Classic Sri Lanka Highlights
This 10-day itinerary is a popular loop showcasing Sri Lanka's diverse beauty – from ancient cities and misty mountains to wildlife safaris and golden beaches. It's an ideal first-timer's tour.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival → Negombo
Colombo Airport • Negombo
Arrive at Bandaranaike Airport
Welcome to Sri Lanka! Transfer to nearby Negombo beach town.
Negombo → Sigiriya
Negombo • Sigiriya
Drive to Sigiriya
4-hour scenic drive to the Cultural Triangle.
Pidurangala Rock
Climb Pidurangala for stunning sunset views of Sigiriya Rock.
Sigiriya & Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya • Polonnaruwa
Climb Sigiriya Rock
Ascend the iconic Lion Rock fortress at dawn before the crowds.
Polonnaruwa by Bicycle
Explore the medieval ruins including Gal Vihara's Buddha carvings.
Sigiriya → Kandy
Sigiriya • Dambulla • Kandy
Dambulla Cave Temple
Golden Temple complex with ancient Buddha statues and murals.
Drive to Kandy
Scenic drive through spice gardens to hill country.
Kandyan Dance Show
Traditional dance performance with fire walking.
Kandy Exploration
Kandy
Temple of the Tooth
Visit Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist temple.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Stroll through 150 acres of tropical plants and orchids.
Highlights
- Sigiriya & Pidurangala
- Kandy Cultural Show
- Scenic Tea Country Train
- Little Adam's Peak
- Nine Arch Bridge
- Yala Safari
- Mirissa Beach & Whale Watching
- Galle Fort
Customization Tips
- Hot Air Balloon ride over Sigiriya (Nov–March)
- Take a Sri Lankan cooking class in Ella
Ready to go?
Use this itinerary as a template and customize it to fit your dates.