Start your trip in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Spend the day exploring the city's history at the National Museum, the ancient Gangaramaya Temple, and the colonial-era Galle Face Green park. Take a tuk-tuk ride to Pettah Market, one of the oldest and busiest markets in the city. End your day with a sunset walk around Diyatha Uyana park.
Take a scenic drive to Kandy, located in the heart of Sri Lanka. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world. Next, head to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, home to over 4000 species of plants. End your day with a cultural show featuring traditional Kandyan dance and music.
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of five cave temples featuring ancient Buddhist murals and statues. Next, head to the famous Sigiriya rock fortress, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb to the top of the fortress for stunning views of the surrounding landscape. End your day with a visit to a nearby Sri Lankan village to experience the local culture.
Relax on the beach at Bentota, a popular resort town on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. Enjoy water sports activities such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and snorkeling. Take a boat ride on the Bentota River to see the local wildlife and lush mangroves. Visit the nearby Lunuganga Estate, a beautiful garden created by the famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa.
Explore the old Dutch fort city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Visit the Galle Fort, the National Museum of Galle, and the historic lighthouse. Walk around the narrow streets lined with colonial-era buildings and quaint shops. On your way back to Colombo, stop at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery to learn about Sri Lanka's efforts to protect sea turtles.
To travel between cities in Sri Lanka, you have several options such as private cars, taxis, and buses. Private cars or taxis are the most convenient and can be easily arranged in advance through your hotel or a travel agency. The estimated cost of renting a private car is around LKR 12,000 (~60 GBP) per day. Buses are the cheapest option but can be overcrowded and slow, costing around LKR 500 (~2.50 GBP) per person per trip. Hiring a tuk-tuk for shorter trips within a city is also an option and costs around LKR 500 (~2.50 GBP) per hour.
If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the ancient city of Anuradhapura or the tea-growing hill stations of Nuwara Eliya or Ella. If you have less time, skip Bentota and spend more time in Galle exploring the surrounding beaches and temples. Make sure to bring comfortable shoes for climbing and walking on uneven terrain, as well as light clothing for the hot and humid weather. Carry cash as credit cards are not accepted everywhere, especially in smaller towns.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the main airport in Sri Lanka, located in the city of Katunayake, about 32km north of Colombo. It serves both domestic and international flights and is connected to major airports across the world. There are several transport options available from the airport to Colombo, including taxi services and airport shuttle buses. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs around LKR 3000 (~15 GBP) by taxi and LKR 500 (~2.50 GBP) by bus.