Sri Lanka 5-Day Tours & Itineraries

Explore 9 trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Sri Lanka.
See our itineraries below or read our guide to the best 5-day trips in Sri Lanka.
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Sunset over the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Map of Highlights of Sri Lanka - 5 Days
Highlights of Sri Lanka - 5 Days

This exciting five-day itinerary introduces you to some of Sri Lanka's most beloved cultural monuments and natural wonders. Starting at the sacred cave temples of Dambulla, you'll climb the great rock fortress of Sigiriya, observe elephant herds in Minneriya National Park, and relax on the golden beaches of Bentota. The journey ends up in the beautifully preserved fortified port city of Galle, home to a 17th-century Dutch port.

A leopard in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Map of Wildlife & Beaches of Sri Lanka - 5 Days
Wildlife & Beaches of Sri Lanka - 5 Days

This five-day tour highlights the remarkable wildlife and pristine beaches of Sri Lanka's central and southern provinces. Start your adventure with safari tours in Udawalawe and Yala National Parks, where you'll spot elephants and leopards in the wild. Next, you'll head down the coast to the golden sands and turquoise waters of Mirissa and Bentota before spending your final day in the vibrant capital city of Colombo. 

A train overlooks tea estates on the way to Nuwara Eliya
Map of Explore Sri Lanka's Hill Country - 5 Days
Explore Sri Lanka's Hill Country - 5 Days

The misty mountains of Sri Lanka's Hill Country take center stage on this invigorating five-day itinerary. Start with touring temples in the historic city of Kandy, then head south on an unforgettable train journey through lush tea estates. After a night in the hilltop village of Nuwara Eliya, explore flora and fauna of Horton Plains National Park before traveling to the west coast for your final night in the laid-back beach town of Negombo.

Sri Lanka's famed Mirissa Beach
Sri Lanka Beach Getaway: Tangalle & Mirissa - 5 Days

The beaches of Sri Lanka have so much to offer. This relaxing 5-day trip takes you around to key coastal destinations, including Tangalle and Mirissa, for snorkeling, swimming, whale-watching, and the chance to observe turtles laying their eggs on the sand at night. You'll also view an incredible variety of birds on a boat tour through Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary and squeeze in some cultural sightseeing at the Dutch-style old city in Galle before catching a flight out from the capital city of Colombo.

A distant view of  Sigiriya Rock
Discover the Best of Sri Lanka - 5 Days

Experience the natural beauty and fascinating culture of Sri Lanka on this whirlwind 5-day trip around the country's highlights. You'll begin with sightseeing in the historic port city of Colombo; then, you'll venture to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and spend some time exploring the region's rice paddies and green landscapes on a bicycle. Keep your eyes open for elephants on a wildlife safari in Minneriya National Park before you finish the adventure with visits to two of the country's most important temples in Dambulla and Kandy.

Discover a reclining Buddha among the well-preserved ruins of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's medieval capital
Map of A Taste of Central Sri Lanka: Sigiriya & Kandy - 5 Days
A Taste of Central Sri Lanka: Sigiriya & Kandy - 5 Days

Central Sri Lanka is home to some of the country's most remarkable historic and cultural sites, and this itinerary checks off the highlights in just five action-packed days. Start in Sigiriya for UNESCO-listed rock fortresses, cave temples, and the island's ancient capital. Trade sightseeing for elephant spotting on safari in Minneriya National Park, then continue to Kandy to tour the "Temple of the Tooth, ascend the whimsical tower of Ambuluwawa, and wander aromatic spice gardens and tea fields.

This whirlwind trip ends with two nights in the beach paradise of Tangalle
Map of Southern Sri Lanka Getaway: Galle, Yala & Tangalle - 5 Days
Southern Sri Lanka Getaway: Galle, Yala & Tangalle - 5 Days

This brisk five-day tour showcases the best of southern Sri Lanka, from cities to beaches to wildlife sanctuaries. See the highlights in Colombo before heading to the bayside city of Galle to explore the picturesque Dutch Fort and visit sea turtle hatchlings at a local sanctuary. Take a wildlife safari tour in Yala National Park to spot the Sri Lankan jaguar, then end your trip by discovering the incredible beaches around Tangelle and Hikkaduwa.

Start your trip with a deep-dive into ancient sites like the Dambulla Cave Temples
Map of Whirlwind Sri Lanka: Temples, Beaches & Culture - 5 Days
Whirlwind Sri Lanka: Temples, Beaches & Culture - 5 Days

Check off a few of Sri Lanka's most famous sites on this quick, five-day glimpse of its rich offerings. Start with ancient history at the Dambulla Cave Temples and Sigiriya Rock Fortress before continuing on to the seaside village of Kalkudah for a luxurious resort experience. Spend a day whale watching in Trincomalee then wrap up the trip in Kandy, the gateway to Sri Lanka's hill country, for Buddhist relics and cultural performances.

Learn how to kitesurf or perfect your skills in Kalpitiya
Map of Coastal Beauty & Wildlife in Sri Lanka: Kalpitiya & Wilpattu National Park - 5 Days
Coastal Beauty & Wildlife in Sri Lanka: Kalpitiya & Wilpattu National Park - 5 Days

Five days is just enough time to explore part of Sri Lanka's western coast and largest national park. Fly into Colombo and immediately transfer to Kalpitiya to spot dolphins by boat and try your hand at kitesurfing off the area's famed beaches. Head to Wilpattu National Park for an afternoon safari and a night under the stars, then end your action-packed trip in Negombo with a guided tour of landmarks like the Old Dutch Fort and a sunset boat cruise.

Other durations: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days