Common mistakes on the culture, wildlife and beach route

The most common mistake is visiting the ancient sites at the wrong time of day. Sigiriya at noon means heat, queues and exhausted travellers; at opening it is cool and quiet. The same applies to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, where the stone gets very hot by late morning. The route's midday rests are there for a reason.

Another timing mistake is leaving whale watching to the last morning. If the trip is cancelled for weather, there is no second chance. Book it for the first full day at Mirissa, or move it earlier if conditions look uncertain.

Driving after dark is also best avoided, because roads are poorly lit and wild elephants cross in the dry zone.

Giving Yala a single afternoon is a mistake many itineraries make, and it often means missing leopards. This route's two Tissamaharama nights allow a full day, with a dawn drive. Do not cut it to one night unless you accept lower odds.

Choosing the cheapest safari operator can mean racing jeeps, crowding and a poor experience. A careful driver who keeps his distance is worth a little more. Not booking Yala and whale watching ahead in peak season can mean missing out altogether.

Stopping at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage on the day 7 drive is a common but avoidable mistake, given its welfare concerns; the Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe is a better choice.

Swimming in Tangalle's long open bays, such as Marakolliya and Medaketiya, is a serious and common mistake. They are beautiful but often have strong currents and big waves. Swim in the sheltered coves, such as Goyambokka, and ask your hotel each day.

Visiting the south coast from May to September, when the south-west monsoon brings rough seas, is another. Use the May to September version of the route, which moves the beaches to the east coast.

Booking a hotel on a long, open beach because the photographs look beautiful is a related mistake. Check where the safe swimming is before you book, especially at Tangalle.

Wearing shorts or sleeveless tops to temples leads to refused entry and embarrassment. Carry a sarong and shawl. Posing with your back to a Buddha image, touching statues or monks, or displaying a Buddha tattoo can cause offence, and in rare cases serious trouble.

Ignoring poya days can catch travellers out, with alcohol unavailable and shops closed. Check the dates in advance and plan accordingly.

A smaller mistake is rushing the evening puja at the Temple of the Tooth, or arriving after it has finished. Check the puja times on the day, arrive early and allow an hour. The same goes for Sri Maha Bodhi, which is at its most beautiful at dusk.

Packing too many extra sites into the route's free afternoons is tempting but tiring. The free afternoons on days 4, 6 and 11 are what make the route feel calm. Add one or two experiences, not five.

Planning a morning in Galle Fort before an early flight is a common error. Galle is roughly two and a half to three hours from the airport, so it suits evening flights only. Lankan Stays & Trails plans the last day around each traveller's flight time.

Finally, underestimating entry fees and safari costs can upset a budget. Check current rates and budget separately for them.