Sri Lanka is a place that feels like it has something for you to enjoy.
Whereas beaches, mountains, ancient ruins, tea plantations, and food that’ll make you want to eat like a king. So, if you think about it, it’s like a place that you would stay forever, right?
Well, if you are a tourist and you’ve got only 10 days to spare, this itinerary will help you to see the best areas without feeling rushed.
Think of it as your written guide to Sri Lankan awesomeness.
So, without any further explanation, let’s dive into see how you can spend your dream trip in Sri Lanka for just 10 days.
Day 1 & 2: Colombo
Let’s start with Colombo, as the most famous city in Sri Lanka. It’s full of different things.
Where you can picture tuk-tuks that go around, street shops selling snacks, and people going about their day in the heat most of the time.
Anyway, on your first day, let’s take things slowly.
Whereas you can take a calm walk along Galle Face Green, which is a wonderful place near the ocean where locals hang out.
Once you are here, you can grab some food from the food stalls to get the real experience of street food, such as kottu roti or spicy cuttlefish.
Trust us, it’s messy but worth it.
Later, you can visit the Gangaramaya Temple, which is a peaceful spot in the middle of the city.
This temple has a mix of modern and traditional vibes, and the architecture is pretty cool. In fact, you will even see a small museum with many artifacts.
For your second day, you can explore the Pettah Market.
But get this: it’s quite crowded all the time—but in a good way.
Speaking of which, you’ll find spices, textiles, and everything in between in those shops in Pettah.
Plus, bargaining is expected in these areas, so don’t be shy.
Moving on, in the evening, you can head to the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct for dinner.
The reason for us to suggest it is because of the vibe here is relatively calm, and there are plenty of restaurants serving local and international dishes.
Pro tip: Traffic in Colombo can be quite annoying, so plan your travel time accordingly.
Day 3 & 4: Sigiriya and Dambulla
Now it’s time to head north to Sigiriya, which is home to one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic places—the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
This massive rock rises out of the jungle, and climbing it feels like reading a history book with the adventure.
Trust us, the views from the top are unreal, though the stairs can be a bit tricky, so wear comfy shoes.
Anyway, after getting through the challenges and climbing the rock, you can spend some time by exploring the surrounding area.
In fact, there are ancient gardens, water fountains, and frescoes that date back centuries.
To be honest, it’s quite wild to think about how advanced the civilization was back then.
Moving on, next, let’s drive to Dambulla, which is just a short distance away.
Here, you’ll find the Golden Temple of Dambulla, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Inside of the temple, you will find many of Buddha statues and detailed cave paintings.
As a matter of fact, it is a serene place to bring out and hold the spiritual energy.
Later on, in the evenings, you can relax at your accommodation—whereas there are plenty of eco-friendly resorts and guesthouses in the area.
Speaking of which, you can spend your time by sipping fresh coconut water or watching the sunset over the rice paddies.
Trust us, you can never get this experience like this anywhere else in the world.
Day 5 & 6: Kandy
It is best to say that Kandy is the cultural part of Sri Lanka, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
Surrounded by hills and forests, it feels like a different part of Sri Lanka that is away from the vibe of Colombo.
With that being said, you can start your tour at the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred places of Buddhism in the country.
Anyway, even if you’re not religious, the rituals and atmosphere are fascinating that is around.
Moving on, afterwards, you can take a walk around the Kandy Lake, which is right next to the temple.
In fact, the fresh air and greenery sight makes it a perfect spot to relax your mind or just spend some quality time with your loved ones.
Moreover, for something a little different, you can check out the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
It’s massive, with towering trees, different kinds of flowers, and even a bat colony. We are sure that you will get the best of it even if you are just planning to just capture some photos.
Day 7 & 8: Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is like a place that you would mostly see in many of postcard backgrounds in Sri Lanka.
In fact, rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, and the air around it make it feel more like England than Sri Lanka. Seriously, they even call it “Little England.”
Anyway, you can spend your first day by visiting a tea factory.
Trust us, most tea factory tours give you the opportunity to learn about the process of tea making and sample some of the freshest brews that you’ll ever taste.
Remember that Ceylon tea is world-famous for a reason, and you’ll understand why after this experience.
Moving on, the next day, you can head to Horton Plains National Park. Remember that visiting here is particularly special if you are interested in going for a hike.
Whereas the trail takes you through forests and past waterfalls. Which is absolutely amazing to see.
Plus, don’t miss this spot: the World’s End, a cliff that drops dramatically into the valley below.
So, be sure to start early because the views are quite clear in the morning.
Day 9 & 10: Ella
No other words, Ella is one of the most favorite places in Sri Lanka that tourists would love to visit.
This is due to its vibe and with Instagram-worthy spots.
When it comes to the adventurous part, you can start your day with a hike to Little Adam’s Peak.
Don’t worry—it’s an easy climb, and the views from the top are breathtaking.
Afterwards, you can check out Nine Arches Bridge, a stunning colonial-era railway bridge surrounded by trees.
Anyway, remember that timing is key, so try to be there when a train passes for that classic photo-worthy moment.
Plus, on your last full day, you can take a tuk-tuk ride to Ravana Falls.
The waterfall isn’t huge, but it’s beautiful and refreshing. In addition to that, there’s a legend tied to it involving King Ravana and Princess Sita, which adds a bit of mystery to the whole thing.
Ten days in Sri Lanka will fly by, but trust us, you’ll leave with a lifetime of memories.
Remember that the beauty of Sri Lanka lies in its own aspects. Whether you’re into history, nature, food, or just planning to have new experiences, this itinerary covers all the bases for you.
Plus, the warmth of the people makes you feel welcome wherever you go.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and grab your camera with extra memory cards for an adventure that you won’t forget.
Editorial Staff at Travelco Leisure are specialist on Sri Lanka tourism.