Here is the Sri Lanka itinerary in august for your best travel plans. August is the month when rains are between moderate and heavy in Sri Lanka. This is the best time to witness this country’s natural beauty.
This article on the Sri Lankan itinerary explores some of the most captivating destinations. This guide is planned for a total of 8 days. You can always extend or reduce your travel as per your holidays.
Day 1 & 2 – Colombo
If you are an international traveler, your flight will land in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. It is one of the most vibrant cities in this nation and is most popular for its nightlife. You will need at least 2 days to explore in and around Colombo.
On the first day, begin your travel with a spiritual mindset. Visit the Gangaramaya Buddhist temple complex. Later, you can visit the Pettah Market, a local market in Colombo. In the evening, you can go to Galle Face Green, the urban park, for a stroll on the coast.
There are many stalls where you can try local street food. But if you want to have a full-fledged dinner, try some local restaurants. Taste Sri Lankan delicacies and call it a day with some yummy food.
For day two, make the National Museum of Colombo your first stop. Then, visit the Independence Memorial Hall from the British Era. The Old Parliament Building is another spot that belongs to colonial-era. It will take you a whole day to explore them. In the evening, explore a good club in Colombo.
Day 3 & 4 – Kandy
It is time to move to Kandy. While traveling from Colombo to Kandy, you will come across the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Spend time with these majestic beasts. After reaching Kandy, the first spot to see is the Temple of Tooth Relic, a Buddhist site.
On day two, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens and see the exotic plant species. You can then take a walk around Kandy Lake to enjoy the city view surrounded by hills. For some views of Kandy, you can go to the Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm.
On either of the days, make sure you book a ticket for the Kandy Cultural Dance Show. It is something you cannot miss when you are in Kandy. It is a show where various artists perform a variety of local dances from Sri Lanka. These include peacock dance and fire dance. Tourists enjoy the dance show the most.
Day 5 – Sigiriya
For day 5, head over to Sigiriya. This is a UNESCO Heritage Site and is famous for its ancient rock fortress. One day is enough to explore Sigiriya. Kandy to Sigiriya is a distance of not more than 3 hours. So, you can either leave Kandy on day 4 at night or on day 5 early in the morning.
Get ready to climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which offers breathtaking views from the top. While climbing, you will come across its ancient frescoes. Don’t forget to look at the minute details. The gates are open from 5 am until 5 pm. You will have to purchase a ticket at the gate.
We suggest you climb the rock before 9 am. If the day is cloudy, then any time of the day is good. But if it is sunny, it won’t be much fun. Also, take care while climbing if the rock is wet due to rain. You can also climb Pidurangala Rock. It is open 24 hours a day, so you can choose the best time. Visiting during the sunset is a plus.
Then, go to the Sigiriya Museum. It is an archaeological museum open from 8 am to 5 pm. It has many cultural artifacts that showcase the stories of Sigiriya and Sri Lanka. After that, get ready for your next destination.
Day 6 – Dambulla
Welcome to Dambulla. It has impressive cave temples and a rich cultural heritage. Dambulla can be covered in one day. Start by exploring the Dambulla cave temple complex. It is a UNESCO Heritage Site featuring wonderful cave paintings and sculptures.
The visiting hours are between 7 am and 7 pm. LKR 1500 is the entry fee. It costs less for children between 5 and 12 years of age. These are the largest caves in Sri Lanka and date back to 80 BC. The Buddhist mural paintings are worth watching.
Your next destination is the Dambulla Produce Market. It is a huge market to indulge in the local flavor and lifestyle of traders. The market is a bustling area, and you may find something for yourself here. You can then end the day with a walk or cycle around the countryside. Here, witness the village lifestyle of Sri Lankans.
Day 7 & 8 – Trincomalee
The last two days will be at Trincomalee. Every journey to Sri Lanka is incomplete without spending time at the beach. It has cultural sites as well. First of all, get ready to go to an ancient Hindu temple, Koneswaram Temple. It is on the rock and offers stunning views.
Then it is time for Nilaveli Beach. The crystal-clear water and tranquil atmosphere are soothing and relaxing. Take the two days slowly, as the holiday is about to end. Sink in the fun you had in Sri Lanka and enjoy its nature with its beaches.
Conclusion
What are your thoughts on this 8-day Sri Lanka itinerary in August? Plan your holiday using this guide to add more fun to your trip. These are some of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. It is a budget-friendly tour and you can explore so much here.
With multiple UNESCO heritage sites, you get to enjoy hill stations, beaches, and a lot more in Sri Lanka.
Contact Ceylon Empire Travels to get Sri Lanka itinerary in August.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
