10 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary

Nestled between mountains in inland Sri Lanka, Kandy proudly bears its World Heritage Site designation while remaining culturally independent and colorfully picturesque.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Mon): take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanical Gardens, make a trip to Kandy view point, then explore the different monuments and memorials at Kandy Garrison Cemetery, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and finally get engrossed in the history at Raja Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: stroll the grounds of Commonwealth War Cemetery, pause for some photo ops at Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, then stop by Jayamali Batiks Studio, and finally explore the activities along Kandy Lake.

To see other places to visit, reviews, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Kandy day trip website .

Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Kandy is an approximately 9-hour combination of flight, bus, and train. You can also do a combination of flight and taxi; or do a combination of flight and train. The time zone changes from Gulf Standard Time to India Standard Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Sigiriya.

The historic rock of the same name dominates the landscape of World Heritage-listed Sigiriya, where the steep and striking lava plug contains the ruins of an ancient empire.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Wed): explore the fascinating underground world of The Golden Temple, see the interesting displays at Sigiriya Museum, and then make a trip to Sigiriya World Heritage Site.

For ratings, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Sigiriya trip planner.

You can drive from Kandy to Sigiriya in 2 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Polonnaruwa.

Lying 216 km (134 mi) from Colombo, Polonnaruwa offers a rich history second in Sri Lanka only to Arunadhapura.

Start off your visit on the 29th (Thu): explore the ancient world of Polonnaruwa Vatadage, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Gal Potha, then admire the striking features of Polonnaruwa Archaeological Ruins, and finally pause for some photo ops at Gal Vihara. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: steep yourself in history at Lankathilaka Image House, then make a trip to Sandakada Pahana, and then get to know the fascinating history of Polonnaruwa.

To find traveler tips, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Polonnaruwa journey maker tool .

You can drive from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa in 1.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Anuradhapura.

Explore the well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization and its former capital at Anuradhapura, a World Heritage Site and erstwhile center of Theravada Buddhism set amidst peaceful green parks.

Start off your visit on the 31st (Sat): take in the spiritual surroundings of Sri Maha Boodhi Temple, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Isurumuniya Temple, then don't miss a visit to Jethawanaramaya Dagoba, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Dagoba of Thuparama.

For photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Anuradhapura online holiday builder .

You can drive from Polonnaruwa to Anuradhapura in 2.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 1st (Sun) to allow time for the car ride to Mirissa.

The fishing town of Mirissa has developed into a notable tourist destination.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Mon): relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers and then see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour.

To see other places to visit, maps, photos, and tourist information, use the Mirissa visit planner .

Drive from Anuradhapura to Mirissa in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi, flight, and train; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Mon) to allow time to travel to Netolpitiya.

Most people take a trip to Netolpitiya to enjoy a classic beach holiday.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Tue): contemplate the waterfront views at Tangalle Lagoon & Kayak and then delve into the distant past at Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara.

To see ratings, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Netolpitiya road trip website .

Getting from Mirissa to Netolpitiya by car takes about 1.5 hours. In April in Netolpitiya, expect temperatures between 38°C during the day and 28°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Tue) so you can travel back home.