Horton Plains National Park is a nature reserve located at the southern end of the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The park is known for its scenic beauty and biodiversity that includes several endemic species of fauna and flora. The most famous point in the park is "World's End" which is a sheer precipice with a drop of about 1,000 feet.
Kitulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka with a great many outdoor adventure opportunities. You can try white water rafting, trekking, abseiling and more in this lush, verdant region. Also, don't miss the chance to visit the famous Kitulgala suspension bridge, which features in the movie 'The Bridge on the river Kwai'.
Mirissa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka and one of the best places in the country for whale and dolphin watching. If you’re lucky, you may even see the incredibly rare blue whale. You can also visit the impressive Parrot Rock lighthouse or just relax on the beach in this beautiful location.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the southwest lowland rainforest region of Sri Lanka. The forest reserve is home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies and many kinds of birds, insects and reptiles. You can enjoy nature walks, trekking and birdwatching in this forest reserve.
It is best to rent a car with a driver for this Sri Lanka itinerary. Many local operators offer this service and it typically costs around 50 USD per day. Alternatively, you can also use public transportation such as buses and trains. However, it is not recommended in some parts of this itinerary, as there might not be frequent or direct options.
If you have more time, consider exploring cultural hotspots like Anuradhapura or the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. The Yala National Park is also an excellent place to visit for wildlife lovers but it is quite far from the above itinerary. It can be added if you have a few more days. If you have less time, you can consider skipping Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
The main international airport in Sri Lanka is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) located in Negombo, a coastal town about 35 km north of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.