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.
Head to the Galle Face Green after breakfast.
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.
Walk along the coast to the Old Dutch Hospital.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore the Old Dutch Hospital

This historic site is now a bustling shopping and dining precinct showcasing colonial architecture.
Drive to the National Museum.
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.
Head to the Royal Palace Complex afterwards.
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.
Drive to Kandy, approximately 3 hours away.
LKR 1000, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Theva Residency

Indulge in a fine dining experience featuring international cuisine with stunning views over Kandy.
Relax at your hotel for the night.
LKR 4000, 2 hours
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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.
Head to the Temple of the Tooth.
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.
Stroll around Kandy Lake after your visit.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Kandy Lake

Enjoy a serene walk around this picturesque lake, perfect for capturing some stunning photographs.
Drive to the Royal Botanical Gardens.
LKR 2000, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Kandyan Arts Hotel

Savour local vegetarian dishes while enjoying traditional music performances.
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens post-lunch.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Royal Botanical Gardens

Wander through this lush paradise, home to over 4000 plant species and picturesque landscapes.
Drive back to Kandy for dinner.
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.
Return to your hotel for the night.
LKR 4000, 2 hours
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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.
Drive to Nuwara Eliya - approximately 2.5 hours.
Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens

Explore these picturesque gardens, known for their stunning flowers, especially roses.
Drive to Nuwara Eliya town centre.
LKR 1500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Nuwara Eliya Town

Experience this charming hill country town with its British colonial architecture and tea estates.
Head to the Pedro Tea Estate.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Grand Hotel

Savour classic Sri Lankan dishes in the grand dining room of this historic hotel.
Tour the Pedro Tea Estate after lunch.
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.
Return to Nuwara Eliya for a scenic drive.
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.
Relax at your hotel afterward.
LKR 4000, 2 hours
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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.
Drive to Ella - about 2 hours.
Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Nine Arches Bridge

Marvel at this iconic railway bridge, a picturesque spot for photos.
Take a short hike to Little Adam's Peak.
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.
Return to town for lunch.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ella’s Edge

Nourish yourself with healthy options amidst incredible mountain views.
Visit the tea factory after lunch.
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.
Drive to your hotel.
LKR 800, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Treetops

Dine at this unique restaurant built among trees, serving modern Sri Lankan cuisine.
Head back to your accommodation.
LKR 4000, 2 hours
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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.
Drive to Yala National Park - approximately 3 hours.
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.
Continue exploring the park on your safari.
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.
Complete your safari after lunch.
LKR 1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Continue Yala Safari

Further explore the park, spotting wildlife in their natural habitat.
Drive to Galle after your safari.
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.
Explore the nearby Galle Fort.
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.
Return to your hotel for a restful night.
LKR 4000, 2 hours
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Day 6: Beach Time in Galle

Galle, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Relish a delightful beachside breakfast before exploring Galle further.
Visit Galle Fort post-breakfast.
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.
Enjoy a coffee at a café in the Fort.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Crepe-ology

Savour delicious crepes and fresh juices while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere.
Visit the lighthouse after lunch.
LKR 2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Galle Lighthouse

Climb up to see the lighthouse and witness spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.
Drive to Mirissa - about 30 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax on Mirissa Beach

Spend your afternoon soaking in the sun or enjoy some water sports.
Head to dinner after beach time.
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.
Return to your hotel for the night.
LKR 4000, 2 hours
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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.
Relax on the beach after breakfast.
Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

10:00AM

Whale Watching Tour

Join a whale watching excursion perhaps spotting majestic blue whales during the season.
Return to the shore post tour.
LKR 5000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at 98 Acres

Savour health-conscious options with an incredible view of the lush green hills.
Head back to Mirissa beach.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Beach Relaxation

Spend a leisurely afternoon by the beach, swimming or just soaking up the sun.
Prepare for dinner.
Free, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Kite Surfing Club

Wind down with coastal cuisine and perhaps catch the sunset as you dine.
Return to your hotel for a restful night.
LKR 3500, 2 hours
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Day 8: Negombo Getaway

Negombo, Sri Lanka

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading to Negombo.
Drive to Negombo - about 4 hours.
Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at The Beach – Negombo

Savour delicious seafood dishes right on the beach.
Explore Negombo Fish Market after lunch.
LKR 3000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Negombo Fish Market

Experience the vibrant local market bustling with fisher folk and fresh catches.
Relax on Negombo Beach.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Negombo Beach

Relax by the shore or indulge in some water sports activities.
Prepare for dinner.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Lagoon

Delight in a lavish seafood dinner with stunning canal views.
Return to your accommodation for the night.
LKR 5000, 2 hours
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Day 9: Cultural Heritage in Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

7:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast before driving to Anuradhapura.
Drive to Anuradhapura - about 5 hours.
Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at a local restaurant

Relish traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry at a local eatery.
Visit the Sri Maha Bodhi tree.
LKR 1000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Sri Maha Bodhi Tree

Visit one of the oldest living trees in the world, sacred to Buddhists.
Explore the ancient ruins nearby.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Ancient Ruins

Wander among the ruins of this ancient city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Have dinner at a local restaurant after exploration.
LKR 2000, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at a traditional Sri Lankan restaurant

Experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at a renowned local eatery.
Return to your hotel for the night.
LKR 3000, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

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.
Drive back to Colombo - about 5 hours.
Included with hotel stay, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Beach Wadiya

Savour the last taste of Sri Lankan cuisine by the beach.
Explore Colombo city upon arrival.
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.
Head to the airport after shopping.
Free, 2 hours
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