Suggested route · private car and chauffeur
Sri Lanka in 10 days: culture, wildlife and beaches.
Ten days lets you add wildlife and real beach time to the classic route: ancient cities, the hill country, a safari in Yala and a few slow days on the south coast.
- Travellers who want the full mix
- Wildlife lovers
- Couples and families
Day by day
The route.
- Day 1
Arrive and drive to Sigiriya
Meet your chauffeur at the airport and drive to the Cultural Triangle.
Sigiriya & Dambulla guide → - Day 2
Sigiriya and Dambulla
Climb Sigiriya at sunrise and visit the Dambulla cave temples.
Sigiriya & Dambulla guide → - Day 3
Polonnaruwa or an elephant safari
Cycle around the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, or join an afternoon elephant safari nearby.
Sigiriya & Dambulla guide → - Day 4
- Day 5
- Day 6
- Day 7
- Day 8
- Day 9
South coast
Continue to the south coast for a relaxed beach afternoon, or whale watching in season.
Mirissa guide → - Day 10
Good to know
Tips for this route.
- Parts of Yala usually close for a few weeks around September and October; in those weeks we suggest Udawalawe or Bundala instead.
- Add a second beach night if your flight leaves late at night.
Ready-made versions
Published tours of a similar length.
Each one can be adjusted: nights, hotels, pace and stops.
- Sigiriya Grand Discovery10 days · 9 nights
- Tea Trails & Twin Coasts10 days · 9 nights
- Sigiriya to Ella10 days · 9 nights
- Kingdoms to Ella10 days · 9 nights
- Coast to Jaffna10 days · 9 nights
- Premium Coast & Highlands9 days · 8 nights
- Eastern Shores & Ella9 days · 8 nights
- Ella & Mirissa Adventure9 days · 8 nights
- Romance in the Hills9 days · 8 nights
- Ella & Mirissa Retreat9 days · 8 nights
- East Coast Odyssey11 days · 10 nights
- Dambulla Wild Discovery11 days · 10 nights
Questions
Sri Lanka in 10 days: answers.
Is 10 days a good length for Sri Lanka?
It is the most popular length. It covers the main highlights plus a safari and some beach time without feeling rushed.
Should I end on the beach or start there?
Most guests end on the beach so the last days are relaxing, and the south coast is close to the airport via the expressway.
Can children do this route?
Yes. We adjust the pace, choose family-friendly hotels and keep drives shorter. Tell us the children's ages when you enquire.
Make it yours
Get a quote for this route.
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A Sri Lanka specialist will tailor the route, suggest hotels and send a clear quotation.
Other ideas