Only got 10 days of annual leave to play with? Don’t worry. You can still see a brilliant slice of Sri Lanka without feeling rushed, as long as you’re realistic about distances. We did this exact route on a quick spring trip from Melbourne and came home feeling like we’d been away for a month.
Here’s our 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary for Australians, covering the highlights: ancient sites, Kandy, the hill-country train and the south coast.
10-day itinerary at a glance
- Day 1: Arrive, Negombo
- Days 2–3: Sigiriya and Dambulla
- Days 4–5: Kandy
- Day 6: Train to Ella
- Day 7: Ella
- Days 8–9: South coast (Mirissa or Galle)
- Day 10: Fly home
Day 1: Negombo
Arrive, transfer and rest near the airport. See where to stay in Negombo.
Days 2–3: Sigiriya and Dambulla
Climb Sigiriya Rock early on day 2, then visit Dambulla Cave Temple. On day 3, catch sunrise at Pidurangala before driving to Kandy.
Days 4–5: Kandy
See the Temple of the Tooth, walk Kandy Lake and visit Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Read our Temple of the Tooth guide.
Day 6: Train to Ella
Take the scenic train through tea country. See our Kandy to Ella train guide.
Day 7: Ella
Little Adam’s Peak at sunrise, the Nine Arch Bridge and a relaxed afternoon in town.
Days 8–9: South coast
Drive about 4 to 5 hours to Mirissa or Galle for beach time and a wander around Galle Fort.
Day 10: Depart
Head to the airport, around 2.5 to 3 hours from Galle.
Our tip: with only 10 days, skip Yala unless wildlife is your top priority. It adds a long drive. If leopards are a must, swap the south coast for a night near Yala instead.
Variations
- Families: slow it down and drop Ella, adding more beach time.
- Wildlife lovers: replace the south coast with a Yala safari.
- Mid-year travel: swap the south coast for Pasikuda on the east coast.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough in Sri Lanka?
Yes, for the main highlights. You’ll need to keep moving, but 10 days covers the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, Ella and the coast.
What should I skip with 10 days?
Consider skipping Yala or Polonnaruwa to avoid long drives.
Can I do this trip with kids?
Yes, but slow the pace by dropping one destination and adding more pool time.
Tailor your 10-day trip
Our Melbourne-based team can customise this itinerary for your dates and interests. Get in touch, or compare our 2-week itinerary.
