20 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary

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 3rd (Tue), explore the wealth of natural beauty at Udawalawe National Park.

For ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, read Udawalawe National Park travel route builder website.

Colombo to Udawalawe National Park is an approximately 3-hour car ride. You can also do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and taxi. In January, daytime highs in Udawalawe National Park are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Tue) 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Ella: Rakkhiththa Kanda Aranya Senasanaya (in Wellawaya) and Lipton’s Seat (in Haputale). The adventure continues: take in the awesome beauty at Little Adam's Peak, take in the dramatic natural features at Ella Rock, admire the sheer force of Ravana Ella Falls, and take in nature's colorful creations at Ella Spice Garden.

For reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Ella trip planner.

Getting from Udawalawe National Park to Ella by car takes about 2.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Fri) 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.

Explore Dambulla's surroundings by going to Polonnaruwa (Polonnaruwa & Gal Vihara), Pidurangala Rock (in Sigiriya) and Anuradhapura (Tissa Wewa, Mihintale, &more). The adventure continues: Head underground at Golden Temple of Dambulla, take in the exciting artwork at Pethikada, tour the pleasant surroundings at Dhilip De Alwis, and soar above the sights with a balloon tour.

To see other places to visit, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Dambulla vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Ella to Dambulla takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) so you can drive to Pinnawala.

The main attraction in Pinnawala is undoubtedly its elephant orphanage.

On the 11th (Wed), stroll through Millennium Elephant Foundation, then stroll through Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, and then get a dose of the wild on Elephant Care Relief Foundation.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Pinnawala trip itinerary maker site.

Traveling by car from Dambulla to Pinnawala takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. In January, daytime highs in Pinnawala are 37°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Wed) 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Ramboda Waterfall (in Pussellawa), Devathura Falls (in Ramboda) and Bluefield Tea Gardens (in Nuwara Eliya). And it doesn't end there: make a trip to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, appreciate the history behind Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, admire all the interesting features of Royal Botanical Gardens, and see the interesting displays at Kandy Brasswear Village.

To find more things to do, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Kandy driving holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Pinnawala to Kandy takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sun) so you can fly to Galle.

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

Get out of town with these interesting Galle side-trips: Mirissa (Dolphin & Whale Watching, Mirissa Beach, &more), Hikkaduwa (Naga Viharaya & Hikkaduwa Beach) and Nandana Tea Factory (in Akuressa). And it doesn't end there: contemplate the long history of Galle Fort, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, enjoy the sand and surf at Jungle Beach, and make a trip to Japanese Peace Pagoda.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Galle road trip site.

You can fly from Kandy to Galle in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. In January, daytime highs in Galle are 37°C, while nighttime lows are 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) so you can drive to Bentota.

The coastal town of Bentota boasts a number of seaside attractions to draw in guests.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Bentota: Madugnga Lake (in Balapitiya), Scuba & Snorkeling (in Hikkaduwa) and Akurala Beach (in Akurala). The adventure continues: enjoy the sand and surf at Bentota Beach, stroll through Sea Turtle Protection Association, relax and rejuvenate at Samadi Meditation Ashramaya, and stop by 777 Spice Garden.

To find maps, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Bentota holiday planner.

You can drive from Galle to Bentota in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of taxi and bus. January in Bentota sees daily highs of 37°C and lows of 27°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) so you can catch the train back home.