Sri Lanka in 7 days

Trip at a glance

Your first day

Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.

Day 1: Museum collections and central Colombo

Start with Sri Lankan history, cross the park and Independence Square, then visit a temple before dinner by the sea.

1
9:00 AMColombo National MuseumExplore the historical galleries at an unhurried pace, using the displays to put the rest of the trip in context.About 2 hours here
Admission LKR[fee]. Check public-holiday closure before visiting.
Walk 10 min
2
11:15 AMOptionalViharamahadevi ParkTake a shaded walk through the park, or skip this loop if you want more time in the museum.About 30 min here
Park admission: free · Public park, 8 AM to 6 PM; follow local notices.
Official fees: Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion BureauLast verified Nov 4, 2026
Taxi 15 min
3
12:00 PMIndependence Memorial HallLook closely at the carved pillars and stone lions, then walk around the square before lunch.About 30 min here
Visit the public square and exterior; the separate museum is not included here.
Walk 10 min
4
12:45 PMIndependence Arcade diningChoose an open restaurant in the arcade for lunch and a cool drink before the afternoon temple visit.About 1 hour 30 min here
Choose an open dining outlet and check the current menu.
Taxi 20 min
5
2:30 PMGangaramaya TempleVisit the temple respectfully, following local instructions on shoes, clothing and photography.About 2 hours 15 min here
Visitor admission LKR[fee]. Cover shoulders and knees; follow worship and photography instructions.
Taxi 20 min; allow a hotel break before the seafront
6
5:00 PMOptionalGalle Face GreenTake a gentle seafront walk before dinner, or rest longer if the museum and temple day has been enough.About 1 hour 15 min here
Public seafront; keep out of rough water and follow weather or access notices.
Walk 10 min
7
6:30 PMGalle Face food stallsMake dinner from a few freshly cooked dishes by the sea; choose an indoor meal nearby if rain closes the stalls.
Buy from open stalls; menus and availability vary with weather.

Before you go

Book these aheadColombo Fort Railway Station (day 3), Kandy Railway Station (day 6): timed tickets, or tickets that often sell out.
Choose the starting dayA Monday or Tuesday start normally puts the Kandy museum on an open day and avoids the tea museum Monday closure. Check public holidays before booking.
Book the two road transfersThe station pins are meeting landmarks for agreed driver pickups. Allow four hours each way and move afternoon plans if traffic runs late.
Protect the final flightReturn to Colombo on day six. Day seven suits a flight at 3:30 PM or later, with a 90-minute road allowance and at least four hours at the airport.
Keep the temple ticketThe official Temple of the Tooth visitor ticket includes the World Buddhist Museum. Buy from onsite machines and retain it for the included venues.
Keep outdoor stops flexibleCarry rain protection and water. The viewpoint and seafront walks can be skipped; use an indoor dinner if weather closes the Galle Face stalls.
Check current entry permissionObtain the ETA before arrival if that is your route. A free initial fee does not remove the application or border-document requirements.

Where to stay for this plan

Stay in Colombo for nights one and two, Kandy for nights three to five, and Colombo again for night six. Book the preceding arrival night in Colombo so you are ready for the 9 AM start on day one.

Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.

Plan last checked Nov 4, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.