Sri Lanka in 10 days: culture, hills and coast
Ten days are enough to see Sri Lanka’s main highlights if you don’t try to do everything. This route keeps the big sights and leaves out long detours.
You stay three nights at Sigiriya and two each in Kandy and Ella, so you unpack less and see more.
Route
Day by day
- Day 1
Arrival and drive to Sigiriya
Your driver meets you at the airport. You drive north into the Cultural Triangle and check in near Sigiriya.
- Day 2
Sigiriya Rock and village life
Climb the Lion Rock early in the morning. In the afternoon, cycle or walk through the villages and rice fields around Sigiriya.
- Day 3
Polonnaruwa and wild elephants
Visit the ruins of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital, then take an afternoon jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park to see elephants.
- Day 4
Dambulla, spices and Kandy
See the cave temple of Dambulla, stop at a spice garden, and reach Kandy in time for the evening ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth.
- Day 5
Kandy and the botanic garden
A slower day: the Royal Botanic Garden in Peradeniya, the lake, the market, and a Kandyan dance show in the evening.
- Day 6
Through tea country to Ella
A long but beautiful day: you drive up through the tea estates to Nanu Oya, with a stop at a tea factory, and continue to Ella. The hill-country railway was damaged by Cyclone Ditwah and is being repaired in sections. Trains currently run from Nanu Oya (near Nuwara Eliya) to Ella, one of the most beautiful parts of the line: your driver drops you at the station and meets you in Ella with your luggage. If the line from Kandy has reopened by your travel date, we can plan a longer train ride.
- Day 7
Ella’s viewpoints
Little Adam’s Peak in the morning, the Nine Arches Bridge, and an easy afternoon. Fit walkers can climb Ella Rock.
- Day 8
Safari in Yala
Drive down past Ravana Falls to Tissamaharama. In the afternoon, a jeep safari in Yala National Park, home of the Sri Lankan leopard.
- Day 9
The south coast
Along the coast to Mirissa. The afternoon is free for the beach.
- Day 10
Galle Fort and departure
Walk the old streets and ramparts of Galle Fort, then take the expressway to the airport. For a morning flight we plan the last night near the airport instead.
Included
- Private air-conditioned car (usually a Toyota hybrid) with an experienced English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Good 3-star hotels, double room with breakfast (4-star and 5-star on request)
- Fuel, parking, highway tolls, and your driver’s meals and lodging
- Drinking water in the car
- Support on WhatsApp in English and German throughout your trip
Not included
- International flights
- Entrance tickets to sights and national parks
- Safari jeeps, boat trips and other optional activities
- Lunch and dinner
- Tips for your driver and guides
- Travel insurance
Prices are per person for 2 people sharing a room. They change with season, hotel level and group size. Your personal quote is final.
Make it yours
- Add beach days at the end
- Replace Yala with Udawalawe for elephants
- Upgrade to 4-star or 5-star hotels
- Book a German-speaking driver-guide (extra cost, subject to availability)
Questions about this trip
Is 10 days enough for Sri Lanka?
Can we skip the safari?
Make this trip yours
Send us your dates and wishes. You get the route with your hotels and a firm price, usually within 24 hours.
Private round trips from US$700 per person for 7 days
Other round trips
The classic Sri Lanka round trip in 14 days
Ancient cities, the Temple of the Tooth, tea country, Ella, a leopard safari and three days by the sea. The route most first-time visitors should take.
Sri Lanka highlights in 7 days
One week, the five places everyone wants to see. A full programme with some long drives, ideal as a first taste or before a beach holiday.
Sri Lanka in summer: round trip with the east coast
Built for the European summer holidays: the east coast is dry and the sea is calm, while the south-west has its monsoon.