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Sri Lanka's Hills to Coast: 9-Day Plan You Can Actually Do

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The 9-day version for February: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight.

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9
days
480 km
distance
27.9 h
in transit
46
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Colombo → Kandy

4 curated stops
Transit
5h20
Finish
~19:25
Temperature
18.9°C–28.8°C
Rainy days
~13
Daylight
11.8h
09:00
Galle Face Green Promenade read more map ↗
Stroll along the oceanfront promenade filled with lively crowds.
90 min · Colombo · Free
10:40
Lotus Tower colombolotustower.lk read more map ↗
Marvel at the illuminated telecommunications tower changing colors.
50 min · Colombo · $20 USD for foreigners, Rs 500 for Sri Lankans
12:00
The National Museum of Colombo museum.gov.lk read more map ↗
Explore regalia of 17th-century Kandyan kings amidst vast exhibits.
50 min · Colombo · Child Rs 300, adult Rs 500 (price listed 2013)
open: Sa-Th 9AM-5PM
12:50
The Gallery Cafe search map ↗
Dine in a beautifully designed space with international cuisine.
60 min · Colombo
18:35
Temple of the Tooth sridaladamaligawa.lk read more map ↗
Witness sacred rituals and glimpse the relic’s casket twice daily.
50 min · Kandy · Rs 2,000 (since Jan 2017) for foreigners and Rs 500 for South Asian passport holders (price listed 2017)
open: Dawn to dusk
Overnight: Kandy
e.g. Kandy City House · Queen's Hotel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 2 Around Kandy

6 curated stops
Transit
0h50
Finish
~16:05
Temperature
18.9°C–28.8°C
Rainy days
~13
Daylight
11.8h
09:00
Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya botanicgardens.gov.lk read more map ↗
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
10:00
University of Peradeniya pdn.ac.lk read more map ↗
You will see stunning campus beauty and a massive seven-story library.
50 min · Kandy
11:15
World Buddhist Museum ibm.sridaladamaligawa.lk read more map ↗
Discover the world’s first international Buddhist museum.
50 min · Kandy · Entrance fee included into Temple of the Tooth ticket
open: 8AM-6:30PM
12:15
Royal Palace of Kandy read more map ↗
Explore a museum rich with archaeological treasures.
50 min · Kandy · Entrance fee included into Temple of the Tooth ticket
open: Till 16:30
13:15
National Museum of Kandy museum.gov.lk read more map ↗
Stroll quiet halls filled with attentive guides and relics.
50 min · Kandy · Rs 500, and Rs 250 for a photography permit
14:15
Udawattakele Royal Forest Sanctuary read more map ↗
You will hear monkeys and feel the tranquility of a tropical rain forest.
50 min · Kandy · Foreigners Rs 650
open: 7AM–6PM
15:05
Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar search
Experience sunset views with Asian fusion and Western pub grub.
60 min · Kandy · Free Entry
open: Noon to midnight
Overnight here
e.g. Kandy City House · Queen's Hotel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 3 Around Kandy

6 curated stops
Transit
0h35
Finish
~16:35
Temperature
18.9°C–28.8°C
Rainy days
~13
Daylight
11.8h
09:00
British Garrison Cemetery read more map ↗
You will see well-kept tombstones and hear tales of colonial soldiers.
50 min · Kandy · Entrance is free
10:00
Buddhist Publication Society bps.lk map ↗
You can discuss Buddhism and take home introductory materials.
90 min · Kandy
open: M-Sa 9AM–4:30PM
11:40
Arthur's Seat Viewpoint search map ↗
You will see panoramic views of Kandy and its artificial lake.
50 min · Kandy
12:40
Royal Palace Park search map ↗
You will see couples kissing under umbrellas by a pond.
50 min · Kandy · Foreigners Rs 100
13:40
Bahirawakanda temple search map ↗
You will see a towering Buddha statue overlooking the city.
50 min · Kandy · Rs 250
14:45
Commonwealth War Cemetery search map ↗
You will see beautifully landscaped graves and quiet respect.
50 min · Kandy
15:35
Devon Food Court search
Relish quality snacks and diverse Sri Lankan and South Indian dishes.
60 min · Kandy
Overnight here
e.g. Kandy City House · Queen's Hotel
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 4 Nuwara Eliya

4 curated stops
Transit
5h18
Finish
~17:50
Temperature
17.2°C–26.8°C
Rainy days
~12
Daylight
11.8h
14:00
Victoria Park read more map ↗
Stroll among diverse plants in a tranquil park.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Rs1000 (kids 500)
15:00
Nuwara Eliya Post Office read more map ↗
Admire the Tudor-style architecture of the old post office.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya
16:00
Galway's Land National Park nationalparksassociation.org read more map ↗
Listen to birdsong in this small, wild sanctuary on the town's edge.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Rs 4500
17:00
Lover's Leap waterfall search map ↗
Feel the rush of a 30-meter waterfall in a legend spot.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Free
Overnight here
e.g. The Bellwood Manor · Scottish Planter Glendevon Bungalow
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 5 Around Nuwara Eliya

6 curated stops
Transit
1h16
Finish
~17:10
Temperature
17.2°C–26.8°C
Rainy days
~12
Daylight
11.8h
09:00
Ramboda Falls read more map ↗
Feel the mist of a towering 108-meter waterfall rushing down.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Rs 20
10:00
Blue Field Tea Factory search map ↗
Savor a complimentary cup of tea after a brief factory tour.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Free
open: 9AM–6:30PM
11:30
Hill Club read more map ↗
Visit a historic gentleman's club in a stone building.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya
12:35
Lake Gregory search map ↗
Enjoy peaceful boating on a large man-made lake.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Entrance to the Lake Gregory park Rs1000 (kids 500)
13:35
Pedro Tea Factory search map ↗
Watch tea leaves transform and stroll through lush green plantations.
50 min · Nuwara Eliya · Free, or Rs1000 which includes a 30-minute tour and a cup of tea
open: Daily 8-11AM, 2-4PM
14:40
Adam's Peak read more
Tread a steep, sacred trail up a revered mountain peak.
90 min · Nuwara Eliya
16:10
Ambaal's pure vegetarian Hotel & Restaurant search map ↗
Savor authentic Indian flavors across three inviting restaurant floors.
60 min · Nuwara Eliya
open: Daily 7AM-10PM
Overnight here
e.g. The Bellwood Manor · Scottish Planter Glendevon Bungalow
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 6 Ella

4 curated stops
Transit
4h51
Finish
~18:00
Temperature
18.8°C–27.4°C
Rainy days
~15
Daylight
11.8h
13:30
Nine Arch Bridge read more map ↗
Admire the elegant rock bridge architecture amidst lush greenery.
50 min · Ella · Free
14:30
Little Adam's Peak search map ↗
Hike through tea plantations for panoramic views of Ella.
50 min · Ella
15:30
Newburgh Green Tea Factory search map ↗
Savor unique green tea flavors in a historic factory.
90 min · Ella
17:10
Ella Rock search map ↗
Experience breathtaking valley views after a vigorous climb.
50 min · Ella · Rs 930 (for foreigners)
Overnight here
e.g. Sunnyside Holiday Bungalow · Zion View Guest House
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 7 Around Yala

1 curated stop
Transit
none
Finish
~15:00
Temperature
21.3°C–28.8°C
Rainy days
~15
Daylight
11.8h
09:00
Yala Safari yalanationalparksafaris.com
Spot leopards and elephants roaming freely in Yala's wilds.
360 min · Yala · Safari tours from US$40
open: Daily 05:00-18:00
needs booking ahead: permit, timed entry or a guide details
Overnight here
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 8 Galle

4 curated stops
Transit
4h48
Finish
~17:20
Temperature
25.8°C–28.5°C
Rainy days
~12
Daylight
11.8h
13:30
Fort's walls search map ↗
Stroll along historic walls at sunset, enjoying the views.
50 min · Galle · Be wary of unauthorized local or foreign guides who offer you a walk round the Fort for a fee. Walking round the Fort is free for everybody.
14:30
Arabic College search map ↗
Visit a historic educational institution from 1892.
50 min · Galle
15:30
All Saint's Church search map ↗
Admire the elegant Anglican architecture and peaceful ambiance.
50 min · Galle
open: Masses: F Su 8AM
16:30
National Sea Museum museum.gov.lk read more map ↗
Explore maritime history in a Dutch warehouse.
50 min · Galle
Overnight here
Find a stay → Tours & tickets for the evening → More on Klook →

Day 9 Around Galle

6 curated stops
Transit
4h55
Finish
~17:10
Temperature
25.8°C–28.5°C
Rainy days
~12
Daylight
11.8h
09:00
Galle Port read more map ↗
Observe the lively activity of one of Sri Lanka's busiest regional ports along the southwest coast.
50 min · Galle
10:00
Dutch Reformed church search map ↗
Admire grand colonial architecture and serene interiors.
50 min · Galle
11:25
Talpe Beach search map ↗
Sip refreshing drinks on a vibrant beach club.
90 min · Galle
13:10
Kalutara temple search
Feel the spiritual serenity of this sacred place.
50 min · Galle
14:15
Seenigama temple search
Offer prayers for luck in a tranquil coastal temple.
50 min · Galle
15:20
Peace Pagoda search
Take in expansive views from this tranquil hilltop pagoda.
50 min · Galle
16:10
Cafe The Pedler's Inn pedlarsinn.com map ↗
Relish milkshakes and sandwiches in a charming cafe.
60 min · Galle

🔍 Check before you book

Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

Sources (7)

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