Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka by Self-Drive Car, With Driving Times

At a glance

The south coast: Galle, Mirissa, Bentota

The Southern Expressway makes this the easiest part of the island to drive. From Colombo the fast road runs south towards Galle and beyond, and the old coastal road (Galle Road) gives access to towns and beaches. Galle Fort is walkable, and parking is at the edge of the old town. Mirissa is further on, and narrow streets near the beach get crowded in the evenings. Bentota, nearer Colombo, has river activities and long beaches. The best weather on this coast is usually December to March.

The Cultural Triangle: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa

The roads here are mostly flat and straight, but the distances are long and elephants cross at dusk, so avoid driving after dark. Sigiriya Rock is best climbed early in the morning before the heat. Dambulla, where our head office is, is a good base for Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Kandy. Plan one night each in Sigiriya or Dambulla and Polonnaruwa if you are visiting the ancient city and Minneriya or Kaudulla for elephants.

The hill country: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella

These roads climb, twist and often run in cloud. A car with an automatic gearbox and some power in reserve is more comfortable than a small-engine car. Allow extra time and read best cars for Sri Lanka's hill country roads. Kandy's traffic is heavy, and hotels on the hills are reached by steep, narrow lanes; ask your hotel for directions and parking.

Yala, Tissamaharama and Kataragama

Private cars are not allowed inside Yala National Park. Drive to Tissamaharama or Kirinda, stay in a hotel near the gate and book a registered safari jeep for the morning or afternoon drive. The roads to this part of the south-east are mostly good but pass through areas where elephants and other animals cross.

The east coast: Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Pasikuda

The east coast has long, quiet beaches and clear water from about May to September, when the west is wet. Distances from Colombo are long, so break the journey at Dambulla or Habarana. The roads are open and straight, and the dry zone is hot in the middle of the day.

Practical notes for all routes

• Start long drives early; the roads are quieter and cooler in the morning.
• Refuel in towns before long stretches in the hills and the east.
• Keep small notes for tolls, parking and snacks.
• Check the weather and road conditions before leaving for the hills.
• Browse the destinations section for guides to individual attractions.