28 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary

Nestled between mountains in inland Sri Lanka, Kandy proudly bears its World Heritage Site designation while remaining culturally independent and colorfully picturesque.

Get out of town with these interesting Kandy side-trips: Elephant Freedom Project (in Kegalle), Nuwara Eliya (Bluefield Tea Gardens & Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple) and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (in Pinnawala). There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, pause for some photo ops at Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, take in the dramatic scenery at Ramboda Waterfall, and stop by Prestige Selections - Batiks, Handicrafts and Gift Items.

For reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Kandy trip website.

London, UK to Kandy is an approximately 13- hour combination of train, flight, and taxi. You can also do a combination of train, flight, and taxi; or do a combination of train and flight. You'll lose 5.5 hours traveling from London to Kandy due to the time zone difference. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Mon) early enough to travel to Galle.

The southernmost city on the island, Galle combines colonial-era history with a tropical feel and climate.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Galle: Mirissa (Mirissa Beach & Dolphin & Whale Watching), Nandana Tea Factory (in Akuressa) and Hikkaduwa Beach (in Hikkaduwa). The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Galle Fort, stroll through Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery - Habaraduwa, delve into the lush surroundings at Sinharaja Forest Reserve, and enjoy the sand and surf at Bentota Beach.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Galle trip tool.

Getting from Kandy to Galle by combination of flight and taxi takes about an hour. Other options: do a combination of taxi and flight; or drive. In February, daytime highs in Galle are 37°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Fri) early enough to travel to Ella.

The relaxing hilltop village of Ella benefits from a more temperate climate than much of the rest of country thanks to its high elevation.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Ella: Thotupola Kanda Nature Trail (in Ohiya), Tissamaharama (Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara & Safaris) and Horton Plains National Park (in Nuwara Eliya). And it doesn't end there: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Little Adam's Peak, stop by R. M. S Antique And Brassware, take in nature's colorful creations at Honey Bee Garden, and admire the sheer force of Ravana Ella Falls.

To see traveler tips, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, read Ella online tour itinerary builder.

You can do a combination of flight and taxi from Galle to Ella in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Tue) so you can drive to Arugam Bay.

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Wed): don't miss a visit to Magul Maha Viharaya, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kudumbigala Monastery, then contemplate the long history of Sangamankandy Pilliyar Kovil, and finally don't miss a visit to Muhudu Maha Vihara. On the 5th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: look for gifts at Rice & Carry Bags Shop, stroll through Arugam Bay, visit a coastal fixture at Sangaman Kanda Lighthouse, then explore the activities along Pottuvil Lagoon, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

For traveler tips, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Arugam Bay itinerary planner.

Drive from Ella to Arugam Bay in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Thu) early enough to drive to Yala National Park.

One of the most popular national parks in the country, Yala National Park boasts a wide variety of animals, and does important work in conserving and growing populations.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Fri): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kataragama Temple and then explore the striking landscape of Yala National Park. On the next day, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kiri Vehera and then take an exotic tour of a safari tour.

To find maps, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Yala National Park visit planner.

You can drive from Arugam Bay to Yala National Park in 4.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 38°C in March, and nighttime lows around 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Udawalawe National Park.

One of the primary nature reserves in the country, Uda Walawe National Park provides vital habitat for a herd of Sri Lankan elephants.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Sun): get to know the resident critters at Udawalawa Elephant Orphanage and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Elephant Transit Home (ETH). On your second day here, tour the pleasant surroundings at Udawalawe National Park.

To see reviews, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Udawalawe National Park driving holiday site.

Drive from Yala National Park to Udawalawe National Park in 3 hours. In March, daytime highs in Udawalawe National Park are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Mon) early enough to travel to Dambulla.

On a trip to Dambulla, visit the largest and best-preserved cave temple complexes in the country, declared a World Heritage Site.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Dambulla: Polonnaruwa (in Polonnaruwa), Euphoria Spice and Herbal (in Matale) and Pidurangala Rock (in Sigiriya). There's lots more to do: explore the fascinating underground world of Golden Temple of Dambulla, tour the pleasant surroundings at Dhilip De Alwis, don't miss a visit to Sigiriya, and explore the striking landscape of Minneriya National Park.

For more things to do, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Dambulla day trip planning app.

Do a combination of taxi and flight from Udawalawe National Park to Dambulla in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and flight; or drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) early enough to travel to Colombo.

The commercial capital of the country, Colombo has added modern touches to its colonial-era core, creating an exciting and eclectic coastal city.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Colombo: Negombo Beach (in Negombo) and Dolphin & Whale Watching (in Bentota). And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, don't miss a visit to Independence Square, stroll around Galle Face Green, and savor the flavors at Food & Drink.

To find more things to do, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Colombo driving holiday tool.

Getting from Dambulla to Colombo by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and flight; or drive. In March, daily temperatures in Colombo can reach 38°C, while at night they dip to 29°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.