Sri Lanka Solo in 10 Days
A 10-day solo route around Sri Lanka by bus and car: Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Ella, Mirissa and Galle, with official bus fares for the long legs, road times, ticket prices and the UK government's safety advice for travelling alone, including emergency numbers. Checked 24 October 2026.
Day by day
- Day 1
Sigiriya
Colombo airport to Sigiriya, about 145 km and 2 hours 37 minutes by road with no traffic, or two buses via Kurunegala (Rs 331 and Rs 353).
- Day 2
Sigiriya
Climb Sigiriya at 7 am opening, then the Dambulla Cave Temple, about 17 km away, in the afternoon.
- Day 3
Sigiriya
Day trip to Polonnaruwa, about 53 km and 1 hour 2 minutes each way.
- Day 4
Kandy
Sigiriya to Kandy, about 89 km and 1 hour 48 minutes. Temple of the Tooth in the evening.
- Day 5
Kandy
A free day in Kandy: the lake, the market, or a half day to Pinnawala (about 40 km).
- Day 6
Ella
Kandy to Ella, about 134 km and 2 hours 41 minutes by road with no traffic. Check the train status the day before.
- Day 7
Ella
Little Adam's Peak at sunrise and the Nine Arch Bridge. Walk in daylight and tell your guesthouse where you are going.
- Day 8
Mirissa
Ella to Mirissa, about 178 km and 2 hours 54 minutes with no traffic. By bus, route 31-2 runs between Badulla and Matara (Rs 989).
- Day 9
Mirissa
Beach morning, then Galle Fort, about 33 km and 36 minutes away, for the afternoon walls walk.
- Day 10
Galle
Galle to Colombo airport, about 151 km and 2 hours by road with no traffic, or route 2/187 Matara to Katunayake by bus (Rs 810).
What is a good 10-day solo route in Sri Lanka?
Quick answer: Go Colombo airport to Sigiriya for three nights, then Kandy for two, Ella for two, Mirissa for two and finish in Galle. It is the classic first loop, and it suits a solo trip because every leg is under 3 hours by road with no traffic, so you never arrive late in a new town.
What does the route look like?
| Days | Base | Getting there | Road time (no traffic) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 | Sigiriya | From Colombo airport, 145 km | 2 h 37 min |
| 4 and 5 | Kandy | From Sigiriya, 89 km | 1 h 48 min |
| 6 and 7 | Ella | From Kandy, 134 km | 2 h 41 min |
| 8 and 9 | Mirissa | From Ella, 178 km | 2 h 54 min |
| 10 | Galle, then out | Galle to the airport, 151 km | 2 h 00 min |
Days 1 to 3: Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya is a good first base because three big sites are within about an hour. From the airport, take NTC route 5/245 Katunayake to Kurunegala (Rs 331), then route 549/499 Kurunegala to Sigiriya (Rs 353). If you land late, a car is simpler: see our Colombo airport to Sigiriya guide.
| Site | Ticket (foreign adult) | Distance from Sigiriya |
|---|---|---|
| Sigiriya | USD 35 | In the village |
| Dambulla Cave Temple | USD 10 | 17 km, 23 min |
| Polonnaruwa | USD 30 | 53 km, 1 h 02 min |
The CCF lists Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa as open from 7.00 am to 5.00 pm, and prices are paid in rupees. Climb Sigiriya at opening, when it is cooler and quieter. If you are travelling on a SAARC passport, the CCF gives 50% off.
Days 4 and 5: Kandy
Kandy is about 89 km from Sigiriya. Its main sight is the Temple of the Tooth, which the CCF lists as open from 7.00 am to 5.00 pm. The UK government says to cover your legs and shoulders and take off shoes and hats in Buddhist temples.
On day 5 you have a free day. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is about 40 km and 48 minutes away; see our day trips from Colombo guide for its schedule and prices.
Days 6 and 7: Ella
By road, Kandy to Ella is about 134 km and 2 hours 41 minutes with no traffic. The hill country train is the famous way to go, but we could not check its status on 24 October 2026 because the railway website was down. Check our Kandy to Ella train guide and the station the day before, and use the road if the train is not running.
In Ella, walk up Little Adam's Peak early and visit the Nine Arch Bridge. Walk in daylight and tell your guesthouse where you are heading.
Days 8 and 9: Mirissa and Galle
Ella to Mirissa is the longest leg, about 178 km and 2 hours 54 minutes. By bus, NTC route 31-2 runs between Badulla and Matara for Rs 989; ask at Ella whether it stops there, and take a local bus from Matara to Mirissa. A car is much simpler: see our Mirissa to Ella transport guide, which covers the same road in reverse.
The UK government warns that many beaches have dangerous surf or rip tides at certain times of year. Ask your guesthouse before you swim, and do not swim alone. On day 9, Galle Fort is about 33 km and 36 minutes from Mirissa.
Day 10: Back to the airport
Galle to Colombo airport is about 151 km and 2 hours by road with no traffic, mostly on the expressway. By bus, NTC route 2/187 Matara to Katunayake is Rs 810. Leave a wide margin before your flight.
Is Sri Lanka safe to travel alone?
The UK government's advice, last updated 21 September 2026, is the clearest official guide for solo travellers. These are the points that matter most when you are on your own:
| Risk | What the UK advice says |
|---|---|
| Harassment | Women report verbal and physical harassment, mostly in markets, stations, on buses and at tourist sites. Consider a personal alarm. |
| Bag snatching | Criminals may ride past on motorbikes and snatch bags. Carry bags on the side away from the road. |
| Tuk-tuks | Agree a price first or use a meter. Change vehicle if you have concerns. |
| Buses | Public buses are often driven fast. Tourist buses are usually driven more carefully. |
| Trains | Stay inside the carriage. There have been fatal accidents from hanging out of doors. |
| Sea | Many beaches have dangerous surf or rip tides at certain times of year. |
The same advice says violent crime against foreigners is rare. Our is Sri Lanka safe guide goes into more detail.
Which numbers should I save?
The UK government lists these numbers:
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 118 or 119 |
| Tourist Police | 011 2421052 |
| Ambulance | 1990 |
| Accident Service, Colombo General Hospital | 011 2691111 |
Save them before you land, and keep a copy of your passport, as the UK advice says you must always carry ID.
How much will the buses and tickets cost?
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Katunayake to Kurunegala bus (5/245) | Rs 331 |
| Kurunegala to Sigiriya bus (549/499) | Rs 353 |
| Matara to Badulla bus (31-2) | Rs 989 |
| Matara to Katunayake bus (2/187) | Rs 810 |
| Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla tickets | USD 75 |
The four long buses come to Rs 2,483. Short local buses and tuk-tuks are extra. For a full daily budget, see our Sri Lanka trip cost guide and the entry ticket prices guide. For a slower version of this route, see two weeks at a standard pace.
All the bus fares for this route, and backups if a train is cancelled, are in our bus routes and fares guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is 10 days enough for Sri Lanka solo?
Yes, for the classic loop of Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella and the south coast. You will skip the north and east. The longest single leg on this plan is Ella to Mirissa, about 178 km and 2 hours 54 minutes by road with no traffic.
Is Sri Lanka safe for solo female travellers?
The UK government's travel advice, checked 24 October 2026, says women continue to report verbal and physical harassment, mostly in crowded places such as markets, bus and train stations, buses and tourist sites. It advises care when travelling alone and suggests carrying a personal alarm.
Can I do this route by bus?
Mostly. The National Transport Commission lists long-distance fares such as Katunayake to Kurunegala (Rs 331), Kurunegala to Sigiriya (Rs 353), Matara to Badulla (Rs 989) and Matara to Katunayake (Rs 810). Shorter legs inside one province are not on that list, so check at the bus stand.
What are the emergency numbers in Sri Lanka?
The UK government lists police on 118 or 119, the Tourist Police on 011 2421052, and ambulance on 1990. The Accident Service at Colombo General Hospital is 011 2691111.
How much do the main sites cost on this route?
On the Central Cultural Fund list updated 14 October 2026, Sigiriya is USD 35 and Polonnaruwa USD 30. Sri Lanka Tourism lists the Dambulla Cave Temple at USD 10. That is USD 75 for the three, paid in rupees.
Is it safe to take tuk-tuks alone?
The UK government says to agree a price before you set off or use one with a working meter, and to change to another tuk-tuk or taxi if you have concerns. It mentions occasional harassment of women travellers at night. Taxi apps are another option in towns.