3-Day Sri Lanka Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Sri Lanka tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaSri Lanka travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Sri Lanka, incl. Colombo and Kandy

  A captivating 3-day route through 5 major destinations: Colombo, Kandy, Pinnawala, Peradeniya, and Ramboda. Visit UNESCO sites, meet elephants, stroll botanical gardens, and watch traditional dance shows. Approx. $170 per day including luxury accommodation.

  

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  • Day 1

    Colombo to Kandy via Pinnawala

    Leave Colombo airport early to avoid traffic on your 2.5-hour drive to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Plan to arrive for the 9:15 AM feeding session where you can watch and help bottle-feed baby elephants. The grounds get muddy so pack sturdy shoes, especially during monsoon season. A recent visitor shared: "Watching the orphaned elephants being cared for was incredible - try to arrive for the morning feeding time when they're most active." Drive an hour to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. Early afternoon is ideal for visiting the orchid house when flowers are in full bloom. The 147-acre grounds have limited shade so bring water and sun protection. Stop by the spice garden to learn about Sri Lanka's renowned cinnamon and cardamom production. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy between 5:30-7:00 PM during evening pooja. This sacred Buddhist site requires modest dress. Women need a shawl for shoulders and everyone must take off their shoes before entering.

    
  • Day 2

    Kandy Waterfalls & Tea Country

    Take an early 1.5-hour drive to Ramboda Falls. October and November offer the most impressive water flow. A short but steep 15-minute hike leads to the upper viewpoint. The path gets slippery so wear shoes with good grip. Visit a tea factory between 10 AM-2 PM to see production in full swing. You'll follow tea's journey from leaf to cup. The mountain roads offer beautiful views but pack motion sickness medicine if you need it. Back in Kandy catch the 5 PM cultural dance show. The hour-long performance features traditional Kandyan dance and ends with fire-walking. Sit in the middle section for the best view.

    
  • Day 3

    Kandy to Colombo Airport

    Time your departure around your flight schedule. The drive takes 3-4 hours but allow 5-6 hours for traffic delays near Kandy and Colombo. For morning flights leave Kandy by 4 AM. Consider stopping at a spice garden on the Kandy-Colombo road to learn about ayurvedic medicine and buy authentic Ceylon cinnamon.

    

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• 3 Day Sri Lanka's Hill Country Itinerary, incl. Nuwara Eliya and Kandy

  The cultural circuit spans 5 major destinations: Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains, Kandy, and Pinnawala. Admire UNESCO Temple of the Tooth, colonial architecture, and wildlife at Galway's Land National Park. Daily breakfast included at boutique hotels.

  

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  • Day 1

    Colombo to Nuwara Eliya

    Leave Colombo early to beat traffic on your 5-6 hour drive to Nuwara Eliya. Stop at Ramboda Falls along the way but bring sturdy shoes since the viewing path gets slippery in monsoon season. Plan your tea factory visit between 8 AM-2 PM to see the production process in action. Once in Nuwara Eliya, visit Victoria Park in the late afternoon. This is a perfect time to join local families and enjoy cooler temperatures.

    
  • Day 2

    Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains

    Get up early around 5:30 AM for the World's End hike at Horton Plains National Park. A recent visitor shared: "The morning fog usually clears by 9 AM – get there early or you'll miss the incredible valley views." After the hike, check out Ambewela Farm, nicknamed "Little New Zealand" for its dairy production. Spend your afternoon exploring Nuwara Eliya's colonial buildings, including the Tudor-style Grand Hotel and red-brick post office. Take a walk around Gregory Lake, but pack a light jacket since temperatures can drop to 10°C even during the day.

    
  • Day 3

    Kandy and Return to Colombo

    Start your 2.5-hour drive to Kandy early in the morning. Visit the Temple of the Tooth before 8 AM to avoid crowds and heat. The Royal Botanical Gardens are best in mid-morning. You'll want to see the giant Java Fig tree and orchid house. On your way to Colombo, stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Try to time your visit with the elephant bathing sessions at 10 AM or 2 PM. The final drive to Colombo airport takes about 3 hours. If you're traveling between 4-7 PM, add extra time for rush hour traffic.

    

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• 3 Days in Sri Lanka, incl. Sigiriya and Kandy

  The 3-day tour takes you through 7 major destinations spanning 213km. Marvel at UNESCO sites like Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple, meet elephants at Pinnawala orphanage, visit Kandy's Temple of Tooth, and brave Kitulgala's rapids. Accommodations provided at The Otunna Guest House and Delphin Hotel.

  

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  • Day 1

    Colombo to Sigiriya

    Leave Colombo airport early to avoid traffic. Drive 2.5 hours to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and plan to arrive by 9 AM to see the morning elephant bath. Head to Dambulla Cave Temples next, about 1.5 hours away. You'll need good shoes for the temple climb. One visitor shares: "The steps to the cave temples can get slippery during monsoon season - bring non-slip shoes and consider using the handrails." In the late afternoon, you can take an elephant ride near Lion Rock in Sigiriya when it's cooler. But keep in mind many travelers now prefer watching the elephants at Pinnawala instead of riding them.

    
  • Day 2

    Sigiriya to Nuwara Eliya

    Climb Sigiriya Rock at 7 AM before the crowds and heat pick up. You'll need about 2 hours total. Pack water and sunscreen. The 3-hour drive to Kandy includes a stop at Matale Spice Garden. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic before 3 PM to skip the busy period. The mountain drive to Nuwara Eliya takes roughly 2.5 hours. Sit in front if you get carsick. Bring a light jacket since temperatures drop in this area, nicknamed "Little England."

    
  • Day 3

    Nuwara Eliya to Colombo

    Start your morning in Gregory Park. Drive 2.5 hours to Kitulgala for rafting adventures. One traveler notes: "The rafting guides are excellent at gauging abilities, but wear quick-dry clothes and secure footwear - you will get wet!" Allow 3-4 hours to reach Colombo before your flight due to traffic. Use spare time to shop at Paradise Road or Barefoot for quality local items at set prices.

    

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