Day 1
To Sri Lanka
Your trip starts today. You fly to Sri Lanka. Depending on the flights, you may travel via Istanbul, Dubai, Muscat or another hub.
Stay: /
Travel concept
Sri Lanka by TukTuk
An adventurous journey through Sri Lanka with your own TukTuk, temples, tea country, safari and coast.
Day 2
Arrival in Sri Lanka
Today you arrive in Sri Lanka and get a first feel for what the country has to offer. You stay in Negombo, where you can already go out for a gentle first exploration.
Stay: Negombo
Day 3
Start of the TukTuk adventure
Today you pick up your TukTuk. The rental team gives you an introduction to driving it and goes out on the road with you, so you can get used to the traffic and this unique three-wheeler with someone by your side. Once you feel comfortable, you set off safely with the necessary documents.
You drive to the former royal capital of Kurunegala, with time to visit the city and the Athugala Viharaya temple on the hill.
Stay: Kurunegala
Day 4 & 5
Towards UNESCO heritage
You drive through Sri Lanka’s beautiful landscapes to Anuradhapura, known for the ruins of the ancient Sinhalese civilisation and as an important Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Take your time to explore this impressive city and visit the striking Mihintale rock.
Stay: the edge of Anuradhapura
Day 6 & 7
Back towards the south
If you decide not to include the north-east, you start heading south again today. You drive to Dambulla, where you visit the impressive cave temple. The next morning, get up early for sunrise from Pidurangala Rock, with a beautiful view of Sigiriya Rock. Later in the day, you can also choose to visit Sigiriya itself.
Stay: Dambulla
Day 8
Visit Kandy
Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s best-known places, especially because of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It is also one of the busier places in the country, so you only stay here briefly. You still have time to visit a few unique temples in the area.
Stay: Kandy
Day 9
Into the highlands
You continue further south and from now on the road climbs. Along the way, you can make an extra detour to the Ambuluwawa Tower, a very photogenic stop. Afterwards, you continue into the mountains with several possible stops: a walk at Peacock Hill, Ramboda Falls or anything else that catches your eye. With your TukTuk, you have the freedom to stop wherever you like.
Stay: On the road
Day 10 & 11
Tea, tea and endless views
The views become more impressive every day. You drive deeper into the mountains, with a stop at a tea estate to see the plantations up close and taste excellent tea. Maybe add a local high tea too. You end in Nuwara Eliya, a unique mountain town that suddenly feels a little like England, with cooler temperatures, colonial-style houses and cricket being played in the park.
You stay here for three nights, so you can slow down, enjoy the peace and visit Horton Plains for the walk to World’s End.
Stay: Nuwara Eliya
Day 12
Hop on the train
A must-do in Sri Lanka? The mountain train. Today your TukTuk is picked up and you take the train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, where your TukTuk will be waiting for you again. Enjoy the incredible views from the train and try to get a spot near the open door.
Stay: Ella
Day 13 & 14
Chilled vibes and nature in Ella
Ella is Sri Lanka’s backpacker hotspot. You stay here for three nights, giving you time to discover the highlights nearby: Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock, the Nine Arches Bridge and more. The many restaurants and bars complete the atmosphere.
Stay: Ella
Day 15
South coast, here we come
You drive all the way towards Sri Lanka’s south coast. Along the way you can make several fun stops. Still in the mood for waterfalls? Or would you rather go for a walk? Both are possible.
Stay: Palatupana
Day 16
Swap the TukTuk for a safari jeep
Today you do not need the TukTuk, because you swap it for a safari vehicle with a ranger who takes you into Yala National Park. Here you may spot elephants, leopards, toucans and plenty of other wildlife. Ready for a safari day?
Stay: Palatupana
Day 17
Discovering the south coast
Time for the beach. Today you drive along Sri Lanka’s beautiful south coast, where there are too many impressive beaches to stop at them all. Which one will you choose?
Stay: Tangalle beach
Day 18
Beach and culture
You continue exploring the coast, with possible stops in Mirissa, Hummanaya, Mawella and more. There is plenty to choose from. You end the day in Galle, a southern city known for its 16th-century Portuguese fort and for Unawatuna Beach on the other side of the bay.
Stay: Galle
Day 19
Exploring Galle
Take your time to discover Galle and the surrounding area. Visit the fort, go snorkelling at Unawatuna and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Stay: Galle
Day 20
Back to familiar ground and goodbye to the TukTuk
Today you drive back to Negombo. On the way you can visit beaches along the west coast, or stop in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital. In the evening, you return the TukTuk.
Stay: Negombo
Day 21
Time to relax
Today you can enjoy the beach in Negombo, shop for souvenirs in the nearby stores and make the most of the delicious food. A perfect slow final day.
Stay: Negombo
Day 22
Homeward bound
Sadly, it is time to go home. Today you head to the airport and fly back with unforgettable memories in your pocket.
Stay: /
Practical
Possible extensions
- Hatton for Adam’s Peak.
- North-eastern Sri Lanka: discover one of the least visited parts of the country.
Ready to go?
Ready to plan your Sri Lanka adventure?
I will gladly help you turn this route into a realistic, safe and comfortable trip that fits your travel style.
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