10 days to explore the country

Sri Lanka is a country ideally visited while roaming. Indeed, the things to explore are far from each other, so it is preferable to travel by regularly changing places by creating an itinerary. Some travelers love speed and move every day: I don’t recommend it because Sri Lanka is a country where travel takes time. So it’s best to stay 2 or 3 nights at each stage to really enjoy where you are.

We offer two itineraries depending on the period of your trip. All itineraries presented below are flexible. They take you to explore the basics as well as some unusual activities in Sri Lanka.

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Itinerary in Sri Lanka in winter: south loop in 10 days

This route is clearly best known and most traveled by travelers. Indeed, the high tourist season in Sri Lanka is between December and April, and depending on the weather, the south cycle is best suited for nice weather. But you can do this cycle all year, we advise you to avoid only May, June, October and November (rainy periods).

journey 1

Arriving at the airport, you can sleep for a night in the (quite touristic) fishing village of Negombo. The village is about 25 minutes from the airport by car or tuk tuk. If you come during the day, you can visit the lagoon or have an Ayurvedic massage at Jasmin Villa.
Overnight in Negombo.

2. Journey

You set off for Sigiriya, where you can climb Pidurangala rock to watch the sunset on Lion’s Rock. Be careful, the end of the climb requires some agility! The scenery is breathtaking. Accommodation in Sigiriya.

3. Journey

Get up early in the morning to climb Lion Rock (you will avoid the tourist buses). Then depart in the direction of Polonnaruwa with a driver or taxi at noon. You can have lunch at Priyamali Gedara, a farm where everything is homemade. Visit Polonnaruwa in the afternoon. Keep your eyes peeled, you can see wild elephants on this road!
Accommodation in Sigiriya.

4th trip

Depart for Kandy in the morning. Visit Dambulla temple and its sacred caves on the way. Next, explore the great Hindu temple Matale before arriving for lunch in Kandy. In the afternoon you can visit the botanical garden and explore the Temple of the Tooth during the “puja” (votive) ceremony at 6 PM.
Accommodation in Kandy.

5th trip

Take the train to Ella. In Sri Lanka you will discover tea plantations and a local means of transport. The journey will take almost your entire day.
Accommodation in Ella.

6th trip

Take a short hike to the top of Little Adam or, for the more experienced, Ella Rock. Around noon, head to the famous Nine Arch Bridge in a nearby village to enjoy the beautiful scenery with the passing train (remember check tariffs before going there). In the afternoon you can test the effectiveness of ziplines and get a massage in Ella.
Accommodation in Ella.

7. journey

Let’s go on safari! You have two options: either Udawalawe to get you to see herds of elephants, or Yala (near Tissa) if you want the chance to see the leopard. If you go to Yala, I recommend visiting Lunughamvehera park instead of the overcrowded 1st block. I also recommend going to Kataragama, a Buddhist pilgrimage site if you have time.
Accommodation in Tissa or Uda Walawe.

8. journey

Take the road to the south. I advise you to either land in Tangalle or Hiriketiya or Mirissa.
Accommodation on the south coast.

9. Journey

Enjoy the beach! A day to relax, you can also do activities. If you are near Mirissa, consider Jungle Playground, where we tell you about 10 unusual activities to do in Sri Lanka.
Accommodation on the south coast.

10th trip

Passing through Galle town, return to Negombo for the airport. This city is worth a 2 or 3 hour visit.

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Itinerary in Sri Lanka in spring and summer: North and East cycle in 10 days

This route Ideal for travelers leaving between May and September. he is very more authentic and atypical than the south loop. room less often by travelers (except the Nilaveli part in July-August).

journey 1

Arrival at the airport, we advise you to go directly to Anuradhapura. You can visit Mihintale in the afternoon.
Overnight in Anuradhapura.

2. Journey

Visit the temples of Anuradhapura. We recommend that you attend the “puja” ceremony at 6:00 PM at the Bodhi Tree Temple.
Overnight in Anuradhapura.

3. Journey

Depart for Jaffa, the northernmost point of the island. You will be able to explore the city, including the Nallur temple, and enjoy the sunset at Point Pedro, Sri Lanka’s northernmost point.
Overnight in Jaffna.

4th trip

Head towards Nianativu. After boarding a rather dubious boat, you will arrive at a small island where two magnificent temples, Hindu and Buddhist, coexist. The atmosphere is very local. In the afternoon, take the opportunity to explore the other islands of the peninsula.
Overnight in Jaffna.

5th trip

Depart for Nilaveli. You can relax here for a few days to enjoy the area’s beautiful beaches.
Accommodation in Nilaveli.

6th trip

You can take a trip (and snorkel) to Pigeon Island, go on a catamaran cruise to see whales and dolphins, and even enjoy a scuba diving session.
Accommodation in Nilaveli.

7. journey

Head further south on the east coast towards Batticaloa. The road is beautiful! Once you get there, don’t hesitate to explore the Batticaloa castle and lagoon.
Accommodation in Batticaloa.

8. journey

Ideal is to enjoy a day trip with East’N’West On board. You have the chance to choose between cooking classes, exploring the area by bike, various experiences that take you to the heart of local life. A must among unusual activities!
Accommodation in Batticaloa.

9. Journey:

Depart for Kandy. In the afternoon, you can visit the botanical garden for the “puja”, the dedication ceremony, followed by the Temple of the Tooth at 18:00.
Accommodation in Kandy.

10. Journey:

For transportation to the airport, we recommend that you take the train between Kandy and Colombo, especially if your flight is in the evening. The journey is spectacular and you will mingle with the locals. On arrival, you can take the opportunity to explore the Pettah area in Colombo before heading to the airport. Be careful, it sometimes takes 2 hours by car to connect the capital to your departure.

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Develop your itinerary as you wish!

Now you have the option to travel to Sri Lanka, feel free to modify and decorate these itineraries according to your desires, passions, rhythm and the moment you leave. It should be noted that traveling in public transport is much slower and tiring. In the meantime, don’t forget to read our other articles about Sri Lanka and feel free to share your itinerary with us in the comments as soon as you get back!