21 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary

Nestled between mountains in inland Sri Lanka, Kandy proudly bears its World Heritage Site designation while remaining culturally independent and colorfully picturesque.

Step out of Kandy with an excursion to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala--about 1h 20 min away. There's much more to do: don't miss a visit to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanical Gardens, tour the pleasant surroundings at Knuckles Forest Reserve, and stop by Prestige Selections - Batiks, Handicrafts and Gift Items.

To see traveler tips, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read Kandy trip planner.

Vienna, Austria to Kandy is an approximately 17.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 4.5 hours traveling from Vienna to Kandy. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Sun) to allow time 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 13th (Mon): see Off-Road Tours, Head underground at Golden Temple of Dambulla, and then don't miss a visit to Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs. On the next day, delve into the distant past at Sigiriya Fortress, then make a trip to Pidurangala Rock, then view the masterpieces at Pethikada, and finally indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Dambulla journey builder tool.

Traveling by car from Kandy to Dambulla takes 2.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Arugam Bay.

Spend the 16th (Thu) wandering through the wild on a nature and wildlife tour.

For where to stay, reviews, photos, and other tourist information, read our Arugam Bay planner.

Traveling by car from Dambulla to Arugam Bay takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and taxi; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sat) 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.

Go for a jaunt from Ella to Nuwara Eliya to see Hakgala Botanic Gardens about 1h 20 min away. The adventure continues: take in the awesome beauty at Little Adam's Peak, admire the sheer force of Ravana Ella Falls, admire the natural beauty at Honey Bee Garden, and get outside with Outdoor Activities.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Ella online trip builder.

Getting from Arugam Bay to Ella by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and taxi. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Tue) to allow enough 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 22nd (Wed), explore the striking landscape of Udawalawe National Park.

To find reviews, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Udawalawe National Park holiday planner.

You can drive from Ella to Udawalawe National Park in 2.5 hours. In September, plan for daily highs up to 38°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Wed) to allow time to drive to Galle.

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

Galle is known for historic sites, shopping, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: contemplate the long history of Galle Fort, look for gifts at Made In Ceylon, soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and enjoy some diversion at Sithma Gems & Jewellery.

To find where to stay, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Galle day trip planning tool.

Drive from Udawalawe National Park to Galle in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in September, and nighttime lows around 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Colombo.

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

Explore Colombo's surroundings by going to Waikkal (Pio Ayurveda Center & See Lanka Travels) and Negombo Beach (in Negombo). Spend the 28th (Tue) spotting exotic species with a safari tour. The adventure continues: walk around Galle Face Green, stop by Vogue Jewellers (Pvt) Ltd, take in the spiritual surroundings of Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple, and make a trip to Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara.

For reviews, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, go to the Colombo trip website.

Traveling by car from Galle to Colombo takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In September in Colombo, expect temperatures between 36°C during the day and 30°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 29th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel back home.