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10-Day Sri Lanka in All Its Glory

Customisable Itinerary
4.5 • (1 review)

Trip Overview

Discover Sri Lanka in all its glory on this ten-day journey through some of its top destinations!

From mountains and waterfalls to tea plantations and national parks, Sri Lanka has it all - not forgetting its beautiful sandy beaches and renowned surf breaks! On this journey, you'll begin in a place known as the symbol of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya, and its famous Lion Rock.

Moving on, you'll discover the ruins of Polonnaruwa, the ancient royal city of Lanka, before arriving in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Kandy, the southern tip of the cultural triangle. From Kandy, you'll travel to Nuwara Eliya where you'll board a train to Ella. This train journey is one of the most scenic journeys you can take in Sri Lanka, through the lush hills and mountains.

In Haputale, you'll enjoy various treks in the region and spend a day exploring by tuk-tuk before setting off for an incredible safari in Udawalawe, one of the most beautiful national parks of Sri Lanka. The last few days of your 10 day Sri Lanka itinerary will be spent on the beaches of Mirissa and exploring the town of Galle.
Sightseeing
Outdoors & Nature
Culture & Arts
Beach & Sea

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Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

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Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Ayubowan, welcome to Sri Lanka! Your driver will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your first destination, Negombo. You'll enjoy a free day in Negombo where you can go for a boat trip in the mangrove of Muthurajawela or on the Dutch canal. As you slide along the water in the channels lined with lush vegetation, you are accompanied by birds, cormorants, egrets, monkeys and monitor lizards. You'll then travel to Sigiriya by road where you'll check into your hotel.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Sigiriya3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Free Time in Negombo

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Bandaranaike International Airport to Negombo

    Private Driver from Negombo to Sigiriya

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Negombo

    Sigiriya

Day 2

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa from Sigiriya

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Ancient City of Polonnaruwa from Sigiriya

Today, you'll travel from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa where you'll visit the ancient royal capital. Take your time strolling through the ruins of this impressive site full of treasures and archaeological remains. Afterwards, you'll stop for a 'farmer's lunch' where you'll discover the unusual vegetables and enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan curry with local hosts! You'll then return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Hotel Sigiriya3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Polonnaruwa

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa

    Private Driver from Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sigiriya

    Polonnaruwa

Day 3

Sigiriya Lion's Rock to Kandy

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Sigiriya Lion's Rock to Kandy

This morning, your 10 day Sri Lanka itinerary will take you to the famous UNESCO-listed Fortress of Sigiriya, also known as Lion's Rock. The fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains. You'll then travel to Kandy by road and visit the Temple of the Tooth, a sacred temple that contains the most important Buddhist relic in the country.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Suisse Hotel Kandy3.5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Sigiriya Lion Rock

    Sri Dalada Maligawa

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sigiriya to Kandy

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sigiriya

    Kandy

Day 4

Free Day in Kandy

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Free Day in Kandy

In the morning, you can stroll around the scenic Kandy Lake before you set off for a walk to the three temples of the 14th century. You admire the finely carved wooden pillars of Embekka Devale, climb the steps carved in the rock to access the Temple of Gadaladeniya, and cross the rice paddies to reach the Lankatilake. In the afternoon, you can opt for the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, the Udawatekelle Sanctuary or to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic (a guided tour is included).

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Suisse Hotel Kandy3.5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Peradeniya Royal Botanic GardensOptional Activity

    Free Time in KandyOptional Activity

    Boat Ride on Kandy LakeOptional Activity

    Sri Dalada Maligawa

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kandy

Day 5

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya & Scenic Train Ride to Ella

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Kandy to Nuwara Eliya & Scenic Train Ride to Ella

Today, you'll travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. On your way, you'll enjoy the magnificent view of the Kotamale reservoir and make a stop at the Ramboda Waterfalls. On the road through the hills, sit back and enjoy the view of the misty tea plantations. After exploring Nuwara Eliya, you'll travel the scenic railway to Ella, enjoying the breathtaking panorama amidst the mountains, tea plantations and waterfalls. Finally, you'll reach Haputale from Ella to check into your resort.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Melheim Resort4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Ramboda Falls

    Nuwara Eliya

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

    Train from Nanuoya to Ella Railway Station

    Private Driver from Ella to Haputale

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Kandy

    Central Province

    Nuwara Eliya

    Beragala

Day 6

Explore Haputale & the Surroundings

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Explore Haputale & the Surroundings

Today, you'll set off in a traditional tuk-tuk for a ride through Haputale and its mountains and tea plantations. You take an alluring road, lined with beautiful trees such as tulip trees of Gabon and eucalyptus while the tea plantations stretch out as far as the eye can see. Along the way, you stop at a mosque, visit the majestic Hindu temples and a small local village. At the Lipton Seat Lookout, with a cup of tea in your hand, you enjoy a fabulous panorama of the mountain.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Melheim Resort4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Explore Haputale by Tuk-Tuk

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beragala

    Haputale

Day 7

Udawalawe National Park Safari

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Udawalawe National Park Safari

This morning, you'll travel from Haputale to Udawalawe National Park. Upon arrival, you'll set off on a half-day safari in Udawalawe National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in Sri Lanka. If you are lucky, you can spot hundreds of elephants, crocodiles, water buffaloes, aquatic lizards, mongoose and peacocks. When you're finishing, you'll check into your hideaway accommodation in the park.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Kalu's Hideaway Hotel3 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Udawalawe National Park

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Haputale to Udawalawe National Park

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beragala

    Uva Province

    Sabaragamuwa Province

Day 8

Off to Mirissa Beach!

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Off to Mirissa Beach!

Today, you'll say goodbye to Udawalawe and travel to Mirissa by road. The beautiful bay of Mirissa is the ideal place to enjoy the sun and the ocean. You can indulge in snorkelling or try surfing on the awesome breaks that can be found here. Take in the tropical atmosphere of small lively resorts and many bars and restaurants on the beach. It will be a day to play in the water, lounge on the beach and enjoy the tropical side of Sri Lanka!

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    Accommodation

    Triple O Six4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Mirissa Beach

    Surfing at Mirissa BeachOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Udawalawa to Mirissa

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Sabaragamuwa Province

    Mirissa

Day 9

Free Day in Mirissa

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Free Day in Mirissa

Today is a day to explore Mirissa and its surroundings. You'll have the entire day free to spend as you wish. You may want to try surfing or perhaps book an excursion to go whale watching - Mirissa is known for being one of the best places to spot these gentle giants. You can go for a walk along the sandy beach, take a nap on your sunbed under the palm trees, sip a fresh fruit juice watching the pristine water or swim in the Indian ocean. A perfect day to relax.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Triple O Six4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Mirissa BeachOptional Activity

    Whale Watching in MirissaOptional Activity

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and dinner

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mirissa

Day 10

Free Day to Explore Galle & Departure

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Free Day to Explore Galle & Departure

Today, you'll have the day free to explore the colonial city of Galle. Take this opportunity to visit the Dutch Fort and after visiting the ramparts, take time to stroll through the alleys of the old town whose ambience evokes that of a medieval European city. Cafes, restaurants, craft shops and artists' studios contribute to the liveliness and charm of the old city. When you're finished with your 10 day Sri Lanka itinerary, your driver will take you to the airport for your departing flight.

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    Activities

    GalleOptional Activity

    Galle Dutch FortOptional Activity

    Galle LighthouseOptional Activity

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Mirissa to Galle

    Private Driver from Galle to Bandaranaike International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Mirissa

    Galle

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What’s included?

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • 8 activities
  • 9 breakfasts and 9 dinners
  • Airport transfer
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits
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