Upon arrival, head to the Galle Face Green, a scenic oceanside park perfect for a leisurely stroll or picnic. Afterward, visit the National Museum of Colombo, which showcases Sri Lanka's rich history and culture. End the day by treating yourself to some luxury shopping at the Odel Mall, a high-end retail complex.
Kandy is home to the iconic Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses a tooth relic said to belong to the Buddha. After exploring the temple, take a scenic walk around the Kandy Lake, a man-made body of water built in 1807. End the day with a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can watch elephants bathing and playing in the river.
Start the day early with a trip to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, built in the 5th century and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take in the stunning views from the top before heading to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage site and home to many well-preserved ancient ruins. End the day with a visit to the Minneriya National Park, where you can see hundreds of wild elephants in their natural habitat.
Nuwara Eliya is known as Sri Lanka's "Little England" due to its cooler climate and English-style architecture. Visit the Hakgala Botanic Gardens, home to over 10,000 species of plants, and the Seetha Amman Temple, a Hindu temple surrounded by beautiful gardens. End the day with a scenic journey on the Blue Train, which takes you through the stunning tea plantations of Sri Lanka's hill country.
Yala National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and crocodiles. Take a guided jeep safari through the park, watching out for wildlife along the way. Afterward, visit the Kataragama Temple, a holy site for Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims.
Galle is a charming coastal town with a rich colonial history. Visit the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Stroll through the winding streets, admiring the colonial architecture and browsing the boutique shops. End the day with a visit to the Unawatuna Beach, a beautiful bay with crystal-clear waters.
Bentota is a resort town on Sri Lanka's west coast with beautiful beaches and luxury resorts. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, trying your hand at water sports, or indulging in a spa treatment at your resort. End your trip with a romantic sunset cruise along the Bentota River.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the ancient city of Anuradhapura or the beaches of Mirissa. For a more budget-friendly trip, swap out luxury resorts for boutique guesthouses or homestays. If you have less time, consider cutting out Yala National Park or Nuwara Eliya from your itinerary. Be sure to dress conservatively when visiting temples and other religious sites, and check ahead for any dress codes.