Classic Sri Lanka in 10 Days
Photo: Anton Lecock / Unsplash
The most popular way to see Sri Lanka on a first visit. Start in the Cultural Triangle, head up into the hills by road and rail, drop down to Yala for a safari, then finish with Galle Fort and the beaches of the south coast before returning to the airport.
Suggested itinerary
A starting point. We can change the order, add nights or swap stops.
Day 1, overnight in Sigiriya
Arrival and drive to Sigiriya
Meet your driver at the airport and head north to the Cultural Triangle.
Day 2, overnight in Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock
Climb the rock fortress early, then an optional village tour or elephant safari.
Day 3, overnight in Kandy
Dambulla to Kandy
The Dambulla cave temples and a spice garden on the way to Kandy.
Day 4, overnight in Kandy
Kandy
Temple of the Tooth, the botanic gardens and the lake.
Day 5, overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Tea country
Drive into the hills past waterfalls, with a tea factory visit.
Day 6, overnight in Ella
Train to Ella
The famous train ride, then an evening at Nine Arches Bridge.
Day 7, overnight in Tissamaharama
Ella to Yala
Morning hike to Little Adam's Peak, then down to the plains near Yala.
Day 8, overnight in Mirissa
Yala safari and the coast
An early safari in search of leopards, then on to the south coast.
Day 9, overnight in Mirissa
Galle Fort
Beach time, optional whale watching and an afternoon in Galle Fort.
Day 10
Departure
Drive to the airport via the Southern Expressway.
What's included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with English-speaking driver
- Fuel, parking and highway tolls
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- Driver's meals and accommodation
Not included
- International flights
- Accommodation unless arranged in your quotation
- Entrance tickets and safari jeep
- Meals
- Personal expenses and tips
Optional extras
Reserved train seats
Hill-country train, subject to availability
Yala safari jeep
Half-day or full-day, with park fees
Whale watching from Mirissa
Roughly November to April
