9 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary

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

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Thu): see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, thenenjoy the sand and surf at Jungle Beach, and then steep yourself in history at Galle Fort. Here are some ideas for day two: kick back and relax at Hikkaduwa Beach, look for gifts at Lak Gems & Jewellery, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Mirissa Beach.

To see other places to visit, reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Galle online trip maker.

Mumbai, India to Galle is an approximately 8-hour flight. Traveling from Mumbai in December, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in Galle, with lows of 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) early enough 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.

Kick off your visit on the 28th (Sat): explore the activities along Kandy Lake, thentake in the spiritual surroundings of Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, thendon't miss a visit to Kandy view point, and finally take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanical Gardens.

To find where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Kandy vacation tool.

You can fly from Galle to Kandy in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) so you can 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 29th (Sun), explore the wealth of natural beauty at Udawalawe National Park.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Udawalawe National Park day trip site.

Drive from Kandy to Udawalawe National Park in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi. In December, daytime highs in Udawalawe National Park are 35°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to go by car 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.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Mon): make a trip to Nine Arches Bridge, take in the awesome beauty at Little Adam's Peak, and then take in the dramatic scenery at Ravana Ella Falls.

To see traveler tips, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Ella travel route planner.

Traveling by car from Udawalawe National Park to Ella takes 2.5 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can go by car 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 31st (Tue): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Yala National Park.

To find reviews, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Yala National Park road trip planning site.

Traveling by car from Ella to Yala National Park takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and flight. In December in Yala National Park, expect temperatures between 35°C during the day and 26°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 31st (Tue) so you can 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.

On the 1st (Wed), make a trip to Sigiriya, tour the pleasant surroundings at Dhilip De Alwis, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Golden Temple of Dambulla. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 2nd (Thu): relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, thenmake a trip to Pidurangala Rock, and then appreciate the history behind Avukana Buddha Statue.

To find maps, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Dambulla trip itinerary builder app.

You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Yala National Park to Dambulla in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Thu) early enough to travel back home.