Hi everyone! I’m planning a solo trip to Sri Lanka in May 2025 and would love some feedback on my itinerary. I’m particularly interested in nature, hiking, history, culture, and food, and I’d love to know if there are any more must-visit spots, activities I should add, or any logistical issues I should consider. I also love craft cocktails, and would love any recs for speakeasies and cool bars. I'll be also travelling solo as a female and want to make sure it’s safe and enjoyable.

Here’s my planned itinerary:

Day 1: Colombo (1 night)

• Arrival at Colombo Airport (10am).
• Explore Colombo: Pettah Market, Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green.

I'm totally open to skipping Colombo if there is nothing much there?

Day 2–3: Anuradhapura (2 nights)

• Travel to Anuradhapura (via train, 5.5–6 hours).
• Visit Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, and Isurumuniya Temple.
• Hike Mihintale and explore ancient city ruins.

Day 4–5: Sigiriya/Dambulla (2 nights)

• Travel to Sigiriya/Dambulla (bus, 2.5–3 hours).
• Visit Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
• Explore a local village or take a cooking class.

Day 6: Kandy (1 night)

• Travel to Kandy (bus, 2.5–3 hours).
• Visit Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
• Stroll around Kandy Lake and the town.

Day 7: Nuwara Eliya (1 night)

• Travel to Nuwara Eliya (train, 4 hours).
  • For the train, I plan on booking the 1st class reserved tickets as I really want the aircon, but I do want to walk around the train to 2nd class but I've seen mixed comments whether I can do that?
• Visit Pedro Tea Estate or Labookellie Tea Factory for a guided tour.
• Explore Gregory Lake or the Botanical Gardens.

Day 8–9: 8–9 May – Ella (2 nights)

• Travel to Ella (train, 3 hours).
  • same plan to book 1st class reserved tickets
• Visit Halpewatte Tea Factory or Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory.
• Hike Little Adam’s Peak and visit Nine Arches Bridge.
• Take a cooking class

Day 10–11: Yala National Park (2 nights)

• Travel to Yala (bus, 4 hours).
• Go on a half-day or full-day safari in Yala National Park to see leopards, elephants, and other wildlife.

Day 12: Negombo (Day Only)

• Travel to Negombo (bus, ~6 hours).
• Relax at Negombo Lagoon or the beach.
• Travel to airport for my 11pm flight.

Some questions:

1. I've read that Sri Lanka is generally safe for solo female travellers but I still feel a bit worried. Any safety tips?
2. I will be taking public transport for long journeys as I'm a bit budget-conscious. Are the train/bus routes reliable? Any experiences with booking tickets in advance?
3. Should I take out Anuradhapura (as it seems a bit out of the way) and replace it with Galle after Yala National Park? I was attracted by the UNESCO World Heritage Site but not sure if it's worth it to visit as it's the longest train journey of my trip.
4. Will there be frequent rain, and should I pack differently?
5. I’ve added tea plantation visits in both Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Is this a good idea, or would you recommend changing one of them to something else?
6. Any activities or places I should definitely add or remove from this itinerary?

I appreciate any advice as it'll be my first time in Sri Lanka!