9 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.

On the 15th (Thu), look for gifts at Barefoot and then look for gifts at Stone 'N' String.

To find other places to visit, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Colombo trip planner .

Pune, India to Colombo is an approximately 5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight. In February in Colombo, expect temperatures between 37°C during the day and 26°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (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 16th (Fri): stroll the grounds of Commonwealth War Cemetery, appreciate the history behind Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, stop by Jayamali Batiks Studio, then explore the different monuments and memorials at Kandy Garrison Cemetery, and finally make a trip to Kandy view point. On your second day here, stop by Kandy City Center and then identify plant and animal life at Udawattekele Sanctuary.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, read Kandy road trip 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 up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sat) so you can go by car to Anuradhapura.

Explore the well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization and its former capital at Anuradhapura, a World Heritage Site and erstwhile center of Theravada Buddhism set amidst peaceful green parks.

On the 18th (Sun), take in the spiritual surroundings of Dagoba of Thuparama, don't miss a visit to Jethawanaramaya Dagoba, make a trip to Isurumuniya Temple, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Sri Maha Boodhi Temple.

For where to stay, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Anuradhapura journey planning website .

Drive from Kandy to Anuradhapura in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Polonnaruwa.

Lying 216 km (134 mi) from Colombo, Polonnaruwa offers a rich history second in Sri Lanka only to Arunadhapura.

For more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Polonnaruwa journey app .

You can drive from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. On the 19th (Mon), you'll travel to Netolpitiya.

Most people take a trip to Netolpitiya to enjoy a classic beach holiday.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Tue): kick back and relax at Goyambokka Beach (Sriyanga Sanjeewa), explore the ancient world of Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara, and then take in the exciting artwork at Indika Art Gallery.

To find more things to do, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, read Netolpitiya holiday maker app .

Getting from Polonnaruwa to Netolpitiya by car takes about 6 hours. In February, daily temperatures in Netolpitiya can reach 37°C, while at night they dip to 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Wed) early enough to travel 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 21st (Wed): see the interesting displays at Community Tsunami Museum and then look for all kinds of wild species at Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: stop by Embark, stop by Lihiniya Gems, then look for gifts at Orchid House, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers.

To find out how to plan a trip to Galle, use our trip itinerary maker.

Getting from Netolpitiya to Galle by car takes about 2 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 23rd (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.