Are you dreaming of exploring the beautiful island of Sri Lanka but not sure where to start? Whether you’re traveling on a budget, love the thrill of planning your own adventures, or simply can’t travel with SL VOYO this time, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Our expert tips and step-by-step guidance will ensure you have an amazing experience exploring Sri Lanka, creating memories you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
At SL VOYO, we offer the best tours in Sri Lanka, categorized into three types: one-day tours, group tours, and premier tours. We hope this blog gives you insight into how we create our tours and why we love designing them!
After landing at CMB Airport, you have a couple of options depending on your journey. If you’re feeling tired from travel, you might want to relax in Negombo, the city where the airport is located. Alternatively, you can take a quick 30-minute ride to Colombo and rest there.
If you have a longer trip planned and you’ve arrived in the afternoon or night, consider spending your first night in a comfy hotel in either Negombo or Colombo to recharge. On the other hand, if you have a shorter trip or feel up to it, pick your first destination and head there directly to settle in and relax. This approach ensures you start your adventure well-rested and ready to explore Sri Lanka.
For more ideas on how to spend your time in these cities, check out our other blogs on Top Things to Do in Negombo and Top Things to Do in Colombo.
This decision depends on how you like to travel and the interests of the people you’re travelling with. Let’s think about it together. Are you a traveller? If so, grab a pen and paper and answer this first question: Do you want to see culture first or just relax?
If you want to learn about Sri Lanka’s culture and history before enjoying nature and ending your trip on a beach, then the Northern Route is the best choice for you. This route will take you to cultural and historical sites, letting you experience Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.
If you prefer an easier journey with quick access to multiple cities, the Southern Route is perfect. This route has a highway that makes it easy to move from city to city, with lots of beaches and activities. It’s the most popular choice for travellers who want to relax and enjoy a shorter trip.
At SL VOYO, we’ve found that combining both routes into one itinerary can make the trip even better. Oops, just gave away a secret! We might have lost a few travellers joining us! But let’s take a closer look at what each route offers.
After resting in Colombo or Negombo, you’ve decided to take the Northern Route to explore culture and history. Your next destination is Kandy, which serves as a transit point on this route. Kandy is one of the main cities in Sri Lanka and is home to the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha.
On your way to Kandy, you can stop at the famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage for a short tour. This visit can be completed in a few hours and offers a unique experience with these majestic animals.
From Kandy, you can travel to key locations such as Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella, all shown on the map. Take some time to explore Kandy and decide where you would like to go next on your cultural and historical journey.
For more information on what to do in these cities, check out our other blogs:
We also offer a variety of one-day tours and activities in these destinations to enhance your experience:
Explore our curated tours and activities to make the most of your visit!
After resting in Negombo or Colombo, you can head straight to the beaches you prefer or visit the cities you’re interested in, as shown on the map. Unlike the Northern Route where Kandy serves as a transit hub, the Southern Route offers easy access via the southern highway, allowing you to choose your preferred city as a transit point and visit other locations from there.
When choosing your transit city, make sure it’s close to the other locations you want to visit. Plan your route so you can move from city to city without having to backtrack. Many travellers make the mistake of going back and forth, wasting time and money. The only time you should pass through those cities again is when you’re heading back to the airport.
From the highway, you can travel to destinations like Galle, Mirissa, and Yala. In these locations, you can enjoy various activities such as water sports (surfing, snorkelling, diving) and safaris to watch whales, elephants, leopards, and birds.
For more information on what to do in these cities and the best beaches in Sri Lanka, check out our other blogs:
We also offer a variety of one-day tours and activities in these destinations to enhance your experience:
Explore our curated tours and activities to make the most of your visit!
I hope you enjoy creating this itinerary as much as we do! If you encounter any issues while planning your trip, please contact us for details or read our blog for additional information. Our team will reply as soon as possible, but please remember that our SL VOYO travellers are our top priority!
To help you plan, we have developed a theory called clockwise and counterclockwise routes, which you will understand better with the images provided. The key is to pick a city where you can connect the Northern and Southern routes. Yes, it might seem a little complicated, and some travellers have even had to reschedule flights. Let us show you an example.
Ella is located neither strictly in the Northern nor Southern route but is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Sri Lanka. Here’s how to connect the routes:
For example, from the Northern Route, we mentioned that Kandy is a transit point. Kandy also offers one of the most scenic train rides in the world, from Kandy to Ella, which includes the famous Nine Arch Bridge. From the Southern Route, you can reach Ella from Yala. This way, the routes are linked together, allowing you to travel from the beach to Ella to Kandy, or vice versa, and then connect to other Northern or Southern cities.
Remember to consider the number of days you have scheduled for the trip. Some travellers pack too many cities into their itinerary or do not consider the duration of tours and transportation time.
Now that you have chosen your travel routes, the next step is to pick your favourite destinations. This part can be tricky and needs some time to get right. If you’re planning your trip yourself, it might feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’re here to help. Make sure you give yourself enough time to plan everything properly.
At SL VOYO, “Sri Lanka’s Premier Travel Experience,” we know how to pick the best destinations for our travellers. Here are some simple tips to help you choose your favourite spots:
By following these tips, you can create a great itinerary that you’ll enjoy. Happy planning, and remember, we’re always here to help if you need any advice or assistance!
After deciding on the locations you want to visit, it’s time to create a calendar to organize your trip. Here’s how you can do it:
Travellers are at different stages in their lives, and so their budgets for trips can vary. However, remember that in the long run, spending a little extra is often worth it, especially since Sri Lanka is one of the most affordable places to travel.
Here are some tips to help you estimate the prices of your trip:
By carefully planning and budgeting, you can enjoy a fantastic trip to Sri Lanka without breaking the bank.
Robust partnerships with hotels, airlines, and local vendors across multiple destinations, allow us to secure unparalleled deals and discounts, all of which we extend to our customers to maximize the value of your travel budget.
What is it?
Google Ranked #1, the Heartfelt Expedition is a unique tour that invites tourists to personally engage in charitable events from the perspective of a local donor. Participants will be involved in school initiatives, elderly adoption, and community assistance throughout Sri Lanka.
Discover authentic culture and make a difference by helping local communities.
