Explore Sri Lanka in 10 Days: An Itinerary for Adventure and Relaxation

Sri Lanka is a beautiful and diverse country that offers something for every kind of traveler. From sandy beaches to stunning natural landscapes, historical sites to wildlife safaris, Sri Lanka has it all. This 10-day itinerary is perfect for those looking to explore the country’s beauty while experiencing adventure and relaxation at the same time. Get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime as we explore Sri Lanka in 10 Days.

Visa Information

Foreign travelers visiting Sri Lanka must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the country. Here’s the information you need to know:

1. To apply for an ETA, you can visit the official Sri Lanka ETA website at www.eta.gov.lk.
2. You can apply for an ETA as an individual or as a group of travelers.
3. The ETA is valid for 30 days and can be extended for up to 6 months after arrival in Sri Lanka.
4. The cost of the ETA varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa you need. You can check the cost on the official ETA website.
5. To apply for an ETA, you will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka, a valid credit or debit card, and a valid email address.
6. The application process is simple and can be completed online. You will need to fill out an application form and upload a digital copy of your passport.
7. Once your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with your ETA number.
8. Print out a copy of the ETA confirmation email to carry with you during your travels to Sri Lanka.

10-Days Itinerary for Sri Lanka Trip (Explore Sri Lanka in 10 Days)

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo and travel to Ahungalla

• Fly from Chennai to Colombo and transfer to Ahungalla.
• Check into your hotel and relax after your flight.
• Explore the local market in Ahungalla in the evening.

Day 2: Madu River boat ride, Bentota, and Hikkaduwa for diving

• Take a boat ride on the Madu River to explore the mangrove forests and visit a cinnamon plantation.
• Travel to Bentota and enjoy water sports activities, such as jet skiing, windsurfing, or banana boat rides.
• Head to Hikkaduwa for diving or snorkeling to explore the beautiful coral reefs and marine life.

Day 3: Day trip to Galle Fort and Mirissa

• Take a day trip to Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its historic ramparts and colonial-era buildings.
• Afterward, head to Mirissa, a beautiful coastal town known for its beaches and whale watching.

Day 4: Turtle farm visit and beach time in Mirissa

• Visit a turtle farm in the morning and learn about the conservation efforts to protect these endangered creatures.
• Enjoy the beach and relax in Mirissa, or explore local attractions like the Parrot Rock viewpoint or the Weherahena Buddhist temple.

Day 5: Ambuluwawa Mountain Hill, Sigiriya, and Dambulla

• Travel to Ambuluwawa Mountain Hill and climb the observation tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and climb to the top of the iconic Lion Rock for breathtaking views.
• In the afternoon, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a complex of Buddhist cave temples with over 150 statues of Buddha.

Day 6: Heritance Kandalama and more sightseeing

• Visit Heritance Kandalama, a luxurious hotel with stunning architecture and views of the surrounding jungle.
• Explore the local area and visit nearby attractions like the Pidurangala Rock Temple or the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa.

Day 7: Hot air balloon ride and Minneriya National Park

• Take a hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Sri Lanka in the morning.
• In the afternoon, visit Minneriya National Park for a wildlife safari and see elephants, deer, and other animals in their natural habitat.

Day 8-9: Colombo sightseeing

• Travel to Colombo and explore the city’s highlights, such as the National Museum, Gangaramaya Temple, and the Independence Square.
• Visit local markets like Pettah Market and the Good Market for shopping and souvenirs.

Day 10: Departure from Colombo

• Depart from Colombo and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Chennai, India.

I hope this detailed itinerary helps you plan your trip to Sri Lanka. Let me know if you have any further questions or if there's anything else I can help with.

Read also: Thailand and Malaysia on a Tight Budget: How to Plan a Cheap and Memorable Trip

Things to carry for Sri Lanka Trip

Here are some things to consider packing for your trip to Sri Lanka:

1. Lightweight clothing: Sri Lanka can get quite hot and humid, so it’s best to pack lightweight and breathable clothing. Opt for comfortable clothing such as cotton t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses.
2. Comfortable walking shoes: Bring a pair of comfortable shoes for all the walking and exploring you will be doing. Sandals or flip-flops are also a good option for the beach.
3. Sunscreen and insect repellent: Protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes by bringing sunscreen and insect repellent.
4. First-aid kit: It’s always a good idea to bring a basic first-aid kit with you that includes items such as painkillers, antiseptic cream, plasters, and any medication you may need.
5. Camera and charger: Sri Lanka has plenty of stunning scenery and cultural sites that you will want to capture on camera. Make sure to bring your camera and charger, or extra batteries and memory cards.
6. Power adapter: Sri Lanka uses Type D and Type G plugs, so if you’re traveling from a country that uses a different plug type, make sure to bring a power adapter.
7. Waterproof bag: If you plan to go on a boat ride or do any water activities, consider bringing a waterproof bag to protect your belongings.
8. Cash and credit cards: Bring enough cash with you, as not all places accept credit cards. It’s also a good idea to have some US dollars with you in case of emergencies.
9. Light jacket or sweater: Some areas in Sri Lanka can get chilly, especially in the evenings. Bring a light jacket or sweater to stay warm.

I hope this helps you prepare for your trip to Sri Lanka!

Basic phrases for Travelers with English translation and pronunciation

Here are 25 basic phrases in Sinhalese with English translation and pronunciation:

1. Hello – Ayubowan (a-yoo-bo-wan)
2. How are you? – Kohomada? (ko-ho-ma-da)
3. I’m fine, thank you – Mama hondai, istutiy (ma-ma hon-dai, ish-too-tee)
4. What is your name? – Oyage nama mokakda? (oy-a-ge na-ma mo-ka-da?)
5. My name is ___ – Mage nama ___ (ma-ge na-ma)
6. Nice to meet you – Eka labenam (eh-ka la-be-nam)
7. Please – Karunakara (ka-roo-na-ka-ra)
8. Thank you – Bohoma stuti (bo-ho-ma stoo-tee)
9. Sorry – Samahara karanawa (sa-ma-ha-ra ka-ra-na-wa)
10. Yes – Owa (o-wa)
11. No – Naa (naa)
12. Excuse me – Kshamakarana (ksha-ma-ka-ra-na)
13. Goodbye – Wada karana (wa-da ka-ra-na)
14. I don’t understand – Mama thawa balan nehe (ma-ma tha-wa ba-lan ne-he)
15. Can you help me? – Mama sahaayak karanna puluvanda? (ma-ma sa-haa-yak ka-ran-na pu-lu-van-da?)
16. Where is the restroom? – Salaban koheda? (sa-la-ban ko-he-da?)
17. How much is this? – Ithath kiyada? (i-thath ki-ya-da?)
18. I want ___ – Mama ___ karanna ba (ma-ma ___ ka-ran-na ba)
19. Delicious – Isthuthi (is-too-thee)
20. Cheers! – Aththamai (ath-tha-mai)
21. Happy birthday – Suba Upan dinayak vewa (su-ba oo-pan di-na-yak ve-wa)
22. I love you – Mama oyata adarayai (ma-ma oy-a-ta a-da-ra-yai)
23. Help! – Balanawa! (ba-la-na-wa!)
24. Where is ? – ___ koheda? ( ko-he-da?)
25. What time is it? – Eka kiyanne? (eh-ka ki-yan-ne?)

I hope these phrases help you communicate with the locals during your trip to Sri Lanka!

Foods to try during Sri Lanka Trip

Sri Lanka has a rich and diverse cuisine that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here are some popular dishes you can try during your trip:

1. Rice and curry: This is Sri Lanka’s national dish, consisting of rice served with a variety of curries, including vegetable, chicken, fish, or beef.
2. Hoppers: These are bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. They can be enjoyed with a variety of savory or sweet toppings.
3. Kottu roti: This is a popular street food made with shredded roti bread, vegetables, and meat or egg.
4. String hoppers: These are steamed rice noodles that are typically served with coconut sambal and curry.
5. Polos curry: This is a vegetarian curry made with young jackfruit, cooked in coconut milk and spices.
6. Dhal curry: This is a vegetarian curry made with lentils and a variety of spices.
7. Vegetable roti: This is a flatbread filled with a mix of vegetables and spices.
8. Egg hoppers: These are hoppers with a fried egg on top.
9. Watalappan: This is a dessert made with coconut milk, jaggery, and spices.
10. King coconut water: This is a refreshing drink made from the juice of a young green coconut.

For vegetarians, Sri Lankan cuisine has many options. In addition to the above vegetarian options, you can also try dishes like:

1. Parippu (lentil curry)
2. Vegetable samosas
3. Cashew curry
4. Jackfruit curry
5. Gotu kola sambal (a salad made with greens and coconut)

Sri Lanka is also known for its fresh fruits and juices, such as papaya, mango, pineapple, and passionfruit.

Transportation in Sri Lanka

There are several transportation options available in Sri Lanka that you can use during your trip:

1. Tuk-tuks: These are three-wheeled vehicles that are commonly used as taxis in Sri Lanka. They are cheap and convenient for short distances.
2. Buses: Sri Lanka has a network of public buses that connect all major cities and towns. They are cheap, but can be crowded and uncomfortable at times.
3. Trains: Sri Lanka has a scenic train network that is popular with tourists. The trains can be slow, but offer stunning views of the countryside.
4. Private cars and drivers: You can also hire a private car and driver for your trip. This is a more expensive option, but it offers more flexibility and comfort.

To plan your Sri Lanka trip on a budget, you can consider the following tips:

1. Use public transportation: Buses and trains are the cheapest modes of transportation in Sri Lanka. You can save money by using them instead of hiring a private car.
2. Eat local food: Sri Lankan cuisine is delicious and affordable. You can save money by eating at local restaurants and street vendors.
3. Stay in budget accommodations: Sri Lanka has a range of budget-friendly accommodations, including guesthouses, homestays, and hostels. You can save money by staying in these types of accommodations instead of luxury hotels.
4. Plan ahead: By planning your itinerary in advance, you can avoid last-minute expenses and make sure you stay within your budget.
5. Negotiate prices: When hiring a tuk-tuk or private car, be sure to negotiate the price upfront to avoid being overcharged.

By following these tips, you can have an enjoyable and budget-friendly trip to Sri Lanka.

Travel Tips for Sri Lanka Trip

Here are some travel tips to keep in mind during your trip to Sri Lanka:

1. Visa and passport: Make sure you have a valid passport and visa before you travel to Sri Lanka.
2. Health and safety: Sri Lanka is generally a safe country to travel to, but it’s always best to take precautions. Make sure to bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit with you. Stay hydrated and be mindful of your surroundings, especially when traveling at night.
3. Transportation: The best way to get around Sri Lanka is by hiring a private driver or taking a taxi. If you prefer to drive yourself, you can also rent a car, but keep in mind that driving in Sri Lanka can be challenging due to the road conditions and traffic.
4. Currency: The currency used in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Make sure to carry enough cash with you, as not all places accept credit cards. There are also ATM machines available in most cities and towns.
5. Clothing: Sri Lanka is a conservative country, so it’s important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or anything too revealing. It’s also a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater as some areas can get chilly at night.
6. Cultural customs: Sri Lanka has a rich culture and it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. For example, it’s considered disrespectful to point your feet at someone, so avoid doing this when sitting or standing.
7. Food and drinks: Sri Lankan cuisine is delicious and spicy. Make sure to try some of the local dishes like rice and curry, hoppers, and kottu roti. Be cautious when drinking tap water, and instead stick to bottled water or drinks.
8. Communication: English is widely spoken in Sri Lanka, so you shouldn’t have any trouble communicating with locals. However, it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to show your respect and appreciation for the local culture.

I hope these travel tips help you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Sri Lanka!

Conclusion

Sri Lanka is a country that captures the hearts of all those who visit it. With its rich history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder that more and more travelers are choosing Sri Lanka as their preferred destination. This 10-day itinerary (Explore Sri Lanka in 10 Days) offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to explore the country’s diverse attractions while also taking time to unwind and soak in the beauty of your surroundings. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this itinerary will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Sri Lanka!