8 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary

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.

Relax by the water at Jungle Beach and Mihiripenna Beach. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Unawatuna: Mirissa (Dolphin & Whale Watching, Mirissa Beach, &more), Hikkaduwa (Saffron Robes & Hikkaduwa Beach) and Bentota (Samadi Meditation Ashramaya, Bentota Beach, &more). Next up on the itinerary: steep yourself in history at Galle Fort and stop by Made In Ceylon.

To see photos, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Unawatuna online vacation planner.

Colombo to Unawatuna is an approximately 2.5-hour car ride. You can also take a train; or do a combination of taxi and bus. In May, plan for daily highs up to 38°C, and evening lows to 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Tue) so you can drive 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.

Use Inspirock's suggestions to plan your Yala National Park trip and find the best activities and attractions for your vacation.

You can drive from Unawatuna to Yala National Park in 3 hours. Other options are to fly; or do a combination of train and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 38°C in May, and nighttime lows around 29°C. You will leave for Ella on the 5th (Wed).

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 6th (Thu): whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Little Adam's Peak, then take in the views from Nine Arches Bridge, and finally indulge your taste buds at Honey Bee Garden.

For where to stay, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Ella online holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Yala National Park to Ella takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly. In May, daytime highs in Ella are 38°C, while nighttime lows are 29°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Thu) so you can go by car 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.

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Fri): delve into the distant past at Sigiriya Fortress, then explore the galleries of Pethikada, and then don't miss a visit to Pidurangala Rock.

To find ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Sigiriya attractions app.

You can drive from Ella to Sigiriya in 4 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and flight; or do a combination of train, bus, and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) early enough to 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.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Sat): take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanical Gardens, explore the activities along Kandy Lake, then stop by Prestige Selections - Batiks, Handicrafts and Gift Items, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

To find ratings, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Kandy trip planning app.

You can drive from Sigiriya to Kandy in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.