Quick answer
A packing list for a 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary needs light, breathable clothes for the heat; a scarf, sarong or long trousers and skirt for temples, where shoulders and knees must be covered; a fleece and light rain jacket for Ella and the train; neutral colours, a hat and a buff against dust for the safaris; and swimwear and sandals for the coast. Add walking shoes with grip, high-factor sunscreen, insect repellent, rehydration salts, a head torch and a universal adaptor.
Key takeaways
- Temples on the route, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Dambulla, require shoulders and knees to be covered.
- Ella and the train's highest section, near Pattipola, can be cool, especially in the early morning.
- Shoes with good grip are needed for Sigiriya, Little Adam's Peak and Ella Rock.
- Sri Lanka uses mainly type D and type G plugs at 230 volts, so a universal adaptor is useful.
- A 40-litre bag or a medium suitcase is enough for ten days, since laundry is cheap and quick at most hotels.
Clothing for the 10-day route
Clothing for a 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary should be light, breathable and quick-drying, since most of the route is hot and humid. Cotton and linen are comfortable; technical fabrics dry faster after sweaty climbs and sudden showers.
Plan for one or two warmer layers for the hill country and enough modest clothing for temple visits on several days. Laundry is cheap and quick at most hotels and guesthouses, so a week's worth of clothes is plenty.
- →Five to six light tops, including some with sleeves.
- →Two pairs of light trousers or long skirts; one pair of shorts.
- →A sarong or large scarf for temples and the beach.
- →A fleece or light jumper for Ella and the train.
- →A light, packable rain jacket.
- →Swimwear and a cover-up.
Footwear
Walking shoes or trail trainers with good grip are the most important item, for Sigiriya's staircases, Little Adam's Peak, Ella Rock and Horton Plains if you add it. Sandals that slip on and off quickly are ideal for temples, where shoes are removed, and for the beach.
Socks help on hot or cold stone floors at temples. Heavy hiking boots are unnecessary for the standard route.
- →Walking shoes with grip.
- →Slip-on sandals.
- →A pair of socks in your day bag for temples.
Health and sun
The sun is strong everywhere on the route, including in the cooler hills. Pack high-factor sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Insect repellent is essential from dusk, particularly in the Cultural Triangle and on the coast, since dengue is present in Sri Lanka.
A small first-aid kit with rehydration salts, stomach remedies, plasters, blister treatment and any personal medicines, in their original packaging, covers most needs. Seasickness tablets help on the whale trip.
Electronics and useful extras
Sri Lanka mainly uses type D and type G sockets at 230 volts, so bring a universal adaptor. A power bank helps on the long train day and safaris. A head torch is useful for dawn starts at Pidurangala and Nine Arch Bridge, and on the Adam's Peak variant.
Binoculars add a great deal to the safaris. A reusable water bottle, dry bags for electronics in the rain or on a boat, and a small daypack complete the list.
- →Universal adaptor and power bank.
- →Head torch for dawn starts.
- →Binoculars for safaris.
- →Reusable bottle and a small dry bag.
- →A 20 to 25 litre daypack.
A day bag for each stage of the route
With a private driver, the main bag stays in the car, so the real packing skill on the 10-day route is the day bag. Its contents change with each stage: temple clothes and socks in the Cultural Triangle and Kandy, a warm layer and snacks on the train, dust protection and binoculars on safari, swimwear on the coast.
Repacking the day bag each evening for the next day takes five minutes and saves a lot of rummaging at dawn.
- →Days 2 to 4: water, sunscreen, hat, sarong or scarf, socks.
- →Day 5: fleece, snacks, water, power bank, ticket.
- →Days 6 to 8: rain jacket, head torch, binoculars, dust scarf.
- →Days 9 to 10: swimwear, seasickness tablets, passport for the flight.
What to leave at home
Leave behind heavy jeans, formal wear except for the occasional smart-casual dinner, bulky hiking boots, and clothing with images of the Buddha, which is considered disrespectful in Sri Lanka. Large suitcases are awkward on the train if you do not have a driver to carry them.
Most toiletries, sarongs, sun cream and insect repellent can be bought in Sri Lanka if you run out, though favourite brands may be hard to find outside Colombo, Kandy and Galle.
Packing for the ten days
Pack a small day bag for each type of day: temple clothes and socks for the Cultural Triangle and Kandy, a warm layer for the train, dust protection for the safaris and swimwear for the coast. Keep the rest in the main bag in the car.
Lankan Stays & Trails sends guests a stop-by-stop packing note before each trip. The site's general packing list covers Sri Lanka in every season.
Frequently asked questions
What should I pack for 10 days in Sri Lanka?
Light, breathable clothes, modest outfits for temples, a warm layer and rain jacket for the hills, walking shoes and sandals, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, a small first-aid kit, a universal adaptor, a head torch and binoculars for the safaris.
Do I need warm clothes for Sri Lanka?
Only a little. Ella and the highest section of the train near Pattipola can be cool, especially in the morning, and Nuwara Eliya is colder still. A fleece or light jumper and a rain jacket are enough for the standard 10-day route.
What should I wear to temples in Sri Lanka?
Clothes covering shoulders and knees, ideally light in colour. Shoes and hats are removed, so slip-on sandals and a pair of socks help. A sarong or large scarf is the easiest way to cover up quickly.
Can I travel Sri Lanka with carry-on only?
Yes. Ten days fits in a carry-on of around 40 litres with light clothing, since laundry is cheap and quick at most hotels. Travelling light is especially helpful on the train without a driver.
What plug adaptor do I need for Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka mainly uses type D and type G sockets at 230 volts, with some hotels offering universal sockets. A universal adaptor covers all cases. Check that your devices accept 230 volts.
What should I wear on a Sri Lankan safari?
Neutral colours such as khaki, green or beige, a hat, sunglasses and a buff or scarf against dust. Bring a light layer for dawn drives, sunscreen and binoculars. Avoid bright colours and strong perfume.