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.

Go for a jaunt from Colombo to Pinnawala to see Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage about 2h 30 min away. Spend the 5th (Mon) spotting exotic species with a safari tour. There's lots more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, indulge your taste buds at Food & Drink, look for gifts at Vishwa Tharu Spice and Ayurveda Herbal Shop, and visit TaxiColombo CMB Airport Taxi.

For reviews, ratings, and tourist information, use the Colombo trip planning site.

Washington DC, USA to Colombo is an approximately 24-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time to India Standard Time is 10.5 hours. When traveling from Washington DC in October, plan for a bit warmer days in Colombo, with highs around 88°F, while nights are much hotter with lows around 77°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (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: Nandana Tea Factory (in Akuressa) and Mirissa (Dolphin & Whale Watching & Coconut Tree Hill). And it doesn't end there: contemplate the long history of Galle Fort, relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers, kick back and relax at Jungle Beach, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

For reviews, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, use the Galle trip itinerary planning website.

Traveling by car from Colombo to Galle takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. October in Galle sees daily highs of 88°F and lows of 77°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Thu) so you can 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.

On the 9th (Fri), explore the striking landscape of Udawalawe National Park.

For other places to visit, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Udawalawe National Park trip planner.

Getting from Galle to Udawalawe National Park by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and taxi. In October, plan for daily highs up to 90°F, and evening lows to 76°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Fri) so you can drive 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.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Sat): savor the flavors at Food & Drink, take in the dramatic natural features at Ella Rock, and then take in the dramatic scenery at Ravana Ella Falls. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Little Adam's Peak and then have fun at dee tattoo studio ella.

To find maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Ella road trip website.

Getting from Udawalawe National Park to Ella by car takes about 2.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Sun) early enough to drive to Dambulla.

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

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Mon): see Off-Road Tours and then explore the fascinating underground world of Golden Temple of Dambulla. On your second day here, make a trip to Pidurangala Rock, delve into the distant past at Sigiriya Fortress, and then explore the galleries of Pethikada.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, use the Dambulla trip itinerary planning site.

Getting from Ella to Dambulla by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Tue) to allow 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.

On the 14th (Wed), take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanical Gardens, contemplate the waterfront views at Kandy Lake, then stop by Prestige Selections - Batiks, Handicrafts and Gift Items, and finally make a trip to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

To find reviews, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Kandy trip planner.

Traveling by car from Dambulla to Kandy takes 2.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) to allow time to travel back home.