One island, a thousand experiences
Few destinations offer so many contrasts in such a small territory. In a few days, you can go from the ancient fortresses of the Cultural Triangle to the lush green hills of the Highlands, before settling down facing the ocean on the south coast. Safari, hiking, spirituality, or relaxation: experience Sri Lanka at your own pace.
From Abu Dhabi, Colombo is only about a 4-hour and 40-minute direct flight away. Your escape is closer than you think.
✈️ Direct flight · approx. 4h40 from Abu Dhabi and 11h from France
📅 Best time to visit · all year round depending on the coast
🕐 Ideal duration · 12 to 15 days
📄 Formalities · ETA online before departure (currently free)
GOOD TO KNOW:
The highlights
DON'T MISS
From ancient sites to the beaches of the Indian Ocean, here are the experiences that make Sri Lanka magical.
When to go to Sri Lanka?
THE RIGHT TIME
☀️ December to April
☀️ May to September
La saison idéale pour les côtes sud et ouest : Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle. Mer calme, plages ensoleillées et observation des baleines.
Cap sur la côte est : Trincomalee, Pigeon Island, Arugam Bay. Eaux turquoise, snorkeling et spots de surf.
The central regions (Kandy, Sigiriya, Ella) can be visited all year round. I design your itinerary according to the season to make the most of the island.
Sri Lanka in 15 days
SAMPLE ITINERARY
✦ Days 1-2 · Negombo: a gentle arrival by the ocean, after a 4h40 direct flight from Abu Dhabi.
✦ Days 2-4 · Kalpitiya: wild lagoon, dolphins, and kitesurfing, far from the classic circuits.
✦ Days 4-5 · Anuradhapura: first royal capital and its ancient dagobas.
✦ Days 5-7 · Trincomalee: east coast beaches, snorkeling at Pigeon Island.
✦ Days 7-9 · Sigiriya and Habarana: Lion Rock at sunrise, Dambulla, and a safari in Minneriya.
✦ Days 9-10 · Kandy: the Temple of the Tooth and the Peradeniya Gardens.
✦ Days 10-11 · Nuwara Eliya: tea plantations and tasting in "Little England".
✦ Days 11-13 · Ella: the scenic train, the Nine Arch Bridge, and Little Adam's Peak.
✦ Days 13-15 · Galle: the colonial fort, the southern beaches, and whales in season.
An itinerary inspired by a real Signature Travel travel diary, then adapted to your desires, your pace, and your budget.
East coast beaches, Trincomalee
Safari in Minneriya, meeting the elephants
The Galle Lighthouse, in the colonial fort
Whale watching off the coast of Mirissa
Céline's tips
MY EXPERTISE
✦ Take your time. The roads are slow: an itinerary that is too packed quickly turns into a marathon.
✦ Respect sacred places. Shoulders and knees covered, shoes removed, and never take photos with your back to a Buddha statue.
✦ Book the train in advance. Seats for the Kandy–Ella line sell out very quickly in high season.
✦ Think about formalities. The ETA is mandatory before departure (currently free for French citizens for stays up to 30 days).
✦ Choose responsible providers. For safaris and whale watching trips, quality makes all the difference.
Sigiriya at sunset, Sri Lanka
Want to discover Sri Lanka?
More ideas? Discover the Seychelles.
Temples, tea plantations, safaris and southern beaches: I create your tailor-made itinerary, at the right pace and according to the season.