12 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary

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

Start off your visit on the 24th (Sat): enjoy the sand and surf at Negombo Beach, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Galle Face Green. Keep things going the next day: make a trip to Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, then stroll through Mount Lavinia Beach, and then take a stroll through Independence Square.

For other places to visit, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, use the Colombo travel route planner .

If you are flying in from Hong Kong, the closest major airports are Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. In March, daytime highs in Colombo are 37°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) to allow time to travel to Kandy.

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

Start off your visit on the 26th (Mon): make a trip to Kandy view point. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 27th (Tue): take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanical Gardens, pause for some photo ops at Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, steep yourself in history at Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, then make a trip to Degaldoruwa Temple, and finally explore the activities along Kandy Lake.

To see ratings, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, read Kandy visit planner.

Traveling by combination of flight and taxi from Colombo to Kandy takes an hour. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Sigiriya.

The historic rock of the same name dominates the landscape of World Heritage-listed Sigiriya, where the steep and striking lava plug contains the ruins of an ancient empire.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Thu): Head underground at The Golden Temple, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Golden Cave Temple, then don't miss a visit to Sigiriya World Heritage Site, and finally don't miss a visit to Pidurangala Rock.

To see ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Sigiriya trip maker tool .

You can drive from Kandy to Sigiriya in 2 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Tissamaharama.

Tourism in Tissamaharama revolves around the town's vast historic and cultural heritage, with the surroundings of scenic paddy fields adding to the ambiance.

Kick off your visit on the 30th (Fri): explore the striking landscape of Yala National Park.

To find ratings, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, read our Tissamaharama trip itinerary maker website .

Traveling by combination of taxi and flight from Sigiriya to Tissamaharama takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. In March, daytime highs in Tissamaharama are 39°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Sat) to allow time 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.

Your day-by-day itinerary now includes Demodara Loop as well as Demodara Nine Arch Bridge. Kick off your visit on the 31st (Sat): take in the awesome beauty at Little Adam's Peak, then don't miss a visit to Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, then take in the dramatic scenery at Ravana Ella Falls, and finally don't miss a visit to Demodara Loop.

To find photos, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Ella trip itinerary planner.

Drive from Tissamaharama to Ella in 1.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Uda Walawe 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 1st (Sun): explore the striking landscape of Udawalawe National Park.

For photos, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Uda Walawe National Park online holiday planner .

Traveling by car from Ella to Uda Walawe National Park takes 2 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Sun) to allow time to drive to Galle.

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

Kick off your visit on the 2nd (Mon): look for gifts at Embark, steep yourself in history at Galle Fort, look for gifts at Chilli Dragon Spice, then make a trip to Japanese Peace Pagoda, and finally stroll through Unawatuna Beach. On your second day here, kick back and relax at Jungle Beach, stroll through Mirissa Beach, and then get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour.

To find photos, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Galle route planner.

You can drive from Uda Walawe National Park to Galle in 3 hours. Another option is to do a combination of taxi and bus. You'll have a few hours on the 4th (Wed) to wrap things up before traveling home.