Sri Lanka: 10 Day Itinerary – where to stay & practical tips

In January, Fabio and I felt the need to escape the winter cold of Vienna and head somewhere warm. The destination? A perfect combination: Sri Lanka and the Maldives—two places we had been dreaming of for a long time.

In this article, I’ll take you through our 10-day itinerary in Sri Lanka, a country that offers an incredible variety of landscapes, experiences, and culture. From paradisiacal beaches to lush tea plantations, ancient temples, and thrilling safaris, Sri Lanka has it all.

This guide is designed to help you plan your trip, packed with practical tips on what to see, where to stay, how to get around, and of course, some must-try local dishes.

Don’t miss the next article dedicated to the Maldives, but for now, get ready to explore Sri Lanka with us!

Day 1: Colombo & Sigiriya

We chose to fly with Qatar Airways, departing from Vienna. After a layover in Doha, we arrived in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Since we were using it just as an arrival point, we decided to spend only one night there before continuing our journey.

Visa Information
You can apply for your visa online or get it directly at the airport upon arrival (which is what we did). Payment can be made by credit card.
💰 Cost in January 2025: $60 per person.

Colombo Hotel
We stayed at Sebastian Transit, mainly because they offered a free airport transfer—they even picked us up at 3 AM! The accommodation includes a room with a kitchenette and a private bathroom, perfect for a one-night stay, as the airport is just 10 minutes away. Plus, it was super affordable. You can find it HERE.

Early in the morning, we took a taxi arranged by our hotel, heading to Sigiriya—a 4-hour journey through beautiful landscapes.

Sigiriya Hotel
In Sigiriya, we stayed at Otuna Guest House, which I highly recommend. The accommodation consists of bungalows surrounded by lush greenery, but the real highlight is the family that runs it—so warm and welcoming!

But let me tell you something important: this was the BEST breakfast we had in Sri Lanka—and honestly, it ranks among the best breakfasts of my entire life! 😍

If you’d like to book a stay here, you can find the direct link HERE.

Day 2: Sigiriya

Our first stop in Sigiriya was the famous Lion’s Rock, an ancient fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks.

💡 Tips for Visiting:

Go early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
Entrance fee: Around $30-35 per person (as of January 2025).
Payment: Credit cards accepted.

If you still have energy in the afternoon, I highly recommend climbing Pidurangala Rock, located right in front of Lion’s Rock.

Shorter and less challenging hike compared to Lion’s Rock. Incredible panoramic view overlooking Lion’s Rock itself. Fewer crowds and a more peaceful atmosphere. Much cheaper entrance fee compared to Lion’s Rock.
If you love scenic views and want a breathtaking sunset spot, this is the place to be!

Day 3: Day Trip to Dambulla & Local Cuisine

The next day was dedicated to Dambulla, famous for its Golden Temple and the Dambulla Cave Temples, one of the best-preserved rock temples in the world. The complex consists of five caves, each adorned with incredible statues and frescoes depicting Buddha and the country’s history.

Don’t forget to cover your shoulders and knees, as the temple is a sacred site. If needed, you can rent a sarong at the ticket counter for just a few cents.

After the visit, we stopped by the Dambulla Market, a truly authentic and super colorful experience! 🙂 Here, you’ll find a wide variety of fruits, spices, and local products. It’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the scents and flavors of Sri Lanka while engaging with the locals.

If you have some extra time, I recommend relaxing at your guest house and enjoying dinner with a delicious plate of kottu.

One of our favorite restaurants was Sigiriya Lion Face Restaurant, a small, cozy local eatery with incredibly delicious food.

It’s the perfect place to try traditional kottu, a dish made from chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables, spices, and your choice of chicken, fish, or vegetables (we always had the vegetarian version). It’s an explosion of flavors!

Honorable mention goes to the egg hoppers, a type of crispy crêpe that our guest house prepared for us every morning—absolutely delicious!

Day 4: Kandy

We said goodbye to our beloved guest house and took a taxi to Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most important cultural cities. We spent only one night here, but it was enough to visit the main attractions, such as the famous Temple of the Tooth, one of the most sacred places of worship in the country. Inside, a relic of Buddha’s tooth is kept, which makes this temple an important pilgrimage site.

After visiting the temple, we headed to Kandy Market, a place where you can buy spices, fabrics, and local handicrafts.

Our last stop was the next morning at the Peradeniya Botanical Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens I have ever visited. The entrance fee is around €10 per person, but it is definitely worth it. The garden is huge and hosts an impressive variety of plants, flowers, and trees from all over the world. It is important to go early, as it is completely outdoors, and the heat can be intense during the central hours of the day. We stayed there for about three hours.

HOTEL IN KANDY
My City Hotel, which was a good place to stay for the night. Spacious rooms, no humidity (trust me, this is a plus!), friendly staff, and a good buffet breakfast. You can find it HERE.

Day 5: Morning in Kandy and Transfer to Nuwara Eliya

After visiting the botanical garden, we took a taxi booked by our guest house and headed to Nuwara Eliya, known as Sri Lanka’s “Little England”. This city sits at an altitude of around 1,800 meters, so be prepared for cooler temperatures. While we had 28°C in other parts of the country, here it was 15-18°C.

Main Attractions to Visit:
Pedro Tea Factory – One of the most famous tea factories in the area, where you can learn about the tea production process and enjoy a tasting.
Lake Gregory – A beautiful artificial lake where you can walk, take boat rides, or simply relax.
Victoria Park – A charming English-style park. Note that entrance requires a paid ticket.

Nuwara Eliya is a perfect stop to escape the heat of the lowlands and enjoy the cool mountain air.

HOTEL IN NUWARA ELIYA
We chose The Edgware because I was worried about humidity in the rooms, and reviews mentioned that this hotel didn’t have major issues. Everything was beautiful, tidy, and classy, with made-to-order breakfast and even a heater in the room for the cold.
The only downside? The location—not completely central, but still just a 10-minute walk from the main area. Plus, there’s a steep uphill walk to reach the hotel, but hey, a little cardio never hurts! 🙂 You can find it HERE.

I also considered Suriya Hotel, which is more centrally located, so I’m mentioning it in case you prefer that option! You can find it HERE.

Day 6: Train to Ella

The next day, we took the hotel transfer to Nanu Oya station, the starting point of one of the most famous and spectacular train journeys in the world: the route from Nanu Oya to Ella. This must-do experience in Sri Lanka offers breathtaking views of mountains, tea plantations, and rural villages.

We purchased our tickets in advance on 12GoAsia to avoid any issues and secure our seats. However, if you prefer, you can also buy tickets directly at the station on the same day. That said, there were lots of tourists purchasing tickets at the counter, so expect some crowds.

Here’s a breakdown of the different travel classes:
First Class: Air-conditioned with more comfortable seats, but the windows are closed. If you’re looking for comfort, this is the best choice.
Second & Third Class: No air conditioning, but windows open and often doors left wide open.
We chose First Class (the price difference is minimal) because we had heard horror stories about Second and Third Class—stifling heat and overcrowding. In First Class, there were only a few other tourists, and there was still one open door for taking photos. Plus, a train attendant was assigned specifically to our carriage, so we felt safe with our luggage.

The train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella takes about 3 hours, offering postcard-worthy landscapes along the way. Many travelers opt for the longer Kandy-Ella route, but honestly, I didn’t feel like spending 6 hours on a train!

Day 7: Ella

Once we arrived in Ella in the afternoon, we headed to Little Adam’s Peak at sunset—one of the most popular hikes in the area. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a breathtaking view without a strenuous trek.
Hiking duration: About 45 minutes to reach the top
Difficulty: Easy, with well-marked trails and steps along the way
Tip: Do it early in the morning to avoid the heat or at sunset for an incredible view

Nine Arches Bridge
The next morning, we went to the viewpoint of the Nine Arches Bridge, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. This historic railway bridge is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a spectacular view.
Walking time: About 45 minutes to reach the bridge
Best time to visit: Check train schedules to see the bridge with a train crossing. In the morning, one passes between 9:45 – 10:00 AM.

HOTEL IN ELLA
Just 500 meters from the station, you’ll find 90 Degrees Ella. We didn’t stay here—instead, we booked another hotel that I wouldn’t recommend. If I could go back, I would choose this one, as I was initially torn between the two. You can find it HERE.

Day 8: Yala Safari & Mirissa

After exploring Ella, we decided to immerse ourselves in nature with the famous safari at Yala National Park. To make things easier, we booked the tour through GetYourGuide, choosing a package that included both the safari and transportation to Mirissa, our next destination. YOU CAN FIND IT HERE.

The safari with this package lasts about 2 to a maximum of 3 hours. It’s a fascinating experience, but the number of animals isn’t extremely high. If you have more time, you might consider spending a full day in Yala and staying overnight. Personally, I expected to see more animals, but it’s still a must-do experience for anyone visiting Sri Lanka. 🙂

After the safari, we headed to Mirissa, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous beach destinations. The journey was quite long, and we arrived around 9 PM, so be prepared for a full and intense day.

Day 9: Mirissa

After the long journey the previous day, we had a slow morning and decided to explore Mirissa, known for its tropical beaches, towering palm trees, and relaxed atmosphere. However, I have to say that the town itself didn’t impress me much. The traffic is heavy, and some areas feel a bit neglected and chaotic—it would be nice if it were better maintained.

Here are some of the most beautiful beaches:
Mirissa Beach – The main beach, very spacious and perfect for relaxing.
Secret Beach – A small, secluded bay with calm waters and fewer crowds than the main beach.
Coconut Tree Hill – The famous palm-covered hill you often see in photos of Mirissa.

HOTEL IN MIRISSA
Lost Paradise – Surrounded by greenery, very charming, central, and with beautiful rooms. Approved by us! You can find it HERE.

Day 10: Hikkaduwa

After leaving Mirissa, we headed towards Hikkaduwa, the final stop of our trip in Sri Lanka. Along the southern coast, there were other interesting destinations like Galle, famous for its Dutch colonial fort, and Tangalle, known for its wild, less touristy beaches.

However, since we had another 7 days planned in the Maldives, we didn’t spend too much time on Sri Lanka’s beaches. That being said, if I ever return, I would definitely choose to stay in Hikkaduwa again.

Unlike Mirissa, I found Hikkaduwa much better maintained, with pristine beaches and a relaxed yet lively atmosphere. The town itself is also better organized, offering a great selection of restaurants, shops, and beach bars.

Things to Do in Hikkaduwa
Relax on the beaches – They are wide, clean, and less chaotic compared to other areas on the coast.
Snorkeling & sea turtles – Hikkaduwa is one of the best places to see sea turtles in shallow waters, even with just a mask and snorkel.
Surfing – If you love surfing, there are great spots for beginners and intermediate surfers, with consistent waves.
Explore the small town & local markets – Perfect for buying souvenirs or local spices.

Where to Eat in Hikkaduwa
We tried several restaurants, but the one I highly recommend is Aroma Restaurant, where we had incredibly fresh seafood dishes and beautifully prepared local specialties.

HOTEL IN HIKKADUWA
Weleges Place – Central location, stunning rooms, and an excellent breakfast. Only downside: There is a train passing nearby, so if you’re a light sleeper, it might be an issue. You can find it HERE.

Alternative option: If the train noise doesn’t sound appealing, I’d recommend checking out Tranquil instead. It looks amazing, so give it a look! You can find it HERE.

USEFUL TIPS

Travel Insurance: Don’t forget to get travel health insurance for your trip.

Internet Options: You have two choices:

Get a local SIM card at Colombo airport from the official provider. It might take some time, and the plans often have limited data.
Buy a Holafly eSIM in advance for unlimited data—perfect if you work while traveling like I do. You can purchase it even the day before (or on the day of departure) and activate it once you arrive. You’ll receive all the instructions after purchasing. Just make sure your phone is compatible. You can get a small discount with the code ANXHELA, and find the eSIM HERE.

Getting Around: Guesthouses can call a taxi for you, and we always had great experiences. These taxis are official and very comfortable, perfect for long trips or curvy roads like the route to Nuwara Eliya. Uber works well and is a reliable option. The Pick Me app is another alternative, but some locals warned me that drivers tend to stop in random locations asking for extra money—if this happens, just say no right away.

Money & Payments: We withdrew cash as needed from the yellow-signed “People’s Bank” ATMs. We always used Revolut for both cash withdrawals and POS payments. You can also exchange euros at one of the many exchange offices. Be aware that Uber also requires cash payments.

Essential Items: Strong mosquito repellent: This Jungle spray is perfect!
Sunscreen: The sun is extremely strong—I got burned in just 5 minutes! Use a SPF50+ face sunscreen (find it HERE) and a high SPF body sunscreen. (find it HERE)

Sri Lanka has undoubtedly made its way onto my list of favorite countries. It’s a destination that truly has everything—breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, fascinating history, delicious food, and incredible people. Every single day here amazed me with the beauty of nature and the warmth of the locals, who are always ready to help, whether it’s giving travel tips or helping with directions.

If you ever find yourself in difficulty or have any doubts during your trip, don’t hesitate to ask the guesthouse owners or locals for help—they are incredibly kind and will always provide genuine and useful advice.

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, I hope this guide helps you! Safe travels! ✈️🌍