10 days
Classic Sri Lanka in 10 days
The full classic loop: the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, the hill-country train, a leopard safari in Yala and the beaches of the south coast.
Day by day
Day 1
Arrival and the Cultural Triangle
Meet your driver and travel inland to Sigiriya.
- Travel:
- About 4–5 hours by road
- Overnight
- Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 2
Sigiriya and village life
Climb the rock in the morning, then a village experience with a home-cooked lunch.
- Overnight
- Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 3
Polonnaruwa and elephants
Explore the ancient city by bicycle or car, followed by an afternoon safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla.
- Overnight
- Overnight: Sigiriya
Day 4
Dambulla and Kandy
The cave temple of Dambulla on the way to Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth.
- Travel:
- About 3 hours by road with stops
- Overnight
- Overnight: Kandy
Day 5
Into the tea country
Drive up through the hills, visit a tea factory and stay among the estates.
- Travel:
- About 3–4 hours by road
- Overnight
- Overnight: Nuwara Eliya & tea country
Day 6
Train to Ella
The most scenic section of the hill-country railway.
- Travel:
- About 3–4 hours by train if seats are available; otherwise by road
- Overnight
- Overnight: Ella
Day 7
Ella morning, down to Yala
A short morning hike, then descend to the plains for an afternoon safari.
- Travel:
- About 2.5–3 hours by road
- Overnight
- Overnight: Yala
Day 8
Morning safari and the south coast
An early safari, then on to the beach.
- Travel:
- About 3 hours by road
- Overnight
- Overnight: Mirissa
Day 9
Beach day and Galle Fort
Whale watching in season or a lazy beach morning, and a sunset walk on the ramparts of Galle.
- Overnight
- Overnight: Mirissa
Day 10
Departure
Transfer to the airport along the southern expressway.
- Travel:
- About 3–3.5 hours by road
- Overnight
- Departure day