Galle to Kandy in 5 days, by car

This exotic, UNESCO listed, walled town was built by the Portuguese in 1588 then fortified by the Dutch from 1649. It's stunning, small and packed with Dutch colonial architecture, churches, mosques, museums, stylish cafes and quirky shops. Galle is the perfect place to chill and ramble. As most of the cobbled streets are beautiful, we suggest just wandering and then walking along any remaining sections of the wall for the spectacular sea views. Despite its beauty, Galle isn't flooded with tourists and feels very much like a working town. Another huge plus is Galle is close to a string of stunning beaches. 

 

If you're a cricket fan you can watch the matches at the International Stadium for free from the adjacent ramparts. And if you're not a fan, you will still enjoy joining the locals watching amateur matches on Rampart's Green. 

 

We drove from Galle to Udawalawe - 2.5 hours and stayed overnight near the park

Udawalawe – elephants: 1 day

Sri Lanka is probably the best place in the world to spot elephants and Udawalawe is where to do it. Herds of up to a 100 roam the 119 square miles around the Great Uda Walawe Reservoir. You are virtually guaranteed a close encounter. On our visit: we were surprised by lone elephants emerging from the bush; almost alone watching a small group bathe; and we spent half an hour in the midst of a large herd. The park is also amazing for birdwatching we saw multiple eagles, egrets and pelicans. 

Tip:  

You can also visit the nearby Elephant Transit Home which cares for orphaned and sick elephants until they can return to the wild. Next day we travlled by taxi to Ella stopping off at one of our favourite sights after 1.5 hours:

Buduruwagala: 

This phenomenal 1000 year old monument was a chance discovery. We wanted a stop off between Udawalawe and Ella and found Buduruwagala 4 kilometres off the main road.  The site is centered around a gigantic 15 metre Buddha carved in a cliff with  six smaller figures nearby. We were the only visitors at this remote, atmospheric monument. 

Tip:

It's possible to walk the the rural dirt road to Buduruwagala. It passes fields and a lake teeming with birds and wildlife.