11 Days in Sri Lanka - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Immersive Exploration of Sri Lanka

An itinerary with first-time visitors in mind, this 11-day immersive exploration of Sri Lanka covers the country's top highlights. Visit the Sea Turtle Hatchery and spot wild leopards in Yala National Park, go ziplining in Ella, head on a whale watching excursion in Trincomalee, and experience a safari at Minneriya National Park in Dambulla.

Land in Colombo and transfer to Galle. Tour the historic mosques, grand mansions, and the Japanese Peace Pagoda, and marvel at the views from Rumassala Hill. Visit the Sea Turtle Hatchery to help set baby turtles free and head to Yala National Park to spot wild leopards, peacocks, and elephants. Transfer to Ella via the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe National Park to see where orphaned elephants are cared for. Then take a dip in Ravana Falls and admire the famous Nine Arch Bridge. Embark on a hiking excursion to Ella Rock, then soar along the Flying Ravana Adventure Park ziplines.

Trek past waterfalls, rice paddies, and tea plantations on the hike up Little Adam's Peak, followed by boarding a train to Nanu Oya and walking around Gregory Lake or Victoria Park on Day 5. Then in Pasikudah, you can spend an afternoon relaxing on the beach. Catch a boat from Trincomalee for a whale watching tour and indulge in a private barbecue on the beach. Head on an excursion to Batticaloa to check out Bridge Market. See the Gal Vihara temple complex in Polonnaruwa and hike to the Pidurangala Royal Cave Temple. Tour the Dambulla Cave Temples and join a safari in Minneriya National Park before departing. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Sri Lanka Classic Outdoor Adventure

This 11-day classic Sri Lanka tour is for outdoor adventurers who love to immerse themselves in nature, wildlife, and history. See (potentially) hundreds of elephants at Minneriya National Park, climb over a thousand steps to Sigiriya Rock Fortress on your way to Kandy, and take a jungle night walk in Gal Oya National Park.

Upon arrival in Colombo, you'll immediately transfer to Habarana to visit the cave temple complex of Dambulla. Jump in a 4WD for a safari in Minneriya National Park to spot some of the 700 elephants, sloth bears, leopards, and langur monkeys. Climb the 1,200 steps to reach the top of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress on your way to Kandy before traveling to the Gal Oya Lodge for a private jungle nighttime walk to spot nocturnal wildlife. Travelers seeking some alone time can enjoy a free day to roam the resort and jungle at their own pace or join a guided bird walk or an animal monitoring program tour.

Early birds will relish a sunrise hike to the summit of Monkey Mountain, which affords breathtaking views of the rolling hills and abundant jungle, then transfer to Ella via waterfalls, mountains, and tea plantations. On Day 7, hike to Little Adam's Peak, see the Nine Arch Bridge, and frolic in Ravana Falls. The following day, journey to Yala National Park for a half-day Jeep safari tour to spot wildlife. For an authentic Sri Lankan experience, visit the Handunugoda Low Country Tea Plantation and Tea Factory before continuing to Wadduwa to conclude your time with a guided tour of Galle and a visit to Yatagala Temple. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Sri Lanka Culture & Nature Tour

Offering a combination of Sri Lanka's highlights while also boasting off-the-beaten-path gems, this culture and nature tour includes a night in Sri Lanka's capital city of Colombo, an exploration of Anuradhapura's ancient sights, a visit to the Matale Spice Garden in Kandy, and a waterfall tour in Koslanda.

Begin in Sri Lanka's capital city and tour the Red Mosque, Independence Square, and the Old Parliament. Transfer to Anuradhapura and tour the city's ancient sights, such as Brazen Palace, Sri Maha Bodhi, and Mihintale Rock, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Then join a guided cycling tour through picturesque rice paddies, indulge in a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch, and spend the afternoon in the UNESCO-listed Polonnaruwa. Head to the Matale Spice Garden, the Gem Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Bahirawakanda Buddha next in Kandy before hopping on a train to Nanu Oya for one night.

Immerse yourself in nature at Ellewala Waterfall near Wellawaya on your way to Koslanda. Traverse over the famous Nine Arch Bridge along the Demodara railway loop. Trek up Little Adam's Peak, then cool off with a refreshing dip at Ravana Falls. Allocate a morning to visit the Elephant Transit Home before checking out the temples of Mulkirigala. Drive to Tangalle on the south coast for your last two nights and enjoy a day trip to nearby Galle or relax on one of the many Tangalle beaches. Return to Colombo for your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Surfing Adventure & Culture in Sri Lanka

This surfing and culture adventure is designed for surfers of any skill who want to experience serious waves or beginner breaks as well as plenty of cultural excursions. Tour the World Heritage city of Kandy, cruise through tea plantations on a scenic train journey to Ella, and practice your best surfing moves at Arugam Bay and Hiriketiya Beach.

Arrive at Colombo Airport and immediately transfer to Kandy. See the Royal Palace, Lake Kandy, and the Dalada Maligawa ("Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic") on a stroll through the ancient UNESCO World Heritage city. Journey via tea plantations from Nuwara Eliya to Ella on a charming train ride and hike to Punchi Sri Pada ("Little Adam's Peak") upon arrival. Begin your surfing adventures at the impressive waves at Arugam Bay, then venture to Pottuvil Point, perfect for beginners and experienced surfers. Then take a break from all the surfing and enjoy the ride to Dikwella for a relaxing day at this paradisal beach resort.

Hiriketiya Beach is the surfing spot on Day 8 to embrace both laid-back waves, and more adrenaline-inducing breaks. Then, ditch the surfboard and check out the Nilwella Underwater Gallery, where you can dive or swim and snorkel with sculptures and a variety of marine life, including turtles, coral, and tropical fish. In the evening, head to the Smoke & Bitters cocktail bar at Dikwella Beach to experience one of Asia's top 50 cocktail bars. Dedicate another full day to surfing at Hiriketiya Beach, or consider Midigama, Kabalana, or Mirissa beaches before transferring back to Colombo to depart. Learn more

More Great Sri Lanka itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Sri Lanka? Check out these other Sri Lanka itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.