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Sri Lanka's Hills to Coast — a 8-Day Plan You Can Actually Do
The 8-day version for February: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 5-day plan · 7-day plan · 8-day plan · best time to go.
8
days
848 km
distance
21.2 h
in transit
52
curated stops
💡 Good to know for this plan
- Both the hill country and the south coast sit in their dry window — the famous train rides with the doors open.
- Heavy transit: day 7 (7h58) runs over 6 hours on the road. Around 8 days would keep daily driving comfortable on this route — or keep the dates and start each of those days by 08:00.
Day 1 Colombo → Kandy
🌡 13.0–36.9°C · 🌧 ~13 rain days · ☀ 11.8h light
09:00
St Andrew's Scots Kirk churchhistory & sagasmuseums & heritagechurches & landmarks
Sense colonial history in quiet, echoing pews.
50 min · Colombo
09:50
The Natural History Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Discover dioramas showcasing Sri Lanka's diverse flora and fauna.
50 min · Colombo · Child Rs 150, adult Rs 300
open: Sa-Th 9AM-5PM. Closed all public holidays
10:40
The Dutch Period Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Gaze at artifacts recounting Dutch colonial rule in a small setting.
50 min · Colombo · Child Rs 300, adult Rs 500 (price listed 2013)
open: Sa-Th 9AM-5PM
14:22
Bahirawakanda templechurches & landmarkslocal & traditionalhiking
You will see a towering Buddha statue overlooking the city.
50 min · Kandy · Rs 250
15:12
World Buddhist Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Discover the world’s first international Buddhist museum.
50 min · Kandy · Entrance fee included into Temple of the
open: 8AM-6:30PM
16:02
Ceylon Tea Museumhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
You will see the history of tea and taste a complimentary cup.
50 min · Kandy · Foreigner adult Rs 750, children Rs 400
open: Tu-Su 8:30AM-3:45PM, it closes 45 minutes earlier on Sundays
16:52
The Empire cafehistory & sagascoffee & bakes
Enjoy wraps and diverse meals in a nice setting near the Temple of the Tooth.
60 min · Kandy
18:30
Green Leaf Hotel and Bakerslocal & traditional
Savor flavorful rottis, rice, and curry in a cozy, affordable setting.
75 min · Kandy
Overnight: Kandy
e.g. Earl's Regency · Forest Villa
Day 2 Around Kandy
🌡 13.0–36.9°C · 🌧 ~13 rain days · ☀ 11.8h light
09:00
Nilambe Meditation Centrehistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
You can practice yoga, meditate, and live a monastic lifestyle.
90 min · Kandy
10:30
Temple of the Toothhistory & sagas
Witness sacred rituals and glimpse the relic’s casket twice daily.
50 min · Kandy · Rs 2,000 (since Jan 2017) for foreigners (price listed 2017)
open: Dawn to dusk
11:20
Royal Palace of Kandymuseums & heritage
Explore a museum rich with archaeological treasures.
50 min · Kandy · Entrance fee included into Temple of the
open: Till 16:30
12:10
Udawattakele Royal Forest Sanctuaryhiking
You will hear monkeys and feel the tranquility of a tropical rain forest.
50 min · Kandy · Foreigners Rs 650
open: 7AM–6PM
13:00
Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniyahistory & sagas
You will see lush, diverse plant collections from around the world.
50 min · Kandy · Foreigners Rs 2000, students Rs 1,000 (price listed 2000)
open: 7:30AM–6PM, ticket counter closes 1 hour earlier
13:50
Buddhist Publication Societyhistory & sagas
You can discuss Buddhism and take home introductory materials.
90 min · Kandy
open: M-Sa 9AM–4:30PM
15:20
Bakehouselocal & traditional
Enjoy traditional Sri Lankan meals with a scenic city view from the balcony.
60 min · Kandy
Overnight: Kandy
e.g. Earl's Regency · Forest Villa
Day 3 Nuwara Eliya
🌡 11.8–32.2°C · 🌧 ~12 rain days · ☀ 11.8h light
10:52
Victoria Parkhistory & sagasmuseums & heritage
Stroll among diverse plants in a tranquil park.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Rs1000 (kids 500)
11:42
Hill Clubhistory & sagascoffee & bakes
Visit a historic gentleman's club in a stone building.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya
12:32
Lover's Leap waterfallmuseums & heritage
Feel the rush of a 30-meter waterfall in a legend spot.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Free
13:22
Nuwara Eliya Post Officemuseums & heritage
Admire the Tudor-style architecture of the old post office.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya
14:12
Adam's Peakhiking
Tread a steep, sacred trail up a revered mountain peak.
90 min · Nuwara Eliya
15:42
Ramboda Falls
Feel the mist of a towering 108-meter waterfall rushing down.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Rs 20
16:32
Grand Indianlocal & traditional
Delight in the finest traditional Indian cuisine in the region.
60 min · Nuwara Eliya
18:30
Ambaal's pure vegetarian Hotel & Restaurant
Savor authentic Indian flavors across three inviting restaurant floors.
75 min · Nuwara Eliya
open: Daily 7AM-10PM
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
e.g. Spring Acre · The Tea Factory Hotel
Day 4 Nuwara Eliya → Ella
🌡 11.8–32.2°C · 🌧 ~12 rain days · ☀ 11.8h light
09:00
Pedro Tea Factory
Watch tea leaves transform and stroll through lush green plantations.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Free, or Rs1000 which includes a 30-minu
open: Daily 8-11AM, 2-4PM
09:50
Hakgala Botanical Garden
Admire a variety of flowers in this serene, expansive garden.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Foreigners Rs 1500
open: 7:30AM-5:30PM
10:40
Blue Field Tea Factory
Savor a complimentary cup of tea after a brief factory tour.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Free
open: 9AM–6:30PM
11:30
Lake Gregory
Enjoy peaceful boating on a large man-made lake.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Entrance to the Lake Gregory park Rs1000
12:20
Galway's Land National Park
Listen to birdsong in this small, wild sanctuary on the town's edge.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Rs 4500
14:40
Little Adam's Peakmuseums & heritagelocal & traditionalhiking
Hike through tea plantations for panoramic views of Ella.
50 min · Ella
15:30
De Silva Food
Enjoy generous portions of rice, noodles, and burgers in a clean setting.
60 min · Nuwara Eliya · Rs 250-500 per meal
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
e.g. Spring Acre · The Tea Factory Hotel
Day 5 Ella
🌡 13.0–34.8°C · 🌧 ~15 rain days · ☀ 11.8h light
10:30
Nine Arch Bridgemuseums & heritagehiking
Admire the elegant rock bridge architecture amidst lush greenery.
50 min · Ella · Free
11:20
Newburgh Green Tea Factorymuseums & heritagehiking
Savor unique green tea flavors in a historic factory.
90 min · Ella
12:50
Rawana (Ravana) Fallshiking
Feel the refreshing spray of the powerful waterfall.
50 min · Ella
13:40
Ella Rockhiking
Experience breathtaking valley views after a vigorous climb.
50 min · Ella · Rs 930 (for foreigners)
14:30
Ancient Rawana Buddhist templehistory & sagas
50 min · Ella
15:20
Ella Organic Tea Garden
Taste aromatic organic teas amidst vibrant spice gardens.
90 min · Ella · Rs 3,000 per person
open: 09:00, 11:00, 13:00
16:50
Matey Hut
Delight in flavorful pumpkin and green mango curries at a rustic stall.
60 min · Ella · Rs 1000-1500 per person
Overnight: Ella
e.g. Sunnyside Holiday Bungalow · Zion View Guest House
Day 6 Ella → Yala
🌡 13.0–34.8°C · 🌧 ~15 rain days · ☀ 11.8h light
09:00
Dhowa Temple
50 min · Ella
11:50
Yala Safari
Spot leopards and elephants roaming freely in Yala's wilds.
50 min · Yala · Safari tours from US$40
open: Daily 05:00-18:00
Overnight: Ella
e.g. Sunnyside Holiday Bungalow · Zion View Guest House
Day 7 Galle
🌡 23.5–31.7°C · 🌧 ~12 rain days · ☀ 11.8h light
12:45
All Saint's Churchchurches & landmarks
Admire the elegant Anglican architecture and peaceful ambiance.
50 min · Galle
open: Masses: F Su 8AM
13:35
Fort's wallshiking
Stroll along historic walls at sunset, enjoying the views.
50 min · Galle · Be wary of unauthorized local or foreign
14:25
National Sea Museummuseums & heritage
Explore maritime history in a Dutch warehouse.
50 min · Galle
15:15
Dutch Reformed churchchurches & landmarks
Admire grand colonial architecture and serene interiors.
50 min · Galle
16:05
Tourist Information Centermuseums & heritage
50 min · Galle
16:55
St-Mary's Cathedralchurches & landmarks
50 min · Galle
Day 8 Around Galle
🌡 23.5–31.7°C · 🌧 ~12 rain days · ☀ 11.8h light
09:00
Historical Mansion Museummuseums & heritage
50 min · Galle
09:50
Internet Cafecoffee & bakes
50 min · Galle
10:40
Galle Railway Station
Watch trains arrive and depart on the bustling platform.
50 min · Galle · Rs 240 3rd Class, Rs 500 2nd Class
11:30
Arabic College
Visit a historic educational institution from 1892.
50 min · Galle
12:20
Talpe Beach
Sip refreshing drinks on a vibrant beach club.
90 min · Galle
13:50
Sri Lanka Telecom & Mobitel
Get connected with reliable SIM cards and phone services.
50 min · Galle
14:40
Cafe The Pedler's Inncoffee & bakes
Relish milkshakes and sandwiches in a charming cafe.
60 min · Galle