Trip Highlights
Ten days in Sri Lanka gives you the perfect balance – enough time to explore ancient ruins, misty mountains, wildlife, and pristine beaches without feeling rushed. This comprehensive itinerary covers all the highlights while allowing you to soak in the local culture and pace of island life.
At a Glance
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colombo → Sigiriya | Arrival, transfer to Cultural Triangle |
| 2 | Sigiriya | Sigiriya Rock, Pidurangala sunrise |
| 3 | Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Sigiriya | Ancient ruins day trip |
| 4 | Sigiriya → Kandy | Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy |
| 5 | Kandy | Temple of the Tooth, Royal Botanical Gardens |
| 6 | Kandy → Ella | Scenic train ride |
| 7 | Ella | Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam's Peak |
| 8 | Ella → Yala → Mirissa | Safari & beach transfer |
| 9 | Mirissa | Beach day, whale watching (seasonal) |
| 10 | Mirissa → Galle → Colombo | Galle Fort, departure |
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Sigiriya
Distance: 170 km (4-5 hours)
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your driver will meet you at Bandaranaike International Airport and begin the scenic journey to Sigiriya in the Cultural Triangle.
What to Expect
- Drive through rural Sri Lanka with paddy fields and villages
- Stop for a traditional rice and curry lunch
- Arrive in time for a stunning sunset
Where to Stay
- Budget: Back of Beyond Pidurangala ($30/night)
- Mid-range: Kassapa Lions Rock ($80/night)
- Luxury: Jetwing Vil Uyana ($200/night)
Day 2: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Pidurangala
The crown jewel of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle
Morning: Pidurangala Rock (Sunrise)
Wake at 5:00 AM for the magical sunrise climb. The 20-minute hike rewards you with the most iconic view of Sigiriya Rock bathed in golden light.
The breathtaking sunrise view of Sigiriya from Pidurangala
- Entry fee: 500 LKR (~$1.50)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Tip: Bring a flashlight and water
Afternoon: Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Climb the ancient rock fortress with its famous frescoes, mirror wall, and lion's paw entrance.
The magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Entry fee: $30 USD
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
Day 3: Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Distance: 100 km round trip (2 hours each way)
Full Day: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Sri Lanka's medieval capital. Rent a bicycle to cover the sprawling archaeological park.
Must-See Sites
-
Gal Vihara – Four stunning Buddha statues carved from granite
-
Royal Palace – Ancient ruins of the king's residence
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Quadrangle – Sacred tooth relic temple complex
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Parakrama Samudra – Ancient man-made reservoir
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Entry fee: $25 USD
-
Time needed: 4-5 hours
-
Tip: Hire a guide for historical context
Day 4: Dambulla & Kandy
Distance: 115 km (3-4 hours with stops)
Morning: Dambulla Cave Temple
Visit the stunning cave temple complex with over 150 Buddha statues and ancient frescoes dating back 2,000 years.
- Entry fee: 1500 LKR (~$4.50)
- Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees
Afternoon: Spice Garden & Kandy
Stop at a spice garden to learn about Ceylon cinnamon, then continue to Kandy, the cultural capital.
Evening: Kandy Lake Walk
Stroll around the beautiful Kandy Lake as the sun sets over the hills.
Where to Stay in Kandy
- Budget: Freedom Lodge ($25/night)
- Mid-range: Theva Residency ($90/night)
- Luxury: Earl's Regency ($150/night)
Day 5: Exploring Kandy
A full day in Sri Lanka's cultural heart
Morning: Royal Botanical Gardens
Wander through 147 acres of stunning gardens in Peradeniya, home to giant bamboo, orchids, and a famous avenue of palm trees.
- Entry fee: 2000 LKR (~$6)
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
Afternoon: Cultural Show
Watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance showcasing fire walking and acrobatic feats.
Evening: Temple of the Tooth
Experience the evening puja ceremony at Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist site.
The sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Entry fee: 2000 LKR (~$6)
- Puja times: 6:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 6:30 PM
Day 6: Scenic Train to Ella
The world's most beautiful train journey
Morning: Board the Train
Catch the famous blue train from Kandy to Ella. This 6-7 hour journey through tea plantations and misty mountains is unforgettable.
- Recommended trains: 8:47 AM or 11:10 AM
- Tickets: Book first class in advance ($10) or enjoy second class ($3)
- Tip: Sit on the right side for best views
What You'll See
- Endless tea plantations
- Dramatic waterfalls
- The famous Nine Arch Bridge
- Charming hill country villages
The stunning tea country between Kandy and Ella
Evening: Arrive in Ella
Check in and explore this charming mountain town. Enjoy dinner at a rooftop cafe with valley views.
Where to Stay in Ella
- Budget: Ella Flower Garden Resort ($20/night)
- Mid-range: 98 Acres Resort ($100/night)
- Luxury: Ella Jungle Resort ($180/night)
Day 7: Exploring Ella
A day of hikes and stunning views
Early Morning: Nine Arch Bridge
Walk to the iconic bridge (30 minutes from town) to watch the train cross. Best times: 6:45 AM or 9:20 AM.
Morning: Little Adam's Peak
An easy 45-minute hike through tea plantations with panoramic views of Ella Gap.
Afternoon: Choose Your Adventure
- Ella Rock – Challenging 3-hour hike
- Ravana Falls – Beautiful waterfall nearby
- Tea Factory Tour – See how Ceylon tea is made
Evening
Relax at a cafe, enjoy the cool mountain air, and prepare for tomorrow's early start.
Day 8: Yala Safari & Beach Transfer
Distance: 200 km (5-6 hours total)
Early Morning: Yala National Park
Depart at 5:00 AM for a morning safari in Yala, home to the world's highest density of leopards.
Sri Lanka's diverse wildlife awaits
- Safari duration: 3-4 hours
- Cost: $50-80 per person
- Wildlife: Leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, peacocks
Afternoon: Transfer to Mirissa
Continue to the south coast, arriving at Mirissa beach by late afternoon.
Evening
Watch the sunset from Parrot Rock and enjoy fresh seafood by the beach.
Where to Stay in Mirissa
- Budget: Paradise Beach Club ($30/night)
- Mid-range: Mandara Resort ($80/night)
- Luxury: Lantern Boutique Hotel ($150/night)
Day 9: Mirissa Beach Day
Rest, relax, and recharge
Option A: Whale Watching (Nov-April)
Take an early morning boat trip to spot blue whales, the largest animals on Earth.
Blue whales off the coast of Mirissa
- Departure: 6:00 AM
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Cost: $50-60 per person
Option B: Beach Day
Sleep in, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, and enjoy beachside massages.
Afternoon Activities
- Surfing lessons at Weligama (15 min away)
- Secret Beach for snorkeling
- Coconut Tree Hill for photos
The golden sands of Mirissa Beach
Day 10: Galle Fort & Departure
Distance: 150 km to airport (3-4 hours)
Morning: Galle Fort
Explore the UNESCO-listed Dutch fort with its cobblestone streets, boutique shops, cafes, and colonial architecture.
Must-See in Galle
- Walk the fort walls at sunrise
- Dutch Reformed Church
- Maritime Museum
- Boutique shopping on Pedlar Street
Afternoon: Transfer to Airport
Head to Colombo airport via the Southern Expressway, allowing time for last-minute shopping.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (9 nights) | $225-270 | $720-900 | $1500+ |
| Transport (10 days) | $400-500 | $500-600 | $600-700 |
| Entrance fees | $100-120 | $100-120 | $100-120 |
| Food | $100-150 | $200-300 | $400+ |
| Activities | $80-120 | $150-200 | $300+ |
| Total per person | $905-1160 | $1670-2120 | $2900+ |
Essential Tips
Best Time to Visit
- December to March: Ideal for west/south coasts
- April to September: Best for east coast
- Year-round: Hill country is always pleasant
Packing List
- Light, breathable clothing
- Temple-appropriate attire
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen & insect repellent
- Rain jacket (for hill country)
Getting Around
A private driver for 10 days costs $500-700 including fuel – the most comfortable and flexible option.
Ready to Book?
This 10-day itinerary gives you the complete Sri Lanka experience – ancient history, stunning nature, incredible wildlife, and beautiful beaches. It's the perfect duration to see it all without rushing.
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