When it comes to a Sri Lanka itinerary, 10 days can be a tight squeeze to fit in all the best bits that this stunning island in the Indian Ocean has to offer.

From the sprawling, palm tree lined beaches of the South to the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress and of course an elephant safari – here’s how to make the most of a 10 day Sri Lanka itinerary, fit in some of the most unmissable places to visit and discover why this country is quickly gaining heaps of popularity!

Sri Lanka Itinerary 10 Days Of Epic Adventure!

Colombo – 1 Night

We’re going to kick things off in Colombo – the capital of Sri Lanka. If you land past midday it’s probably best to spend a night here to shake off the jet lag so you refreshed and ready to make the most of your Sri Lanka itinerary, with 10 days of epic adventure ahead!

Discover amazing street food, colourful markets and ancient temples – it mirrors all the choatic wonder of an Asian capital and city.

If you have a bit of time to play with in the afternoon the Tuk Tuk Safari is a great way to discover the best of the city on a whirlwind tour and enjoy it without having to worry about how you’re getting around. Plus tuk tuks are a must do Sri Lankan experience on their own!

If you do land early in the morning you can also skip over Colombo and head straight to Sigiriya to free up an extra night. Just be aware its a solid 3.5 hour drive to get there!

Top Activities:

• Old City
• Tuk Tuk Safari
• Viharamahdevi Park

Places to stay:

• Budget: Hangover Hostel (near the Airport)
• Mid Range: CityRest Fort 
• Luxury: Marino Beach Colombo

Sigiriya Rock – 2 Nights

Next up is easily the most well known part of my perfect 10 day Sri Lanka itinerary – Sigiriya Rock.

This iconic landmark in Sri Lanka is one of the must see destinations and a climb to the top of it should definitely be on the bucket list!

The rock formation was turned into a natural fortress back in the 5th century and has been a stronghold for many Kings of Sri Lanka.

The 200m high formation takes roughly 30 minutes to climb to the top – via many historical sites which are form part of the reason that Sigiriya is a world UNESCO heritage site. This includes the famous Lion Rock and you’ll pass through the paws of this giant rock carving as you tackle the final ascent to the summit.

It’s well worth it for the views though!

When you’re not soaking up the views (go for sunset or sunrise if you can) meet the cheeky local monkeys that inhabit the areas and botanical gardens, or challenge yourself even more to tackle the hike to nearby Pidurangala Rock – which offer some superb views across to Sigiriya itself.

Top Activities:

• Hike Lion Rock
• Pidurangala Rock
• Cycling tour

Places to stay:

• Budget: Sigiriya Paradise Inn
• Mid Range: Hungry Lion Resort
• Luxury: Aliya Resort and Spa

Kandy – 1 Nights

Next stop on your Sri Lanka itinerary of 10 days is the city of Kandy – famous for being the home of the Temple of The Tooth, where the remains of Buddah lie.

This spectacular temple is one of the cultural highlights of Sri Lanka and is of huge religious importance to the countries Buddhist population.

Alongside the temple the botanical gardens and abundance of tasty street food is another Kandy highlight.

Top activities:

• Temple of the Tooth
• Try some local cuisine
• Botanic Gardens

Places to stay:

• Budget: 256 Townhouse Rest
• Mid Range: Kandy City Hotel By Earl’s
• Luxury: Earl’s Regency Hotel

Ella – 2 Nights

When it comes to the next stop on your Sri Lanka itinerary, Ella is certainly more about the journey than the destination – as to get their you’ll be taking the famous Kandy to Ella train – voted amongst the best scenic rail journeys in the world!

Winding through hill top country and sprawling tea plantations, this train ride is always a Sri Lankan highlight, so make sure you have your camera at the ready.

Now I’ve pencilled in 2 nights in Ella, which gives you plenty of time to head back to the famous Nine Arch Bridge to snap the iconic picture of the train coming over it, as well as time for a trip hiking in the mountains or exploring one of the many tea plantations in the area.

And you can’t come to Sri Lanka without sampling the world famous tea it grows!

Top Activities:

• Hiking in the mountains
• Tea plantations
• Nine Arch Bridge

Places to stay:

• Budget: Rainbow Sky Cottage
• Mid Range: Ella’s Edge Resort
• Luxury: Melheim Resort and Spa

Yala National Park – 2 Nights

Time to get back to nature with the next stop on the list – 2 nights in Yala National Park.

One of the most famous national parks in the country, Yala National Park is home to an abundance of wildlife – with elephants and leopards being the most recognisable.

Head off in an open top jeep to get up close to the hundreds of wild elephants that call this slice of Sri Lanka home, and keep you eyes peeled for the illusive and stunning leopards – fingers crossed you’ll get to tick them off the list too!

2 nights here gives you plenty of time for a full day safari as well as a bit of down time after some serious bouncing around over the last few days!

Top Activities:

• Wildlife spotting
• Safari adventure
• Luxury safari camp

Places to stay:

• Budget: Hotel 4 U
• Mid Range: The Wild Heaven
• Luxury: Cinnamon Wild Yala

Mirissa, Ahangama or Weligama – 2 Nights

When it comes to the final stop on my Sri Lanka itinerary, 10 days is best capped off with some serious beach time and the Southern Beaches of Sri Lanka are picture perfect.

Depending on the vibes you’re after I’d opt for either Mirissa, Weligama or Ahangama for your final two nights in Sri Lanka.

Mirissa is the most well known of the 3 – with plenty of restaurants, bars and sprawling beach to enjoy, but for me it was a bit too crowded.

Weligama on the other hand is a bit more rustic, but more up and coming – less of a tourist trap but with still enough spots to eat out and explore.

Ahangama is the most sleepy of the 3 – a great spot if you want to really relax, treat yourself to a nicer accomodation option and enjoy some down time before heading off on the next adventure.

Luckily you can tick off all the must do activites from all 3 (as they’re all within a close distance of each other) – with whale/dolphin watching and learning to surf being the 2 I’d recommend the most.

Check out Sail Lanka for the best whale watching experience – it’s a bit pricier but certainly a much nicer experience than the cheaper but often crowded other boats.

Top Activities:

• Beach time
• Whale watching
• Learn to surf
• Snorkelling with turtles

Places to stay:

Depends on where you end up picking!

What are you fitting into your Sri Lanka itinerary for 10 days?

Any other awesome activities you’d recommend?