One week in Sri Lanka

One week in Sri Lanka is just enough time to relax in one of the world’s most idyllic locations, whilst soaking in the incredible culture and atmosphere. Whether you’re planning on relaxing on a white sandy beach, or trekking through the jungle, Sri Lanka has something for everyone, no matter your requirements. See the unique Sri Lankan wildlife or sample the delicious Sri Lankan food and delicacies as you plunge into the adventure of a lifetime or simply escape from the stress of everyday life.

Best things to see and do for one week in Sri Lanka

What to see in one week

With so many amazing things to see and such a large area to cover, choosing what to see during a one week itinerary in Sri Lanka could be daunting without knowing the worthwhile spots. Luckily, we’ve selected some of the must-see sites to make sure you’re prepared for your trip. Visit Sigiriya to see the ancient ruins and an impressive rock fortress set into a stunning natural backdrop just waiting to be explored. Sri Lanka’s temples are among the most incredible in the world and the Dambulla Cave Temple is just one example. Head here to see a temple unlike anything you’ve seen before as the site is built into the incredible caves. The Temple of the Tooth is another phenomenal place to visit during a 7 day tour of Sri Lanka and you can see the ancient relic that is sacred for Buddhist worshipers. A visit to Galle is another must and here you can see Galle Fort on an excellent day trip before enjoying the city and its bustling sights and sounds. The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya are a great place to relax after a hard day of sightseeing and you’ll be able to appreciate their surreal beauty as you enjoy some local food and soak up the atmosphere.

What to do in one week

Sri Lanka’s huge number of national parks mean that you won’t have a dull moment during your one week Sri Lanka itinerary. Go on safari to see elephants, tigers and so much more as well as enjoying the breathtaking backdrop of the landscapes at Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park. Animal lovers will not want to miss out on the chance to get up close and personal with Sri Lanka’s most famous species at The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage where you can help to feed, bathe and care for the elephants. More active visitors should visit Adam’s Peak for excellent hiking routes and stunning scenery. Kandy Lake is beautiful and the perfect place to enjoy the Sri Lankan air whilst seeking out adventures. Why not visit a tea plantation where you can see how one of the country’s most famous exports is grown, picked and prepared? Take a train ride over the plantation before enjoying a tea tasting session.

Best time to travel to Sri Lanka for a week

Finding out the best time to travel to Sri Lanka is a difficult task, namely due to the fact that the country has two different monsoon seasons. Travelling between December and April is generally considered to be peak season, when most visitors flock to enjoy the warm, dry weather. Monsoon falls between May and August in the South and West of Sri Lanka and between October and January in the rest of the country. However, since the weather remains pleasant throughout the entire year and the monsoon rains rarely endure longer than an hour or two per day, Sri Lanka is widely seen as a year-round destination. Hindu New Year is in April and makes for a fantastic time to visit, with nationwide celebrations and festivals to be enjoyed. Whenever you do decide to visit Sri Lanka for your one week trip, you are sure to have an unforgettable time.