Already making travel plans this monsoon? Here is Sri Lanka July itinerary to enjoy the rainy days.
Sri Lanka has always attracted travellers since centuries. Situated in the Indian Ocean, it is a land of vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. If you want a vacation with adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, there is nothing better than Sri Lanka.
If you are planning a trip for 8 days, Sri Lanka is the best destination. You can cover almost every aspect of this wonderful country within a week. We have curated an 8-day itinerary to help you see the most of Sri Lanka.
Days 1-3: Kandy
For the first three days, you will explore Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. It is situated in the hills and is one of the most beautiful places in this island nation. Let us divide the Kandy tour into three days.
Day 1– Begin your tour with the blessings of Gautama Buddha. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa. The temple visiting hours are Monday to Saturday, from 5.30 am to 8 pm. You will have to pay an entry fee of LKR 1000 if you belong to any SAARC nation. Other foreign nationals need to pay LKR 1500. After this, you can go to Kandy Lake for a peaceful stroll and enjoy the green surroundings. For the night, book a Kandyan dance performance.
Day 2– For day two, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, just a short drive away from Kandy. Here, you will get to see stunning orchids, palm avenues, and so many tropical plants. Later, you can go to the Ceylon Tea Museum to learn about the history of tea production.
Day 3– on the last day, visit Knuckles Mountain Range. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can hike the trail that will lead you to forests and waterfalls. If you want to relax and not hike, then go to Udawattakele Forest Reserve.
Day 4: Sigiriya
The fourth day will take you to Sigiriya. The Lion Rock here is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You need to hike to reach the top of the rock to catch breath-taking views. While hiking, you will come across some ancient frescoes. Make sure to watch these minutely. It opens at 6.30 am and closes at 5.30 pm.
If you hike the fortress early in the morning, then that is good. In the rainy season, make sure to wear proper shoes. You will have to pay USD 36 to enter the fortress. There is a museum in the basement. You can buy a ticket only for the museum, which costs USD 6. The fortress ticket includes a museum ticket as well.
Day 5: Dambulla
Head over to Dambulla on the fifth day of your journey. It is very near to Sigiriya and is home to cave temple complex. Golden Temple of Dambulla or Dambulla Cave Temple, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site of this country.
The five caves in this temple complex have murals and more than 150 statues of Lord Buddha. The beautiful centuries old murals and intricate temple architecture will seek your attention. Temple is open every day from 7 am to 7 pm. LKR 1500 is the entry fee, which might vary for children under 12 years of age.
In the afternoon, you can visit the Ironwood Forest and Rose Quartz Mountain Range to enjoy the natural landscapes of Sri Lanka. There will be another hike that will take you to the forest and eye-catching areas.
Day 6: Anuradhapura
On day 6, you will visit the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura. The entire city of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This one is a great combination of religious and archaeological sites.
Visit the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi sacred temple. It has a lot of significance for Buddhists. Further, visit the stupas of Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi temple opens at 6.15 am and closes at 9 pm. The entry fee is LKR 500. For other spots, you need a common ticket that costs USD 30.
Day 7: Nuwara Eliya
Visit the Little England of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya, on day seven. It is more like a hill station and thus, its climate is cool. It is popular for its tea plantations. Spend your day at a tea factory and enjoy the tea-making process. From plucking the tea leaves to making the tea, you can be a part of the entire journey.
If you like, go to Victoria Park to relax. The greenery offers calmness to your mind and soul. If you want to hike more, go to Horton Plains National Park to see the World’s End and Baker’s Falls. You will witness the most beautiful views from here.
Day 8: Colombo
On the final day, visit the modern capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. This vibrant city offers a blend of modern and traditional life mixed with some colonial effect. Begin your day by going to Colombo’s National Museum. You will get to learn about Sri Lanka’s culture and history.
Then, explore the Gangaramaya Temple, which is a mixture of Sri Lankan, Indian, Thai, and Chinese architecture. It is open from 6 am to 10 pm. You can also go to Pettah Market to shop for Sri Lankan souvenirs. Spend your evening at the Galle Face Green. Don’t forget to enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at any of the restaurants in Colombo.
Conclusion
This was your Sri Lanka July itinerary. We have curated the list, which includes each and every aspect of your journey. From adventure, hikes, museums, heritage sites, and much more. This is the best itinerary to sum up your eight days of travel in Sri Lanka.
We took you to the ancient capital, Anuradhapura and even the modern-day capital, Colombo. Try out local dishes and don’t forget to shop for spices. Sri Lanka is home to diverse wildlife and landscapes. It is the natural beauty of this country that attracts most tourists.
Contact Ceylon Empire Travels to book Sri Lanka July itinerary.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
