Top 6 Road Trips in Sri Lanka

With stunning beaches, vibrant blue waves, swaying palm trees, lush green hills, and the aroma of fresh seafood in the air, Sri Lanka is a must-visit.

This compact island nation allows you to experience everything from picture-perfect beaches and wildlife-filled national parks to ancient Buddhist stupas—all within a short trip, especially if you hire a car with a driver.

While some choose to explore Sri Lanka on a rented motorcycle or scooter, hiring a car with a driver is the simplest way to navigate. Most drivers are English speakers who know the best routes and the top spots for delicious fiery rice and curry.

To explore the highlights of this beautiful country with your own set of wheels, here are our top road trip recommendations in Sri Lanka.

1. Colombo to Matara

Ideal road trip for beach enthusiasts Colombo–Matara; 133 km (83 miles)

This straightforward journey south from Colombo traces the route of the coastal railway, connecting historic towns with some of Sri Lanka’s most renowned beach destinations. While peak season can be bustling, you’ll discover ample sun-kissed sands and great spots to relax, dine, and ride the waves.

Begin your journey in Colombo, the capital city rich in history. Discover temples, vibrant markets, and indulge in delicious crab curry, then head south to the beaches of Aluthgama and Bentota. Consider a detour to the picturesque Brief Garden. If your budget allows, this coastal area boasts some of Sri Lanka’s finest Ayurvedic spa resorts. Spend a day or two enjoying water activities in Hikkaduwa, and visit Ambalangoda to explore the island’s tradition of kolam (masked dances).

Return to history in the UNESCO-listed Galle, where colonial streets surround a historic lighthouse and a fortress built by Dutch settlers. Dine and rest well in the old town, then continue through the beachy areas of Unawatuna and the surf spots of Midigama and Weligama, with a detour to the Handunugoda Tea Estate before concluding your trip in the genuine Sri Lankan town of Matara.

Planning tip: If you’re new to surfing in Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa is a perfect spot for beginners, offering warm waters. It’s also a center for snorkeling and diving, featuring a family-friendly inshore reef off the main beach.

2. Colombo to Badulla through the Hill Country

Ideal road trip for tea enthusiasts Colombo–Ella; 240km (145 miles)

Sri Lanka is more than just beaches. The journey from Colombo to the Hill Country ranks among the country's most picturesque rail trips, and it's equally stunning by road. Departing from the capital, with regular stops to admire the views, follow the A1 highway into the higher elevations, reaching the sacred city of Kandy, home to the nation’s most venerated temple.

Traveling with a car and driver makes it simple to explore nearby temples and gardens, as well as the Ceylon Tea Museum, before venturing into the heart of tea country. Follow the scenic highland route to Nuwara Eliya, surrounded by lush tea plantations, stopping at estates like Glenloch to discover the tea production process. Book a stay at a colonial-era hotel (we recommend the Hill Club) and indulge in high tea at the Grand.

Continue your journey through the breathtaking Horton Plains to Haputale, where tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton established his empire. Tour Lipton’s factory at Dambatenne before taking a scenic route past more hillside viewpoints to Ella, where you can settle into a local guesthouse and savor authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Whether you capture an Instagram-worthy shot of the Nine Arches bridge just outside of town is up to you.

Travel tip: The Horton Plains offer a unique experience in Sri Lanka – a hauntingly quiet highland area that abruptly ends at the dramatic cliff of World’s End. After paying the national park fees near Farr Inn, you can explore the designated trails on foot.

3. A circuit of ancient cities

Ideal journey for history buffs Anuradhapura–Kandy, 180km (112 miles)

The lush plains of central Sri Lanka present a stark contrast to the coastal sun-and-sand stereotype. Here, the remnants of ancient Buddhist kingdoms emerge from forests alive with bee-eaters and hornbills.

Begin your journey in Anuradhapura, where enormous brick stupas, over two thousand years old, serve as active places of worship. Pay homage at Sri Maha Bodhi, a tree descended from the one under which the Buddha reached enlightenment, before exploring the intriguing monastic site at Ritigala.

Take a break from the ruins at the elephant-populated Minneriya National Park, then delve back into history at Polonnaruwa, renowned for its stunning temples, statues, and ruins. Quickly head west to Sigiriya, where the rocky peak is topped by the remnants of King Kasyapa's citadel, accessible via a steep stairway.

Continue south to Dambulla, where the dusty brick architecture gives way to cave temples adorned in bright primary colors. Conclude your trip in Kandy, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, still a vital center of modern Sri Lankan Buddhism.

Travel tip: Aim to visit Anuradhapura on a poya day, which corresponds with the full moon. On these occasions, pilgrims dress in pristine white and adorn the brick plinths with colorful cloth as they flock to the stupas.

4. Discovering the finest national parks in Sri Lanka

Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts Mirissa–Arugam Bay; 440km (273 miles)

This cross-island adventure showcases some of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable wildlife experiences, exploring both renowned and lesser-known national parks, while also venturing offshore to encounter the blue whale, the island’s largest wild creature. This exciting marine experience kicks off before heading out from the southern resort of Mirissa. Inland at Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a diverse array of birds awaits, best experienced on foot with a knowledgeable local guide.

Venture east to encounter elephants at Uda Walawe National Park, a more tranquil setting compared to the bustling Yala National Park. Afterwards, head back to the coastline for birdwatching among the dunes and lagoons of Bundala National Park. To visit Kumana National Park, you'll find it much easier with a car and driver instead of public transport, where you might spot a leopard. Conclude your journey on the beach at Arugam Bay for some leisurely surfing.

Planning tip: Wildlife sightings vary by season. November is a good time for spotting whales, elephants, and leopards, but the peak months for elephant sightings are from July to October when they gather in large herds.

5. Discovering the eastern coast of Sri Lanka

Best road trip for those seeking solitude Arugam Bay–Trincomalee; 260km (162 miles)

Sri Lanka’s east coast offers a quieter experience, especially during the dry low season from May to August, making it ideal for budget travelers. Along the way, you can visit laid-back surf spots and historic towns that provide a more authentic Sri Lankan experience than the resorts in the south and west. Begin your journey with a surf at Arugam Bay, one of the island's most tranquil surfing locations. Dedicate a day to exploring the lesser-known temples and birdwatching sites in the lagoons surrounding Pottuvil.

Heading north along the coast, you'll cross the Gal Oya River, which leads to the wildlife-rich but less-explored Gal Oya National Park. Continue to Batticaloa, where colonial remnants, various religious sites, and beautiful beaches await. Let the coastal route take you further north to Trincomalee, a place where Dutch and British history intertwines with Tamil culture. Use Trinco as your hub for day trips to the beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli, and enjoy snorkeling with reef sharks and turtles at Pigeon Island National Park.

6. A glimpse of the North

Best road trip for experiencing Tamil culture Colombo–Jaffna; 600km (373 miles)

Sri Lanka's northern region, once overlooked due to past conflicts, is now open for exploration. Begin your journey in Colombo and head north through the relaxed town of Negombo, where you can appreciate the Tamil architectural style at the Madampe Murugan temple. Spend a night on the serene Kalpitiya Peninsula, known as Sri Lanka’s kite-surfing hub.

Before delving into the heart of Tamil territory, make a stop at Wilpattu National Park, one of the island's tranquil reserves. Then, detour to Mannar Island to see the iconic baobab trees and come as close to India as possible without leaving Sri Lanka. As you continue north, the vibrant Hindu Tamil culture takes center stage, with eye-catching kovils (Hindu temples) lining the A32 route as you cross the lagoon to Jaffna.

In the northern capital of Sri Lanka, indulge in the rich flavors of Tamil cuisine. Enjoy dishes like crab curry while exploring the historic Dutch fort and the bustling courtyards of the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. Although this could mark the end of your journey, consider spending an additional day or more discovering the serene beaches and remote villages of the once conflict-affected Jaffna Peninsula, witnessing the remarkable recovery since the civil war concluded in 2009.

Advice for driving in Sri Lanka

While self-driving is an option in Sri Lanka, many prefer to hire an experienced local driver. Renting a car with a driver is straightforward and allows you to discover local eateries you might otherwise overlook. Companies like Ancient Lanka can arrange a car and a friendly, knowledgeable driver for around US$65 per day. This approach also helps you navigate fuel shortages more effectively, as tour drivers receive priority access to fuel.

Although renting motorcycles and scooters is not as common as in Southeast Asia, it’s straightforward and affordable to find rentals along the coast. The main roads are generally in good condition, but you may encounter potholes on side streets and in hilly areas. Be cautious of stray dogs, chickens, and wildlife, including elephants—if you spot one on the road, give it space. Watch out for fast-moving trucks and buses that often don’t yield for motorcycles. It's best to avoid riding after dark, as potential hazards become harder to see.