Booking timeline for the culture, wildlife and beach route

Start with flights, which are cheapest booked early, especially for December to March. Then book the hotels that fill first: Sigiriya, Galle Fort and Mirissa in peak season, and any luxury camps near Yala or villas near Tangalle. For Christmas and New Year, and for Kandy during the Esala Perahera on the summer version, book even earlier.

At this stage, decide on the version of the route: the standard December to April route or the May to September version, and any variations such as adding Ella or a culture-heavy version.

Many hotels offer flexible cancellation, which reduces the risk of booking early.

Book your private driver or driver-guide, especially for peak season, when the best drivers are booked early. Confirm the vehicle, inclusions and airport transfers. Book the remaining hotels, including Anuradhapura, Kandy, Udawalawe and Tangalle.

If adding Ella, book the Kandy to Ella train as soon as reservations open, as reserved seats sell out quickly. Arrange travel insurance and check vaccinations with a travel health clinic.

Book the Yala safari, especially a private jeep or a specific block, and whale watching from Mirissa, both of which can sell out in peak season. Book special experiences such as cooking classes, village visits, specialist guides at the ancient cities and spa treatments.

Udawalawe safaris can usually be booked closer to the time, but booking ahead is wise in peak season. The Rekawa turtle watch is usually arranged locally.

Lankan Stays & Trails books all safaris and experiences as part of the itinerary, timing them to fit the route.

Apply for the electronic travel authorisation, required for most nationalities; check the current rules and allow time for processing. Check the poya and festival dates for your trip. Confirm all bookings, and share your itinerary with someone at home.

Pack, using a list that covers temples, safaris and beaches. Order local currency if you wish, though ATMs are widely available in towns.

This is also the moment to send your driver or tour company your flight details, any dietary needs and anything you particularly want to see or avoid. A short call or message exchange with the driver before you arrive makes the first morning at the airport much smoother.

Several things are arranged on the day or the day before. The Cultural Triangle safari park, Minneriya, Kaudulla or Hurulu, is chosen the day before or on the day by jeep drivers, according to where the elephants are. Entry tickets to the ancient cities are bought at the gate.

Site guides can be hired at the entrance or arranged by your driver. Weather-dependent activities, such as snorkelling and surf lessons, are best booked a day ahead.

From May to October, booking is easier and prices lower. Hotels and drivers can often be booked a month or two ahead, and safaris a few days ahead. The exception is the Esala Perahera in Kandy, usually in July or August, which needs early booking.

Last-minute trips are possible in low season, but book flights and the driver first.

Low season also suits travellers who like to decide as they go. With hotels easy to find, you can book the first two or three nights and the driver, then fix the rest a few days ahead, extending a stop you love or moving on early from one you do not.