Short time in Sri Lanka

Hi,
it depends entirely on what type of thing you'd like to see.
I'd suggest taking in Polonorua, Sigirya, Dambulla and Kandy over a couple of days, then heading south through the hill country for another couple of days before heading down to the coast for your sun fix.

Best way would be to hire a car and driver for that time , it makes travelling around in a limited time, so much easier.
Alternatively, you could get a combination of buses and trains which is much cheaper but would add a day to your travelling time.

Perhaps hire a car and driver, drive from the airport to Sigirya,, climb the rock, visit Polonorua ancient ruins, then onto Dambulla cave temples and to Kandy. With a car that'll be two days.

Then take the train through the hill country stopping in Ella. Stay over for one full day to wander around the hills and tea plantations,
Finally a bus down to the south coast from Ella to which ever coastal place you decide to stay.
Over all, you should cover that itinery in 5 days.which leaves you plenty of time for the wedding and the beach.
Rod.

Thanks for your response Rod - that all sounds great and gives me some good stuff to research!

What sort of costs are we looking at if we hire a car/driver?

Thanks
Liv

HI Liv,
A car and driver/guide should cost you around 5500 to 6000 rupees a day.
A mini van ( taxi Van ) should be about 6000 to 6500. per day.

That cost would include the air-con vehicle, the driver/guide and the fuel.
On top of that you'd have to pay for food , site entry costs and accommodation.

These extra costs would vary a lot , depending on where you visited and the type of accomodation you wanted. The drivers usually pre-book guest house accomodation for their clients when on tour....
You don't pay anything for drivers food or accomodation, thats all inclusive with the guest houses. If the drivers didn't bring customers, they'd all go out of buisiness.

Rod.

Thanks again Rod!