Ayubowan Sri Lanka – One week road trip itinerary

Ayubowan Sri Lanka, an island nation teeming with rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse culture, is the perfect destination for an unforgettable road trip on budget. If you’re looking to explore the best of this beautiful country in a week, a self-drive adventure is the way to go. From the bustling streets of Colombo to the serene beaches of Mirissa and the historic Galle Fort, this itinerary covers some of the popular and not so popular spots in Sri Lanka.

Our one-week itinerary for a self-drive road trip across Sri Lanka, starting from Colombo covers the lush mountains of Ella to experiencing the wilderness of Yala National Park, spotting blue whales in Mirissa, watching the surfers at Ahangama, to exploring the historic Galle. We’ll also highlight some must-see sights, foods to try, and essential travel tips to make the most of your time here and for a enjoyable journey.

Getting a VISA

The few countries where we Indians enjoy a Visa on arrival. However, it’s recommended to apply for the e-visa Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online at the ETA website before travelling to avoid waiting in long queues at the airport. A 30-day tourist visa costs ₹1,999

Driving in Sri Lanka – The Pear drop island

Driving in Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka drives on the left side of the road. While the roads in major cities are well maintained, rural areas have winding and narrow roads. Always drive cautiously, especially on mountainous routes.

Driving in Srilanka is much like driving in India or any other crowded south asian country. It may not be for everyone specially western travellers who are not use to chaotic city driving. The roads and highways outside of Colombo are narrow with unplanned turns , racing buses and odd two wheeler traffic that comes from either sides. If this makes you jittery you are better off sticking with a hired Taxi for the duration of your trip or using public transport if you are on a tight budget , both of these are also a great way to explore this nation.

We were itching to drive after having driven in South Africa and having read a blog by Bruised Passports about car hire process in Sri Lanka we ended up doing the same. As Indians we are used to similar traffic which by the way is only getting worse day by day.

International Driving Permit while not mandatory to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) for driving in Sri Lanka, it’s highly recommended if you’re not from a country where driving is on the left side of the road. Make sure to carry your original driving license and IDP.  If you intend to drive yourself, then just keep aside half a day to get your licence validated in Colombo. If you have an International Driving Permit (IDP), the car rental company can get the validation done for you. We rented our car from Malkey Rental and it was a seamless process. Be sure to check with them for the latest rules though.

Local Food to try in Sri lanka

• Kottu Roti: A popular Sri Lankan street food made of chopped roti, vegetables, meat, and spices. Newly turned Vegetarian in me I opted for the non meat version
• Hoppers (Appa): A type of pancake with crispy edges, often served with egg or coconut milk.
• Sri Lankan Rice and Curry: A must-try dish featuring an array of curries served with rice.
• Sri Lankan Seafood: Galle is renowned for its seafood and Cafe culture, try dishes like crab curry, grilled lobsters and prawn masala.
• Sri Lankan Coconut Sambol: A spicy and tangy coconut side dish that complements rice and curry.
• Coconut Pancakes (Pol Roti): A type of roti made with grated coconut served with spicy sambols.
• Sri Lankan Fish Curry: A tangy, flavorful curry made with fresh local fish, typically served with rice.
• Fresh Coconut Water KING Cocunut : A refreshing drink to quench your thirst after a day at the beach.

General Tips for Sri Lanka

1. Weather: Sri Lanka’s climate varies by region. It can be hot and humid along the coast, while the highlands like Ella are cooler. Pack light clothing, sunscreen, and a jacket for the cooler evenings in the mountains.
2. Local Currency: Sri Lanka’s currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Keep cash on hand, especially in rural areas, as card payment facilities are limited.
3. Safety: Sri Lanka is generally safe for travellers and people are friendly. However, always lock your car when leaving it unattended.
4. Cultural Etiquette: Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country, so when visiting temples or religious sites, always dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees), remove your shoes, and show respect for local customs.
5. Local Markets : When visiting markets or shops, bargaining is common but always be polite.

Day 1 Arrive in Colombo and Explore the City

We flew from New Delhi to Colombo that is a 3 hour flight to arrive in the morning wee hours. After immigration and checking into the hotel we were headed straight to our rental car office  Malkey Rental. 

Unlike car rentals that are straightforward across most countries we have driven in now (count 6) Sri lanka was more of half a day affair. Apparently the reason for delay as told to us was that our Car type wasn’t available. Ever heard of that, but then there is a silver lining in every situation, after an hour or two of waiting we were upgraded to a Automatic Corolla Hybrid Sedan, a real upgrade that saved us on fuel costs and was so much more comfortable. So yeah you are forgiven SRILANKA !

After picking up the car we were quite hungry as it was past lunch time now, and we decided to hit a sea facing restaurant where we could sit and watch the waves crash , Galle Face Hotel, a colonial era hotel was our pick The hotel is patronized by some of the most famous names of the 20th century, the granite plaque in the lobby gives a list of some of them Don Bradman, Indira Gandhi, Imran Khan, Alfred Karupp to name a few. 

Since Srilanka is a short flight from India and we were not tired we decided to explore some of Colombo, by visiting the Gangaramaya Temple, and the Colombo National Museum. A drive around the city really introduces one to Colombo’s colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and delicious street food.

Colombo offers a perfect introduction and start to this island’s culture. If you have more days here after exploring Colombo, one can head to Mount Lavinia, a coastal area just south of the city, for a relaxing evening by the beach.

Sights to visit

• Gangaramaya Temple: A beautiful Buddhist temple showcasing intricate artwork and statues.
• Galle Face Green: A vast urban park by the ocean, ideal for a relaxing walk or a sunset view.
• Colombo National Museum: Dive into Sri Lanka’s history and culture at this excellent museum.
• Pettah Market: A bustling market perfect for those looking to experience the local hustle and bustle.

Day 2-4 Colombo to Ella (5-6 Hours Drive)

Distance: Colombo to Ella (about 200 km)

After a restful night in Colombo , it’s time to hit the road towards Ella, one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic and popular hill stations. The drive is about 5-6 hours, but with stunning landscapes along the way and some important pit stops like the Tea gardens of ‘Nuwara Eliya’ this could easily be 8 hours too.

Don’t miss stopping by the ‘Ashok Vatika‘ situated near the “Hakgala Botanical Garden”, close to the Resort City of Nuwara Eliya to witness the place where Sita was kept captive by Ravana and to see Hanuman’s Feet (fascinating to the core). In fact on that note there is an entire Ramayana trail that one can experience in Lanka and its one I want to do someday with my mother. Whether you believe in myths and folklores of Hindu epics like the Ramayana or not this is going to be one incredibly fascinating and rewarding journey.

Choose a stay in Ella that offers waking up to breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. Waking up to a view where you’ll be surrounded by misty mountains and tranquil vibes is an experience you shouldn’t miss here.

Sights to Visit

• Stop by for a scenic stroll at the Tea gardens of ‘Nuwara Eliya’. We also had delicious Strawberry & cream here.
• Visit Ashok Vatika to get an insight into the Hindu epic Ramayana.
• Ella Rock: A short hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations and valleys.
• Nine Arches Bridge: A beautiful colonial-era bridge surrounded by lush greenery, offering the perfect photo op.
• Ravana Falls: A majestic waterfall with a tranquil setting for a swim or a picnic.
• Ella Gap: A viewpoint offering spectacular views of the valleys and mountains.

Day 5 Ella to Yala National Park (2-3 Hours Drive)

From Ella, we drove towards Yala National Park which takes you about 3 hours , Sri Lanka’s most famous wildlife reserve, known for its incredible biodiversity and frequent sightings of the Srilankan leopards Yala is considered to have the world’s biggest concentration of leopards and that explains a lot about its immense popularity.

Our stay was on the shores of Tissa lake in tissamaharama about 30 minutes to Yala national park

Yala combines a strict nature reserve with a national park. Divided into 5 blocks, the park has a protected area of nearly 130,000 hectares of land consisting of light forests, scrubs, grasslands, tanks and lagoons. Only two blocks are currently opened to the public. Ironically, the park was used as a hunting ground for the elite under British rule.

Though the park itself is as beautiful as it gets, the safari experience here was quite underwhelming because of how the guides behave with the Leopards. While tourists can appreciate their efforts of going the extra mile to show you the elusive cat , we were disappointed how the poor leopard was mistreated. It appeared harassed by all the Gypsy’s that kept blocking his way constantly for hours. Definitely not a pleasant experience but if you can overlook that part, the Park has a stunning landscape and much more to appreciate than just chase a Leopard.

Our most memorable part about Yala though was something else – A Sunset Boat Safari we took on the Tissa lake for birdwatching. A true hidden gem and highly recommended. I have never seen so many birds in any other Safari and I have been to over a dozen now. The trees that line up the lake shore are filled with thousands of Bats yes you read that right, spooky for some may be but their sheer number and flying over your head during the sunset hours is unlike anything we had experienced so far.

Must-See Sights

• Yala National Park Safari: Embark on a safari tour to see elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and an array of bird species.
• Sunset Boat Safari on Tissa Lake for birdwatching
• Tissa Tank: A peaceful spot near Tissamaharama where you can enjoy the scenic views and tranquility.
• Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya: A sacred Hindu and Buddhist temple located near the park.

Day 5-7 Yala to Ahangama (3-4 Hours Drive)

From Tissamaharama , we drove further south towards Ahangama about 138 km with lunch pitstops at Tangalle and Dikwella. Have you even been to an island if you don’t beach hop ? The beautiful coastline dotted with coconut grooves, white sandy beaches , warm Indian ocean waters and splashing waves here are some of the best truly. I have to say this asian beaches are so much better than the pebbly European beaches.

By sunset , we made it to surfing capital of Srilanka, Ahangama a charming beach town known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful beaches, Surfers and some stunning boutique hotels. A short 30 minute drive will also take you to Mirissa , a laid-back coastal village known famous for whale viewing a must do activity when you are here. In fact you would cross Mirissa, if you take the same route as us but we were going here early next morning for our whale watching tour that was booked with Raja & the whales. This was recommended to us by my brother and it remains one of our finest memories till date. There are more tour t operators who could be cheaper but your chances also depend on a good knowledgeable operator plus safety, rated 4.7 on google we recommend them 100%.

Mirissa is the ideal place for whale and dolphin watching between the months of November to April, as the waters become a playground for a myriad of whales and dolphin species. Some of the most commonly spotted whales include sperm whales, killer whales, Bryde whales, short finned whales, while you’ll be able to see schools of bottlenose dolphins and striped dolphins as they playfully frolic around your boat ! However, the main star of the show is the BLUE WHALE – the largest animal in the world !

Did we see them , hell yes we saw Blue Whale 9 times on this trip and its a day I shall never forget. I would do this a second and even a third time in a heartbeat. These creatures are huge also so gentle. It was treat to see and appreciate our gorgeous planet.

Pro-tip : If you tend to get sea sickness which I get sometimes, keep your medicine with you or take them before you embark the ship.

Ahangama to Galle (30 Minutes Drive)

Post our leisurely breakfast the next day, we took a short drive to Galle which is only about 20 km away, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Sri Lanka’s most historic cities, known for its well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture and cobblestone streets.

The city was extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. The Galle fort is a World Heritage Site and is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. 

Traversing its cobblestone streets to visit the iconic Galle Fort, the famous Lighthouse , the city is a blend of old-world charm and modern-day vibrancy laced with with colonial structures that takes one back in time. Lined with the most chic boutique stores, Cafe’s and Restaurants you will find in Srilanka Galle is one of the best-preserved colonial-era cities in Asia that offers an immersive experience.

Wandering through its narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings, discovering its historic churches and museums, Galle was a design lovers dream. A treat to the eyes for a design and architecture enthusiast like me.

If you have a few days to explore Galle in depth, to discover the works of Geoffrey Bawa, the renowned and prolific architect, then we highly recommend staying at Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle.

Sights to Visit

• Mirissa Beach: A crescent-shaped beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
• Whale Watching: Mirissa is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for whale watching. Plan a boat tour to spot blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins.
• Coconut Tree Hill: Instagram popular viewpoint offering stunning three side views of the coastline framed by palm trees. I read somewhere this was a private property is now chargeable.
• Ahangama Beach: A quiet, less crowded beach perfect for relaxation and surfing.
• Kabalana Beach: A popular surf spot, often visited by locals and surfers from around the world.
• Sri Sudarshanaramaya Temple: A peaceful Buddhist temple set in a tranquil setting for the spiritual traveller.
• Galle Fort: Explore the old fort with its 17th-century Dutch architecture, watchtowers, and stunning ocean views.
• Galle Lighthouse: A picturesque lighthouse located within the Galle Fort, offering fantastic views of the Indian Ocean.
• National Maritime Museum: Learn about Sri Lanka’s rich maritime history, including its role in ancient trade routes.

Day 7 Departure from Colombo

After a leisurely breakfast , it was time for us to drive back to Colombo (about 2-2.5 hours). If time allows, stop at some of the coastal towns along the way like Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, the famous resort town of Bentota to enjoy the scenic beauty. Our flight was at night so we drove leisurely , pulled over on these pit stops to get some sun and sand one last time, break for lunch at the resort town of Bentota which is about 1.5 hours driving distance from Ahangama before our final touchdown to Colombo where we had to return our car. We still had some time to kill that night so we tried the famous casino’s at Colombo which was a mere waste and disappointment. I wish I just sat on the beach for another two hours instead

Final Thoughts !

With a little planning, a sense of adventure, and love for the open road, you’ll find that Sri Lanka offers endless opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences for every budget. Whether you’re a history buff, wildlife lover, or a beach enthusiast, this country is sure to leave you with lasting memories.

Whether you want to splurge on Luxury stays or roough it out as a backpacker , Srilanka has you covered.

A one week long trip isn’t enough to explore all of Sri Lanka but still offers a good introduction to its incredible blend of natural beauty, wildlife, culture, and cuisine. We made our itinerary keeping diverse experiences in mind which offers a bit of everything from the hills and tea gardens of Ella to the historic streets of Galle, scenic hikes to stunning beaches and abundant wildlife this itinerary lets you experience a bit of everything. This tiny island really offers something for everyone !