The west coast and the capital
Most trips begin at Bandaranaike International Airport near Negombo, about an hour north of Colombo. The commercial capital has colonial Fort, the bazaars of Pettah, Galle Face Green at sunset and the island's best restaurants. The official capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, sits on its eastern edge and is mostly government offices and wetlands.
The hill capital
Kandy, a few hours inland, was the last royal capital before the British took the island. It is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a lake in the middle of town, the Peradeniya botanical gardens and the Esala Perahera, one of Asia's great festivals.
The ancient cities
The Cultural Triangle in the dry north central plains holds Sigiriya rock fortress, the cave temples of Dambulla, and the ruined royal cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. Elephants gather at Minneriya and Kaudulla parks nearby in the dry season.
Tea country
Ella is the relaxed backpacker village at the end of the famous train ride from Kandy through the tea estates. Expect cool air, Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam's Peak and long walks between waterfalls and tea pluckers' lines. Nuwara Eliya and Haputale are nearby alternatives.
The south coast
Galle is a walled Dutch era fort town on the southwest tip, full of cafés, boutiques and old churches. Along the coast are the beaches of Unawatuna, Mirissa for whale watching, Weligama for beginner surf and Tangalle for quiet sand, with Yala and Udawalawe national parks a short drive inland.
How to fit it together
A classic two week loop runs Colombo, the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, the hill country train to Ella, a safari at Yala or Udawalawe, then the south coast and back up to the airport. With one week, choose either the culture and hills or the beaches. Remember that the southwest coast is best from December to April and the east coast from May to September. Use the free trip planner to shape your route, or browse places to visit for ideas in each region.