Sri Lanka Highlights

Ancient sites, hill country trains, and southern beaches

Country: Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

Video

Overview

This itinerary covers Sri Lanka’s main cultural and natural highlights, combining:

  • ancient sites in the Cultural Triangle,
  • scenic hill country and one of the world’s most beautiful train rides,
  • and relaxed beaches on the south coast.

The route is designed to be logistically efficient, with clear guidance on how to move between locations using train, bus, or private transfer.

Total duration: ~10 days, with the option to extend beach time.

Arrival – Negombo (near the airport) ▾


Negombo is located close to Colombo International Airport and works well for the first or last night.

Highlights:
• St. Sebastian’s Church
• St. Mary’s Church
• Negombo Beach – best for sunset walks rather than swimming

Recommended stay: 1 night.

How to get there:
• Taxi or hotel transfer from the airport (15–30 minutes)
• No long travel on arrival day, ideal after an international flight

Negombo → Dambulla → Sigiriya ▾


Travel inland toward the Cultural Triangle.

Dambulla:
• Often used as a transport hub
• The town itself is not particularly interesting
• Cave Temple can be skipped if time is limited

Continue to Sigiriya.

How to get there:
• Private transfer (most comfortable, ~4–5 hours total)
• Bus via Dambulla (cheaper, slower)

Sigiriya – Ancient Rock Fortress ▾


Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive historical sites.

Highlights:
• Sigiriya Lion Rock – full visit takes most of the day
• Frescoes and water gardens
• Views over surrounding jungle and countryside

Recommended stay: 2 nights.
This allows one full, unhurried day for the rock and surroundings.

Optional:
• Village walks
• Nearby countryside and lakes

Sigiriya → Kandy ▾


Travel south toward Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka.

How to get there:
• Private transfer (~3 hours)
• Bus via Dambulla (slower, more local experience)

Scenery gradually becomes greener and more hilly.

Kandy – Culture & Transition Point ▾


Kandy is an important religious and cultural city.

Highlights:
• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (can be visited or skipped)
• City lake walk
• Markets and local streets

Recommended stay: 1–2 nights.

Many travelers use Kandy mainly as a transition point before heading into the hill country.

Kandy → Ella (Scenic Train Ride) ▾


This is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.

Route:
• Kandy → Ella
• Optional stop in Nuwara Eliya (cool climate, tea plantations)

Highlights:
• Tea plantations
• Waterfalls
• Mountain landscapes

How to travel:
• Train (book seats in advance if possible)
• Slow but very scenic

Travel time:
• Full route: ~6–7 hours

Ella – Hiking & Relaxation ▾


Ella is a small mountain town focused on nature and relaxation.

Highlights:
• Short hikes and viewpoints
• Waterfalls
• Relaxed cafés and mountain atmosphere

Activities:
• Light trekking
• Scenic viewpoints
• Slow days without long transfers

Recommended stay: 2–3 nights.

Ella → South Coast ▾


Travel from the hill country to the southern coast.

How to get there:
• Private transfer (most comfortable, ~4–5 hours)
• Bus combinations (cheaper, slower)

The climate becomes warmer and more humid again.

Galle – Colonial Heritage ▾


Galle is a historic coastal town with strong colonial influences.

Highlights:
• Galle Dutch Fort
• Museums and old town streets
• Ocean views from the fort walls

Recommended stay: 1 day or 1 night.
Often combined with nearby beach towns.

South Coast Beaches – Hikkaduwa / Unawatuna / Similar ▾


After an active trip, the south coast is ideal for rest.

Highlights:
• Snorkeling
• Turtle beaches
• Calm seaside towns
• Easy day-to-day life

Recommended stay: 2–4 days (or longer if time allows).

South Coast → Colombo Airport ▾


Return to Colombo International Airport.

How to get there:
• Comfortable intercity bus along the coast
• Private transfer (fastest and easiest)

Travel time:
• ~2–3 hours depending on location and traffic

Best season

Sri Lanka’s weather varies by region.

General guidance:

  • December–March: best for south coast and hill country
  • April–September: better for the east coast
  • Hill country is cooler year-round

This itinerary works best during the winter.