Sri Lanka route guide · Southern Province to Cultural Triangle
Polonnaruwa, known for medieval ruins and the Gal Vihara statues, is 5 to 6.5 hours from Bentota by car. Many travellers break the drive in Dambulla.
Between Colombo and the south coast your driver can use the Southern Expressway, the fastest road in the country; tolls are usually included in the price.
1Colombo
Step into Sri Lanka's largest museum and discover treasures from ancient kingdoms!
2Colombo
Gangaramaya Temple is one of Colombo’s most vibrant and culturally rich Buddhist temples.
3Pinnawala
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a heart-warming place where you can see elephants up close in a natural…
4Kegalle
Get up close with gentle giants at this heartwarming elephant sanctuary!
5Dambulla
The Golden Temple of Dambulla is a sacred and impressive cave temple complex set on a rocky hill.
6Dambulla
Explore five magnificent cave temples filled with ancient Buddhist art!
Marvel at four magnificent Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock face!
The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa is a fascinating place to explore Sri Lanka’s royal past.
This circular relic house is the crown jewel of Polonnaruwa's ancient city!
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About 280 km by road.
5 to 6.5 hours by private car, depending on traffic and stops.
It is possible but tiring, with 10.5 to 12.5 hours of driving in total. Staying at least one night is better.
Dambulla is the most natural place to break the journey, about 4 to 4.5 hours from Bentota.
