Sri Lanka itineraries: 4 incredible routes to explore the island

08.10.2024 - 06:51 / lonelyplanet.com

Oct 7, 2024 • 10 min read

Sri Lanka is a small island that packs a punch. In a short trip, you can explore ancient cities, relax on palm-fringed beaches, hike through the lush and misty hill country and dine on endless rice and curry.

Even getting around Sri Lanka can be part of the adventure, with its famous trains turning transport into a sightseeing journey. While self-driving in Sri Lanka is not recommended, hiring a private car with a driver is easy to arrange and relatively affordable, making a road trip a simple way to explore this island nation.

Our 7- and 8-day itineraries highlight various parts of the country, but extend your stays in various stops or even combine multiple routes to build the 2- or even 3-week itinerary of your dreams.

Allow at least 7 days
Distance: 250km (155 miles)

With eight UNESCO-listed sites, four former capitals and a liberal scattering of atmospheric monastic ruins, rock citadels, gigantic stupas and astonishing Buddhist art, the central plains are the place to explore Sri Lanka's spectacular past and its rich Buddhist cultural heritage. Amateur archaeologists and fans of lost cities are in for a treat.

The sprawling archaeological site of Anuradhapura and its sacred Bodhi Tree, holy stupas and archaeological museums can be seen in a long day, but it's better with two. If you're short on time, visit just Abhayagiri.

Detour: A half-day trip takes you to Mihintale, 13km (8 miles) outside town, to join pilgrims at the spot where Buddhism first took root in Sri Lanka.

Next stop: Drive 1 hour from Anuradhapura to Ritigala.

As you travel from Anuradhapura and towards Polonnaruwa, make a stop at the ruined forest monastery of Ritigala. In an hour you can explore the stone stairways, platforms and meditation halls half-hidden between dripping tree roots. The site is 8km (5 miles) off the main road, so it's easiest if you have your own transport, though you can often find a tuk tuk at the road junction.

Next stop: Drive 90 minutes from Ritigala to Polonnaruwa.

More ancient city ruins await at Polonnaruwa, the millennia-old former capital. You can see the main ticketed collection of monasteries, Buddha statues, stupas and royal palaces in half a day (early morning is best) but there are other minor sights to fill a long day. Don't miss the far northern group of sights and give the interesting archaeological museum an hour.

Next stop: Drive 90 minutes from Polonnaruwa to Sigirya.

Sigiriya, meaning "lion's rock", is a must-see for its spectacular location and enigmatic history. Some travelers are content to see it from afar from Pidurangala (thus saving the US$30 entry fee) but it's worth visiting both rocks; Sigiriya at dawn and Pidurangala at sunset. In the afternoon take a 4WD