8 days in Colombo, Kandy & Polonnaruwa Itinerary

The commercial capital of the country, Colombo has added modern touches to its colonial-era core, creating an exciting and eclectic coastal city.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Thu): stop by Vishwa Tharu Spice and Ayurveda Herbal Shop, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, then visit TaxiColombo CMB Airport Taxi, and finally walk around Galle Face Green. Here are some ideas for day two: see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour.

To see more things to do, photos, ratings, and other tourist information, read Colombo road trip planner.

Use the Route module to see travel options from your home to Colombo. Expect a daytime high around 37°C in June, and nighttime lows around 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Fri) to allow enough time to 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.

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: contemplate the waterfront views at Kandy Lake, appreciate the history behind Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, tour the pleasant surroundings at Royal Botanical Gardens, and stop by Prestige Selections - Batiks, Handicrafts and Gift Items.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Kandy road trip planning site.

You can drive from Colombo to Kandy in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and flight; or take a train; or drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Mon) so you can drive to Polonnaruwa.

Lying 216 km (134 mi) from Colombo, Polonnaruwa offers a rich history second in Sri Lanka only to Arunadhapura.

Venture out of the city with trips to Sigiriya (Pidurangala Rock & Sigiriya Fortress). Spend the 30th (Tue) exploring nature at Minneriya National Park. There's still lots to do: get to know the fascinating history of Polonnaruwa, pause for some photo ops at Polonnaruwa Vatadage, get engrossed in the history at Archaeological Museum, and steep yourself in history at Lankathilaka Image House.

For other places to visit, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Polonnaruwa travel route planner.

You can drive from Kandy to Polonnaruwa in 3.5 hours. Another option is to take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.