15 days in Colombo, Kandy & Nuwara Eliya Itinerary

The commercial capital of the country, Colombo has added modern touches to its colonial-era core, creating an exciting and eclectic coastal city.

Escape the urban bustle at Bentota Beach and Scuba & Snorkeling. Get some historical perspective at Seema Malakaya Temple and Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple. Venture out of the city with trips to Kowilawatta Temple (in Balapitiya), Ahungalla Beach (in Ahungalla) and Victor Hasselblad Sea Turtle Research & Conservation Center (in Kosgoda). Make the 2nd (Tue) a memorable day with a climbing tour. Next up on the itinerary: look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas, take in the architecture and atmosphere at St Anthony's Shrine, head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Kande Viharaya Temple.

To find traveler tips, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Colombo driving holiday planner.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Colombo is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. Traveling from Dubai to Colombo, you'll lose 1.5 hours due to the time zone difference. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Dubai in January: high temperatures in Colombo hover around 37°C and lows are around 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Kandy.

Nestled between mountains in inland Sri Lanka, Kandy proudly bears its World Heritage Site designation while remaining culturally independent and colorfully picturesque.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Embekke Devalaya. You'll explore and learn at World Buddhist Museum and Raja Museum. The adventure continues: admire all the interesting features of Royal Botanical Gardens, don't miss a visit to Lankatilaka Temple, stroll through Udawattekele Sanctuary, and take in nature's colorful creations at New Ranweli Spice Garden.

For other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, use the Kandy tour planner.

Getting from Colombo to Kandy by combination of taxi and flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sat) so you can go by car to Nuwara Eliya.

Sitting high up in the hills, the green and pleasant Nuwara Eliya offers both a rich history and proximity to pristine natural areas.

Visiting Horton Plains National Park and Ramboda Waterfall will get you outdoors. Museum-lovers will get to explore Oak Ray Tea Factory & Museum and I Love Ceylon Gallery. Get out of town with these interesting Nuwara Eliya side-trips: Ella (Honey Bee Garden, Zipline, &more). There's still lots to do: take in the dramatic scenery at St Clair's Falls, take in the spiritual surroundings of Swarnagiri Maha Viharaya, experience rural life at Bluefield Tea Gardens, and take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Moon Plains.

To see reviews, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Nuwara Eliya planning tool.

Traveling by car from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.