Sri Lanka 10 Day Itinerary

Hey there, travellers.

If you’re thinking about hopping on a plane and spending ten days in Sri Lanka, you’re already ahead of the game. 

This little island isn’t just pretty—it’s full of history, wild animals, spicy food, quiet beaches, and mountains that you would love to see and experience. 

And guess what? You don’t need to be an expert traveler or have a month to see the best of it. Just ten days are enough. 

In fact, we’re going to walk you through a smooth, relaxed route that lets you soak in the highlights without rushing like you’re late for a bus. 

Whereas there are no crazy early alarms every day, just good vibes, great views, and just enough adventure to make you want to come back. 

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo – Explore the city

You land in Colombo, probably tired, and definitely wondering where your suitcase went. 

Well, don’t worry, Colombo isn’t the kind of place that overwhelms you right away. 

This city has energy that feels familiar, like a big town that’s still got its soul. 

With that in mind, start by checking into your hotel near the Galle Face Green, as it’s a wide, open space right by the ocean where locals come to walk, eat ice cream, and watch the sunset. We hope that’s your vibe as well. 

Later, you can roam through Pettah Market if you’re up for it. It’s loud, colorful, and smells like cinnamon and fish curry. 

Just walk slowly, take it in, and don’t buy anything unless you really want to. 

Plus, you’ll find colonial buildings with peeling paint, old mosques with minarets reaching for the sky, and street shops selling fresh coconuts with a smile. 

With that, for dinner, grab a plate of kottu roti, which is chopped flatbread stir-fried with veggies, egg, and a little spice. 

Trust us, it’s delicious. And honestly? It’s the perfect meal in Sri Lanka.

Day 2: Colombo to Negombo – Beaches and local culture

The next morning, hop in a tuk-tuk (or book a driver) and head north to Negombo. 

It’s only about 40-50 minutes, so be sure to schedule your time accordingly. 

Speaking of which, Negombo is often called as the “Little Rome” because of its old Portuguese churches, but honestly, you’ll care more about the sand and the sea. 

Trust us, this isn’t a wild party beach—it’s quiet. Whereas walking along the shore, watching fishermen hauling in their nets with colorful nets that look like giant spiderwebs, will make you believe how incredible it is. 

Afterwards, for lunch, try the grilled prawns—they’re sweet, juicy, and served with a chili-lime dip that’ll make you forget everything else. 

Then, in the afternoon, visit the Dutch Fort ruins or just chill under a palm tree with a book.

Anyway, the sunset here is quite magical, as it’s the kind that makes you stop scrolling through your phone and just… breathe.

Day 3: Sigiriya – Rock Fortress & Dambulla Cave Temple

Time to leave the coast and head to history. 

The drive to Sigiriya takes approximately 3–4 hours, so be sure to pack snacks and water. 

When you arrive, you’ll see it before you even get to the ticket booth, which is also known as the Lion Rock. 

It’s this massive, ancient stone pillar rising out of the jungle like a dragon’s tooth. And yes, you can climb it. 

In fact, it’s steep, but there are stairs. 

Anyway, trust us, the view from the top is worth every sweaty step. 

Afterwards, head to the Dambulla Cave Temple, just 30 minutes away. 

These aren’t just caves—they’re five sacred chambers with over 150 Buddha statues, painted ceilings, and a golden glow from oil lamps. 

Trust us, the whole place feels like a living temple, and this day will allow you to experience the true essence of Sri Lanka’s soul.

Day 4: Polonnaruwa – Ancient city exploration

Wake up early, have a simple breakfast with fresh papaya and tea, then drive to Polonnaruwa. 

It’s about an hour drive, and you’ll feel the surroundings change into a quieter and greener pace. 

Speaking of which, Polonnaruwa was once the capital of Sri Lanka, way back in the 11th century, and now it is popular for its ruins. 

As for the journey, you can rent a bicycle or hop in a tuk-tuk and cruise through the ancient city. 

Whereas there’s the Gal Vihara—four giant Buddha statues carved right into a rock wall. (One’s sitting, one’s lying down, and one’s standing). 

Then there’s the Royal Palace, the Audience Hall, and the Quadrangle, all overgrown with trees and vines. 

It’s peaceful, where you’ll probably have entire sections of the site to yourself. 

That is because people don’t come here as much as Sigiriya, and that’s a good thing. 

It means you can sit on a stone bench, sip coconut water, and imagine what life was like a thousand years ago. 

Day 5: Kandy – Temple of the Tooth & cultural show

Now we head into the hills. 

The drive to Kandy takes about 3–4 hours, and you’ll start to see tea plants everywhere. 

In detail, the road winds up, the air gets cooler, and suddenly you’re in a different world. 

To be honest, Kandy is the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. Whereas you can find temples, lakes, and a vibe that’s both spiritual and peaceful. 

Anyway, the main attraction is the Temple of the Tooth. 

Inside the temple, you’ll see a small golden casket that holds what’s believed to be a tooth of the Buddha. 

In fact, locals come to pray, light incense, and offer flowers to show respect. On the other hand, even if you’re not religious, it’s worth knowing the culture and religion, as it allows you to learn something new. 

With that, later, head to the Kandy Lake for a walk. 

It’s surrounded by trees and little cafes where you can sip spiced tea and watch pigeons chase crumbs. 

Finally, in the evening, don’t miss the traditional dance show. It’s not a tourist trap, because it’s real. 

Where you can find drummers in colorful outfits, dancers spinning with fire, and masks that look like gods and demons. 

Trust us, the movements are powerful and you’ll leave feeling like you just witnessed something ancient and alive.

Day 6: Nuwara Eliya – Tea plantations and Gregory Lake

Wake up to misty mountains and the smell of fresh tea. 

Nuwara Eliya is also known as “Little England” because of its colonial bungalows and cool weather. 

It’s the highest town in Sri Lanka, and it feels like you are in a British countryside movie. 

Anyway, spend the morning here by walking through a tea plantation. 

Trust us, for this you don’t need a fancy tour—just find a small family-run estate. 

Once you are there, watch how the leaves are plucked by hand, then dried and rolled. 

Moreover, you’ll get to taste different grades of tea—some light, some bold, and some with a hint of floral sweetness. 

After that, head to Gregory Lake. 

It is a man-made lake where locals jog, paddle in paddle boats, and feed the ducks. 

Nevertheless, in order to get a unique experience, you can rent a rowboat just for an hour.  

With that, if you’re feeling adventurous, hike up to Hakgala Gardens, where it’s a hidden spot with rhododendrons and views that stretch for miles. 

Day 7: Ella – Nine Arch Bridge & Little Adam’s Peak

The drive from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is one of the most beautiful road journeys in the world. 

Where you can think of tea fields rolling down hills, waterfalls surrounded by trees, and trains that slowly pass you like they’re on vacation. 

Speaking of which, Ella is small, sweet, and full of adventure lovers who’ve found their happy place. 

In fact, once you are here, you can start with the Nine Arch Bridge. 

It’s a stone railway bridge built in the 1920s, surrounded by vines and the mist. 

Anyway, the best part is that you can sit on the grassy hill beside it and wait for a train to pass. 

Whereas it’s slow, quiet, and when the train comes, it feels like magic. 

With that, if you’re up for a short hike, head to Little Adam’s Peak. 

It’s not as hard as the real one, but the view you can see is quite stunning. 

In detail, you’ll see the Ella Rock, the valley below, and clouds floating like cotton candy. 

Day 8: Yala National Park – Safari adventure

Time to change the vibe. 

From quiet hills to wild jungles. Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous national park. 

It’s home to leopards, elephants, crocodiles, peacocks, and more monkeys than you’ll know what to do with. 

Anyway, the safari usually starts early, like 5:30 a.m. 

But trust us, it’s worth it. 

At that time, the sunlight is golden, the animals are awake, and the air is fresh. 

Speaking of which, you’ll ride in an open jeep with a local guide who knows every tree, every footprint, and every sound. 

During the safari, you might spot a leopard lounging in a tree like it owns the place. Or a family of elephants roaming through the grass, with their babies playing in the mud. 

With all that, don’t forget to be quiet. That is because the best moments happen when you’re not talking (just kidding).

Day 9: Mirissa – Whale watching & beach relaxation

After the wilds of Yala, Mirissa feels like a soft landing. 

That is because Mirissa is a sleepy beach town with white sand, turquoise water, and hammocks strung between palm trees. 

Therefore, you can start your day with a whale-watching boat trip. 

Trust us, between November and April, you’re almost guaranteed to see blue whales and sperm whales. 

Whereas you’ll see them blow water into the sky, and dive again like they’re putting on a show just for you. 

Then, once you are back on land, spend the afternoon by relaxing with a king coconut. 

Plus, you can walk barefoot along the shore and try a fish curry with rice, as it’s spicy, rich, and served with a side of ocean breeze. 

Day 10: Return to Colombo – Departure

Your last day is going to be a relaxing day. 

Where you’ll drive back to Colombo for about 3 hours, but make sure to stop. 

Maybe at a roadside stall for fresh jackfruit or just at a café for one last cup of Ceylon tea. 

With that, when you get to Colombo, drop your bags, grab a quick lunch at a local spot, and have a walk at the Galle Face Green one more time. 

While you are there, don’t forget to see the sunset over the Indian Ocean. 

Whereas this isn’t goodbye. It’s “see you soon.” Because Sri Lanka doesn’t let you go easily. 

It sticks with you, as you’ll think about it for months to come. And when you do, you’ll realize—you didn’t just visit. You felt something.

Conclusion

Ten days isn’t a lot. But in Sri Lanka, it’s enough. 

As in, enough to taste the food, enough to see the ancient ruins, enough to hear the jungle, enough to feel the ocean, and enough to fall a little bit in love. 

In fact, this itinerary isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things. 

Whereas the ones that stay with you. And when you come back, you’ll have a whole new list of places to explore. However, for now, this itinerary is perfect for getting a basic understanding of this wonderful island.

Contact Travelco Leisure to book Sri Lanka tour packages. 

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