5-Day Sri Lanka Highlights: Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella & Udawalawe
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: comfortable with several short hikes, stair climbs (Sigiriya) and a few multi-hour transfers.
Overview
Cover Sri Lanka’s essentials in five focused days: climb Sigiriya, visit Dambulla and the Temple of the Tooth, walk tea-country trails in Nuwara Eliya and Ella, then end with an elephant-frequented safari at Udawalawe. This itinerary blends culture, landscape and reliable wildlife viewing.
5-Day Sri Lanka Highlights: Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella & Udawalawe
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You arrive in Colombo before dawn and the air already carries the salt of the Indian Ocean and the distant clatter of tuk-tuks. A driver takes your luggage and the city peels away—coastal flatlands give way to low hills, then to a jagged silhouette of rock that refuses to be ignored. Sigiriya rises from the scrub like an ancient watchtower; by late afternoon the summit glows a rusty ochre and the surrounding plains seem to breathe.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early
Hotel pickup is pre-dawn on most days—be in the lobby 10 minutes early and bring a packed breakfast for long transfers.
Temple etiquette
Cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes at Buddhist and Hindu temples; carry a scarf for quick coverage.
Highlands layers
Temperatures drop in Nuwara Eliya and Ella—bring a light insulated layer and windbreaker for evenings and viewpoints.
Safari hydration
Carry water and sunscreen for game drives—vehicles can be exposed and drives typically last up to three hours.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Asian elephant
- variety of water birds at Udawalawe
History
Sigiriya and Dambulla reflect Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms and Buddhist heritage; Kandy was the last royal capital and retains ceremonial traditions around the Temple of the Tooth.
Conservation
Udawalawe works with local conservation groups to monitor elephant populations; visitors are encouraged to keep distance from wildlife and avoid feeding or disturbing animals.
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Adventure Hotspots in Colombo
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Grip for uneven stone steps at Sigiriya and damp trails in Ella.
Light insulated jacket
Warmth for cool mornings and evenings in Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
fall specific
Insect repellent
Protects against mosquitoes during dusk drives and lowland stops.
summer specific
Daypack with water
Carry water, sun protection and temple-appropriate cover-ups during daily excursions.