Looking for Sri Lanka itinerary for 10 days? This detailed itinerary takes you on a thrilling journey in Sri Lanka. In just 10 days, you can explore the major cities and towns of Sri Lanka, trek through lush tea plantations, embark on an unforgettable safari in Yala, and enjoy a beach holiday on the south coast!
Whether you fancy the history and religion or simply want to experience the culture of the Sri Lankan people, this itinerary is a go-tosolution to making the most out of your adventure.
Days 1-2: Colombo
Start your Sri Lankan adventure at Colombo since this is the most popular international airport. While most travellers may choose to makeNegombotheir first stop due to its proximity to the airport, staying in Colombo is a better option since it’ll give you greater chances to explore the surrounding beach towns.
Colombo is not all modern but offers a unique blend of both tradition and modernity, providing a great chance to explore colonial architecture and taste the mouth-watering traditional food as you dive deeper into the culture and history of the people here. Check into a hotel and have a delicious meal before retiring for the first day.
On the second day, visit the key highlights in Colombo:the National Museum, the Gangaramaya Temple, and the Viharamahadevi Park.
Days 3-4: Kandy
If you can tear yourself from all the eye-catching sites in Colombo, I recommend heading to Kandy next. Unlike most boring towns, Kandy City pulses with energy and is home to many intriguing travel destinations for any visitor. From the most sacred temples in Sri Lanka to the serene lake and bustling market, you’re sure to have an adrenaline rush throughout your stay here.
Check into a comfortable hotel and recuperate from your journey. After freshening up, it’s time to do some sightseeing as you visit the city’s crown jewel – the Temple of The Tooth. It is one of the most sacred Buddhist grounds in the country, and if you’re lucky enough, you might just glimpse the most significant religious relic – the Buddha’s tooth! Nevertheless, you’ll most likely see the dagoba-shaped golden casket where the tooth is kept.
There are three Puja offering ceremonies daily, and the casket is shown to the public during each. Head back to your hotel room for the night and rest before the next day’s experience.
Hit off the next day by making a short drive to the Royal Botanical Gardens. If you are a nature and botanical enthusiast, this 147-acre garden is quite a catch. After the gardens, walk around the bustling Kandy market and interact with the locals.
Finally, you can end your day with a stroll around the serene Kandy Lake, located just at the heart of Kandy City.
Days 5-6: Ella
Among the highlights of any Sri Lankan trip is the Kandy to Ella train journey. It is the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka and perhaps the world. While the train ride takes around seven hours, you won’t be bored even for a second. Revel in breathtaking views of rolling hills, lush green turfs of tea, misty valleys, and forests as you try on unique delicacies at every train stop. Besides, the train journey will allow you to interact with the locals.
Want to spice up things just a little? Open the window or door and enjoy the feel of the wind blowing your hair as you get a better view of the spectacular scenery outside. Note that it’s normal for you to experience delays – it’s all part of the adventure. So, you’ll probably arrive at Ella in the evening, book accommodation, and enjoy an enticing dinner before retiring to rest; you still have a full day to explore Ella tomorrow!
Start your day by strolling through the lush tea plantations as you head to the Adam’s Peak. The hike to the top of the peak is quite manageable, even for novice climbers, and in around an hour, you’ll enjoy the incredible views from the top of the peak.
After your sweaty climb, descend Adam’s Peak and take a quick rest before heading to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. Constructed in the colonial era, the bridge is quite a masterpiece and one of the most picturesque spots in Sri Lanka.
Days 7-8: Yala National Park
Yala, one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka, is our next destination. With incredible biodiversity and wildlife, it’s definitely a place out of a storybook for any nature enthusiast. Enjoy an exciting safari where you’ll see various animals, including elephants, crocodiles and sloth bears. If it’s your lucky day, you might even see the legendary Sri Lankan leopard!
Overall, Yala National Park is fully packed with incredible views and exciting road trips through the bumpy and dusty roads. And frankly, you cannot exhaust all the park offers in a single day, so you’ll most likely take two days at this spot.
Days 9-10: Mirissa
Are you looking for the best surfing spot in Sri Lanka? Finalize your trip in an unforgettable way by visiting the legendary south coast beach town ofMirissa! This place is ideal for people with expert and beginner surfing skills, thanks to its calm waves.
Mirissa is also a great spot for whale watching, and this is something you don’t want to miss, especially if you are making your trip between December and March, which is the peak season for these incredible scenes.
On the second day of this final destination, you can rent a scooter and make a quick trip to the neighbouringbeach towns, including Unawatuna, Matara and Weligama.
Contact Sri Lanka Tour Guides to book Sri Lanka Itinerary for 10 Days.
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