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Sri Lanka Beach

Sri Lanka Road Trip

Colombo - Puttalam - Anuradhapura - Sigiriya - Kandy - Ella - Hambantota - Matara - Galle

Expect on your itinerary

Landscape Landscape
Historical sites Historical sites
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Wildlife Wildlife
Beach Beach
Culture Culture
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Sri Lanka Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages9 km913 h/stage2.1

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Sri Lanka Road Trip in Sri Lanka?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 540EUR drive & more 125EUR sleep & more 528EUR eat & more 240EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 893EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,433EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 720EUR drive & more 163EUR sleep & more 792EUR eat & more 360EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,315EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,035EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,250EUR drive & more 225EUR sleep & more 1,452EUR eat & more 480EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,157EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,407EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,250EUR drive & more 250EUR sleep & more 550EUR eat & more 240EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,040EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,290EUR
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Sri Lanka Road Trip Itinerary

Experience the beauty of Sri Lanka on a 10 day road trip from Colombo to Colombo. Along the way, you will get to explore the historical sites, landscapes, and nature of the country. The 913 km journey will take you through Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Ella, Matara, and Galle and offer you the chance to see UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. The roads are in good condition so it is suitable for any driver. You will get to experience the best of Sri Lanka at a low cost and create unforgettable memories. The best time to take this road trip is between November and April.
number of days 10 number of days
route length 913 km route length
budget low budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level fair accident level

START Colombo

Distance 913 km Driving time 19.3 h Pace: modest 237.5 kWh Airports CMB
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Colombo is the starting point of the Sri Lanka Road Trip. Located in the southwestern part of the country, this vibrant city is a great place to kick off your journey. It is the commercial and financial center of Sri Lanka and offers plenty of interesting sights. Make sure to visit the Viharamahadevi Park, the National Museum, the Gangaramaya Temple, and the Dutch Period Museum. You can also take a leisurely stroll around the Pettah Bazaar and explore the colonial architecture at the Fort. For travelers who are flying into the country, the closest international airport is the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Car rentals are available at the airport, so you can start your road trip right away. Alternatively, you can also use public transport to reach the city center. Colombo is the perfect starting point for your Sri Lanka Road Trip. There is plenty to explore in the city itself, and the convenient airport allows for easy access. So get ready to explore the country and start your journey in Colombo!

1 Colombo - Puttalam

Distance 106 km Driving time 2.4 h Pace: modest 27.5 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Embark on a 106 km road trip from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Puttalam! This journey is packed with fascinating historical sites and breathtaking landscapes. Start your journey in Colombo, the largest city in Sri Lanka, and explore its rich colonial history and vibrant culture. Visit the iconic Galle Face Green, a seafront promenade located in the heart of the city, and the Dutch-era Old Town, which is home to the Colombo Fort. As you drive through the countryside, take in the stunning views of the lush green fields, paddy fields and rural villages. Make sure you stop at the ancient cities of Negombo and Chilaw to explore their rich history and culture. Visit the Negombo Fish Market and the Dutch Fort in Chilaw to experience the local traditions and customs. Continue your journey and make your way to Puttalam, a coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and mangroves. Here, you can explore the fishing villages, relax on the beach and enjoy the stunning views of the Indian Ocean. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

2 Puttalam - Anuradhapura

Distance 76 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: modest 19.7 kWh View map Itinerary
UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Embark on a road trip from Puttalam to Anuradhapura, a journey of only 76 km that takes less than two hours. Along the way, you will pass through some of Sri Lanka's most historic and beautiful sites. Visit the ancient ruins of Wilpattu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in the vast natural beauty of the area. You can also explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see the ancient monuments and temples of this historic city. Other attractions along the way include the archaeological sites of Mihintale and the sacred city of Kandy. Be sure to keep an eye out for the many historical sites and monuments that are scattered around the landscape. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check the Itinerary for this stage of your journey.

3 Anuradhapura - Sigiriya

Distance 81 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: modest 20.9 kWh View map Itinerary
UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options dining venues scenic road sections of narrow road
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Embark on an epic road-trip from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya! This 81km journey will take you less than 2 hours to complete and will be filled with some of the most spectacular sights in Sri Lanka. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to explore some of the UNESCO Heritage Sites such as the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the sacred Mihintale Mountain, and the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress! This is only one of the many stages of this exciting tour, so make sure to take in all the sights and sounds along the way. As you drive, keep an eye out for the historical sites that are scattered throughout the area. You'll be able to learn more about the region's culture and history. When you reach Sigiriya, you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the ancient palace ruins. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check out the Itinerary for this stage of the tour. Enjoy your journey!

4 Sigiriya - Kandy

Distance 90 km Driving time 2.4 h Pace: slow 20.7 kWh View map Itinerary
UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Embark on a 90 km road trip from Sigiriya to Kandy, Sri Lanka and explore the best of both cities! This drive will take you fewer than 3 hours, allowing you to take in the sights and sounds of the Sri Lankan countryside. Along the way, you will come across some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Royal Palace of Kandy. Both of these sites are great for exploring the culture and history of the area. If you are looking for a more leisurely experience, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the lush green hills and the terraced paddy fields. The tea plantations in the area are also a sight to behold. As you drive through the winding roads, keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including elephants, monkeys, and other exotic animals. For a truly unforgettable experience, make sure to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. This temple is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. This road trip is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, buckle up and enjoy the journey!

5 Kandy - Ella

Distance 136 km Driving time 3.5 h Pace: slow 31.3 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Kandy to Ella! This 136 km journey will take you less than 4 hours and will take you through some of the most breathtakingly beautiful and interesting places in Sri Lanka. Start your journey in Kandy, the hill capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the city, as well as its many attractions, such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Continue your journey to Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. Enjoy the stunning views of the park’s grasslands, waterfalls, and wildlife. Be sure to take a hike to visit the World’s End, a sheer cliff that offers a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. Finally, end your journey in Ella, a small village surrounded by tea plantations and stunning mountain views. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this quaint village, as well as its many attractions, such as the Nine Arches Bridge, the Little Adam’s Peak, and the Ravana Falls. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. This road trip is just one of the many stages of a larger tour, so be sure to explore the other stages as well!

6 Ella - Hambantota

Distance 112 km Driving time 2.0 h Pace: modest 29.0 kWh View map Itinerary
attractive landscape accommodation options dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Are you looking for an exciting road trip? Get ready for an unforgettable journey from Ella to Hambantota! You will be able to explore some of the most amazing places in Sri Lanka, such as Udawalawe National Park. The distance of 112 km can be covered in about two hours and there are plenty of picturesque landscapes to enjoy along the way. Udawalawe National Park is a must-see destination, where you can spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, deer, and wild boar. The park also features a wide range of flora and fauna, making it a great place for nature lovers. Once you arrive in Hambantota, you will be able to explore the city's many attractions, including its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and cultural attractions. There are also plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites to choose from. On your journey, make sure to take the time to admire the stunning scenery and take lots of photos. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so make sure to check out the itinerary for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

7 Hambantota - Matara

Distance 101 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: fast 30.4 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options dining venues scenic road sections of steep road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Are you looking for an unforgettable road trip experience? Then join us on a journey from Hambantota to Matara, a distance of 101 km, which will take you less than 2 hours. The first stop on your journey is Bundala National Park, where you can observe a variety of birds and other wildlife. It is one of the best places for birdwatching in the world, and you can also take a safari tour to explore the park. The next stop on your journey is Matara, a coastal city with beautiful beaches and a rich history. You can explore the old fort, which was built by the Dutch in the 17th century, or take a stroll along the beach to enjoy the stunning views. This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and join us on this amazing road trip from Hambantota to Matara!

8 Matara - Galle

Distance 47 km Driving time 1.3 h Pace: slow 10.8 kWh View map Itinerary
attractive landscape accommodation options UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Matara to Galle! Along the 47 km route, you will be able to enjoy the picturesque views of the Mirissa coastline. The journey will take less than 2 hours and you will be able to enjoy a variety of sights along the way. In Mirissa, you can visit the famous Mirissa Beach, which offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The nearby Whale Watching Point is also a must-see. In Galle, you can explore the Dutch Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nearby lighthouse is also a popular attraction. There are plenty of other interesting places to explore, including historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and more. Make sure to check out the itinerary of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

9 Galle - Colombo

Distance 166 km Driving time 3.5 h Pace: modest 43.0 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options EV charging station dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Embark on an amazing road trip starting in Galle, Sri Lanka and ending in Colombo. This 166 km journey will take you less than 4 hours to complete, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore the interesting places along the way. Start in Galle, a city renowned for its beautiful colonial architecture and its picturesque fort. Visit the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the old streets and monuments inside. Don’t forget to take a stroll along the beautiful beaches of Unawatuna and Koggala. Then continue your journey towards Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka. Here you can explore the colonial architecture of Pettah, marvel at the Gangaramaya Temple, and visit the iconic Gal Viharaya Temple. Don’t forget to take a stroll through the beautiful Viharamahadevi Park and take in the stunning views of the city from the top of the Lighthouse Clock Tower. Along the way, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of the Sri Lankan countryside. Stop to admire the lush rice paddies, the rolling hills, the crystal clear rivers, and the vibrant green tea plantations. This is just one of the stages of an amazing road trip, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, get ready to explore the beautiful country of Sri Lanka on this amazing road trip!

  Colombo

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No matter if you're planning a road trip in Sri Lanka or looking for a perfect ending spot, Colombo is the perfect place to wrap it up. During your visit, you can explore the city and its surroundings, discover its culture and traditions, and enjoy its attractions. For those who prefer to explore the city with their own car, the A3 highway is the best option. It’s one of the longest highways in Sri Lanka and it connects Colombo to Kandy and Anuradhapura. During the drive, you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the lush green fields, the coastline, and the mountain ranges. Once you arrive in Colombo, you will find plenty of interesting places to visit. The National Museum of Colombo, the Gangaramaya Temple, the Galle Face Green, and the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct are just some of the many attractions that the city offers. Colombo is also a great destination for those who are looking for a beach holiday. The city is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, including Negombo and Mount Lavinia beaches. For those who are traveling by air, the closest international airport to Colombo is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). With its unique mix of culture, history, and attractions, Colombo is the perfect ending point of the Sri Lanka Road Trip. Whether you’re looking for a beach holiday or a cultural experience, Colombo has something for everyone.

Sri Lanka Road Trip at a glance

Has the travel idea sparked your creativity and imagination? Well, great!
Our tour can be used as a template that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting highlights.
If car travel is a travel option you prefer, there are a number of important road rules to follow and a list of elements to keep in mind to ensure safety. These tips will surely become useful for travellers who opt for car rental or camper rental in Sri Lanka.
It is vital to pay attention to the local road regulations when travelling around Sri Lanka. Alcohol is best to be avoided at all when Sri Lanka is your road trip destination. Drivers ought to remember that the allowed blood alcohol level is very low and equals only 0.8‰. Exceeding the maximum allowed speed limit, which is 50km/h, around the city may lead to speeding offence. The maximum speed around rural areas is 70km/h. On highways, the maximum car speed is 100km/h. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and having a fire extinguisher and first aid kit increase your safety.
One of the decisive factors when scheduling an itinerary is costs. The amount of money that you have to spend during the whole tour may vary depending on the budget option that you are interested in. A wide range of budget configurations is described below.
If you’d like to benefit from the budget option to cover the planned 10 stages while travelling around Sri Lanka, it can amount to 125 EUR. Economy accommodation options can cost travellers approximately 528 EUR. Holidayers who want to benefit from this option will spend approximately 240 EUR on restaurants and food. Travellers will have to pay approximately 540 EUR if they go for the cheapest car rental option as well. Thus, going for car rental will increase the costs of the road trip from about 893 EUR to roughly 1,433 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 125 EUR to cover the planned stages of the trip. Cost amounting to 792 EUR can be expected by all travellers who are considering standard hotels. The slightly increased standard in comparison to the budget option entails costs amounting to roughly 360 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire car should expect a cost of around 720 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 2,035 EUR for holidaymakers who would like to try car hire and 1,315 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will meet the expectations of the most demanding drivers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 4,407 EUR for travellers who are considering car rental and 1,315 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a premium rental car should expect a cost of more or less 2,250 EUR. In the top standard configuration of the adventure, the gasoline cost will be up to roughly 225 EUR. Tourists who are interested in top services in all aspects of their adventure should expect to pay roughly 1,452 EUR for overnight stays and more or less 480 EUR for restaurants and food.
Our tour will also be superb for all camper fans, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. If you choose this transport option, it costs around 2,250 EUR. Holidayers will spend roughly 250 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary. Expenses connected with accommodation should cost approximately 550 EUR, whereas those connected with food will be pay around 240 EUR.
The section Road Trip Costs presents all the mentioned details in an easy to follow way.
The part of Sri Lanka described in our Sri Lanka Road Trip is great to be explored between October and April. There are multiple beautiful road trips that we offer on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip options. Hopefully, the great variety of trips will definitely measure up to the expectations of the most demanding drivers.

Facts for safer driving in Sri Lanka

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.8
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 70 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 100 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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