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What is the Most Popular Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days?

Sanjeewa Padmal (Seerendipity)

Sri Lanka is a country with one of the oldest cultures in the world. The island’s centuries-old history and culture make Sri Lanka a fabulous holiday destination in the world. Venturing on a Sri Lanka 10 days tour package is the best way to explore this fascinating tropical island. Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days allows you to visit many interesting places. The Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days includes Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, the pristine coastal belt, the national parks teeming with wild creatures and so much more. Leading local holiday specialist Seerendipity Tours offers a specially curated Best of Sri Lanka 10 days guided tour that takes you on a journey to the heart of Sri Lanka.

Table of Contents

Why Sri Lanka?

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of the Sri Lanka 10-day tour itinerary, let’s talk about why Sri Lanka should be at the top of your travel bucket list:

  1. Rich Cultural Heritage: With 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sri Lanka is a history buff’s dream.
  2. Stunning Landscapes: From golden beaches to lush tea plantations, the island’s diverse scenery will leave you in awe.
  3. Wildlife Galore: Elephants, leopards, and hundreds of bird species call Sri Lanka home.
  4. Mouthwatering Cuisine: Prepare your taste buds for a flavor explosion!
  5. Warm Hospitality: Sri Lankans are known for their genuine friendliness and welcoming nature.

Sri Lanka itinerary: 10 days

There can be many variations of Sri Lanka 10-day tours, such as cultural tour, nature tours, adventure tours, beach holiday packages, etc. However, mainly, there are 2 variations of Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary:

What is the best travel route for my Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days?

The weather pattern primarily determines the best route for your 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days. Sri Lanka has 2 monsoons.

Sri Lanka tour on northern route

During the north-west monsoon, the eastern and northern parts of the country soaked up the torrential rain; therefore, from November to April, it is concluded that east and north Sri Lanka are not suitable for holidays. During the north-east monsoon, however, the south and west coasts remain dry and provide the best setting for holiday lovers. Therefore, the 10-day Sri Lanka trip should be on the southern route during the period from November to April.

Sri Lanka 10-day tour on southern route

The southwest monsoon prevails in most parts of the country from May to October. During this period, the south and west coasts of Sri Lanka were not suitable for holidays. However, the east coast and south coast are suitable for holidays from May to October due to the rainy, warm climate. Therefore, the tourists should choose the northern route for their 10-day tour from May to October.

The best places to visit on a Sri Lanka 10-day tour?

This article is mainly about the Revove around Sri Lanka 10-day tour on the southern route, which is one of the most popular tour packages in Sri Lanka. The southern route tour encompasses the 10 places listed below.

Are you wondering which 10 best places to visit on a Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary? Or perhaps you’re wondering what places to visit on a 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary. Perhaps you will be searching for places to visit as you plan to travel for 10 days to Sri Lanka. Whatever you’re looking for, this blog post will help you with your Sri Lanka itinerary for 10 days.

This blog post mainly revolves around the places to visit on a 10-day trip and how do plan your transport, accommodation, meals, etc. Continue reading the information below to help you plan your trip to Sri Lanka more effectively. This valuable piece of information will help you plan the best Sri Lanka 10-day tour with breathtaking scenery in the mountains, fascinating wildlife in Yala, and palm-fringed sandy beaches on the west coast, all while learning about thousands of years of crumbling monuments in the cultural triangle.

Sri Lanka itinerary: 10 days and 10 best places to visit in Sri Lanka

10 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA & SRI LANKA 10-DAY TOUR PACKAGE

What are the 10 best places to visit on a Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary?

  1. Colombo
  2. Sigiriya
  3. Kandy
  4. Anuradhapura
  5. Polonnaruwa
  6. Kandy
  7. Nuwara Eliya
  8. Yala
  9. Galle
  10. Bentota

What are the activities included in the Sri Lanka Itinerary 10 days?

Sri Lanka 10 days tour itinerary is packed with a large number of interesting activities. the standard tour package includes,

Few useful articles to plan your Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

How is the demand for a 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary?

A large number of travellers choose the 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary as it allows them to visit a large number of interesting tourist places. Not only that, the 10 days Sri Lanka tour package also included a beach holiday. 10-day Sri Lanka tour is one of the package tours that can give you the opportunity to explore interesting places as well as time for a leisurely beach holiday.

Accommodation in the Sri Lanka Itinerary 10 days

Sri Lanka’s itinerary for 10 days includes accommodation based on a 4-star standard hotel. This 10 days Sri Lanka package is highly customizable since it is a private tour. The type of hotels can be adjusted to meet the requirements of the participants. The tour can be booked at more budget hotels, such as 3-star standard hotels. The accommodation of the hotels can be upgraded to 5-star or more luxury villa type of hotels with an additional fee.

Meal plan of Sri Lanka Itinerary 10 days

During the 10-day Sri Lanka trip, participants receive daily breakfast and dinner. You can upgrade the standard package to include lunch as well, even though it only includes daily dinner and breakfast. Hotels serve dinner and breakfast, while outside restaurants serve lunch.

Distance to cover on 10 days Sri Lanka tour Itinerary

The 10 best places mentioned above come from various parts of the island; therefore, you need to scratch a large portion of the country to see them. The cultural triangle of Sri Lanka is home to some of the places mentioned above, while the southern and west coasts of the country host others. Kandy and Nuwara Eliya are also listed as the 10 best places to visit in Sri Lanka, both of which are located in the central province of Sri Lanka. However, Seerendipity’s 10-day Sri Lanka tour offers hassle-free exploration of all these places and many more. The below-mentioned Sri Lanka 10-day tour also includes time to relax on the beach.

On the Sri Lanka tour package that we discuss in this article, you are traveling around 1100–1300 km. Daily, you travel 3–4 hours on average. The first day’s journey and the last day’s journey are the longest. On day 1, your journey may last about 6 hours, and on the last day of the trip, it may last 3–4 hours.

What are the important historical places included in the 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days?

The 10-day tour itinerary in Sri Lanka encompasses a multitude of historical sites. Starting from Anuradhaoura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya, this ten-day Sri Lanka trip takes you to explore six UNESCO world heritage sites. Your 10-day Sri Lanka trip kicks off with the Anuradhapura city tour to see many dozens of ancient temples, palaces, gardens, and many other thousands-year-old constructions. Here is a list of important historical places included in the 10-day Sri Lanka tour package.

What are the UNESCO world heritage sites packed into a 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary?

The 10-day Sri Lankan trip includes many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Out of 8 UNESCO world heritage sites in Sri Lanka, this 10-day Sri Lankan tour includes 6 UNESCO world heritage sites. They are:

Beaches are among the best places to visit in a 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

On the West and southern coasts of Sri Lanka (Kalpitiya, Marawila, Negombo, Wadduwa, Kalutara, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Tangalle), beaches are the most popular beach resorts on the island while rainforests, historical monuments, water sports centers, wildlife reserves, Ayurveda health resorts, and adventure activities are also some other important reasons for visitors to be impressed.

The pristine beach of Bentota is ranked among the best beaches on the island and it attracts more than half of the beach holiday lovers of Sri Lanka. Bentota Beach has been able to secure a place in the 10 best places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Here are the most popular 15 beaches on the island for beach holidays. The guests are requested to find out the best time of the year to head to these beaches. West and south coast beaches have the best conditions for beach holidays from November to April while east coast beaches are suitable for holidays from April to November.

  1. Kalpitiya Beach, West Coast
  2. Negombo beach West coast
  3. Marawila beach West coast
  4. Kalutara beach West coast
  5. Bentota beach West coast
  6. Hikkaduwa beach West coast
  7. Unawatuna beach West coast
  8. Weligama beach West coast
  9. Mirissa beach South coast
  10. Tangalle beach South coast
  11. Hambantota beach South coast
  12. Nilaveli beach East coast
  13. Pasikudah beach East coast
  14. Kalkudah beach East coast
  15. Arugam bay beach East coast

Beach holidays in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka provides 1300km of pristine beaches for relaxation. However, a large part of those beaches lies in isolation and attracts hardly any travelers. The majority of Sri Lankan travelers take refuge on the west coast beaches, which account for around 50% of the total number of foreign travelers on the island. About 25% of travelers in Sri Lanka head to the south coast, while other tourists head to the east coast beaches.

In this article, we focus on western and southern coast beaches. They are the most popular beaches for relaxing beach holidays on the island. The 10-day tour itinerary that we discuss here is meant to be used during the winter season (from November to April). During this period, western and southern coast beaches have the best holiday settings.

Sri Lanka’s upcountry is among the best places to visit in Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

The Sri Lanka 10-day package (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela, Ella, and Haputale) must include the upcountry of Sri Lanka. With green-capped mountain peaks, isolated patches of forests, cascading waterfalls, tea plantations, culture and tradition, and a healing climate with sites for adventure sports, the upcountry attracts a large number of Sri Lankan visitors and is part of most Sri Lanka tour packages.

The cultural triangle is among the best places to visit on Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

Most multi-day Sri Lanka tour packages, such as the Sri Lanka 10-day package, include visits to historical cities. The cultural triangle with Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Pidurangala, and Matale is the essence of Sri Lankan history and houses many UNESCO world heritage sites in Sri Lanka.

Many historical monuments in the cultural triangle are among the best places in Sri Lanka to visit in 10 days. Both foreign and local travelers frequently visit the cultural triangle. Usually, travelers need to venture on a Sri Lanka 3-day tour to cover important cities in the cultural triangle. The cultural triangle is home to the majority of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO world heritage sites. Therefore, the cultural triangle is part of most of Sri Lanka’s 10-day tours.

The cultural triangle hides many important historical monuments that are categorized under places to visit in Sri Lanka in 10 days, such as Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, and Anuradhapura. Usually, the Sri Lanka 10-day package kicks off with a visit to the cultural triangle. The guests stay for the first few days in the cultural triangle; it can be 2 to 4 days, depending on the tour package

What are the 13 best religious places included in Sri Lanka 10 itinerary?

  1. Sri Mahabodhi-Anuradhapura
  2. Ruwanweliseya dagoba-Anuradhapura
  3. Jetawanarama dagoba-Anuradhapura
  4. Thuparama dagoba-Anuradhapura
  5. Twin pond-Anuradhapura
  6. Samadhi Buddha-Anuradhapura
  7. Abhayagir dagoba-Anuradhapura
  8. Archaeological museum-Polonnaruwa
  9. King Parakramabahu’s palace-Polonnaruwa
  10. Rankothe Vehera-Polonnaruwa
  11. Gal Viharaya-Polonnaruwa
  12. Vatadage and Atadage-Polonnaruwa
  13. Mihintale-the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka

What is the best time for a 10-day Sri Lanka 10 days Itinerary?

Sri Lanka is a year-round holiday destination and, therefore, you can venture on this 10 days Sri Lanka tour at any time of the year. However, there should be a small twist to the program depending on the time of year you arrive on the island. Sri Lanka’s weather pattern primarily depends on the monsoon and there are 2 monsoons that enter the island. Each monsoon makes an impact on a specific area of the island and only one monsoon enters the island at a time. Therefore, only a part of the island is under the influence of torrential rain monsoons at any given time of the year. Two monsoons, as below,

Sri Lanka itinerary: 10 days during Southwest monsoon (May through October)

The southwest monsoon brings heavy rain to the island and soaks a large part of the island, from west coast beaches to the south coast and mountains. During this period, the east coast remains dry and has the best settings for a beach holiday, while the west and south coast are not suitable for beach holidays. Therefore, if you plan your Sri Lanka 10 days tour itinerary from May through October, it is recommended to include east coast beaches such as Argam Bay and Pasikudah for a beach holiday. The southwest monsoon is in full force from May to October.

Sri Lanka 10 days tour during Northeast monsoon (November through April)

As the name suggests, the northeast monsoon enters the island from the northeast beaches of Sri Lanka and brings heavy rain to parts of northeast Sri Lanka. The northeast monsoon is in effect from November to April and during this period, the sea off both the east and north coast is not suitable for beach holidays. If you plan your Sri Lanka 10-day trip from November through April, it would be recommended to choose beaches in southwest Sri Lanka, such as Hikkaduwa Beach and Bentota Beach, for your beach holiday.

This 3-day Sri Lanka tour includes important cultural and historical monuments such as Sigiriya rock, Dambulla golden temple, Polonnaruwa and Kandy. The tour also includes wildlife tours, a spice/herbal garden, Peradeniya botanical garden, and many other places.

The North and East are optional tourist attractions to visit on a Sri Lanka 10-day tour itinerary

The North and East are not mandatory in most Sri Lanka 10-day tours. However, Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Kalkudah, Pasikudah, and Jaffna have been on the tourist radar since 2009, after ending the civil war. A considerable portion of Sri Lankan tourist traffic heads to this part of the country from May to October, to explore the Hindu culture, beautiful beaches and fascinating landscape. However, this Sri Lanka itinerary of 10 days does not include northeast Sri Lanka due to timing constraints.

Choosing the best travel route for your 10 days Sri Lanka itinerary

Choosing the best travel route for your 10 days Sri Lankan trip is largely decided by the weather pattern in Sri Lanka. E.g., if you plan the Sri Lankan 10 days tour from May through October, the travellers advise taking the Sri Lankan northern route. If you travel from October to April, the best route for the 10 days trip is the southern route.

Planning a Sri Lanka 10-day tour Itinerary

Planning a self-guided tour in a foreign country is a huge task! There are many ways to book accommodation, transportation, sightseeing tours and activities, but it is very tricky to figure out how to get the best deal, where to get it and the easiest way to get it.

This blog post is mainly about “places to visit in Sri Lanka in 10 days” and a Sri Lanka 10-day tour. This blog post intends to provide comprehensive step-by-step instructions to plan a Sri Lanka 10 days package with visits to the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in 10 days.

This Sri Lanka 10-day package is tried and true, a large number of customers have already booked this Sri Lanka 10-day tour with us, and most of them are highly satisfied with the tour itinerary. Head on to the tour itinerary page and check on the reviews.

10-Day Sri Lanka trip budget

The budget of this Sri Lanka 10 days package is based on 4* hotels and resorts, however, it can be curtailed by using the lower category of accommodation. The tour package can be customized to suit the individual requirement by contacting serendipity tours at admin@seerendipitytours.com. The rates are based on a double-sharing basis, please contact us if you need to book it individually. Seerendipity Tours is the sole organizer of this Sri Lanka 10 days package. If you would like to book the tour, please contact Seerendipity Tours.

However, the indicated budget may go up and down in a certain period of the year, for instance, the accommodation cost might marginally increase in the month of December, while room rates sink in the month of September.

This tour package can be easily converted to a self-guided Sri Lanka 10-day tour. If you are a backpacker and like to travel on your own, you can follow the day-wise program on your own.

If you need more information on how to plan this Sri Lanka itinerary for 10 days, please don’t hesitate to contact us. If you need assistance finding affordable accommodation or transportation for your trip, you are free to get in touch with us by email at admin@seerendipitytours.com.

The cost of a Sri Lanka 10-day tour Itinerary

Accommodation, Transportation and entrance fees are the major expense in this Sri Lanka 10 days package. Accommodation is the most expensive part of any Sri Lanka 10 days package, depending on the star category of the hotels, the cost varies. However, in this Sri Lanka 10-day tour, the guest is staying in 4-star hotels. The cost of the 10 days tour is US$ 890 per person.

According to my experience, it is not necessary to book star-class hotels in order to have a comfortable and safe Sri Lanka tour and beach holiday. There is a large number of options, such as dormitories, guest houses, rest houses, rental rooms, etc., that provide nice, calm and clean accommodation facilities at a fraction of the price that travellers pay at the hotel.

How do you plan accommodation for your self-guided Sri Lanka 10 days tour package?

In popular tourist areas, accommodation facilities are available in many varieties and at varying prices. These accommodation facilities can be broadly divided into 3 categories: luxury hotels, middle-class hotels and affordable accommodation facilities. Try to book the accommodation on your own as much as possible during the tour, if you can book the accommodation directly with the hotel, you might be able to get a good rate. Especially with guest house type of affordable accommodation facilities.

Unlike in big hotels, where there is a fixed rate for the accommodation and meals, guests are able to negotiate room rates at affordable accommodation providers such as guest houses and rental rooms. Individual owners are responsible for maintaining the majority of these affordable accommodations.

If you hunt for bargain accommodation, be prepared to bargain! do it directly with the accommodation facilitators. If you make the booking through third parties, the rates might increase between 10% and 30%.

Best transport mode to travel on your Sri Lanka Itinerary 10 days

It is the transport that is most important in Sri Lanka’s 10-day tour package after accommodation. Having a private vehicle with a local driver is the most convenient and best way to travel in Sri Lanka. It is a bit tricky to drive around the island if you are not familiar with the chaotic traffic on the island. If you are a foreigner, it is highly recommended to hire a vehicle with a Local driver for the entire trip. With a private vehicle and a local driver, you can cover more ground at your own pace and save time for relaxation and sightseeing. After all, it eliminated unnecessary stress.

On this venture to visit the 15 best places to visit in Sri Lanka in 10 days, we have planned your transport in an air-conditioned luxury vehicle. This fully air-conditioned vehicle has the most modern facilities, such as reclining seats, WIFI, climate control, etc.

What is the best itinerary for the Sri Lanka Itinerary 10 days?

This 10-day private Colombo package includes 6 UNESCO World Heritage sites: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Golden Temple of Dambulla, Galle Fort, and Temple of the tooth relic with Sri Lanka mountain resorts, southern national parks, and western and southern beach resorts.

Day 1 of Sri Lanka 10-day tour itinerary

Sri Lanka’s 10-day tour package starts from Colombo. Because most foreign travellers land at the Katunayake international airport near the beach resort of Negombo. Or perhaps they enter the country through the Colombo harbour. Therefore, this 10-day Sri Lanka 10 days tour starts in Colombo, like most Sri Lanka tour packages.

Usually, most travellers do not wish to take major sightseeing tours on the first day of the trip, just after the flight and they like to have a rest. Some of our travellers spend more than a day (24 hours) until they reach Colombo from their home country and by the time they land in Sri Lanka, they are very tired, hungry and need a rest. Therefore, most travellers wish to have leisure right after landing in Sri Lanka. In order to accommodate this requirement, we have planned the first overnight stay of the Sri Lanka 10 days trip in Negombo. At the same time, there are no activities planned for the day, just relaxing at a beach resort. The first overnight stay in a beach resort near the airport allows you to have some rest and leisure after a short drive from the airport.

Leisure in Negombo on day 1 of Sri Lanka 10 days Itinerary

Negombo is a well-developed beach resort on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Negombo is located very close to the international airport. Negombo is a well-developed tourist resort with plenty of options with regard to accommodation, dining, recreation and sightseeing tours. Most tourists ended up near Lewis Road, which runs parallel to the beach, and most accommodation providers have their institutions along Lewis Road.

None of the attractions in Negombo is listed under the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in 10 days, therefore, no Negombo sightseeing tour is included in the itinerary. However, there are a few places to see in Negombo, including the Negombo fish market, lagoons, and a few churches, and you can book those by calling Seerendipity Tours.

The first overnight stay on the 10-day Sri Lanka 10 days trip will be planned at a beach resort in Negombo.

Day 2 of Sri Lanka 10 day tour—Negombo/Anuradhapura

Sri Lanka 10 days tour package starts with a visit to the cultural triangle. Exploring ancient and historical monuments in the cultural triangle is on the bucket list of most travellers. Most travelers who book Sri Lanka 10 days packages inquire about the cultural triangle, therefore, we have included the important tourist places of the cultural triangle on this trip. Your cultural triangle tour starts with exploring the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

What are the main tourist attractions included on day 2?

Visiting Anuradhapura on 10 days Sri Lanka tour itinerary

Anuradhapura is the first capital of Sri Lanka and dates back to the 3rd century BC. All cultural tours start in Anuradhapura, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. Anuradhapura is a major tourist attraction in the north-central province of Sri Lanka, and it is one of the 15 best places to visit in Sri Lanka within 10 days.

Visiting Mihintale on 10 day Sri Lanka tour

Mihintale is considered the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The temple of Mihintale is one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka and one of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka. King Devanampiytissa founded the temple in the second century BC, which is when Mihintale’s history begins. Visitors to the temple can witness a large number of ancient monuments, including a Stupa, Buddha statues, and ruins of an ancient hospital.

Visiting Aukana Buddha statues on the 10 days Sri Lanka trip

Aukana is an off-the-beaten-track tourist attraction in the north-central province of Sri Lanka. Most tourists in Sri Lanka forget about this temple because it is off the beaten path. However, the temple has immense historical importance and was founded in the 5th century AD, during the reign of Kind Dhathusena. Temple is not only one of the oldest temples in Sri Lanka but also showcases one of the masterpieces of Sri Lankan stonemasonry. The Aukana Buddha statue is the most striking feature in the temple and it was hewn into a natural granite rock by hand. The Buddha statue is 46 feet (14 meters) tall and still in very good condition.

After visiting Anuradhapura, Mihintale and Aukana Buddha statues, you will be travelling to Sigiriya to Habaran for an overnight stay. The journey for the day may last between 7-8 hours with visits to tourist places mentioned above.

Day 3 of the Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

Habarana is a laid-back city in the north-central province of Sri Lanka. located in the centre of the Sri Lanka cultural triangle, therefore, most travellers use Habarana as the base of their Sri Lanka tours when they are exploring the cultural triangle. Since it is centrally located in the cultural triangle, Habarana provides easy access to Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Kandy and Polonnaruwa. However, Habarana does not include major tourist places to visit in Sri Lanka in 10 days.

What are the main tourist attractions included on day 3 of 10 days tour?

Sigiriya rock fort is a 5th-century palace complex with landscaped gardens, moats, swimming pools, fountains, paintings, and a palace. At the top of the monolithic rock, at an elevation of 500 meters above sea level, King Kashyapa built his royal palace. The frescoes are to be found halfway down the track on the upward journey.

Day 4 of the Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

After a very good breakfast, explore the ancient city of Sigiriya. The tour of Sigiriya rock fortress lasts around 3 hours. There are many interesting places to visit in and our guide will explain to you all the major tourist attractions within Sigiriya. Afterwards, you spend some time leisurely around Sigiriya and Habarana. Later in the day, visit Dambulla Golden Temple.

What are the main tourist attractions included on day 4 of itinerary Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days?

Climbing Sigiriya rock on 10 day Sri Lanka tour itinerary

Entrance fees to Sigiriya are US$ 30 per person. However, when you book a 10-day Sri Lanka 10 days tour with Seerendipity Tours, it is already included and your guide will take you around Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

You will climb the rock early in the morning or afternoon in order to avoid the high temperature at the site. Don’t forget to take a bottle of water with you, you might be thirsty as you go up. After exploring the rock fortress, it is time to have a rest and lunch at a local restaurant.

You might need to get a site guide if you do it as a self-guided trip, in order to learn about the Sigiriya rock fortress and its vibrant history in detail. These guides speak almost all the languages in the world and are very educated about the site. The guide fee is about Rs 2500, it is advisable to fix the price with the guide before the upward march. But if you have a guidebook, there will be no requirement for a local guide.

Visiting Dambulla golden temple on Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

Dambulla golden temple has been a popular Buddhist temple for more than 2 millennia. It is another splendour found in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. The largest natural cave temple in Sri Lanka and one of the biggest cave temples in the world. Dambulla golden temple is a UNESCO world heritage site due to its historical and religious importance. As per the historical notes, the temple was constructed in the 1st century BC by King Walagambahu. The temple is located in 5 natural caves This extravagant Buddhist temple is adorned with hundreds of statues and a large number of paintings.

Day 5 of the Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

After breakfast, leave for Polonnaruwa, in order to explore the second most historical city of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa is an important city and it is one of the top places to visit in Sri Lanka in 10 days. The distance from Habarana to Polonnaruwa is 45 km, and the journey takes around 1 hour. The entrance fee for the Polonnaruwa historical site and the museum is US$ 25 per person. Entrance tickets can be bought only at the archaeological museum.

The historical city of Polonnaruwa is not as big as Anuradhapura and there is no difficulty in exploring the city by foot. The bicycle is another popular option to travel between monuments in the city. Later, I returned to the hotel in Habarana for dinner and an overnight stay.

What are the main tourist attractions included on day 5 of 10 days in Sri Lanka itinerary?

Day 6 of the Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

Leave for Kandy, another top tourist attraction on the island, after breakfast. Kandy is another best place to visit in Sri Lanka in 10 days. The distance from Habarana to Kandy is 100 km and the drive takes around 2 hours. For the next 2 days, the base of our Sri Lanka 10-day tour is in Kandy.

There are several interesting places to visit on the way to Kandy from Habarana, however, the time spent at each place largely depends on the availability of time. Some of the interesting places to be found between Habaran and Kandy are the spice garden, Muttumari Amman temple, Batik factory, and Matale Aluvihara.

Later in the day, the Kandy city tour includes places such as the Royal Botanical Garden, the Kandyan cultural show, and the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Most travellers wish to have some time to explore the busy shopping area too. All these places are located close to each other and do not take much time to travel between places. In fact, you can walk from one place to another except to the Royal botanical garden.

What are the main tourist attractions included on day 6 of 10 days Sri Lanka itinerary?

Visiting tooth relic temple on Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

The tooth relic temple is the most important tourist attraction in the city. The best time to explore the temple of the tooth relic is at 05.30, 09.30 or 18.30 every day, due to the service ritual, which lasts 1 hour. Learn more about the thevava ritual.

Just before the ritual at the tooth relic temple, one can witness the Kandyan cultural show, which is performed near the temple.

Sri Lanka 3-day tour with Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla golden temple Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya

Day 7 of Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

After having travelled in Sri Lanka for the past 6 days, you are familiar with Sri Lanka and its people. Today we are going to Nuwara Eliya, which is a well-known holiday destination in the mountains with a healing climate. We considered it one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in 10 days.

What are the main tourist attractions included on day 7 of 10 days Sri Lanka tour?

Sri Lanka itinerary: 10 days: a scenic upcountry train journey

After breakfast, we are planning a train journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya, the nearest railway station to Nuwara Eliya. The journey by train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is considered to be one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. There are several Nuwara Eliya-bound trains daily from Kandy. You will board one of the trains that depart early in the day from Kandy.

Seerendipity Tours will arrange for the train ride ticket. The 10 Sri Lanka tour package includes all the charges for the train journey. We advise you to travel in less crowded 2nd class compartments. The train journey lasts around 4 hours and you are passing breathtaking scenic mountains, waterfalls, tea plantations, and many tunnels along the way.

Sri Lanka travel itinerary 10 days: Nuwara Eliya sightseeing tour

Sightseeing in Nuwara Eliya includes a visit to the Victoria Garden, a walk around Gregory Lake and a walk in the city. If you wish to visit a tea plantation and a tea factory, you can visit one that is 10 minutes away from Nuwara Eliya, known as Pedro Tea Factory.

Day 8 of the Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

After breakfast, drive to Tissamaharama in southern Sri Lanka from Nuwara Eliya. The journey takes around 3 hours with 2 stops (the first stop at Ravana Falls, and the second stop at Sita Amman temple). You will check into the hotel at around noon and have a bit of rest and lunch before heading to Yala national park.

What are the main tourist attractions included on day 8 of 10 days Sri Lanka tour?

Visiting Yala safari on Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

One strange fact about Yala is the lack of accommodation near the wildlife reserve. Even though Yala National Park is the main tourist attraction in southern Sri Lanka, accommodation facilities are not concentrated near Yala. Yala National Park is also one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in 10 days.

Most of the hotels and other accommodation facilities are to be found in Tissamaharama. The distance from Tissamaharama to Yala National Park is 36 km and takes around 1 hour by private vehicle.

The drive from Nuwara Eliya to Tissamharama takes around 4 hours and we plan the Yala safari in the afternoon. The best time to leave for the Yala safari from Tissamaharama is 1400 hrs. Late afternoon is the best time to observe wild animals when the sun reduces its heat. Seerendipity Tours arranges the jeeps and the entrance fees for your safari. The guide will inform you about the starting time of the safari.

eni Lanka itinerary: 10 days: Kataragama Temple/ Murugan Temple

Kataragama Temple or Murugan Temple, is the most popular religious and historical site in southern Sri Lanka. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every day. Hop into a Kataragama-bound bus from Tissamharama, if you wish to explore this much-happening temple. The temple is only a few kilometres away from Tissamaharama. There are no entrance fees at Kataragama temple.

Venture on a Southern Sri Lanka tour to see the important tourist attraction on Sri Lanka’s south coast such as Wildlife parks, beaches, forts, museums, parks, and town

Day 9 of the Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

After a leisurely breakfast, head to Unawatuna beach on the south coast. Unawatuna is one of the most beautiful secluded beaches in Sri Lanka. However, some travellers opt to have the safari on the day they, drive, to the beach resort.

What are the main tourist attractions included on day 9 of 10 days Sri Lanka tour?

Choosing the best beach for a Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

Most beach holiday lovers (about 50%) heading to the south stop their journey on the west coast (Kalutara and Bentota beach resorts) About another 25% of tourist traffic heading to the south stay in Hikkaduwa and Galle, and the rest of the crowd choose hotels in Matara, Mirissa, Hambantota, Tangalle and other beaches in the deep south.

Unawatuna is a beach resort, which is suitable for sea bathing, diving, snorkelling, boating and many other saltwater-based activities. We have planned only 1 night in the beach resort. However, you can extend the beach holiday in the same resort or choose some other beach hotel for an extended beach holiday.

Day 10 of Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days

After breakfast, leave for Colombo En route, visit Galle Fort and Hikkaduwa Beach. In the afternoon, Colombo city tour.

What are the main tourist attractions included on day 10?

Galle Fort

Galle Fort is one of the main tourist attractions in southern Sri Lanka, and is the only UNESCO world heritage site in the country. Therefore, I thought of including Galle Fort in this Sri Lanka travel itinerary for 10 days. The fort dates back many centuries and majestically stands near the Galle harbour. A tour to southern Sri Lanka is not complete if the Galle fortress is not included in the tour itinerary.

This nature tour includes rainforest trekking, white water rafting, safari, hiking, and trekking. This adventure tour also includes whale watching based in southern Sri Lanka. If you

Practical Tips for Your Sri Lankan Adventure

  1. Visa: Most nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Apply online before your trip.
  2. Transportation: Consider hiring a driver for the entire trip. It’s affordable and allows you to relax between destinations.
  3. Weather: Sri Lanka has a tropical climate. Pack light, breathable clothing, and don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent.
  4. Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Remove shoes before entering temples.
  5. Stay Hydrated: The tropical climate can be dehydrating. Drink plenty of water throughout your trip.
  6. Try Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on Sri Lankan specialties like hoppers, kottu rotti, and fresh seafood.
  7. Language: Learn a few basic Sinhala phrases – it goes a long way with locals!

When to Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on which part of the island you’re exploring:

Conclusion: Your Sri Lankan Adventure Awaits!

There you have it, folks – your ultimate 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary! From ancient wonders to pristine beaches, from misty mountains to wildlife encounters, this trip offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and relaxation. Remember, while this itinerary packs in a lot, don’t forget to take moments to soak in the beauty around you, chat with friendly locals, and create memories that’ll last a lifetime.

Sri Lanka’s diversity means there’s always more to explore, so don’t be surprised if you’re already planning your next visit before this one ends. The island has a way of capturing hearts and leaving visitors longing for more.

So, are you ready to embark on your Sri Lankan adventure? Pack your sense of wonder, your adventurous spirit, and get ready for ten days of unforgettable experiences in this tropical paradise. The Pearl of the Indian Ocean is waiting to welcome you with open arms!

Why should I book a Sri Lanka itinerary 10 days with Seerendipity?

Serendipity Tour is an entirely locally owned travel company with a head office in Colombo. The highly experienced local staff is a key strength of Serendipity Tours, and they can plan your dream holiday to Sri Lanka.

The best price guaranteed for your Sri Lanka trip

When you book a tour with Serendipity Tours, you directly book the tour with the local company, which means there are no middlemen and therefore you can guarantee the best price. Simply get in touch with us and let us know when you travel and what you like to see.

Plan your best Sri Lanka trip with-expert

Our staff makes a personalised program for you, which you can change until you find the best Sri Lanka trip package for you. Visit www.sirilaktours.com to browse our existing tour packages, which you can customise to meet all your expectations. Write to us at admin@seerendipitytours.com, tel. 0094-77-440977, WhatsApp 0094-77-4440977.

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Useful reading to plan your Sri Lanka travel itinerary 10 days

Sri Lanka Tourism’s official website

Sri Lank railway

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