Do you have 10 days to spare and dream of exploring Sri Lanka?
We offer you a complete and authentic itinerary, among jungles, sacred temples, local communities and picture-postcard beaches. A journey through nature, culture and thousand-year-old traditions.
Here is what to see and do in Sri Lanka in 10 days.
Day 1 – Arrive in Colombo and visit the temples of Chilaw
Land in Colombo and head straight for Chilaw, a coastal town where you can visit the impressive Hindu temple of Munneswaram, one of the oldest on the island. Take a plunge into spirituality, amid scents of incense and mythological stories dating back to the Ramayana epic.
Day 2 – Puttalam and the African community of Ceylon, arrival in Wilpattu
On the way to Wilpattu, stop in Puttalam to meet the small but fascinating Ceylon African community, descended from peoples who arrived in colonial times. Then reach the sustainable lodge nestled in nature and pedal between rice paddies and silent lakes at sunset: this is the heart of Sri Lanka’s backwaters.
Day 3 – Safari in Wilpattu National Park
Get up early for a safari in Wilpattu Park, the country’s largest. You may spot elephants, deer, buffalo and, if you’re lucky, even the rare Sri Lankan leopard. In the afternoon, relax with a silent boat trip among herons and kingfishers.
Day 4 – Anuradhapura, sacred city, and overnight stay in eco-lodge in Habarana
Discover Anuradhapura, ancient capital and UNESCO site, among giant stupas and the sacred Buddha tree. Then sleep in a tree house in the heart of the forest-an immersive, sustainable experience where simplicity and authenticity take center stage.
Day 5 – Dambulla and Polonnaruwa among temples and ruins
Explore the sacred caves of Dambulla, among Buddha statues and millennia-old frescoes, then cross the countryside to Polonnaruwa. Tour the ruins by bicycle and enjoy a local lunch cooked over a fire and served on banana leaves.
Day 6 – Ascent to Lion Rock and stop in the valley of spices
Experience one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic experiences: climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and symbol of the country. Continue to Matale to visit a spice plantation and participate in a typical cooking class. Arrive in Kandy in the evening.
Day 7 – Local life in Kandy
In Kandy, the spiritual heart of the island, meet a local family, shop with them at the market and cook lunch at their home. In the afternoon, visit brass artisans and participate in a Kandyan dance workshop, amid traditional drums and costumes.
Day 8 – Scenic train to Ella
Take the train from Kandy to Ella, one of the most scenic train routes in the world: tea plantations, waterfalls, green hills. Arriving in Ella, visit the famous Nine Arch Bridge at sunset. A slow day of nature and contemplation.
Day 9 – Sunrise on Bambaragala Pathana and life in the tea villages
Wake up early to watch the sunrise from Bambaragala Pathana, a breathtaking plateau. Then walk among the tea plantations of Bibilegama, meet a Tamil family and have lunch with them. If you love an adrenaline rush, you can also try Sri Lanka’s longest zip-line.
Day 10 – Safari in Yala or relax in Galle
You have two options: set off on another exciting safari in Yala National Park, among elephants, leopards, and wild landscapes; or head to Galle, an elegant colonial city by the sea. Here you can stroll the walls of the fort, sample fusion dishes, and enjoy the sunset over the ocean.
Why choose this itinerary in Sri Lanka?
- Includes UNESCO Heritage Sites
- Combines nature, culture, tradition and local communities
- It is thought of in a sustainable and authentic way
- It is perfect for those who have 10 days and want to see “the best” of the country without stress
Ready to go?
Discover our experiential and sustainable trips to Sri Lanka–tailor-made for those seeking a true, off-the-beaten-path experience.