Great — below is a ready-to-use 10‑day Sri Lanka itinerary focused on eco‑luxury stays, with travel logistics, standout sustainable properties, activities, and practical tips. I cite trusted sources for the key recommendations so you can verify details and book confidently.

Summary plan (10 nights / 11 days)

• Day 1: Arrive Colombo — transfer to Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya/Anuradhapura) — overnight at Ulagalla (eco‑villa). (ugaescapes.com)
• Days 2–3: Explore Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla, optional Minneriya elephant safari — stay Jetwing Vil Uyana (wetlands eco‑lodge). (jetwinghotels.com)
• Day 4: Transfer to Kandy — evening at Santani (wellness eco‑retreat) — spa/ayurveda and forest walks. (Wallpaper.com)
• Day 5: Kandy cultural sites (Temple of the Tooth) or relax at Santani — overnight Santani. (Wallpaper.com)
• Day 6: Scenic train or private transfer to Nuwara Eliya / tea region — stay at a tea‑estate luxury property (Ceylon Tea Trails or Heritance Tea Factory). Tea‑walk, estate lunch. (heritancehotels.com)
• Day 7: Morning tea‑estate activities; transfer south toward Yala / southeast coast — overnight en route or head straight to Yala.
• Days 8–9: Yala National Park safaris; stay at Wild Coast Tented Lodge (eco‑safari/luxury tents on the coast). (wildcoatyala.com)
• Day 10: Drive to southern coast (Galle/Unawatuna) for coastal time, Galle Fort visit or whale watching (seasonal) — luxury coastal eco property or boutique hotel.
• Day 11: Transfer to Colombo for departure (time permitting city highlights).

Why these properties (eco‑luxury highlights)

• Ulagalla (Anuradhapura/Cultural Triangle): all‑pool eco‑villas set across restored paddy fields and reservoirs; large on‑site solar generation, organic farming and low‑impact design make it an excellent sustainable base for the Cultural Triangle. Good for privacy, cultural excursions and low‑impact activities (cycling, kayaking, village visits). (ugaescapes.com)
• Jetwing Vil Uyana (Sigiriya): renowned wetland restoration project with dwelling types built into habitats (paddy, marsh, forest, water); strong sustainability programs, wildlife focus and guided nature activities. Excellent for combining Sigiriya and wildlife/birdwatching. (jetwinghotels.com)
• Santani (near Kandy): a wellness retreat noted for minimalist, naturally‑ventilated villas, Ayurveda treatments and an eco‑focused design language that minimizes AC use; great for rest and regenerative experiences. (Wallpaper.com)
• Ceylon Tea Trails / Heritance Tea Factory (tea region): converted tea bungalows and a restored factory that offer immersive tea‑estate experiences with strong heritage/landscape focus — ideal for sustainable highland stays and estate tours. (heritancehotels.com)
• Wild Coast Tented Lodge (Yala): luxury tented accommodation blending into the coastal/jungle landscape, strong wildlife focus and educational programs tied to Yala safaris; combines high comfort with low visual impact. (exceptional-travel.com)

Transport & logistics

• Private driver + car is the most flexible way to see Sri Lanka’s eco‑luxury lodges (pickups/dropoffs timed to your flights and safaris). Trains are scenic (Kandy→Nuwara Eliya/Ella) but slower; internal flights are limited. Organized transfers or tours are common for luxury stays. (atj.com)
• Typical transfer times to plan (approx.): Colombo → Cultural Triangle 4–4.5 hrs; Cultural Triangle → Kandy 2–3 hrs; Kandy → Nuwara Eliya 3 hrs; Nuwara Eliya → Yala 5–6 hrs (break into two legs if preferred).
• Safaris: book early morning and late afternoon game drives in Yala (best light for wildlife). Wild Coast and other lodges handle park permits and guides for you. (exceptional-travel.com)

Best time to visit (regional)

• South & west coasts (Galle, Mirissa, Unawatuna): December–March is the prime dry season.
• Central highlands (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya): best Jan–April (cooler, clear).
• East coast (Arugam Bay, Trincomalee): May–September is drier (surf season).
  If you want beaches + Yala safaris + Cultural Triangle in one trip, January–March gives the most consistently dry weather across those regions. (visitsrilanka.ai)

Visas & entry (note recent changes)

• Visa/ETA rules for Sri Lanka have changed several times recently. As of late 2025 travelers should check current ETA or visa‑free arrangements before booking — confirm via the Sri Lanka Department of Immigration or your embassy. (I can check the latest ETA/visa status for U.S. passports if you want.) (en.wikipedia.org)

Estimated budget (per person, double occupancy)

• Luxury eco‑hotels (Ulagalla, Jetwing Vil Uyana, Santani, tea‑estate, Wild Coast): $250–$700+ per night depending on villa/tent category, season and inclusions.
• Private driver + fuel (11 days): roughly $600–$1,200 depending on vehicle class, distance and driver allowance.
• Park fees, guide and safari vehicles (Yala/Udawalawe): $50–$150 per person per safari (varies by park/vehicle).
• Food, experiences, tips: $40–$150/day.
  Total for 10 nights luxury eco itinerary: estimate $4,000–$9,000+ per person (flights not included), depending on level of room/category, season and inclusions. (Give me your travel dates and I’ll run a tighter quote.)

Sample day‑by‑day (concise)

• Day 1: Arrive CMB → private transfer to Ulagalla. Evening village bicycle ride, private dinner in pavilion. (ugaescapes.com)
• Day 2: Early Sigiriya climb; afternoon relax at pool; night safari or Minneriya elephant search. Overnight Jetwing Vil Uyana (or Ulagalla if you choose to stay). (jetwinghotels.com)
• Day 3: Morning birdwatching/wetland walk at Vil Uyana; transfer to Kandy late afternoon (or overnight at Santani). (jetwinghotels.com)
• Day 4: Santani wellness program: massage, forest meditation, Ayurveda consultation. (Wallpaper.com)
• Day 5: Transfer to Nuwara Eliya via scenic roads; settle in at tea‑estate hotel (tea tasting). (heritancehotels.com)
• Day 6: Tea factory tour, estate hike, afternoon train option toward southern route. (heritancehotels.com)
• Days 7–8: Transfer to Yala; afternoon/evening safari; stay Wild Coast Tented Lodge for coastal safari/wildlife. (exceptional-travel.com)
• Day 9: Morning safari; afternoon drive to Galle or southern beach retreat.
• Day 10: Galle Fort walk, coastal dining, beach time.
• Day 11: Return to Colombo for flight.

Practical tips & eco considerations

• Book eco‑lodge experiences directly (they usually manage park permits, ethical guides, and community‑led activities). (exceptional-travel.com)
• Respect wildlife rules on safari (no off‑track driving, keep distance). Use lodges that support conservation/education programs. (exceptional-travel.com)
• Lightweight layers for highlands (Nuwara Eliya) and reef‑safe sunscreen for beaches. Bring insect repellent for wetlands/safaris.
• Support community projects (many eco‑properties run local learning programs or farming initiatives you can visit). Uga and Jetwing both highlight local community and water/rehab projects. (thetraveldaily.co.uk)

Want this tailored to your dates, arrival airport and travel style? I can:

• map exact transfers and daily times, or
• build a 7‑, 10‑ or 14‑day version with exact room recommendations and current nightly rates and availability (I’ll check dates and bookable rates), or
• check current visa/ETA rules for U.S. passports for your travel dates.

Which would you like next? (If you want me to check availability or rates, tell me your travel dates and whether you prefer private driver vs. train.)