24 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary

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

You'll get in some beach time at Ahungalla Beach and Mihiripenna Beach. Explore hidden gems such as Beruwala Beach and Cara Jewellers. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Galle: Victor Hasselblad Sea Turtle Research & Conservation Center (in Kosgoda) and Dolphin & Whale Watching (in Kalutara). There's much more to do: pause for some serene contemplation at Dutch Reformed Church, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and stroll through Sea Turtle Farm Galle Mahamodara.

To see photos, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Galle tour builder app.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Galle is an approximately 17-hour flight. Traveling from Amsterdam to Galle, you'll lose 4.5 hours due to the time zone difference. Plan for much hotter temperatures traveling from Amsterdam in May, with highs in Galle at 38°C and lows at 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can fly to Jaffna.

A center of Tamil culture, the city of Jaffna remains in the process of rebuilding after suffering greatly during the civil war.

On the 31st (Tue), contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Nallur Kovil and then steep yourself in history at Jaffna Fort. On your second day here, take in the spiritual surroundings of Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Nagadipa Purana Vihara.

For ratings, maps, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Jaffna trip planner.

You can fly from Galle to Jaffna in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Cap off your sightseeing on the 1st (Wed) early enough to catch the train to Anuradhapura.

Explore the well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization and its former capital at Anuradhapura, a World Heritage Site and erstwhile center of Theravada Buddhism set amidst peaceful green parks.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ritigala Forest Monastery. Get some historical perspective at Isurumuniya Temple and Ruwanwelisaya. It doesn't end there: make a trip to Jethawanaramaya Dagoba and contemplate the waterfront views at Nachchaduwa Wewa.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Anuradhapura sightseeing planner.

You can take a train from Jaffna to Anuradhapura in 3.5 hours. Another option is to drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Trincomalee.

A center of Tamil culture and language, Trincomalee suffered greatly during the 30-year civil war, but the troubles haven't dimmed the natural and cultural charms of the place.

Get outdoors at Nilaveli Beach and Kanniya Hot Springs. Your inner history buff will appreciate Trincomalee War Cemetery and Koneswaram Temple. And it doesn't end there: discover the deep blue sea with a scuba or snorkeling tour, kick back and relax at Marble Beach, stroll through Uppuveli, and don't miss a visit to Fort Frederick.

Make your Trincomalee itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.

You can drive from Anuradhapura to Trincomalee in 2 hours. Another option is to take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Kalkudah.

Kick off your visit on the 9th (Thu): make a trip to Coconut Cultural Park and then kick back and relax at Passikudah Beach.

To find reviews, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, use the Kalkudah trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Trincomalee to Kalkudah takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Thu) to allow time to drive to Polonnaruwa.

Lying 216 km (134 mi) from Colombo, Polonnaruwa offers a rich history second in Sri Lanka only to Arunadhapura.

Get in touch with nature at Safaris and Kaudulla National Park. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Somawathiya Stupa and Gal Potha. The adventure continues: steep yourself in history at Lankathilaka Image House, appreciate the history behind Gal Vihara, and explore the ancient world of Polonnaruwa Vatadage.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Polonnaruwa trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Kalkudah to Polonnaruwa in 1.5 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Haputale.

Nestled atop Uva, Sri Lanka's main mountain range, lies tranquil Haputale.

Start off your visit on the 14th (Tue): relax in the rural setting at Dambatenne Tea Factory and then take some stellar pictures from Lipton’s Seat.

Make your Haputale itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.

Getting from Polonnaruwa to Haputale by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Tue) 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.

Escape the urban bustle at Knuckles Mountain Range and Kandy Lake. You'll discover tucked-away gems like World Buddhist Museum and Kandy War Cemetery. The adventure continues: explore the different monuments and memorials at Kandy Garrison Cemetery and look for gifts at Jayamali Batiks Studio.

For traveler tips, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Kandy online visit planner.

You can drive from Haputale to Kandy in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly back home.