Hi guys, #Rafcarlosaid here! Welcome to my itinerary and guide for my very first South Asian adventure—Sri Lanka! 🇱🇰
I came here with no expectations, wanting to surprise myself with every place I visit. And honestly, this country deserves a spot on your bucket list! From breathtaking nature trips to unforgettable experiences, Sri Lanka has so much to offer. Take note for this trip, I’m taking the reverse route, starting from Colombo, then heading to Tissa, to Sigiriya, then back to the capital.
I’m excited to share my itinerary with you—let’s get started!
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Flight to Colombo + Day Tour
Flight from Manila; Arrive at Kuala Lumpur Airport
Onwards - Lounge & Breakfast
Flight & Arrive at Colombo
Check-in Hotel
Start of City Tour
1.1 Pettah Market
1.2 Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)
1.3 Sri Kaileswaram Temple
1.4 Colombo Fort
1.5 Lotus Tower
2.1 Vharamaha Devi Park
2.2 Independence Square
2.3 Town Hall
3.1 Gangaramaya Temple
3.2 Gangarama Seema Malakaya Temple (sightseeing only)
4.1 Galle Face
4.2 Galle Beach
Overnight in Colombo
Other Places you can visit:
Sri Kailawasanatan Swami Temple
St. Anthony’s Shrine
Colombo Tips & Guide
The itinerary above is organized based on distance, making it easy to follow if you’re planning a DIY trip around the capital.
Pettah Market can get extremely busy, so be prepared for crowds and narrow walkways. It’s the heart of the city, filled with stalls selling all kinds of goods. This area also serves as a major hub for public transportation, connecting you to destinations nationwide.
The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) welcomes tourists every 30 minutes. Entry is free, and visitors can join a walking tour inside the mosque. The tour includes access to multiple floors, the prayer hall, side areas for sightseeing, and the rooftop, which offers photo opportunities and a 360° view of the bustling city. Tipping is not mandatory.
Galle Face Beach is a popular hangout, especially lively from late afternoon into the evening when many locals gather by the shore. Nearby, you can explore One Galle Face Mall, Colombo’s premier luxury shopping destination, or visit the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, home to a variety of international restaurants.
Common TukTuk & other scams in Colombo
One common scam starts with someone telling you that a temple is only open on the exact day of your visit. They’ll make it sound special by claiming there’s a celebration happening that day.
This leads to the second scam: the tuk-tuk scam. A driver will approach, offering to take you to that “closed” temple, assuring you they’ll use a so-called government meter rate. In reality, there’s no such system in Colombo. Instead, they’ll keep suggesting detours to other places, promising a “friendly price.”
By the end, they’ll show you a fake meter app on their phone with an inflated fare. In my case, I was charged 24,500 LKR (81 USD), almost triple the cost of a legitimate full-day (8-hour) tuk-tuk tour in the capital.
Flying from Manila to Sri Lanka
If you’re flying from Manila, the most budget-friendly route to Sri Lanka is via Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia offers affordable flights, with fares starting at ₱5,000 (approx. 87 USD). You’ll also find plenty of flight options available throughout the day, from morning until night.
Ride-hailing app in Colombo
The two most commonly used ride-hailing apps in the country are PickMe and Uber. Be cautious with PickMe, as sometimes the driver who shows up isn’t the one registered in the app. Uber, on the other hand, is generally more reliable in terms of safety and fare accuracy.
Keep in mind that credit card payments aren’t always accepted through the apps—most rides are paid in cash.
Payment options in Colombo (& other cities)
Most high-end restaurants and luxury malls accept credit card payments, with no additional fees. However, debit cards—particularly those issued in the Philippines—may not always be accepted.
Payment options in small Towns (Ella, Tissa, Mirissa)
Cash is king in Sri Lanka, especially when visiting smaller towns. Most inns, guesthouses, and hostels only accept cash payments. Some hotels do take credit cards, but often with a 3% service charge. It’s always best to confirm with your hotel reception in advance whether card payments are accepted.
Local restaurant and mini grocery only accept cash as well.
Withdrawing Cash
Withdrawing cash from ATMs is the most convenient way to access money while traveling in Sri Lanka. However, fees apply for foreign debit cards, and some banks may not accept Mastercard, Visa, or JCB cards. Since policies vary, it’s best to check which banks support your card before queuing at an ATM.
DAY 2: Free Day Colombo + Bus to Tissa
Free Day in Colombo
Bus to Tissa; Arrive at Tissamaharama (4-hour trip via bus)
Check in at Viveka Inn Guest
Free day at Tissamaharama
Overnight at Tissamaharama
Transportation Tips
To travel from Colombo to Tissa, the most convenient option is booking through 12go.asia. You can check available routes here: Colombo → Tissamaharama. It’s best to secure your ticket at least 2–3 days in advance.
Another option before heading to Tissa is to spend a night in Mirissa, known for its beautiful beaches. From Colombo Fort Railway Station, you can take a direct train to Mirissa. Check schedules here: Colombo → Mirissa. Then take the SLTB bus from Mirissa main station to Tissa.
Traveling to Tissa from Colombo via the Government Bus (SLTB)
You can check bus schedules and available trips at sltb.eseat.lk. However, keep in mind that the timetable isn’t always strictly followed, so be prepared for possible delays and longer travel times.
Every city or town has its own main bus station, and buses are usually marked clearly with the names of their start and end destinations. Before boarding any public bus, it’s best to confirm with the conductor or driver to avoid confusion.
Be cautious, as some tuk-tuk drivers may try to mislead travelers with false schedules or routes and charge double the fare if you plan to use their tuk-tuks/service. However, there are tuk-tuk drivers who give you the correct fare. The tuk-tuk is one option for convenience.
DAY 3: Yala National Park visit
04:30 AM - Pick-up
Onwards, Morning Safari experience
12:00 PM - End of tour
Afternoon: Bus to Ella
Arrive at Ella
Free Day at Ella at Night
Overnight at Ella
Other Option for National Park:
Wilpattu National Park
Udawalawe National Park (elephant)
Yala National Park Tips & Expectations
Yala National Park is the second-largest wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka. The best time to visit is February to June, during the dry season, when leopards and other animals are easier to spot as they gather around water sources. The peak season from December to April also offers excellent wildlife viewing, but expect bigger crowds and the need for advanced bookings.
For bookings, it’s best to join a shared tour, as each jeep can accommodate up to six people.
Yala Experience: Our pick-up was at 4:30 AM, and we reached the park gate by 5:30 AM. The park opened at 6:00 AM, and before entering, we were given a complimentary breakfast (fruits, a sandwich, a boiled egg, and water). Once the gates opened, the tour began.
Along the way, we stopped at a souvenir shop and visited the beach, which took about 45 minutes, before continuing the safari. The tour ended around 11:30 AM, after which we headed back to our hotels.
Is it worth visiting? If you’re visiting during a low season, it may not be worth it—especially if there are no leopard sightings. However, if you still want the experience, consider booking a whole-day tour instead.
There are several other national safari parks besides Yala. For alternatives, it’s best to check with your hotel, as they can recommend the best parks to visit.
Bus from Tissa to Ella
Unfortunately, there are no direct buses between Tissa and Ella. The journey requires taking government buses with around four to five transfers, depending on the routes available, and several stops along the way.
If you’re planning to visit Ella by bus on your own, you can follow this route: Tissa to Thanamalvila Main Bus Station to Wellawaya Main Bus Station. Once arrive, ride a bus going to Bandarawela, then get down at Ella.
DAY 4: Ella
Nine-arch Bridge
Little Adam's Peak
Kuda Ravana Ella Waterfall
Secret Waterfall
Halpe Tea Factory (Entrance fee & tour 30$)
Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery
Dowa Ancient Temple
Overnight at Ella
Ella Tips & Guide
The Nine Arch Bridge gets especially crowded during train schedules. It’s best to plan this stop first so you can catch a train crossing the historic bridge. I was fortunate to see two trains—one that was delayed and another that arrived right on schedule.
Trains pass over the bridge at the following times: 9:30 | 11:30 | 15:30 | 16:30 | 17:30
Kuda Ravana Ella Waterfall can be viewed right from the roadside, with a designated area for sightseeing and photo opportunities. There are also small shops nearby.
The Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery is one of Ella’s sacred Buddhist temples, located atop a mountain.
Most attractions in Ella are free of charge—the only exceptions are tea factories, which require an entrance fee that usually includes a guided tour and tea-harvesting experience.
Other Options to visit at Ella:
Ella Rock (Major Hike that may include a full day to overnight trips.)
Ravana Zipline (Located in Little adam's peak)
DAY 5: Ella-Kandy Train + Gampola + Kandy
Arrive at Ella Train Station
Sri Lanka Train Ride Experience (Pass through different tea plantations & get through the highest railway in Sri Lanka)
02:00 PM Arrive at Gampola Railway Station
Lunch at LEEDS Family Restaurant
Ambuluwawa Tower
Motorcycle to Kandy (1hr ride)
KANDY DAY TOUR
Bahiravokanda Vihara
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth
Kandy Lake
Overnight at Kandy
Kandy - Ella Tips & Guide
This is Sri Lanka’s most famous train journey, known for its breathtaking views. The route takes you through vast tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming towns, eventually reaching the country’s highest railway point. Along the way, you’ll experience changing weather, from foggy to rainy, making it one of the most scenic rides in the country.
For the best experience, book second-class tickets. These trains are usually non-air-conditioned but have reserved seating. However, during peak times, seats may be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
It’s highly recommended to book tickets at least 3–4 days in advance. You can reserve them through the official Sri Lanka Railway website (seatreservation.railway.gov.lk), or via platforms like Bookaway and 12Go.Asia. Routes between Kandy and Ella fill up quickly, but if you’re traveling from Ella to Kandy, tickets are often still available up to 2 days before departure.
If you’re unable to book online, you can buy tickets directly at the station counters, which usually open from 6:00 AM or according to the first train’s schedule.
Take note of the Best views:
Ella to Kandy – Sit on the right side | Kandy to Ella – sit on the left SIde
Gampola & Kandy Tips & Guide
If you’re planning to visit Ambuluwawa Tower, note that it’s not located in Kandy town itself. The tower is about an hour's drive from Kandy City to Gampola Town. The easiest way is to get off at Gampola Railway Station, then take a tuk-tuk or rent a motorcycle to reach the tower. Then take the government bus going to Kandy.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth may have a relatively high entrance fee, but it’s absolutely worth the visit. Head there in the afternoon to witness the temple beautifully illuminated at night. Keep in mind, though, that the nearby lake area tends to get crowded during this time.
By evening, around 7–8 PM, Kandy town becomes noticeably quiet as most shops close early. Even the stalls inside Kandy City Centre close early; their operating hours are until 09:30 PM.
Day 6: Sigiriya
Breakfast near Kandy Lake
Leave Kandy; Bus to Dambulla; Arrive at Dambulla; Bus to Sigiriya
Check-in Hotel
Sigiriya Lion Rock (Sunset)
Sigiriya Town (Dinner)
Overnight at Sigiriya
Bus route from Kandy to Sigiriya
Head to Kandy Main Bus Station and look for a bus going to Dambulla. Once you arrive at Dambulla Bus Station, transfer to the White Bus bound for Kandy. Only one White Bus is operating between towns, and it arrives every 45 minutes, so it’s easy to spot.
Sigiriya Tips & Guide
There is only one ATM in town, so be sure to bring enough cash for your visit.
Sigiriya Lion Rock is just a 10-minute walk from Sigiriya Town, or you can easily hire a tuk-tuk circulating in the area. Tickets can be purchased with a credit card. It is best to visit Sigiriya Lion Rock during sunrise or sunset. It is relatively busy, but it's totally worth it. Climbing to the rock would take around 45 minutes to one hour, depending on your climb.
The hiking trail has well-maintained pathways and staircases, making it easy to follow even for solo travelers. From the Lion’s Paws, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the summit, depending on the number of visitors climbing.
Pidurangala Rock is best visited at sunrise or sunset, offering an opposite vantage point with stunning views of Sigiriya Lion Rock. It would take 30-45 minutes to climb the rock with complicated hikes, especially when reaching the summit.
Take note that flying drones is strictly prohibited on both rocks. However, you can fly a drone outskirt Sigirya. Just be cautious when flying, as it might get attention from officials.
Day 7: Minneriya National Park + Rest Day
Half Day Minneriya National Park
Dambulla Cave Rock Temple
Overnight at Sigiriya
Minneriya Tips & Guide
Minneriya is located at Habarana. It is a 30-40-minute ride from Sigiriya. The best time to visit the Park is in the Morning to see a flock of elephants sightseeing.
For a jeep safari, you can book through third-party apps. However, take note that the admission fee is not yet included. Alternatively, you may ask your hotel, as they can also arrange a safari tour from Sigiriya.
Dambulla Town Tips
To visit the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, take the White Bus from Sigiriya, or any bus going on the opposite side back to Dambulla. From Dambulla Town or the main bus station, the temple is about 2 km away.
The entrance fee to the Dambulla Cave Temple is 3,000 LKR. If you arrive from the main roadside entrance, note that the ticket counter is located on the opposite side, about a 10-minute walk away. From there, you’ll need to climb 364 steps to reach the temple.
If you plan to visit the cave temple directly with your luggage, you can ask the office if you can leave it there during your visit.
Day 8: Back to Colombo
Sunrise Pindurangala Rock
Habarana Station
5-hr train ride to Colombo
Arrive at Colombo Fort Railway Station; Free day in Colombo
Visit to Dutch Hospital - Shopping Precinct
Flight back.
More Tips & Guide
Sri Lankans are known for being warm, friendly, and often curious and approachable. Many understand basic English and are always ready to help if you get lost. In most tourist areas and cities, Sri Lankans can speak and understand English.
The main mode of communication in Sri Lanka is WhatsApp. Make sure to download the app before your trip so you can easily contact your tour guide, even if you don’t have a local SIM card.
Always negotiate the fare before hiring a tuk-tuk for your trips or sightseeing. Keep in mind that there are no official government rate meters—so if a driver claims otherwise, it’s likely a scam.
Bring mosquito repellent, especially when visiting rural areas such as Tissa, Ella, and Sigiriya.
Obtaining Visa
Philippine passport holders are required to secure an e-Visa, which should be applied for at least one week before your intended arrival. You can submit your application through the official website: https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/.
Click Apply, review the information, and confirm. Under Tourist ETA, select Apply for an individual, then enter the required details, including your personal information, flight details, and hotel booking. Pay the fee of USD 52 (visa fee + service charge).
e-Visa application is usually processed within 1–2 days. Take note that 'Visa on Arrival' is not available in Sri Lanka. Travelers without a valid visa may be denied entry to the country.
Food
Fast food chains like Burger King, Pizza Hut & KFC can be found in Kandy and Colombo, but they’re not available in most rural areas.
Rice and curry are the most common meals in Sri Lanka, widely available in almost every restaurant. For refreshments, Ceylon tea is the country’s most popular choice.
I’ve listed the cost of living in the places I visited as a tourist so you can allocate your funds accordingly.
Tissa – quite affordable
Ella / Kandy / Dambulla – affordable
Sigiriya / Colombo – Expensive
Pocket Money
The exchange rate in Sri Lanka is relatively low, so it’s best to bring US dollars and exchange them outside the airport. Since CASH IS KING in Sri Lanka, it’s wise to always carry enough with you.
Withdrawing cash from ATMs is the most convenient way to access money while traveling in Sri Lanka. However, fees apply for foreign debit cards, and some banks may not accept Mastercard, Visa, or JCB cards. Since policies vary, it’s best to check which banks support your card before queuing at an ATM.
Expenses
Total expenses for the Trip: ₱32,800+++
Pre Expenses
₱1,620.00 - Travel Tax
₱3,000.00 - 52 USD Sri Lanka e-Visa application
₱1,500.00 - Manila - KL (Cebu Pacific)
₱6,700.00 - KL - Colombo (Air Asia)
Sri Lanka Pocket Money: 105,000 LKR (₱20,000+)
Food & Transportation 30,000 LKR (₱5,700.00+)
Payment (Tour Guides): 47,000 LKR (₱9,000.00+)
Ella Day Tour (via TukTuk): 13,000 LKR
Gampola day Tour/Train Tour: 20,000 LKR
Yala National Park (Shared Tour): 19,000 LKR
Payment (Hotels): 23,200 LKR (₱4,400.00+)
Tour Agencies & Guide Contact Numbers
For a curated, hand-picked tour experience in Sri Lanka, you can reach out to Sri Lanka Elegance via Instagram or through their WhatsApp number (+94770505903).
Here are the tour agencies & operators I have joined that offer Solo trips & a tuk-tuk guide.
Ella: Sky Tours by Dula (Facebook Account, Whatsapp +94770401403)
Yala National Park: Sandaru Safari (Facebook Account, WhatsApp +94777435198)
Kandy: Rikas Ilamdeen (Facebook Account, WhatsApp +94770831376)
Sigiraya Tour & Minneriya: Sri Lanka Elegance, WhatsApp +94770505903)
Sigiriya Rock Driver and to Habarana Tuktuk Driver: Kumara (Mobile # or WhatsApp +94769853705)
Hostels & Guesthouse I stayed
Colombo: City Beds Colombo (Shared Room/Bunk bed)
Tissa: Viveka Inn Guest and Yala Safari (Guesthouse, 5-minute ride to Tissa town)
Ella: Rock View Hostel Ella (Shared Room/Bunk Bed, located in the Town)
Kandy: Urban Alley Kandy (Single Bed & Room, Located at Kandy Town)
Sigiriya: Gangula Eco lodge (Guesthouse, located in Town, 2-minute walk to main road)
Helpful Links in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Government Bus (SLTB): sltb.eseat.lk
Sri Lanka Train Schedule & Ticketing: https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr/
12go for Train rides and Bus Tickets: 12go.asia
Bookaway for Train rides and Bus Tickets: https://www.bookaway.com/
Tourism Police Contacts:
Colombo Tourism Email address: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Thank you so much for reading this guide! I hope you'll enjoy your trip to Sri Lanka soon! I would appreciate it if you could give me support by buying me a coffee! ☕️ Follow me on Instagram for more travel content, and you can also check out my Instagram highlights for the whole trip!
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