10-Day Sri Lanka Round Tour
10 Days 9 Nights- Anuradhapura Ancient City – Explore Sri Lanka’s first capital with sacred stupas
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Climb the legendary “Eighth Wonder of the World”
- Minneriya National Park Safari – Witness the famous elephant gathering
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City – Discover medieval ruins and stone sculptures
- Dambulla Cave Temple – Marvel at 150+ Buddha statues in sacred caves
- Temple of the Tooth – Experience Buddhist rituals in Kandy’s holiest shrine
- Kandyan Dance Show – Watch traditional fire walking performances
- Peradeniya Botanical Gardens – Stroll through magnificent tropical flora
- Tea Plantation & Factory – Walk emerald hills and taste Ceylon tea
- Scenic Train Journey – Ride one of the world’s most beautiful railways
- Nuwara Eliya – Explore “Little England” colonial hill station
- Pekoe Trail Trek – Hike through stunning tea country landscapes
- Nine Arch Bridge – Visit Ella’s iconic colonial railway viaduct
- Little Adam’s Peak – Enjoy panoramic mountain views
- Ella Rock – Trek to breathtaking hilltop vistas
- Yala/Udawalawe Safari – Spot leopards, elephants, and exotic wildlife
- Mirissa Beach – Relax on pristine golden shores
- Whale Watching – See blue whales and dolphins (seasonal)
- Galle Fort – Walk through Dutch colonial ramparts
- Madu River Safari – Cruise through mangrove ecosystems
- Turtle Hatchery – See baby sea turtles up close
- 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Immerse in Sri Lanka’s cultural legacy
Tour Overview
Experience the complete Sri Lankan adventure with this extensive 10-day round tour that showcases the island’s extraordinary diversity from ancient kingdoms to pristine beaches. This perfectly balanced itinerary combines cultural immersion, mountain adventures, thrilling wildlife encounters, and beach relaxation into one comprehensive journey.
Begin your exploration in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, where sacred stupas and millennia-old monasteries tell stories of Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage. Climb the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore atmospheric Polonnaruwa ruins, and discover the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple. Witness the spectacular elephant gathering at Minneriya National Park.
Journey to Kandy’s spiritual heart, experiencing the Temple of the Tooth and vibrant cultural performances. Ascend into the misty highlands through rolling tea plantations, stopping at working factories to learn Ceylon tea production. Experience one of the world’s most scenic train journeys through breathtaking hill country to charming Ella. Trek the famous Pekoe Trail, hike to Little Adam’s Peak, and explore the Nine Arch Bridge.
Thrill to wildlife safaris spotting leopards and elephants at Yala or Udawalawe National Park. Unwind on Mirissa’s golden beaches with optional whale watching. Explore historic Galle Fort and cruise through Madu River’s mangrove forests before departure.
This tour delivers the ultimate Sri Lankan experience with ample time for each destination.
Tour Itinerary
Day 01: Airport → Anuradhapura → Sigiriya
- Airport pickup and warm welcome
- Transfer to Cultural Triangle
- En route visit Anuradhapura Ancient City (UNESCO)
- Explore Sri Lanka’s first capital (established 4th century BCE)
- Visit Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba
- See sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree
- Explore Abhayagiri Monastery ruins
- Visit Jetavanarama Stupa
- Continue to Sigiriya
- Check-in to hotel
- Evening at leisure
- Overnight in Sigiriya
Day 02: Sigiriya → Minneriya Safari
- Early breakfast at hotel
- Morning climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress (UNESCO)
- Known as “Eighth Wonder of the World”
- View ancient frescoes
- Pass through Lion’s Paw entrance
- Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views from summit
- Visit Sigiriya Museum
- Lunch break
- Afternoon Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park
- Witness “The Gathering” elephant congregation (seasonal)
- Spot deer, peacocks, crocodiles, and birds
- Return to hotel
- Overnight in Sigiriya
Day 03: Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Sigiriya
- Breakfast at hotel
- Morning excursion to Polonnaruwa Ancient City (UNESCO)
- Explore medieval capital (12th century)
- Visit Royal Palace ruins
- See Gal Vihara Buddha statues
- Explore Vatadage circular relic house
- Visit Lankathilaka Temple
- View Parakrama Samudra reservoir
- Optional: Village cycling tour
- Return to Sigiriya
- Overnight in Sigiriya
Day 04: Sigiriya → Dambulla → Kandy
- Breakfast at hotel
- Visit Dambulla Cave Temple (UNESCO)
- Explore five sacred caves
- View 150+ Buddha statues and ancient murals
- Climb to panoramic viewpoint
- Depart for Kandy
- Stop at Matale Spice Garden
- Learn about Ayurvedic herbs and spices
- Visit Hindu Temple (optional)
- Arrive in Kandy
- Visit Temple of the Tooth Relic (UNESCO)
- Witness evening puja ceremony
- Watch traditional Kandyan Dance show
- Fire walking and acrobatic performances
- Evening walk around Kandy Lake
- Overnight in Kandy
Day 05: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
- Breakfast at hotel
- Visit Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens
- Explore orchid house and palm avenues
- See giant Javan Fig tree
- Optional: Cooking class experience
- Depart for Nuwara Eliya
- Scenic drive through hill country
- Photo stop at Ramboda Falls
- Visit Tea Plantation and Factory
- Walk through tea fields with pickers
- Learn complete tea production process
- Tea tasting experience
- Arrive in Nuwara Eliya
- City tour of “Little England”
- Visit Gregory Lake and Park
- Explore Victoria Park
- See colonial post office
- Visit local market
- Overnight in Nuwara Eliya
Day 06: Nuwara Eliya → Ella
- Breakfast at hotel
- Optional: Early morning Horton Plains National Park trek
- World’s End viewpoint
- Baker’s Falls
- Alternative: Morning Pekoe Trail guided trek
- 4-hour walk through scenic tea estates
- Traditional tea country villages
- Afternoon scenic train journey to Ella
- One of the world’s most beautiful train rides
- Pass through tea plantations and mountains
- Waterfalls and misty valleys
- Arrive at Ella station
- Driver meets at station
- Check-in to hotel in Ella
- Evening at leisure
- Explore Ella town cafes and restaurants
- Overnight in Ella
Day 07: Ella – Full Day Exploration
- Breakfast at hotel
- Morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak
- 45-minute moderate climb
- Panoramic views of Ella Gap
- Alternative: Ella Rock trek (4-hour challenging hike)
- Visit Nine Arch Bridge
- Watch iconic blue trains pass through viaduct
- Best views from viewpoints above
- Photo stop at Ravana Falls
- Visit Ravana Cave (optional)
- Afternoon at leisure
- Optional: Zip-lining adventure
- Optional: Flying Ravana Mega Zipline
- Evening exploring Ella town
- Visit cafes and bars
- Overnight in Ella
Day 08: Ella → Yala/Udawalawe → Mirissa
- Breakfast at hotel
- Depart for national park region
- Visit Buduruwagala Temple en route
- Ancient rock carvings
- Continue to Yala or Udawalawe
- Afternoon Jeep Safari
- Yala National Park: Leopards, elephants, sloth bears
- Udawalawe National Park: Large elephant herds
- Safari through diverse ecosystems
- Spot crocodiles, deer, and 200+ bird species
- Continue to Mirissa
- Scenic coastal drive
- Check-in to beach hotel
- Evening at leisure on the beach
- Sunset views
- Overnight in Mirissa
Day 09: Mirissa – Beach Day
- Breakfast at hotel
- Full day at leisure on the beach
- Swimming and sunbathing
- Optional: Whale and dolphin watching tour
- Early morning departure (6-7 AM)
- Blue whales and sperm whales (Nov-Apr)
- 3-4 hour boat excursion
- Optional: Snorkeling excursions
- Optional: Surfing lessons
- Beach activities and water sports
- Relax on golden palm-fringed shores
- Beach volleyball
- Sunset on the beach
- Optional: Beachfront restaurants
- Optional: Nightlife experience
- Overnight in Mirissa
Day 10: Mirissa → Galle → Colombo → Airport
- Breakfast at hotel
- Depart for Galle
- En route photo stop at Stilt Fishermen
- Koggala or Ahangama
- Walking tour of Galle Fort (UNESCO)
- Dutch colonial architecture (17th century)
- Visit lighthouse and ramparts
- Explore Dutch Reformed Church
- Browse boutique shops and art galleries
- Coffee break at historic cafe
- Optional: Madu River boat safari
- Cruise through mangrove forests
- Visit cinnamon island
- See monitor lizards and exotic birds
- Fish therapy experience
- Optional: Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery
- See baby sea turtles
- Learn about conservation efforts
- Optional turtle release experience
- Continue to Colombo
- Optional: Brief Colombo city tour
- Visit Gangaramaya Temple
- See Independence Square
- Galle Face Green promenade
- Shopping at local markets (time permitting)
- Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport
- End of tour with unforgettable memories
- Airport pickup and drop-off
- 9 nights accommodation in comfortable hotels (3-4 star)
- Daily breakfast at hotels
- Half Board available (breakfast & dinner)
- Air-conditioned private vehicle throughout
- Professional English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Jeep safari at Minneriya National Park
- Jeep safari at Yala or Udawalawe National Park
- Scenic train tickets (Nuwara Eliya to Ella)
- All parking and toll fees
- Bottled water during travel
- International airfare
- Lunch and dinner (unless Half Board selected)
- Entrance fees to attractions and UNESCO sites
- Personal expenses and tips for guide/drivers
- Travel insurance
- Camera and video permits at sites
- Optional activities (whale watching, Horton Plains, Pekoe Trail trek, water sports, cooking class, zip-lining)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Visa fees
- Any services not mentioned in inclusions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1.Why is 10 days the perfect duration for a Sri Lanka tour?
A 10-day tour is considered the ideal duration because it allows you to experience all of Sri Lanka's major highlights without rushing. You'll explore the complete Cultural Triangle including Anuradhapura, visit hill country tea plantations, experience wildlife safaris, enjoy beach time, and have opportunities for trekking and cultural immersion. This duration provides comfortable pacing with time to truly appreciate each destination, unlike shorter tours where you're constantly moving. It's perfect for first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive Sri Lankan experience.
2. What makes this 10-day tour different from 7 or 8-day tours?
This 10-day tour includes Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka's ancient capital) which shorter tours skip, providing deeper cultural context. You also get a full dedicated day in Ella for hiking multiple trails (Little Adam's Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, and optional Ella Rock), the option to trek the famous Pekoe Trail, two wildlife safaris instead of one, and a full beach day for relaxation. The extra days eliminate the rushed feeling and allow for more optional activities based on your interests.
3. Is the famous scenic train journey included?
Yes! The iconic train journey from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya station) to Ella is included. This is consistently rated as one of the world's most beautiful train rides, passing through stunning tea plantations, misty mountains, waterfalls, and charming villages. The journey takes 3-4 hours. We arrange reserved seats in advance, though availability depends on booking time. For best views, sit on the right side until Nuwara Eliya, then switch to the left. You can also hang out of the doorway for photos (safely!).
4. What is the Pekoe Trail and should I do it?
The Pekoe Trail is a 300km walking path through Sri Lanka's tea country, divided into 22 stages. This tour offers the option to trek one 4-hour stage through scenic tea estates and traditional villages. It's a wonderful way to experience authentic tea country away from tourist crowds. The trek is moderate difficulty with beautiful views, interaction with tea pickers, and cultural insights. It's highly recommended for nature lovers and those seeking authentic experiences. This can be done instead of the Horton Plains trek on Day 6.
5. Can I do both Yala and Udawalawe safaris?
Yes! While the standard itinerary includes one safari (either Yala or Udawalawe on Day 8), you can customize to include both. Many travelers add a second safari at Minneriya (included on Day 2) and then do Yala or Udawalawe later. Yala offers the best chance to see leopards (world's highest density), while Udawalawe is famous for large elephant herds. We can adjust the itinerary to include both parks, which we highly recommend for wildlife enthusiasts.
6. What is the best time of year for this 10-day tour?
The best time is December to April for optimal weather across all regions - dry season for west/south coasts and beaches, comfortable temperatures in hill country, and good wildlife viewing. For whale watching in Mirissa, December to March is peak season. However, Sri Lanka is a year-round destination. May to September offers good east coast weather if you prefer less crowded alternatives. The Minneriya elephant gathering is best July to October. We can adjust the route based on seasonal conditions and your travel dates.