14 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary

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

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Kandy: Pinnawala (Pinnawala Handicrafts Emporium & Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage). There's lots more to do: contemplate the long history of Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, don't miss a visit to Kandy view point, explore and take pictures at Royal Botanical Gardens, and explore the activities along Kandy Lake.

To see where to stay, maps, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Kandy road trip planning site .

Dublin, Ireland to Kandy is an approximately 16-hour combination of flight and taxi. You can also do a combination of train, flight, and taxi; or do a combination of flight and bus. Traveling from Dublin to Kandy, you'll lose 5 hours due to the time zone difference. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sat) so you can go by car to Dambulla.

On a trip to Dambulla, visit the largest and best-preserved cave temple complexes in the country, declared a World Heritage Site.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): stroll through Golden Temple of Dambulla, then make a trip to Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs, then soar above the sights with a balloon tour, and finally pick up some local products at Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre.

To find photos, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Dambulla visit planner.

Getting from Kandy to Dambulla by car takes about 2.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) 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.

On the 23rd (Mon), make a trip to Pidurangala Rock, then don't miss a visit to Sigiriya, then view the masterpieces at Pethikada, and finally look for gifts at Lanka Silks. Here are some ideas for day two: see the interesting displays at Sigiriya Museum and then explore the striking landscape of Minneriya National Park.

For maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Sigiriya trip itinerary maker .

Sigiriya is just a stone's throw from Dambulla. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) early enough to 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.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Wed): admire the natural beauty at Hakgala Botanic Gardens and then explore the striking landscape of Horton Plains National Park.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, read Nuwara Eliya trip itinerary builder tool .

Traveling by car from Sigiriya to Nuwara Eliya takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and taxi. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can 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.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Thu): take in the views from Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, take in the awesome beauty at Little Adam's Peak, and then admire the sheer force of Ravana Ella Falls.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Ella trip itinerary planning website .

Traveling by car from Nuwara Eliya to Ella takes 2 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) so you can go by car to Udawalawa.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Fri): get to know the resident critters at Udawalawa Elephant Orphanage and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Udawalawe Nationalpark Elefant Trail.

For maps, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Udawalawa road trip tool .

You can drive from Ella to Udawalawa in 2 hours. Expect a daytime high around 35°C in December, and nighttime lows around 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Unawatuna.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Sat): discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, then kick back and relax at Jungle Beach, and then steep yourself in history at Galle Fort.

To see traveler tips, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, use the Unawatuna trip itinerary website .

Traveling by car from Udawalawa to Unawatuna takes 3 hours. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in December, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Bentota.

The coastal town of Bentota boasts a number of seaside attractions to draw in guests.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Sun): stroll through Sea Turtle Hatchery, then stop by Tea Zone, and then delve into the lush surroundings at Sinharaja Forest Reserve. On the next day, enjoy the sand and surf at Bentota Beach, see the interesting displays at Community Tsunami Museum, then kick back and relax at Hikkaduwa Beach, and finally explore the galleries of Saffron Robes Gallery and Studio.

To see traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, read our Bentota holiday planner .

Traveling by car from Unawatuna to Bentota takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In December, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 31st (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.