Places to Visit in Sri Lanka: 7 Day Itinerary, Hidden Gems, Things to Do, Cuisine and Much More!

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For travelers looking for places to visit in Sri Lanka, there’s no better way to plan than by following someone who has already experienced it firsthand. The Pearl of the Indian Ocean is where tropical beaches meet lush tea plantations, where centuries-old temples stand beside bustling markets, and where adventure, culture, and relaxation come together seamlessly.

Recently, Ajmal Shaikh — better known as @anindiantourist on Explurger — explored the island for over 11 awesome days and curated a special 6N/7D itinerary that travelers can follow to discover some of the best Sri Lanka tourist attractions.

Places to Visit in Sri Lanka: Explurger Travelogue by @AnIndianTourist

In this blog, we’ll cover Sri Lanka travel basics, why you should go, the best time to visit, Ajmal’s detailed itinerary, hidden/ offbeat gems, and a complete guide to the top things to do in Sri Lanka. So for all your travel needs, look no further, Explurger’s got your back!

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

The island has two monsoon seasons, which means different regions are best at different times, caused by winds coming from opposite directions. As a result, when one part of the island experiences rain, the other part is typically sunny and dry.

• December to April: West, south, and central regions (Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Ella, Mirissa).
• May to September: East coast (Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, Batticaloa).

Basically, a cheat sheet for you, you can see:

• If you’re going Dec–April → stick to South/West/Highlands.
• If you’re going May–Sept → head East/North.
• Oct–Nov → mixed bag, pack an umbrella!

If you’re planning things to see in Sri Lanka, December–April is usually the safest bet (which, tbf, is for most of the island countries, as you can check out on our other blogs)

Explurger Automatic Travelogue of @AnIndianTourist: 6N/7D Sri Lanka Itinerary

It’s affordable, easy to travel around, and packed with Sri Lanka attractions that suit every kind of traveler, be it backpackers or honeymooners.

Since there is no time like the present, why don’t you add these places to your Explurger Bucket List?

 

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A post shared by Ajmal Shaikh | Travel | Mumbai (@anindiantourist)

Caption: Check out Ajmal’s adventures in Sri Lanka

Day 1 – Pinnawala

• Land in Colombo, get a local SIM (Dialog), and exchange USD to LKR.
• Head to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to watch elephants bathe in the river.

Day 2 – Kandy

• • Visit Sri Dalada Maligawa (Tooth Relic Temple).
  • Walk around Kandy Lake and catch a cultural dance show.
  • Explore spice gardens and try a local cooking class.

 

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A post shared by Ajmal Shaikh | Travel | Mumbai (@anindiantourist)

Day 3 – Nuwara Eliya (via Gampola) 

• Stop at Ambulwawa Tower for panoramic views.
• Visit the Central Market and Victoria Park.

Day 4 – Nuwara Eliya Highlights, also called Little England

• Ramboda Waterfalls, Blue Field Tea Gardens, and strawberry farms.
• End the day at Gregory Lake with cycling or a lakeside picnic.

Day 5 – Ella

• Scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella (sit on the left for views).
• Visit the Nine Arch Bridge and the Ravana Caves.

Day 6 – Mirissa

• Sunrise hike at Little Adam’s Peak.
• Relax at Secret Beach and Mirissa Beach.
• Catch the sunset at the iconic Coconut Tree Hill.

Day 7 – Colombo Return

• Take a coastal train or bus back to Colombo.
• Explore Galle Face Green before heading to the airport.

You can follow his travelogue on Explurger, where every check-in becomes part of a digital diary. Features like Automatic Travelogue and Bucket List are a gem for people who love to travel and explore, so if that is you, head to the Explurger app ASAP!

Top Sri Lanka Travel Tips from @anindiantourist 

• Currency: Convert INR to USD before flying; exchange to LKR in Sri Lanka for better rates.
• SIM Card: Dialog’s 20GB pack covers most needs; WiFi is common in hotels.
• Transport: Use the PickMe app for tuk-tuks and cabs; trains are scenic but slow.
• Packing: Carry sunscreen, light cottons, and a cover-up for temples.

Food & Drinks in Sri Lanka

Think about it, Sri Lanka lies near India, which means there are shared spices (both share a common spice vocabulary, but Sri Lankan food tends to use fewer spices at once, in bolder proportions, giving it that distinctive punch), and on top of that, it is coastal, which means crazy seafood. If there’s one thing no one should miss out on, it’s the cuisine of Sri Lanka. It is a culinary gem, and here are some of the best dishes you oughta try:

• Kottu Roti – First and foremost, it’s the soundtrack of Sri Lankan streets. Flatbread chopped and stir-fried with veggies, eggs, or meat on a sizzling griddle. It’s noisy, messy, and absolutely delicious.
• Jaffna Crab Curry – If you love seafood, this fiery curry from the north is a must. Rich, spicy, and messy to eat… exactly how crab should be.

 

 

“Jaffna crab curry might be — for me, anyway — the holy grail of Sri Lankan cuisine.”

Anthony Bourdain goes to Jaffna in Parts Unknown and declares the homemade crab curry there to be his top Sri Lankan dish.

 

 

https://samuraichef.wordpress.com/2009/03/02/anthony-bourdain-in-sri-lanka/

• Wambatu Moju (Eggplant Pickle) – Sweet, sour, and spicy all at once, this fried eggplant dish is a punch to your taste buds you’ll beg for.
• Hoppers (Appa / Egg Hoppers) – These bowl-shaped pancakes made of rice flour and coconut milk are crispy on the edges, soft in the middle, and often topped with a runny egg. Perfect for breakfast or even a late-night snack.
• Kiri Hodi – A mild coconut milk gravy, golden with turmeric, usually paired with hoppers or rice for a mellow and creamy balance. A dish best enjoyed for lunch before you head out to the sea to relax.
• Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry) – A signature coastal dish made with tuna and flavored with goraka, a souring fruit. Tangy, bold, and unforgettable.
• Pol Sambol – A spicy coconut relish made with grated coconut, chili, onion, and lime. Locals pile it on top of almost anything: hoppers, string hoppers, or plain rice.

“The best food in Sri Lanka is always made by ‘aunties’ — forces to be reckoned with.” It was Anthony Bourdain’s way of honoring the women whose home-cooked meals carried the country’s true flavors.

Offbeat Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is full of iconic highlights, but some of its most rewarding moments come from the lesser-known corners of the island. For travelers who like going off the beaten path, here are some underrated places to visit in Sri Lanka that blend natural beauty, culture, and tranquility.

Exploring these hidden gems ensures your list of places to visit in Sri Lanka goes beyond the usual highlights, adding depth and uniqueness to your journey.

• Mannar Island – A windswept northern escape with baobab trees, colonial forts, and seasonal flamingo migrations.
• Madulsima – A misty mountain retreat with the “Mini World’s End” viewpoint and endless tea estates.
• Knuckles Mountain Range – Perfect for hikers; remote trails, waterfalls, and biodiversity without big crowds.
• Kalpitiya Peninsula – A coastal stretch ideal for dolphin watching, kite surfing, and quiet lagoon sunsets.
• Haputale – A hill country town surrounded by tea plantations, offering stunning views from Lipton’s Seat.
• Gal Oya National Park – One of the few places where you can take a boat safari and see elephants swimming.
• Mihintale – A historic hilltop where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka, offering spiritual calm and panoramic views.
• Jaffna Peninsula – Rich Tamil culture, temples, and untouched beaches far from the southern tourist hubs.

Reflecting on Jaffna’s war-torn past, Anthony Bourdain notes: “Deprivation and shortages … make people appreciate good things. They also, historically, force people to cook well.” To him, Sri Lankan cuisine was proof of survival and creativity.

Which also should make one pause and think, while we are travelling for work/leisure, there lies actual history bathed in blood and resilience, where people have lived and loved. It’s where you need to pause and reflect on what travel means to you- is it just clicking pictures? Or actually connecting with the land you’re standing on?

Things to Do in Sri Lanka

From misty mountains to golden beaches, Sri Lanka offers far more than just sightseeing. If you’re planning your trip, here are some of the top things to do in Sri Lanka that Ajmal (@anindiantourist on Explurger) recommends after his travels:

• Ride the Kandy–Ella Train – Often called the most scenic train journey in the world, this ride takes you through tea plantations, misty hills, and endless green valleys. Our faithful guide, Ajmal, suggests booking a window seat on the left side for the best views.
• Climb Little Adam’s Peak – An easy hike near Ella with spectacular sunrise views. It’s a must for anyone who wants a taste of adventure without the effort of a full-day trek.
• Explore Sri Lankan Temples – From the Tooth Relic Temple in Kandy to hidden forest shrines, visiting these sacred sites gives you a glimpse of the island’s deep spirituality.
• Go on a Wildlife Safari – Whether it’s elephants in Pinnawala, leopards in Yala, or boat safaris in Gal Oya, wildlife experiences are a core part of Sri Lanka’s charm.
• Unwind on the Beaches – Mirissa, Secret Beach, and Unawatuna are Ajmal’s favorites for sunsets, surfing, and lazy hammock days.
• Water adventure sports –  There is no point going to an island and missing out on water adventure sports. Even if you can’t swim, or have injuries, or you’re just too old, there’s always something safe to bet on. From scuba, snorkelling, surfing, to kayaking, whale watching, there are tons of things to do in Sri Lanka.
• Sip Fresh Ceylon Tea – A visit to the Blue Field or Pedro Tea Estate in Nuwara Eliya lets you walk through plantations and taste tea straight from the source.
• Indulge in Local Food – Street-side Kottu Roti, seafood curries, and warm hoppers are not just meals, they’re part of the Sri Lankan experience.
• Catch a Cultural Show – Traditional Kandyan dances with drums, fire acts, and elaborate costumes bring the island’s culture alive.

So, here we are… 

Sri Lanka may be small on the map, but it packs in a world of experiences.  Following Ajmal’s (@anindiantourist on Explurger) journey gives you a ready-made route through some of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, while also leaving room to chase hidden gems and personal discoveries along the way.

So if you’re planning your next escape, let Ajmal’s travelogue inspire you — and don’t forget to create your own on Explurger. Because every check-in, every hidden spot, and every bowl of Kottu deserves to be part of your story too.

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FAQs About Places to Visit in Sri Lanka