How many days do you need in Sri lanka?

This itinerary covers 10 days in Sri lanka, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Sri lanka?

Plan your perfect 10 days trip to Sri lanka. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Ultimate 10-Day Sri Lanka Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Barn at Galle Face Hotel

Start your day with a delicious breakfast that includes Sri Lankan specialities and fresh fruit at this ocean-view restaurant.

LKR 2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Galle Face Green

Stroll along this popular promenade where locals and tourists mingle, and try some street food.

Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Old Dutch Hospital

This historic site is now a bustling shopping and dining precinct showcasing colonial architecture.

LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ministry of Crab

Enjoy a world-renowned seafood experience at this famous restaurant housed in the Old Dutch Hospital.

LKR 5000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Royal Palace of Colombo

Discover the rich history of Sri Lanka through this fascinating museum with plenty of artefacts.

LKR 1000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Theva Residency

Indulge in a fine dining experience featuring international cuisine with stunning views over Kandy.

LKR 4000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Colombo

Day 2: Cultural Kandy

Kandy, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to energise for a day of exploration.

Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

9:00AM

Temple of the Tooth

Visit one of Buddhism's most sacred sites, housing a relic of the tooth of Buddha.

LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Kandy Lake

Enjoy a serene walk around this picturesque lake, perfect for capturing some stunning photographs.

LKR 2000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Kandyan Arts Hotel

Savour local vegetarian dishes while enjoying traditional music performances.

LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Royal Botanical Gardens

Wander through this lush paradise, home to over 4000 plant species and picturesque landscapes.

LKR 1000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Helga’s Folly

Dine at this eclectic and artistic restaurant known for its magical ambience and Sri Lankan cuisine.

LKR 4000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Kandy

Day 3: Scenic Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast to start your day before heading to Nuwara Eliya.

Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Explore these picturesque gardens, known for their stunning flowers, especially roses.

LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Nuwara Eliya Town

Experience this charming hill country town with its British colonial architecture and tea estates.

Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Grand Hotel

Savour classic Sri Lankan dishes in the grand dining room of this historic hotel.

LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Pedro Tea Estate Tour

Take a guided tour and learn about the tea-making process, with tastings included.

LKR 1000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Barn

Enjoy a cozy dinner with a selection of international dishes in a wooden barn setting.

LKR 4000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Nuwara Eliya

Day 4: Charming Ella

Ella, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Delight in an energising breakfast before you embark on your journey to Ella.

Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Nine Arches Bridge

Marvel at this iconic railway bridge, a picturesque spot for photos.

Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Little Adam's Peak

Enjoy a hike up to this viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Ella’s lush landscape.

Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ella’s Edge

Nourish yourself with healthy options amidst incredible mountain views.

LKR 2500, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Amba Tea Factory

Experience the unique flavours of Ella tea and the tea-making process on a guided tour.

LKR 800, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Treetops

Dine at this unique restaurant built among trees, serving modern Sri Lankan cuisine.

LKR 4000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Ella

Day 5: Adventure at Yala

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka

7:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the wilds of Yala.

Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Yala National Park Safari

Embark on a thrilling jeep safari to spot various wildlife including elephants and leopards.

LKR 9000 (includes jeep rental), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at a local restaurant near Yala

Enjoy local dishes at a popular eatery, sampling fresh rice and curry.

LKR 1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Continue Yala Safari

Further explore the park, spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.

Included in previous cost, 2 hours

5:00PM

Arrival and Relax at Your Hotel in Galle

Check into your accommodation and take some time to unwind.

Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Fort Printers

Enjoy a lovely dinner in a beautifully restored colonial building, offering both local and international cuisine.

LKR 4000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Yala National Park

Day 6: Beach Time in Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Relish a delightful beachside breakfast before exploring Galle further.

Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Galle Fort

Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, taking in the historic buildings and stunning coastline.

Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Crepe-ology

Savour delicious crepes and fresh juices while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere.

LKR 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Galle Lighthouse

Climb up to see the lighthouse and witness spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.

Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax on Mirissa Beach

Spend your afternoon soaking in the sun or enjoy some water sports.

Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Fisherman’s Wharf

Indulge in a seafood feast with local catches and stunning views of the beach.

LKR 4000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Galle

Day 7: Relax in Mirissa

Mirissa, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start your day with a beautiful breakfast while enjoying the ocean breeze.

Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Whale Watching Tour

Join a whale watching excursion perhaps spotting majestic blue whales during the season.

LKR 5000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at 98 Acres

Savour health-conscious options with an incredible view of the lush green hills.

LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Beach Relaxation

Spend a leisurely afternoon by the beach, swimming or just soaking up the sun.

Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Kite Surfing Club

Wind down with coastal cuisine and perhaps catch the sunset as you dine.

LKR 3500, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Mirissa

Day 8: Negombo Getaway

Negombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Negombo.

Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Beach – Negombo

Savour delicious seafood dishes right on the beach.

LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Negombo Fish Market

Experience the vibrant local market bustling with fisher folk and fresh catches.

Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Negombo Beach

Relax by the shore or indulge in some water sports activities.

Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Lagoon

Delight in a lavish seafood dinner with stunning canal views.

LKR 5000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Negombo

Day 9: Cultural Heritage in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast before driving to Anuradhapura.

Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Relish traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry at a local eatery.

LKR 1000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Sri Maha Bodhi Tree

Visit one of the oldest living trees in the world, sacred to Buddhists.

Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Ancient Ruins

Wander among the ruins of this ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

LKR 2000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a traditional Sri Lankan restaurant

Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at a renowned local eatery.

LKR 3000, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Anuradhapura

Day 10: Return to Colombo

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast in Sri Lanka before returning to Colombo.

Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Beach Wadiya

Savour the last taste of Sri Lankan cuisine by the beach.

LKR 2500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Last Shopping at Pettah Market

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this local market, perfect for last-minute gifts.

Free, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Colombo

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Ultimate 10-Day Sri Lanka Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Colombo

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Cultural Kandy

7:30AM

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 3: Scenic Nuwara Eliya

8:00AM

9:30AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:00PM

Day 4: Charming Ella

8:00AM

10:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 5: Adventure at Yala

7:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

2:00PM

5:00PM

6:30PM

Day 6: Beach Time in Galle

8:00AM

9:30AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 7: Relax in Mirissa

8:00AM

10:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

6:30PM

Day 8: Negombo Getaway

8:00AM

12:00PM

2:30PM

4:00PM

7:00PM

Day 9: Cultural Heritage in Anuradhapura

7:30AM

1:00PM

2:30PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 10: Return to Colombo

8:00AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

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