10 Days in Sri Lanka: Top 3 Recommendations
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.
- Catrin Vanora
- From Wales
1. Family Highlights: 9 days in Sri Lanka
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
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
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.