15 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.

Take a break from Colombo with a short trip to Negombo Beach in Negombo, about 52 minutes away. Spend the 9th (Sat) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. Next up on the itinerary: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, get engrossed in the history at Colombo National Museum, stroll around Viharamahadevi Park, and don't miss a visit to Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara.

To find reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Colombo day trip app.

Hamburg, Germany to Colombo is an approximately 16-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time to India Standard Time is 4.5 hours. In February, Colombo is warmer than Hamburg - with highs of 37°C and lows of 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Mon) early enough to drive to Galle.

The southernmost city on the island, Galle combines colonial-era history with a tropical feel and climate.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Galle: Hikkaduwa Beach (in Hikkaduwa), Bentota Beach (in Bentota) and Mirissa (Mirissa Beach & Dolphin & Whale Watching). There's much more to do: steep yourself in history at Galle Fort, look for gifts at Chilli Dragon Spice, pause for some serene contemplation at Dutch Reformed Church, and make a trip to Japanese Peace Pagoda.

To find maps, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Galle trip planner.

You can drive from Colombo to Galle in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In February, daily temperatures in Galle can reach 37°C, while at night they dip to 27°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Thu) 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.

On the 15th (Fri), make a trip to Kinellan Tea Factory, then explore the striking landscape at Ella Rock, and then take in the dramatic scenery at Ravana Ella Falls. Keep things going the next day: admire the natural beauty at Ella Spice Garden, stop by R. M. S Antique And Brassware, then make a trip to Nine Arches Bridge, and finally take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Little Adam's Peak.

For other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Ella trip site.

Traveling by car from Galle to Ella takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and taxi; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Sat) early enough to go by car 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.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Sun): tour the pleasant surroundings at Udawalawe National Park.

For traveler tips, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, use the Udawalawe National Park road trip planning site.

Getting from Ella to Udawalawe National Park by car takes about 2.5 hours. In February, plan for daily highs up to 37°C, and evening lows to 26°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 17th (Sun) early enough to 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.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Mon): delve into the distant past at Sigiriya, then stop by Sigiriya Craft Village, and then Head underground at Golden Temple of Dambulla.

For more things to do, traveler tips, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Sigiriya planner.

You can drive from Udawalawe National Park to Sigiriya in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and taxi; or do a combination of taxi and flight. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Mon) to allow enough time 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 19th (Tue): contemplate the waterfront views at Kandy Lake, then take an in-depth tour of Raja Museum, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. On your second day here, tour the pleasant surroundings at Udawattekele Sanctuary, don't miss a visit to Kandy view point, and then admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanical Gardens.

To find ratings, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Kandy trip builder site.

Traveling by car from Sigiriya to Kandy takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. On the 21st (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.