Sri Lanka is one of those destinations that feels super special. We love going to destinations that feel like a home away from home, and girls, Sri Lanka is just stunning. The locals are super friendly, the views are just stunning, and it is a country that leaves you feeling refreshed, inspired and just so lucky to have visited! When we were creating the Gals Who Sri Lanka 10 Day Tour, we noticed there were so many different recommendations for where to visit and how to plan the best travel route. So we thought we’d show you the route we have chosen for our girls to take, to hopefully inspire you to join us when our tours depart from April onwards or to inspire you to plan your own route!
In just 10 days, you can experience the most amazing green views you have ever seen, stunning beaches, buzzing cities, tea plantations, jungles, safaris and more. Can you tell we are just obsessed with Sri Lanka!
Our 10 days in Sri Lanka start in Negombo, a relaxed beach town just north of Colombo airport. After a long flight, this is exactly where you want to be, close to the airport, but also close to a beach and good food! Arrive in Negombo after you flight, sit back relax and get ready for a lush 10 days!
Negombo is all about easing into island life. Think palm‑lined beaches, colourful fishing boats bobbing offshore, and evenings spent watching the sun dip into the Indian Ocean. Wander along the sand, sip fresh coconut water, and get your first taste of Sri Lankan food too!
From the coast, it’s time to head inland to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and one of the most iconic spots on the island — Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Picture a massive rock rising straight out of the jungle, surrounded by endless green. It’s dramatic, it’s ancient, and yes… it’s about to take over your camera roll.
The climb up Sigiriya is a whole experience. You’ll wind your way past ancient wall art, giant stone lion paws, and viewpoints that just keep getting better the higher you go. When you finally reach the top, it genuinely feels like you’ve stepped into another world - with jungle views in every direction, it is so worth the hike!
In Sigirya, you also have to check out the Dambulla Cave Temples. Tucked into the rock, these caves are filled with golden Buddhas, colourful murals, and a super special energy.
Whilst in Sigiriya, we’ll also spend time with a local farming community, who will cook us the most amazing food and teach us all about Sri Lanka life! These are the moments that are super special, meeting the people who are lucky enough to call Sri Lanka home!
Next up is Kandy, a lush hill city that feels calm, cultural, and magical. Wrapped in greenery and with a cooler air, it’s a slower pace of life, which is perfect if you are looking to disconnect for a bit and reconnect to nature!
Spend the day strolling around Kandy Lake, popping into local markets, and soaking up the atmosphere at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. As the sun starts to dip and the hills glow, Kandy becomes the perfect place to slow things down and just relax.
Today, the landscape changes dramatically as you climb into Sri Lanka’s hill country. Nuwara Eliya, nicknamed Little England, is a home away from home.
We have to visit a tea plantation where we and learn how Sri Lanka’s world‑famous tea is grown and produced, and we’ll even taste a fresh brew straight from the source.
In the afternoon, hop aboard one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. This journey is one to tick off the bucket list for sure! As the train heads towards Ella, it passes waterfalls, tea pickers working the hillsides, and incredible jungle views. Get the famous photo or just sit back and enjoy this stunning ride!
Ella might just be our favourite place in Sri Lanka! The air is fresh, the views are unreal, and life moves at a relaxed pace.
Spend the days exploring Nine Arch Bridge, where bright blue trains steam through the lush jungle, and hike up Little Adam’s Peak for panoramic views across the valley. These walks are accessible, scenic and incredibly rewarding.
Ella is perfect for early birds, sunrise hikes and grabbing coffee after? Sounds like a plan to us!
In the evening, Ella’s café scene comes alive. Grab a smoothie bowl or dhal curry, and enjoy a night surrounded by mountains and stars.
Leaving the hills behind, the next part of the Sri Lanka route heads south towards Udawalawe National Park. On the way, stop at hidden waterfalls. If you have done a Gals Who Travel trip before, you know we never miss a chance to take a dip in a waterfall!
Udawalawe is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see elephants in the wild, along with water buffalo, deer and countless bird species. Again, we’ll get up early to head out into the wild to get the best chance of seeing the animals in their natural habitat and routine. We’ll also visit a government-run facility to see how they care for the elephants that need extra help.
Udawalawe is particularly special because we’ll be glamping too! These tents are something special, and falling asleep to the sounds of nature is just the ultimate treat! It’s adventurous, memorable and completely different from anything you’ll have done before!
Next up it’s time to head south to the coast and towards the super charming city of Galle. Wrapped in old stone walls and overlooking the ocean, Galle Fort feels like a little time capsule, think colonial buildings, colourful doors, ocean breezes and the cutest cafés.
We’ll spend our day wandering the cobbled streets, popping into boutique shops, grabbing iced coffees, and stopping every five minutes for photos because honestly…it’s that pretty.
Later, it’s just a short hop to Unawatuna, where beach mode officially begins. Golden sand, turquoise water, salty hair and zero plans. Swim in the sea, chill on the beach, and watch the sun melt into the ocean. This route just keeps getting better!
As our route around Sri Lanka comes to an end, this is your chance to fully relax. Unawatuna is made for slow mornings, salty swims and sun‑soaked afternoons. Snorkel in clear waters, wander along the coast or find the best smoothie bowl place in town!
Nearby Turtle Beach offers the chance to spot sea turtles resting offshore, we’re getting emotional just thinking about it. As evening falls, enjoy fresh seafood and the sound of waves rolling in.
As with every Gals Who Travel Trip, we leave you somewhere that is easy to travel home from or the perfect place to explore some more if you aren’t headed back to the airport just yet! The beaches here are the perfect place to base yourself for a few days if you fancy it - it’s completely up to you!
This itinerary gives you the full Sri Lanka experience without burnout. You’ll move at a pace that allows you to connect with places, people and moments and not just pass through them. As with every Gals Who Travel trip, it gives you time to really get to know the place and the amazing gals you’ll be travelling around with! If you want to find out more about Gals Who Travel, we’ve answered some of our most asked questions for you.
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