26 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.

When in Colombo, make a side trip to see Negombo Beach in Negombo, approximately Negombo away. And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, browse the exhibits of Ganeshism Studio Gallery, see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, and stroll around Galle Face Green.

To see other places to visit, ratings, photos, and tourist information, go to the Colombo online route builder.

Auckland, New Zealand to Colombo is an approximately 19.5-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Auckland to Colombo is minus 6.5 hours. When traveling from Auckland in February, plan for somewhat warmer days in Colombo, with highs around 37°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) so you can drive to Galle.

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

Venture out of the city with trips to Hikkaduwa Beach (in Hikkaduwa), Nandana Tea Factory (in Akuressa) and Mirissa (Mirissa Beach & Dolphin & Whale Watching). There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Galle Fort, kick back and relax at Jungle Beach, stroll through Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery - Habaraduwa, and take a peaceful walk through Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

For maps, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, use the Galle trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by car from Colombo to Galle takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In February, plan for daily highs up to 37°C, and evening lows to 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Tue) 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.

Change things up with a short trip to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala (about 1h 20 min away). There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, explore the different monuments and memorials at Kandy War Cemetery, pause for some photo ops at Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Udawattekele Sanctuary.

To see ratings, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Kandy itinerary planning website.

You can fly from Galle to Kandy in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Fri) early enough to travel 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 7th (Sat): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kataragama Temple and then explore the striking landscape of Yala National Park. On the 8th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: take in the spiritual surroundings of Kiri Vehera and then take an exotic tour of a safari tour.

To see reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Yala National Park online route planner.

Traveling by combination of taxi and flight from Kandy to Yala National Park takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. March in Yala National Park sees daily highs of 38°C and lows of 26°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Sun) early enough to drive to Arugam Bay.

Start off your visit on the 9th (Mon): make a trip to Magul Maha Viharaya, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kudumbigala Monastery, thenexplore the ancient world of Sangamankandy Pilliyar Kovil, and finally don't miss a visit to Muhudu Maha Vihara. Keep things going the next day: look for gifts at Rice & Carry Bags Shop, contemplate the waterfront views at Arugam Bay, visit a coastal fixture at Sangaman Kanda Lighthouse, thencontemplate the waterfront views at Pottuvil Lagoon, and finally indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

For where to stay, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Arugam Bay trip planner.

Getting from Yala National Park to Arugam Bay by car takes about 3 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) so you can 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Ella: Mohini falls (in Nuwara Eliya) and Lipton’s Seat (in Haputale). There's still lots to do: take in the awesome beauty at Little Adam's Peak, admire the natural beauty at Ella Spice Garden, admire the sheer force of Ravana Ella Falls, and take in the dramatic natural features at Ella Rock.

To find more things to do, where to stay, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Ella tour planner.

You can drive from Arugam Bay to Ella in 3 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Fri) 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.

On the 14th (Sat), explore the wealth of natural beauty at Udawalawe National Park. On the 15th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: admire nature's wide array of creatures at Udawalawa Elephant Orphanage and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Elephant Transit Home (ETH).

To see where to stay, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, use the Udawalawe National Park road trip site.

Traveling by car from Ella to Udawalawe National Park takes 2.5 hours. In March, plan for daily highs up to 38°C, and evening lows to 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel 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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Sigiriya: Mihintale (in Anuradhapura), Polonnaruwa (Gal Vihara, Polonnaruwa, &more) and Dambulla (Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs & Golden Temple of Dambulla). The adventure continues: delve into the distant past at Sigiriya, examine the collection at Sigiriya Museum, explore the wealth of natural beauty at Minneriya National Park, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Dhilip De Alwis.

Ask Inspirock to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Sigiriya fast, fun, and easy.

Traveling by flight from Udawalawe National Park to Sigiriya takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Thu) to allow time to travel back home.