Sri Lanka Tourist Places: Best Itinerary and Top Things to Do

Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is the land, Kipling described as “a place where the sun forgets to set“. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to walk through a country steeped in history, yet alive with the rhythm of modern adventure? Sri Lanka tourist places exemplifies this beautifully with its rich diversity of culture, wildlife, and landscapes. 

From the ruins of Sigiriya to the mesmerising beaches of Mirissa, Sri Lanka promises an unforgettable journey. However, before diving into the itinerary, here’s what you need to know to make your trip seamless.

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How to Reach Sri Lanka

By Air:

• The main international gateway to Sri Lanka is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo. It is well-connected to major global cities such as London, Dubai, Singapore, and Mumbai.
• Airlines like SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air India frequently operate flights to Colombo.

By Sea:

• While rare, cruises occasionally dock at Colombo port, offering a scenic journey. This option is more suitable for travelers from nearby countries like India or the Maldives.

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Currency in Sri Lanka

• Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the official currency.
• 1 USD is approximately 320 LKR (as of the latest exchange rates).
• ATMs are widely available in cities, but carrying some cash for rural areas is advisable. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most restaurants, hotels, and shops.

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Political Situation and Safety

• Sri Lanka is currently politically stable and safe for tourists.
• However, it’s always good to stay updated on local news and government advisories during your visit.
• The country has a strong tourism infrastructure, and people are friendly and welcoming. Solo travelers, families, and groups all find it a safe destination.

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Language

• Sinhalese and Tamil are the official languages of Sri Lanka.
• English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas, tourist hotspots, and by younger generations.

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Food in Sri Lanka

• Sri Lankan cuisine is a flavorful mix of spices, coconut, and fresh ingredients. Must-try dishes include:
  • Rice and Curry: A staple with a variety of vegetable, fish, or meat curries.
  • Hoppers: Bowl-shaped pancakes often served with sambal.
  • Kottu Roti: A popular street food made of chopped roti, vegetables, and spices.
  • Fish Ambul Thiyal: A tangy fish curry with unique flavors.
• Vegetarians and vegans will find plenty of options, and international cuisines are available in most cities.

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Network Connectivity

• Network connectivity in Sri Lanka is reliable in cities and tourist areas but may be spotty in remote regions.
• Local SIM cards, such as Dialog, Mobitel, and Airtel, are affordable and widely available. They offer data plans perfect for travelers.
• Many hotels, cafes, and public spaces provide Wi-Fi.

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Commuting in Sri Lanka

Traveling in Sri Lanka offers two main options: private vehicles or local transport, each with distinct pros and cons. While local transport like buses and trains is highly affordable and provides an authentic experience, it can be incredibly time-consuming, unreliable, and often unavailable in remote areas. In contrast, private vehicles offer unmatched convenience, allowing travelers to save time, travel in comfort, and explore at their own pace. With a private car, you can access even the most offbeat destinations, stop at scenic spots, and customize your itinerary effortlessly, making it ideal for those with tight schedules or a preference for flexibility. Though more expensive, the comfort, efficiency, and ease of a private vehicle make it a worthwhile investment for an enriched travel experience in Sri Lanka. Additionally you can self-drive in Sri Lanka; you need to contact the travel company for required documents and procedure. We booked a minivan for 5 people and it was incredibly comfortable and value for money. We booked it via https://mysltravel.com/ and our driver, Navindu, was extremely polite, helpful and a knowledgeable person. Feel free to reach out to them if you need their services. 

Sri Lanka offers experiences that can be tailored to your preferred travel pace, whether you want a whirlwind 7-day tour, an immersive 20-day exploration, or even a month-long adventure. Here’s a detailed 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary based on our journey, packed with highlights, cultural gems, and relaxing escapes.

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo and Transfer to Sigiriya

• Morning: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. Start your journey with a drive to Sigiriya (4-5 hours). You can visit Pinnawala elephant sanctuary on the way. 
• Early Evening before Sunset: Explore Pidurangala Rock Temple, a lesser-known but stunning alternative to Sigiriya Rock Fortress.  It’s a short trek but there are boulders towards the end which becomes challenging.  The climb rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Sigiriya Rock. Watch the sunset from the top. Cost per person was LKR 1000.
• Overnight: Stay at a guesthouse or eco-resort in Sigiriya. We stayed at Liyara Home Stay which was super affordable and extremely good. The host was extremely humble and good natured. 

Day 2: Sigiriya Exploration and Transfer to Kandy

Morning: Start early with a climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers remarkable views, ancient frescoes, and intricate water gardens.

Start as early as 5 am as it gets crowded from 7 am. Also, you need to stand in a queue for tickets which itself takes about 30-40 minutes. 

Cost per person is Non-SAARC Foreign Adult is USD $35 and SAARC Foreign Adult is USD $20. 

There are approximately 1200 steps to the top, the pathway is well defined and safe  and the views are incredible.

Midday: Enroute to Kandy, stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple, famous for its impressive Buddha statues and vivid murals. There are 5 caves with beautiful statues in the cave temple. Do not miss the second one as it is the most beautiful. There are about 350 steps to the cave. Entry fee is  LKR 2000

Evening: Arrive in Kandy which is 3-4 hours from Sigiriya, a cultural hub nestled amidst the hills.

Overnight: Stay at a boutique hotel or guesthouse in Kandy. We booked an AirBnb which was comfortable. 

Day 3: Exploring Kandy

• Morning: Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a revered Buddhist site housing Buddha’s sacred tooth. Entry fee is LKR 1500. You can visit the Big Buddha or Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya for the huge white beautiful Buddha statue along with panoramic views of Kandy City. Also, there is a Kandy view point from where you can see the Big Buddha, Kandy lake and the entire cityscape. 
• Afternoon: Take a stroll through the lush Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, known for its giant Javan fig tree and orchid house.
• Evening: Watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance near the Kandy Lake at Kandy cultural centre or relax by Kandy Lake.
• Overnight: Stay in Kandy.

Day 4: Kandy to Haputale (via Ambuluwawa Tower, Nuwara Eliya, and Sita Temple)

• Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Ambuluwawa Tower, located about an hour’s drive from Kandy. Entry ticket per person is LKR 2000. This striking multi-religious monument offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. From the parking area, take a tuk-tuk for a short but adventurous ride to the base of the tower before climbing its spiral staircase to the top for breathtaking vistas.
• Midday: Continue your journey to Nuwara Eliya, a charming hill station known as “Little England.” You can also visit Ramboda falls on the way. Explore the historic First Post Office, a quaint Tudor-style building, and take a leisurely walk around Gregory Lake, a scenic spot perfect for a picnic or a boat ride. Next, visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, a lush paradise filled with vibrant blooms and rare plant species.
• Afternoon: Stop at the Sita Temple or Seetha Amman Temple, a sacred Hindu site linked to the Ramayana, where it is believed Sita was held captive. This spiritual and serene temple is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. You can see Hanuman foot near the temple. 
• Evening: Arrive in Haputale, a peaceful town set amidst rolling tea plantations and misty hills.
• Overnight: Stay at a cozy hotel, guesthouse or tea estate bungalow, offering a relaxing end to a day filled with adventure and exploration. We stayed at Leisure Mount View Hotel and the rooms, service and food was top-notch. 

Day 5: Lipton’s Seat and Relaxation in Haputale

• Morning: Wake up early to visit Lipton’s Seat, a viewpoint offering spectacular sunrise vistas. Enjoy a serene hike through lush tea plantations. Preferred time to visit Lipton’s seat is at sunrise. You can also visit Dambatenne Tea Factory which is a close by attraction. Avoid going on Sundays as you will not be able to meet the tea picking workers. Also, you should definitely try the tuk tuk ride to the Lipton seat which is a thrilling experience in itself. If your driver is good, he might give you the tuk tuk to ride by yourself. 
• Afternoon: Relax at your accommodation or explore the quiet charm of Haputale town. Explore nearby tea estates or trails. 
• Overnight: Stay in Haputale, soaking in the cool mountain air and tranquility.

Day 6: Ella Adventures and Train Ride to Badulla, Then to Yala

• Morning: Head to Ella, a picturesque hill town, and explore its famous landmarks:
  • Walk along the Nine Arches Bridge, a marvel of colonial engineering nestled in lush greenery. There are different ways to go to Nine Arches Bridge and there are different viewpoints as well. We took a tuk tuk from Ravana pool club for 2 kms and then trekked down to railway tracks to go to the Bridge. Honestly the Bridge is good but it was too crowded as it is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Ella. 
  • Trek up Little Adam’s Peak for breathtaking views of the surrounding tea plantations. We skipped this due to lack of time.
  • Relax at the Ravana Pool Club, or enjoy the thrilling Ella Swing and zip line for a dose of adventure. Honestly we did the Ella Swing which was a replica of Bali Swing with dresses and photos. It was a core memory for me as I did it with my mom. Honestly you can skip the Ravana zip line as it’s not unique; however, it is extremely famous amongst the locals as it is the only zipline in Sri Lanka. 
• Afternoon: Take the scenic train ride to Badulla, a short yet beautiful journey through Sri Lanka’s highlands. You need to book the tickets in advance. We booked the tickets; however, the train did not arrive as there was an accident on the track. We missed this experience. 
• Evening: Drive to Yala and settle into your accommodation near the national park.
• Overnight: Stay at a safari lodge or eco-resort in Yala. Try to stay near the gate. 

Day 7: Yala Safari and Drive to Mirissa

• Morning: Embark on a Yala Safari, famous for spotting leopards, elephants, and exotic birds in their natural habitat. Cost for a private safari jeep with a driver was USD $250. We were able to spot elephants, lots of peacocks, crocodiles, and different migratory birds. 
• Afternoon: Post Breakfast, head to Mirissa, a stunning beach town known for its vibrant atmosphere and golden sands.
• Evening: Relax by the beach and unwind after your safari adventure.
• Overnight: Stay in a beachfront guesthouse or resort in Mirissa. Mirissa is a popular tourist destination so there are plenty of stay options. We stayed at a private villa via AirBnb. 

Day 8: Relaxation and Exploration in Mirissa

• Morning: Spend a leisurely day enjoying Mirissa’s highlights:
  • Visit the iconic Coconut Hill with its picture-perfect palm trees.
  • Experience the palm rope swing, a favorite among Instagrammers. It’s super fun. Do give it a try. You have to Pay LKR / Rs 500 for 3 attempts to get the rope for a swing.  It’s located at Dreams Cabana Resort near Dalawella beach. 
  • Watch the stilt fishermen, an age-old fishing tradition unique to Sri Lanka at Koggala village near Mirissa. They are usually present at the time of Sunrise or Sunset. 
• Afternoon: Explore the local shops for souvenirs, handicrafts, and beachwear.
• Evening: Relax by the beach with fresh seafood at one of the seaside restaurants.
• Overnight: Stay in Mirissa.

Day 9: Galle and Colombo by Night

• Morning: Drive to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a heritage walk through the cobblestone streets lined with colonial buildings, boutique shops, and cafes.
• Afternoon: Sri Lanka is home to some of the precious gemstones especially the Ceylon Sapphire and Moonstones. We visited the Moonstone Mine and Factory in Meetiyagoda to learn about the gem mining and prospecting in the traditional way and shopped for unique jewels at the mining site. This was indeed the best shopping  experience in Sri Lanka where you get a holistic experience of finding a Gem Store to owning one. 
• Evening: Head to Colombo and explore the city by night. Admire the city’s modern skyline, illuminated streets, and buzzing nightlife.
• Overnight: Stay in Colombo. We stayed at a private villa via AirBnb 

Day 10: Exploring Colombo and Departure

• Morning: Begin your day with visits to Colombo’s landmarks:
  • Gangaramaya Temple, a serene Buddhist temple with intricate architecture.
  • Lotus Tower, an iconic structure offering panoramic views of the city.
  • Independence Square, a historical landmark surrounded by lush gardens.
• Afternoon: Indulge in a sumptuous lunch at the famous Ministry of Crab, known for its fresh seafood delicacies.
• Transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your departure.

This 10-day itinerary offers an immersive journey through Sri Lanka, where ancient history meets breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. From thrilling safaris and serene beaches to iconic landmarks and culinary indulgences, every moment is crafted to leave you inspired and rejuvenated. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history enthusiast, or someone looking to unwind, Sri Lanka promises an unforgettable escape that lingers in your heart long after you leave. Your adventure awaits—pack your bags and let Sri Lanka weave its magic! If you have any questions feel free to mention them in the comment section.