Sri Lanka 2 weeks May/June

[Olivier17]

Hello,

My girlfriend and I would like to do a round trip in Sri Lanka during the last week of May and the first week of June. I have put together an itinerary and would appreciate some feedback on whether this is advisable at that time of year due to the southwest monsoon, and whether the program is realistic or rather too packed. Have we missed an important destination that is also recommended?

In terms of transportation, a private driver is probably the best option, or what is your opinion?

My proposal:

Day 1: Morning arrival in Colombo, then directly onward to Negombo
Day 2: Negombo → Kandy
Day 3: Kandy
Day 4: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya → Ella (train journey)
Day 6: Ella
Day 7: Ella → Sigiriya
Day 8: Sigiriya + Dambulla
Day 9: Minneriya National Park
Day 10: Sigiriya → Anuradhapura
Day 11: Anuradhapura → Trincomalee
Days 12–13: Trincomalee
Day 14: Trincomalee → Colombo. Either return flight in the evening or on the morning of Day 15.

Many thanks in advance for your feedback.

Kind regards,
Olivier

 

[GRP]

The Ella to Sigiriya and trincomalee to colombo days will involve a fair bit a driving. Can be done but start early. Trip looks good though.

 

[TravelLover1]

Hey Olivier,

Looks like an awesome plan! Late May/early June might be rainy on the southwest coast, but inland and north (Kandy, Sigiriya, Trinco) should be fine.

The train to Ella is stunning—don’t rush it! Sigiriya + Dambulla are worth a full day, and Minneriya is perfect for elephants this time of year. Trincomalee is a super chill way to end the trip. I actually made a detailed itinerary myself, you can check it out here.

A private driver makes life easy, though the train ride is a must. You’re going to have a blast!