Itinerary · Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
Fourteen days in summer: culture and the east coast
The summer loop, when the west is wet: the Cultural Triangle at elephant season, the hills, and the east coast at its best.
14 days, May to September
Days 1–2
1Anuradhapura
Negombo, then Anuradhapura and Mihintale.
Days 3–4
2Sigiriya
Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa.
Day 5
3Minneriya National Park
An evening safari for the elephant gathering (best July–October).
Days 6–8
4Koneswaram Temple
Trincomalee: Koneswaram, Pigeon Island and the beaches of Nilaveli.
Days 9–10
5Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
Kandy (in July or August, check the Esala Perahera dates).
Day 11
6Sri Lanka by train: the Kandy–Ella line and how to book
By road to Nanu Oya, then the train to Ella (check the line status).
Days 12–14
7Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay for the surf, with a safari at Kumana; drive back to Colombo (a long day).
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