Embarking on a self drive road trip in Sri Lanka was a dream come true for both of us. Just Imagine : you are driving in an island, shaped like a teardrop, where the smiles are as warm as the sun, and adventures are as wild as the monkeys swinging around the trees 😊; Elephants blocking traffic and spicy food that’ll make you sweat. But wait, there’s more and in this blog we will be sharing all those epic adventures, highlights and tips with you for an unforgettable road trip in Sri Lanka.
So, grab your sunscreen because Sri Lanka is calling and it would be one heck of a ride!
Important Things to know before travelling to Sri Lanka:
- Being located to the south of India, Sri Lanka is well connected with all the major Indian cities. We took a 3.5-hour direct return flight from Delhi via Air India, and it costed us INR 18K per person. Generally, a round trip to Sri Lanka costs between INR 13K-23K depending upon the departure city and on the season, you are visiting.
- Best time to Visit: Sri Lanka is a year-around destination, but its climate is characterized by two monsoon seasons:
- Southwest Monsoon (Yala): Affects southwest region from May to September.
- Northeast Monsoon (Maha): Affects northeast region from November to February.
- December to mid-April offers favorable weather conditions, ideal for beach lovers and wildlife enthusiasts; but is also the peak season.
- May to August are the summer months where east coast and northern regions are favorable.
- September and November are the shoulder months, which is also the monsoon transition period. So, there are fewer crowds, and you can enjoy the lush countryside.
- The highlight of Sri Lanka tourism is that it provides a hassle-free e-visa, which costs around $20 per person (as of September 2023). It usually takes 3-4 working days to process it and is valid for 30 days. Apply here for Sri Lanka tourist Visa.
- It’s good to carry some cash but most tourist places are equipped with card machines. Currency exchange can be easily done at banks or exchange counters across the country. 1LKR=0.26 INR (as of sep 2023).
- Dialog, Mobitel and Airtel are some of the networks operating in Sri Lanka. After reading good reviews online, we went with Dialog Sim card. It costs around $4.6 or INR 400 for GB data. If you are looking for a cheaper option, you can go for Mobitel.
- Most popular and adventurous way of getting around in Sri Lanka is through tuk-tuks but we would not recommend it because of the risks involved. If you are a budget traveler, then Sri Lanka has a decent connectivity through public transport. And if you enjoy road trips as we do, it’s best to rent a car and explore on your own. You can also hire a driver with a car if driving doesn’t interest you.
- While dressing up in Sri Lanka, please be mindful of the local culture. Try to dress modestly while roaming in the busy towns, visiting tourist places in Sri Lanka; religious sites (both men and women need to cover their knees) and while using public transports. Females should carry maxi dresses, trousers and easy breezy clothing. However, on the beach you may wear a bathing suit.
- Drones are allowed in Sri Lanka, but make sure to seek permission online from CAA. Read more. Please exercise caution while using drones. Even so, there are no restrictions for using Cameras or tripods in the country.
- English is widely spoken across the nation, so language is not a barrier.
- Sri Lankan food promises a culinary experience. Known for its non-vegetarian delicacies, there is a diverse array of vegetarian dishes as well.
- Sri Lankans are the warmest people we have ever met. They love Indians and would treat you like family. We really made some amazing friends here😊.
How to rent a self-drive in Sri Lanka?
If you are a seasoned driver or have a passion for driving, we would highly recommend ditching public transport or taxis and go for an epic road trip in Sri Lanka. We love doing road trips and this is how we ended up renting a self-drive for our 2 weeks epic adventure on this tear drop island. Here’s all you need to know:
- Choosing a car rental company: Perhaps this is the only challenging task in the entire process. There are numerous local car rental companies to choose from and some well-known include- Casons, Malkey rent-a-car and Kings rent-a-car. After comparing these three, and reading good reviews on google, we went with Malkey Car rentals, and it was the best decision ever. The entire process is seamless and mostly done online. Book here.
- Documents required: Below is the list of documents necessary for renting a car in Sri Lanka –
- A valid Non-Sri Lankan Driving License or International driving license (Indian driving license works here).
- A copy of your passport.
- Color photo.
- Itinerary schedule for desired number of days.
3. Vehicle: Sri Lanka has a diverse landscape including steep terrains. We would suggest renting a car with a powerful engine. We rented a sedan, PERODUA BEZZA and trust me it served us well.
4. Costing: Following things are covered in your rental cost-
- Base rate for desired self-drive
- Seasonal surcharge if any
- Airport parking
- Driver services (Airport pickup and drop)
- Sri Lankan Driving License Endorsement
5. Return process was also smooth and deposit was refunded on the spot.
*We got 1120 kms for our self-drive and ended up paying additional 75LKR per excess kms.
*If you book you trip for 15 or more days, you might get some good discounts😊.
Our 2 Weeks Itinerary for a Road Trip in Sri Lanka
Exploring the diverse landscape of Sri Lanka can be a truly rewarding experience. While you can get the taste of the island in as few as 5-7 days, a more immersive journey would ideally span around 10-15 days. The beauty of a road trip in Sri Lanka is having the freedom to explore at your own pace, so here is our comprehensive Sri Lanka itinerary:
Day 0-1: Sigiriya
Day 2-3: Kandy
Day 4-5: Nuwara Eliya
Day 6-7: Ella
Day 8-9: Arugam Bay (Pottuvil)
Day 10-11: Yala National Park
Day 12-14: Mirissa & Galle
Day 0-1: Sigiriya
Irrespective of what airline you choose, you’re likely to land at Bandaranaike International Airport, which is situated in the suburbs of Negombo. Ours was a midnight flight and we reached the airport around 2 a.m. We were picked up from the airport by Malkey’s and went straight to their office, got our endorsed license and were quickly done with the formalities. We preferred to spend the night in Negombo itself. If you are looking for a super affordable stay near the airport, consider Bivora Villa, a homestay which boasts clean rooms, free breakfast and a friendly host. It cost us only INR 1100 for a night. Book here.
Next morning post breakfast, we began our drive to Sigiriya. It’s an approximately 3.5-hour scenic journey and the roads are in good shape (be ready to be welcomed by the elephants😊). The ancient city of Sigiriya is one of the most popular destinations and holds historical significance. We directly headed towards our hotel, gazing at the grand view of Sigiriya Rock. There are plenty of good hotels in the area, and we chose to stay at Hotel Sigiriya as it offers splendid poolside views of the fortress. Book here.
If you are a history buff, keep 2 days for Sigiriya, and visit the Lion Fortress Complex. The ticket costs around $36 and an early morning visit is recommended. The place is touristy so alternatively you can visit Pidurangala Rock, which offers great views of the fortress and costs only 1000 LKR. Book here.
Day 2-3: Kandy
Post breakfast we left for Kandy, making a pit stop at Dambulla Royal Cave Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest, best preserved cave monastery in Sri Lanka. Be amazed to witness 157 Buddhist statues and mural paintings. The entry ticket costs around $7 (2000 LKR/INR 550) and mostly cash is accepted. Be mindful of dressing while visiting here, as both men and women need to cover their shoulders and knees, else you will end up buying a sarong like us! It’s a relatively small hike, and the views from the top are spectacular.
Drive from Dambulla Cave to Kandy is approximately 2 hours. Being the largest city in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, Kandy is a perfect getaway. The city is built around the lake and the architecture will fill you with Dutch vibes. There is no dearth of good hotels in Kandy, but we stayed 30 minutes outside the city, at Hotel Skyloft Kandy. Book here. It’s a boutique hotel facing the Hantana Mountain range, surrounded by lush greens. The weather was perfect to sip in our welcome drink: local green tea with jaggery (yum!).
There isn’t much to do in Kandy and is often treated as a stopover between Colombo and Nuwara Eliya. The popular attractions include The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Royal Botanical gardens, Strolling through Kandy Lake. If you are up for an offbeat adventure, we’ll highly recommend visiting Ambuluwawa Tower. It’s the most unique and exciting experience to have in Sri Lanka. It’s located in the Gampola town, 1 hour drive from Kandy (be aware that the roads near it have sharp steep turns).
Situated at the Ambuluwawa Mountain, it is a 48m tall cone shaped tower, known for its narrow spiral staircase. Reaching the top of Ambuluwawa, will give you undisturbed 360 degrees views of the surrounding mountains and forests (disclaimer: the spiral staircase will be challenging, if you are not comfortable with heights). You can pre book your tickets online or grab them at the counter itself. Book here. The ticket costs around 1000 LKR and we paid 200 LKR for car parking.
Day 4-5: Nuwara Eliya
The route from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is a photographer’s dream, where every turn offers postcard views of misty mountains, lush tea plantations and cascading waterfalls. It took us 2-3 hours from Kandy to cover this gorgeous journey along with a little drizzle. The town’s colonial era architecture and terraced fields often describe this place as ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka. If you are a slow traveler, we would recommend staying here for 2 nights at least, to get a complete taste of the town.
The highlight of the trip was the charming homestay we chose nestled in the tea estate, The Tea Garden. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with warm smiles and a refreshing cup of Ceylon tea, a perfect start to our hill country adventure. Our host Mr. Shameera was incredibly gracious and made us home cooked authentic Sri Lankan Cuisine. He even guided us to all the best places in Nuwara Eliya for exploring, shopping and dining. His gesture of rewarding us with a souvenir is something which we never forget.
Start your trip by visiting a tea estate in the morning. There are a handful of options, and based on our host recommendation we went to Damro Labookelle Tea Estate, as they have the option of tea tasting as well. You can take a guided factory tour (in English), which is free, and later can relax and do some tea tasting in their beautiful Tea Lounge. You can also purchase some souvenirs from here if you like.
Next, stroll around the main square, visit the old Post office, and embrace the vibe of the place. In the evening, you can spend some some time at Lake Gregory (famous among the locals😊). If you are into adventure, then hike to Horton Plains National Park, which is home to sambhar deer, and endemic purple faced langur. Also, you can visit ‘Little England Cottages’ to get a glimpse of mini-England in Sri Lanka.
In case you want to have a fine-dine experience, then you should visit Grand Hotel, the former summer residence of British colonists. Its exquisite architecture will blow your mind. They offer Indian, English and Thai cuisine, little heavy on pocket but totally worth it.
For some authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, there are HELA BOJUN HALA (women led food outlets, organized by government of agriculture, Sri Lanka) which serves home made delicacies at economical prices. They are spread across different parts of the country, and we happened to visit one in Nuwara Eliya. Try Polos (jackfruit cutlet), soya wada, White Pittu, Ulundu Wade, YUM!:-)
Day 6-7: Ella
Perched in Sri Lanka’s lush highlands, Ella is a picturesque town widely known as the best hiking destination in the country. Portraying a hippie culture, the town is apt for backpackers. The local cafés and shops exude a cozy and laid-back vibe, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration. There are plenty of adventurous things to do in Ella, so depending on your preference you can stay here for 1or 2 days.
- Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, to watch the famous train journey in Sri Lanka (make sure to check the train schedule for the day. It’s better to go early in the morning to avoid the crowd). There is no entry fee.
- Hike up Little Adam’s peak at sunrise. It’s a short hike of 20-30 minutes and the views are truly rewarding.
- Consider climbing Ella Rock, if long hikes are your thing. It’s a little challenging and takes 3-5 hours to reach the top. (early morning visit recommended).
- Go Café hopping in Ella’s main market. Café Chill and Rainbow Café are two of our favorites😊. Try Lamprais, a local dish only found at Café chill, while the latter has more vegan options.
- Ella is a fun place to shop for souvenirs. You’ll find many sustainable and vintage outlets but do try their supermarkets as well. They have a huge variety and are far more affordable!
- Discover three-tiered Ravana’s Waterfall, the wildest one in Sri Lanka. It’s located 10 minutes down the hillside and a few minutes are enough to admire the falls and click some pictures. The place is popular among locals so expect it to be crowded during daytime.
- Liptons seat and Diyaluma Falls can be easily added to your 3-day itinerary.
Ella is filled with beautiful hotels and homestays. If you are looking for a budget option, consider staying in Ella Gap, close to the city and other attractions. If you want to splurge a little, Jetwing Kaduruketha and Mountains Heaven Hotel are the luxurious options.
Day 8-9: Arugam Bay (Pottuvil)
Arugam Bay is bit dislocated from the standard Sri Lankan route. It’s worldwide known as a surfer’s paradise and is just 2.5 hours’ drive from Ella. The ideal time to visit here for surfing is between April- September, when the waves are at their peak. As we drove from Ella to Arugam Bay, we were treated with stunning landscapes and loads of wildlife (Thanks to Yala National Park for being its neighbor).
Arugam bay is all about the beach, and you’ll find a variety of accommodation options along the coastline, to suit every budget. Our experience at Jetwing Surf was the epitome of beachfront luxury and relaxation. The eco-friendly cabanas offered stunning views of the Indian Ocean and direct access to the golden sands. Days were spent lounging by the infinity pool and indulging in delicious food at their open-air restaurant. We highly recommend including this experience in your itinerary😊.
Beyond surfing, the Bay is perfect for soaking up the sun on pristine beaches. Don’t miss the chance to visit the ancient Muhudu Maha Viharaya temple, which adds a touch of history to your beach getaway. Go for a Lagoon safari (quite popular) or enjoy freshly baked wood fried pizzas at the Pizza Hub, capturing the essence of Bay’s laid-back charm.
Day 10-11: Yala National Park
Calling out to all wildlife enthusiasts! 😊
The drive from Arugam Bay to Yala National Park is a journey through Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes. As we left the coastal beauty of the Bay, the scenery transformed into lush forests and charming rural villages. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, as the area is rich with birdlife and occasional elephant sightings (we encountered 4 elephants on our way).
They say, ‘Sri Lanka is a leopard country, and they are the lords of the jungle!’ With a leopard density that’s higher than anywhere else on this planet, a visit to Yala National Park is an experience not to miss. Here is an ultimate guide to your adventure in YNP:
- Best time to visit: November to February is the right time as it’s the dry season and the chance of leopard sightings is higher, and the rest of the months park is usually closed. But we would suggest you must check with the official site of Yala first, as for 2023, the park remained open throughout the year. And if you are lucky enough, you may spot the leopards (like we did😊).
- Safari Timings: There are two safari sessions- One in the morning (6am-10am) and the other in the afternoon (2pm-6pm). We went with the morning session as it is best for sightings along with the favorable weather conditions. (Pro tip: don’t forget to bring water bottles, scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen and a Camera).
- Safari Booking: It’s best to pre-book your safari to save yourself from the hassle of last-minute arrangements. Many accommodations include safari as a part of their package. We booked ours online through the official site of Yala National Park. There are several safari options at three entrances from which you can pick. We reserved a morning half-day safari tour from Block-1 (Katagamuwa) and it cost us $120 for two people ($60 for Toyota jeep and $35 entry ticket per pax). If you belong to a SAARC nation, an additional $5 discount is applicable per passport. Book here.
- Wildlife encounters: Yala is known for its rich wildlife and important conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, leopards and aquatic birds. During our safari we were able to spot leopards (with cubs), elephants, water buffaloes, crocodiles, peacocks, Sāmbhar deer, Painted stork, to name a few.
Well, let’s say it turned out to be a Happy-go-lucky safari! 😊
There is an abundance of budget and luxury hotels in Yala National Park, offering stunning views and direct beach access, but if you are looking for something rustic and authentic jungle experience, then keep reading.
For an unforgettable stay in Yala, consider reserving a luxury tent at Mahoora Elite Camps, where you can experience the traditional camping with modern amenities. Our premium tent nestled deep in the park, offered a perfect vantage point to experience nature up close. The camps were fully carpeted and sealed with ventilation nets, privacy drapes ad soft lighting. It included comfortable bedding, en-suite bathroom and a private porch with seating for two.
In the evening, we went for a guided nature walk with the in-house naturalist and discovered Sri Lankan flora. Post walk, we were served high tea with some sandwiches and cookies. It was a sky full of stars, and for dinner, a seven-course menu along with live barbeque around a campfire was cherry on the top. The only thing we did not like was the amount charged and quantity served for dinner. Post dinner, we again went for a nature walk to find some spiders and snakes 😊. Book here.
Disclaimer: As these tents are amidst jungle, so geckos & lady bugs are expected to be inside the tents.
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Day 12-14: Mirissa & Galle
If you opt for a morning game drive, you are likely to leave Yala maximum by 11 a.m. Mirissa, a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka, is a 2-hour drive from the park and the route meanders past lush paddy fields. We would suggest taking the highway which is one o the best road trip routes for the town. As we approached Mirissa, it was drizzling, and the palm-fringed shores created a welcoming sight.
By the time we reached our hotel, it started pouring heavily, so we decided to enjoy the weather from the comfort of our room. Snugly nestled in a vibrant fishing village known as Weligama, our hotel Ekho Weligama was a perfect choice to relish the views of Indian Ocean. The rooms were spacious, neat and the staff was polite. They served us native dishes (String hoppers, sambol, fish curry) which were lip-smacking good. Let’s say we had the best time of our lives at Ekho.
Reserve an evening for Coconut Hill in Mirissa to witness one of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking sunsets. The short hike up this iconic hill is rewarded with panoramic views, perfect for that Instagram worthy photo😊. Evenings tend to get crowded so you might want to visit at sunrise also. You can already spot the Parrot Rock from here, which you can climb later to enjoy the views of Mirissa beach over the top.
Plan a trip to Unawatuna beach, to experience the night life of Sri Lanka. The beach is dotted with charming cafes and the main street is filled with bars which offer “Happy Hours” until early evenings, so can party your heart out. If time permits, visit the iconic Japanese Peace Pagoda. Other activities popular in Mirissa include Whale watching, surfing and other water sports.
Mirissa is also known for its lip-smacking food, and we found some amazing outlets. If you love fresh smoothie bowls as much as I do, then Shady Lane Mirissa will be your go-to place. Its tropical ambience eerily resembles Bali and is vegan friendly. On the top of our list is -The No.1 Dewmini Roti shop, famed for its authentic and flavorful Rotis. It’s a family restaurant and the owners are very sweet. For both the days our dinner was sorted, and we savored Avocado Roti with cheese and tomato, Devil chicken curry, Kothu, Chocolate Roti and some ginger beer. The food here will leave you craving more!
Galle, the final gem on our road trip in Sri Lanka, exudes a blend of colonial charm and coastal beauty. It is a charming town with streets lined up with Dutch colonial buildings, and alleys with vibrant bougainvillea, leading to hidden cafes and boutiques. You can either take a day trip from Mirissa to Galle or can choose to stay here.
Our stay at Jetwing Lighthouse Galle was nothing short of enchanting. Perched on a cliff, the hotel offers splendid views of the Indian Ocean which were no less than a postcard. The rooms were spacious, elegantly designed with private balcony overlooking Indian Ocean. We spent our days lounging by the Infinity pool (all thanks to the rainy weather!). The highlight was undoubtedly the spa, where skilled therapist whisked away our weariness with luxurious treatments. If you are celebrating a special occasion then we would highly recommend staying at Jetwing hotels, for that unforgettable experience😊.
Galle can easily be explored in a day or two. Begin your adventure with a stroll through the historic Galle Fort, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which dates to the 17th century. Explore the vibrant local markets for unique souvenirs and quaint boutiques. Don’t miss a visit to picturesque Galle Lighthouse, offering stunning views of Indian Ocean.
We would suggest adding a meaningful dimension to your Sri Lanka’s journey by visiting a Turtle hatchery, a Conservation and Rescue project, mostly in southern province of Sri Lanka (Galle, Bentota, Ahungalla), where you can learn about and experience the endangered turtles of the ocean. The dedicated staff shares insights into conservation efforts and helps you interact with rescued turtles. You might be able to hold the tiny hatchlings and witness them making their way to the sea😊. Trust us, this is the most heartwarming experience.
We left Galle in the evening as we had a midnight flight back to our home country.
So, this was our 2 weeks itinerary for an epic road trip in Sri Lanka- the tear drop island. From lush tea plantations to the sun kissed beaches, this country captivated our senses at every turn.
Hope you enjoyed reading. Happy Sri Lanka Travels! 😊
Amazing recommendations, Looks like you two had a great time!
Thankyou Ritika. Glad you like them. It’s really a beautiful and underrated country.