Sri Lanka in 10 Days
11 cities |
15 attraction(s) |
total distance 663
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day1: Colombo
2 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
Historic Buddhist temple with a robust collection of artifacts & statues, plus vocational training.
2
km
2
Galle Face Green is located in the Fort district of Colombo, adjacent to the coast, with beautiful scenery. During the Dutch period, it was used as a dam and fortress, and was later converted into a cricket field, racecourse, and golf course by the British Governor in 1859. Now, the half-kilometer-long square has become a place for local people to relax and entertain, suitable for jogging, walking, flying kites, and even dating. Due to its proximity to the Presidential Palace, the square has also become a venue for Independence Day parade ceremonies in recent years.
Day2: Anuradhapura
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
Day3: Dambulla
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
Destination for moderate hikes & climbs to the top of the rock, popular for panoramic views.
Day4: Dambulla
2 attraction(s) ·
1 km
1
Dambulla Cave Temple is located in the central part of Sri Lanka, 149 kilometers northeast of Colombo. It was built in the 1st century BC. The temple is situated on the slope of a rocky mountain and is a pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved cave temples, consisting of five sanctuaries. The wall paintings in Dambulla Cave Temple cover an area of 2,100 square meters, with 156 statues and various stone and Buddha carvings scattered throughout the temple.
The first cave, known as the "Cave of the Great Kings," houses a 14-meter reclining Buddha, with the disciple Ananda standing at his feet. Above the Buddha's head is a statue of Vishnu. The second cave, also known as the "Great New Temple," is the largest one, with 16 standing Buddha statues, 40 sitting Buddha statues, and statues of the Indian gods Vishnu and Saman, as well as two kings. Inside the cave, there is a prominent stupa and a constantly dripping water flow. The third cave, called the "Great New Temple," features wall paintings and ceiling paintings in the typical 17th-century Sri Lankan style, as well as a statue of King Kirti Sri Rajainha, who revitalized Buddhism in the 17th century. The fourth cave is smaller, with only a sitting Buddha statue. The fifth cave, formerly used as a storeroom, houses a giant reclining Buddha statue surrounded by many Indian gods. The fourth and fifth caves are smaller in scale and historical significance compared to the first three caves. The wall paintings and statues in all the caves showcase the charm of Buddhist art and are beloved by tourists and pilgrims.
1
km
2
There is a modern-style temple located at the foot of the Dambulla Cave Temple, which was built with donations from Japanese and completed in 2000. The building features a 30-meter-tall Buddha statue and a huge neon sign, which some criticize as being too tacky. The entrance to the temple's second floor leaves a grotesque impression, and lingering here may make people feel uncomfortable. Although the temple is open to tourists free of charge, there are not many visitors, especially few Chinese tourists. The ticket office for the Dambulla Cave Temple is located within a square building on the right side of the temple (facing the temple), and the stairs leading to the cave temple extend to the left. It is worth mentioning that this somewhat gaudy temple is still quite prominent within the tourist area.
Day5: Kandy
2 attraction(s) ·
6 km
1
In Kandy, there is a solemn and sacred Buddhist holy site known as the Temple of the Tooth. The Temple of the Tooth is a national treasure of Sri Lanka, housing the sacred tooth relic of Gautama Buddha. Every year in August, a ten-day festival called the Kandy Esala Perahera is held here. On this day, you can witness a breathtaking procession, which includes fire dancers, musicians, and a grand procession of elephants adorned with gold and silver jewelry. This festival is one of the grandest Buddhist festivals in the world, attracting Buddhist believers and thousands of visitors from around the globe. The Temple of the Tooth festival is an unforgettable experience that allows people to witness the beauty and sanctity of the event.
6
km
2
The Peradeniya Royal Botanic Garden, located about half an hour's drive from Kandy, is one of the best tropical gardens in the world. Surrounding the garden on three sides is the Mahaweli River, providing a stunning backdrop. With over 4,000 species of plants, including rare and exotic tropical plants, the garden is a year-round display of blooming flowers. Additionally, there is a beautiful orchid house dedicated to cultivating orchids. The entrance fee is affordable, and it is a popular destination for local couples. Adjacent to the garden is the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka's largest comprehensive university, with magnificent architecture worth visiting. It is recommended to allocate about 1 hour for the visit.
Day6: Nuwara Eliya
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
The core area of Lake Gregory is the largest lake in the town center, surrounded by high-quality accommodations, dining, and outdoor activities. In the early morning and evening, the lake is a gathering place for a large number of wild birds, and the ecological environment here is top-notch. It is recommended to try the Adma Agro Fresh Strawberry Foods and Governor's Chalets Restaurant by the lake, which not only have beautiful scenery but also affordable prices. In addition, you can also enjoy horseback riding and boat tours by the lake, making your journey more exciting.
Day7: Ella
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
Iconic arched railway bridge made of stone, brick & cement, bordered by lush greenery.
Day8:
1 attraction(s) ·
0 km
1
Day9: Galle > Unawatuna
2 attraction(s) ·
5 km
1
Longstanding tower featuring a large clock face, built in 1883 on top of a former guard room.
5
km
Day10: galle > Bentota
2 attraction(s) ·
2 km
