Ready-made itinerary · 12 days
White-water rafting at Kitulgala, a night climb of Sri Pada (Adam's Peak), Horton Plains, Ella Rock, a Yala safari and surf lessons at Hiriketiya.
2 adults · Fast · Mid-range
8 stops · 678 km · about 17 hr driving
Lines join overnight stops in order. They are not road paths.
Land at Bandaranaike International Airport, pick up your SIM card and meet your driver.
A long sea-front lawn and promenade, busy with families, kite flyers and street-food stalls from late afternoon.
Night in Kitulgala
Rafting on the Kelani river, the rainforest walk and Belilena cave.
A rafting trip of about two hours over a series of grade 2 to 3 rapids on the Kelani river, ending with a swim in calm water.
A guided walk in the lowland rainforest across the river, reached by a small boat, with endemic birds and butterflies.
A large rock shelter where archaeologists found tools and remains of the prehistoric Balangoda people, reached by a short forest path above the village.
Night in Sri Pada (Adam's Peak)
The night climb to Sri Pada (Adam's Peak), timed to reach the summit for sunrise.
A 126-metre waterfall on the Maskeliya Oya, reached by a short walk through a village from the road.
Night in Nuwara Eliya
An early start for the Horton Plains walk to World's End.
A reservoir from the British period at the edge of town, with a lakeside path and boats for hire.
A 220-metre waterfall near Koslanda. A path climbs to the rock pools at the top, where you can swim when the river is low.
A steeper half-day hike to a cliff top above the valley. Go early with a guide or good offline map, as the paths split.
An easy, well-trodden walk of about 45 minutes each way through a tea estate to a grassy summit with views across Ella Gap.
The stone railway viaduct at Demodara, in a valley of tea and forest. Check the timetable if you want to see a train cross.
A tall waterfall beside the main road below Ella, at its best after rain.
A half-day jeep safari (about 06:00 to 10:00, or 14:30 to 18:00) from the Palatupana gate, looking for leopards, elephants, sloth bears and birds across scrub, lagoons and rocky outcrops.
A cave temple complex on a steep rock, with reclining Buddhas and painted ceilings on several terraces and views over the countryside from the top.
The horseshoe bay itself, with a beginner-friendly beach break, a reef break for experienced surfers and calm water for swimming on small days.
A two-hour beginner surf lesson on Weligama's long, sandy bay, one of the gentlest breaks on the island in season.
A small headland of leaning palms above the sea at the east end of the bay. Busy at sunset.
Flight home from CMB
Check out and drive to the airport. Aim to arrive three hours before your flight.
Mid-range · 2 adults · January
Estimated ranges, not quotes. Based on published 2026 prices, reviewed 22 Oct 2026. Excludes flights and visas. Tickets are counted where a price is known.