Sri Lanka has always been a country that has intrigued me. This small island nation is famed for its beautiful coastline, safari and wildlife spotting experiences, rich cultural diversity and mountainous landscapes.
This Sri Lanka 10 day itinerary lets you get a taste of all of these elements. From exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle and wild central highlands, followed by some time relaxing down on the coast. You’ll explore ancient temples, hike rugged mountains, marvel at rolling hills of lush tea plantations and have elephant-spotting opportunities galore – all in 10 days!
Read on for my recommended itinerary, plus essential travel tips to make the most of your adventures in Sri Lanka.
Quick Overview: Sri Lanka Itinerary 10 Days
Here’s a summary breakdown of this Sri Lanka Itinerary, and continue reading below for the details on each destination:
- Day 1: Colombo
- Day 2 – 3: Habarana & Sigiriya
- Day 4 – 5: Kandy
- Day 6 – 7: Ella
- Day 8: Udawalawe
- Day 9 – 10: Galle & South Coast Beaches
Best Time of Year for this Sri Lanka Itinerary
Sri Lanka has a warm and tropical climate all year round. The temperatures remain warm and don’t fluctuate much, but there are two distinct rainy seasons in separate parts of the country.
The South of Sri Lanka experiences rainy season from around April to September, while the North and East has theirs from October to March.
As this itinerary has you spending your 10 days in Sri Lanka in central and south Sri Lanka, the best time for this itinerary is from December to April to coincide with the lowest chance of rainfall.
Of course, you can still follow this itinerary at other times of the year – but given many of the activities are outdoor and hiking-based, it will be easier weather-wise from December to April.
I visited in early April 2024, and it was HOT! Each day (apart from in the elevated mountain town of Ella) was about 32 degrees Celsius, but due to high humidity levels the weather app said it was closer to 38.
We made sure to plan the bulk of our outdoor adventures in the early morning or later afternoon, avoiding the harsh heat of the midday sun. We had no rain, other than our last day at the beach when it poured from the minute we arrived in the afternoon.
How To Get Around
Despite being a relatively small island, it takes longer than you expect to get around due thanks to the traffic, windy roads and mountainous terrain.
There are five main ways of getting around Sri Lanka (from cheapest to most expensive):
- Public Bus: Getting the public buses in Sri Lanka is an adventure in itself – the loud music and glaring disco lights are common! The bus network is extensive, the price is cheap yet the timetable is almost non-existent and they can break down and be packed. However, they are popular with backpackers.
- Train: Getting the train in Sri Lanka is a popular activity, particularly travelling from Kandy to Ella! However, the trains in Sri Lanka can be old, slow and sometimes unreliable. You can view the train routes and check prices here.
- Tuk-Tuk: The open-air three wheel tuk-tuks are everywhere in Sri Lanka and are one of the most common ways to get around, particularly for short trips. Other than picking one up on the street, you can also use the app Pick-Me to order a tuk-tuk (not available in all areas, but in most big cities).
- Taxi: Download Uber or the Sri Lankan local app, Pick-Me to order taxis. You can also ask at your accommodation, at local travel agents or sometimes find them on the street.
- Private Driver: The recommended option for families or big groups as hiring a private driver and vehicle is the most comfortable option. As of 2024 pricing, expect to pay from $50 – 100 USD per day depending on the vehicle and group size. You may also need to arrange accommodation for your driver (or pay for them to find their own), but you’ll find many resorts and larger hotels have driver quarters.
On this trip I was travelling with a group. so we had a private driver for the duration of our trip – which was a nice change to my usual style of travel!
Tip: If you have large suitcases or a lot of luggage, I recommend getting a taxi/transfer for individual door-to-door trips (or arranging a private driver for the duration of your trip).
10 Days Sri Lanka Itinerary
Itinerary Map
Day 1: Colombo
I’ve heard some travellers say to skip Colombo and head straight to the next destination, but after a long flight I think it’s worth spending at least one day exploring the sights of the vibrant capital.
Colombo is a bustling city, with a contrasting mix of traditional and modern buildings, of sleek city skyscrapers and bustling market streets with eye-catching temples in the mix.
Things to Do in Colombo
We toured the highlights of the city on the open-air, double-deck Colombo City Tour bus, but also consider this sightseeing city tour by tuk-tuk (perfect for smaller groups or couples):
- Gangaramaya Temple: One of the most prominent Buddhist temples in the country, with interesting architecture and an informative museum with impressive statues and detailed Buddhist exhibits.
- Pettah Market: This lively market hub is chaotic and overwhelming to the senses, but I loved it. Watch locals haggling over goods in the open-air bazaar, admire the colonial architecture and visit the eye-catching Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid).
- Beira Lake: Take a boat ride across the lake, and admire the Buddhist temple in the middle of the lake
- Town Hall: The “White House of Sri Lanka” is worth a drive-by, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit it especially.
- National Museum: Learn more about Sri Lanka’s diverse history and cultural heritage
- Lotus Tower: The Lotus Tower is a distinctive landmark feature of Colombo. The lotus flower-inspired design is Sri Lanka’s tallest building. Buy a ticket and head up to the observation viewing deck for a panoramic view across the entire city. Make sure to check it out at night too when it’s illuminated!
Where to Stay
We stayed at Cinnamon Lakeside, a large hotel which was a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The pool area has great views of the Lotus Tower, and the hotel restaurant was one of the best we ate at during our 10 day trip to Sri Lanka. The rooms themselves are getting a bit dated but were large and comfortable.
- Budget – Drop Inn Hostel: Vibrant and social hostel with clean, budget-friendly shared and private rooms
- Mid-Range – Lavonca Boutique Hotel: Stylish rooms offering a peaceful retreat within the bustling city
- Luxury – Courtyard by Marriott Colombo: Sophisticated room with state-of-the-art amenities and exceptional service located in the heart of the city
Day 2 – 3: Habarana & Sigiriya
Get a taxi to Habarana for this 3 – 4 hour journey to central Sri Lanka.
We chose to stay in Habarana, but you could also stay closer to Sigiriya (they are about a 25-minute drive apart). Habarana town doesn’t have a lot going on, whereas Sigiriya is more catered to tourists however we found Habarana to be a peaceful base for the next two nights.
Hurulu Eco Park Elephant Safari
There are three national parks near Habarana where you can embark on a safari adventure: Minneriya, Kaudulla and Hurulu Eco Park. These national parks are connected, and the elephants migrate through them depending on the water levels at that time of the year.
For our visit in April, we were told that the elephants had migrated to Hurulu so this is where we went on safari. Your accommodation will be able to recommend which National Park will be best for the given time of the year.
From our accommodation at Habarana Village by Cinnamon we were picked up by our safari jeeps and driven the short distance to the Hurulu Eco Park up the road. Once our entrance fees were paid, we were soon setting off on the dusty road into the national park.
Most safari tours start in the late afternoon, as that is when the elephants are more active. Soon into our journey, we spotted a small herd of elephants, including a mumma and her calf. We spent the next couple of hours cruising around the park, enjoying the bumpy adventure and spotting elephants galore.
The benefit of doing a safari at Hurulu Eco Park (or the surrounding national parks) is they are less busy than other more famous parks like Yala National Park, meaning you get more of a chance of unobstructed views of the wildlife without hundreds of other jeeps crowding around.
Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than other safaris! (expect to pay around US $60 – 70 for 2 people, plus an additional pick-up fee if travelling from Sigiriya). Our hotel organised the safari jeeps for us.
The main wildlife to be seen in the park is elephants, although there is birdlife such as eagles and peacocks, and you might spot a water buffalo or two.
Pidurangala Rock Hike
After doing the elephant safari on our first afternoon, I thought that would be the highlight of our time in Habarana. However, the next morning we woke at 4 am for an unforgettable hike to watch the sunrise from the top of Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya.
This was one of my favourite memories of our 10 day Sri Lanka trip, and absolutely worth the early start. Watching the sunrise above the distant mountain ranges, with panoramic views across the entire countryside including the famed Sigiriya Rock Fortress was a surreal experience.
The hike is not for the faint-hearted, with a steady uphill hike and some rock climbing required right at the end. For everything you need to know about this short but challenging hike, read my detailed guide here.
Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress
Head back to your hotel for breakfast and spend some time relaxing by the pool and keeping cool (plus maybe a cheeky nap!) before your next adventur. You’ll be visiting Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress in the late afternoon when it’s a bit cooler.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as the 8th Wonder of the World. With an ancient fortress at the top of the rock, it’s a marvel to think how this was created in the 5th century.
Ticket fees are on the pricier side (for Sri Lankan attractions), at US $36 per adult (payable in cash in Sri Lankan Rupees at the ticket office), which includes entrance to the museum. The last entrance is at 5 pm, so you can catch the sunset from the top of the rock after climbing the 1,200 steps to the top of the rock!
After all those stairs and the early start, you’ll sleep well tonight!
Tip: If you have the energy and time, you could take a day trip to the ancient cultural site of Polonnaruwa (the capital city in the 10th century). It’s about a 45 – 50 minute drive from Sigiriya or Habarana.
Where to Stay
Habarana
- Budget – Habarana Dulwan Guest House: Clean, basic accommodations run by the friendly owner
- Mid-Range – Sapphire Garden Hotel: A comfortable stay in the heart of Habarana with a relaxed garden setting
- Luxury – Sevanagama: Traditional luxury villas surrounded by nature
We spent one night at the luxurious Aliya Resort & Spa which is in between Habarana and Sigiriya – you can read my review here.
Sigiriya
- Budget – Pidurangala View Home Stay: Offering a homely atmosphere with stunning views of the iconic Pidurangala Rock
- Mid-Range – The Nature Park Villa: Set amidst lush greenery, the spacious rooms are a welcome retreat after a morning hike up Sigiriya
- Luxury – Roo Mansala Boutique Villas: The elegantly designed villas offer panoramic views of Sigiriya Rock at this upscale retreat
Day 4 – 5: Kandy
On the drive to Kandy, I highly recommend stopping at Dambulla Cave Temple (and Golden Temple at its base) on the way.
It’s only 30 minutes south of Habarana, and this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best-preserved cave temples in the country. It’s worth a visit to admire the interesting architecture, ancient artwork and historical significance.
The cave monastery has five shrine complexes containing large Buddha statues (some carved out of the rock itself), with intricate artwork painted on the ceilings.
To reach the cave temple, you will need to climb a long set of stairs up the mountain before reaching the temple (remember to cover up your shoulders and legs appropriately). Tickets are 2,000 LKR per adult (2024 pricing).
Take the alternate path down on the other side of the temple to where you came up. You can get your driver to meet you at the bottom at the giant Gold Buddha, which sits atop a Buddhist Museum on the main road.
Continue your journey to the hilly town of Kandy (about 2 hours)
Things to Do in Kandy
- Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: The most famous place to visit in Kandy, this important pilgrimage destination is home to a tooth that belonged to Buddha. While you can’t see the tooth on display (it’s kept in a casket), the temple complex is both beautiful and historically fascinating.
- Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens: A tropical jungle oasis awaits a short tuk-tuk ride from the city centre, with the gardens set amongst an oasis of over 147 acres (tickets: 2000 LKR, 2024 pricing)
- Watch a Cultural Show: We attended the 5 pm daily cultural dance show that takes place at the Kandyan Cultural Centre a short walk from the Temple of the Tooth Relic. There’s a fire show at the end that includes some heart-racing fire walking. (tickets: 2000 LKR, 2024 pricing)
- Wander the Neligalla Buddhist Center: This hilltop temple is a stunning temple situated on a hilltop near Kandy. With panoramic views across the city, this temple with its brilliant gold statues and golden stupa is a lesser-known gem worth visiting in Kandy.
When we visited around sunset, we were the only tourists other than one group, and friendly kids kept asking us for selfies – we felt like the tourist attraction! (in a good way). - Go for a Hike: Head to the Udawattakele Forest Reserve nature park, or the more adventurous can hike to the Hanthana Mountain View Point.
- Take a Day Trip to Nuwara Eliya: This highly-rated tuk-tuk tour is a full day adventure from Kandy to the charming British colonial town of Nuwara Eliya, with stops along the way including a waterfall and tea museum.
- Wander the Busy Streets and Local Market: Starting near the Queens Hotel, wander the bustling streets of Kandy on foot as you make your way towards the Kandy Clock Tower.
Across the road, you’ll find the Kandy Markets, which are busy and chaotic but offer an insight into local life and an immersion of the senses as you pass the brightly coloured fruit stalls and piles of fragrant spices and dried food. If you choose to buy something, be prepared to barter!
Tip: Jump on this affordable custom tuk-tuk tour around the city instead of navigating the traffic filled streets of Kandy on foot.
Where to Stay
- Budget – Janora Hills: Budget-friendly accommodation with basic amenities in a peaceful location
- Mid-Range – SWP Eco Lodge: Close to the city centre with views over Kandy Lake, this eco-friendly lodge features a rooftop restaurant
- Luxury – The Radh Hotel: This luxurious accommodation is located in the heart of Kandy, steps away from the city’s cultural landmarks
Day 6 – 7: Ella
Getting from Kandy to Ella is an all-day activity in itself, thanks to the incredibly scenic and long (8 – 9 hours!) train ride that weaves through tea plantations and lush countryside.
It’s been hailed as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, and shots on social media of people hanging out of the trains have made this train ride famous in recent years.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t get tickets as we hadn’t booked in advance, but managed to get a taste of the Sri Lankan train experience on a short train ride from Ella to Demodara.
To book reserved seats in First or Second Class, you can book on 12Go here. You’ll need to book 30 days in advance to have a chance of getting tickets, which will then be delivered to your hotel.
For more tips and trips to plan this train ride, check out this informative post from my fellow bloggers Cat & Joe of Walk My World here.
After visiting the big cities of Colombo and Kandy, and the small village of Habarana, Ella was a breath of fresh air (and not just because we were high up in the mountains!).
Yes, the town is touristy and busy, but it’s compact and walkable which makes for a nice change and has some incredible natural attractions nearby.
Plus, the views of the surrounding mountains are some of the best in Sri Lanka!
Things to Do in Ella
- Admire the Nine Arches Bridge: This colonial-era constructed bridge is an iconic photo spot in Sri Lanka. Surrounded by lush tea plantations and jungle, it’s even better if you time your visit to see one of the blue trains pass by.
As a popular tourist attraction, it understandably gets busy – time your visit for early morning or late afternoon if you want to avoid the crowds. - Hike Little Adam’s Peak: This is one of the most popular hikes in Sri Lanka. A short hike provides travellers with panoramic views of Ella and the craggy mountain ranges that surround it.
- Get the Tourist Train from Ella to Demodara: As we didn’t get the train from Kandy to Ella, we were lucky that the new Calypso tourist train had just started service a week before our arrival in early April 2024. Buy your tickets from Ella Station.
- Take a Traditional Cooking Class: Discover how to make Sri Lankan favourites such as hoppers and curry in a traditional open-air kitchen. Book online here.
- Visit a Tea Plantation: After getting the tourist train to Demodara, we went to the nearby Demodara Tea Factory for a guided tour of this working tea factory. Uva Halpewatte is another popular tea factory near Ella that offers tours.
- Go Waterfall Chasing: There are numerous waterfalls near Ella, some easier to get to than others. Diyaluma Falls is one of the most impressive, though it’s an hour’s drive away and requires a hike to reach the top of the falls.
The Ravana Waterfall is located a short drive out of town, and you can easily pull over on the side of the road and view it on your way to your next destination.
Tip: Book a guided tuk-tuk tour of Nine Arches Bridge, Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, Demodara Loop and Ravana Waterfall all in one day.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Ella is plentiful, but highly-rated places book out quickly, so where possible make sure to book your accommodation in Ella in advance!
- Budget – 59B Rest Inn Ella: Clean, basic rooms within walking distance of Ella’s main attractions
- Mid-Range – Country Homes: A cosy retreat with stunning views of Ella’s famous mountains
- Luxury – Hide Ella Hotel & Resort: Luxurious rooms with premium amenities that offer panoramic views over the mountains of Ella
Day 8 – Udawalawe
It’s time to make your way from the mountains towards the south coast. We spent one night at Udawalawe along the way.
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe’s main attraction is the Udawalawe National Park, another park that is best for its elephant spotting. Perfect if you didn’t do a safari at the start of the trip in Habarana, or if you loved it so much you want to do it again!
The entrance fees to the park (not including the actual safari jeep) are high though, at around $60 USD per person.
You can book your safari online here, or your hotel can organise it for you.
If you’re not fussed about doing another safari or visiting the Elephant Transit Home, you can probably skip Udawalawe and continue on your journey for an extra day along the coast.
Elephant Transit Home
The Elephant Transit Home is an orphanage for baby and young elephants who are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild.
Visitors don’t interact with the elephants but watch on from a distance as they are fed milk. I was a bit hesitant about visiting as it’s so difficult to know whether places that label themselves as ethical truly are.
These are my personal observations from my visit. On the positive, what I observed was that the elephants don’t have any human interaction. However, the staff do use sticks to keep the elephants at bay.
I personally found it a bit distressing watching the elephants run in, and then push and shove each other for their milk. Some of the smaller ones were pushed out of the way, and elephants would be making trumpeting sounds of distress. The crowd watching on would laugh at this, which I didn’t find amusing.
It’s difficult for me to put my feelings into words. On the one hand, I do think the elephant transit home is doing good things by looking after these elephants when they would probably be left to their own (not so high) chances in the wild.
However, when we visited, the feeding session was packed. It felt like too many people in a small space. I understand they are probably heavily reliant on tourism income to keep the orphanage running, but given the entrance fee was only 1,800 LKR (US$ 6), it would feel more sustainable if fewer people were in attendance.
It felt more like a show for the many tourists and quite frankly, a bit of a zoo rather than an elephant sanctuary. I also imagine the noises from the large crowds aren’t the best for the elephants.
The on-site museum was very informative though, and a great way to learn more about the Sri Lankan elephant and learn more about the human-elephant conflict (unfortunately, most of the tourist crowd skipped this after the show).
Craft Tunnel Pottery + Restaurant
Opposite the entrance to Udawalawe National Park, you’ll find Craft Tunnel.
This newly opened business is part restaurant, pottery showroom and studio. We met the owner and Master Potter, Ajith, who took us on a tour of his property which includes a beautiful pottery showroom and studio.
His passion and pride shone through as he took us around the property.
After our tour we enjoyed lunch in the restaurant, where I sampled one of the best lentil curries I’d had all trip. The building design is an aesthetic work of art in itself, and worth checking out (a tea pot nearly came home with me, if my suitcase wasn’t so packed!)
Where to Stay
- Budget – Green View Safari Resort: Simple, budget-friendly accommodation close to the National Park
- Mid-Range – Mango Tree House: Unique treehouse lodgings surrounded by nature
- Luxury – Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort: Set amongst nature with spacious rooms, the pool was a tranquil escape from the heat after a day of exploring Udawalawe
Day 9/10 – Galle & South Coast Beaches
It’s time to head to the coast to wrap up your 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary with some beach time (and some much-deserved relaxation) after the adventurous week you’ve just had exploring Central Sri Lanka.
Galle Fort is a charming Dutch colonial-era maze of white-washed buildings, narrow cobblestoned streets, historical hotels and trendy boutiques set within a walled fort.
What I love most about Galle is it is pedestrian-friendly, so you can explore the town on foot, admiring the architecture and iconic attractions.
We had the opportunity to join a fascinating walking tour to learn more about the UNESCO Heritage World-listed fort town.
On foot, we discovered the town’s main attractions like the Dutch Reformed Church, Galle Lighthouse and Galle Clock Tower. Walking tours with a local guide are bookable online here.
Things to Do in Galle
- Visit the Maritime Museum: Explore this maritime museum with its shipwreck artefacts and naval exhibitions, housed in a restored Dutch warehouse
- Join a Traditional Jewellery Making Workshop: Learn how to make a custom piece of jewellery using silver and gemstones at this hands-on workshop
- Head to the beach: There’s a small beach near the lighthouse, but I’d recommend getting a tuk-tuk to the nearby Jungle Beach or Unawatuna Beach
- Day trip to Weligama, Anhagam or Mirissa: Explore some of the popular beach towns along Sri Lanka’s south coast. Weligama and Ahangama are well-known for their surf breaks, whilst Mirissa is more developed with beach bars and the Instagrammable Coconut Tree Hill.
Where to Stay
- Budget – Sirène Galle Fort: A charming and affordable option located within the historic walls of Galle Fort
- Mid-Range – Mango House: Mango House blends traditional Sri Lankan architecture with modern comforts, providing a tranquil garden setting in the heart of Galle.
- Luxury – The Merchant: A luxury boutique hotel set in a beautifully restored colonial building
If you’d prefer to spend more time closer to the beach, consider basing yourself in one of the above-mentioned beach towns and do a day trip to Galle instead.
I’ve also heard great things about Hiriketiya Beach, which is a little more secluded and less developed but with great options for cafes and boutique accommodation.
What You Could Do Differently
Fitting all the incredible things to do and see in Sri Lanka in 10 days is tricky.
With my suggested itinerary above, you get a good taste of the main attractions in Central and South Sri Lanka, but there are a couple of things you could alter, depending on your preferences.
- Stay a night in Nuwara Eliya: Often referred to as the “Little England” of Sri Lanka, this charming town high in the mountains is abundant with quaint English-style cottages, manicured gardens and historic buildings like the century-old post office. I would have loved to spend one night here.
If catching the train from Kandy to Ella, you could split up the journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (the closest station is Nanu Oya), before continuing your journey to Ella the next day. - Get more beach time by staying in Weligama: As mentioned above, Galle is beautiful but isn’t really a beach town. It’s possible to explore the highlight of Galle’s old town in one day, so consider basing yourself in the surf town of Weligama (popular with digital nomads and backpackers) and do a day trip to Galle instead.
- Stay in Negombo instead of Colombo: Negombo is closer to the airport (20 minute vs 45 minute drive). If you get in late or aren’t fussed about sightseeing in Colombo, you could spend your first night in Negombo instead.
Useful Tips For First-Time Visitors
A few general travel tips for Sri Lanka that I wish I’d known about before my trip:
- Getting Cash: Cash is king in Sri Lankan, very few places took cards outside of our hotels. The Sri Lankan Rupee is hard to get outside of Sri Lanka.
Make sure not to withdraw too much cash at the start of your trip. Most large hotels had currency exchange for EUR, GBP and USD, however, as my home currency is AUD I opted to use the local bank ATMs.
Stick to the official bank ATMs when getting cash out (including Bank of Ceylon, Commercial Bank and Peoples Bank). I got cash out at Colombo Airport using the Bank of Ceylon ATM and wasn’t charged an ATM fee.
- Get a SIM Card: The wifi can be pretty hit-and-miss, many of our hotels had terrible wifi and I was glad to have my AirAlo eSim installed. There are also SIM card companies at the airport, but I prefer installing my eSim before I leave home so it was activated from the minute I landed in Sri Lanka.
Check out the Airalo data plans for Sri Lanka here. - Download Pick Me: the local app for car share taxis, which can also be used to get tuk-tuks. Uber is also available.
- Bring appropriate clothing for temple visits: When visiting temples, you need to cover your knees and shoulders. Don’t take photos with your back to the temple as this is disrespectful.
- Don’t Drink the Tap Water: like many places in Asia, you can’t drink tap water.
- Travel Sickness: The roads can be very windy – I’m prone to motion sickness and felt unwell on several of our long transfers. If you are sensitive like me, bring medication as I found it difficult to get some more while there.
- Eating dinner at the hotel is common: unlike my usual style of travel, in Sri Lanka, we had dinner nearly every night at the hotel. In the more remote places like Habarana, Sigiriya and Udawalawe, there aren’t restaurants nearby and it isn’t recommended to walk about at night on the road due to the risk of wild elephants and other wildlife.
Most hotels have high-quality buffets offering a wide range of Western and Sri Lankan cuisine, and you’ll find them quite busy, as most people choose to dine at the hotel.
The exceptions to this are Colombo, Kandy and Ella (if you are staying near the main street of Ella town), as these towns are walkable and have more dining and transport options.
Colombo Airport Tips
- Colombo Airport is quite far from Colombo city: It’s about a 40 – 50 minute drive away or longer in peak hour. Consider staying in Negombo, which is only 20 minutes away and more relaxed than Colombo, if you aren’t fussed about visiting Colombo.
- Get to Colombo Airport early: Due to increased security, you’ll need to line up outside just to enter the airport. There are then further lines for security screening, check-in, immigration, another security screen and so on. A lot of flights leave from 11 pm to 5 am, so the airport was chaotic when we arrived at 9 pm for our midnight departing flight, and I’m glad we arrived 3 hours early!
- Consider booking a pick-up transfer upon arrival: Leaving the airport can also be pretty hectic, with the culture shock of the heat, people shouting at you and the crowds of travellers. Pre-booking an arrival transfer will be easier than waiting for a taxi or PickMe and help avoid the hecticness. Enquire with your hotel or you can pre-book online here.
Visa
The majority of travellers require a visa to enter Sri Lanka. As of 17 April 2024, the Sri Lankan government has transitioned systems from an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorizations) to an eVisa system handled by a private third-party company.
The official eVisa website is https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/ and the price of a single entry visa (30 days) is 50 USD (as at time of writing in May 2024)
Safety in Sri Lanka
After the 2019 bombings in Colombo, tourism was decimated in Sri Lanka. Visiting in 2024, I noticed that there was an increased security presence at hotels in Colombo, with measures in place at our hotel Cinnamon Lakeside that included security screening at the hotel entrance.
In general, I felt very safe as a female travelling with a group. The Sri Lankan people are very friendly as a whole. Just a reminder to cover up appropriately when visiting temples.
Visiting in April 2024, there were no signs of the harsh economic crisis from two years ago – fuel prices are high, but there were no lines for fuel or food shortages like reported a few years ago, nor did we experience any power blackouts.
Prices have gone up considerably in recent years (but hey, where hasn’t in the world!).
Final Thoughts – 10 Days in Sri Lanka Itinerary
That wraps up this complete 10 day Sri Lanka travel itinerary! I fell in love with Sri Lanka during my days exploring the country, and still feel like I barely scraped the surface of everything this amazing country has to offer. I hope this detailed travel guide has been useful to help you plan your own epic adventure, feel free to comment below with any questions.
Happy adventuring!
Other Sri Lanka Guides:
- 7 Epic Hikes in Sri Lanka for Adventure Seekers
- Pidurangala Rock Sunrise Hike: All You Need To Know
- Hiking the Hanthana Mountain View Point in Kandy
- An Honest Review of Aliya Resort and Spa Sigiriya
Disclaimer: I travelled with Sri Lanka Tourism on this trip as hosted media, with the required permits for drone photography.