Sri Lanka 9-Day Tours & Itineraries

Explore 10 trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Sri Lanka.
See our itineraries below or read our guide to the best 9-day trips in Sri Lanka.
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Views across the Sri Lankan highlands from Little Adam's Peak
Map of Sri Lanka Highlights: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Yala & Galle - 9 Days
Sri Lanka Highlights: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, Yala & Galle - 9 Days

From the UNESCO-listed ruins of the Cultural Triangle to the historic Indian Ocean fortress of Galle, this nine-day introduction to Sri Lanka rounds up all the highlights of the island's south and central regions. Explore the ancient civilizations of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, tour the sacred temples of Kandy, take a breathtaking train journey through the tea fields of Ella, and head off-road in search of rare wildlife in Yala National Park.

Hike to Little Adam's Peak for a fun photo opportunity
Map of Sri Lanka Active Adventure - 9 Days
Sri Lanka Active Adventure - 9 Days

This 9-day journey through Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) explores fascinating highlights in the Cultural Triangle—home of ancient cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Buddhist relics. With a private driver and guide, you'll take hikes in tea country, spot diverse wildlife in the rainforest, and relax (or surf) on picturesque beaches on the south coast for an adventure to remember.

Traditional carved masks in Galle
Map of Arts, Crafts & Culture in Sri Lanka - 9 Days
Arts, Crafts & Culture in Sri Lanka - 9 Days

From intricate lacquerware to carved masks and exquisite weaving, Sri Lanka's traditional arts and crafts hold a special place in its cultural heritage. On this fascinating nine-day itinerary, you'll take a deep dive into the island's historical and contemporary artistry. You'll visit the famed weavers of Divulapitiya, admire the ancient treasures of Dambulla, learn the basics of ceremonial mask-making in Galle, and sit down with some of the island's pre-eminent artists in Colombo and Kandy.

Search for the rare Sri Lankan leopard in Yala National Park
Map of Active Sri Lanka: Rivers, Mountains, Wildlife & Beaches - 9 Days
Active Sri Lanka: Rivers, Mountains, Wildlife & Beaches - 9 Days

Raft, hike, abseil, and snorkel your way around Sri Lanka on this nine-day outdoor adventure. Winding through the island's central and southern regions, you'll start with a week of adrenaline-fueled fun—paddling through whitewater rapids, rappelling down waterfalls, and hiking to dramatic mountain peaks. After heading into the wild to search for leopards and elephants on safari, wind down with snorkeling and swimming in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

See how tea is picked in the highlands of Sri Lanka
Map of A Taste of Sri Lanka - 9 Days
A Taste of Sri Lanka - 9 Days

This nine-day itinerary takes you on a flavorful journey through Sri Lanka's culture and cuisine—from the beaches of the Indian Ocean to the heart of the Cultural Triangle. Alongside an itinerary of ancient temples, wildlife spotting, and countryside cycling, you'll learn the secrets of a perfect curry in Galle, take afternoon tea among the lush gardens of the Hill Country, and embark on a fascinating and fragrant tour of Kandy's Spice Garden.

A monkey samples some Sri Lankan coconut
Map of Flavors of Sri Lanka - 9 Days
Flavors of Sri Lanka - 9 Days

Delight your senses and broaden your palate with this nine-day exploration of Sri Lankan culture and cuisine. Beginning and ending in Colombo, you'll circle the island's south, checking off must-see highlights as you sample local dishes. Bike to a rural village for an unforgettable curry lunch, explore Kandy's colorful street food scene, see how world-class tea is made in Hill Country, and taste the freshest seafood on the tropical beaches of Ahangama.

Journey on scenic trains through Sri Lanka during this nine-day tour
Map of Scenic Trains, Wildlife Safaris & Cultural Highlights in Sri Lanka - 9 Days
Scenic Trains, Wildlife Safaris & Cultural Highlights in Sri Lanka - 9 Days

See the best of Sri Lanka's countryside on scenic train journeys to the sacred city of Kandy and through the verdant tea country of Sri Lanka's "Little England." You'll stop at a plantation to pick tea leaves and sample fresh brews before climbing the whimsical Ambuluwawa Tower for incredible mountaintop views. Visit an elephant orphanage on your way to Yala National Park, where you'll head out on Jeep safaris to spot Sri Lankan leopards before ending your trip exploring the historic coastal city of Galle.

Explore some of Sri Lanka's lush tea plantations in Hatton, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, and Galle
Map of Sri Lanka's Tea Legacy: From the Highlands to the Coast - 9 Days
Sri Lanka's Tea Legacy: From the Highlands to the Coast - 9 Days

Unveil Sri Lanka's rich tea heritage over nine days, starting with a tea-infused dinner in Hatton. Tour the Dunkeld Tea Factory before transferring to Nuwara Eliya, where you'll hike in Horton Plains National Park and take afternoon tea on the lawns of a colonial-era hotel. Ride a train over the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella and sip tea at a local tea plantation before heading to Galle to explore Galle Fort. Then, wrap up your tea-savoring trip with a visit to Handunugoda Tea Estate and the Japanese Peace Pagoda.

Explore the heart of Sri Lanka's hill country during this nine-day tour
Map of High Altitudes & Serenity in Sri Lanka - 9 Days
High Altitudes & Serenity in Sri Lanka - 9 Days

Spend nine days adventuring and relaxing in Sri Lanka's picturesque Hill Country. Start in Kitulgala, known for its thrill-seeking activities, where you'll go rafting, abseiling, and cycling in the nearby rainforest. Next, travel to the sacred Adam's Peak for a midnight climb to see the sunrise. You'll then head to the cooler climes in lovely Hatton for some free time, followed by a tour of a tea plantation and afternoon tea in "Little England." Finish with one of the world's most scenic train rides to the sacred city of Kandy.

Ride the waves in Arugam Bay
Map of Surfing, Safaris & Scenery in Southern Sri Lanka - 9 Days
Surfing, Safaris & Scenery in Southern Sri Lanka - 9 Days

Discover Sri Lanka's coastal and inland highlights, starting in Kandy with a tour of the Royal Palace and its sacred relics. Next up is Wellawaya, for a scenic train ride over the "Bridge in the Sky" and a swim in the beautiful Ellewala Waterfall. Relax mid-trip with two days dedicated to the waves in the surfing mecca of Arugam Bay, then wrap up your adventure with afternoon and dawn safaris in Yala National Park, searching for magnificent leopards and elephants.

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