updated 24.12.2024
Thinking of visiting Sri Lanka? Here we share — arguably — the best Sri Lanka itinerary for ten days. Taking you from the capital, Colombo, to the scenic surf spot of Hiriketiya on the island’s south coast, via stack of cultural attractions in the highlands, it’ll have you discovering the country in unforgettably immersive style. As a bonus, here we also share practical tips to help you plan your own trip, including the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
Created by local experts
This recommended Sri Lanka itinerary for 10 days kicks off in Colombo © Shuterstock
Before detailing the day-by-day shape of this 10 day Sri Lanka itinerary, here’s a handy overview of the trip.
Covering some of the best things to do in Sri Lanka, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy a range of landscapes and experiences — from city, to hill county, to coast.
Not sure how long to spend in Sri Lanka? Browse our 7 days in Sri Lanka itinerary and the best 14 days in Sri Lanka itinerary.
You could also contact our local Sri Lanka travel experts to have them curate your perfect trip, for any duration.
Galle Face Green, outside Galle Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka © Shutterstock
This 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary kicks off in Colombo — the sprawling capital of the island, and gateway for all international visitors.
Located two-thirds down the west coast, Colombo is by far the busiest and most populated place in Sri Lanka.
Often overlooked by tourists, we recommend spending a night here to experience its mix of colonial-era architecture, markets, and coastal promenade.
Editor’s tip: read more on where to stay in Sri Lanka.
You have a few handy options when it comes to getting around Colombo.
Tuk-tuks are cheap and easy for shorter distances (be sure to agree on price first), taxis booked via your hotel will be fast and reliable, while public buses are a bit of an adventure.
After checking in, you’ll hopefully have time to visit at least one of these top Colombo attractions.
Gangaramaya Temple: one of Colombo’s most iconic temples, this blends Buddhist architecture with eclectic art. Its halls are lined with stacks of statues and antiques.
Galle Face Green: this seaside promenade serves wonderful sunset views and street snack vendors offering a taste of local life. It’s a great place to people watch as waves crash along the coast.
National Museum of Colombo: this grand museum showcases Sri Lankan history and culture through ancient relics and royal regalia.
Expert's tip: go to Galle Face Green at dusk to soak up sublime sunsets.
Sigiriya Rock, Srii Lanka © Shutterstock
Located approximately 175 km (109 miles) northeast of Colombo, Sigiriya (“Lion Rock”) sits in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle — a region that’s rich in history and archaeological sites.
Declared a World Heritage Site in 1982, and sitting atop a huge outcrop of gneiss rock that towers 200m above the surrounding countryside, Sigiriya was the shortest-lived — but most extraordinary — of all Sri Lanka’s medieval capitals.
It’s also the country’s most memorable single attraction, and a hands-down highlight of this Sri Lanka itinerary.
Hire a private driver or take a taxi for the four-hour drive to the site, or else take a train to Habarana followed by a short tuk-tuk ride.
Alternatively, using our tailor-made travel service will provide you with a stress-free transfer, and offers the chance to pick up local insights along the way.
For short hops, you’ll have no trouble finding a tuk-tuk, and bikes are widely available for when you want to explore rural roads at your own pace.
When visiting Pidurangala or Dambulla, consider hiring a car with a driver.
Sigiriya Rock: home to the fascinating remains of one of the island’s former capitals, you won’t want to miss claiming the rock and spending a few hours exploring the site.
Pidurangala Rock: this neighboring formation offers breath-taking views of Sigiriya’s iconic silhouette.
Expert's tip: if you're into culture and more authentic travel experiences, we recommend taking a village walk in the company of a local guide before sunrise.
You’ll explore less-traveled paths and meet farmers to learn about local produce.
Sigiriya Rock, Srii Lanka © Shutterstock
Nestled amidst lush greenery, and speckled with temples and villages, there’s a whole lot more to discover around Sigiriya than just the famous fortress.
So, day 3 of this Sri Lanka itinerary is devoted to doing a deeper dive into the area, with opportunities to visit notable temples and caves, while eating local, and exploring the countryside at your own pace.
We recommend renting a bike to enjoy leisurely rides through paddy fields. If you’re short on time, take a tuk-tuk.
Planning any longer excursions? Your accommodation hosts can arrange a car with a driver.
Dambulla Cave Temple: boasting 150+ Buddha statues and intricate murals, all beautifully preserved in five sacred caves, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a showstopper.
Minneriya National Park: renowned for its “Elephant Gathering” — a spectacular seasonal event that sees hundreds of elephants congregate around the Minneriya Reservoir — this expanse of grasslands and lakes delivers some of the best wildlife experiences in Sri Lanka.
While all ages will take much from the experience, it’s a top spot for those visiting Sri Lanka with kids.
Expert's tip: take a cycling tour through rural villages to see day-to-day life.
Dambulla, Sri Lanka © Shutterstock
Nestled in the lush highlands, Kandy is Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, with its Temple of the Tooth centerpiece drawing pilgrims from around the globe.
In addition, the city’s botanical gardens, lakeside setting and thriving traditional arts scene create a harmonious blend of religion, history and nature.
Either book a private car or taxi — it’ll take around 2.5-hours. Buses are also an option, but expect a longer journey time.
Or, to forgo the hassle of arranging your own transfers — and to travel in comfort and enjoy scenic stops along the way — consider using our tailor-made travel service.
Walking is the best way to explore around the lake, with tuk-tuks on hand to navigate the city’s winding lanes.
Temple of the Tooth: home to the Buddha’s sacred tooth relic, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most sacred places in Buddhism.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: celebrated for its collection of 4000+ plant species, including the iconic avenue of royal palms and a stunning orchid house, these glorious gardens boast 147 acres of landscaped beauty.
Expert's tip: while in town, be sure to attend an evening Kandyan dance performance, replete with drumming, costumes, and storytelling that brings history and myth to life.
Temple of the Tooth, Kandy © Shutterstock
Day 5 of this Sri Lanka itinerary is devoted to uncovering more of Kandy, including exploring markets and museums, and sampling local specialities.
Ceylon Tea Museum: this must-visit museum reveals tea’s journey from leaf to cup.
Kandy Market Hall: brimming with spices, produce and local crafts, this bazaar is one of the liveliest in all Sri Lanka.
Expert's tip: look to book a cooking class for hands-on insights into Sri Lankan ingredients, traditions and flavors.
Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka © Shutterstock
Day 6 of this Sri Lanka itinerary involves a train transfer from Kandy to Sri Lanka’s highest town — Nuwara Eliya.
Located in the heart of the southern hill country, and set among a bowl of green mountains beneath Pidurutalagala — Sri Lanka’s tallest peak — it was established by the British in the nineteenth century.
In fact, Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as Sri Lanka’s “Little England”, replete with a municipal park, golf course, boating lake, old colonial hotels and very frequent, very British showers of rain.
Take the train to Nanu Oya station. The four-hour journey is among the world’s most scenic train rides, thanks to the rolling hills and waterfalls you’ll pass along the way.
When exploring town, just jump in a tuk-tuk, while taxis and hotel-arranged cars are on hand for visits to tea estates and Horton Plains — more on that a little later.
Victoria Park: this beautifully landscaped garden boasts vibrant flower displays, well-maintained lawns, and winding pathways.
Tea factory tour: to observe the entire tea production process — from plucking fresh leaves to withering, rolling, and packaging — tour the Mackwoods or Pedro Tea Estate.
Expert's tip: look to book an observation carriage seat on the train to transform your ride into a totally cinematic experience.
The journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is one of the world's most scenic train rides © Shutterstock
Exploring trails, sipping tea on colonial verandas, visiting nearby national parks — all this can be enjoyed in Nuwara Eliya on day 7 of this diversely rewarding Sri Lanka itinerary.
While in town, you can explore on foot or use tuk-tuks to zip around.
Tuk-tuks also cover the 45-minutes to an hour it takes to reach Horton Plains. For a less bumpy ride, hire a car and driver.
Horton Plains National Park: this splendid UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its breath-taking landscapes, including World’s End — a dramatic cliff with panoramic views — and Baker’s Falls.
Lake Gregory: surrounded by lush hills, and nestled in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, Lake Gregory is the perfect spot to relax, enjoy the cool climate, go boating and take serene strolls.
Expert tip: arrange a dawn trek through tea plantations — seeing tea pluckers at work will connect you to the source of that comforting morning brew, and showcase some stunning rural vistas.
Sri Lankan curry © Shutterstock
Day 8 of this 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary involves a transfer to Ella. Surrounded by idyllic green hills blanketed in tea plantations, it’s the closest thing to an English country village you’ll find in Sri Lanka.
With a temperate climate and some great walking opportunities, Ella is an idyllic destination for travelers seeking scenic laidback vibes.
Either take the train from Nanu Oya to Ella, or hire a car — the drive will take around 2.5 hours.
And, as always, using our tailor-made trip platform means you can avoid having to arrange your own transfer. Instead, our experts can reserve train seats, or arrange scenic stops if you opt to travel by car.
While Ella itself is small and walkable, you can reach out-of-town trailheads and viewpoints by tuk-tuk.
Ella Rock: offering a moderately challenging trek through tea plantations, lush forests and rocky paths to a stunning viewpoint, the hike to Ella Rock — a 4-hour round trip — rewards visitors with panoramic views of Ella Gap, a spectacular natural gorge.
Through the gap, you can see far into the southern plains of Sri Lanka.
Nine Arch Bridge: also known as the "Bridge in the Sky," this iconic railway bridge is an architectural marvel, and easily accessible via a short scenic hike from Ella.
Expert tip: don’t miss the chance to take a fun and informative tea-tasting session to understanding the flavor nuances of your favorite brews.
Another notable shift in scenery lies in store on day 9, thanks to a move to Hiriketiya. Not only is this crescent-shaped bay one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, but it’s also one of the best places to surf in Sri Lanka.
With a lovely laidback vibe, and selection of trendy cafés, boutique accommodation and yoga retreats, Hiriketiya is becoming a something of a hub for digital nomads and travelers seeking a quieter alternative to busier southern beaches like Mirissa.
It’s also a charming place to finish up this 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary.
A 3-4-hour trip by private car will see you descend scenic landscapes to captivating south coast.
Simply walk the bay, or take tuk-tuks to Dikwella’s markets.
Hiriketiya beach: whether you want to stretch out on the sand, float, or fancy riding the waves, Hiriketiya beach is a handsome place to spend (at least) a few hours.
You could also take a yoga class at one of the studios, and savor fresh seafood and tropical drinks at beachfront cafés.
Dikwella market: head to Dikwella market for bustling stalls filled with fresh produce, spices and handmade crafts.
Expert tip: book a surf lesson — friendly instructors and gentle waves make it accessible to all.
Sri Lankan stilt fisherman © Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock
The final segment of this 10 day Sri Lanka itinerary offers opportunities to soak up coastal vibes at your own pace.
There’s no need to take long journeys from this part of the world — you can walk to most places, and jump in a tuk-tuk for visits to local temples. Talking of which…
Wewurukannala Vihara Temple: located in nearby Dikwella, Wewurukannala Vihara Temple is famous for its massive 50-meter-high seated Buddha statue — the tallest in Sri Lanka.
Inside, you can explore intricate murals and a unique hall depicting Buddhist teachings, including a somewhat eerie "chamber of horrors" depicting karmic punishments.
Coastal coves: head along the rugged shoreline surrounding Hiriketiya to find hidden fishermen’s coves that offer a glimpse into traditional Sri Lankan coastal life.
The path also reveals small secluded beaches and dramatic views of the Indian Ocean.
Expert tip: to round off your trip feeling totally rejuvenated, book a traditional Ayurvedic massage.
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka © Shutterstock
Now there’s a tricky question, and the answer depends on your expectations, and how much you want to see and do during your vacation.
As will be apparent from the 10-day Sri Lanka presented above, it’s possible to enjoy a whopping range of landscapes and experiences in 10 days.
But if you can stay a little longer — perhaps following our recommended 14 days in Sri Lanka itinerary — you could look to expand segments of the trip to better align with your interests.
For example, if you’re into wildlife, you’ll want to include Yala National Park in your itinerary. Or it might be the case that you want to spend more time on the beach.
Conversely, if you’re short on time, we’ve curated a 7 days in Sri Lanka itinerary that includes many of the destinations of this 10 day option.
While you’ll have a little less time to immerse yourself in each place, it still takes you from Colombo to the south coast via the culture-packed high regions.
Still not sure how long to spend in Sri Lanka? Contact our local Sri Lanka travel experts to have them curate your perfect rip, tailored to your interests, for any duration.
Mirissa, Sr Lanka © Shutterstock
The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on your preferences and the regions you plan to visit.
One thing to note is that for such a small country, the weather in Sri Lanka is complicated by the fact that the island is affected by two separate monsoons.
In good news, though, this means there’s usually good weather somewhere on the island at most times of the year.
Generally, the peak season runs from December to March, when the weather is mostly dry and sunny — making it ideal for beach vacations and exploring the mountainous regions.
Planning to visit the east coast? Note that April to May and September to November are the best times to visit, despite occasional rains.
When it comes to the west and south coasts, you’ll want to avoid May to September, when the southwest monsoon is in full swing.
Conversely, the northeast monsoon brings rain to the east coast from October to January, while the west and south coasts enjoy better weather during these months.
Most travelers – including those from the US, UK and EU — require a visa to visit Sri Lanka.
The easiest option is to use the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which can be applied for online before arrival.
In addition, your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
The standard tourist ETA allows stays of up to 30 days, with the option to extend for an additional 60 days at the Department of Immigration in Colombo.
Read more Sri Lanka travel advice.
Galle, Sri Lanka © Shutterstock
A 10-day mid-range trip to Sri Lanka is likely to cost in the region of $800–$1200 USD per person, excluding international flights.
Here's a breakdown of costs.
When visiting Sri Lanka, choose lightweight, breathable clothing that suits the tropical climate. You’ll also want to pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen.
In cities and during temple visits, you need to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees with long skirts, trousers or scarves.
Planning a beach vacation? You should cover up when leaving beach areas.
Heading to hill stations like Nuwara Eliya? You’ll want to bring light sweaters or jackets for cooler evenings, and comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring.
Kandy Lake, Sri Lanka © Shutterstock
Traveling from the US? While there are no direct flights to Sri Lanka, popular one-stop options include airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines, with layovers in Doha, Dubai, or Singapore.
Total travel time ranges from 18 to 24 hours, depending on layover duration and your departure city.
Major US airports like New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), and Chicago (ORD) offer convenient connections.
Traveling to Sri Lanka from the UK? Flights to Sri Lanka are more straightforward, with direct flights offered by SriLankan Airlines from London Heathrow (LHR) taking approximately 10–11 hours.
Alternatively, airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad provide one-stop flights via hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi.
Handily, travelers from regional UK airports can also connect via these hubs.
When it comes to getting around Sri Lanka, it’s relatively easy, with a variety of transport options catering to different budgets and travel styles.
Trains are a popular choice, especially for scenic routes like Kandy to Ella.
Buses — including local and intercity options — are widespread and budget-friendly, but they can be crowded and less punctual.
For greater comfort and flexibility, hiring a private car with a driver is a common choice for tourists.
While self-driving is possible, Sri Lanka’s chaotic traffic and unfamiliar driving rules may be challenging for first-time visitors.
Meanwhile, tuk-tuks are ideal for short trips in towns and between attractions.
Tempted to visit? Before booking your trip, consider contacting our local Sri Lanka travel experts to have them curate your perfect vacation for any duration.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Sri Lanka
written by
Joanne Owen
updated 24.12.2024
