A week in Sri Lanka covering Colombo, Sigiriya and Dambulla, Kandy and a beach leg at Bentota with Galle Fort.
This seven-day Sri Lanka itinerary runs from the capital through the cultural heartland and hill country to the south-west coast. You begin in Colombo with a short city visit, then drive inland to Sigiriya, the rock fortress with its gardens, Mirror Wall and surviving frescoes, and to the Dambulla cave temple, a UNESCO site with painted caves and Buddha statues. From there you continue to Kandy, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a lake in the middle of the town and the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya nearby. The final leg descends to the coast at Bentota, a river-mouth beach town on the south-west coast, with a day for Galle Fort, the 17th-century Dutch-extended fortress and UNESCO site. The road legs are long, so days are planned with one main move and a sight on the way. Sri Lanka has two monsoons, which means the south-west coast and the cultural triangle are not at their best at the same time; December to March suits this route's beach leg best. Hotels, vehicles and guides are decided by the supplier and confirmed before booking.
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake, about 32 km north of Colombo, and transfer to the hotel by road. The rest of the day is free to rest or take a short walk along the Galle Face Green promenade.
Spend the morning on a short Colombo visit that can include the Gangaramaya Temple, the National Museum and Pettah market. Then drive inland to the Sigiriya and Dambulla area; the road journey takes several hours, so travel times are confirmed by the supplier. Evening at leisure.
Climb Sigiriya early, when the rock is cooler, to see the water gardens, Mirror Wall and the Lion Gate platform; the rock is about 180 m high, so wear sturdy shoes. Stop at the Dambulla cave temple on the way to Kandy, and check in on arrival.
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important sites in the Buddhist world, and walk by Kandy Lake. Later visit the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya, about 5 km west of the centre. Dress modestly for the temple; check the temple's current visiting arrangements on the day.
A long road day descending from the hill country to the coast at Bentota, south of Colombo; the route and timing are confirmed by the supplier, and a stop for tea or lunch is built in. Check in and unwind on the beach in the evening.
Take a day trip south to Galle Fort, the Dutch-extended fortress on the coast, to walk the ramparts and see the lighthouse. Return to Bentota for free time at the beach or a river-side activity, where available. Watch the sea conditions on the day.
Check out and transfer by road to Bandaranaike International Airport; Bentota is about 65 km south of Colombo and the airport is further north, so leave generous time for the flight.
Our visa desk prepares the documents, books the appointment and tracks the application until your passport is back. Allow for the processing time when you fix your dates. Visa desk: +91 97278 86777.
Itinerary last updated 20 October 2026.