31 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: ASDA Gem & Jewellery (in Waikkal) and Negombo (Negombo Beach & Dolphin & Whale Watching). There's lots more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, stroll around Galle Face Green, and head outdoors with Outdoor Activities.

To find more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Colombo trip itinerary maker tool .

Dalian, China to Colombo is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. You can also drive. You'll gain 2 hours traveling from Dalian to Colombo due to the time zone difference. Expect much hotter temperatures when traveling from Dalian in January; daily highs in Colombo reach 37°C and lows reach 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) so you can travel 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 Elephant Freedom Project (in Kegalle) and Pinnawala (Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Mahamevnawa Amadahara Buddhist Monastery Pinnawala). There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, contemplate the waterfront views at Kandy Lake, stroll through Knuckles Forest Reserve, and pause for some photo ops at Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue.

To find more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Kandy journey planner.

Getting from Colombo to Kandy by flight takes about an hour. Other options: do a combination of taxi and train; or drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Sat) early enough to 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: Hikkaduwa Beach (in Hikkaduwa), Kowilawatta Temple (in Balapitiya) and Bentota Beach (in Bentota). Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Galle Fort, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Naga Viharaya, experience rural life at Nandana Tea Factory, and stop by Lak Gems & Jewellery.

Make your Galle itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.

Traveling by combination of flight and taxi from Kandy to Galle takes an hour. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and flight; or drive. In January, plan for daily highs up to 37°C, and evening lows to 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Wed) to allow enough 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: Ohiya (Thotupola Kanda Nature Trail & Devil's Staircase) and Ramboda Waterfall (in Pussellawa). There's much more to do: explore the striking landscape of Horton Plains National Park, get outside with Piduruthalagala Forest Reserve, contemplate the waterfront views at Gregory Lake, and admire the sheer force of Mohini falls.

To find ratings, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Nuwara Eliya trip planner .

Do a combination of flight and taxi from Galle to Nuwara Eliya in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sun) so you can 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 Ella's surroundings by going to Rakkhiththa Kanda Aranya Senasanaya (in Wellawaya) and Haputale (Prabhawa Mountain Day View Point Haputale & Lipton’s Seat). The adventure continues: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Little Adam's Peak, take in the dramatic natural features at Ella Rock, don't miss a visit to Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, and expand your horizons at Honey Bee Garden.

To find reviews, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Ella tour itinerary planner .

You can drive from Nuwara Eliya to Ella in 2 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Wed) to allow time to drive 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.

On the 6th (Thu), explore the wealth of natural beauty at Udawalawe National Park.

For more things to do, where to stay, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Udawalawe National Park route planner.

You can drive from Ella to Udawalawe National Park in 2.5 hours. In February in Udawalawe National Park, expect temperatures between 37°C during the day and 26°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Thu) early enough to travel 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Tissamaharama (Off-Road Tours & Safaris) and Kataragama (Kiri Vehera & Kataragama Temple). There's more to do: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Yala National Park.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, maps, and other tourist information, use the Yala National Park trip planning site .

The Route module can help you plan travel from Udawalawe National Park to Yala National Park. In February, daytime highs in Yala National Park are 37°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Sun) to allow time to travel to Dambulla.

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

Venture out of the city with trips to Polonnaruwa (Gal Vihara & Polonnaruwa), Anuradhapura (Jethawanaramaya Dagoba, Mihintale, & more) and Euphoria Spice and Herbal (in Matale). There's much more to do: explore the fascinating underground world of Golden Temple of Dambulla, explore the striking landscape of Minneriya National Park, tour the pleasant surroundings at Dhilip De Alwis, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Dambulla Cave Temple.

To see more things to do, maps, photos, and other tourist information, use the Dambulla trip maker app .

You can fly from Yala National Park to Dambulla in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and taxi; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sun) so you can travel back home.