9-Day Itinerary for Sri Lanka in Kabalana

1. Day 1: Explore Colombo City
   2 hours (74.7 km) from Bandaranaike International Airport

   Discover the urban charm of the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, visit Gangaramaya Temple, Pettah Floating Market, and Galle Face Green.

2. Day 2: Visit the Ancient City of Sigiriya
   4 hours (186 km) from Colombo City

   Climb to the top of the world-renowned Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the Dambulla Cave Temple.

3. Day 3: Relax in the Beach Paradise of Trincomalee
   3 hours (153 km) from Sigiriya

   Soak up some sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Nilaveli Beach, and visit the Pigeon Island National Park for snorkelling with reef sharks and turtles.

4. Day 4: Wildlife and Culture in Polonnaruwa
   2 hours 30 minutes (114 km) from Trincomalee

   Discover the 11th-century royal palace complex and ancient temples of Polonnaruwa and enjoy a wildlife safari at Minneriya National Park to see elephants.

5. Day 5: Blue Whale Watching in Mirissa
   4 hours (168 km) from Polonnaruwa

   Join a whale-watching trip from the port of Mirissa and spot blue and sperm whales in the Indian Ocean. Visit the historic Galle Fort in the evening.

6. Day 6: Attend a Cultural Dance Performance in Kandy
   3 hours (114 km) from Mirissa

   Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, watch a cultural Kandyan dance performance, and explore the stunning Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.

7. Day 7: Hike in the Beautiful Knuckles Mountain Range
   2 hours 30 minutes (91 km) from Kandy

   Go for an exhilarating hike in the Knuckles Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

8. Day 8: Explore the Dutch Colonial City of Galle
   3 hours 30 minutes (155 km) from Knuckles Mountain Range

   Visit the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stroll along the picturesque beaches of Unawatuna. Watch the stilt fishermen do their traditional fishing.

9. Day 9: Relax on the Sandy Beaches of Kabalana
   30 minutes (18.2 km) from Galle

   Unwind on the beautiful beaches of Kabalana, the best spot for surfing or just soak in the sun. Enjoy a seafood dinner at a beachside restaurant.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress (2.5 hours, 30 USD)
• Dambulla Cave Temple (1 hour, 10 USD)
• Whale Watching in Mirissa (4 hours, 40 USD)
• Polonnaruwa Tours (2 hours, 20 USD)
• Minneriya National Park Safari (3 hours, 50 USD)
• Kandyan Cultural Dance Performance (2 hours, 15 USD)
• Knuckles Mountain Range Hike (6 hours, 20 USD)
• Galle Fort Tours (2 hours, 15 USD)
• Seafood Dinner (1 hour, 25 USD)
Total Estimated Costs (2023): 225 USD

Useful Tips

Add at least one day to relax on the beach in Mirissa or Unawatuna, depending on your interests. If you have time, visit Sri Lanka's famous tea country in Ella and hike to Little Adam's Peak. If you have less time, consider skipping Polonnaruwa or Trincomalee. Alternatively, add more days to stay in Nuwara Eliya and explore Sri Lanka's central highlands.