The perfect 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary for nature lovers
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is the land of cinnamon, tea plantations and ancient history. This beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean has a lot to offer – from its tropical nature with rich flora and fauna to countless beaches, delicious cuisine and unique culture.
As Sri Lanka is a pretty big island with lots to see and do, it can be overwhelming to figure out which places to visit and in which order to visit them. To help you with your travel planning, I’m sharing my 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary that I used for my trip through this fantastic country. This itinerary is best suited for those who love nature, wildlife and beaches, but it also includes a few historical sites.
Spending 10 days in Sri Lanka is not enough to see the whole country. But with this itinerary, you can still explore several different regions and visit many of Sri Lanka’s highlights, such as the ancient Sigiriya Rock, the lush Central Highlands, the beautiful palm-fringed beaches and more.
Below, you’ll find the itinerary with my recommendations on what to do on each of the days and my tips on where to stay. At the end of this blog post, I’ve also included a map of this Sri Lanka travel route to give you a sense of where everything is located.
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How to get around Sri Lanka
There are several different ways to get around Sri Lanka with varying costs and comfort levels. The main transportation options are the following:
- Hiring a private driver – This is the quickest, safest and most convenient option. You can hire a driver either for your entire Sri Lanka trip or for single journeys between destinations. You’ll be in control of your schedule and have the freedom to stop where you want. We used Sri Lanka Car and Driver Hire to book our drivers and always had a good experience.
- Taking a tuk-tuk – This is suitable for shorter journeys (I’d say max 20 km/12 mi), for example, getting from your hotel to a restaurant or getting from one beach to another.
- Renting a car – Hiring a car and driving yourself is not a very common thing to do in Sri Lanka. This is because traffic can be chaotic, and hiring local drivers is quite affordable, plus they are more experienced with the local driving culture. If you still want to rent a car in Sri Lanka, be aware that you need an International Driving Permit.
- Joining a tour – If you prefer to have everything organized for you and not have to think about the transport, attractions and hotels, consider taking a guided tour of the island, such as this private 8-day tour or this private 10-day tour.
- Renting a tuk-tuk – Self-driving a tuk-tuk is definitely a memorable way to travel around the country, but it’s also very slow, and the tuk-tuks tend to break down often. I’d only recommend this option if you’re spending several weeks in Sri Lanka and don’t mind spending a lot of time on transport.
- Using trains – For some parts of your trip, you can take a train. For the itinerary in this blog post, I recommend taking a train from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) to Ella. However, be aware that the popular train routes often get sold out, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance. The best place to see the schedules and book tickets is 12Go.
- Using buses – This is the cheapest transportation option, but it can be a rough journey with bumpy roads, loud music and no air conditioning.
During our Sri Lanka trip, we used a combination of different transportation options – private drivers for longer journeys, tuk-tuks for short journeys, a train from Nanu Oya to Ella and a group tour from Ella to Tangalle (with a stop at Yala National Park along the way).
Sri Lanka itinerary: How to spend 10 days in Sri Lanka
Here’s the outline of this 10-day Sri Lanka travel itinerary:
- Day 1: Colombo to Sigiriya
- Day 2: Sigiriya
- Day 3: Nuwara Eliya
- Day 4: Train to Ella
- Day 5-7: Ella
- Day 8: Yala National Park
- Day 9: Tangalle, Dickwella & Hiriketiya
- Day 10: Mirissa, Galle & return to Colombo
Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of each of the days, including the activities, places to visit and my hotel recommendations.
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo and travel to Sigiriya
Most people traveling to Sri Lanka will fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Colombo, the country’s capital city. We flew to Sri Lanka from Copenhagen with Air India with a layover in New Delhi.
Since you only have 10 days in Sri Lanka, I recommend that you skip exploring Colombo and drive straight to Sigiriya to explore its ancient rock fortress the following day. If you’re booking a private driver, the drive to Sigiriya will take 3.5-4 hours.
Spend the afternoon and evening recovering from the long journey and relaxing at your hotel in Sigiriya. If you’re looking for a cool dinner spot, visit Rastarant Sigiriya.
Where to stay
Spend the next two nights in Sigiriya. Although it’s a small village, there are numerous accommodation options to choose from.
MID-RANGE: The Cottage Sigiriya – We really enjoyed staying in this beautiful boutique hotel run by a local family. They have spacious private bungalows surrounded by a lovely garden that is visited by peacocks, monkeys and monitor lizards. There’s also a nice pool to cool down in, the ambience is very relaxing, and the food in the restaurant is really good.
MID-RANGE/LUXURY: Atha Resort – This highly-rated eco-friendly boutique hotel has modern rooms, a swimming pool, an excellent restaurant and a tranquil setting amidst lush jungle.
Day 2: Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Temple or Minneriya National Park
On the second day of your Sri Lanka itinerary, get up before sunrise to visit Sigiriya Rock, also known as Lion Rock. This 1500-year-old rock fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous landmark of Sri Lanka.
It was built by a local king on top of a 200 m (660 ft) tall rock, and it takes 1200 steps to reach the summit, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear. At the top, you’re rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of the Sri Lankan countryside, including rice fields, mountains and endless jungle.
It’s recommended to visit Sigiriya Rock around sunrise or sunset to avoid the midday heat. We actually visited it around sunset, but the heat was almost unbearable, which is why I recommend coming here at sunrise instead. We were here in April though, which is the hottest month of the year, so perhaps the heat is not that bad in the other months.
You can buy your Sigiriya tickets online to skip the queue at the ticket counter.
After exploring Sigiriya Rock, you can either visit Dambulla Cave Temple or go on an elephant safari in the nearby Minneriya National Park. Or if you’re quick, you might be able to do both.
Minneriya National Park is known for its large elephant population, but you can also spot crocodiles, deer, water buffaloes and various bird species there. The easiest way to visit it is to take a tour, such as this 3.5-hour tour that includes pick-up from your hotel.
Dambulla Cave Temple complex is another UNESCO-listed site and an ancient monastery where you can explore five caves with over 150 Buddha statues and colorful murals.
Where to stay
Spend another night in Sigiriya. See my hotel recommendation under day 1.
Day 3: Pidurangala Rock and Nuwara Eliya
On day 3, you’ll have another early wake-up call to hike to the top of Pidurangala Rock for sunrise. This rock is situated next to the more famous Sigiriya Rock, and while it doesn’t have the same historical significance or the ancient ruins, it offers a fantastic view of the Sigiriya Rock and the surrounding landscapes.
The hike to the top of Pidurangala Rock takes 30-40 minutes. You should wear comfortable shoes because you’ll have to climb over some pretty big rocks along the trail.
After watching the sunrise from Pidurangala, it’s time to check out of your hotel, say goodbye to Sigiriya and head to Nuwara Eliya, a mountain town famous for its picturesque tea estates. The drive there takes 4.5-5 hours.
Before arriving at Nuwara Eliya, stop at one of the many tea factories near the town to get a tour of the factory, learn how tea is produced and taste some local Ceylon tea. We visited Bluefield Tea Factory, but I’ve also heard great things about Oak Ray Tea Factory.
When you get to Nuwara Eliya, you’ll notice its cool climate and British colonial era architecture. For these reasons, this town is nicknamed ‘Little England’. Spend your afternoon here relaxing in Victoria Park, having high tea at The Grand Hotel, checking out the Tudor-style post office and strolling around Lake Gregory.
Where to stay
Spend the night in Nuwara Eliya.
MID-RANGE: The Edgware – This cosy boutique hotel has spacious rooms with mountain views, a lovely garden and a generous breakfast.
LUXURY: The Westbury Palace – A romantic boutique hotel with colonial-era architecture, elegant rooms, a heated outdoor pool and world-class service.
Day 4: Bomburu Ella waterfall and train to Ella
Start your day with a visit to Bomburu Ella waterfall. This waterfall is 17 km (10 mi) from Nuwara Eliya and requires a short 1.5 km (0.9 mi) hike. We grabbed a tuk-tuk to the trailhead, which took about 30 minutes, and then hiked along a nice jungle trail before arriving at the beautiful misty waterfall. The entrance fee is 700 LKR.
At the base of the waterfall, there are some calm pools where you can take a dip. Despite its beauty, Bomburu Ella waterfall is very little known among international travelers. During our visit, it seemed to me that we were the only foreigners there.
Next, it’s time to hop on the famous train to Ella. This train route, which meanders through lush mountains, misty forests and tea plantations, is considered one of the most scenic in the world.
Most people ride the train from Kandy to Ella, which takes around 7 hours. Sitting in a train for that long didn’t sound appealing to us, which is why we decided to get on the train at Nuwara Eliya instead. The name of the station is Nanu Oya, and from there, it takes just 3 hours to get to Ella. Also, this section of the journey is considered the most beautiful.
Since this is a popular train route that sells out fast, I recommend booking your tickets at least a month in advance to be sure you get a seat. You can see the schedules and book the tickets at 12Go. If the tickets are not available on 12Go, then check this option at GetYourGuide.
Where to stay
Spend the next 4 nights in Ella.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Onrock – Located in the heart of the town, this hotel has modern rooms with balconies overlooking the mountains of Ella. The hotel is currently building a rooftop infinity pool, which will be ready for guests soon.
LUXURY: 98 Acres Resort & Spa – This spectacular hillside resort is set on a tea estate amidst rolling green hills and mountain views. It’s the most luxurious hotel in Ella and has beautiful chalets with a rustic feel.
Day 5: Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Pool Club
Over the next few days, you’ll be exploring Ella and its surroundings, my favorite destination in this Sri Lanka itinerary. With its hiking trails, waterfalls and scenic landscapes, this lovely mountain town in the Central Highlands region is an ideal place for those who love nature.
Start your day early with a short hike to Little Adam’s Peak, one of the best things to do in Ella. The best time to do this hike is at sunrise (or shortly after) to avoid the scorching midday sun. The trail starts next to Ravana Pool Club, and it takes just 15 minutes to reach the peak, where you’ll get an amazing panorama of the valleys and mountains around Ella.
Next, walk to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, the most famous landmark of Ella. This railway bridge dates back to 1921 and crosses a beautiful, lush valley covered with forest and tea plantations. Snap some photos on top of and next to the bridge, and head to Cafe Soul for a cup of coffee with a view of the bridge.
Spend the afternoon relaxing at Ravana Pool Club. This gorgeous Bali-inspired pool club has an infinity pool, jacuzzis, a restaurant and an epic view of the Ella Rock mountain. If you feel like doing something a little more adventurous, you might like the Flying Ravana zipline.
Where to stay
Spend another night in Ella. See my hotel recommendation for Ella under day 4.
Day 6: Ella Rock hike and a cooking class or a tea factory
Kick off your day with a hike to Ella Rock, another one of the best places to visit in Ella. This hike is longer and more challenging than Little Adam’s Peak and takes 3-4 hours in total to complete.
We started the hike at 9 am, but I recommend starting earlier because it gets very hot during the day. The trailhead is located near the Kithal Ella train station. For detailed instructions on how to find the trail, read this blog post.
Once you reach the summit of Ella Rock (1370 m/4495 ft), you can enjoy amazing unobstructed views of Ella Gap and Little Adam’s Peak on the opposite side of the valley. Be aware that there’s an entrance fee of 930 LKR to access the viewpoints at the top. Once back at the trailhead, visit the nearby Small Ravana Falls close to Kithal Ella station.
For the second half of the day, you have two options. You can attend a Sri Lankan cooking class to learn to make some mouthwatering local dishes. Or you can visit Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory to walk around the tea fields and learn about tea production, in case you didn’t manage to do it in Nuwara Eliya.
Where to stay
Spend another night in Ella. See my hotel recommendation for Ella under day 4.
Day 7: Diyaluma Falls
On your final day in Ella, take a day trip to Diyaluma Falls, the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. This majestic waterfall is a 1.5-hour drive south of Ella and has a whopping 220 m (720 ft) drop.
At the base of the waterfall, you can admire the sheer power of the water hitting the rocks, whereas at the top, you can explore several natural pools on the edge of a cliff. These pools are perfect for swimming and offer an incredible view of Sri Lanka’s highlands. If you’re brave, you can also peek down over the edge of the cliff.
To get to the natural pools, you can either hike up from the base of the waterfall, which takes 1.5-2 hours, or drive to the top of the waterfall and hike for about 40 minutes. Be aware that the trail at the top is not very clear so it’s recommended to hire a guide near the start of the hike.
If you’d rather visit Diyaluma Falls on a tour where everything is organized for you, you can book this 7-hour tour from Ella that includes hotel pick-up, a guide and entrance fees. The tour also includes a stop at the beautiful Ravana Falls near Ella.
Where to stay
Spend another night in Ella. See my hotel recommendation for Ella under day 4.
Day 8: Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park
On day 8, it’s time to leave Ella and head to the south coast of Sri Lanka. A smart way to do this is to join a tour that picks you up in Ella, stops at one of the national parks along the way for a safari, and then drops you off on the south coast. It’s going to be a very early start to the day, but this allows you to see the wildlife at dawn, which is when they are the most active.
There are two options for doing a tour like this. You can either take a tour that includes a safari in Yala National Park or in Udawalawe National Park. Yala is considered the best place to see leopards in Sri Lanka, whereas Udawalawe is known as the best area to see elephants. Both parks also offer a great chance of spotting water buffaloes, crocodiles, monkeys and deer.
We chose the tour option that visits Yala National Park. I’d say that overall it was a good experience as we saw plenty of wildlife (but unfortunately no leopards and only a few elephants). However, as it’s the most popular national park in Sri Lanka, it was very crowded with jeeps, which created quite a hectic atmosphere. Because of that, I believe Udawalawe National Park would be a better option.
After the safari, get dropped off at Tangalle to explore the south coast of Sri Lanka over the next few days.
Where to stay
Spend the next two nights in the Tangalle area.
MID-RANGE/LUXURY: Simply Peace – We chose to stay in this boutique hotel because of its beautiful spacious bungalows and the lovely pool area, and it definitely lived up to our expectations. The hotel has a very tranquil ambience, a nice garden with towering palm trees and a view of a lake. It ended up being our favorite hotel in Sri Lanka.
LUXURY: Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort – This award-winning 5-star resort is set in a large coconut grove and overlooks a secluded beach. There’s a wonderful infinity pool, an on-site Ayurvedic spa and six dining options.
Day 9: Tangalle, Dickwella and Hiriketiya
Today will be all about beach-hopping. The coastline around Tangalle is known for its beautiful sandy beaches that are quieter and less commercialised than most other beaches on Sri Lanka’s south coast. To get from one beach to another, you can just grab a tuk-tuk.
Start your day with a relaxing morning at Silent Beach. This long beach with golden sand is often considered the most beautiful beach in Sri Lanka, and it was by far my favorite beach I visited during my trip.
It is relatively undeveloped, with only a few beach bars and chairs for rent and has clear turquoise water and rows of towering palm trees. The only downside of this beach is that waves tend to be very strong here, which often makes it unsuitable for swimming.
After Silent Beach, head west and visit one or more of the following beaches:
- Dickwella Beach – A wide beach with a relaxed vibe, calm shallow water and a few beach bars and restaurants.
- Hiriketiya Beach – A small crescent-shaped bay with trendy cafes and a boho vibe; very popular among surfers.
- Turtle Point in Dickwella – A beach with calm waters where you can snorkel with sea turtles. There were several turtles very close to the shore when we were there. Remember to never touch or feed them, even if they get close to you.
Finish your day with dinner at Smoke & Bitters in Dickwella. This award-winning bar/restaurant offers amazing food, top-notch cocktails and a view of the sunset.
Where to stay
Spend another night in or near Tangalle. See my hotel recommendation under day 8.
Day 10: Mirissa, Galle and return to Colombo
On the final day of your Sri Lanka itinerary, start your journey back to Colombo and stop at Mirissa Beach and the colonial town of Galle along the way. We hired a private driver for this leg of the trip.
Mirissa Beach is probably the most famous beach in Sri Lanka. Here you’ll find a long strip of soft sand, emerald water, surf schools and lots of seafood restaurants with sunbeds. It was a bit too commercialized for my taste, but most people seem to love it. On the left side of the beach, there’s a small rock island known as Parrot Rock from where you can get a panoramic view of the beach and the ocean.
Next, head to the coastal city of Galle. The main attraction here is the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, which is a fortified old town with colonial history, cobblestone streets and a mix of Dutch, British and Portuguese architecture.
I didn’t know much about Galle Fort before I visited it and was positively surprised by how charming it was. There are lots of nice cafes and restaurants, cool boutiques, art galleries and souvenir shops. Take a walk along the fort’s walls and snap a photo with the white Galle Fort Lighthouse, the symbol of the town.
And then it’s time to finish your trip by driving to Colombo and flying back home.
Sri Lanka itinerary map
To get a sense of which parts of the island this itinerary covers, take a look at the map below, where I’ve marked the locations of all the sights and the hotels I mentioned in this blog post. Click on the icon in the top left corner of the map for more details.
And that’s it – this is how I recommend spending 10 days in Sri Lanka. As always, if you have any questions, leave them in the comments below and I’ll get back to you.
Be sure to also read my blog post on what to do in Ella for more detailed information on the best activities and attractions in this wonderful town in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.
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