60 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 Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka (in Ragama), Negombo (St. Anne's Church, Negombo Beach, &more) and Bentota (Sea Turtle Protection Association & Dolphin & Whale Watching). There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, look for gifts at Vogue Jewellers (Pvt) Ltd, paddle through the water with a kayaking and canoeing tour, and explore the world behind art at The Galleries of Sapumal Foundation.

For traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, read Colombo trip maker site.

Use the Route module to find travel options from your starting location to Colombo. October in Colombo sees daily highs of 36°C and lows of 29°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Thu) so you can go by car to Galle.

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

Change things up with these side-trips from Galle: Balapitiya (Kowilawatta Temple & Madugnga Lake), Hikkaduwa (Narigama Beach, Turtle Hatchery Hikkaduwa, &more) and Bentota Beach (in Bentota). The adventure continues: contemplate the long history of Galle Fort, view the masterpieces at Tsunami Photo Museum, relax in the rural setting at Nandana Tea Factory, and soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers.

To see photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Galle trip itinerary planning website.

Drive from Colombo to Galle in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of taxi and bus. In October in Galle, expect temperatures between 36°C during the day and 29°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly to Kandy.

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

Get out of town with these interesting Kandy side-trips: Elephant Freedom Project (in Kegalle), Matale (Riverstone Gap, Aakarsha Gem House, &more) and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (in Pinnawala). The adventure continues: take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, tour the pleasant surroundings at Hanthana Mountain Range, pause for some photo ops at Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, and explore and take pictures at Royal Botanical Gardens.

To see other places to visit, photos, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Kandy sightseeing planner.

You can fly from Galle to Kandy in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Mon) to allow time 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.

Step out of Anuradhapura to go to Yapahuwa and see Yapahuwa Rock Fortress, which is approximately 1h 30 min away. The adventure continues: stroll through Wilpattu National Park, make a trip to Isurumuniya Temple, admire the striking features of Ruwanwelisaya, and contemplate the waterfront views at Kalu Diya Pokuna Natural Black Water Pond.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Anuradhapura vacation builder tool.

Traveling by car from Kandy to Anuradhapura takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus, taxi, and train; or take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Tue) 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Polonnaruwa (Gal Vihara & Polonnaruwa) and Golden Temple of Dambulla (in Dambulla). There's much more to do: delve into the distant past at Sigiriya Fortress, explore the wealth of natural beauty at Minneriya National Park, explore the galleries of Pethikada, and don't miss a visit to Pidurangala Rock.

To plan Sigiriya vacation without wasting time, ask Inspirock to design an itinerary.

You can drive from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya in 1.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Fri) to allow time to travel 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Udawalawe National Park: Udawalawa Elephant Orphanage (in Udawalawa), Sampath Gems (in Ratnapura) and Maduwanwela Walawwa (in Suriyakanda). The adventure continues: explore the striking landscape of Udawalawe National Park, tour the pleasant surroundings at Elephant Transit Home (ETH), and see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour.

To find maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Udawalawe National Park tour itinerary planner.

Traveling by combination of taxi and flight from Sigiriya to Udawalawe National Park takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and taxi. November in Udawalawe National Park sees daily highs of 35°C and lows of 27°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Mon) to allow enough time to 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Buttala (Ancient Yudaganawa Stupa & Maligawila Buddha Statue), Tissamaharama (Bundala birds paradise & Photography Tours) and Haputale (Lipton’s Seat & Prabhawa Mountain Day View Point Haputale). There's much more to do: take in the awesome beauty at Little Adam's Peak, explore the striking landscape at Ella Rock, take in the views from Nine Arches Bridge, and take in the dramatic scenery at Ravana Ella Falls.

To see where to stay, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Ella trip planner.

Getting from Udawalawe National Park to Ella by car takes about 2.5 hours. In November, daytime highs in Ella are 35°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Mon) early enough to go by car 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, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, explore the activities along Pottuvil Lagoon, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kudumbigala Monastery.

To find more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Arugam Bay trip planning tool.

Traveling by car from Ella to Arugam Bay takes 3 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Thu) so you can drive 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Nuwara Eliya side-trips: Ohiya (Thotupola Kanda Nature Trail, Kirigalpoththa Hike, &more), Ramboda Waterfall (in Pussellawa) and Bambarakanda Falls (in Kalupahana). There's still lots to do: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Horton Plains National Park, take in the spiritual surroundings of Sita Temple, get great views at Piduruthalagala Forest Reserve, and take in the dramatic scenery at Kolapathana Falls.

For traveler tips, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Nuwara Eliya trip website.

You can drive from Arugam Bay to Nuwara Eliya in 3.5 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.