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 Diyasaru Park (in Sri Jayawardenepura), Sri Lanka Air Force Museum (in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia) and Bentota (Bentota Beach & Sea Turtle Protection Association). There's much more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, stroll around Galle Face Green, visit TaxiColombo CMB Airport Taxi, and stop by Urban Island.

To find where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Colombo road trip planner.

Use the Route module to see travel options from your home to Colombo. In June, plan for daily highs up to 37°C, and evening lows to 30°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Sun) early enough 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 admire the sheer force of Kolapathana Falls.

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 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: Lipton’s Seat (in Haputale) and Tissamaharama (Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara & Safaris). Next up on the itinerary: take in the awesome beauty at Little Adam's Peak, explore the striking landscape at Ella Rock, take in nature's colorful creations at Ella Spice Garden, and snap pictures at Nine Arches Bridge.

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 trip includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Muhudu Maha Vihara, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kudumbigala Monastery, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and contemplate the waterfront views at Arugam Bay.

To find photos, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Arugam Bay trip builder app.

Getting from Ella to Arugam Bay by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: 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 Passikudah Beach (in Kalkudah) and Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Kovil (in Trincomalee). There's much more to do: don't miss a visit to Polonnaruwa, take an in-depth tour of Archaeological Museum, pause for some photo ops at Gal Vihara, and contemplate the long history of Dalada Maluwa.

For ratings, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Polonnaruwa day trip site.

You can drive from Arugam Bay to Polonnaruwa in 4 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and train; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Fri) early enough 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 trip includes some of its best attractions: make a trip to Mihintale, delve into the distant past at Sakwala Chakraya (Star Gate), explore the activities along Kalu Diya Pokuna Natural Black Water Pond, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Isurumuniya Temple.

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 Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (in Pinnawala), Elephant Freedom Project (in Kegalle) and Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery Polgahawela (in Polgahawela). There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, 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 fly 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: Hikkaduwa (Saffron Robes, Hikkaduwa Beach, &more), Mirissa (Dolphin & Whale Watching, Mirissa 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, make a trip to Japanese Peace Pagoda, 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 2.5 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.