10-Day Sri Lanka Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Sri Lanka tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaSri Lanka travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary, incl. Negombo and Sigiriya

  A diverse route through 8 destinations across Sri Lanka including Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella and Udawalawe. The sunrise climb of Sigiriya Rock, scenic train ride to Ella, wildlife safari, and Unawatuna beach relaxation complement 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Negombo & Dambulla

    Get settled in Negombo on your first day. You'll want to arrive early to get over jet lag. One visitor mentioned, "The beachfront welcome dinner at sunset was the perfect introduction to Sri Lankan hospitality." On your second day, take the 3.5-hour drive to see Dambulla's cave temples. Plan your temple visit for late afternoon when there are fewer tourists and the temperature drops.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Sigiriya & Local Village Life

    Start your Sigiriya Rock climb at 6:30 AM before it gets too hot and crowded. One visitor notes, "The climb is steep but manageable with proper shoes - don't attempt in flip-flops." Use the afternoon to explore the ancient city ruins. The next day, visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Try to time your visit around 6 PM to see the evening ceremonies.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Tea Country & Train Journey

    Visit Nuwara Eliya's tea plantations in the morning. A regular visitor suggests: "Book your train tickets to Ella at least a month in advance for the best seats - the left side of the train offers the most dramatic views." The scenic mountain journey takes 2-3 hours.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Ella & Wildlife

    Take a morning hike up Little Adam's Peak. A recent visitor shares, "The morning mist creates magical photos, but bring layers as it's surprisingly chilly at dawn." Visit Nine Arch Bridge around 3:30 PM to see passing trains. The next day, head to Udawalawe National Park for a safari. You'll likely spot elephants, especially near water holes in the late afternoon.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Unawatuna Beach

    Finish your trip at the southern beaches. A traveler recommends: "The jungle walk to Jungle Beach takes about 20 minutes - bring water and wear proper shoes as it can be slippery." Use your last day to relax or go whale watching if you're visiting between December and April.

    

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• 10 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary, incl. Colombo and Kandy

  A nature-focused expedition covering 10 destinations including three national parks. The tour combines UNESCO sites Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, spice gardens in Matale, tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, and safari drives in Yala, Udawalawe, and Bundala.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Colombo & Cultural Triangle

    Start in Colombo with your first evening on Galle Road watching the sunset over the Laccadive Sea. On day 2 head inland to the Cultural Triangle and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. Get there by 9 AM to avoid crowds and peak heat. "The caves are incredible, but bring a scarf to cover your shoulders as it's a religious site."

    
  • Days 3-4

    Sigiriya & Kandy

    Start early at Sigiriya's Lion Rock fortress (7 AM is ideal) before the heat kicks in. The climb is 1,200 steps and gets steep. Good walking shoes and plenty of water are essential. In Kandy visit the Temple of the Tooth during morning prayers at 6 AM for the best experience. "The cultural dance performance in Kandy was a highlight—grab seats in the front row for the best views of the fire walking."

    
  • Day 5

    Nuwara Eliya

    Take the scenic train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya through tea country. Book ahead as tickets sell out fast. Sit on the right side going up for the best views. Stop at the Geragama tea factory for a 45-minute tour to learn about production.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Wildlife Parks

    Stay near Udawalawe National Park to spot some of its 400 elephants. Start safaris at 6 AM for the best wildlife viewing. Next, visit Yala National Park, known for its high leopard population. "Be patient during safaris. We waited quietly for 40 minutes and were rewarded with a leopard sighting."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Southern Coast & Mirissa

    From November to April, go whale watching from Mirissa at 5:30 AM. Blue whales are often spotted but expect rough seas. Visit Galle Fort for sunset and dinner. A tuk-tuk from Mirissa to Galle takes about 45 minutes.

    
  • Day 10

    Final Day in Colombo

    Explore Colombo's colonial architecture and temples. Visit Gangarama Temple in the morning when it's quiet. For shopping, hit Pettah Market early before the crowds arrive.

    

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• 10 Days in Sri Lanka, incl. Habarana and Kandy

  The path winds through 5 key destinations: Colombo, Habarana, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Beruwala. UNESCO sites like Sigiriya Rock Fortress, wildlife at Minneriya Park, and colonial Galle Fort feature alongside 9 breakfasts and dinners.

  

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  • Day 1

    Colombo to Habarana

    The drive from Bandaranaike International Airport to Habarana takes about 4 hours. One traveler shared: "The ever-changing landscape during the drive from Colombo gives you a perfect introduction to Sri Lanka's diversity." Try to book an early morning flight to avoid Colombo's heavy traffic and get to Habarana by sunset.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Sigiriya & Minneriya National Park

    Head to Sigiriya Rock Fortress around 7 AM before it gets too hot. Make sure to wear shoes with good grip since the metal stairs can get slippery. Spend your afternoon experiencing village life and local activities. The next day, take a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park between 2-6 PM when elephants are most active and visible.

    
  • Days 4-5

    Kandy & Cultural Heritage

    Stop at Matale Spice Gardens on your way to Kandy to learn about Ceylon's spices. Visit the Temple of the Tooth during morning prayers (5:30-7 AM) for a more peaceful experience. The traditional dance show starts at 5 PM but get there 30 minutes early for good seats. Take a morning walk through the Royal Botanical Gardens the next day when it's cooler.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Nuwara Eliya & Tea Country

    Take the scenic 4-hour train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya. The observation car and first class offer great views but second class gives you a more local experience. Visit tea plantations in the morning to see tea plucking in action. Bring warm clothes since temperatures can drop to 10°C (50°F).

    
  • Days 8-9

    Beruwala Beach

    The drive to Beruwala takes 5-6 hours. You can stop at Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery and Madu River along the way. Visit Galle Fort early or late in the day to avoid peak heat. A recent visitor noted: "The boat safari along Madu River reveals a different side of Sri Lanka – watch for water monitors sunbathing on mangrove branches."

    
  • Day 10

    Return to Colombo

    Book an afternoon or evening flight since you'll need about 2.5 hours to drive from Beruwala to the airport. During monsoon season (May-September), add extra time for potential flooding on coastal roads.

    

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