The Ultimate 10-Day Sri Lanka Road Trip plan (2025) – Explore by Metro tours
Plan the perfect 10-day Sri Lanka road trip with this self-drive itinerary. Visit Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Mirissa, Galle & more by Metro tours & Rent a car. Includes drive times, distances, and travel tips.
Day 01
Colombo → Sigiriya
Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. This ancient rock fortress rises nearly 200 meters and offers panoramic views of the surrounding jungle. On the way, visit the stunning Dambulla Cave Temple filled with Buddha statues and murals.
- Distance: ~170 km
- Drive Time: 4 hours
- Highlights: Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, village scenery
Day 02
Sigiriya → Kandy
Kandy is home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth and surrounded by beautiful hills. Take a slow drive around Kandy Lake, visit local markets for handicrafts, and stop by the lush Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
- Distance: ~90 km
- Drive Time: ~2.5 hours
- Highlights: Temple of the Tooth, Kandy Lake, Peradeniya Gardens, cultural shows
Day 03
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Nicknamed “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya has a cool climate, colonial buildings, and vast tea plantations. Relax at Gregory Lake, tour a tea factory, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the highlands.
- Distance: ~75 km
- Drive Time: ~2.5 hours
- Highlights: Tea plantations, Gregory Lake, Hakgala Botanical Garden, waterfalls
Day 04
Nuwara Eliya → Ella
Ella is a charming hill town surrounded by lush greenery and waterfalls. Enjoy hikes to Little Adam’s Peak, take in views from the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, and relax in cozy cafes.
- Distance: ~60 km
- Drive Time: ~2.5 hours
- Highlights: Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, Ravana Falls, cafes
Day 05
Ella → Mirissa
Drive from the hills to the coast, with a possible safari stop at Udawalawe National Park. Once in Mirissa, relax on palm-lined beaches, spot whales (seasonal), or swing from the famous palm tree.
- Distance: ~180 km
- Drive Time: ~4.5 hours
- Highlights: Mirissa Beach, whale watching, palm swing, Udawalawe (optional)
Day 06
Mirissa → Galle
Explore the colonial charm of Galle Fort with its old Dutch architecture, art galleries, and quaint cafés. The fort walls are perfect for a sunset walk with ocean views.
- Distance: ~40 km
- Drive Time: ~1 hours
- Highlights: Galle Fort, lighthouse, museum, cafes, shopping
Day 07
Galle → Bentota
Bentota is ideal for relaxing by the beach or enjoying water activities. Go on a river safari, try jet skiing, or visit Brief Garden, the former home of Sri Lankan artist Bevis Bawa.
- Distance: ~65 km
- Drive Time: ~1.5 hours
- Highlights: Bentota Beach, water sports, river safari, Brief Garden
Day 08
Bentota → Colombo
Return to Colombo and explore the city’s modern side mixed with colonial history. Shop at local malls, visit the Independence Square, and enjoy street food at Galle Face Green.
- Distance: ~85 km
- Drive Time: ~1.5 - 2 hours
- Highlights: Galle Face, Colombo city tour, shopping, Independence Arcade
Day 09
Colombo → Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is an ancient city filled with sacred temples and ruins that date back over 2,000 years. Rent a bicycle or drive through the wide archaeological zones.
- Distance: ~205 km
- Drive Time: ~4.5 hours
- Highlights: Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Mihintale, ancient ruins
Day 10
Anuradhapura → Trincomalee
Trincomalee on the east coast offers peaceful beaches and cultural landmarks. Snorkel around Pigeon Island or relax on the white sands of Nilaveli Beach.
- Distance: ~110 km
- Drive Time: ~3.5 hours
- Highlights: Nilaveli Beach, Pigeon Island, Koneswaram Temple