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: Nuwara Eliya (Bluefield Tea Gardens & Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple), Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (in Pinnawala) and Elephant Freedom Project (in Kegalle). There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, pause for some photo ops at Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, admire the sheer force of Ramboda Waterfall, and contemplate the waterfront views at Kandy Lake.

To find reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Kandy trip planning site.

London, UK to Kandy is an approximately 14-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to India Standard Time (IST) is 5.5 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Mon) early enough to catch the flight 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: Hikkaduwa (Saffron Robes & Hikkaduwa Beach), Nandana Tea Factory (in Akuressa) and Mirissa (Mirissa Beach & Dolphin & Whale Watching). Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the long history of Galle Fort, enjoy the sand and surf at Bentota Beach, and stroll through Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

To find maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Galle online holiday maker.

You can fly from Kandy to Galle in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. 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 drive 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), Horton Plains National Park (in Nuwara Eliya) and Tissamaharama (Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara & Safaris). There's still lots to do: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Little Adam's Peak, look for gifts at R. M. S Antique And Brassware, explore the striking landscape at Ella Rock, and admire the sheer force of Ravana Ella Falls.

To see maps, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, read our Ella route planner.

You can drive from Galle to Ella in 3 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of bus and train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Tue) to allow time to 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 explore the ancient world 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, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Arugam Bay, then contemplate the waterfront views at Pottuvil Lagoon, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

For photos, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Arugam Bay online driving holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Ella to Arugam Bay takes 3 hours. 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. On the next day, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kiri Vehera and then look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas.

For maps, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Yala National Park visit planner.

You can drive from Arugam Bay to Yala National Park in 3 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 more things to do, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Udawalawe National Park driving holiday site.

Drive from Yala National Park to Udawalawe National Park in 2 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 go by car 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), Pidurangala Rock (in Sigiriya) and Euphoria Spice and Herbal (in Matale). 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 Fortress, and explore the striking landscape of Minneriya National Park.

To find photos, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Dambulla day trip planning app.

Drive from Udawalawe National Park to Dambulla in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of taxi, train, and bus. 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). There's lots more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, take in the exciting artwork at Ganeshism Studio Gallery, pause for some photo ops at Independence Memorial Hall, and walk around Galle Face Green.

To plan Colombo vacation without wasting time, ask Inspirock to design an itinerary.

You can do a combination of taxi and train from Dambulla to Colombo in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of flight and bus. In March, daytime highs in Colombo are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 29°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Tue) early enough to catch the flight back home.