Itinerary overview

5-Day Classic Triangle, Hills and Beach Sri Lanka Itinerary

Balanced first-time route linking heritage hubs, tea-country scenery, and south-coast downtime. Designed for March travel with 3 traveler(s), 5 days, and a budget budget style. The plan keeps transfer pacing realistic while emphasizing culture and tea-country depth.

First-time Sri Lanka travelersBalanced paceCulture and scenery mixCultural sitesTea countryFood

Day 1

Arrive and settle in Negombo

Arrival -> Negombo | Approx drive: 0.5-1 hrs

Activities

Temple and heritage site sequence with context breaks
Lagoon-side boat session with village context
Mix landmark visits with practical transfer windows

Stay area: Negombo

Budget beach guesthouse near Negombo shore (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Negombo activities.

Comfortable coastal boutique stay (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Negombo.

Elegant oceanfront stay with curated experiences (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Negombo stay.

Day 2

Transfer to Sigiriya with focused highlights

Negombo -> Sigiriya | Approx drive: 3.5-4.5 hrs

Activities

Keep evenings flexible for rest and local dining
Tea-estate walk and tasting with scenic transfer windows
Sigiriya rock entry window in cooler hours

Stay area: Sigiriya

Value stay close to village dining options (Budget)

Check safari lodges near Sigiriya

Practical value-focused base with easy access to Sigiriya activities.

Mid-range nature hotel with pool and garden (Mid)

Check safari lodges near Sigiriya

Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Sigiriya.

Premium nature retreat with guided excursions (Luxury)

Check safari lodges near Sigiriya

Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Sigiriya stay.

Day 3

Transfer to Kandy with focused highlights

Sigiriya -> Kandy | Approx drive: 2.5-3.5 hrs

Activities

Use one deeper day in each major region
Old-town walk paired with regional food recommendations
Lakefront promenade and market exploration

Stay area: Kandy

Simple city rooms near transport links (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Kandy activities.

Comfort-focused hotel with practical transfer support (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Kandy.

Luxury hillside resort with panoramic views (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Kandy stay.

Transfer to Ella with focused highlights

Kandy -> Ella | Approx drive: 4-5.5 hrs

Activities

Nine Arches Bridge timing window and viewpoint planning
Mix landmark visits with practical transfer windows
Temple and heritage site sequence with context breaks

Stay area: Ella

Budget hillside guesthouse near Ella town (Budget)

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Practical value-focused base with easy access to Ella activities.

Comfortable Ella stay with easy trail access (Mid)

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Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Ella.

High-end hillside villa experience (Luxury)

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Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Ella stay.

Day 5

Transfer to Mirissa with focused highlights

Ella -> Mirissa | Approx drive: 3.5-4.5 hrs

Activities

Optional seasonal whale-watching slot
Keep evenings flexible for rest and local dining
Tea-estate walk and tasting with scenic transfer windows

Stay area: Mirissa

Affordable coastal stay with local cafe access (Budget)

See beach resorts in Mirissa

Practical value-focused base with easy access to Mirissa activities.

Mid-range coastal hotel with pool (Mid)

See beach resorts in Mirissa

Balanced comfort and location for smooth pacing around Mirissa.

Premium Mirissa resort with curated dining (Luxury)

See beach resorts in Mirissa

Premium facilities and service depth for a high-comfort Mirissa stay.

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Estimated Budget (USD)

USD 1050 - USD 1950

Budget range is directional guidance and changes by travel dates, inventory, and transport style.
Room categories and transfer method can materially change final totals.
Confirm live supplier availability before making payment decisions.

Important Disclaimers

Drive durations are estimates and can vary with traffic, weather, and road conditions.
Accommodation options and inclusions are examples for planning, not guaranteed inventory.
Use this itinerary as planning guidance and validate final logistics before booking.

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