10 days in Sri Lanka Itinerary

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

Start off your visit on the 15th (Fri): contemplate the waterfront views at Tangalle Lagoon & Kayak, take in the exciting artwork at Indika Art Gallery, and then kick back and relax at Goyambokka Beach (Sriyanga Sanjeewa).

To see ratings, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Netolpitiya trip planner .

Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Netolpitiya is an approximately 9.5-hour flight. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Dubai to Netolpitiya due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Dubai in December, things will get a bit warmer in Netolpitiya: highs are around 35°C and lows about 26°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Fri) to allow time to travel to Mirissa.

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

On the 16th (Sat), kick back and relax at Mirissa Beach and then get some thrills on the water with a speed boat tour. On the 17th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: enjoy the sand and surf at Jungle Beach, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Dutch Reformed Church, and then steep yourself in history at Galle Fort.

To find more things to do, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Mirissa route builder app .

Drive from Netolpitiya to Mirissa in 1.5 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Kosgoda.

To find maps, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Kosgoda online vacation planner .

You can drive from Mirissa to Kosgoda in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 18th (Mon) to allow time for travel to Polonnaruwa.

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

Kick off your visit on the 19th (Tue): explore the wealth of natural beauty at Kaudulla National Park. Here are some ideas for day two: delve into the distant past at Polonnaruwa Vatadage and then delve into the distant past at Polonnaruwa Archaeological Ruins.

To find traveler tips, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Polonnaruwa trip builder .

Traveling by combination of taxi and flight from Kosgoda to Polonnaruwa takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi, train, and flight. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Wed) 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 21st (Thu): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba, delve into the distant past at Moonstone or Sandakada pahana, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Dagoba of Thuparama, then don't miss a visit to Isurumuniya Temple, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Sri Maha Boodhi Temple.

Before you visit Anuradhapura, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

You can drive from Polonnaruwa to Anuradhapura in 2.5 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Fri) so you can go by car to Kandy.

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

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Fri): stroll the grounds of Kandy Garrison Cemetery, take in the spiritual surroundings of Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Kandy Lake.

To see ratings, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, read Kandy driving holiday planner.

You can drive from Anuradhapura to Kandy in 3 hours. Other options are to do a combination of train and taxi; or take a train. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sat) early enough to travel back home.