10 Days in Sri Lanka - Best Places to Travel for First-time Travellers

Sri Lanka is one of those rare destinations where you can go from misty mountains to golden beaches within hours. After travelling across Asia and working in the travel space for years, I’ve realised that 10 days is all you need to truly experience the soul of a country, enough to go beyond the mainstream, but short enough to keep the excitement alive.

If you’re planning a trip soon, here’s my complete, practical 10-day guide to the best places to travel in Sri Lanka for first-time travellers, with answers to the most common travel questions.

Is Sri Lanka expensive?

Yes. I have to be honest, compared to Thailand and Vietnam, Sri Lanka is more expensive. A decent local meal in Colombo will cost about 2$ minimum. And if you were to eat out at a restaurant, you'd spend about 10$ per person. It may not be as expensive as Singapore, but be ready to spend.

How is the tourism situation in Sri Lanka?

Safe and stable. The 2022 crisis is well behind us, and life is back to normal. I live here, and can confidently say Sri Lanka feels safer than many SEA destinations right now. You may have to stay alert to scammers and petty theft, though.

Cash or card in Sri Lanka?

Cash is king here, especially if you're travelling out of Colombo; people are used to cash transactions. And don't even get me started on the taxis. Both Uber and Pick Me drivers are hell bent on getting cash payments; it has become a hassle to the locals as well. The ONLY currency in use is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR); do not confuse it with the Indian Rupee.

How much money for 10 Days in Sri Lanka?

About 1000$ - 1500$ for 2 people would suffice for a regular 10-day trip to Sri Lanka (without airfare). The costs actually differ from city to city. Colombo and the South are expensive, where you'd have to spend about 100$ -150$ per day (with accommodation) as a tourist, the further rural you travel, the costs slightly reduce.

Can I rent my own tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka?

No, you cannot. The Sri Lankan government recently prohibited tourists from driving tuk-tuks (as of November 2025). However, you can obtain a temporary 1-month or 2-month driving license that allows you to drive other vehicles, such as motorcycles or cars. A 1-month temporary license costs LKR 15,000 and can be issued at the airport upon arrival.

Are there scams in Sri Lanka?

Yes (like in many countries), but not as sophisticated as those Turkish scams we experienced in Istanbul. You'll come across rigged taxi meters, longer drive routes, tourist menus and beggars. In any case, we advise travellers to stay on alert anywhere they go.

Is 5 days enough to cover Sri Lanka?

No. You need at least 15 days to cover the entire country without the North. In 5 Days, you'll only be able to travel to one province - ideally the South coast, or 2 provinces with a tight itinerary. Keep in mind that though distances between destinations are short, transport methods are only by road or regular trains, so time should be taken into great consideration.

Should I start my tour from Dambulla or the South?

It's your choice, but I'd recommend starting from the South. I get this question a lot. Many tours start from Dambulla and work their way down south before ending in Colombo. You can begin from either the North-Central Province or the south; it really depends on your flight times.

For reference, Colombo to Dambulla takes about 5 hours, while Colombo to Hikkaduwa is roughly 1 hour through the Southern Expressway.

If you're travelling with elderly parents or young kids, long stretches on the road can be tiring, so plan accordingly. The good news is that this itinerary is flexible; you can easily do it in reverse if that suits you better.

Are there domestic flights in Sri Lanka?

Unfortunately, no. Sri Lanka is a relatively small island, and the longest distance you’d typically travel, for example, from Matara to Jaffna, takes around 10 hours by road.

However, if you prefer to avoid long drives from Colombo, Cinnamon Air operates seaplane transfers to several destinations across the island. We haven’t personally flown with them, so we can’t comment on the experience, but they are a popular option for faster travel.

Best places to travel in Sri Lanka in 10 Days - Itinerary

Rather than ranking destinations, I’ll take you through a natural route that gives you a taste of Sri Lanka’s beaches, hills, history, and city life. If you're a first-time traveller, you may not be able to cover the whole island, and that's okay; you can always come back to Sri Lanka for a second trip.

• Hikkaduwa (1 Day)

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport in Negombo (a.k.a Katunayake Airport), and directly transfer to Hikkaduwa in 2 hours via the Southern expressway. You can get the airport bus or book a cab via Kangaroo Cabs, Uber or Pick Me. We don't recommend airport taxis as always.

Many people stay in Negombo for the convenience on the first day, but on a short trip, every day is golden. I've been to Negombo, and there's honestly nothing for a tourist to experience unless you're on a 30-day vacation.

Hikkaduwa is my favourite beach stretch in Southern Sri Lanka. The turquoise waters and sunny beaches are so beautiful, and it's the best place to relax after a long flight, especially if you're coming from the US or Europe, with exhausting transit flights.

Best for: Relaxation, snorkelling, and sunsets.

Top spot: Turtle Beach.

• Galle (1 Day)

Next stop is Galle. It's just 30 minutes south of Hikkaduwa, and the heart of the southern province of Sri Lanka. The public bus takes you there, or if you want more comfort, you can get an Uber. You can walk through the Galle Dutch Fort, visit the lighthouse, and soak in the colonial charm. There are some good restaurants to try, like Pedler's Inn and Isle of Gelato. I had a colleague who visited from Dubai, and the Gelato was her favourite. She kept saying she'd come back to Galle just for the ice creams.

The vibe in Galle, and within those stone fortress walls, is something out of the ordinary, and every traveller should experience this part of Sri Lanka on their first trip.

Best for: Dutch colonial architecture, Photography, cafés, and coastal walks.

Don’t miss: Galle Fort Lighthouse.

• Weligama or Hiriketiya (2 Days)

If you're a surfer, you need to visit either Weligama or Hiriketiya in your Sri Lanka trip. Weligama is ideal for beginners, while Hiriketiya boasts more of a bohemian surfing culture where travellers spend over a week soaking in the sun and sea.

We stayed in Dikwella, which is about a 10-minute drive away from Hiriketiya. You can take the bus or a roadside tuk-tuk from Dikwella. The hotel prices were much lower, and there were very few tourists compared to Hiriketiya.

Hiriketiya is about 1.5 hours away from Galle; you can take the public bus or a taxi. Weligama is just 1 hour past Galle, and it's super convenient for surfers. We stayed at Marriott Weligama 3 years back, and the experience was great. Further, if you love the sunset, the cape and the cliffs offer a better view.

Best for: Surfing, beach cafés, cliff sunsets, and coastal stays.

Tip: Avoid “foreigners-only” spots; local joints are better and cheaper.

Optional Side Trip: Yala National Park

If you have an extra half a day, go on a safari at Yala, home to one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Most travellers base themselves in Weligama / Dikwella and take a half-day safari from there. It's on my bucket list too.

Day 5: Arugam Bay (Seasonal Alternative)

Season: May to October only

If you're an expert surfer, Arugumbay is a must-visit. It's a global favourite for surfing, backpackers, and wildlife (elephants near Lahugala). But the season plays a lot. If you're travelling during the good season, you can replace Weligama/Hiriketiya with Arugam Bay.

Once again, the public bus takes you there, and if it's too time-consuming, you can hire a cab.

• Ella (1 Day)

Nine Arches Bridge - Ella

The magical postcard Ella train ride is just 2 hours away from Hiriketiya. And we have to say, Ella is more than the train ride. It's nestled up in the hills, covered in mist, cosy atmosphere and the perfect place to enjoy Sri Lanka's mountainous region. However, there isn't much sightseeing to do here apart from hiking, so 1 day is enough for a first-time traveller.

Best for: Hiking, nature.

Top spot: Nine Arches Bridge.

• Kandy (1 or 2 Days)

A Sri Lankan tour without Kandy is incomplete. You can take the mesmerising train ride to Nanu Oya and head over to Kandy. The total journey will take about 6 hours on the trains. Travelling through the hill country can be challenging. Not only does the altitude put a strain on you, but the narrow and rugged roads also make travelling more exhausting.

You'd need about 2 days to settle down and visit historical sites like the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and take a quick tour up to Nuwara Eliya (Little England), but on a 10-day tour, you must push through because the experiences are worth it.

Best for: Culture, heritage, and temples.

Tip: Take motion-sickness pills; the roads are steep and winding on both the ascent and descent from Ella.

• Sigiriya & Dambulla (2 Days)

Sigiriya, also known as the 8th wonder of the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable rock fortress with roots stretching back to the 5th century AD and even earlier. Once part of the Great Anuradhapura Kingdom, it rises dramatically from the plains and sits close to two other iconic sites: the Pidurangala viewpoint and the Dambulla Cave Temple.

It takes 2.5 hours on the bus from Kandy, and you can even take the train (which takes longer).

It's perfect for first-time travellers wanting a real feel of Sri Lanka’s ancient heritage. Plan to spend around two days in the North-Central Province to fully take it all in without rushing. You can travel towards Habarana for more wilderness experiences or even take the Minneriya safari for the best elephant encounters.

Wild Elephant in Habarana

On our way to Trincomalee, we passed Habarana and met some wild elephants on the road, which was an unexpected yet pleasant sight to see.

Best for: History, wildlife, archaeology, and ancient traditional food

Don’t miss: Seeing elephants on the roadside, the sunrise from Pidurangala Rock.

Optional: Sinharaja Rainforest, UNESCO Rainforest Ecosystem

If you want wildlife and nature, add a day trip to Sinharaja, Sri Lanka’s last primary rainforest and a top birdwatching spot. This may take a full day, so I wouldn't recommend adding this to a 10-day itinerary. But for a second trip, Sinharaja is a must-visit!

• Colombo (2 Days)

Last but not least, Colombo. This should be your final stop because Colombo helps you transition back to departure. 8 days of pure adventure can leave you exhausted and in need of something closer to home. From food to shopping, you get to witness the local city life here in Colombo, and all the comforts and preparation you need to head back.

Plus, there are sights to visit, such as the Galle Face Green, Colombo Museum, Gangaramaya Temple and some malls to cool off.

Best for: Colombo Food, shopping, and nightlife.

Don't miss: Kottu roti, visit to Galle Face Green, One Galle Face Mall and Colombo City Centre.

All in all, in 10 days, you'll be able to cover most iconic parts of the Southern coast, the key destinations uphill, the 8th wonder of the world and the dazzling capital city.

5 Things to Know Before You Go to Sri Lanka

• Culture and food differ from one province to another

Though all Sri Lankans essentially eat rice and curry, the curries are different from province to minority to location. I may get hate for saying this, but I don't like rice and curry because the curry spice overpowers the vegetables. However, when I was in Trincomalee, I had one of the best rice and curry dishes. All the flavours balanced well.

This is one of the most fascinating things I noticed while travelling from one province to another.

When we were in Pasikuda in the East, we found the people to be somewhat rigid and unwelcoming compared to other parts of the country. The food wasn't that great either. I'd say language barriers play a significant role too when you're in the minority-dominant areas.

• Northern Sri Lanka is welcoming tourists

Jaffna Dutch Fort

Since the civil war ended over 15 years ago, the North of Sri Lanka, including Jaffna, has slowly opened up and is now more than ready to welcome tourists. I travelled to Jaffna in 2019 and found it incredibly fascinating, and so different from the rest of the country.

I’d recommend visiting with a guide, though. Tourism in the north is still fairly new, and having a Tamil-speaking guide can make the experience much more authentic and much easier to navigate.

• Pack the right clothes

As you'll be on the move throughout, you'll have little time to stop and shop for clothes. Sri Lanka is not all about the tropics. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the 15°C chill uphill in Ella. Pack enough clothes accordingly to your itinerary and keep luggage space for your shopping spree in Colombo.

• Skip the Poke bowls and cereal. Eat as much local food as possible

Travellers are more inclined to eat what's familiar, and that's what I've seen most tourists do in the South, but Sri Lanka is a literal foodie paradise. You'll find all kinds of healthy, vegan, unprocessed local food cheaply available around Sri Lanka, so don't limit yourself to fancy smoothie bowls.

• Say no to unfair prices, but don't bargain like locals do

Sri Lanka's economic debt isn't over. Behind closed doors, the locals are paying hefty taxes to keep the country afloat. You may see locals bargain, but as a tourist, you play an important part too.

If a vendor is trying to scam you, you can walk away. But if it's an honest price, don't haggle too much.

• Respect religious sites

Sri Lanka is home to various religions and ethnicities. You'll find Sinhalese (majority), Tamils, Moors, Malays and Burghers. Buddhist temples are found across the island; similarly, you'll find kovils and mosques. Religion plays a huge part in local lives, and it's very important not to disrespect them. Make sure you wear covered clothing when visiting these places and respect etiquette.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka’s magic lies in its contrasts, rolling hills, golden coasts, and rich heritage. In 10 days, you can experience its soulful diversity: surf in Weligama, hike in Ella, explore ancient Sigiriya, soak in Colombo’s city rhythm, and soak up Sri Lankan culture. With this flexible yet practical itinerary, you’ll cover iconic destinations without rushing, while leaving room for offbeat adventures and local discoveries.

Planning your first trip to Sri Lanka? Let us know your questions in the comments, and I'll answer them for you!