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Although the country might look small on the map, trust us when we say that 10 days in Sri Lanka will be filled with activities and destinations to visit. Hemmed in by pristine white-sand beaches, the country is home to diverse terrain, a variety of wildlife, and a culture that stretches back by millennia. Be it the bustling streets of Colombo or the temples of Kandy, Sri Lanka is full of contrasts for those who wish to venture in. Breathe in the crisp air of its tea country located in central highlands and relax on its southern beaches. Hike up the volcanic hill of Pidurangala and discover the breathtaking wilderness of Wilpattu.

Below are our three recommended tours lasting between nine to ten days. Prepare to swoon on your next trip to Sri Lanka.

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1. Family Highlights: 9 days in Sri Lanka

Kandy is a beautiful, peaceful mountain city that is also home to the tooth relic of Buddha
Kandy is a beautiful, peaceful mountain city that is also home to the tooth relic of Buddha
Row of fishing boat on Sri Lanka beach
Relax on a beach in Hikkaduwa and learn how to surf

Day 1

Arrive at a beach resort in Negombo

Day 2

Go on jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park

Day 3

Drive to Habarana, cycle through the countryside to Polonnauruwa

Day 4

Hike to the top of Sigiriya’s cliff and visit Kandy’s markets

Day 5

Go rafting and hiking in Kitulgala and stay at a treehouse

Day 6

Head to Hikkaduwa and relax on the beaches

Day 7

Learn how to surf in Hikkaduwa

Day 8

Travel back to Negombo

Day 9

Transfer to the airport for your flight home

This is an ideal itinerary for people who love adventure, outdoor sports, and wildlife. Starting from Negombo, this trip takes you to Wilpattu National Park, Habarana, Sigiriya, and Hikkaduwa. Enjoy a variety of activities like jeep safari, hiking, cycling, surfing, and rafting as you explore some of Sri Lanka’s most popular destinations. Spend a night in a jungle with the sound of the wind, trees, birds, and animals right next to you. Your journey comes to an end in Negombo, but not before you have kicked back on a beach. See tours.

2. In a Short Route: 10 days in Sri Lanka

Elephant at Yala National Park in Sri Lanka
Yala National Park is home to a great diversity of flora and fauna
Buddhist Dambulla Temple in Dambulla, Sri Lanka
The largest cave temple in Sri Lanka is Dambulla Temple

Day 1

Arrive in Wadduwa 

Day 2

See the fort of Galle en route to Tissamaharama

Day 3

Enjoy a safari trip in Yala National Park

Day 4

Travel through Sri Lanka’s tea country en route to Kandy

Day 5

Discover the highlights of Kandy 

Day 6

See Dambulla’s cave temple complex

Day 7

Climb Pidurangala Rock

Day 8

Tour Sigiriya and continue to Negombo

Day 9

Relax in Negombo

Day 10

Catch your flight home from Negombo

This trip is best suited for people interested in historic monuments, ruins and nature. See temples, monuments and fortresses and enjoy a trip to a national park as you travel from Wadduwa to Kandy. See the highlights of Kandy, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most important sites of Buddhism. Also included are trips to Pidurangala and Sigiriya. Spend a day relaxing in Negombo before catching your flight back home. See tours.

3. Classic Adventure: 10 Days in Sri Lanka

A beach in Sri Lanka is as scenic as they come
The secret gems in Sri Lanka have to be its beautiful sandy tropical beaches
Ella Train Sri Lanka
The beautiful train journey through the Sri Lankan tea gardens
 

Day 1

Arrive in Colombo and transfer to Wallawwa beach resort

Day 2

Drive through Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, visit the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura

Day 3

Visit Polonnaruwa and go on a jeep safari in Minneriya

Day 4

Climb Sigiriya

Day 5

Travel to Sri Lanka’s tea country, spend your night in a colonial bungalow

Day 6

Explore the tea country on your own

Day 7

Travel to the southern coast of Sri Lanka

Day 8

Meet a cinnamon planter, see Galle fort

Day 9

Attend a cooking class in a traditional hut

Day 10

Take a private transfer to Colombo airport

If you love discovering the imprints of the past, eating local food, and enjoy meeting locals, then this tour is for you. Travel back in time during a trip to the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Spend a night at a colonial bungalow in Sri Lanka’s tea country and see the Dutch-built fort of Galle. Also included is a cooking class in a traditional hut and a meeting with a local cinnamon planter. Soak up Sri Lanka’s culture and atmosphere during your ten days in the country with this trip. Describe your ideal 10-day itinerary with our customized trip to Sri Lanka.

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Published by Lucas Toft, updated on November 2, 2022

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Plan a trip to Sri LankaWe offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to Sri Lanka.
  • Evanjalin Fernando
    Evanjalin FernandoTravel Expert in Sri Lanka & Maldives
  • Ranjan Jayasekaram
    Ranjan JayasekaramTravel Expert in Sri Lanka
  • Anu Seth
    Anu SethTravel Expert in India & Sri Lanka
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