The Best 7-Day Sri Lanka Trip Itinerary for December to March

A well-planned Sri Lanka Trip Itinerary helps you get to know the country in a short time without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The period from December to March is the most popular season for foreign travellers because the West Coast, South Coast, and Hill Country enjoy dry weather. Roads remain reliable, sea conditions stay calm, and wildlife parks operate under stable conditions. Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority data shows strong demand for four to seven-night trips during this season, especially among first-time visitors. Reviews and booking patterns consistently highlight a route combining culture & heritage, hill country scenery, nature & wildlife, and popular beaches as the most rewarding option.

This ultimate 7-day Sri Lanka Trip Itinerary follows the same layout, pacing, and structure used in long-form Sri Lanka itinerary guides. Each day is divided into morning, afternoon, and evening sections. Travel times remain realistic, and experiences flow naturally from region to region. The journey begins and ends at Bandaranaike International Airport with an evening departure on Day 7.

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Title: The Best 7-Day Sri Lanka Trip Itinerary for December to March

Destination: Sri Lanka, round trip starting from Negombo or Colombo and finishing at Bandaranaike International Airport.

Total duration: 7 days and 6 nights

Arrival and departure airport: Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo

Best travel season: December to March

Travel theme: Cultural heritage, hill country, scenic travel, urban life, nature, wildlife safari, and South Coast beaches

Pace: The pace stays steady, so you enjoy each stop without rushing from one place to the next. Suitable for first-time visitors

Transport: A private car with a driver is the simplest option for the entire route. One scenic train ride in the Hill Country strengthens the experience.

This Sri Lanka travel itinerary moves from the West Coast to the Cultural Triangle, climbs into the central highlands, crosses tea country by train, includes a wildlife safari, and finishes along the southern coastline. The route avoids backtracking and keeps daily road travel manageable. Each destination offers a clear contrast in climate, culture, and landscape, which keeps the journey engaging throughout the week.

Negombo Beach During Sunset (Photo: Nisal Rajapakshe, via Pexels)

• Day 1: Arrival and Negombo or Colombo overnight.
• Day 2: Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya area.
• Day 3: Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Kandy.
• Day 4: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya through tea country.
• Day 5: Hill country train journey and Ella.
• Day 6: Safari experience and the South Coast.
• Day 7: South Coast, Galle Fort, and evening departure.

• Airport to Negombo: Around 30 minutes
• Airport to Colombo city: Around 45 to 60 minutes
• Negombo or Colombo to Sigiriya area: Around 4 to 5 hours, including comfort stops
• Sigiriya to Kandy: Around 3 hours
• Kandy to Nuwara Eliya: Around 3 to 4 hours due to winding mountain roads
• Nanu Oya to Ella by train: Around 2 to 3 hours
• Ella to Yala or Udawalawe: Around 2 to 3 hours
• Safari park to South Coast: Around 2 to 3 hours
• South Coast to Colombo Airport: Around 2 to 3 hours

Old Parliament Building – Colombo (Photo: Thilina Alagiyawanna, via Pexels)

Morning

You arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport. Immigration and baggage collection usually take one to two hours during peak season. After exiting the terminal, you meet your driver and begin the short transfer to Negombo or Colombo. Negombo is best for most travellers due to its short transfer time (around 30 minutes) and relaxed coastal setting. Colombo suits travellers arriving early in the morning who prefer a brief city introduction.

Afternoon

After hotel check-in, the afternoon remains light to allow for recovery from long flights. In Negombo, a slow walk along the beach introduces fishing activity and coastal life. In Colombo, a short city loop around Galle Face Green, Independence Square, and nearby streets provides context without fatigue.

Evening

Dinner stays simple and early. Seafood curries in Negombo or a mild rice-and-curry in Colombo work well. Make sure to keep meals light after your flight. Early rest prepares you for the next day’s inland travel.

Overnight

Negombo or Colombo

Suggested hotel areas in Negombo: Beach Road, Poruthota Road, or the central beach strip. Hotels range from budget rooms to boutique resorts.

• Where to Stay in Negombo
• Where to Stay in Colombo

Buddha Statues – Dambulla Cave Temple (Photo: Philip Nalangan, CC BY 4.0)

Morning

You depart early to avoid city traffic and cover distance efficiently. Breakfast stops along the main road offer fruit, roti, and tea. It will take around 3.5 hours to reach the Dambulla and Sigiriya area. The first cultural highlight is the Dambulla Cave Temple. The cave complex (five caves) features ancient murals and statues that span centuries of Buddhist worship. Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest and best-preserved cave temple complexes in Asia.

Opening hours of Dambulla Cave Temple: From 7.00 am to 7.00 pm (every day).

Visitors must wear modest clothing with shoulders and knees covered. Shoes remain outside. One to two hours allows a comfortable visit and time to enjoy the views from the temple grounds.

Afternoon

After Dambulla, the drive continues towards the Sigiriya region. You check into your hotel and enjoy lunch. Afternoon hours suit rest or a gentle village walk through the surrounding farmland, which introduces irrigation systems and rural routines.

Evening

Wild Elephants in Kaudulla National Park (Photo: David Stanley, CC BY 2.0)

Late afternoon offers the option of a jeep safari at nearby parks such as Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. This tour is a good option for your first wildlife safari in Sri Lanka. These parks are linked to herds of elephants and open grassland near reservoirs. The best park for elephant spotting shifts with the seasons. Your driver tracks daily reports. Your safari takes 2-3 hours.

In Minneriya National Park, elephants dominate sightings during peak months. Other mammals include spotted deer, monkeys, boar, and small predators. Birds include pelicans, storks, eagles, and kingfishers. Reptiles include monitors and aquatic snakes.

In Kaudulla National Park, elephants remain the primary attraction. Other species include deer, monkeys, raptors, reptiles, and waders. Travellers who skip the safari may enjoy sunset views near Sigiriya Rock or relax at the hotel.

The opening hours of the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks: From 6.00 am to 6.00 pm (every day).

Overnight

Sigiriya or Habarana area

Stay near a lake or paddy field for a peaceful environment. Choose a lodge near Sigiriya Road, Inamaluwa, or Kimbissa for quick access to the sites.

Frescoes in Sigiriya (Photo: Yves Picq, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Morning

You set out early in the morning for Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of the most recognised attractions in Sri Lanka. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Early entry avoids heat and crowds. The climb includes landscaped water gardens, ancient frescoes, mirror walls, and summit ruins. Two to three hours allows for a steady, comfortable visit.

Opening hours of Sigiriya: From 5.00 am to 6.30 pm (every day), the Precos area closes at 5.45 pm.

Afternoon

After descending, you drive towards Kandy. It will take around 3 hours to reach Kandy. A brief stop at the National Spice Garden in Matale introduces cinnamon, pepper, and medicinal plants. Lunch takes place en route or after arrival.

Opening hours of the National Spice Garden: Monday from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Tuesday-Friday from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm.

Evening

Kandy – Temple of Tooth Relic (Photo: A.Savin)

You visit the Temple of the Tooth, the country’s spiritual heart. Dress rules and security procedures apply. A walk around Kandy Lake or a cultural dance performance provides a calm end to the day.

Opening hours of the Temple of the Tooth: From 5.30 am to 8.00 pm (every day).

Overnight

Kandy

Check in near the lake or on a nearby hill.

Try a traditional rice-and-curry set or a simple soup if you feel tired.

Morning

The day begins with a visit to Kandy Market, where vendors sell fruit, vegetables, spices, and daily goods. This visit offers insight into local food culture before leaving the city. The drive towards tea country begins soon after. It will take around 3-4 hours to reach Nuwara Eliya. The Central Highlands of Sri Lanka are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afternoon

The road climbs through misty hills and plantation landscapes. A tea plantation and factory visit explains plucking, processing, grading, and export practices of the iconic Ceylon Tea. Tea tasting usually follows. Lunch takes place along the route or after arrival.

Evening

Nuwara Eliya Post Office (Photo: A.Savin)

Arrival in Nuwara Eliya introduces cooler temperatures and colonial-era architecture. Evening walks near Gregory Lake or quiet streets suit the calm mountain atmosphere. Warm meals feel more comfortable due to the climate.

AllTrails Map – Gregory’s Lake Loop (4.5 km)

Overnight

Nuwara Eliya

If you stop in Nuwara Eliya, choose a hotel near Gregory Lake or the tea estates. Drink a pot of local Ceylon Tea. Try a simple curry or roti meal in Nuwara Eliya.

Morning

Kandy to Ella Train over the Nine Arches Bridge (Photo: Yves Alarie)

After breakfast, you transfer to Nanu Oya railway station to board the famous hill country train to Ella. It is one of the best scenic train rides in the world. Advance seat reservations work best from December to March, especially second-class reserved seats.

Afternoon

The train journey passes tea estates, mountains, valleys, tunnels, and bridges, offering uninterrupted views of the highlands. It usually takes around 2-3 hours. Arrival in Ella takes place around midday or early afternoon. After lunch, you visit Nine Arches Bridge during a quieter period.

• AllTrails Map – Nine Arch Bridge from Ella Rd (1.9 km)
• AllTrails Map – Nine Arch Bridge (1.3 km)

Evening

Optional walks through Ella town or hikes to Little Adam’s Peak offer panoramic views. Cafes and small restaurants create a relaxed evening setting.

• AllTrails Map – Little Adam’s Peak (1.4 km)
• AllTrails Map – Little Adam’s Peak and Lookout (2.9 km)

Overnight

Ella

Pick a guesthouse with a view of the hills and valley. Many small cafes offer rice bowls, curries, and baked goods.

Leopards in Yala National Park (Photo: Nalaka Priyantha)

Morning

You will be leaving Ella early to cover ground efficiently. The drive descends from cool hills towards warmer lowlands. Breakfast usually takes place en route. The drive usually takes around 2-3 hours.

Afternoon

You arrive at the selected wildlife park for an afternoon safari. Two parks suit this Sri Lanka itinerary. Yala National Park offers a variety of ecosystems and leopard habitat. Udawalawe National Park focuses on elephant sightings in open terrain—Safaris last three to four hours, guided by experienced naturalists.

Yala National Park is a large park with varied wildlife. It is known for the highest leopard density in the world, and therefore, leopard sightings draw interest. Yala National Park supports leopard, elephant, sloth bear, spotted deer, sambar, buffalo, jackal, boar, and macaque. Bird life includes peafowl, eagles, kites, owls, bee-eaters, storks, herons, and several endemic species. Reptiles include mugger crocodiles, pythons, cobras, and land monitors. Amphibians gather near pools and shaded streams.

Elephants in Udawalawe National Park (Photo: Nalaka Priyantha)

Udawalawe National Park is home to elephants, deer, buffalo, jackals, boar, and several small mammals. Bird life includes eagles, kites, owls, bee-eaters, and storks. Reptiles include crocodiles and land monitors. The park is relatively smaller and easier to cover. Tracks drain faster after showers.

Opening hours of Yala and Udawalawe National Parks: From 6.00 am to 6.00 pm (every day).

Evening

After the safari, you continue towards the South Coast. It will take around 2-3 hours. Arrival takes place in Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, or Hiriketiya. Evening hours suit beach walks, swimming, and relaxed dining.

Overnight

South Coast

Check in at your beach hotel. Eat seafood or a simple rice dish. Sleep early for possible whale watching the next day.

Whales in Sri Lanka (Photo: rhythmicdiaspora, CC BY 2.0)

Morning

Early risers may join a whale watching tour from Mirissa during peak season. Calm seas and regular sightings define the December to March period. Travellers preferring a slower start may enjoy beach time or a beginner surf lesson in Weligama.

Afternoon

You drive towards Galle. It will take around 0.5-1.5 hours, depending on the beach you have stayed at. The Galle Fort offers rampart walks, museums, cafes, and boutique streets within a compact area. Allow 2 to 3 hours for relaxed exploration and lunch.

Evening

You begin the final leg of the transfer to Colombo. It will take around 2-3 hours to reach the airport. Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport aligns with evening international departures.

Lighthouse – Galle Fort (Photo: Samal Nadeeshan, CC BY-SA 4.0)

Accommodation choices affect comfort and pacing. Negombo hotels near the beach make arrival easier. Sigiriya and Habarana eco lodges reduce early morning travel. Hotels in the Kandy lake area improve walkability, while hillside stays offer quieter settings. Nuwara Eliya suits colonial hotels and tea estate bungalows. Ella guesthouses provide access to trails and cafes. South Coast resorts and guesthouses offer beach access and dining options.

Sri Lankan cuisine varies by region. Coastal areas highlight seafood such as the famous Hot Butter Cuttlefish and coconut-based dishes. Inland regions focus on rice, vegetables, lentils, and spices. Hill-country meals feel heartier in cooler weather. Ella offers both local and international options. Fresh fruit and simple meals remain widely available.

Village walks near Sigiriya reveal farming practices. Markets in Kandy show daily trade. Tea estate visits explain plantation life. The train journey highlights rural connectivity. Safaris introduce conservation challenges. Galle Fort supports local crafts and heritage businesses.

Udawalawe may replace Yala for easier timing. Skipping safari allows an extra beach night. Arrival and departure stays may adjust based on flight schedules.

Sunny Day – Mirissa Beach (Photo: Tatiana Kachanovetskaia)

Entry Fees

Sigiriya, Dambulla, Minneriya, Kaudulla, Yala, Udawalawe, and other national parks require tickets to be purchased at the gate. You can also book national park permits/tickets online through the Wildlife Park Permits Reservation eService.

Carry cash or a card.

See ticket prices for Sigiriya, Pidurangala Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple, Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Ritigala Forest Monastery, and Polonnaruwa.

Opening Hours

Temples and heritage sites open in the morning and close by sunset. National parks have fixed slots for jeep entry.

Dress Code

Shoulders and knees must be covered inside temples. Remove shoes and hats near sacred spaces.

Transport Tips

Book the scenic train as early as possible. Private drivers help with flexible stops.

Online Train Ticket Booking: Online Advance Train Seats Reservation from the Sri Lanka Railways Official Page.

If you plan to visit Sri Lanka, it is advisable to read the Transport in Sri Lanka: The Best Guide.

Surfing – Weligama Beach (Photo: Inna Rabotyagina)

December to March brings clear skies to the West and South Coasts and cool weather to the hill country. Coastal temperatures range from 28 to 32 degrees Celsius. Hill country nights drop to 12-18 degrees Celsius.

Packing essentials

• Light cotton or linen clothing.
• One light jumper or a fleece for high-country evenings.
• A wide-brimmed hat.
• Sunglasses.
• A camera.
• Swimwear and a quick-drying towel.
• Walking shoes.
• Sandals for the beach.
• A light jacket.
• Sunscreen with high SPF.
• Insect repellent.
• A compact umbrella or light rain jacket.
• Reusable water bottles.
• Modest temple attire (A scarf or shawl).

If you plan to visit Sri Lanka, it is better to read up on the weather and the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is recommended. It is a secure coverage for medical care and outdoor activities.

Local Safety

Wildlife rules must be followed strictly during safaris. Do not feed wild animals. Avoid swimming in rough seas. Use mosquito protection in the evenings.

Hospitals

Major hospitals sit in Colombo, Kandy, and Galle. Smaller hospitals serve other towns. Emergency numbers in Sri Lanka include 119 for police and 1990 for medical emergencies.

Budget stays range from 25 to 40 USD per night. Mid-range stays range from 60 to 120 USD. Luxury stays rise above 150 USD. Meals range from 3 USD at simple cafes to 20 USD at restaurants. Transport by private car costs 45-60 USD per day. Train tickets vary by class. Entrance fees range between 10 and 65 USD.

* All prices are subject to change.

Unawatuna Beach (Photo: Chathura Anuradha Subasinghe)

• Support small businesses.
• Buy from local markets.
• Respect dress codes in sacred places.
• Use refillable bottles and say no to single-use plastic when possible. Many cafés and hotels on this route now offer refill points and rely less on small plastic bottles. Dispose of waste responsibly.
• In wildlife areas, choose operators with clear ethics. Look for park briefings, limits on the number of jeeps per sighting, and strong respect for animal space.
• Do not feed wild animals.
• Choose whale watching operators who follow safe guidelines and respect marine life.

You move through a compact but varied set of experiences.

• Dambulla Cave Temple
• Sunrise climb at Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
• Tea country drive to Nuwara Eliya
• Scenic hill country train journey to Ella
• Wildlife safari in Yala or Udawalawe National Park
• South Coast beaches and Galle Fort

These are some of the most popular attractions in Sri Lanka for travellers who visit Sri Lanka during the December to March season. This Sri Lanka Trip Itinerary combines culture, heritage, landscapes, nature, wildlife, and the coast into a short, efficient route.

Your 7-day journey keeps a steady pace from start to finish. You experience the key things to do in Sri Lanka without rushing between regions. The itinerary ends with warm weather on the South Coast and a smooth evening return to Colombo, making this Sri Lanka Trip Itinerary ideal for a one-week holiday during peak season.

Featured image: An Ancient Kingdom – Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Photo: Polina Kocheva, via Unsplash)

Nalaka Priyantha

I am a Sri Lankan medical doctor who spends my free time travelling, exploring new destinations, and documenting the beauty of the island I call home. I have journeyed across almost every corner of Sri Lanka with my wife and daughter — from wildlife parks and misty mountains to ancient cities, deep forests, rugged landscapes, and quiet beaches.

Travel is not just a hobby for me — it’s a way of life. I love nature, enjoy road trips, and find joy in wildlife photography. I also read widely about tourism, travel trends, and destination culture. Through my writing, I aim to help travellers experience Sri Lanka through real stories, meaningful insights, and honest recommendations — the same way I explore it with my own family.