most beautiful wild beaches in Asia. So, you'll spend the third day relaxing.
If you're lucky, you'll have Habaraduwa Beach all to yourself.
You can also visit a station where they take care of baby turtles here...
...or check out the neighboring town of Koggala, where there's a large lake and (like almost everywhere in Sri Lanka) a beautiful Buddhist temple. Pro-tip: if you're there on a full moon day, you can experience the Buddhist full moon celebrations in and around the temple, which is a wonderful cultural experience. Or any other holiday - Buddhists have quite a few.
You'll move further along the coast to the town of Tangalle, which boasts a breathtaking unspoiled beach.
From Habaraduwa, you'll move to Tangalle, which is a slightly more well-known resort. You'll find more restaurants and bars here, but the natural beauty remains. From Habaraduwa, you'll take the same train further to the final station, Beliatta, where a tuk-tuk driver will be waiting to take you to Tangalle.
This is where you'll stay, and you can start exploring. Try the Ceylon Excel restaurant or the Chill house restaurant Tangalle, where you can taste curry, seafood, or local specialties like kottu and rotti. Sri Lankan cuisine is full of flavors, colors, and, of course, spices, so watch out for the intensity.
Sun, sand between your toes, the scent of the ocean, wind in your hair, fresh tropical fruit, smiling people, and the feeling that all your worries have melted away... enjoy Tangalle Beach.
Another day mainly on the beach, where you can rest your body and soul.
This beautiful place deserves more than a day. If you get up early, you might be rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise you'll ever see.
But you can also check out the neighboring Rekawa Beach, where with a little luck you can see turtles hatching...
...or check out the Henakaduwa Purana temple in Tangalle. The locals will be happy to see you there.
The highlight of today will be a full-day trip to Yala National Park, where you will find the typical fauna and flora of Sri Lanka.
You can spend the morning on the beach and in the afternoon take a trip to the most famous Sri Lankan National Park - Yala. Here you will see elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, crocodiles and even a leopard! Seeing animals that we only know from the zoo in the wild is a lifetime experience. Transfer to the park and tickets will be provided by a local company, you can find many offers on GetYourGuide.
After four days of relaxation in Tangalle, you will visit the larger city of Matara, in whose surroundings you will also find other natural gems. There are several beaches to choose from, you'll see which one grabs your heart the most...
Take a bus from Tangalle (Beliaththa) to the town of Matara, which lies in Dondra Bay. Get off at the stop closest to your accommodation, check in, and explore the area.
Around Matara you will find many beautiful beaches including the famous surf Sk Town Beach...
...or Polhena Beach, where a sea turtle will probably appear next to you in the water.
Discover, stop where you like the most, and take a look at Matara itself, where you can get an excellent Sri Lankan dinner.
What would a visit to the south of Sri Lanka be without a visit to the famous Coconut Tree Hill. You will also discover the beautiful Mirissa beach.
One of the most famous places in the south of Sri Lanka, Coconut Tree Hill, is definitely worth a visit. Palm trees swaying in the wind and the endless ocean behind them - judge for yourself.
From here, you can head to Mirissa Beach with its famous rock formation, Parrot Rock. This is THE beach if you want to spend the whole day in the water - the waves are gentle, ideal for swimming, and you'll also find surf instructors here.
Enjoy the last sips of the peaceful atmosphere in one of the most beautiful places where the wild ocean meets the fine sand and majestic palm trees.
This place is worth coming back to as well. After sunset, head to Dhana's Curry Pot. An unassuming family bistro, but you'll remember their curry long after you return.
On the penultimate day, you will move back to the west of the country to Negombo and discover what you didn't manage to see on the first day.
Right next to the bus stop in Matara is also a famous temple Parewi Duwa standing on the sea, don't forget to check it out.
This time you will take a bus from Matara, which is faster. The best information regarding departure times and possible reservations will be provided at your accommodation. Or you can search like this again.
After arriving at the hotel in Negombo, you can relax by the pool, on the beach, or go explore the city.
The penultimate day is dedicated to Negombo's famous attractions such as the fish market or the magnificent Buddhist temple Angurukaramulla. After that, it's up to you - a final rest on the wide beach, tasting local specialties, buying Ceylon cinnamon, or a short trip to Colombo?
On the last day, you can get up early and go see the largest fish market in Negombo - you'll see fresh catches of fish, as well as rays and sharks.
The Angurukaramulla temple is also worth a visit, one of the three temples in Sri Lanka where an entire room is dedicated to Buddhist hell, and you will also see a Buddha made of mother-of-pearl. Unlike the lesser-known temples on the south coast, you have to buy a ticket here, but local prices are very favorable, and as a bonus, a guide will take you through the temple and answer any questions you may have about this exotic religion for us.
Depending on your departure time, you'll spend time in Negombo and then say goodbye to Sri Lanka. Have a pleasant flight home.
You can use the accommodation's airport transfer service (if they have one) or take a tuk-tuk. Remember to be at the airport at least 2/3 hours before departure. Full of experiences, you are ready for a comfortable flight home.
I hope you were thrilled with Sri Lanka and that maybe you'll come back sometime and explore another part of this beautiful and diverse country!
itinerary by Eliska Hanakova
Discover the most beautiful places in southern Sri Lanka. Exotic beaches, rich culture, breathtaking nature - all this and much more is offered by the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and you can discover it in less than two weeks. Minimum travel time, maximum experiences!
You will spend the first day in the seaside town of Negombo, where you will soak up the exotic atmosphere for the first time.
Welcome to Sri Lanka! You'll arrive at the airport which bears the name of the capital city, but is actually located closer to the resort town of Negombo, and that's where you'll head straight after arrival in a traditional South Asian means of transport - a tuk-tuk. "Tuk-tuk drivers" will accompany you throughout the trip, and you'll do best to download the PickMe app, where you can conveniently (and very cheaply) order all your adventurous rides - like Uber.
The journey to Negombo takes about 20 minutes, and after your long trip, you can check in and start soaking up the first scents and impressions. If you have time, go and see the majestic Indian Ocean for the first time - Negombo is located in the west of the country, and the first sunset is guaranteed to take your breath away. And if you're already in the mood for a local delicacy, pop into one of the restaurants, like Fish&Chips by Oasis. Good night and recharge your batteries!
You will get to know the cultural gems of the capital city of Colombo, and then take a train to the beautiful south coast of the country, which will be the centerpiece of the trip.
Enjoy a rich Sri Lankan breakfast and move to Colombo, where the capital's landmark and one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples awaits you - Gangaramaya Temple. A peaceful atmosphere, the scent of fresh flowers and incense sticks, golden statues and frescoes depicting the life of Buddha will absorb you. You can buy the ticket on the spot and be careful - Buddhist temples only without shoes!
Just a few minutes away is the remote Seema Malakaya Temple - a temple on the lake. The same ticket applies here, so just enjoy the contrast between the traditional architecture and the modern buildings of Colombo in the background.
Your next stop is the Colombo Fort train station - depending on the train departure time (buy a ticket here) you can also explore other places in the vibrant and slightly chaotic, but culturally rich coastal metropolis. At the station, look for the train to Beliatta, but only buy a ticket to Habaraduwa. South Asian trains are a chapter in themselves. They usually have first, second and third class - choose according to your courage. But there is nothing to be afraid of! Even the third class carriages are clean and an authentic experience is guaranteed.
- If you are looking for any connections during the trip, you can search for them like this.
The journey from Colombo to Habaraduwa takes almost 3 hours, but don't worry, there will still be plenty to see, as the entire route runs along the coast and palm forests. After all, Sri Lanka is known for its scenic train rides. If you leave after noon, you will arrive before sunset, which you can then enjoy on the beach right in front of your accommodation, and that is quite an experience - a wild sea, an endless beach lined with coconut palms, and a pink horizon. Just like you know it from postcards and photos, but a hundred times better. You'll get a similar view here many times.
Habaraduwa is calm and untouched - a hidden gem.
You're on the south coast, where you'll see some of the most beautiful wild beaches in Asia. So, you'll spend the third day relaxing.
If you're lucky, you'll have Habaraduwa Beach all to yourself.
You can also visit a station where they take care of baby turtles here...
...or check out the neighboring town of Koggala, where there's a large lake and (like almost everywhere in Sri Lanka) a beautiful Buddhist temple. Pro-tip: if you're there on a full moon day, you can experience the Buddhist full moon celebrations in and around the temple, which is a wonderful cultural experience. Or any other holiday - Buddhists have quite a few.
You'll move further along the coast to the town of Tangalle, which boasts a breathtaking unspoiled beach.
From Habaraduwa, you'll move to Tangalle, which is a slightly more well-known resort. You'll find more restaurants and bars here, but the natural beauty remains. From Habaraduwa, you'll take the same train further to the final station, Beliatta, where a tuk-tuk driver will be waiting to take you to Tangalle.
This is where you'll stay, and you can start exploring. Try the Ceylon Excel restaurant or the Chill house restaurant Tangalle, where you can taste curry, seafood, or local specialties like kottu and rotti. Sri Lankan cuisine is full of flavors, colors, and, of course, spices, so watch out for the intensity.
Sun, sand between your toes, the scent of the ocean, wind in your hair, fresh tropical fruit, smiling people, and the feeling that all your worries have melted away... enjoy Tangalle Beach.
Another day mainly on the beach, where you can rest your body and soul.
This beautiful place deserves more than a day. If you get up early, you might be rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise you'll ever see.
But you can also check out the neighboring Rekawa Beach, where with a little luck you can see turtles hatching...
...or check out the Henakaduwa Purana temple in Tangalle. The locals will be happy to see you there.
The highlight of today will be a full-day trip to Yala National Park, where you will find the typical fauna and flora of Sri Lanka.
You can spend the morning on the beach and in the afternoon take a trip to the most famous Sri Lankan National Park - Yala. Here you will see elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, crocodiles and even a leopard! Seeing animals that we only know from the zoo in the wild is a lifetime experience. Transfer to the park and tickets will be provided by a local company, you can find many offers on GetYourGuide.
After four days of relaxation in Tangalle, you will visit the larger city of Matara, in whose surroundings you will also find other natural gems. There are several beaches to choose from, you'll see which one grabs your heart the most...
Take a bus from Tangalle (Beliaththa) to the town of Matara, which lies in Dondra Bay. Get off at the stop closest to your accommodation, check in, and explore the area.
Around Matara you will find many beautiful beaches including the famous surf Sk Town Beach...
...or Polhena Beach, where a sea turtle will probably appear next to you in the water.
Discover, stop where you like the most, and take a look at Matara itself, where you can get an excellent Sri Lankan dinner.
What would a visit to the south of Sri Lanka be without a visit to the famous Coconut Tree Hill. You will also discover the beautiful Mirissa beach.
One of the most famous places in the south of Sri Lanka, Coconut Tree Hill, is definitely worth a visit. Palm trees swaying in the wind and the endless ocean behind them - judge for yourself.
From here, you can head to Mirissa Beach with its famous rock formation, Parrot Rock. This is THE beach if you want to spend the whole day in the water - the waves are gentle, ideal for swimming, and you'll also find surf instructors here.
Enjoy the last sips of the peaceful atmosphere in one of the most beautiful places where the wild ocean meets the fine sand and majestic palm trees.
This place is worth coming back to as well. After sunset, head to Dhana's Curry Pot. An unassuming family bistro, but you'll remember their curry long after you return.
On the penultimate day, you will move back to the west of the country to Negombo and discover what you didn't manage to see on the first day.
Right next to the bus stop in Matara is also a famous temple Parewi Duwa standing on the sea, don't forget to check it out.
This time you will take a bus from Matara, which is faster. The best information regarding departure times and possible reservations will be provided at your accommodation. Or you can search like this again.
After arriving at the hotel in Negombo, you can relax by the pool, on the beach, or go explore the city.
The penultimate day is dedicated to Negombo's famous attractions such as the fish market or the magnificent Buddhist temple Angurukaramulla. After that, it's up to you - a final rest on the wide beach, tasting local specialties, buying Ceylon cinnamon, or a short trip to Colombo?
On the last day, you can get up early and go see the largest fish market in Negombo - you'll see fresh catches of fish, as well as rays and sharks.
The Angurukaramulla temple is also worth a visit, one of the three temples in Sri Lanka where an entire room is dedicated to Buddhist hell, and you will also see a Buddha made of mother-of-pearl. Unlike the lesser-known temples on the south coast, you have to buy a ticket here, but local prices are very favorable, and as a bonus, a guide will take you through the temple and answer any questions you may have about this exotic religion for us.
Depending on your departure time, you'll spend time in Negombo and then say goodbye to Sri Lanka. Have a pleasant flight home.
You can use the accommodation's airport transfer service (if they have one) or take a tuk-tuk. Remember to be at the airport at least 2/3 hours before departure. Full of experiences, you are ready for a comfortable flight home.
I hope you were thrilled with Sri Lanka and that maybe you'll come back sometime and explore another part of this beautiful and diverse country!
Discover the most beautiful places in southern Sri Lanka. Exotic beaches, rich culture, breathtaking nature - all this and much more is offered by the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and you can discover it in less than two weeks. Minimum travel time, maximum experiences!
You will spend the first day in the seaside town of Negombo, where you will soak up the exotic atmosphere for the first time.
Welcome to Sri Lanka! You'll arrive at the airport which bears the name of the capital city, but is actually located closer to the resort town of Negombo, and that's where you'll head straight after arrival in a traditional South Asian means of transport - a tuk-tuk. "Tuk-tuk drivers" will accompany you throughout the trip, and you'll do best to download the PickMe app, where you can conveniently (and very cheaply) order all your adventurous rides - like Uber.
The journey to Negombo takes about 20 minutes, and after your long trip, you can check in and start soaking up the first scents and impressions. If you have time, go and see the majestic Indian Ocean for the first time - Negombo is located in the west of the country, and the first sunset is guaranteed to take your breath away. And if you're already in the mood for a local delicacy, pop into one of the restaurants, like Fish&Chips by Oasis. Good night and recharge your batteries!
You will get to know the cultural gems of the capital city of Colombo, and then take a train to the beautiful south coast of the country, which will be the centerpiece of the trip.
Enjoy a rich Sri Lankan breakfast and move to Colombo, where the capital's landmark and one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples awaits you - Gangaramaya Temple. A peaceful atmosphere, the scent of fresh flowers and incense sticks, golden statues and frescoes depicting the life of Buddha will absorb you. You can buy the ticket on the spot and be careful - Buddhist temples only without shoes!
Just a few minutes away is the remote Seema Malakaya Temple - a temple on the lake. The same ticket applies here, so just enjoy the contrast between the traditional architecture and the modern buildings of Colombo in the background.
Your next stop is the Colombo Fort train station - depending on the train departure time (buy a ticket here) you can also explore other places in the vibrant and slightly chaotic, but culturally rich coastal metropolis. At the station, look for the train to Beliatta, but only buy a ticket to Habaraduwa. South Asian trains are a chapter in themselves. They usually have first, second and third class - choose according to your courage. But there is nothing to be afraid of! Even the third class carriages are clean and an authentic experience is guaranteed.
- If you are looking for any connections during the trip, you can search for them like this.
The journey from Colombo to Habaraduwa takes almost 3 hours, but don't worry, there will still be plenty to see, as the entire route runs along the coast and palm forests. After all, Sri Lanka is known for its scenic train rides. If you leave after noon, you will arrive before sunset, which you can then enjoy on the beach right in front of your accommodation, and that is quite an experience - a wild sea, an endless beach lined with coconut palms, and a pink horizon. Just like you know it from postcards and photos, but a hundred times better. You'll get a similar view here many times.
Habaraduwa is calm and untouched - a hidden gem.
You're on the south coast, where you'll see some of the most beautiful wild beaches in Asia. So, you'll spend the third day relaxing.
If you're lucky, you'll have Habaraduwa Beach all to yourself.
You can also visit a station where they take care of baby turtles here...
...or check out the neighboring town of Koggala, where there's a large lake and (like almost everywhere in Sri Lanka) a beautiful Buddhist temple. Pro-tip: if you're there on a full moon day, you can experience the Buddhist full moon celebrations in and around the temple, which is a wonderful cultural experience. Or any other holiday - Buddhists have quite a few.
You'll move further along the coast to the town of Tangalle, which boasts a breathtaking unspoiled beach.
From Habaraduwa, you'll move to Tangalle, which is a slightly more well-known resort. You'll find more restaurants and bars here, but the natural beauty remains. From Habaraduwa, you'll take the same train further to the final station, Beliatta, where a tuk-tuk driver will be waiting to take you to Tangalle.
This is where you'll stay, and you can start exploring. Try the Ceylon Excel restaurant or the Chill house restaurant Tangalle, where you can taste curry, seafood, or local specialties like kottu and rotti. Sri Lankan cuisine is full of flavors, colors, and, of course, spices, so watch out for the intensity.
Sun, sand between your toes, the scent of the ocean, wind in your hair, fresh tropical fruit, smiling people, and the feeling that all your worries have melted away... enjoy Tangalle Beach.
Another day mainly on the beach, where you can rest your body and soul.
This beautiful place deserves more than a day. If you get up early, you might be rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise you'll ever see.
But you can also check out the neighboring Rekawa Beach, where with a little luck you can see turtles hatching...
...or check out the Henakaduwa Purana temple in Tangalle. The locals will be happy to see you there.
The highlight of today will be a full-day trip to Yala National Park, where you will find the typical fauna and flora of Sri Lanka.
You can spend the morning on the beach and in the afternoon take a trip to the most famous Sri Lankan National Park - Yala. Here you will see elephants, buffaloes, monkeys, crocodiles and even a leopard! Seeing animals that we only know from the zoo in the wild is a lifetime experience. Transfer to the park and tickets will be provided by a local company, you can find many offers on GetYourGuide.
After four days of relaxation in Tangalle, you will visit the larger city of Matara, in whose surroundings you will also find other natural gems. There are several beaches to choose from, you'll see which one grabs your heart the most...
Take a bus from Tangalle (Beliaththa) to the town of Matara, which lies in Dondra Bay. Get off at the stop closest to your accommodation, check in, and explore the area.
Around Matara you will find many beautiful beaches including the famous surf Sk Town Beach...
...or Polhena Beach, where a sea turtle will probably appear next to you in the water.
Discover, stop where you like the most, and take a look at Matara itself, where you can get an excellent Sri Lankan dinner.
What would a visit to the south of Sri Lanka be without a visit to the famous Coconut Tree Hill. You will also discover the beautiful Mirissa beach.
One of the most famous places in the south of Sri Lanka, Coconut Tree Hill, is definitely worth a visit. Palm trees swaying in the wind and the endless ocean behind them - judge for yourself.
From here, you can head to Mirissa Beach with its famous rock formation, Parrot Rock. This is THE beach if you want to spend the whole day in the water - the waves are gentle, ideal for swimming, and you'll also find surf instructors here.
Enjoy the last sips of the peaceful atmosphere in one of the most beautiful places where the wild ocean meets the fine sand and majestic palm trees.
This place is worth coming back to as well. After sunset, head to Dhana's Curry Pot. An unassuming family bistro, but you'll remember their curry long after you return.
On the penultimate day, you will move back to the west of the country to Negombo and discover what you didn't manage to see on the first day.
Right next to the bus stop in Matara is also a famous temple Parewi Duwa standing on the sea, don't forget to check it out.
This time you will take a bus from Matara, which is faster. The best information regarding departure times and possible reservations will be provided at your accommodation. Or you can search like this again.
After arriving at the hotel in Negombo, you can relax by the pool, on the beach, or go explore the city.
The penultimate day is dedicated to Negombo's famous attractions such as the fish market or the magnificent Buddhist temple Angurukaramulla. After that, it's up to you - a final rest on the wide beach, tasting local specialties, buying Ceylon cinnamon, or a short trip to Colombo?
On the last day, you can get up early and go see the largest fish market in Negombo - you'll see fresh catches of fish, as well as rays and sharks.
The Angurukaramulla temple is also worth a visit, one of the three temples in Sri Lanka where an entire room is dedicated to Buddhist hell, and you will also see a Buddha made of mother-of-pearl. Unlike the lesser-known temples on the south coast, you have to buy a ticket here, but local prices are very favorable, and as a bonus, a guide will take you through the temple and answer any questions you may have about this exotic religion for us.
Depending on your departure time, you'll spend time in Negombo and then say goodbye to Sri Lanka. Have a pleasant flight home.
You can use the accommodation's airport transfer service (if they have one) or take a tuk-tuk. Remember to be at the airport at least 2/3 hours before departure. Full of experiences, you are ready for a comfortable flight home.
I hope you were thrilled with Sri Lanka and that maybe you'll come back sometime and explore another part of this beautiful and diverse country!
