Anti-clockwise Sri Lanka Itinerary

Best Time to Visit: January is ideal for this itinerary as it’s in the dry season for the Cultural Triangle and south/west coast.

Summary:

• Route: Colombo → Galle → Yala → Ella → Kandy → Sigiriya → Colombo
• Total Distance: ~800 km
• Estimated Budget (excluding accommodation):
• Budget: $400-500
• Mid-range: $600-800
• Luxury: $1000+
• Highlights: Colonial heritage, safari, mountains, ancient cities
• Transport Mix: Train, private car, public bus

Day 1: Colombo to Galle

Morning:

• Arrive in Colombo
• Express train to Galle (2.5 hrs, Rs. 400)
• Alternative: Highway bus CTB 2-3 (2 hrs, Rs. 550)

Afternoon:

• Check into hotel
• Galle Fort walking tour
• Sunset at Flag Rock

Accommodation in Galle:

• 5★: Amangalla (4.8/300+ reviews) – $400+
• 4★: Le Grand Galle (4.7/400+ reviews) – $200+
• 3★: Fort Square Boutique Villa (4.6/200+ reviews) – $80+
• 2★: Fort Inn Guest House (4.7/180+ reviews) – $35+
• Hostel: Pedlar’s Inn Hostel (4.5/150+ reviews) – $15+

Day 2: Galle to Yala

Morning:

• Bus CTB 32-4 to Tissamaharama (4 hrs, Rs. 280)
• Alternative: Private taxi (3 hrs, Rs. 10,000)

Afternoon:

• Check into hotel
• Evening safari at Yala National Park ($30 + jeep cost)

Accommodation near Yala:

• 5★: Jetwing Yala (4.8/600+ reviews) – $250+
• 4★: Cinnamon Wild (4.6/700+ reviews) – $180+
• 3★: Yala Safari Camping (4.5/200+ reviews) – $90+
• 2★: Yala Adventure Resort (4.5/150+ reviews) – $45+
• Hostel: Wild Trails Yala (4.5/100+ reviews) – $20+

Day 3: Yala to Ella

Morning:

• Bus CTB 31-4 to Ella (3 hrs, Rs. 250)
• Alternative: Private taxi (2 hrs, Rs. 8,000)

Afternoon:

• Little Adam’s Peak hike (2-3 hrs round trip)
• Nine Arch Bridge visit
• Visit a tea factory

Accommodation in Ella:

• 5★: 98 Acres Resort (4.7/800+ reviews) – $250+
• 4★: Ella Mountain Heavens (4.6/500+ reviews) – $120+
• 3★: Ella Flower Garden Resort (4.5/300+ reviews) – $70+
• 2★: Ella Ridge View (4.7/200+ reviews) – $40+
• Hostel: Ella Escapade Hostel (4.5/150+ reviews) – $15+

Day 4: Ella to Kandy

Morning:

• Famous scenic train journey (6 hrs, Rs. 1,000 for 1st class)
• Book tickets directly at the official website
• One of the world’s most beautiful train rides

Afternoon:

• Temple of the Tooth (Entry: $10)
• Royal Botanical Gardens

Accommodation in Kandy:

• 5★: Earl’s Regency (4.7/1000+ reviews) – $200+
• 4★: OZO Kandy (4.6/600+ reviews) – $120+
• 3★: Hotel Suisse (4.5/400+ reviews) – $70+
• 2★: Freedom Lodge (4.7/200+ reviews) – $30+
• Hostel: Clock Inn Kandy (4.6/150+ reviews) – $15+

Day 5: Kandy to Sigiriya

Morning:

• Bus CTB 49-8 to Dambulla (3 hrs, Rs. 220)
• Alternative: Private taxi (2 hrs, Rs. 8,000)

Afternoon:

• Dambulla Cave Temple (Entry: $10)
• Check into hotel

Accommodation in Sigiriya:

• 5★: Water Garden Sigiriya (4.8/500+ reviews) – $350+
• 4★: Aliya Resort & Spa (4.6/800+ reviews) – $180+
• 3★: Fresco Water Villa (4.5/300+ reviews) – $80+
• 2★: Sigiri Rock Side Home Stay (4.7/150+ reviews) – $35+
• Hostel: Backpack Lanka (4.5/120+ reviews) – $12+

Day 6: Sigiriya

Morning:

• Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Entry: $30)

Afternoon:

• Village safari tour
• Optional: Minneriya National Park elephant safari ($30)

Stay: Same accommodation as Day 5

Day 7: Sigiriya to Colombo

Morning:

• Bus CTB 48-3 to Colombo (6 hrs, Rs. 380)
• Alternative: Private taxi (4 hrs, Rs. 15,000)

Afternoon:

• Colombo city tour
• Shopping at Pettah Market

Accommodation in Colombo (if needed):

• 5★: Shangri-La Colombo (4.8/2000+ reviews) – $250+
• 4★: Cinnamon Red (4.6/1000+ reviews) – $120+
• 3★: Clock Inn Colombo (4.5/300+ reviews) – $60+
• 2★: City Beds (4.6/200+ reviews) – $35+
• Hostel: Colombo City Hostel (4.5/200+ reviews) – $12+