22 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Colombo: Negombo (Negombo Beach & Dolphin & Whale Watching). There's lots more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, stroll around Galle Face Green, look for gifts at Urban Island, and enjoy the sand and surf at Mount Lavinia Beach.

To see maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Colombo day trip planning website.

Paris, France to Colombo is an approximately 16-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Paris to Colombo is 4.5 hours. Traveling from Paris in January, things will get much hotter in Colombo: highs are around 37°C and lows about 27°C. On the 3rd (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can 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 3rd (Thu), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Dambulla Cave Temple and then explore the fascinating underground world of Golden Temple of Dambulla. Keep things going the next day: delve into the distant past at Sigiriya Fortress, then make a trip to Pidurangala Rock, and then stroll through Dhilip De Alwis.

To find traveler tips, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, read Sigiriya day trip planning app.

Getting from Colombo to Sigiriya by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and flight; or fly. On the 5th (Sat), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can 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.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Adam's Peak (Sri pada) as well as Ceylon Tea Museum. Take a break from Kandy with a short trip to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala, about 1h 20 min away. There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, explore the activities along Kandy Lake, make a trip to Galmaduwa temple kandy, and admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanical Gardens.

For maps, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Kandy itinerary builder tool.

Traveling by car from Sigiriya to Kandy takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 9th (Wed) to allow time for the car ride 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.

Change things up with a short trip to Hakgala Botanic Gardens in Nuwara Eliya (about 1h 20 min away). And it doesn't end there: take in the awesome beauty at Little Adam's Peak, indulge your taste buds at Honey Bee Garden, snap pictures at Nine Arches Bridge, and whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks.

To find where to stay, maps, and tourist information, read Ella vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Kandy to Ella takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 12th (Sat) to allow time for the car ride to Yala National Park.

One of the most popular national parks in the country, Yala National Park boasts a wide variety of animals, and does important work in conserving and growing populations.

To see ratings, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Yala National Park attractions planner.

Traveling by car from Ella to Yala National Park takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly. Expect a daytime high around 37°C in February, and nighttime lows around 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Tue) early enough to drive to Unawatuna.

Palm-fringed beaches with golden sand, turquoise water, and a colorful coral reef are enough to draw any beachgoer to Unawatuna, but there's plenty to do off the beach here as well.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Sinharaja Forest Reserve as well as Nandana Tea Factory. Change things up with these side-trips from Unawatuna: Hikkaduwa Beach (in Hikkaduwa) and Mirissa (Mirissa Beach & Parrot Rock Bridge). There's more to do: steep yourself in history at Galle Fort and enjoy the sand and surf at Jungle Beach.

To find where to stay, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Unawatuna trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Yala National Park to Unawatuna takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or do a combination of taxi and train. In February in Unawatuna, expect temperatures between 37°C during the day and 27°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 19th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.