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: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (in Pinnawala), Elephant Freedom Project (in Kegalle) and Nuwara Eliya (Bluefield Tea Gardens & Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple). There's much more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, explore the different monuments and memorials at Kandy Garrison Cemetery, take in the dramatic scenery at Ramboda Waterfall, and stop by Prestige Selections - Batiks, Handicrafts and Gift Items.

To see reviews, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, read Kandy trip website.

London, UK to Kandy is an approximately 15.5-hour 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), Hikkaduwa Beach (in Hikkaduwa) and Nandana Tea Factory (in Akuressa). The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Galle Fort, stroll through Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery - Habaraduwa, enjoy the sand and surf at Bentota Beach, and delve into the lush surroundings at Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

For traveler tips, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Galle trip tool.

Getting from Kandy to Galle by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: 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: Tissamaharama (Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara & Safaris), Thotupola Kanda Nature Trail (in Ohiya) and Horton Plains National Park (in Nuwara Eliya). 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 3.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and taxi; or do a combination of bus and taxi. 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 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, 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. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and 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.

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 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: Euphoria Spice and Herbal (in Matale), Polonnaruwa (in Polonnaruwa) 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.

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

Fly from Udawalawe National Park to Dambulla in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi, bus, and train. 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: Dolphin & Whale Watching (in Bentota) and Negombo Beach (in Negombo). And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, pause for some photo ops at Independence Memorial Hall, make a trip to Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, and walk around Galle Face Green.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Colombo trip itinerary maker app.

You can do a combination of taxi and train from Dambulla to Colombo in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and bus. March in Colombo sees daily highs of 38°C and lows of 29°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) so you can travel back home.