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10 Days in Sri Lanka – Unique Itinerary Ideas

You can only see some of Sri Lanka for ten days, but you can have a great experience. First, it is a relaxing time for an in-depth exploration of a few regions for a highlights journey that hops between the greatest metropolis and points of interest, like Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Ella, Jaffna and Anuradhapura. Then, venture on expeditions to the countryside’s best destinations, including the Sigiriya, Yala National Park, and Nine arch bridge in Ella.

What to expect

  • Enjoy the best of Sri Lanka without expending a fortune
  • Relax on some of the world’s best beachfront
  • Explore 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites 
  • Unforgettable train experience 

Fast facts

  • Time: 10 days
  • Distance: 1200 kilometres 
  • Transport: Train, Car, Taxi 

 

Sri Lanka 10-day Itinerary

 

Day 1:  One immaculate day in Colombo

 

Colombo has become a popular tourist hotspot endeavoring various social, historical also nightlife attractions that include many attractions and landmarks. Like the Galle Face Green, a spectacular green ground facing the ocean is located beside the most bustling Colombo-Galle highway and the National museumIndependence Memorial Hall, Lotus tower and Viharamahadevi Park, among others. Furthermore, remarkable and elegant Star class hotels in Colombo, international hotel brands such as the Hilton, Shangri- La and local origin, the Galle Face Hotel, have accommodated many honour, International guests from all over the world.

The city is strangely culturally, religiously and ethnically various. Famous Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils, churches and mosques were established throughout the city. The Gangarama Buddhist Temple, Red Mosque and the Kathiresan Kovil draw local and foreign travellers daily.

Besides the unique colonial structure, Colombo’s most popular function is shopping for locals and foreigners. The city is scattered with Shopping plazas such as the independence arcade, Gem shops, tea shops and Clothing stores. Guests can discover a variety of authentic Sri Lankan foods or Chinese, Japanese, and Italian cuisines .mention a several but lots taste. Colombo City is further renowned for its nightlife with world-class casinos and Night Clubs. 

Suggested read: Places to visit in Colombo 

Our Recommendations to Explore Colombo 

Colombo City tour by classic jeep 

The excursion is on an open-air jeep will give you unrestricted 360-degree visibility, which is ideal for photographing and filming while sightseeing. Starting with Galle face green, about 20 Archaeological and tourist attraction places, including the Aththidiya bird sanctuary, will be covered. You can enjoy the self-drive in classic jeeps in aththidiya sanctuary.

Duration: Approximately three and a half hours

Distance: 30-40KM 

More DetailsColombo by Jeep ( website ) 

Open deck city sightseeing By Ebert Silva Holidays 

Ebert Silva transports the only available open-deck city sightseeing service in Sri Lanka. It offers unmatched ventures and exclusive glimpses into Sri Lanka’s premier “Old & Modern” city and The Sri Lanka Tourism Award as ‘The Most Improved Tourism Service of the Year’ winner. With unmatched panoramic views of the city in the big red open deck double decker coaches and live commentaries in English by professional guides, you can hop on board any day to experience the city of Colombo like never before in the day or night. 

Duration: Approximately four hours

Distance: 20-30KM 

More Details: – Ebert Silva Holidays ( website ) 

Colombo has an excellent rail system that connects it to other significant areas of importance, including kandy, GalleEllaAnuradhapura, Trincomalee and Jaffna. Trains are the most economical way to travel in Sri Lanka.


Day 2 & 3:  Trip by Train to Jaffna 

Journeying from Colombo to the Jaffna train is comfortable because Numerous trains operate between Colombo Fort Railway Station to Jaffna daily and serve 29 weekly trains from Colombo to Jaffna.

Jaffna region is one of the most attractive towns discovered on the northern pinpoint of Sri Lanka. Jaffna is comprehended for its dominant Tamil inhabitants, and the hospitality of the villagers will surely impress any visitor to this Area. So if you are scrutinizing for a destination that delivers magnificence and excellent hospitality to tourists, Jaffna should be your next travel dream. This town’s transport method is ideal, making it effortless for visitors to express themselves in and around for sightseeing or shopping. 

Suggested read: 35 Places to visit in Jaffna


 

Day 4:  Explore the first Capital City of Anuradhapura

Travelling from Jaffna to the Anuradhapura by train is relaxing because Multiple trains operate from Jaffna to Colombo. You can get off the train in Anuradhapura on the way to Colombo.

 The Sacred City of Anuradhapura is found in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura is famous for its Archaeological sites, culture, food and attractions set upon an iconic inheritance backdrop established in the 4th century B.C. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 under the name of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura.  

This early city is considered sacred to the Buddhist world. The town plays religious significance because it retains a cutting from the ‘tree of sophistication, the Buddha’s fig tree carried in the 3rd century B.C.

Suggested read: 25 Places to visit in Anuradhapura


Day 5: Discover Sigiriya And Pidurangala

Renting a car or taxi is the most reliable way to reach around a two-hour drive to get to Sigiriya. (approximately 75km from Anuradhapura)

Sigiriya, also identified as the Lion’s Rock, is a citadel in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. Gardens, ponds and other structures surround this ruin. King Kassapa built Sigiriya, and it is included as a World Heritage site. Sigiriya is the best-preserved city centre in Asia.

Furthermore, Pidurangala Rock, located next to Sigiriya, gives equally grand panoramas of the surrounding region, a well-known cave complex, and several incredible views facing the legendary Sigiriya rock.

Suggested read:  Places to Visit In Matale


Day 6:  Perfect Day in Kandy 

Kandy is the last Singhalese Royal Kingdom of Sri Lanka, with panoramic geography encircled by attractive peaks discovered in the centre of the aisle, placed 1,600 feet above Sea Level. The city is well known for the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, the most revered Buddhist Temple and The Royal Botanic Gardens, with more than 4,000 marked species of flora. Also, Kandy is a well-planned city during the British colonial period of Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Considering these validities, UNESCO declared Kandy a UNESCO World Heritage. Kandy is the second most prominent city in Sri Lanka, with a total of 1,940 SQ K.M. and is an influential tourist attraction. In addition, Kandy plays a vital role in the diverse cultures of Sinhala & Tamil communities.

During August, Kandy evolves highly due to the Kandy Esala Perehera, which is hosted as an annual tradition of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth. It usually attracts many local and foreign tourists who value Cultural monomials and Buddhist origin.

Suggested read: 16 Places to visit in Kandy 


Day 7 :  Little England – Nuwara Eliya 

Peaks rise slowly through subtropical Tea Plantations, pine trees and eucalyptus woodland from the Kandy rail line to Nuwara Eliya. From Hatton, the panorama is the most stunning, perishing St Clair and Devon waterfalls on the left-hand side and numerous tea plantations. Look out for Adam’s Peak in the distance on the left. After about four and a half hours, you will arrive at Nanu Oya station and experience that 25-minute Tuk- tuk ride to reach Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya town and the surrounding Area are one of the most vibrant locations in Sri Lanka, where you can spend prolonged lush greenery and calm weather. The Area is the ideal roost for families and couples to have an unforgettable experience. Adding to your bucket list and explain the Places to visit in Nuwara Eliya and enjoy a relaxing and stress-free journey on your next visit to a remarkable city. In Addition, Nuwara Eliya is a charming countryside spot for those who adore nature blended with classiness.

Nuwara Eliya Festival begins on the 1st of April and to the 30th of April with delightful events like horse races, strawberry fest, golf tournaments, water sports events, Musical events, Gregory MUD challenge and more.

In addition, the Fox hill Supercross in Diyathalawa, organized by the Sri Lanka defence in collaboration with its racing associates, includes 12 motorcar and motorcycle events with around 200 motorists and riders each year. The fox hill supercross commences in April each year with 1000s of race enthusiasts.

Suggested read: 32 Places to Visit In Nuwara Eliya


Day 8:  Newly Popular Ella 

From Nuwara Eliya ( Nanuoya Station), you should be able to take a train, and we recommend it will be your memorable experience crossing hills and tea plantations with scenic landscapes. From Nanuoya to Ella, about one hour on the train.

Ella is a little town in the hill country loaded with hills, cascades, tea estates and excellent fresh air. Many travelers believe Ella is one of their best stays and testify to the breathtaking landscapes it performs. This is an ideal spot for various trekkers, including some of the most incredible hikes like Mini Adams peaks the country presents. Essentially, this secret hamlet has got immensely common among travelers recently.

Scenes of clouds comprising the mountain range’s peaks and the aurora in Ella are dramatic views to behold and capture. Following a morning hike, catch waterfalls, taste unique Sri Lankan cuisines scattered with a brew, and never miss that famous Nine Arch Bridge in the eventide; thou would certainly love all reality. Further, a hidden underground water pond called Nildiya pokuna visit is also a lifetime experience you can have near Ella.

Ella received its authentic preferences with Religious history, especially Ravana novels like Rawana waterfalls and historic Ravana Caves.

Ella is unquestionably an area with lots of essence to experience, which direct you occupied and satisfied all the time.

Suppose you are looking for a place to relax from your hectic lifestyle and employ a quiet, comfortable experience by nature here in the Area. You will leave Ella in Sri Lanka with loving memories to last an existence.

Suggested read: The Best Things to Do and See in Ella, Sri Lanka


Day 9:  Wildlife Adventure at Udawalawa 

Udawalawe National Park is one of the leading and most significant national parks in Sri Lanka. This is an important protected area home to considerable flora and fauna, and also it is a virtual environment for Sri Lankan elephants and water birds. This national park lies on the boundary of the Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces. The park is 165 kilometres [103mi] away from the capital city Colombo. Udawalawe national park was declared on 30th June, 1972, at a ceremony presided over by the ministry of shipping and tourism. [Government Gazette Notification No:14]. This park was done at the end of the Udawalawe Reservoir Project. The primary objective of designating it as a national park is to protect the catchment areas and create a refuge for wild elephants. A second reservoir, Maw Ara tank, was constructed between 1991 & 1998 in the national park.

The whole range of the Udawalawe National Park is 30,821 hectares [119 sq mi], including the water reservoir, which covers 3405 hectares at total capacity. The Udawalawe national park is connected to Lunugamwehera National Park in the Southeast. The Udawalawe Thanamalwila road defines the Southern boundary of the national park. To the South of the road is the sewanagala sugar plantation. Before the Udawalawe national park designation, the people used this Area for shifting cultivation [Chena farming]. After being designated as a National Park, people moved to places. Today Udawalawe National Park is one of the significant and popular tourist destinations and the third most commonly visited national park in Sri Lanka.

Besides gems, the Ratnapura and Uadawalawa areas are rich with archeological sites, Rain forests, wildlife, waterfalls and many more Places to visit in Ratnapura that you can explore.

Suggested read: 25 Spectacular Places to Visit in Ratnapura


Day 10:  Experience the City of Galle and seaside

Galle in Sri Lanka has important colonial displays, sun-bleached shores and rivers overflowing with wildlife, all of which make this Down south escape which most visited site for international travellers. Furthermore, Galle Fort is one of the most attractive tourist places in Sri Lanka. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 under the Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications.

Its sources are early as a harbour. It records few centuries that Cinnamon has been dispatched from here for a thousand years. Upon these beaches and Galle’s natural pier, King Solomon came for horns, peacocks, also different lands valuables. Obeying Portuguese and later Dutch establishment was a central point in the spice exchange and the main harbour for Sri Lanka for 200 years till the British changed the central port to Colombo.

Several visits to Galle wander the quiet colonial roads, lighthouse, and museum, included in UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, hotels in Galle are fascinating and suitable for any budget or preference. Coupling journeys of cultural phenomena with nature scenes like blue whale-watching, bike journeys, and river excursions give you anywhere to go, stay, dine, drink and observe in this incomparable town.

Suggested read: Explore Down South of Sri Lanka 

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