Sri Lanka 10-Day Itinerary – Two Versions To Avoid Monsoons

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Last updated on February 20th, 2025 at 09:31 am

If you’re travelling to Sri Lanka soon, especially for the first time, this Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary has all the information and inspiration you need to plan the perfect trip to the Pearl of The Indian Ocean.

But there’s more. In this article, you won’t find one but two versions of the best 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary, depending on the season you’re planning to visit this beautiful island country.

This is to ensure that neither of Sri Lanka’s two monsoon seasons will affect your trip. So, without further ado, here’s our ultimate Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary. Or two of them, to be precise.

Sri Lanka Monsoon Seasons

Sri Lanka has two distinct monsoon seasons that affect different areas of the island. Because of this, Sri Lanka is a year-round destination as there are always rain-free places to visit.

From December to February, the north and east parts of Sri Lanka receive heavy rainfall. From May to September, Sri Lanka’s south and west are affected by unpleasant downpours.

It’s important to note that there are also two inter-monsoon periods. The first is in October and November and the second is in March and April.

During the inter-monsoon periods, the weather is unpredictable everywhere on the island.

How To Avoid The Monsoons in Sri Lanka

If you want to avoid the rain during your trip to Sri Lanka, go to the south and west regions from December to February or the north and east parts from May to September.

We admit that this may sound complicated, especially for first-timers. But that’s what we’re here for.

We crafted two separate itineraries, depending on when you’re travelling to Sri Lanka. Both versions of this Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary were tested by us. Each is based on one of the two separate trips we’ve enjoyed there.

However, keep in mind that nothing’s set in stone. Clear skies aren’t impossible during the monsoon season, but neither is rain during the dry season. So, make sure you come prepared.

As far as temperatures go, these range from 25°C to 30°C near the coast. In contrast, the Hill Country typically experiences average temperatures of 15°C to 18°C, which can drop to as low as 5°C at night.

How To Plan Your 10-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary

Before visiting Sri Lanka, there are several important factors to consider. This is why we’ve published a separate guide about planning a trip to Sri Lanka.

But there’s one thing we’d like to mention here and this is how to get around Sri Lanka.

Each time we visited Sri Lanka, we had a dedicated driver for the entire trip, arranged through Jetwing Travels, one of the most reputable tour operators in Sri Lanka.

However, you can also book separate transfers between different locations using the 12go platform. If you feel confident, you might also consider renting a car.

No matter how you choose to get around Sri Lanka, keep in mind that a lot of time is spent en route to any given destination. These long journeys may sound exhausting, but they’re part of Sri Lanka’s magic.

Moreover, for a Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary that includes as many places of interest as possible, there can’t be one base from which to explore nearby locations.

Expect to move to different accommodation every one or two days. Following a circular route is a great way to see more in less time.

Travel Resources To Help You Plan Your Sri Lanka 10-Day Itinerary

Sri Lanka 10-Day Itinerary From May To September

Days 1-2: Colombo

Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, is on the country’s western coast, which means that it sees some rain from May to September.

However, Colombo is worth a visit any time of the year. In fact, no trip to Sri Lanka is complete without a stop in its vibrant capital city. This is why Colombo is featured in both versions of our Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary.

We recommend spending at least two days in Colombo at the beginning of your trip. This will help you recharge from the long flight and adjust to the different time zones before moving on to see the rest of the country.

What To Do in Colombo

One of the best things to do in Colombo is a walk around Pettah, one of the city’s oldest districts. Pettah is home to the bustling Pettah Market and the impressive Red Mosque.

Moreover, a visit to Gangaramaya Temple and the Independence Memorial Hall, as well as a stroll around the charmingly old-fashioned Fort Railway Station, are among the top things to do in Colombo.

The National Museum of Colombo and the iconic Lotus Tower are two more unmissable stops in Colombo.

For a fun and relaxing way to see the main sights in Colombo, hop on the red double-decker bus for an exciting ride across Sri Lanka’s capital.

Where To Stay in Colombo

Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel and Cinnamon Life At City of Dreams are the hotels we stayed at during our two separate trips to Colombo and we can’t recommend them enough.

You can now jump to Day 3 of the second version of this 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary if you’re visiting the island from December to February.

Days 3-4: Trincomalee

If you’re visiting Sri Lanka from May to September, the country’s east coast is your best shot at enjoying the beach in pleasant weather.

Therefore, the first stop after Colombo in this version of our 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary is Trincomalee, one of the country’s best seaside towns.

The entire route from Colombo to Trincomalee is a feast of lush green landscapes alternating with huge artificial lakes or tanks, as Sri Lankans prefer to call them.

What To Do in Trincomalee

As Trincomalee is a six-hour drive from Colombo, Ridi Viharaya, or the Silver Temple in the village of Ridigama, is an essential stop halfway from the capital to Trincomalee.

The 2nd-century-BC Silver Temple was built during the reign of King Dutthagamani of Anuradhapura.

Legend has it that a silver ore was discovered on that very spot. Therefore, the king built this temple out of gratitude for that great find. Nowadays, Ridi Viharaya is an important religious site for Sri Lankan Buddhists.

Once in Trincomalee, you will most certainly be tempted to spend the entire day on the beach.

However, make sure you check out some of the town’s highlights, such as Fort Fredrick, the Hindu temple of Koneswaram and Kanniya Hot Springs.

For a unique experience, watch the sunrise on the sandy beach of Nilaveli and you’ll know why we consider this one of the best things to do in Trincomalee.

Where To Stay in Trincomalee

A 20-minute drive from the centre of Trincomalee, Nilaveli Beach might just be the perfect place to stay. The 4-star Trinco Blu by Cinnamon is one of the best beachfront hotels to enjoy this gorgeous sandy beach.

Days 5-6: Sigiriya

A three-hour drive from Trincomalee, Sigiriya is an excellent base from which to explore some of Sri Lanka’s most fascinating cultural and natural treasures.

Among them, Sigiriya Rock and Polonnaruwa, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are part of Sri Lanka’s famous Cultural Triangle, and Minneriya, one of the country’s amazing national parks, stand out.

What To Do in Sigiriya

Visit Sigiriya Rock (Day 5)

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka is the imposing Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The Eighth Wonder of The World, as locals like to call it, the Sigiriya complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.

Sigiriya had been a Buddhist monastery since the 3rd century BC. Eight centuries later, it became a royal residence when King Kashyapa chose to build his palace on a seemingly inaccessible rock in the middle of the jungle.

He did so for fear of potential invasions as he excelled at making enemies. He wanted to snatch the throne from its rightful heir, his own brother, Maggallana. Also, he had killed their father.

However, Kashyapa didn’t stay safe for long as he was killed by his brother’s army during battle. Following this event, Sigiriya became a Buddhist monastery again only to be abandoned by monks in the 14th century.

Sigiriya means Lion Rock and the entire fortress was designed to resemble an enormous lion. Sadly, only the lion’s paws at the main entrance have survived.

Considered a marvel of architecture and ancient urban planning, Sigiriya is home to jaw-dropping remnants of its glorious past. These include pools, fountains, gardens, lakes and dams.

There are also beautiful frescoes as well as the amazing Mirror Wall. Legend has it that the latter was so polished that King Kashyapa could see his reflection.

The most impressive features of the Mirror Wall, though, are the inscriptions written on it. These prove that Sigirya was already a popular tourist destination more than a thousand years ago.

Climbing to the top of Sigiriya Rock isn’t easy. There are many stone steps and some iron ones towards the end of the climb. This last part can be challenging, especially if you have a fear of heights.

However, once atop Sigiriya Rock, the feeling you get and the breathtaking views of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country in the distance are absolutely rewarding.

We recommend climbing the emblematic Siriya Rock as late in the afternoon as possible. This way, you’ll avoid the long queues and the scorching sun while enjoying a memorable sunset from the top.

For avid hikers, there’s another rock to climb, Pidurangala Rock. What’s special about this rock is that it offers the most mesmerising views of Sigiriya Rock, especially at sunrise or sunset.

If you decide to hike to the top of Pidurangala Rock, we recommend doing so on a guided tour led by a local.

Visit Polonnaruwa & Minneriya (Day 6)

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

The UNESCO-listed Ancient City of Polonnaruwa was Sri Lanka’s second ancient kingdom, after Anuradhapura.

Polonnaruwa is famous for its advanced irrigation systems, which led to the blossoming of agriculture in Sri Lanka.

The archaeological site of Polonnaruwa is quite large and abundant in ancient ruins. These include the Royal Palace, the Council Chamber of King Nissankamalla, the Audience Hall, the Quadrangle and the Rankot Vihara.

Minneriya National Park

As advocates of ethical travel, we never opt for activities that exploit animals in any way.

However, we love a safari adventure that allows us to see wild animals in their natural habitats with minimal or no impact on their space, habits and well-being.

Sri Lanka is one of the best places to see wildlife on an exciting safari, as the country is home to several national parks.

Near Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park – or the neighbouring Kaudulla National Park – is the best option for a safari. Especially if you’re visiting Sri Lanka between July and September.

During these months, herds of elephants from many surrounding areas head to Minneriya and Kaudulla tanks – the large man-made lakes that dominate the parks – to drink water and feed on fresh grass.

This unique phenomenon is known as The Gathering and guarantees impressive elephant sightings. The best time to see large numbers of elephants is late afternoon, a couple of hours before sunset.

The scenery at Minneriya National Park is breathtaking, alternating from thick forests inhabited by countless monkeys to the vast open space where the tank is located.

It’s not easy to find the right words to describe the beauty of this place. Especially when entire families of elephants suddenly emerge from behind tall trees right on time for their evening stroll towards the tank.

To save yourselves valuable time taking care of the logistics, we recommend joining a guided full-day tour that combines the ancient treasures of Polonnaruwa with the natural wonders of Minneriya.

Where To Stay in Sigiriya

For magnificent views of Sigiriya Rock from the pool area, the 5-star Hotel Sigiriya is the best place to stay in Sigiriya.

Day 7: Kandy

This Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary continues in Kandy, the so-called cultural capital of Sri Lanka. At the edge of Sri Lanka’s famed Hill Country, Kandy is a three-hour drive from Sigiriya.

Dambulla Cave Temple

On your way to Kandy from Sigiriya, the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple is an essential stop. The Dambulla Cave Temple complex comprises five caves adorned with impressive paintings and statues.

This is the largest cave temple in Sri Lanka, situated in a setting of unequalled natural beauty. Just downhill from the ancient temple, you can also see the more recent Golden Temple.

What To Do in Kandy

Once in Kandy, the most popular place of interest is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred places of worship for the entire Buddhist world.

Other places that are worth your time are Kandy Lake and the Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya. Moreover, Kandy is the ideal destination for attending a cultural show of traditional Kandyan dance.

Perahera Festival in Kandy

If you happen to be in Kandy during July or August, you will most probably stumble upon the Perahera Festival celebrations.

Also known as the Festival of the Tooth, the Perahera Festival is a huge annual procession in honour of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

If you decide to attend the Perahera Festival, remember that the procession lasts for about four hours. During that time, it’s next to impossible to leave the area as nearly all roads are closed.

Celebrations involve numerous dancers wearing elaborate costumes and performing traditional dances to the sound of mesmerising music.

Sadly, elephants are also involved in the procession. They parade in chains, all dressed up and carrying people on their backs.

Although we understand that having elephants at the procession reflects a very old tradition that may be hard to change, we do hope it will eventually.

Where To Stay in Kandy

Boasting a refreshing swimming pool, the riverside 5-star Mahaweli Reach Hotel features comfortable rooms and delicious food at its restaurant.

Days 8-9: Nuwara Eliya

It’s now time to get into the depths of Sri Lanka’s gorgeous Hill Country, the best place to escape the heat amidst endless stretches of tea plantations.

One of Sri Lanka’s most charming towns, Nuwara Eliya is also among the most important tea-growing locations and the area with the coolest weather in the country.

Founded by the British in 1846, Nuwara Eliya was a favourite destination among colonists. Their influence is omnipresent, especially in the town’s colonial architecture. No wonder Nuwara Eliya’s nickname is Little England.

Kandy To Nuwara Eliya Train

Getting from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya on board the iconic blue train is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka in its own right.

The train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oyo Station (Nuwara Eliya) takes about four hours, offering remarkable scenery along the way. Waterfalls and dreamy tea fields alternate with tiny rural villages and picturesque walking paths.

When buying your train tickets to Nuwara Eliya, keep in mind that first-class tickets grant you access to air-conditioned carriages with reserved seats. However, most, if not all, passengers will be tourists.

On the contrary, third-class tickets promise a more authentic experience. You’ll be travelling among locals and tourists alike on board non air-conditioned carriages that keep their doorways open throughout the journey.

What To Do in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is the ideal place to visit a tea factory and plantation and learn everything there is to know about the entire process of tea production.

You can visit Pedro Tea Estate on a guided tour, like we did. During the tour, we were shown around the factory and were impressed by the 19th-century equipment we saw there.

At the end of the tour, we enjoyed a cup of superb tea at the estate’s teahouse, which overlooks dreamlike tea plantations as far as the eye can see.

Other places of interest in Nuwara Eliya include Victoria Park, the quaint Lake Gregory and the nearby Kande Ela Reservoir with its beautiful views.

Another fantastic place to visit from Nuwara Eliya is Ambewela Farms for a taste of authentic Sri Lanka in a bowl: curd and treacle. You can get there on a tuk-tuk tour from Nuwara Eliya.

Where To Stay in Nuwara Eliya

Boasting an excellent location with easy access to shops, restaurants and attractions near Nuwara Eliya, the 5-star Araliya Green City Hotel offers spacious rooms for a luxury stay in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country.

Day 10: Negombo

At the end of your 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary, instead of returning to Colombo before you catch your flight back home, why not visit yet another beautiful seaside town?

Negombo is a quaint laid-back town, which is closer to Bandaranaike International Airport than Colombo. You can spend an entire day relaxing by the ocean there, the perfect ending to an equally amazing trip.

For peace of mind, don’t forget to book your airport transfer in advance.

Where To Stay in Negombo

Situated on Negombo’s long sandy beach, the 4-star Jetwing Sea is one of the most scenic places to stay in Negombo.

Sri Lanka 10-Day Itinerary From December to February

Days 1-2: Colombo

As already mentioned, Colombo is where you should be starting your Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary regardless of the season you’re visiting Sri Lanka.

Therefore, for suggestions on what to see and where to stay in the Sri Lankan capital, jump to the Colombo section in the May to September version of this 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary above.

Day 3: Sinharaja Rainforest

After a relaxing stay in Colombo, continue to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a tropical rainforest listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Reaching Sinharaja Forest takes around four hours, with some winding roads towards the end.

Your rental car or private driver can take you as far as the small town of Deniyaya on the main road. From there, your hotel will arrange a jeep transfer as the road is really bumpy.

What To Do at Sinharaja Forest

With a high percentage of endemic trees, animals and birds, Sinharaja Rainforest is one of the best places to appreciate nature in Sri Lanka.

Once you arrive at your hotel, it’s a great opportunity to relax after the long trip and enjoy the landscape.

Early next morning, your hotel will help you plan an exciting hike through the forest, perfect for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts. The hike takes around three hours and it’s not the easiest we’ve done.

It’s critical to visit Sinharaja Forest only during the dry season. Otherwise, if you visit during the rainy season or the inter-monsoon periods, like we did, you’ll have to be prepared for leeches.

Even though your hotel will provide natural repellents and leech socks, these rather unpleasant blood-suckers can and will be everywhere, trying to find their way to your skin at any given opportunity.

If we were to visit Sinharaja again, we would do it in the heart of the dry season around January to avoid more encounters with leeches.

Where To Stay at Sinharaja Forest

With a shuttle service from the car park to the hotel, Rainforest Ecolodge – Sinharaja is the best hotel to enjoy the natural reserve.

Situated in the heart of the rainforest, the hotel offers bungalows, a restaurant with delicious food and a common area with a fireplace where you can unwind amidst spectacular nature.

Days 4-5: Ratnapura

Your next stop is Ratnapura, Sri Lanka’s City of Gems. The drive from Sinharaja Rainforest to Ratnapura is quite long but offers the perfect opportunity to rest after the morning hike.

It takes one hour on the jeep to get back to Deniyaya. From there, it’s an additional three to four hours to your final destination.

On your way to Ratnapura, you can make stops to stretch your legs and explore the outdoor market in Godakawela or go to the Tea Jar Lounge to buy top-quality Ceylon Tea, one of the best souvenirs to buy from Sri Lanka.

What To Do in Ratnapura

Ratnapura translates to City of Gems in Sanskrit. It’s the ideal place to learn about Sri Lanka’s long-standing tradition in gem mining.

There are numerous gem mines on the outskirts of Ratnapura where visitors can descend into 15-meter-deep pits to experience the hard work of the miners.

Unfortunately, due to heavy rainfall, we couldn’t visit the flooded pits during our stay in Ratnapura.

That said, we did have the opportunity to observe the gravel screening process at a gemstone mine, where workers demonstrated their skill in finding precious stones in the dirt.

Their trained eyes could easily distinguish the valuable stones, while the rest of us, lacking experience, struggled to see the difference between the rough, unrefined ones.

Another unmissable thing to do in Ratnapura is an early-morning visit to the makeshift gem market in downtown Ratnapura.

Across the town’s iconic Clock Tower, you’ll see several tables under large umbrellas where experts examine and estimate the price of the stones that miners bring in.

You may be approached with offers to purchase gems, but our guide advised us against buying gems there. Instead, it’s better to visit a certified gem workshop if you’re interested in purchasing a precious stone.

A few steps from the gem marketplace is the Dutch Fortress, where you can see a small exhibition of gemstones found in Sri Lanka outside the National Gem and Jewellery Authority offices.

Besides the gem-related attractions, another great place to visit near Ratnapura is the Sri Sumana Saman Devalaya Buddhist Temple.

This temple is dedicated to Saman and is one of the largest temple complexes from the Kandy Period.

Where To Stay in Ratnapura

With spacious, comfortable rooms and caring staff, the colonial-style Centauria Hill Resort is a nice place to spend a couple of nights exploring the region of Ratnapura.

Days 6-7: Ella

Following this insightful journey into Sri Lanka’s gem trade, lovely Ella awaits for a journey into Sri Lanka’s stunning Hill Country. The trip from Ratnapura to the heart of the Sri Lanka’s central highlands takes three to four hours by car.

What To Do in Ella

On your way to Ella, it’s worth making a couple of stops at some of the area’s prettiest waterfalls, like Diyaluma Waterfall, the second-highest in Sri Lanka, and Ravana Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls.

At Ravana Falls, stalls sell snacks like freshly cut fruit, delicious corn or refreshing King Coconut water.

When in Ella, Nine Arch Bridge is probably the most popular place for scenic trainspotting. Yet, there are plenty of other things to do in Ella, such as visiting a tea plantation or hiking to Little Adam’s Peak.

You can read our guide about what to do in Ella to plan your trip to the green heart of Sri Lanka.

Where To Stay in Ella

In Ella, you can opt for a hotel in the heart of the town or one perched on the surrounding green hills. Although most hotels are only a short tuk-tuk ride to the town centre, you can’t beat a central hotel.

That’s why we recommend staying at EKHO Ella, a 4-star hotel with a central location and breathtaking views of the lush hills.

Days 8-9: Tissamaharama

As your Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary is nearing its end, it’s time to explore the stunning south of the island. Your next base is Tissamaharama, a small town two hours from Ella by car.

Tissamaharama may not have attractions of its own, but it serves as an excellent base to unveil the charms of places like Yala National Park and the Sacred City of Kataragama.

What To Do in Tissamaharama

Visit Kataragama (Day 8)

After a good rest at your hotel in Tissamaharama, spend an evening wandering around the Sacred City of Kataragama, a pilgrimage town where Buddhist and Hindu temples co-exist in absolute harmony.

The reason we recommend visiting Kataragama in the evening is to see this wonderful place illuminated to perfection and experience its divine atmosphere.

For an unforgettable experience, stroll along the wide paths, visit the colourful temples and enjoy the fresh fruit pilgrims offer.

Visit Yala & Sitthulpawa Monastery (Day 9)

Yala National Park

Although Kataragama turned out to be one of our favourite places in Sri Lanka, Tissarahama’s biggest draw is that it’s the perfect base from which to visit Yala, one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for wildlife safaris.

Yala Park is particularly famous for its leopards. Sadly, we weren’t lucky enough to see any as they hide well in the trees, away from crowds.

However, we did spot various other wonderful animals in their natural habitats, including buffalos, birds, peacocks, and elephants.

Booking a safari is the only way to visit Yala Park. The activity includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as the option for either a half-day or full-day jeep tour.

Safaris start early in the morning, so you must arrive at the park’s entrance by 6 AM. Tours last about four hours. They include a toilet break and a bit of free time for a short walk on the park’s beach.

Sitthulpawa Monastery

Located near the northern entrance to Yala Park, Sitthulpawa Monastery is a great place to visit after your safari.

The monastery features an imposing Stupa on the top of a rock, offering outstanding views of the surrounding lush landscape.

Where To Stay In Tissamaharama

Surrounded by an incredible landscape, the 4-star Kithala Resort is one of our favourite hotels in Sri Lanka.

From its wonderful rooms and friendly staff to the delicious buffet and unique outdoor swimming pool, this hotel is an excellent choice in Tissamaharama.

Day 10: Galle

Even if you only have one day left, you can’t leave Sri Lanka without visiting Galle, a charming seaside town on the country’s southern coastline.

It takes about two and a half hours to reach Galle from Tissamaharama with many golden beaches along the way for a quick, refreshing stop.

What To Do in Galle

The indisputable highlight of Galle is its impressive fort, a fine example of colonial architecture. Some of the fort’s must-sees include the Lighthouse, the Clock Tower and the photogenic ramparts.

The fort was built during the Portuguese and Dutch occupations from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The British colonists also left their mark on Galle.

One day in Galle is enough to explore the fort and its main attractions. In our Galle Fort guide, we’ve included a walking route to help you make the most of your time there.

Where To Stay in Galle

The historic 5-star The Merchant Hotel is a great option to spend the night within the walls of the fortified city.

For endless pampering moments with the best views over the ocean, opt for a hotel on the coastline instead, such as Jetwing Lighthouse.

Bandaranaike International Airport is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Galle. Therefore, take into account this travel time when booking your flight back home.

Also, make sure you book a private transfer to the airport to avoid any potential issues that could cause you to miss your flight.

We hope these two versions of our Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary help you plan a trip to this beautiful country that will be as memorable as both of our own trips there.

Until then, we leave you with this music video, filmed in Sri Lanka a few decades ago.

WORDS: Maria & Katerina
IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria

Disclosure: Both versions of our Sri Lanka 10-day itinerary were tested by us on two separate press trips organised by Sri Lanka Tourism – in 2019 and 2024. We always share our personal opinions about places we visit and services we try.