10 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary

Best 10-Days Itinerary

Itinerary in Sri Lanka for Your Next Trip

Sri Lanka Itinerary Ideas are quite diverse. Therefore, Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas offers quite possibly the best and ultimate 10 day sri lanka itinerary for your friends and family. Get the stories behind the historical landmarks and structures, taste the local flavors and cuisines and have fun shopping here in this amazing country.

Best Time to Visit:

December to April: Best time for beach relaxation and outdoor activities in your 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary.
May to June: Best time for hiking and trekking in Nuwara Eliya, perfect for your Sri Lanka itinerary.
July to September: Best time for surfing and water sports, adding excitement to your Sri Lanka travel guide.

Itinerary

Board-on an enjoyable tour across the beautiful destinations of Sri Lanka; what could be better than visiting a piece of antique ruins, beach, and vibrant city? This is a smart-timing 10 day sri lanka itinerary that is designed to show off the best of this island in terms of culture, adventure and beaches.

Day 1: Stepping into Colombo

Arrival at Colombo International Airport for your 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary.
Check-in to your hotel in Colombo.
Visit the National Museum to explore Sri Lankan history and local culture.
Explore Pettah Market, a lively district known for its busy shops and stalls.

Day 3: Sigiriya to Kandy and a Tour of the Hill Country Centre

Journey to Kandy (2 hours).
Trek to the Temple of the Tooth, a spiritual and historical landmark in Kandy.
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens, perfect for nature lovers.
Experience Kandyan dance in the evening, a traditional Sri Lankan performance.

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Drive to Ella (2 hours).
Hike to the top of Ella Rock for breathtaking views, one of the highlights of your Sri Lanka travel guide.
Explore the Nine Arch Bridge, a must-see landmark in Sri Lanka.
Enjoy activities like zip-lining and rock climbing (optional).
Check-in to your hotel and relax in Ella’s peaceful environment.

Day 7: Mirissa to Galle

Travel from Mirissa to Galle (1 hour).
Stroll along the parapets of Galle Fort and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean.
Check-in to your hotel and relax in the charming coastal city.

Day 9: Bentota to Colombo

Visit Colombo (2 hours).
Explore Pettah Market and local boutiques for souvenirs.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of Colombo’s skyline.

Day 2: Colombo to Sigiriya and tour of the Cultural Triangle.

Road journey to Sigiriya (4 hours) for the ultimate 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary experience.
Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Explore the ruins of the classical city of Polonnaruwa.
Check-in to your hotel and relax for the evening.

Day 4: Kandy To Nuwara Eliya

Continue the trip to Nuwara Eliya (3 hours) for an unforgettable experience in your Sri Lanka itinerary.
Visit tea plantations like Pedro Tea Estate and Mackwoods Tea Estate.
Explore the colonial architecture and relaxing atmosphere of Nuwara Eliya.
Check into your hotel and enjoy the peaceful setting.

Day 6: Ella to Mirissa

Drive to Mirissa (4 hours).
Relax on Mirissa Beach, perfect for water sports like surfing and snorkeling.
Witness a stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Day 8: Galle to Bentota

Drive to Bentota (2 hours), perfect for your 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary.
Enjoy water sports like jet-skiing and parasailing at Bentota Beach.
Experience a romantic sunset cruise on the Bentota River (optional).
Spend the night in a beach resort in Bentota.

Day 10: Departure from Colombo

Rest in the morning.
Head to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure flight, bringing an end to your 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary.

Day 1: Stepping into Colombo

Arrival at Colombo International Airport
Check-in to your Hotel in Colombo
Visit the National Museum and learn more about Sri Lankan history and hospitality.
Pettah also known as the filth district is the oldest part of Colombo where you can find a great bustle of people and shops.

Day 2: Colombo to Sigiriya and tour of the Cultural Triangle.

Take the road journey to Sigiriya (approximately 4 hours)
See the outstanding Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Take time and go around the ruins of the forgotten classical city of Polonnaruwa
Check-in to your hotel and spend the evening leisurely.

Day 3: Sigiriya to Kandy and a Tour of the Hill Country Centre

Proceed to Kandy – the journey is approximately 2 hours
Trek to the Temple of the Tooth – one of the best places to visit in Kandy
Trace Royal Botanical Gardens delighting botanists and lovers of nature
Watch a Kandyan dance in the evening – a typical Sri Lankan show

Day 4: Kandy To Nuwara Eliya

Continued the trips from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya which take nearly 3 hours of travel time
Sit at a tea farm and understand the best practice of tea production
Montage on Nuwara Eliya i.e. the city which has many buildings constructed in the style that can be associated with the royal architecture
Spend the night at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya and relax after checking into the hotel

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Take a ride to Ella (approx. 2 hours)
Go for hiking at the top of Ella Rock for breath-taking views
Tour the Nine Arch Bridge i.e. an outstanding landmark
Enjoy exploration activities like; zip-lining and rock climbing (optional)
Check-in to your hotel located in Ella and enjoy the evening at peaceful rest

Day 6: Ella to Mirissa

Drive to Mirissa (approx. 4 hours)
Check-in to your beachfront hotel in Mirissa
Relax on the exquisite beaches of Mirissa
Explore water sports like surfing or snorkelling (optional)
Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean

Day 7: Mirissa to Galle

Drive to Galle from Mirissa (approx. 1 hour)
Walk alongside the parapets and amuse with the stunning views of the Indian Ocean
Check-in to your hotel located in Galle and enjoy the evening at leisure

Day 8: Galle to Bentota

Get-up-and-go to Bentota from Galle (approx. 2 hours)
Check-in to your beachfront hotel in Bentota
Relax and spellbind on the stunning beaches of Bentota
Enjoy water sports like jet-skiing and parasailing (optional)
Take a romantic, eye-catching and heartiest sunset cruise (optional)
Have a peaceful sleep in the reserved hotel

Day 9: Bentota to Colombo

Visit to Colombo (approx. 2 hours)
Travel to the Pettah Market for a shopping binge
Explore the stylish & popular boutiques and shopping-malls in Colombo
Delight a farewell dinner at a rooftop in a restaurant with striking sights of the city

Day 10: Departure from Colombo

Utilize this daybreak at rest
Travel to Bandaranaike International Airport for your leaving flight

How can Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas help?

This 10-Day Itinerary in Sri Lanka by Sri Lanka Holiday Ideas arranges for a mix of culture, adventure, and beach relaxation, experiencing the best of Sri Lanka. Either you’re a history buff, an adventure chaser, or a beach lover. In-short this itinerary has something or you can say many things for everyone. With this itinerary you will amuse yourself with beautiful culture, bumper adventures and even the best experience of beach relaxation that is among the top in Sri Lanka. These Tourism in Sri Lanka Ideas are seamless for everyone whether it is somebody who loves history, adventures or beaches.

Request Free Itinerary

Highlights

Key Highlights of 10 day sri lanka itinerary

Colombo-The Vibrant Capital

The commercial city of Sri Lanka is Colombo which is one of the most developed cities in the country and which also consists of a more modern and traditional mix. This is from Pettah’s colorful markets all the way to Beira Lake; Colombo is a city of discovery dotted all over.

People of Colombo:

The people of Colombo are kind people and you may often be served a cup of nice tea, or some delicious snack. Another quality of the city is its multicultural population so no matter where you are, you are likely to find several people you share something in common with.

Places to Visit:

Galle Face Green: An example of a pleasant path by the sea in Sri Lanka Itinerary Ideas. It is beautiful to walk in the evening, taste local fast food and watch people.
National Museum: An abundance of cultural and historical artifacts located in Sri Lanka which contains prehistoric antiquities, paintings, sculptures, masterpieces and heirlooms.
Gangarama Temple: A well-kept temple with nice sculptures, nice gardens and very calm especially during the evenings for devotees.
Pettah Market: An open air market surrounded with shops that ranged from stands offering fruits and vegetables to those that sold local trinkets.
Independence Square: A great monument with elaborately landscaped gardens that mark the struggle for Sri Lanka’s independence.

Sigiriya-The Lion’s Fortress

This is an ancient city of immense impressiveness which rises majestically from the surrounding territory – Sigiriya. This World Heritage site has attracted many visitors because of the rock fortress that was the home of a considerable kingdom. However travelers are welcome to visit the ruins, witness the beautiful paintings on the walls and try to solve the puzzles of the old city.

People of Sigiriya:

The inhabitants of the Sigiriya area are very friendly and they are proud of their cultural background. The tourists will meet friendly people who are willing to tell them and their history and the history of the ancient fortress and its surroundings.

Places to Visit:

Pidurangala Rock: Another relatively less-known rock but probably as interesting as the main rock, giving a good view of Sigiriya and the other surrounding sites.
Sigiriya Museum: Currently the area occupies a museum displaying the history and archeology of the fortress with facilities like exhibits, sculptures and paintings.
Minneriya National Park: A national park recognized for many elephants and a massive meeting of the elephants in the course of the dry season called The Great Feast.
Dambulla Cave Temple: A site of religious importance for Buddhists and having five grottoes displaying Buddha figures, paintings and carving.

Nuwara Eliya-The Tea Country

If there’s one place that’s like a time warp back to colonial days, it is the hill resort of Nuwara Eliya located deep in the Tea Country of Sri Lanka. This town is well known for its expanse of rolling tea plantations, beautiful trails for trekking, and old world buildings. Another fun filled and sightseeing destination of Nuwara Eliya are the tea estates, the waterfall and different sightseeing places in this peaceful hill station.

People of Nuwara Eliya:

The people of Nuwara Eliya are invitees; they are friendly of hearts and warm of palms. This is because you will meet people who will be ready to provide information on the town’s history, culture as well the surrounding environment. Here are the best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya.

Places to Visit:

Gregory Lake: An eye appealing lake providing them beauty to watch, boat to take a ride on and various feats to enjoy.
Hakgala Botanical Garden: A well manicured garden with a great variety of flowers, roses, orchids, and even carnivorous flowers.
Nuwara Eliya Golf Club: A par 72 course with complete torture on the green, but with unmatchable and spectacular views of the hills all around.
Tea plantations: Stop at nearby tea estates including the Pedro Tea Estate or Mackwoods Tea Estate and learn about tea producing as well as the scenery.
Waterfalls: Interested tourists can also get to nearby waterfalls including the Ramboda Falls or the Devon Falls for sightseeing and water surfing. For more information about Nuwara Eliya, you may see the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in February.

Ella-The Adventure Hub

Ella is a beautiful hill station which has gradually emerged as a primary tourist destination for adventure lovers. It is situated in a beautiful town with magnificent green hilly terrains and attractive nature Trekking and Waterfalls. Mountaineering to Ella rocks, the sensational scenery of the valleys and the test of unimaginable fun in this charming town.

People of Ella:

Ella is full of enthusiasm, friendly and welcoming people. Expect to meet many people who are willing to introduce the town in our Sri Lanka Itinerary Ideas, tell about the interesting historical and cultural sites and attractions, and the picturesque nature perspectives. Ella is just a small town and has that lovely aspect that can make tourists interact closely with the people of the town.

Places to Visit:

Ella Rock: One of the most visited trails mainly due to its ability to give good looks on the surrounding countryside.
Little Adam’s Peak: A scenic religious site slightly smaller than Adam’s Peak with a wonderfully calm ambiance.
Ravana Falls: The most astonishing waterfall near Ella which attracts tourists to visit there and see the beautiful scene and also for swimming.
Dunhinda Falls: Beautiful waterfall near Ella filled with stunning views and the opportunity to take a dip in freshwater.

Bentota-The Beach Getaway

Bentota is quite possibly the most beautiful seaside resort town in Sri Lanka, which is ideal for a quiet vacation. This elegant town in Sri Lanka Itinerary Ideas is most popular for its stunning sandy beaches, beautiful stroll along beaches, and option of high-end beach-front accommodation. Sunbathing, swimming and all sorts of water activities and be mesmerized by the quiet atmosphere of this beach destination.

All these places in the 10-Day Itinerary in Sri Lanka provide such special moments/ experiences that will stay with a person for a lifetime. Sri Lanka is blessed with colorful cities, beautiful beaches, picturesque hill-stations; one and only Sri Lanka suits all.

People of Bentota:

The people of Bentota are also hospitable with a strong customer friendly disposition. There are always friendly people who are willing to give their information to tourists regarding the history of the town, its people and the environment. The population of the town and its compact density, allows one to introduce the genuine hospitality of the Bentota.

Places to Visit:

Bentota National Holiday Resort: It is an ideal destination for tourists equipped with activities such as a swimming pool, gym, and a spa.
Lunuganga Estate: Botanical gardens with accompanying plant collections, vineyard, rose gardens, and an area of Japanese gardens.
Bentota River Safari: From this town, it is possible to take a unique safari trip along the beautiful Bentota River.

Frequently Asked Question