Sri Lanka packs 2,000+ years of history into an island the size of West Virginia: ancient capitals like Anuradhapura, the lion-faced rock citadel of Sigiriya, and gilded cave temples at Dambulla. Layered on top are tea estates that fueled a global habit, colonial-era forts, and national parks where elephants still have right of way.

For families, it’s an easy country to love. Distances are short, English is common in tourism, and the food—light, fragrant curries; string hoppers; coconut sambol; fresh fish—works for every palate. Wildlife watching is world-class, and the iconic Kandy–Ella train is bucket-list beautiful.

Practical notes: modest clothing is required at temples (shoulders/knees covered, shoes off indoors). The best all-island windows are roughly December–April and July–September. Carry some LKR cash for small vendors; ATMs are widespread. For long drives, use a reliable driver; for the scenic train, reserve seats in advance.

Sigiriya (Dambulla & the Cultural Triangle)

Base yourself near Sigiriya Rock to explore Sri Lanka’s storied “Cultural Triangle.” This region gathers three big-hitters—Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Anuradhapura—along with wildlife-rich Minneriya and rural villages. It’s superb for unhurried sightseeing and gentle days that still feel epic.

Fun fact: King Kashyapa built Sigiriya’s sky-palace in the 5th century, engineering water gardens that still puzzle hydrologists. The mirror wall—once polished so finely it reflected—holds ancient graffiti from pilgrims who came to marvel.

Days 1–5: Highlights and gentle pacing

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO): Start early to avoid heat; there are about 1,200 steps with frequent landings and handrails. If steep climbs aren’t ideal, consider admiring the rock and visiting the water gardens at the base, then exploring the excellent Sigiriya Museum.
• Dambulla Cave Temples: A sweeping Buddha-filled complex with brilliant murals. The steps are steady; take it slow and carry water.
• Minneriya or Kaudulla Elephant Safari: An afternoon jeep ride offers your best chance to see wild herds (peak “Gathering” is Aug–Oct but elephants are seen year-round).
• Anuradhapura Day Trip: Explore the Bodhi Tree (a cutting of the original from Bodh Gaya), Ruwanwelisaya stupa, and vast monastic ruins with a guide.

Recommended activities (easy to moderate, family-friendly):

Sigiriya Day Tour with all included

Private Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park to Visit Elephants

Private City Day Tour in Anuradhapura

Where to stay (mid-range focus):

• Sigiriya Village Hotel — walkable gardens, Ayurvedic spa, and a quiet setting ideal for early starts.
• Aliya Resort and Spa — contemporary rooms, great pool, and a view of Sigiriya Rock from select spots.
• Splurge: Water Garden Sigiriya — pavilion-style suites set around ancient-style waterways.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Sigiriya | Hotels.com Sigiriya

Eat & drink:

• Rithu Restaurant (Inamaluwa): Excellent rice-and-curry buffets and fresh juices; friendly service and easy parking.
• Pradeep Restaurant (Sigiriya town): Family-run spot for vegetable curries, kottu roti, and king coconut to beat the heat.
• Wijesiri Family Restaurant: Homestyle curries and hoppers; ask for less spice if preferred.
• Café Wadiya (near Dambulla): Simple breakfasts—egg hoppers, pol roti with dhal—and Ceylon tea.
• Ahinsa Restaurant: Good grilled fish at dinner and soothing lime soda; casual, open-air setting.

Getting in and around:

• Fly into Colombo (CMB): Compare fares on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.
• Airport to Sigiriya: 4–5 hours by private car (about US$90–120). Trains to Habarana exist but are slower and require a short tuk-tuk transfer. Browse schedules on Trip.com Trains.

Travel to Ella (morning departure on Day 6): Drive Sigiriya → Kandy (2.5–3 hours; ~US$55–75), then take the scenic train to Ella (6–7 hours). Reserve seats in advance:

Train Tickets From Kandy to Ella

Ella (Tea Country)

Ella is tea-country idyll: emerald hills stitched with footpaths, the graceful Nine Arches Bridge, and cool nights that beg for a pot of Uva black. It’s also a perfect base for easy walks and scenic viewpoints without strenuous climbs.

Trivia for the ride: The “Blue Train” crossing Nine Arches is one of the world’s most photographed rail scenes, its viaduct built in the 1920s using stone and brick, not steel.

Days 6–10: Slow walks, tea, and waterfalls

• Little Adam’s Peak: An easy path (30–45 minutes each way) to a panoramic ridge—best at sunrise or late afternoon.
• Nine Arches Bridge: Stroll from Ella town to view a passing train; the path undulates but is manageable with good shoes.
• Tea factory visit: Tour a nearby estate to see withering, rolling, and tasting. Buy light, floral Uva teas to take home.
• Ravana Falls: A photogenic cascade right off the main road; visit early to avoid crowds.

Optional day trips by jeep (choose one for a restful pace):

Udawalawe National Park | Private Safari Tour — elephant sightings are common; 2–2.5 hours each way from Ella.

Yala National Park Wildlife Safari/ Game Drive - by Ajith Safari — famous for leopards; go for a private, shorter drive to limit fatigue (Yala blocks can close seasonally; your guide will advise).

Train Tickets from Nanuoya (NuwaraEliya) to Ella — a shorter scenic segment if you fancy a tea-country roundtrip and lunch in Nuwara Eliya.

Where to stay:

• 98 Acres Resort & Spa — hillside chalets above tea fields; ideal for a celebratory night or two.
• Ella Rock House — breezy rooms, garden views, and easy access to town.
• Also browse: VRBO Ella | Hotels.com Ella

Eat & drink (relaxed, local-forward):

• Café Chill: Broad menu with Sri Lankan curries, grilled fish, and decent espresso; lively but efficient.
• Matey Hut: Family-run dishes—jackfruit curry, coconut roti, and fresh pineapple juice—served with warmth.
• Dream Café: Comfort picks (soups, sandwiches) and herbal teas; good when you want something light.
• Rotti Hut: Made-to-order stuffed rotis; quick, inexpensive, and tasty between walks.
• Ella Flower Garden Restaurant: Garden seating, grilled meats, and a sunset view over the valley.

Travel to Bentota (morning departure on Day 11): Private car Ella → Bentota takes ~4.5–5.5 hours (US$120–160). A slower but scenic alternative is train Ella → Matara, then road north to Bentota. For a comfortable coast transfer with photo stops, book a driver: Sri Lanka Personal Tour Driver in private vehicle.

Bentota (Southwest Coast)

Bentota is a wide arc of golden sand where palm trees lean into the sea and boats idle on the calm Bentota River. It’s ideal for unwinding after the highlands, with easy day trips to Galle Fort, river safaris, and spice gardens.

Architect-lovers take note: Geoffrey Bawa’s country estate, Lunuganga, is nearby—a serene garden world that shaped tropical modernism.

Days 11–15: Beaches, Galle Fort, and river life

• Beach days: Choose gentle mornings by the sea; go for short seaside walks and sunset paddles. Many hotels have shaded loungers and attentive lifeguards.
• Galle Fort day trip: Wander ramparts, the lighthouse, and Dutch-era lanes lined with cafes and boutiques. Add a short tuk-tuk spin to Jungle Beach or Unawatuna if you wish.
• Bentota River: Consider a mellow boat ride to spot water monitors, kingfishers, and mangroves. Go early when the water is glassy and the birds are active.
• Wellness time: Book an Ayurvedic massage; coastal spas specialize in gentle, restorative treatments.

Recommended coastal touring:

Southern Sri Lanka Sightseeing Day Trip From Colombo & Negombo — Useful if you plan a pre/post-night in Colombo; covers Galle Fort and southern highlights in one day.

Prefer a flexible coastal circuit from Bentota? Hire a Sri Lanka Personal Tour Driver in private vehicle to tailor stops—Galle Fort, a tea boutique, and a river cruise.

Where to stay:

• Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa — river on one side, ocean on the other; easy beach access and calm pools.
• Mihin Villa Bentota — friendly, budget-conscious base near the beach.
• Splurge: Saman Villas — cliff-edge suites and tranquil dining; a special-occasion finale.
• Browse more stays: VRBO Bentota | Hotels.com Bentota

Eat & drink (coastal favorites):

• Premiere Bakery & Café: Morning buns, egg samosas, and sweet milk tea for simple breakfasts.
• Mallis Seafood Restaurant: Classic grilled prawns, crab curry, and a breezy terrace; request milder spice if preferred.
• Pier 88: Riverside seating with Sri Lankan rice-and-curry and lighter salads; pleasant at sunset.
• Nero Kitchen: Sri Lankan-European menu with fresh fish, smoothies, and easy parking—good for a no-fuss dinner.
• Galle Fort picks (day trip): The Tuna & The Crab (sushi and Sri Lankan crab), Lucky Fort (beloved 10-curry sampler), Chambers (North African touches) and A Minute by Tuk Tuk (harbor views).

Departure day (from Bentota): Bentota → Colombo airport takes ~2–2.5 hours by car, more with weekday traffic. If you have spare time in Colombo, a short city circuit by tuk-tuk is a fun finale: Colombo City Tour by Tuk Tuk Morning OR Evening - All Inclusive.

Logistics & Budget Tips (for a mid-range spend)

• Private drivers vs. trains: For seniors, we recommend private cars for long transfers (US$0.60–$0.90/km), and the scenic train only for the Kandy–Ella segment with reserved seats.
• Park fees: Safari jeeps and park tickets usually total US$35–60+ per person depending on park and duration.
• Meals: Sri Lankan rice-and-curry sets run US$3–7 at local restaurants; seafood grills on the coast US$8–18.
• Best times: Cultural Triangle is good year-round; tea country is coolest (bring a light layer); Bentota is best Dec–Apr (May–Sep sees some surf and showers).

In 15 days, this route balances world-famous sights with unhurried mornings, wildlife, and the comfort of great stays. Expect big stories—palace-on-a-rock, elephants at dusk, a train through tea—and soft edges: sea breeze, cardamom in your tea, and time to savor it all.