45 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.

Explore Colombo's surroundings by going to Sri Lanka Air Force Museum (in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia), Diyasaru Park (in Sri Jayawardenepura) and Bentota (Bentota Beach & Sea Turtle Protection Association). There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, let your taste buds guide you at a local gastronomic tour, stop by Urban Island, and view the masterpieces at Ganeshism Studio Gallery.

Start your trip to Colombo by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

The Route module shows you all the different ways you can get to Colombo. In June in Colombo, expect temperatures between 37°C during the day and 30°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sun) to allow time to travel to Nuwara Eliya.

Sitting high up in the hills, the green and pleasant Nuwara Eliya offers both a rich history and proximity to pristine natural areas.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Nuwara Eliya: Thotupola Kanda Nature Trail (in Ohiya) and Ramboda (Blue Field Tea Factory, Devathura Falls, &more). The adventure continues: explore the striking landscape of Horton Plains National Park, head outdoors with Piduruthalagala Forest Reserve, appreciate the extensive heritage of Nuwara Eliya and Tea Country, and ponder the world of politics at Post Office Nuwara Eliya.

To find ratings, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Nuwara Eliya online holiday planner.

Getting from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya by combination of taxi and flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Sat) 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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Ella: Tissamaharama (Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara & Safaris) and Lipton’s Seat (in Haputale). Next up on the itinerary: take in the awesome beauty at Little Adam's Peak, admire the sheer force of Ravana Ella Falls, get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour, and take in nature's colorful creations at Ella Spice Garden.

To see more things to do, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Ella trip planner.

Getting from Nuwara Eliya to Ella by car takes about 2 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Arugam Bay.

Arugam Bay is known for adventure, nature, and classes. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Muhudu Maha Vihara, enjoy the sand and surf at Arugam Bay, stop by Rice & Carry Bags Shop, and indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Arugam Bay day trip planner.

You can drive from Ella to Arugam Bay in 3 hours. Another option is to do a combination of taxi and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sun) 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.

Explore Polonnaruwa's surroundings by going to Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Kovil (in Trincomalee) and Passikudah Beach (in Kalkudah). Next up on the itinerary: don't miss a visit to Polonnaruwa, steep yourself in history at Gal Potha, pause for some photo ops at Polonnaruwa Vatadage, and take an in-depth tour of Archaeological Museum.

To find photos, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Polonnaruwa tour itinerary planning site.

You can drive from Arugam Bay to Polonnaruwa in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and train; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Fri) 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.

Explore Sigiriya's surroundings by going to Avukana Buddha Statue (in Kekirawa) and Golden Temple of Dambulla (in Dambulla). And it doesn't end there: make a trip to Sigiriya Fortress, see the interesting displays at Sigiriya Museum, explore the striking landscape of Minneriya National Park, and browse for treasures at sigiri art gallery.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Sigiriya online holiday planner.

You can drive from Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya in 1.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Mon) early enough to drive 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.

Anuradhapura is known for historic sites, parks, and nature. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Mihintale, contemplate the waterfront views at Kalu Diya Pokuna Natural Black Water Pond, take in the spiritual surroundings of Isurumuniya Temple, and see human ingenuity at work at Tissa Wewa.

To see more things to do, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Anuradhapura trip planner.

Traveling by car from Sigiriya to Anuradhapura takes 1.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) early enough to drive to Kandy.

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

Venture out of the city with trips to Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery Polgahawela (in Polgahawela), Elephant Freedom Project (in Kegalle) and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (in Pinnawala). There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, browse for treasures at Sriya & Daya Curio Shop, stroll through Knuckles Forest Reserve, and tee off at RB Tours Srilanka.

For maps, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Kandy trip planner.

You can drive from Anuradhapura to Kandy in 2.5 hours. Another option is to take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Fri) so you can 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 (Dolphin & Whale Watching, Mirissa Beach, &more), Hikkaduwa (Saffron Robes, Hikkaduwa Beach, &more) and Nandana Tea Factory (in Akuressa). There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Galle Fort, stroll through Sea Turtle Farm Galle Mahamodara, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and enjoy some diversion at Sithma Gems & Jewellery.

To see maps, other places to visit, photos, and tourist information, read Galle online day trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Kandy to Galle takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. July in Galle sees daily highs of 37°C and lows of 31°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) so you can go by car back home.