22 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary
Created using Inspirock Sri Lanka trip builder
Start: Melbourne
Fly
1
Kandy
— 4 nights
Drive
2
Pinnawala
— 2 nights
Drive
3
Sigiriya
— 3 nights
Drive
4
Ella
— 4 nights
Drive
5
Udawalawe National Park
— 1 night
Drive
6
Galle
— 7 nights
Fly
End: Melbourne
Fri, Dec 23 - Fri, Jan 13
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Kandy — 4 nights
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Nestled between mountains in inland Sri Lanka, Kandy proudly bears its World Heritage Site designation while remaining culturally independent and colorfully picturesque.Take a break from Kandy with a short trip to Ramboda Waterfall in Pussellawa, about 1h 35 min away. The adventure continues: don't miss a visit to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, tour the pleasant surroundings at Knuckles Forest Reserve, pause for some photo ops at Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, and explore and take pictures at Royal Botanical Gardens.
For traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Kandy journey builder website.
Melbourne, Australia to Kandy is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 4.5 hours traveling from Melbourne to Kandy. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Pinnawala.
Side Trips
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Pinnawala — 2 nights
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The main attraction in Pinnawala is undoubtedly its elephant orphanage.On the 28th (Wed), look for gifts at Pinnawala Handicrafts Emporium, tour the pleasant surroundings at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Mahamevnawa Amadahara Buddhist Monastery Pinnawala, and finally get a dose of the wild on Elephant Care Relief Foundation. Here are some ideas for day two: stroll through Elephant Freedom Project.
To find maps, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, read Pinnawala visit planner.
Traveling by car from Kandy to Pinnawala takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi. In December, daytime highs in Pinnawala are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Sigiriya.
Side Trip
Highlights from your trip
Sigiriya — 3 nights
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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.You'll find plenty of places to visit near Sigiriya: Polonnaruwa (Polonnaruwa & Gal Vihara) and Dambulla (Ederagala Wana Senasuna, Golden Temple of Dambulla, &more). There's still lots to do: delve into the distant past at Sigiriya Fortress, make a trip to Pidurangala Rock, and steep yourself in history at The Lion's Paws - Sigiriya.
To see other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Sigiriya online travel route planner.
You can drive from Pinnawala to Sigiriya in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and taxi; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Sun) early enough to go by car to Ella.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 29 — Jan 1:
Highlights from your trip
Ella — 4 nights
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The relaxing hilltop village of Ella benefits from a more temperate climate than much of the rest of country thanks to its high elevation.Explore Ella's surroundings by going to Tissamaharama (Safaris & Off-Road Tours), Kiri Vehera (in Kataragama) and Ancient Yudaganawa Stupa (in Buttala). And it doesn't end there: take in the awesome beauty at Little Adam's Peak, snap pictures at Nine Arches Bridge, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Rakkhiththa Kanda Aranya Senasanaya, and admire the natural beauty at Honey Bee Garden.
For traveler tips, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, use the Ella itinerary maker tool.
Traveling by car from Sigiriya to Ella takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and taxi; or do a combination of taxi, bus, and train. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Udawalawe National Park.
Side Trips
Highlights from your trip
Udawalawe National Park — 1 night
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One of the primary nature reserves in the country, Uda Walawe National Park provides vital habitat for a herd of Sri Lankan elephants.Kick off your visit on the 6th (Fri): explore the striking landscape of Udawalawe National Park.
To find ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Udawalawe National Park road trip website.
You can drive from Ella to Udawalawe National Park in 2.5 hours. January in Udawalawe National Park sees daily highs of 36°C and lows of 26°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Galle.
Highlights from your trip
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Galle — 7 nights
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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: Nandana Tea Factory (in Akuressa), Mirissa (Mirissa Beach, Dolphin & Whale Watching, &more) and Brief Garden - Bevis Bawa (in Beruwala). There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Galle Fort, kick back and relax at Jungle Beach, have fun at Sithma Gems & Jewellery, and stroll through Sea Turtle Protection Association.
For photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Galle journey maker website.
Traveling by car from Udawalawe National Park to Galle takes 3.5 hours. January in Galle sees daily highs of 37°C and lows of 27°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) early enough to catch the flight back home.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jan 6 — 13:
Highlights from your trip
Sri Lanka travel guide
India's Teardrop
Shaped like a teardrop and located just below the southern tip of India, lush Sri Lanka boasts some of the greatest biodiversity in the world. Unless you time your Sri Lanka holiday for monsoon season, you can expect bright blue skies and plenty of sunshine, perfect for exploring tropical forests, historic temples, colonial forts, and many other buildings dating back to Dutch rule. Popular things to do in Sri Lanka include swimming, sailing, and surfing, though a growing number of visitors come here just to eat their way around the country. Greatly influenced by nearby India, the national cuisine also features many elements of European cooking--a result of the Dutch and Portuguese colonial years. Of course, a trip to Sri Lanka would not be complete without a cup of its world-famous Ceylon tea.
