When I planned my first trip to Sri Lanka, I only had 10 days to see as much of this beautiful island as possible. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if 10 days would be enough. But what I discovered is that Sri Lanka, despite being small, is incredibly diverse—and it is possible to explore beaches, ancient culture, and the lush hill country in just over a week.
In this guide, I’ll share my Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary (my exact travel plan) that balances culture, adventure, and relaxation. I’ll also include a map of my route and a visual infographic itinerary that helped me plan each day easily.
Why I Chose Sri Lanka for 10 Days
As a U.S. traveler, Sri Lanka wasn’t the most obvious choice at first, but it checked every box for me:
- Rich cultural heritage (think temples, ancient fortresses, and sacred sites).
- Stunning natural landscapes (tea plantations, waterfalls, and wildlife parks).
- Beautiful beaches to unwind at the end.
- Affordable prices compared to other Asian destinations.
- And the best part? It’s compact. With a smart route, you can see the highlights without feeling rushed.
Learn more about Sri Lanka’s tourism highlights on the official Sri Lanka Tourism Board website.
My 10-Day Sri Lanka Travel Plan
Here’s the exact route I followed, which I now recommend to anyone visiting Sri Lanka for the first time.
Day 1–2: Colombo & Negombo
After landing at Colombo International Airport, I stayed in Negombo (just 20 minutes away). It was the perfect place to rest, recover from jet lag, and ease into island life.
Highlights:
- Watching fishermen at Negombo Lagoon.
- Tasting fresh seafood right on the beach.
- Quick stroll through Colombo’s food markets before heading inland.
For flight info, check Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
Day 3–4: Sigiriya & Dambulla (Cultural Triangle)
This was the real start of my adventure. I headed north to the Cultural Triangle, and climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise was unforgettable. The views were worth every step.
Highlights:
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress – an ancient palace on top of a massive rock.
- Dambulla Cave Temples – stunning Buddha statues carved into caves.
- Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park to see wild elephants.
Read UNESCO’s description of Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Related: If you’re also visiting Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa, check out my guide to Sri Lanka’s Best Places for Solo Female Travel, where I cover cultural hotspots in detail.
Day 5–6: Kandy & Scenic Train to Ella
Next stop was Kandy, home of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The cultural vibe here was amazing, and the evenings around Kandy Lake felt peaceful.
But the highlight was boarding the train from Kandy to Ella—one of the most scenic rides in the world. I spent hours gazing out at tea plantations, misty hills, and waterfalls.
Buy train tickets and schedules from Sri Lanka Railways.
Related: If your trip overlaps with August, don’t miss the Kandy Esala Perahera Festival—a spectacular cultural procession of elephants, dancers, and drummers.
Day 7–8: Ella & Nuwara Eliya (Hill Country Bliss)
Ella became one of my favorite stops. It’s laid-back, surrounded by lush mountains, and perfect for short hikes.
Highlights:
- Hiking Little Adam’s Peak.
- Walking across the iconic Nine Arches Bridge.
- Visiting tea plantations and learning about Sri Lanka’s famous Ceylon tea.
- Quick trip to Nuwara Eliya, nicknamed “Little England,” with colonial vibes and cool weather.
Related: If wellness is your focus, see my list of the Best Places to Meditate in Sri Lanka.
Day 9: Safari in Yala National Park
No trip to Sri Lanka felt complete without a safari. Yala delivered—my jeep spotted elephants, crocodiles, colorful birds, and even a leopard resting in the shade.
Spending the night in a safari camp under the stars was a bucket-list moment.
See official info on Yala National Park.
Related: I also explored Wilpattu National Park, which is less crowded than Yala but equally rewarding for wildlife lovers.
Day 10: Southern Beaches & Departure
I wrapped up my journey by relaxing on Sri Lanka’s southern beaches before heading back to Colombo for my flight.
I chose Mirissa for whale watching and beach sunsets, but Unawatuna and Bentota are equally great options.
Related: For more inspiration, check out my guide to The Best Places to Visit in Galle and Surfing in Sri Lanka.
My Visual 10-Day Itinerary
This visual overview was super helpful for planning and also gives readers a quick glance at what to expect.
Travel Tips I Learned as a U.S. Visitor
- Visa: Apply for the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online via Sri Lanka ETA website.
- Transport: Hiring a private driver made things smooth. I mixed in train rides for the scenic experience.
- Budget: Food and accommodation are very affordable compared to U.S. prices.
- Best Time to Visit: I went in January—perfect for beaches and safaris. December to April is ideal.
- Stay Flexible: Distances look small on the map, but travel takes longer than expected, so allow some buffer time.
Final Thoughts
My Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary gave me a little taste of everything: culture in Sigiriya and Kandy, nature in Ella and Yala, and relaxation on the southern beaches.
If you’re traveling from the U.S., 10 days is enough for a memorable first trip—but trust me, once you leave, you’ll already be thinking about when to come back.
