sri lanka travel route 2 weeks

The perfect Sri Lanka 2 week Itinerary (2024)

Welcome to Sri Lanka, an island package of lush vegetation, ornate ancient temples, close up wildlife encounters and palm fringed beaches. To help you plan your trip we’ve crafted the perfect Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary, with 14 days of fun to see the best of this friendly tropical country. If you have less time there’s also an itinerary for 10 days in Sri Lanka that takes in the country’s highlights.

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Table of Contents

Overview of our Sri Lanka 2 Week Itinerary

We’ve created a 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary that covers the top things to see. You’ll start and end in Colombo, making a loop of the central highlands, south and west of the country. If you have more time you could extend your trip to visit the east coast and Jaffna in the north, but this would add another week or two to the trip.

You’ll start in Colombo (Day 1) before heading inland to the Cultural Triangle for the top heritage attractions at Dambulla and Sigiriya (Day 2-4). Next you’ll visit Sri Lanka’s second city of Kandy (Day 5) and then head south into the cooler Hill Country.

Day 6 (Nuwara Eliya) and Day 7 (Horton Plains) are spent visiting tea plantations and hiking through lush green landscapes to see waterfalls and viewpoints. You’ll take the famous Blue Train to Ella (Day 8-9) and then spend a day spotting elephants in Udawuluwe National Park (Day 10).

Then it’s on to the south coast for some relaxation and beach time at Mirissa (Day 11). From here you will travel up the south-west coast stopping at the historic town of Galle (Day 12). The final night is spent back in Colombo or Negombo (Day 13) before flying home on Day 14.

For the next 2 weeks in Sri Lanka we’ll show you the country’s highlights including the top cultural sights, elephant safaris and beach time to relax.

If you need an airport transfer check these options for airport to Colombo and airport to Negombo .

Day 1 – Relax in Colombo

If you’ve had a long flight, you’ll probably need a day to relax and acclimatise. We recommend spending your first day in Sri Lanka’s capital of Colombo to see some of its sites. As an alternative, you may prefer a relaxing day in the beach resort of Negombo , which is closer to Colombo airport.

Things to do in Colombo

Colombo offers a blend of dynamic city life, shady green residential areas, old colonial charm and sea views bounded by the train tracks. Here’s how we recommend spending a day there.

For a gentle start, take a stroll around the algae green waters of South Beira Lake . We stayed nearby at the Boutique Hotel Taru Lake Lodge . On the lake is the Seema Malaka temple designed by Geoffrey Bawa and nearby is the Buddhist Gungararamaya Temple .

From here it’s an easy stroll through the shady Vihara Mahadevi Park to the Colombo National Museum . Set in a gorgeous colonial era building, the museum gives a taste of Sri Lankan art and history.

Afternoon in Colombo

In the pleasant leafy suburb just south of the museum is the former home of Geoffrey Bawa at No 11, 33rd Lane. The house gives a glimpse of the vision of Sri Lanka’s leading architect. If art and design interests you it’s worth taking one of the pre-booked tours – check the Geoffrey Bawa website for more details.

Nearby you can shop for authentic souvenirs from Sri Lankan designers at Barefoot and have a drink or snack in their garden cafe. We stayed not far from here at the pleasant and stylish Sayura House .

In the evening take a tuk tuk to the Galle Face Hotel for a sunset cocktail or mingle with the locals strolling by the sea at Galle Face Green .

If you prefer to feel the hustle and bustle of Colombo, take a walk around the Fort area near the station. There are many grand colonial buildings in this neighbourhood, including the atmospheric St Peter’s church. You can also dive into the hectic bazaar area of Pettah , although it can be rather chaotic and overwhelming!

Also check out our article on 20 Amazing things to do in Sri Lanka

Getting around Colombo

Getting around Colombo is easiest by tuk tuk which you can find on every street corner. We found this was one of the most fun ways to experience Colombo. The fare is determined by a meter although many drivers claim it is broken, but in any case prices are affordable.

Where to stay in Colombo

Book one of these hotels in Colombo for 1 night. * Our Pick

Boutique – Taru Lake Lodge * – boutique style well located close to South Beira Lake.

Budget style – Sayura House – affordable and stylish in a quiet area of south Colombo.

Luxury – Jetwing Colombo Seven – a stylish and modern 5* international hotel with rooftop pool.

You can also check prices and availability for hotels in Colombo and hotels in Negombo

Stay in Colombo at the boutique hotel Taru Lake Lodge near South Beira Lake

Day 2 – Colombo to Dambulla

After checking out of your hotel, you’ll head inland to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle , one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for cultural and religious sites. Stop to visit the Dambulla Cave Temples , before spending the night close to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, which you will visit the next day.

It’s a 3.5 hour drive to reach Dambulla Caves and from there you will be only 30 mins drive from Sigiriya.

See below for tips on hiring a driver in Sri Lanka, but for convenience we recommend 12Go , the specialist website for booking train travel and taxi transfers in Asia and beyond.

Dambulla Cave Temples

The Dambulla Cave Temples date back to the 1st century and were carved by hand from a rocky overhang. Five caves are filled with statues of Buddha, other religious subjects and colourful frescoes covering every surface of the temple interiors. In one of the caves is a 14 metre reclining Buddha carved out of the solid rock, with murals depicting scenes from the life of Lord Buddha.

Buy tickets before you start climbing the steps to the cave temples themselves. Once at the top you will need to leave your shoes and walk into the temple compound barefoot (wearing socks is also allowed if your feet are sensitive).

Within the temple compound there are freelance guides who you can pay a fee to give you a guided tour of the temples, although we were happy to just wander around and take photos. Allow around 1-1.5 hours for your visit. After visiting the cave temples, your driver can leave you at your chosen hotel, to relax for the rest of the afternoon.

Where to stay near Sigiriya

We highly recommending treating yourself a stay at Heritance Kandalama , a gorgeous resort style hotel with swimming pools, set by a lake. The hotel was designed by Geoffrey Bawa, built into the rock and draped in jungle like creepers, with monkeys that play outside the windows. You’ll need to book a hotel for 2 nights, as you’ll also stay tomorrow after visiting Sigiriya.

If looking at other hotels, the closest town is Dambulla, where there are plenty of accommodation options, restaurants and services like ATMs. You’ll also find inexpensive hotels in Sigiriya and Pidurangala, very close to Lion Rock. * Our Pick

Luxury – Heritance Kandalama * – Geoffrey Bawa designed hotel by the lake with a jungle feel

Resort hotel – Jetwing Lake – contemporary hotel in peaceful lakeside setting

Budget – Nature Park Villa – peaceful small hotel with pool surrounded by nature

Stay at Heritance Kandalama near Dambulla – a unique lakeside hotel where we stayed designed by Geoffrey Bawa

Hiring a driver in Sri Lanka

On our trip we travelled with a driver for part of our journey, combined with travelling by train and tuk tuk. We don’t recommend hiring a car to drive yourself, as there is a very well established system of drivers to take you around the country, which is much more relaxing.

It’s very easy to find a private car with driver in Sri Lanka, even at quite short notice. You can use a booking site like 12Go – check out their most popular transfers in Sri Lanka . Hotels can also arrange a driver and you will often be approached by taxi drivers offering their services for longer trips. For trips lasting multiple days, the driver will arrange their own accommodation and this is included in the price quoted.

The cost of hiring a car with driver for a multi-day trip includes the fuel, car, driver’s wages and cost of driver’s accommodation and meals. Costs quoted will be variable depending on the size and quality of car, the costs of fuel at the time, distances travelled and the places visited, since driver accommodation may cost more in some places.

We found that costs were comparable to hiring a car in Europe, averaging £40-50 per day. However due to fluctuations in exchange rates and rising fuel costs, this may vary. A driver tip is customary at the end of a multi-day trip, we allowed around 10% of the overall cost.

For more travel tips read our article: Sri Lanka Travel Tips – information to plan your perfect trip .

Need help to design your dream holiday? We’ve partnered with UK travel advisor Luxeco Holidays to create your personalised itinerary

Day 3 – Eploring Sigiriya

Today is the day to explore Sri Lanka’s best known heritage site at Sigiriya , then stay a second night nearby at your chosen hotel.

Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock , is a natural stone fortress that rises a sheer 200m from the jungle covered plain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a mixture of historical interest, an exhilarating climb and stunning views over the surrounding countryside.

Visiting Sigiriya Rock

You’ll need to be reasonably fit to climb the 1200 steps that take you up to the top of Lion Rock. But don’t be put off, as there are a number of resting points on the way up, with a two way system in some places.

Ask your driver to drop you off in the early morning, or take a tuk tuk from your hotel. You need to arrive before the heat gets too intense, or after 3pm when the crowds and heat are starting to subside. The site opens at 6.30am and closes by 5.30pm.

Be sure to carry a water bottle and some snacks on your climb, as there is nothing to buy once you leave the ticket office, which is also the last opportunity for a bathroom stop. Allocate 2-3 hours for your visit to Sigiriya.

Halfway up are the lion paws straddling the stairway, which is a nice place for a photo. They are all that remain of a giant lion statue that guarded the final stairway to the palace.

At the top of the rock is the ruined palace complex, with a water tank and great views over the ancient water gardens. It’s a wonderful spot to view the jungle covered countryside all around.

Frescoes at Sigiriya

On the way down you can climb a spiral staircase to see the frescoes of voluptuous water spirits, sheltered by a rocky overhang. The western rock face was thought to be covered with similar frescoes but only these 21 paintings remain. Sadly no photos of the frescoes are allowed.

Back at ground level there’s also a museum, which is included in your ticket. Cost to visit the whole site is $30 US and it’s best to bring cash with you. Once you have completed your visit, spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel, with dinner at one of the many local restaurants in Dambulla or nearby.

Day 4 – Sigiriya to Kandy

Today you are heading south to Kandy , the second largest city of Sri Lanka in the cooler Hill Country . Driving time is 2-2.5 hours depending on where you stayed near Sigiriya. There are a couple of extra things you might like to see en route, or otherwise arrive in Kandy by lunchtime for more sightseeing time there.

Climbing Pidurangala Rock (Option 1)

Close to Sigiriya is Pidurangala Rock , which you can climb to get some amazing views of the Lion Rock. Many travellers climb the rock before dawn to see the sunrise glowing behind Sigiriya. Not being a fan of early starts we opted to go in the morning and still got wonderful views.

The climb starts at a small temple, where you pay a mandatory donation to access the path (1000 Rupees when we were there). For this first part you will need to be suitably dressed and wraps are available to borrow if you are wearing shorts.

Easy stone and brick steps then take you up past the reclining Buddha statue under a rock overhang. From here the climb is a bit more tricky as you need to scramble over some large boulders and squeeze behind a rock. Finally you reach a rocky plateau with fantastic views towards Sigiriya.

The whole visit takes around 2 hours. Note that this climb is not suitable for young children and you need to wear trainers or hiking sandals.

Visit Polonnaruwa, ancient capital of Sri Lanka (Option 2)

If you go for this option, bear in mind that it will be a very long day, but worthwhile if you are interested in culture and heritage sites. The drive from Dambulla to Polonnaruwa is around 1hr 15 mins. You’ll need 2-3 hours to visit Polonnaruwa and then the drive from there to Kandy is around 3 hours.

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa was the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom established by King Vijayabahu I in the 13th century. It was later abandoned and became overgrown by jungle, but was excavated and declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1982. The main sites are somewhat spread out with plenty to see once you have purchased a ticket.

Getting around Polonnaruwa

If you have hired a driver, they can take you by car between the different parts of the site or you can also hire a bicycle or tuk tuk near the entrance. I’d recommend taking a tour with one of the registered guides who will approach you near the museum and can follow you on moped around the site to explain everything.

Start your visit at the museum, where you buy your ticket, which gives a good overview of the site and houses some of its treasures. Next visit the Royal Palace group of buildings. These include the ancient ruins of the king’s palace, council chamber and the nearby bathing pool for the royal family.

Furthest from the ticket office is the Gal Vihara or Rock Monastery, which includes four enormous Buddha statues carved directly into the rock. The largest is a 14 m long statue statue, depicting reclining Buddha at the moment of death and entering nirvana.

Cost of the ticket for the whole site is $25.

Afternoon in Kandy at the Royal Botanical Gardens (Option 3)

If you arrive in Kandy around lunchtime, you can settle into your hotel and still see some things in the afternoon.

We particularly recommend visiting the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, a 15 minute drive by car or tuk tuk from Kandy. With orchid house, vivid floral plantings, palm avenues and a suspension bridge over the river, you could easily spend a pleasant hour or two here, before returning to your hotel.

Once back in Kandy, finish the day with a stroll around the Kandy Lake. Here you can hire a boat, admire the Queen’s Bathing House and take in the lakeside views.

Transport Tips

Kandy is where you may wish to end your arrangement with the driver you booked in Colombo, unless they are staying with you for the whole trip. Most things in Kandy are easily walkable or can be reached in an inexpensive tuk tuk ride.

Where to stay in Kandy

Most of the more luxurious and resort style hotels are a little way out of Kandy, which is fine if you just want to relax but not ideal when you want to explore Kandy. The best for location is the Cinnamon Citadel , just a 10 minute drive from the centre.

Kandy offers many affordable accommodation options, including the Radisson and Sharon Inn on the hillside overlooking the south side of Kandy Lake, so you can walk or take a tuk tuk into town.

You should book 2 nights in Kandy as you’ll stay here tomorrow as well. * Our Pick

Resort style – Cinnamon Citadel – resort style hotel by a river just 10 mins drive from the centre of Kandy

Mid-range – Radisson Hotel * – formerly the Ozo hotel, contemporary style with rooftop pool overlooking Kandy Lake

Budget – Sharon Inn – modest guest house with friendly owners, overlooking Kandy Lake – they do a great traditional curry buffet.

Stay in Kandy at the modern Radisson Hotel featuring a rooftop pool, near Kandy Lake

Day 5 – Exploring Kandy

Today we’ll be exploring Kandy, especially its biggest attraction, the Temple of the Tooth . A driver is not needed for this day as you can walk or take a tuk tuk to all the local attractions. You’ll stay a second night in Kandy before heading south into the Hill Country.

Top Tip: If you plan to take the famous Blue Train from either Kandy or Nanoya (near Nuwara Eliya) to Ella, reserve your seat as soon as possible at the train station in Kandy. Reserved seats for the Ella Train in 1st and 2nd class book up days, sometimes weeks ahead. Otherwise you may have to buy an unreserved seat and stand all the way. You can also book online through 12Go , but online bookings must be at least 4 days ahead and no more than 30 days as train tickets are not released beyond this.

Visit the Temple of the Tooth

The Temple of the Tooth is Kandy’s top attraction, so we suggest you spend the morning visiting it and allocate at least a couple of hours. Tickets for foreign visitors can be purchased by card at a machine, and freelance guides may approach you offering a tour which is worth considering.

As with all temples, you need to cover your legs and shoulders and shoes must be removed and left at a kiosk, for which there is a small charge.

The temple houses Sri Lanka’s most holy relic, the tooth of Lord Buddha housed in a gold casket within a gold roofed shrine. You may want to time your visit with the morning or evening puja ceremony accompanied by drumming, when the shrine is opened for a closer glimpse of the casket holding the tooth.

After visiting the hall that houses the relic and other parts of the temple, look around the gardens and see the Royal Hall with its carved wooden pillars.

Other things to see in Kandy

If you haven’t already visited the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, we suggest you take a tuk tuk there to visit in the afternoon. Otherwise in Kandy you could visit the busy covered market, with sections selling clothing, fruit and veg, meat and fish, which is good for local colour and buying spices and souvenirs.

Take a relaxing stroll around the Kandy Lake and perhaps walk or drive up to the viewpoint on the south side of the lake, for some great photos.

In the early evening it’s worth attending a performance of traditional music and dance. The 1 hour show at the Kandyan Arts and Crafts association is the one we saw. It’s an energetic taste of the performances that would normally take place during festivals.

You’ll spend a second night in Kandy at your chosen hotel.

Day 6 – Nuwara Eliya

South of Kandy is the Hill Country, where we will be heading today to Nuwara Eliya (3 hours drive). Due to the altitude, the temperatures are cooler and you may get rain showers, even in the dry season.

If you haven’t retained a driver for the whole trip, you could now engage one to drive you from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya . Alternatively you could easily take the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (2.5 hours). You’ll spend 2 nights in Nuwara Eliya.

Tea Plantations in Nuwara Eliya

Due to its cooler climate, Nuwara Eliya was the centre of the tea industry and is often described as “Little England”. The tea planters built their English style bungalows and imported their customs such as horse racing and afternoon tea to the town.

If driving into town you can stop and visit one of the tea plantation such as Damro Laboukellie . You’ll get a free short guided tour of the tea factory, followed by a cup of tea and cake in their tea lounge and plenty of opportunity to buy tea in the shop.

Other tea plantations to visit include the Blue Field Tea Estate 20 km north of the town and Pedro Tea Factory which has a scenic walking trail through the tea plantation.

More things to do in Nuwara Eliya

Once you’ve arrived at Nuwara Eliya and checked into your hotel you might like to take a stroll around the town, checking out the oh-so-English red brick post office with its clock tower. In the centre is Victoria Park , an English style public park, with fountains, pools and colourful floral displays, with a small charge to visit.

You can also enjoy the green space of Nuwara Eliya Race course , where you can have a pony ride alongside the race track, or continue your walk as far as Gregory Lake.

We enjoyed our elegant “High Tea” overlooking the gardens at The Grand Hotel . It’s a beautiful colonial style hotel that would not have been out of place in the Cotswolds!

If you have time, take a tuk tuk to the Ramboda Falls , which are just outside Nuwara Eliya. You can climb up the path to the head of the falls, with a shallow pool and cascade of water to stand under.

Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya on a Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary

You’ll need to book a hotel for 2 nights. * Our Pick

Heritage – The Grand Hotel * – elegant heritage hotel in lovely gardens, a short walk from the centre

Mid-range – Chimneys – small country house style hotel in a traditional bungalow on the edge of town

Budget – Nuwara Eliya Hills Rest – homely guest house in a bungalow, centrally located close to Victoria Park

Boutique Luxury – Heritance Tea Factory – boutique style in a converted tea factory, surrounded by tea plantations, outside Nuwara Eliya.

The Grand Hotel is a classic heritage hotel, set in lovely gardens beside Nuwara Eliya Golf Course

Day 7 – Horton Plains

Today you’ll take a day trip from Nuwara Eliya to visit Horton Plains National Park , returning in the afternoon to spend a second night in Nuwara Eliya. The drive is just over an hour and if you don’t already have a driver, ask your hotel to arrange one for the day take you there and back.

Be sure to set off by 6-7 am, in order to see famous World’s End viewpoint before the mist rolls in at 10am and obscures the view.

Visiting Hortons Plains National Park

On arrival at the park entrance, you will need to pay an entrance fee, as well as a fee for the car. Then there is a short drive from the ticket kiosk to the car park and visitor centre where you start the walk.

Horton Plains National Park is set on a plateau at an elevation of 2000 metres, making the climate here cooler and wetter than the Sri Lankan coastal regions. This was once a favourite hunting ground of the British, with deer, birds and monkeys, but you’re unlikely to see anything bigger such as elephants or leopards.

Horton Plains is a fantastic spot for hiking as it’s one of the few national parks in Sri Lanka where you can walk without a guide or a vehicle. The most popular circular walking route is well marked and takes in Baker’s Falls as well as the World’s End viewpoint and a second viewpoint at Mini World’s End.

World’s End Viewpoint

A big draw of Horton Plains Park is the viewpoint known as World’s End , where the escarpment drops away, revealing views down the valley and beyond to the coast. To see the viewpoint at its best, you need to arrive there before 10am when the cloud from the valley starts to rise and obscure the view.

Unfortunately we arrived at 10.15 and bang on time, the cloud had already rolled up the valley. Nevertheless, it was a great hiking experience. If you are hurrying to see the World’s End Viewpoint, then take the left hand fork where the path divides after the entrance.

Just before reaching World’s End there is a smaller viewpoint known as Mini World’s End . Continuing on this loop will take you past the series of cascades at Baker’s Falls. The whole circular trail is around 9km and you should allow at least 3 hours for your visit.

Tip: Single use plastic is not allowed in the park and the wardens will search your bag, so be sure to leave all plastic bags and food wrappings at home – although water bottles are allowed.

After your visit, ask your driver to take you back to Nuwara Eliya, where you’ll be spending a second night. If you had an early start, you can relax for the afternoon or see anything you missed.

Day 8 – Nuwara Eliya to Ella by train

Today you will catch the famous Blue Train from Nanuoya station, just outside Nuwara Eliya. This is one of the most scenic train rides in Sri Lanka, running through a lush landscape of tea plantations, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Many people take the train from Kandy, but this takes around 7-8 hours, and the shorter section from Nanuoya to Ella is around 3 hours but with the same beautiful scenery.

Before catching the train from Nanuoya, we recommend stopping for refreshments at the small Edinburgh Tea Station cafe with beautiful views over the tea plantations.

Tips for taking the Blue Train

If you want reserved seats (definitely advisable), these should be purchased in advance up to 30 days ahead (tickets are only released for the next 30 days). You can buy them direct at any train station, or online through 12Go (at least 4 days ahead). So for this itinerary if you haven’t booked online, buy from the station in Colombo or Kandy, ideally for the earliest train of the day.

Be warned, this trip is very popular, so you may not get your first choice of seat. It’s best to travel in 2nd class, which offers comfortable seats and windows that open, allowing for the best photos as the train curves around a bend through the tea plantations.

3rd class offers the same views but harder seats. 1st class offers air conditioned compartments but the windows don’t open, making it more difficult to take photos.

You’ll see many photos on social media of people hanging out of the doors and windows, or dangling their legs from the open doorways. If you are going for this kind of shot, do take care as we heard tales of people falling out of the train, or getting injured, even though the train doesn’t travel very fast.

Arriving in Ella

On arriving in Ella , take a tuk tuk or taxi from the station to your accommodation. If you were able to take the earliest train, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to look around and relax. The small town of Ella is a big backpacker destination. While the main street is very touristy, the surrounding area is undeniably pretty and a great place for hiking.

I’ll cover all the things to do in Ella in the next section, but you may have time for some of them on your arrival day.

For dinner head to the busy hipster hangout Chill Cafe , ideally reserving a first floor balcony table so you can watch the action along the main road.

Where to stay in Ella

Book accommodation for 1 night in Ella

Budget Boutique – BBQ Hub Ella – urban boutique style in a quiet side street close to the centre

Luxury – Anasa Wellness Resort – a small luxury resort surrounded by nature, just outside Ella

Budget – there are numerous budget options in Ella, check price and availability here

The BBQ HUB Ella is a budget boutique hotel in Ella with a quiet but central location

Day 9 – Ella

This is a day to look around Ella, with its tea estates, waterfalls and jungle covered peaks. In the late afternoon you’ll transfer to accommodation near Uduwalawe. If you don’t already have a driver, you’ll need to engage one to take you later for the 2 hour transfer to Uduwalawe where you’ll be taking an elephant safari tomorrow.

Things to do in Ella

First stop for most visitors is the easy climb up Little Adams Peak. Half an hour of mostly gentle walking will earn you a stunning view and plenty of photo opportunities to perch on cliff edge gazing into the distance. If you’re an avid hiker and have more time, you may want to tackle the more challenging Ella Rock , which you can see from Little Adam’s Peak.

Thrill seekers will want to do the Flying Ravena zipline , which is just under Little Adam’s Peak, but if it’s not for you, buy an ice cream and watch them come down from the viewing platform. At the bottom of the Little Adam’s Peak trail, we enjoyed a scenic lunch and juice in the quirky Ella Flower Garden restaurant, full of English style flower borders.

9 Arches Bridge

After Little Adam’s Peak it’s not too far to walk along the shady path to Demodara Bridge , also known as 9 arches bridge. There are lots of photos to be taken from all angles of the bridge and if you time it right, you’ll be there when a train crosses the bridge for an extra special photo.

If you still have time, take a tuk tuk from town to the nearby Ravana Falls which are conveniently located right by the road for a photo stop. There are also a couple more tea estates close to Ella which you could hike to: the Newburgh tea factory and the Uva Halpewatte tea factory.

In the late afternoon take the 2 hour transfer to your hotel at Uduwalawe where you’ll be spending the night.

Where to stay near Uduwalawe on your Sri Lanka 2 day itinerary

The hotels and lodges around Udawalawe cater for visitors wishing to take a wildlife safari in the nearby national park. Most hotels have their own safari vehicles and guides so ask when you make your booking.

Mid Range – Kottawatta River Bank Resort – small resort with A-frame bungalows and swimming pool. We took one of their safaris which was excellent.

Check Prices and availability for more hotels in Uduwalawe

Stay in a tented bungalow at the Kottawatta River Bank Resort near Udawalawe National Park

Day 10 – Uduwalawe elephant safari

Today you’ll take an elephant safari in Uduwalawe National Park , before transferring to Mirissa by evening. Ask your hotel to book a driver to take you on to Mirissa after your safari (2 hr drive).

The best known parks for seeing wild elephants other than Udawalawe, are Minneriya national park and Yala national park. We were very happy with our experience at Udawalawe, as we heard that Yala had become very crowded with vehicles.

Tips for an elephant safari at Udawalawe

The best option is to book a tour of the park through your hotel, since many have their own vehicles and guides. Alternatively, book with a reputable local tour company, since no private cars are allowed in the park. Or you can just turn up at the park ticket office and hire a jeep with driver there.

Wildlife tours of the park are normally taken early in the morning or the afternoon around 3.30pm when the temperatures are cooler and the animals are most active. We went in the afternoon and spent several hours until the park closed at 6pm. There’s also the option to do a full day safari, but for me that would be a bit too long.

Elephants at Uduwalawe

We were thrilled to see so many elephants, some quite close up as they munched through the vegetation, scratched against a tree trunk, bathed in the lake or showered themselves with earth to protect from the sun. It was an especially magical experience to see a group of 3 females with a baby only a few months old, coming to bathe in a pool then heading out into the bush.

Your driver will normally double as a guide, knowing the spots where you are most likely to see wildlife. In addition to elephants, we saw lots of birds, iguana, crocodiles, water buffalo, monkeys and peacocks. Leopards are known to be in the park but are rarely spotted.

After the safari, return to the hotel to meet your driver and transfer to the beach resort of Mirissa (2 hr drive).

Where to stay in Mirissa

Book 2 nights in Mirissa. We recommend booking a hotel that’s close to the beach and preferred the Turtle Beach end of the resort which is quieter. * Our Pick

Boutique beachfront hotel – The Slow *- stylish boutique hotel with idyllic beachfront position and vegan restaurant

Mid range – Morning Star – Sri Lankan style small hotel with pool, a short walk from Turtle beach

Budget – there are numerous budget and affordable places to stay in Mirissa – check here for prices and availability

THE SLOW Vegan Hotel boutique hotel in Mirissa is right on the beach with watersports and vegan restaurant

Day 11 – Mirissa

This is a day to relax in Mirissa and enjoy some beach time. The south coast offers many small beach resorts and Mirissa was one of the nicest we visited. With a chilled out vibe, the resort has several beautiful beaches fringed by palm trees and a good range of accommodation and restaurants.

The biggest sweep of sand is divided by parrot rock from a couple more beaches, one of which is good for snorkelling to see the turtles that give the beach its name. You can also take a tuk tuk to a more secluded beach known as “Secret beach” which is just round the headland.

It’s easy to walk from one section of beach to the other with some parts being good for swimming, and others for surfing. You can also rent surf and body boards and snorkels.

Mirissa is known as the place to go whale and dolphin spotting. If you take a whale watching tour, make sure you go with an operator who sticks to international whale watching regulations and conservation best practice.

If you want a bit more action, just walk along the beach to check out different beach bars, cafes and activity providers. We especially enjoyed the lovely vegan food and excellent cocktails at The Slow , who have a beach bar you can visit even if not staying there.

Fresh seafood for dinner at Weligama

In the evening we recommend taking the 10 minute tuk tuk ride to Weligama , a nearby resort that is favoured by surfers. Weligama is a thriving fishing area and you can see the colourful traditional catamarans pulled up on the beach at the end of the day. In the evening, fish stalls set up along the beach, each with tables to dine on the beach.

Choose the fresh fish, prawns, octopus, or lobster from the stall which is sold by weight, and then it’s cooked and brought to you in a meal with rice, fries and salad. It’s a magical sitting on the beach, watching the waves and the sunset, then feasting on fresh fish at the end of the day.

After a chilled out day, you’ll spend a second night in Mirissa.

Day 12 – Galle

In the morning you’ll transfer to Galle. It’s easy to arrange a driver for the 1 hour transfer to Galle. You can also take the train from Mirissa to Galle (1 hr 40 mins) which is a pleasant and scenic ride along the coast. You’ll be staying 1 night in Galle.

Things to do in Galle

The main attraction of Galle is the old colonial fort area, enclosed within the ramparts. As you only have a day to look around, we recommend that you choose a hotel within the fort area. The port had its heyday in the 16th and 17th century when the Portuguese and then the Dutch were in charge leaving churches and old buildings from that era.

It’s time to explore the narrow streets of the Fort area, where many of the houses have been made into guest houses, hotels, restaurants and shops. Take a walk along the ramparts at sunset to see everyone out enjoying the evening air and playing cricket, with locals having wedding and engagement photos taken. At one end of the ramparts is the famous lighthouse, the photographic symbol of Galle, although it was only built in 1938.

Around Pedlar Street are many shops shelling upscale souvenirs and jewellery. This is a great place to have jewellery made to your own design, using the Sri Lankan sapphires, rubies and moonstones.

Other places to visit include the atmospheric Dutch Reformed Church with gravestones dating back to the 18th century. Soak up some history at the various museums, such as the Galle National Museum, the Museum of Maritime archaeology and the Historical Mansion Museum.

There are no shortage of places to eat, from traditional rice and curry to international and Sri Lankan fusion dishes, with many of the hotel having excellent restaurants.

Where to stay in Galle

Book 1 night in Galle – we recommend staying within the Galle Fort area. *Our Pick

Budget Boutique – Mango House * – Small boutique hotel with a Bollywood theme in a quiet but central location of Galle Fort

Luxury – Galle Fort Hotel – Elegant luxury hotel with 11 suites and pool in a central location of Galle Fort

Budget – Villa Yehinsa – small guest house with colourful Sri Lankan style and quiet location in Galle Fort

Check out more hotels in Galle

Mango House is a charming boutique hotel in a quiet location within Galle Fort

Day 13 – Galle to Negombo or Colombo

Today you’ll be transferring back to Colombo or Negombo , the final stop before you fly home tomorrow. Ask your hotel to book a driver for the 2.5 hour drive to Colombo. Alternatively you can take the train from Galle to Colombo central station (3 hours) and then take a taxi to your hotel.

If you are heading to Negombo for an afternoon on the beach, it’s probably easier to book a driver for a door to door service.

For a unique and artistic place to break your journey halfway, we recommend stopping at Lunuganga Estate near Bentota, the country home of architect Geoffrey Bawa. Guided tours take place 3 times a day and should be pre-booked, to see the lovely gardens and some of the buildings which have now been converted into a luxury hotel.

Day 14 – Fly home

This is the day you fly home, so relax or do some last minute sightseeing, depending on the time of your flight. If you need to book a transfer to the airport you can book online for Colombo to airport or Negombo to airport .

For hotels check our previous recommendations for Colombo or look at all hotels in Colombo and hotels in Negombo

Boutique Guesthouse Sayura House is located in a quiet location of south Colombo

Sri Lanka 10 day Itinerary

If you don’t have 14 days to spend, you can adapt the itinerary above for a 10 day trip. Also check out our article on 20 Amazing things to do in Sri Lanka

1 – Following your flight, sightsee in Colombo or relax in Negombo – 1 night in Colombo / Negombo

2 – Travel to Sigiriya, visiting Dambulla Caves on the way – 2 nights near Sigiriya

3 – Visit Sigiriya, overnight at Sigiriya

4 – Travel to Kandy – 1 night in Kandy

5 – Travel to Nuwara Eliya – 1 night in Nuwara Eliya

6 – Morning Train from Nuwara to Ella – 1 night in Ella

7 – Morning transfer to Udwalawe, afternoon safari, transfer to Mirissa – 2 nights in Mirissa

8 – Relax in Mirissa, overnight in Mirissa

9 – Transfer to Colombo / Negombo stopping at Galle on the way

10 – Relax in Colombo/ Negombo, fly home

FAQ about Sri Lanka

We’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about Sri Lanka below, but you can also read our full article Sri Lanka Travel Tips – information to plan your perfect trip .

Where is Sri Lanka?

The teardrop island of Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean and is part of South Asia, with its northern tip 30 km from the south east coast of India. This island nation was formerly known as Ceylon and was a British colony until 1948, when it gained independence, making it the oldest democracy in Asia.

Airport transfers in Sri Lanka

International flights to Sri Lanka arrive at the country’s main Bandaranaike airport , which is just north of the capital city Colombo.

Unless you are on a tight budget or are a seasoned traveller, I personally think a pre-booked airport transfer straight to your hotel is the best option so that you can relax and acclimatise to the new country and culture.

We recommend leading booking site 12Go to book a taxi transfer for airport to Colombo or airport to Negombo .

If you don’t have anything booked, there is an official Airport Taxi kiosk once you are through security, where you can arrange a taxi at the official rate. You may also be approached by people from the tour company desks in the airport who can provide a taxi, transfer or longer tour.

An airport express bus is available that will take you directly to the centre of Colombo, with a journey time of around 1 hour, and this the cheapest option.

Sri Lanka visa requirements

To ensure you have the most up to date advice, for travel from the UK and visa for Sri Lanka, check the UK Government Sri Lanka page which has links to all official advice. If travelling from other countries please check your own government’s official travel advice.

All travellers to Sri Lanka require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) which can be applied for online and is normally approved within hours. The ETA fee for travellers from UK, Europe and USA for a 30 day tourist visa is $50 (2024) but please check the official website in case this changes in the future. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, it’s normally possible to extend this visa online while in Sri Lanka.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka

If visiting the west, central and southern areas, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March. Although it is considered high season, for the itinerary above we suggest above this is the best time to go.

However if visiting the north and east of the country, the weather in Sri Lanka is at its best between May and September. In the ‘shoulder’ seasons of April/ May and October / November you could visit any areas of the country and find warm weather but also expect to encounter some rain.

Weather in Sri Lanka

The weather in Sri Lanka tends to be hot and tropical all year round, with temperatures ranging between 25 and 30 degrees celsius. In the central part of the country, the temperatures are somewhat cooler due to the higher altitude, ranging between 15-17 degrees celsius.

Sri Lanka has 2 monsoon seasons when rain can be heavy. The monsoon rains hit the south and western coast between April and September, while the east and north of the country is wettest between September and March. Hence whenever you visit you will be able to find part of the country where the sun is mostly shining.

The central area around Kandy, the Cultural triangle and Hill Country can receive rain showers from both directions, even though the daytime temperatures are warm. During monsoon season it may be worth packing a small umbrella as the locals do, to use any time there’s a shower.

What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka?

The official language in Sri Lanka is Sinhala , with the second language being Tamil , which is spoken mainly in the north. English is widely spoken by anyone working in tourism and as a link language for locals.

Most tuk tuk drivers, shop assistants, hotel and restaurant staff will also speak at least a little English or there will be someone nearby that can translate.

To help plan your trip read my article: Sri Lanka Travel Tips – information to plan your perfect trip

More articles to read about Sri Lanka

20 Amazing things to do in Sri Lanka Our Kerala itinerary – amazing 10 day trip in southern India Sri Lanka travel tips – information to plan your perfect trip

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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2 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary – The Ultimate Guide

Sri Lanka is a country that I initially didn’t know much about and I never thought I would visit… but after spending two weeks in Sri Lanka, it very quickly made it to the top of my list of most recommended destinations to visit!

2 weeks is a perfect amount of time to explore and discover all the hot spots and hidden gems that this destination has to offer. From the pristine coastlines to the verdant hill country landscapes, there are awesome adventures to be had for everyone.

I have put together this complete 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary to help you plan your trip ahead of time.

Table of Contents

SRI LANKA ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Here is an overview of an ideal 2 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary including all the places I personally visited in this order.

• Hikkaduwa (2 days)
• Unawatuna (2 days)
• Weligama (2 days)
• Udawalawe (2 days)
• Ella (3 days)
• Kandy (2 days)
• Colombo (1 day)

DAYS 1 & 2 – HIKKADUWA

Hikkaduwa is a thriving coastal town located 115km south of Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. There are plenty of things to see and do in Hikkaduwa including snorkeling trips, ancient Buddhist temples, surfing, juice bars, local cuisine, and more.

The best time to visit Hikkaduwa is in the dry season between November and March.

I arrived at Colombo International Airport in Sri Lanka, which is located on the far west side of the country, and headed south to Hikkaduwa.

Find All → Hostels / Resorts / Hotels in Hikkaduwa

How to get to hikkaduwa.

I was traveling with three friends and we took a private taxi from Colombo Airport to Hikkaduwa which cost around 8,000 Rupees ($45) total and we split the cost between the four of us. The drive from Colombo to Hikkaduwa takes around two hours.

There are much cheaper options available to get from Colombo to Hikkaduwa such as the train or the bus, though this journey takes a lot longer.

Bus from Colombo to Hikkaduwa

Take bus 187 from Colombo Airport to Colombo Fort Central Bus Station for around 100 Rupees . You will have to transfer buses here and take any bus that is clearly labeled Galle, Tangalle, Matara, Hikkaduwa which costs around 300 Rupees . Buses run every fifteen minutes. Just ask the driver to notify you when the bus is about to arrive in Hikkaduwa.

Total journey time: 3-4 hours

Train from Colombo to Hikkaduwa

Take bus 187 From Colombo Airport to Colombo Fort Railway Station for around 100 Rupees . You can purchase a 2nd or 3rd class ticket to Hikkaduwa when you arrive at the railway station for around 150 Rupees. Don’t expect to get a seat on this train as they are generally always packed.

Total journey time: 4-5 hours

Full blog post:  Top 7 Things To Do In Hikkaduwa

7 THINGS TO DO IN HIKKADUWA

Hikkaduwa beach.

Explore the white sand beaches and crystal blue waters at one of the best Sri Lanka beaches, Hikkaduwa Beach.

Go for a swim or even find a palm tree to climb! There are numerous swim spots along the stretch of coastline, many of which have huge turtles swimming around close to shore.

Don’t forget your waterproof phone case to take great shots for your IG!

SNORKELING AT HIKKADUWA CORAL REEF

Rent a mask and snorkel and take a short boat ride over to the Hikkaduwa coral reef to get a closer look at the underwater world.

There are many tour operators set up on Hikkaduwa beach that can help you organize a Hikkaduwa snorkeling trip. If snorkeling is not enough, you can also book a scuba diving trip to explore the shipwrecks right off the coast.

RENT A SURFBOARD

Surf’s Up! Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka is becoming quite a famous surf spot because of its clean waves and consistent swell.

If you don’t have your own surfboard you can easily find one to rent from a local surf shack on the beach or from a shop in town. This was one of my favorite things to do in Hikkaduwa.

Book Now → Hikkaduwa Village Tour

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RAILWAY ADVENTURE

Adventure down the railway tracks of Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka. Just one block back from the main street is the local railway line where you can dare to get as close as you like to the trains that come hooning past. When the track is clear, it is a great spot to take photos standing on the railway.

Quench your thirst at one of the roadside Juice Bars. It is by far the freshest juice I have tasted. The local fruit market is working around the clock, so you know the fruit is going to be as fresh as it gets.

GANGARAMA TEMPLE

Visit the Gangarama Maha Vihara Temple. This interesting Buddhist temple has lots of popular educational paintings that are the work of one man over nearly a decade. The monks will be very happy to show you around.

LOCAL STREET FOOD

If you are a foodie then you must indulge in the local roadside roti in Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka. There are many different roti’s to choose from, though a personal favorite of mine is the spicy vegetable and egg.

WHERE TO STAY IN HIKKADUWA

Hikkaduwa Sri Lanka has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of my favorite places to stay, from Hikkaduwa hostels to the best hotels in Hikkaduwa. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

Luxury: Aditya Boutique Hotel

A luxurious 5-star hotel offering spacious air-conditioned rooms, private plunge pools, free wifi, a beauty spa and an in-house restaurant. Aditya Boutique Hotel is suitable for families, couples and even solo travelers.

Mid Range: Nico Beach Hotel

This 3-star accommodation is situated right down on Hikkaduwa’s beachfront. Simply furnished, air-conditioned rooms come with a wardrobe, a minibar, mosquito net, seating area, and a private bathroom. Perfect for couples and friends traveling on a budget.

Budget:   Neela’s Beach Inn

Centrally located in Hikkaduwa, Neela’s Beach Inn has a shared lounge, a nice restaurant, and free wifi. The rooms are equipped with a TV, kitchenette, fridge, private bathroom, and air-conditioning. This place is perfect for solo travelers on a budget if you want to get bang for your buck!

FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN HIKKADUWA,  SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

Days 3 & 4 – unawatuna.

From Hikkaduwa, head south to Unawatuna which is located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka.

The local buses are the best means of transport between these coastal towns in Sri Lanka as they are cheap and very frequent. You can take a local bus from the Hikkaduwa bus stop to Unawatuna and the journey takes around one hour for as little as 50 Rupees.

Unawatuna was one of my favorite spots in Sri Lanka and I recommend spending two days here to see all the hot spots.

Find All → Hostels / Resorts / Hotels in Unawatuna

Getting around unawatuna.

I rented a scooter for two days to get around Unawatuna which cost me 1 000 Rupees per day.

There are a number of scooter rental shops in the town and you will need to hand over your passport or some form of ID as a safety deposit. This worked out cheaper than having to take tuk-tuk rides everywhere.

Alternatively, most accommodations offer bicycle rentals which are another great way to explore Unawatuna.

9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN UNAWATUNA

Jungle beach unawatuna.

If getting off the beaten path is your thing, then I know just the spot for you! Make your way over to Jungle Beach Unawatuna on foot, which is on the opposite side of the headland from Unawatuna Beach.

There is a dirt trail that leads you towards Jungle Beach Unawatuna. You will come across a fork in the trail, the trail to the north is an easy walk through the bush and over to the other side of the headland emerging at Jungle Beach Unawatuna.

The second trail will take you down to some small, rocky cliffs on the seaside. This is the off-beaten path I was talking about. From here you can scale around the boulders and over rock pools, eventually emerging at Jungle Beach Unawatuna.

Jungle Beach Unawatuna is a great spot for a swim and one of the best things to do in Unawatuna. There is also a bar and restaurant on the sand under the palms to enjoy some food and drinks!

That said, make sure to bring your GoPro to capture all the adventures!

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JAPANESE PEACE PAGODA

From Jungle Beach, direct your gaze up to the top of the headland and you will spot a big white sculpture, standing tall above the trees. This is the Japanese Peace Pagoda in Unawatuna.

A Buddhist stupa to inspire peace among all races. There is no entrance fee to visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda , though please be respectful, wear suitable clothing and take off your shoes when wandering around the sacred site.

Travel Tip: If you visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda in the late afternoon, you will be blessed with an amazing view of the sunset.

Take a half-day trip to Galle located just fifteen minutes north of Unawatuna Beach. In Galle, I recommend you visit the old Dutch Fort which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Galle Fort is a historical, archaeological, and architectural heritage monument and it impressively withstood the 2004 boxing day tsunami!

GALLE LIGHTHOUSE

On the outer walls of Galle Fort is the Galle Lighthouse. Discover the old lighthouse down by the water which is surrounded by palm trees and beautiful beaches. The Galle Lighthouse is another great viewpoint for sunset.

DALAWELLA BEACH TREE SWING

2km south of Unawatuna Beach is Dalawella Beach. This spot is up there with one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. A palm tree oasis, golden sands, and electric blue water await.

This is also where you can find the Instafamous Palm Tree Rope Swing on Dalawella Beach. This palm tree rope swing went viral on Instagram and it is now the reason why many travelers are coming to Sri Lanka just to give it a go!

EAT SOME LOCAL STREET FOOD

Cafes and seaside restaurants fill up the seaside town of Unawatuna. During the high season, December – March, the prices for food and drinks are around 1000 Rupees for a meal and 500 Rupees for a beer.

If you are a budget traveler like myself and want to spend 250 Rupees on a meal, try one of the local street food vendors and order a plate of Kottu Roti. A traditional Sri Lankan dish with roti, vegetables, egg, and spices. It is considered the equivalent of a hamburger, in terms of popularity and a personal favorite of mine.

Full Blog Post: Dalawella Beach Swing

The BEST Affordable Camera For Travel

If you’re on the hunt for a professional camera for traveling, check out the Canon G7 X Mark II .

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JOIN A YOGA CLASS

Unawatuna has a number of Yoga studios for those yogis out there and also for people who have never tried yoga and are willing to give it a go. Daily yoga classes are available at Thambapanni Retreat, Yoga With Asiri, Sri Yoga Shala, and The Secret Garden Dome.

I attended a yoga class at The Secret Garden Dome and it was the best way to relax and unwind after a few days of adventuring in Unawatuna.

YATAGALA TEMPLE

Yatagala Rajamaha Viharaya is around 4kms east of Unawatuna. A 2300-year-old Buddhist place of worship. The temple is made up of four huge granite boulders that create a natural cave and it is used as a meditation hall. Newer developments include a peace pagoda stupa and a giant Buddha statue.

I spent one hour exploring the Yatagala Temple and it is not to be missed.

HABARADUWA SEA TURTLE HATCHERY

A ten-minute drive south of Unawatuna is the Habaraduwa Sea Turtle Hatchery .

This is a non-profit organization, which is maintained for the survival of sea turtles for the next generation. This particular hatchery has released more the 500,000 turtles into the ocean!

WHERE TO STAY IN UNAWATUNA 

There are hundreds of homestays, private villas, and beach resorts to choose from in Unawatuna, so I have narrowed it down to a few of my personal favorite places to stay to suit the needs of budget backpackers and luxury travelers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

Luxury:  Thaproban Pavilion Waves Unawatuna

The best 5-star resort in Unawatuna! Thaproban Pavilion Waves offers beachfront accommodation, an outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace, a bar, billiards table, and dartboard. The rooms are modern and fitted with air-conditioning, flat-screen tv, equipped kitchen, seating area, and private bathroom. American or Asian breakfast is included.

Mid-range: Unawatuna Nor Lanka Hotel

With Unawatuna Beach only 200m away, Unawatuna Nor Lanka Hotel is a stunning property to stay at. All rooms have air-conditioning, a fridge, and a private bathroom.

Apart from that, you’ll find someone at the reception 24 hours and they have a shared lounge as well as a luggage storage.

Budget:  La Villa

I personally stayed at La Villa and highly recommend this accommodation to anyone visiting Unawatuna. The staff are very friendly and great cooks. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, air-conditioned, private ensuite and free wifi is available. The staff can help you organize snorkeling trips and other activities in Unawatuna. Perfect for couples and friends traveling on a budget.

FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN UNAWATUNA, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

Days 5 & 6 – weligama.

My journey continued south to Weligama Bay, which is on the south coast of Sri Lanka, and a short 45-minute bus ride from Unawatuna. This cruisy beach town is a must-see.

Weligama boasts some of the best surf in Sri Lanka and it’s also a good place to base yourself for a couple of days to explore other nearby beaches located to the east and west of Weligama.

GETTING AROUND WELIGAMA

I recommend renting a scooter again to explore the bay and surrounding beaches. Again, there are several scooter rental shops in the town and scooter rental costs around 1000 Rupees  per day.

Alternatively, most accommodations offer bicycle rentals which are another great way to explore Weligama.

3 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN WELIGAMA

Secret beach mirissa.

One beach in particular that I highly recommend checking out is the beautiful Secret Beach Mirissa which is tucked away on the other side of the headland located on the eastern side of Weligama Bay.

Secret Beach Mirissa is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka and there are three beach areas to explore.

Blue Lagoon: Directly in front of the Secret Beach Bar, there are hammocks and day beds overlooking blue lagoon beach. A tidal rock pool, perfect for a lazy swim without the disturbance of crashing waves.

Palm Cove: Around the corner from the blue lagoon is where the jungle meets the sea and here you’ll find a picturesque cove with golden sand and coconut palms. Palm Cove is the perfect spot to go snorkeling and exploring along the rocks. This is one of the best beaches in Mirissa!

Shelly Beach: This tucked-away paradise is a sight for sore eyes! If you are in the blue lagoon looking out at the horizon, head to the right along the rocks and keep following it around until you come across Shelly Beach. Swim in the crystal clear rock pools and get sprayed by the blowhole!

Full blog post: Secret Beach Mirissa

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MIDIGAMA BEACH

Midigama is Weligama’s baby brother, a short five to ten minutes drive west from Weligama Bay. This small surf town on the southern tip of Sri Lanka can be easily missed but definitely NOT to be missed.

I spent half a day in Midigama sipping on coconuts, surfing the bay, and relaxing on the beach!

Midigama attracts decent waves in the months of November to March. You can rent a surfboard from the local surf shop for 30,000 Rupees per hour. Midigama also has a skate park with boards available to rent also.

Full Blog Post:  Midigama Beach

SK Town Sri Lanka, a short forty-minute drive east of Weligama, is a popular surf spot offering good times and good waves for everyone! SK Town was one of my favorite beachside destinations that I visited.

If you are a first-time surfer, you can get a lesson from one of the local surf coaches that hang out in the beach shacks located down on the shoreline at SK Town Beach. They also have boards available to rent for  300 Rupees  per hour.

If surfing is not your thing, you can go for a wander around the headland to the east of the main beach. Here you can find small rock pools and a cluster of coconut palms, some bending right out over the ocean!

After you have had your daily dose of Vitamin Sea, perch yourself up at Tiki Bar for a fresh cold coconut! This epic little beach shack resides on the sand and is just a stone’s throw from the ocean.

There are also daily yoga classes available at Surf Lanka  for anyone wanting to stretch out their bodies and their minds.

Full blog post: SK Town Sri Lanka

WHERE TO STAY IN WELIGAMA

Weligama has countless accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of my personal favorite places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers and luxury travelers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

Luxury: Marriott Resort and Spa Weligama Bay

The best 5-star resort on the south coast of Sri Lanka! The Marriott is a stone’s throw from the beach offering beachfront rooms, an outdoor pool, sports facilities, and more! The rooms are modern and spacious featuring a bathtub, balcony, flat-screen tv, private bathroom, air-conditioning, and free wifi. Perfect for couples and families.

Mid Range: GG Lodge Mirissa

This 3-star lodge offers double rooms and family-sized rooms less than 1km from Mirissa Beach. Featuring a shared lounge, garden terrace, room service, including breakfast and free wifi. The rooms are air-conditioned with a flat-screen tv, private bathroom, seating area, and awesome views. Perfect place to stay with friends and families.

Budget: Latheena Resort

The best budget accommodation in Mirissa. Unique Surf Farmhouse is centrally located and features spacious rooms, flat-screen tv, dining area and private bathroom. Perfect for solo backpackers and friends.

FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN WELIGAMA,  SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

Days 7 & 8 – udawalawe.

After spending the first week exploring some awesome locations and beaches down the west coast of Sri Lanka, continue your Sri Lanka route to Udawalawe National Park. 

The Udawalawe Safari is an unforgettable safari tour through one of Sri Lanka’s biggest national parks. You can come face to face with many different species of birds, water buffalo, crocodiles, and wild elephants.

HOW TO GET TO UDAWALAWE

From Weligama to Udawalawe you can catch a local bus that takes around three to four hours. The drive through the lush landscapes as you leave the coast and head inland is absolutely amazing.

I recommend spending one night in Udawalawe when you arrive and organizing a sunrise safari for the following day.

Search Now →   Udawalawe Safari Tours

Where to book an udawalawe safari.

Most Udawalawe Safari Tours can be booked through your accommodation when you arrive. The cheapest option is to share a Jeep with some other people staying at the same accommodation as you.

The approximate cost of a Jeep that seats six to eight people is 6,000 Rupees ($40). The entrance fee to Udawalawe National Park is 3,500 Rupees ($25).

I booked my Udawalawe Safari through the staff at Makulu Safari Camping which was really convenient.

Full blog post:   Udawalawe Safari

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WHERE TO STAY AT UDAWALAWE

The best place to stay is in Udawalawa, a small town that is located 10km away from the entrance to the Udawalawe National Park.

The best time of day to do the Udawalawe Safari is when the park opens at 6 am, so it is ideal to stay one night in the nearby town of Udawalawa and be ready for an early start the following day.

There are also glamping options available in the area which is a great experience that I highly recommend. My friends and I stayed one night at a campground called Makulu Safari Camping .

Our accommodation for the night was a safari tent on the edge of a river bed, nestled in the jungle. The tents are raised off the ground on a wooden deck with two large double beds and a private bathroom inside.

This place has some serious magic about it – surrounded by coconut palms, beautiful gardens and the staff are overly kind.

We paid $40 split between the four of us for one night’s accommodation and breakfast was an additional $7 each. Definitely go and check this place out, I promise you will not regret it!

Book Now → Makulu Safari Camping

DAYS 9, 10 & 11 – ELLA

Ella has quickly become a popular spot for travelers for its profuse scenery and numerous fun adventures to be had in the region. You could easily spend a week here if you had the time, you will see why when you arrive. This place has a really positive and laid-back vibe about it!

HOW TO GET TO ELLA

Continue your journey north   from  Udawalawe to  Ella by taking a tuk-tuk, a private taxi, or the public bus. The journey time is approximately two hours, give or take, because the roads are quite steep.

From Udawalawe to Ella a tuk-tuk will cost 3,500 Rupees , private taxi  7,000 Rupees, and a public bus  300-400 Rupees .

Find All →   Hostels / Resorts / Hotels  in Ella

4 awesome things to do in ella, nine arch bridge.

The Nine Arch Bridge ,  also known as The Bridge In The Sky, is a man-made masterpiece, ideally located in the ‘hill country’ of Ella, Sri Lanka. This structure is a man-made masterpiece with construction dating as far back as World War I.

HOW TO GET TO THE NINE ARCH BRIDGE

The Nine Arch Bridge is very close to the town of Ella. To walk there from the main street it will take you about thirty minutes or you can take a ten-minute tuk-tuk ride directly to the bridge.

I recommend hiking to the Nine Arch Bridge as you will pass through beautiful tea plantations and it is more of an adventure rather than sitting in the back of a tuk-tuk.

BEST TIME TO VISIT NINE ARCH BRIDGE ELLA

If you want to get some great shots of the Nine Arch Bridge and jungle surroundings, be sure to get up nice and early for a sunrise exploration. Chances are, you will be the only person around at this time… and walking along the tracks across the bridge is an unforgettable experience in itself.

If you have the time to visit the Ella Nine Arch Bridge more than once, definitely get back down there for when a train is scheduled to pass over the bridge. I was there around 10:30 am and the train came through at 11 am. It is a lot busier at this time but you can still manage to get some great photos.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE NINE ARCH BRIDGE

Once you have had your fun exploring on top of the Nine Arch Bridge, hike down the dirt track that leads underneath the bridge and into the tea plantation below. The dirt track is located on the opposite side to where the tunnel is.

I promise that you will get an amazing perspective of how tall and magnificent the Nine Arch Bridge bridge actually is when you are standing under one of the nine arches. If you carefully walk through the tea plantation you can also get some great angles of the bridge from here.

Full blog post:   Nine Arch Bridge Ella

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RAVANA FALLS

Ravana Falls is a three-tier cascading waterfall that gushes down a rock face, creating rock pools along its path and it’s one of the best waterfalls to visit.

See All → Tours in Sri Lanka with Klook

How to get to ravana falls.

A short ten-minute drive down the mountainside from the main street in Ella is where you will find Ravana Falls. The cheapest option is to jump on a local bus from the Ella bus stop, which costs around 50 Rupees .

The other option is to jump in the back of a tuk-tuk to get from Ella to Ravana falls and the price will be anywhere between 300-500 Rupees .

Hold on to your hats as you wind your way down through the verdant valley between Ella Rock &  Little Adam’s Peak … the hairpin turns will make your belly churn! Don’t be afraid to look out the window though, because the spectacular views down the valley are absolutely phenomenal!

WHAT TO EXPECT AT RAVANA FALLS SRI LANKA

The first set of falls you will come to is a short one-minute walk from the main road. This is the more popular swimming hole beneath Ravana Falls where I noticed the majority of people were hanging out.

At first sight, this set of falls didn’t look very striking in comparison to the waterfalls in Bali and Lombok that I have previously explored. However, I noticed two more sets of falls… much higher up on the cliff face above, and of course, I had to go check them out!

As I trekked up through the bush to see the second and third-tier waterfalls, the views overlooking the valley were nothing short of amazing!

I explored this epic mountainside setting, swimming in rock pools and taking photos as the sun began to set over the clifftop above. I got lucky with the timing and was able to get some good shots while the last bit of sunshine was beaming down through the cracks of the valley.

Please take care when you visit Ravana Falls and don’t do anything you don’t feel comfortable doing. If you can make it to the top, you won’t regret it!

Full blog post:   Ravana Falls

LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK

Little Adam’s Peak sits 1,141m above sea level and aptly got its name after its big brother, Adam’s Peak. This is a much larger mountain located in the west of Sri Lanka in Nuwara Eliya and both peaks are said to have similarities in shape.

This is one of Ella’s most popular hikes because it is an easy-to-moderate self-guided hike to the summit, boasting extensive panoramic views of the region!

HOW TO GET TO LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK

The way up to Little Adam’s Peak is very easy to find and the trail is clearly marked with signs showing the way.

The entrance is next to 98 Acres Resort where you can also see a statue of a white Buddha.

I hiked to Little Adam’s Peak for sunset and it only took me 45-minutes to reach the top. Allocate yourself a bit more time to take photos on the way up… it is absolutely stunning!

WHAT TO EXPECT AT LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK SRI LANKA

Where the dirt trail comes to an end you will come to a set of stairs that lead you up to the top of Little Adam’s Peak. Here you will find a perfect lookout point to watch the sunset and enjoy the panoramic views of the valley.

But don’t end your hike here, follow the trail along the ridge because the view gets much better!

There are many different rocky outcrops on the side of the ridge trail that are an ideal spot to get some epic photos facing out towards Ella Rock.

Full blog post:  Little Adam’s Peak

A sunrise hike to the summit of Ella Rock is a must on everyone’s Sri Lanka in 2 weeks itinerary.

Unfortunately, I was not able to do the Ella Rock hike as I fell sick with a nasty stomach bug, however, I heard nothing but good things from other travelers having done the hike themselves.

You can hike Ella Rock with or without a guide and the journey to the top takes around three to four hours.

The best thing is to obtain an area map for these hikes from the Tourist Centre in the main street of Ella or alternatively, download the ‘Maps Me’ app on your smartphone. Once you’re inside the app, download the map for Ella and all of the hiking trails, including Ella Rock, are clearly marked.

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WHERE TO STAY IN ELLA

Ella has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Ella to fit the needs of budget backpackers and luxury travelers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

Luxury:  98 Acres Resort & Spa

Live like a celebrity in the best 5-star resort in Ella! Surrounded by stunning landscapes, 98 Acres Resort is within walking distance to the Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak. The rooms are luxurious and spacious featuring free wifi, seating area, flat-screen tv, kitchenette, dining area, private bathroom, and spectacular mountain views. There is also an outdoor pool for guests to use on the property. Breakfast is included.

Mid-range:  Arana Sri Lanka Eco Lodge and Yoga Center

One of the best budget accommodations in Ella. Arana Sri Lanka Eco Lodge is centrally located and within close proximity to the hot spot attractions in Ella. There are double, suites, and quadruple rooms to choose from featuring large beds, private bathrooms, balconies, and terraces. They also have a yoga center at the property and wifi is free for guests. Perfect for couples and friends.

Budget:  Ella Green Cottages

This property is surrounded by tropical greenery and it’s one of the most relaxing places to stay in Ella. They feature a restaurant, gardens, and mountain views from all the rooms. Perfect for friends and backpackers visiting Ella.

FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN ELLA,  SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

Days 12 & 13 – kandy.

Kandy is a large city located in central Sri Lanka that is most famous for its plateau setting surrounded by mountains and many sacred Buddhist sites.

HOW TO GET TO KANDY

The famous train journey from  Ella to  Kandy is often described as the world’s most scenic and one of the best things to do during your 2 weeks in Sri Lanka! The train ride is a seven-hour-long journey from Ella to Kandy for only $1.50, so remember to bring your Kindle and read a book to help pass the time.

There are 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class tickets available, though you definitely want to book a 2nd or a 3rd class ticket so you have the option to hang out the doors and windows of the train while it weaves around the stunning countryside throughout central Sri Lanka.

The first train to leave Ella Train Station is at 6:40 am and the second one leaves at 9:20 am. Personally, I recommend getting the earliest possible train to try and avoid the crowds.

I was sitting on the floor for half the journey before any seats become available, but it was fun to hang my legs out of the train door!

4 BEST THINGS TO DO IN KANDY

By the time the train arrives in Kandy, it will be late afternoon but you can squeeze in a few of the sites before night falls.

Find All → Kandy City Tours with Klook

Temple of the sacred tooth.

The Temple Of The Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a Buddhist temple located in the royal palace complex and it houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha.

The Temple Of Tooth is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s not to be missed on your Sri Lanka two week itinerary.

Sri Dalada Maligawa is open 7 days a week from 5:30 am to 8:00 pm and the entrance fee is $10.

Close by to the Temple Of The Sacred Tooth is the Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda. This man-made lake is one of Kandy’s most popular attractions which dominates the town.

A leisurely stroll around Kandy Lake is a very pleasant way to spend an hour, especially around sunset.

UDAWATTA KELE SANCTUARY

Udawatta Kele is a forest reserve located on the hill-ridge in the heart of Kandy. It is 104 hectares in size and the meaning of Udawatta Kele is ‘garden above the royal palace’.

There are a number of walking trails inside the forest reserve and a huge variety of animals and plants reside in the Udawattakele Sanctuary . Keep your eyes peeled for monkeys swinging in the treetops and you may even spot a snake slithering through the bushes.

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is open 7 days a week from 7 am to 6 pm and the entrance fee is around $4.

Find All →   Hostels / Resorts / Hotels in Kandy

PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE

On your second day in Kandy, I recommend doing a day trip to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage which is located 40kms west of Kandy.

Pinnawala is an orphanage, nursery, and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants. The orphanage was founded to care for and protect the many orphaned, unweaned wild elephants found wandering in the forests of Sri Lanka.

HOW TO GET TO PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE

You can jump on a local bus from the main bus station in Kandy to Karandapuna Junction, where you’ll have to disembark here and transfer to another bus that goes directly to the orphanage.

The bus journey from Kandy to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage takes around 1.5 hours each way.

Alternatively, you can take a private taxi or a tuk-tuk from Kandy to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE

Some of the elephants are chained and poked with metal tip sticks by the local staff if they get aggressive, purely for the safety of tourists. I did not agree with this whatsoever as it seemed that there was more love for the money from the tourists than there was for the care of the elephants.

There are good and bad reviews of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and everyone’s opinion is different.

I did, however, enjoy seeing the elephants free to roam while bathing in the river, which was an unforgettable experience!

WHERE TO STAY IN KANDY

There are hundreds of accommodation options to choose from in Kandy, so I have narrowed it down to a few of my favorite places to stay in Kandy to suit the needs of budget backpackers and luxury travelers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

Luxury: Kings Pavillion Luxury Hotel

This is one of the best 5-star hotels in Kandy! The Kings Pavillion features an outdoor pool, barbeque, sun terrace, restaurant, and bar. The rooms are modern and equipped with a flat-screen tv, seating area, private bathrooms, free wifi, and boast incredible mountain views. You can also hire a bike or car from the hotel. Perfect for couples wanting to splurge a little on a nice accommodation!

Mid Range: Sevana City Hotel

This 3-star hotel is centrally located in Kandy and a great mid-budget place to stay with friends and family. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, featuring large beds, private bathrooms, and free wifi. Sevana City Hotel has a terrace, shared lounge, snack bar, and tour desk. Breakfast is included at the hotel restaurant and room service is also available.

Budget: Holiday Stay Inn

Holiday Stay Inn is the best budget accommodation in Kandy. Featuring a lovely shared lounge, panoramic mountain views, and free wifi. They offer double and twin rooms, making it the perfect place to stay for solo travelers, friends, and couples on a budget.

DAY 14 – COLOMBO

A four-hour bus journey from Kandy to Colombo is the best way to reach the capital city of Sri Lanka. Buses leave as early as 4 am from the main bus station in Kandy.

Unfortunately, I was only in Colombo for a half-day before continuing on to my next destination, Bali.

However, I was able to visit one location during my short visit to Colombo which was the Jami Ul-Afar Mosque. 

The Jami Ul-Afar Mosque, also known as Red Masjid or the Red Mosque, was built in 1909 and it’s one of the oldest and most interesting mosques in Sri Lanka.

Find All → Colombo City Tours with Klook

BEST TOURS IN COLOMBO

If you have more time to spend in Colombo than I did, you may want to consider booking one of these Colombo City Tours listed below:

HOW TO GET TO SRI LANKA

Arriving in Sri Lanka by plane is the most common way to reach this beautiful country.

If you plan on following this exact itinerary, then your best bet is to fly into Colombo International Airport and begin your adventures in Sri Lanka from here.

Search All → Flights to Sri Lanka on Skyscanner

Sri lanka map.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SRI LANKA

The best time to visit the west coast, south coast, and hill country of Sri Lanka is December through to March, which is the dry season. Definitely try to avoid these areas of Sri Lanka during the monsoon season which is between May and September.

If you plan on heading over to the east coast of Sri Lanka to Arugam Bay the best time to visit is between April and September.

SRI LANKA VISA ONLINE

Before arriving in Sri Lanka it is recommended to apply for a Sri Lanka Visa online.

Obtaining an online Sri Lanka Visa is very simple, all you need to do is fill out an application form online at www.eta.org.lk .

The application is usually approved within 24 hours, however, I recommend applying for an online Sri Lanka Visa a few days in advance before arriving.

Once your visa is approved, you will receive an email document ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) with your Sri Lanka Visa that you will need to print out and present at the airport.

The cost of a 30-day Sri Lanka Visa is $30 USD.

SRI LANKA VISA ON ARRIVAL

If you arrive in Sri Lanka without having obtained the Sri Lanka Visa online it is possible to get one on arrival at the airport counter. This process can usually take quite a long time and cost you more than it would when applying online in advance for a Sri Lanka Visa.

WHAT TO PACK FOR SRI LANKA

When visiting Sri Lanka, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

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More Sri Lanka Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to Sri Lanka!

FINAL THOUGHTS – TWO WEEKS IN SRI LANKA

I hope this article finds you well when it comes to planning your Sri Lanka Itinerary . If you have any questions, please leave me any comments or questions below and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

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THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

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Many thanks!

PIN IT FOR LATER

14 thoughts on “2 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary – The Ultimate Guide”

Amazing! I have been to Sri Lanka twice but this made me want to go again 😍👍🏼!

Amazing!! How good is Sri Lanka, I can’t wait to go back again someday too!

Hiya… Love your site… we are going in January with our kids (18 and 21)…..they wanna come with us!!!!…where you recommend with that age group…..cheers bud…

Everywhere is incredible for all ages! Ella was my favourite, lots of cool hikes and waterfalls!

Hey Johnny! Really cool and informative blog. Loved it! Reading your blog is getting me all excited as I’d be visiting Sri Lanka in couple of months. A quick question – did you take your camera to the beaches you visited or did you use your phone camera to capture memories? If it’s the former, how safe is it or how do you manage to keep it away while you’re in the waters?

Glad you love it!! Yes, all photos are taking with my camera.

thats excellent!

I don’t drop a great deal of comments, however i did some searching and wound up here . And I actually do have 2 questions for you if it’s allright. Could it be just me or does it look like a few of these responses look like they are written by brain dead visitors? 😛 And, if you are posting at other social sites, I’d like to keep up with anything fresh you have to post. Would you list of all of all your social sites like your Facebook page, twitter feed, or linkedin profile?

Glad you love the blog. All my socials can be found on my blog home page

Thanks, it is quite informative

awesome thank you!

Absolutely love your website!! your posts are really interesting and I love the pictures

Thank you so much

Thanks very much, I am updating my website several times a week! so stay tuned for more detailed guides 🙂

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

2 Weeks in Sri Lanka: A Detailed Itinerary and Planning Guide

Last updated: June 30, 2023 . Written by Laurence Norah - 17 Comments

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Sri Lanka a number of times, including a short trip and a number of longer trips.

I was asked recently how I would recommend spending two weeks in Sri Lanka, and thought a nice long itinerary post would be the perfect answer.

First though, let’s start by answering a few questions about Sri Lanka!

Why should you visit Sri Lanka?

The short answer is because it’s awesome, offering everything from great surf to amazing animal encounters to magnificent beaches to spectacular culture and food, all in an easy to explore size.

In case you need a bit more convincing though, here are some more facts.

First, location. Sri Lanka is an independent island nation located off the coast of India in the beautiful Indian Ocean. In 2009, the 26—year long war finally came to an end, with a heavy focus on tourism developing in the intervening years.

When I was in Sri Lanka, many of the people I was with said that Sri Lanka could be described as a “lite” version of India. Having never been to India, I can’t exactly comment. However, if India has always fascinated you, but has perhaps felt too overwhelming to tackle, then Sri Lanka could serve as the perfect starting point. Although, having visited, you will probably just want to come back.

Sri Lanka has a wonderful, friendly people, delicious food (particularly if you like curry!), beaches, rainforests, natural attractions and mountains, as well as a multitude of cultural and historical attractions.

There’s no shortage of activities to suit everyone, from adventure seekers to nature lovers, to people just wanting to relax and unwind on a gorgeous beach.

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

This isn’t as easy a question to answer as you might think, because despite being so small, Sri Lanka has markedly different climates across the island, due to it having two separate monsoon seasons.

The good news is that there’s always going to be somewhere sunny on the island. The bad news… somewhere else is likely to be wet!

Generally, April – June is the wettest season in the west and hill country (including Kandy).

The east coast, on the other hand, has its wet season in November / December.

The worst time for weather (but likely cheapest for your pocket), is October – November, when it can rain anywhere.

For the itinerary I’ve outlined below, which covers the west and south coasts as well as hill country, the best time to visit is going to be December through to the end of March. Just be aware that prices will be higher during this time period. See more on budget towards the end of the post.

Temperature wise, there isn’t much variance through the year as Sri Lanka is quite close to the equator. Expect daily temperatures of around 28 degrees C ( 82F) in the lower and coastal areas, decreasing as you go up in height to average around 20 degrees C (68F) in Kandy. Humidity is high everywhere, ranging from 60 – 90%.

A 2 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary

Ok, let’s get going with this two week itinerary!

• Day 1: Colombo, City Exploration

To be honest, Colombo isn’t really worth spending a lot of time in, compared to the rest of the country.

However, since all the international flights arrive here, it makes a good stop to recover from a long journey, adjust to the time zone and start getting used to the heat. I’d suggest checking into a hotel here and relaxing for your arrival day, with a bit of sight-seeing thrown in if you’re up to it.

Highlights of Colombo include the National Museum, the Old City Hall and Viharamahdevi Park, plus you can take walking tours and naturally there are plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes.

I stayed in Colombo for a couple of nights, at the lovely Cinnamon Lakeside , which had a fine pool and lovely lake views.

However, I’ve been told that the Cinnamon Red property , which features a 23rd floor rooftop pool and stunning views of downtown Colombo, makes for a great, well-priced place to start a Sri Lankan adventure. Just don’t forget to do some sight-seeing as well before you get distracted by a chilled beer and that pool view! Prices range from $80 – $200 on booking.com .

• Days 2 – 4: Habarana, Elephants and UNESCO sights

Once you’re acclimatised and relaxed, it’s time to head into the country, and my suggestion would be to head north to what is known as Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, around four or five hours drive from Colombo.

Base yourself near or in the town of Habarana, in the Anuradhapura district, and take some time to see the following sights:

Sigiriya – an absolute must-visit when coming to Sri Lanka, this giant rock rises above the surrounding plains to a height of 200m, and served as the palatial fortress and home of one of Sri Lanka’s early Kings in the 5th century AD.

Nowadays it’s a UNESCO world heritage site and it is fascinating to visit, with ruins, frescoes, and of course, that mighty rock, which you can climb right to the top of via a series of fairly hair-raising stair cases. I’d suggest spending half a day here, and coming as early in the day as possible – it gets very hot, particularly on the top of the rock.

Polonnaruwa – another of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO world heritage sites, Polonnaruwa is the second oldest of Sri Lanka’s original kingdoms, having been here since at least 1070AD. Today it is one of the best preserved archaeological destinations in the country, and well worth your time to visit. It’s quite spread out, so you are likely going to need to hire some form of transport to get around the whole place. Bikes are a good option.

Minneriya National Park – If all that culture is a bit much, fear not, this region has another magnificent attraction, in the form of the Sri Lankan wild elephant. These guys are a subspecies of the Asian elephant, so a little smaller than their African cousins.

Despite being on the endangered list, Sri Lanka has the highest density of wild elephants in Asia, so you are almost guaranteed to see elephants.

The best way to do so is by taking an elephant safari into one of the national parks, with Minneriya National Park being one excellent spot to do so, although this will vary depending on the time of year. We saw literally hundreds of elephants from the back of our jeep, a truly incredible experience.

The Golden Temple of Danbulla – Last on this list, since this is the cultural triangle, you should also make time to visit the third UNESCO site in this area, the Golden Temple of Danbulla. This is Sri Lanka’s best-preserved cave temple complex, and has been a site of pilgrimage for over two thousand years.

In terms of accommodation for the Habarana region, I stayed at the Habarana Village by Cinnamon , which offered lovely chalet-style accommodation, a beautiful open plan restaurant/bar and a pool. Prices vary, but a quick look shows they are in the region of $40 – 120 for two adults on booking.com , depending on time of year. Naturally there are many more options in the region, to suit any budget.

• Days 5 – 6: Kandy, Hill Country

After all the excitement of those UNESCO world heritage sites and elephant spotting, I recommend heading up into Sri Lanka’s hill country to the town of Kandy, which also happens to be a UNESCO world heritage site. Sri Lanka sure packs them in!

It’s around a 2 hour drive, or 4 hour bus ride , from the Habarana region down to Kandy, the largest town in hill country, where the climate is cooler and, likely, wetter. Here, highlights include:

The Temple of the Tooth – one of Sri Lanka’s holiest shrines, the Temple of the Tooth houses a relic of the Buddha. It’s an important site of pilgrimage, and is well worth visiting, even if seeing the actual tooth is a bit tricky. Note that security is quite tight, with security scanners and guards, and you will have to be appropriately dressed to enter. If you love temples, Kandy has plenty more to choose from, so you can spend a good deal of time exploring!

Tea! Sri Lanka, once known as Ceylon, is world famous for its tea, and the hills around Kandy are full of the stuff. A good place to get a handle on it all is at the Tea Museum ( TripAdvisor reviews ), found in an old tea plantation. This four storey building is a short (3km) trip from Kandy, and offers four floors of tea facts, as well as a lovely view of the surrounding landscape.

The Royal Botanical Garden – probably the best garden in Sri Lanka, these gardens feature a giant banyan tree, an orchid house and bats. Entry is just shy of 10USD.

Finally, if you’re feeling like a good hike, Kandy is a great launching point for one of Sri Lanka’s most popular hikes, up Adam’s Peak. This is an important pilgrimage for multiple religions, as there is a footprint on the top believed to belong to Shiva, Adam or the Buddha, depending on which religion you ask.

The mountain is just over 2 km high, and the hike will take you a total time of 4 – 7 hours, depending on fitness. Most visitors climb to see either sunrise or sunset. Find out more about climbing Adam’s Peak here .

• Days 7 – 10: Galle, Beaches and Forts

After all that culture, maybe it’s time to relax a bit, and head to the south. Leaving Kandy, I can highly recommend taking the scenic train towards Colombo, which offers stunning views of the scenery. Then, you can take either the bus or train on to the fortified city of Galle, your next destination.

Built by the Dutch, the original city of Galle dates from 1663, and is today one of the best surviving examples of a fortified port city in Asia. It’s also a UNESCO world heritage site.

These days, it’s a wonderful, vibrant place to wander about, with highlights including those incredible walls and the lighthouse. It’s also filled with boutiques, cafes and no shortage of hotel options .

Around Galle, there is also plenty to see and do, with visits to the beach towns of Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa recommended, both of which offer stunning beaches, dotted with cafe’s and bars, on which you can get your relaxation properly on.

• Days 11 – 13: The Far South – Whales, Leopards and More Beaches

If you can tear yourself away from Galle and surrounds, then I can recommend heading even further along the south coast. The further you go, the more deserted and gorgeous the beaches become. When I visited, these beach towns were everything I had ever hoped for from previous trips to Asia, but never quite found. You should definitely visit before everyone else figures this out, to wander beaches lit by candle-light against a back drop of surf.

If you do go into the south, a couple of things you should definitely do:

Visit Yala National Park – before I visited Sri Lanka I had no idea how incredible the wildlife viewing opportunities were. Yala National Park is full of wildlife, but the main attraction is without doubt the leopard. Yala has one of the highest densities of Leopard anywhere in the world, meaning your chance to see these animals is pretty good.

Go Whale Watching – the seas off the southern coast of Sri Lanka are filled with all sorts of marine life, but the big draw are the whales.

I took a trip from Mirissa with Raja and the Whales , and I have to say I was impressed by how the boat operator put the whales first, with the captain explaining how he wasn’t going to get too close, or “chase” the whales, as many of the other boats around us were doing.

They also work with local scientific organisations, collecting data on the whales, and at one point during the trip the captain even hailed a passing tanker and gave them a verbal dressing down for their illegal waste dumping.

I had a thrilling morning of whale watching, we saw blue whales, dolphins and turtles, and the boat operators kept us fed with eggs, toast, cake, and for those who needed them, sea sickness tablets! Highly recommended.

And that’s the end of this two week Sri Lanka trip itinerary!

There is obviously a lot more of Sri Lanka to explore, including the east coast and the far north, and you could easily compress the above itinerary into a week if you wanted to move faster, but since going slow and taking everything in is how I prefer to travel if I can, that’s how this itinerary has worked out.

Now, let’s look at some practicalities of travelling in Sri Lanka, including budget, health, staying safe, and more.

Sri Lanka Itinerary Overview

How much does it cost to travel in sri lanka.

Sri Lanka is not a seriously budget destination, although you can get by on $30 – $50 all in by being careful. Much less than that would be tricky though, and as soon as you start adding on sight-seeing and attractions, your budget is going to increase. Here’s an excellent budget guide to Sri Lanka to give you an idea of what’s possible.

Generally, rooms will cost you $20 and up, food can be had for $2 – $5, and transport on the cheaper buses can be had at a very low price. Of course, you can spend far more, with accommodation options available in a wide spectrum of prices, and if you choose to take a tour or other arranged trip then your budget will vary depending on the quality.

The other main cost you will have is going to be entry to attractions. Most national parks and monuments have an entry fee, and as a visitor you will pay a lot more than a local. Entry to attractions can quickly eat into your budget, with places like Sigiriya costing around $30.

Where to Stay In Sri Lanka and How to Get Around

 accommodation.

There’s no shortage of accommodation options in Sri Lanka , from upscale hotels, to boutique guesthouses, to hostels and B&B’s. Prices are not extravagant, but Sri Lanka isn’t a budget destination either.

On my two trips to Sri Lanka I was hosted primarily by Cinnamon Hotels, who own a series of three to five star properties all around the island, and are an excellent choice if you are looking for upscale, great-value comfort. I stayed in three of their properties at varying levels of luxury, and enjoyed the friendly welcome, hospitality and amazing food at all of them.

There are of course numerous other options depending on your budget. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention another great option if you’re heading down south – the Cantaloupe properties. These guys hosted me for four nights of relaxation at their two properties, Cantaloupe Levels and Cantaloupe Aqua , both near Galle, and made sure I had an amazing time.

These are very different properties, with Levels being more of an upscale boutique hotel with a romantic, relaxing vibe, whilst Aqua was a beach front property that was perfect for a spot of surfing and sun. If you want something a bit smaller and intimate in this part of Sri Lanka, these two properties should have something to suit. See more tips on getting a great deal on accommodation in Sri Lanka at the end of the post.

Getting Around

There’s an extensive road network in Sri Lanka, some of which is brand new (the highway from Colombo to the south is excellent), and much of which is a little worse for wear.

Being a passenger in a vehicle can be a fairly hair-raising experience, although as the roads aren’t so great, often the speeds aren’t so great either. If you want to drive yourself, here’s our recommended way to get the best deals on car hire , searching across all the major providers to find you the best deal.

The cheapest way to get around is going to be on public transport, with buses running all over the place. They are likely to be crowded, slow and uncomfortable, but hey, it’ll be an experience. Some routes offer more expensive air conditioned buses with guaranteed seating, although they travel on the same roads so don’t expect to get there any quicker.

There are also three wheeled tuk-tuks for hire, which looked entirely terrifying. A better option would be to hire a car with a driver, which will likely work out relatively good value for money, and the driver might double as a tour-guide. If you don’t go on a full blown tour, I’d suggest that this might be the next easiest way to get yourself to all the major sights listed on the itinerary below.

If time is more important to you than money, then you can also get around the country by air. Cinnamon Air operates a charter service from Colombo, with which you can get around the country relatively easy. They also do sight-seeing services. I did a scenic flight over Sigiriya, which was a magnificent experience.

Finally, one experience not to be missed is a train ride. I took the train from Kandy to Colombo, an incredibly scenic journey through forests and fields. Some of the trains offer scenic observation cars, and if you splash for a more expensive ticket, the carriage could be air conditioned. There’s a good train network across Sri Lanka, and I would recommend this as a solid option.

Practicalities for traveling in Sri Lanka

Currency in sri lanka.

The local currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee, which is easily exchangeable for most major world currencies.

Credit cards are also accepted, although it’s always useful to have cash on you, particularly in more rural areas or at local restaurants and smaller hostels and guesthouses.

Electricity in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka uses a 220v system. A little confusingly in my experience, different places had different types of plug. Some properties used the British three pin square shaped plugs, whilst others used a three pin round plug design (also found in India).

Either way, you’re most likely going to need an adaptor, which you’ll be able to buy on arrival, or you can pick one up from Amazon before you go.

Tipping in Sri Lanka

Tipping is part of life in Sri Lanka, so it’s advisable to have some rupees to hand. For things like porterage you’re looking at around 50-100 rupees, for restaurants, a 10% tip is fairly normal. This might be automatically added to your bill.

Crime in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has been regarded as a safe destination in previous years, however, like everywhere in the world violence and terrorism are an unfortunate reality – you can read about terror attacks in the country here . We advise following the advice of your countries foreign office, state department or relevant government body when travelling to any destination.

Violent crime against visitors is certainly uncommon, but as always, be mindful of yourself and your possessions. You should always take the usual precautions with your valuables, using the hotel safe if there is one available, and not leaving valuables in plain sight.

Health in Sri Lanka

The tap water in Sri Lanka is not generally advisable to drink, so either drink bottled water (widely available), or travel with a water purifier like this .

Sri Lanka also has malaria, although it is rare, so your requirement for anti-malarials will likely depend on where you are visiting. I’d very much suggest going to visit your doctor and getting up to date advice as to whether or not you need to take anti-malarials, as well as any other shots you might need for your trip.

For current health advice from the UK’s National Health Service for travel to Sri Lanka, see here .

Finally, Sri Lanka is a tropical country with a hot climate, so the biggest risk you are likely going to face is dehydration, which can make you very ill. Read my post for more on how to spot the signs of dehydration as well as how to treat and, more importantly, avoid it altogether!

Visas for Sri Lanka

Nearly every visitor to Sri Lanka will need a visa. Tourist visas are valid for ninety days, and you can either apply online for an e-visa , or pick one up on arrival. The cost is around 30USD – slightly less if you buy online in advance.

Internet access in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan internet is passable, but not terribly fast, and Wi-Fi connections are often a bit flakey. Still, I had no trouble getting online everywhere I went.

If you have an unlocked phone I’d advise picking up a SIM card at the airport, an extremely simple and cost effective option.

I used a Mobitel SIM card all around the country on both trips with no problem. You can expect 3G speeds in most cities, and 2G speeds as you get more rural. For up to date information on networks and pricing, this website is an invaluable resource .

Cultural Considerations

Sri Lankans society is fairly modest, so dress appropriately. If visiting culturally important sites, showing anything above the knee, or having bare shoulders, is generally frowned upon.

You will also likely have to remove footwear and hats to enter temples and the like, and be respectful of imagery of deities. It’s considered rude for example to stand with your back to certain statues, so keep that in mind when taking photos. Swimwear is fine on the beach, but not for general wear about town.

Language in Sri Lanka

There are two official languages in Sri Lanka, Sinhala and Tamil. As a visitor though, you will find English (spoken fluently by 10% of the population) will serve you very well, although of course learning some key words like “hello” and “thank you” in the local languages is always nice.

What to Pack for Sri Lanka

My general packing list for digital nomads is a great place to start, which you can adjust as necessary. If you’re not a digital nomad, you can leave much of the tech off the list, although these days all of us seem to travel with a lot of gadgets!

Overall, layers and breathable lightweight clothing are going to be your best option. It can get cooler in the evenings in hill country, particularly if you hike up Adam’s Peak overnight, so a fleece or windproof jacket will come in handy.

Something like a sarong for ladies to cover shoulders is likely going to come in useful. Unless you’re planning serious multi-day hikes, you won’t need any serious hiking gear. Beachwear and casual clothing are going to be your go-to items of clothing. You’re also going to want insect repellant and high-factor sun cream , and a hat wouldn’t go amiss!

Getting to and from Sri Lanka

I flew to Sri Lanka with SriLankan Airlines , the national flag carrier, who offer direct flights to Colombo from a number of destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Planes are modern and the service is excellent, so I have no hesitation recommending them. Reaching Sri Lanka from the US is a little more tricky, as there are no direct flights.

When searching for flight deals, I generally find Priceline to be one of the best options.You can check them out here to see how much it will cost you to get to Sri Lanka.

Further reading and information

Looking for more reading to help plan your Sri Lanka trip? Here are some resources to help you out from the web:

• Our 1 week Sri Lanka itinerary , which focuses on a more luxury trip
• A Budget Traveller’s Guide to Sri Lanka by fellow blogger What’s Dave Doing
• The Rough Guide website ’s resource section for Sri Lanka
• Wikivoyage has a comprehensive page on Sri Lanka
• My four day Sri Lanka trip report which covers taking a private tour for a shorter trip, with a focus on luxury travel, tea and leopards

If you prefer your books to be somewhat more tangible (or offline readable at least), these are the most recently updated guidebooks out there at the moment, available on Amazon:

• The Lonely Planet Sri Lanka Guide
• The DK Eyewitness Sri Lanka Travel Guide

And that’s it! We hope this post is useful to help you plan your own 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary!

Have you visited Sri Lanka yet, or is it on your to-do list? Let me know in the comments below!

Enjoyed this post? Why not share it!

There are 17 comments on this post

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21st January 2020 at 2:56 am

Lovely article

Laurence Norah says

21st January 2020 at 9:24 am

Thank you 🙂

Leah Drey says

24th September 2019 at 9:02 pm

Thanks for sharing this. I just have a few questions about getting back from Yalla to the airport/

– Can you share how long it would take to get from Yala to the airport? Google is failing me. – Would you recommend driving or alternative method of transport to get back to the airport? – Would it make sense to return from Colombo airport or do any of the others make more sense?

25th September 2019 at 8:18 am

So it’s around a 6 hour drive from Yala if I recall correctly. Driving is likely to be the best option, I believe there are also flights from a nearby airport from Yala to Colombo, but I’m not sure how regular they are.

When you say return from, do you mean fly from out of Sri Lanka? I think that’s the only logical option to be honest. A new international airport, Mattala, did open in 2013, but I don’t think there are any scheduled flights from there.

Have a great trip!

6th November 2018 at 9:32 pm

Hi Keith Forbes

I’m also taking my 2 teenage daughters to Sri Lanka at Xmas next year so I’d love to know what your daughters thought of the trip and what their favourite parts of it were.

keith forbes says

29th August 2018 at 5:11 am

Lawrence, Thanks for taking the time to put this all together. Great information and really well structured. We’re travelling to Sri Lanka for NYE this year thru to mid Jan with two 16yr olds and a 13 year old – all girls. Any tips on Galle or nearby for NYE? Also is there a central resource for train travel between the key locations? We arrive after lunch so we’re thinking of getting the train south (skipping Colombo) a few days around Calle then onto Yala, up to Kandy and if we have time Habarana and surrounds or maybe Colombo for a few days. Thanks, Keith

29th August 2018 at 10:59 am

My pleasure! For train travel, I always like the man in seat 61, and he has a good entry on Sri Lanka which should be useful: https://www.seat61.com/SriLanka.htm

I’ve not stayed in Sri Lanka for New Years, so can’t comment, but the Galle area is lovely, as are the surrounds. It sounds like your itinerary is a good one! Have a great trip 🙂

Zahava says

26th August 2018 at 1:12 pm

Hi Laurence. That’s The best blog I found, regarding Sri Lanka. Thanks! We are planning a 2 weeks trip during the Christmas break, with 3 children 11, 16, 20. I Was wondering what itinerary would you choose if we would like to spend the last week relaxing at the beach? Also, one of my daughters is Celiac, do you think the hotels you recommended will be able to Attend her needs of should we look for a more upscale hotels for that reason? Zahava. London.

26th August 2018 at 3:30 pm

Thanks very much! So for that time of year, the south west of the country is going to be in its dry season, so you should have better weather in the south west of the country. So I would suggest the region of the coast from Galle and south would be the best option, it has some great beaches and you should get the best weather. Just be aware that prices will be a bit higher in this region at this time of year.

If it was me I would probably follow this itinerary fairly closely, as the last week is easily adjustable to take in more beaches and less sight-seeing 🙂

I’m not an expert of Celiac travel, but I do know friends of mine who travel do find the higher end hotels are often better equipped to deal with this sort of thing. It might be worth reaching out and asking before booking anything, just to be sure.

Susie S says

17th September 2017 at 9:43 pm

Thanks for the great write up! You mentioned one option for getting around would be to hire a driver. Can you recommend how to book a driver? For example, from Colombo to Habarana and from there to Kandy. And Kandy to Ella. Thanks!

Vicki Majella Hansford says

6th August 2017 at 10:51 am

Hi Laurence I really like you blog Do you think it is necessary to pre book accommodation before we leave Australia or,can you rock up in places and be sure to find something Thanks Vicki

Laurence says

6th August 2017 at 7:04 pm

I think in many cases you can just rock up, although it depends on the time of year and where you are visiting. We also generally find we get better deals by booking in advance for some reason. So yes, you should be fine, with caveats 😉

Have an awesome trip 😀

Amar Hussain says

6th February 2017 at 9:45 pm

Great post Laurence. Looks like you had better weather in Galle than we did!

One thing missing from your itinerary is the Kandy to Ella train ride which is super scenic. The times, fares and how far in advance it books up stumps a lot of people as there isn’t a lot of accurate information online.

I’ve put up an itinerary here and it includes all the info for the train ride – http://gapyearescape.com/backpacking-sri-lanka-two-week-travel-itinerary/

7th February 2017 at 9:41 am

Thanks Amar – yes, we had a great trip and wonderful weather most of the time. Thanks for sharing your post, much appreciated!

Green Global Travel says

26th June 2015 at 7:20 pm

Thanks for sharing these great pictures and travel tips! It’s always important to know what kind of plug is needed and if tipping is normal. – Janeen

26th June 2015 at 7:22 pm

My pleasure, thanks for commenting 🙂

26th June 2015 at 6:23 pm

I completely agree, the mid-range options are excellent value for money 🙂

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Sri Lanka itinerary – the Perfect 2 Weeks in Sri Lanka [+ Route Map]

by Drifter Planet | Jun 3, 2017 | Sri Lanka , Most Popular Blog Posts , National Parks

Want to travel to Sri Lanka? Here’s our itinerary for Sri Lanka which is based on two different trips – one was for a week and the other was for a month. This Sri Lanka itinerary is flexible and can be modified as per your needs for 2 weeks, 3 weeks or even 4 weeks. If you want to visit Sri Lanka, then be sure to read our other posts as well. You will find all our Sri Lanka travel blog posts here. 

I’m sure by now you know already that San and I spent about a month in Sri Lanka back in the beginning of this year. We fell in love with Sri Lanka and had many unique travel experiences that we will remember for life.

Wild elephants in Kaudulla National Park – Sri Lanka Itinerary

We started from west and gradually made our way to the east of the country. Our Sri Lanka itinerary had a little bit of everything – mountains, forests, beaches, history, culture and most importantly, adventure.

Sri Lanka Itinerary

Day 0: Arrive at Colombo Airport

Day 1 – 2: negombo – beach time.

Sunset on Negombo Beach – Sri Lanka Itinerary

How to reach Negombo from Colombo Airport

Where to stay in negombo.

Negombo Beach – Sri Lanka Itinerary

Day 3 – 4: Sigiriya – Lion Rock, Pidurangala Rock , Dambulla

Sunrise View of the famous Sigiriya Rock from Pidurangala rock – Sri Lanka Itinerary

San and I riding a bicycle in Sigiriya – Sri Lanka Itinerary

How to reach Sigiriya from Negombo

Where to stay in sigiriya.

Our tree house in Back of Beyond, Dehigaha Ela – Sri Lanka Itinerary

Day 5: Kaudulla National Park or Minneriya National Park – Elephants

Elephant at Kaudulla National Park – Sri Lanka Itinerary

Day 6: Kandy – Buddha Tooth Temple, Culture

A cultural dance show in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Night time at Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Where to stay in Kandy

Day 7: train ride from kandy to nuwara eliya.

Scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella – Sri Lanka Itinerary

Optional Stop: Adam’s Peak and Hatton

Adam’s Peak and Triangular Shadow – near Hatton, Sri Lanka Route Map BY Chris Shervey – CC by 2.0 via Flickr

Day 8 – 9: Nuwara Eliya – Tea Estates, Waterfalls

The hills around Nuwara Eliya are covered with Tea Plantation – Sri Lanka Itinerary

San enjoying the view after our tea factory tour in Nuwara Eliya – Sri Lanka Itinerary

Read: 13 Amazing  Things to do in Sri Lanka [in 2017]

How to reach Nuwara Eliya from Kandy

Where to stay in nuwara eliya, day 10: haputale – viewpoints, lipton’s seat.

San and I jumped off the train at Haputale – Sri Lanka Itinerary

San enjoying the view in Haputale – Sri Lanka Itinerary

Tea Estates and Hills in Haputale – Sri Lanka Itinerary

Where to stay in Haputale

The view from our hotel – Bellview in Haputale – Sri Lanka Itinerary

How to reach Haputale from Nuwara Eliya

Day 11: ella – mini adam’s peak, waterfalls.

Train ride in Ella – Sri Lanka Itinerary

How to reach Ella from Haputale

Where to stay in ella, day 12 – 13: arugam bay – beach, surfing.

Enjoying the beach at Arugam Bay – Sri Lanka Itinerary

Pottuvil near Arugam Bay – Sri Lanka Itinerary

Here’s us enjoying Atman Festival at Peanut Farm, Arugam Bay – Sri Lanka Itinerary

A local fisherman in Arugam Bay – Sri Lanka Itinerary

Where to stay in Arugam Bay

How to reach arugam bay from ella, day 14 – 15: mirissa – whale spotting, beaches.

Mirissa beach – Sri Lanka Itinerary – by Claire Rowland [ CC by 2.0 ] via Flickr

Whale Watching in Mirissa by Charlotte

Where to stay in Mirissa

How to reach mirissa from arugam bay, day 16: colombo – temples, culture.

Busy Colombo – Sri Lanka Itinerary by Bestbauch [ CC0 Public ] via Pixabay

Colombo Promenade – Sri Lanka Itinerary by Maxos_dim [ CC0 Public ] via Pixabay

Where to stay in Colombo

How to reach colombo from mirissa, visa for sri lanka, final thoughts, related posts:.

23 Comments

I keep a wonderful souvenir of the landscapes and historic places of Sri Lanka, but unfortunately not of the males. It’s a destination I don’t recommend at all for a solo female traveller. Nowhere else I was sexually assaulted as there. Even during Shivaratri in a temple and my body covered as usual, a guy put his two hands on my bust and ran away.

Hi Stephanie, this is very sad to hear. Actually, I have lived in India for years and have faced similar situations there as well. I wish there was something that we could do to end this groping problem in these countries. These countries are amazing but some sex starved perverts are spoiling things for women.

Love how detailed and well organized your content is, Sonal! Truly inspiring 🙂

Thank you girl. 🙂 This post took me 3 weeks and it is 5000 words long. I almost gave up in the middle.

Thanks for sharing the great information on Srilanka

You’re welcome 🙂

Beautiful imagery! We spent a month in Columbo, and my wife did a week in Kandy. She noted the same thing; city is a bit busy but if you head outside into the country you will enjoy it more. Colombo had some flavor. Loved my time there but a week would have served me well. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Hi Ryan, good to know you enjoyed Colombo. 🙂 I’d love to go back to Sri Lanka and rent a cottage for a month in Haputale and relax. 🙂

Nice…………….great post and pictures! #Travel

Thank you Prakash. 🙂 I’m glad you like the post and the pictures.

Love your content and information, Good Job.

Thank you Vikash, we love hearing this. 🙂

I enjoyed reading this. Thanks 🙂

Hi there, I was just wondering how much this trip cost you?

Hey guys, was planning to take my Mum to Sri Lanka (shes bored of Goa now) so I googled Sri Lanka itinerary and this came up first! 🙂 It’s a really useful and inspirational post. xx

Wow, thank you Anna 🙂 hope you and your mom enjoy your time in Sri Lanka. It is such an amazing country.

I’m planning a trip Dec-Jan. wondering about the weather if I loosely follow your 2 week itinerary. Hoping to avoid the heavier monsoon rains I’ll have about 4 weeks so hope to visit a few more places along the way. Loved reading your piece.

Very nice and informative post having good tips..

Hello, I was wondering if you would recommend Haputale or Nuwara Eliya if you only had time to visit one? Everyone seems to go to Nuwara Eliya but your review of Haputule makes me think I would prefer to go there! I will also be visiting Ella. Thanks!

Hi Jess, I’d any day pick Haputale over Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya is more famous but it is crowded and is a big town. On the other hand, Haputale is simpler and you can explore the area around by just walking. Most of the beautiful places of Nuwara Eliya are actually outside and you will need to take a tuk tuk.

How much do you think you’d need to save for a trip to Sri Lanka? Based on the above itinerary. Thanks Ruth

Wonderfully written! I got to know everything I was looking for. Such a detailed itinerary! Will surely take this for reference!

Very helpful for my upcoming holidays.

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Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

I love European city breaks, nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I have a knack for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.

Not sure where to start? Start with some of my most popular posts .

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Last Updated on September 23, 2023 by Drifter Planet

Sri Lanka Two-Week Itinerary: How To Spend Two Weeks in Sri Lanka

Posted on Last updated: August 4, 2021

Sri Lanka, a small island-country located in the Sea of Bengal, is a popular destination for travellers because of its historical World Heritage Sites and breathtaking natural landscapes.

One of my best friends from university is Sri Lankan and I have been meaning to visit her for years. Finally spending two weeks in Sri Lanka was a travel dream come true for me!

Sri Lanka is the convergence of religion, history and nature, forming this beautiful country that has many secrets waiting for you to discover.

While it is impossible to explore every tourist attraction in Sri Lanka in two weeks, this Sri Lanka two-week itinerary will give you a detailed day-by-day breakdown with suggestion on what to do, where to stay, what to see and more.

• 1.1 Day 1: Arrive in Colombo
• 1.2 Day 2: Explore Colombo
• 1.3 Day 3: On to Dambulla & Sigiriya
• 1.4 Day 4: Visit Dambulla Rock Cave & Polonnaruwa
• 1.5 Day 5: Travel to Kandy
• 1.6 Day 6: Ride the train from Kandy to Ella
• 1.7 Day 7: Hiking in Ella
• 1.8 Day 8: Waterfall chasing in Ella
• 1.9 Day 9: Udawalawe National Park elephant safari
• 1.10 Day 10 – 12: Mirissa & Weligama
• 1.11 Day 13: Unawatuna & Galle
• 1.12 Day 14: Back to Colombo & fly out
• 2.1 Sort your visa before travelling
• 2.2 Currency
• 2.3 Cuisine
• 2.4 Getting around
• 3 What to pack for two weeks in Sri Lanka
• 4 Where to stay in Sri Lanka

Enjoying the view over Sigiriya from Pidurangala rock in Sri Lanka

How to spend two weeks in Sri Lanka

Two weeks in Sri Lanka sounds like such a short time to uncover all the beauty this country has to offer. But if spent wisely, it will be enough to enjoy this stunning island.

This Sri Lanka two-week itinerary is based on my own experience and trip to Sri Lanka.

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo

After your long flight, you will want to chill and relax for your first day. But you can still do some non-strenuous activities while relaxing, like walking around and exploring the colonial buildings.

When we were there, we stayed at Jetwing Colombo Seven . It had a very good rooftop pool that was perfect for chilling after the long flight.

Check out the latest prices and availability at Jetwing Colombo Seven here

Relaxing at the rooftop pool of Jetwing Colombo Seven

Day 2: Explore Colombo

A lot of people often overlook Colombo in favour of exploring more of Sri Lanka, and while I wouldn’t spend too long there a full day there will give you enough time to enjoy the Sri Lankan capital.

You can start your day in Colombo by going to the Red Mosque. The Red Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo and is a popular tourist destination.

The main feature of this mosque, aside from being a historic place of worship, is its distinguishable red colour.

It is painted red and white – almost like a candy cane. From the outside, it looks like one of those fancy castles in the game of Wreck-It-Ralph.

The outside of the Red Mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka

The inside of the Red Mosque in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Just a few streets across from the Red Mosque are the street markets of Pettah.

You could wander around these street markets for hours, buying about almost anything that they offer in Sri Lanka. It is also a food paradise for all those foodies out there.

The bustling streets of Pettah in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Day 3: On to Dambulla & Sigiriya

From Colombo it is a four-hour drive to Sigiriya, so you want to set off nice and early on day 3. Sigiriya is when you get a little bit farther away from the city and a bit closer to the nature of Sri Lanka.

It is an ancient rock fortress located near the town of Dambulla in Central Province, Sri Lanka. You will be spending the next two days exploring Sigiriya and Dambulla .

The view over Sigiriya from Pidurangala Rock, pic by @ solarpoweredblonde

Sigiriya is a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters (660ft) high and is a site of historical and archaeological value, it is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

For 1,500 LKR, you can do a tuk-tuk (auto rickshaw) tour around the base of Sigiriya. You can’t do it by car as the roads are small and most of them are dirt tracks, so jump on a tuk-tuk and experience driving in Sri Lanka like the locals!

The tuk-tuk we drove around the base of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka

It’s a pretty cool experience as you drive around all over the base and see both Sigiriya and Pidurangala rock (a rock that you can climb to see Sigiriya) from different angles. 

Finish your tuk-tuk tour by disembarking at the Pidurangala rock, where you can hike for sunset. Once you get on top, you can see the massive rock column that is Sigiriya against the setting sky.

Pidurangala is open at any time of day however if you choose to hike in the middle of the day be ready for it to be very hot! Alternatively, a lot of people hike Pidurangala Rock at sunrise .

| READ MORE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO HIKE PIDURANGALA ROCK |

The view over both Pidurangala and Sigirya

The Pidurangla hike is around 30 to 45 minutes. It is a fairly easy hike from start to finish, with just a short section of climbing over rocks required at the end.

Aside from Sigiriya, there are stunning 360 views of all the surrounding countryside. Entry to Pidurangala costs around 3 USD, much less than the 30 USD than they charge for entry at Sigiriya!

The view from Pidurangala is actually better as Sigiriya is more iconic, so we decided to save ourselves some money and only hiked Pidurangala.

In Dambulla, we stayed at the New Peacock Resort Hotel . It was pretty basic and simple – nothing fancy – but it was cheap and we absolutely loved the breakfast and dinner they served us.

Check out the latest prices and availability at New Peacock Resort Hotel here

Day 4: Visit Dambulla Rock Cave & Polonnaruwa

For Day 4, start the day at the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. It is a temple built inside the rock with hundreds and hundreds of golden Buddhas.

It was a pretty amazing sight as it’s incredible to think that all these Buddhas were made and placed here since the first century BCE. In 1991, it was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The buddhas at Dambulla Rock Cave in Sri Lanka

One of the buddhas at Dambulla Rock Cave in Sri Lanka

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple

Once you’re done with the temples of Dambulla, get ready to drive 1.5 hours to Polonnaruwa, one of the ancient cities of Sri Lanka.

It’s pretty interesting to view this architectural piece of history and the details that make the city. The ruins are in pretty good condition so there is no need to worry about accidents (none have been heard of, so far).

It was also declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the Golden Temple of Dambulla. When you arrive at the visitor centre you can get a guide for 1,500 LKR to tour you around this ancient city.

The visitor centre also has a small museum where you can learn about Polonnaruwa and see a map of the ruins before venturing out in the city itself.

One of the stupas in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

One of the many temple ruins in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

The temple ruins of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka

Day 5: Travel to Kandy

You might be a bit knackered by yesterdays driving but bear with me a little longer, as the drive from Dambulla to Kandy can take 3+ hours depending on traffic.

There are lots of cool things to do in Kandy , but one of the main ones is exploring the Temple of the Tooth – a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy.

Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth is located in the palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which holds the politically-significant relic of the tooth of Buddha.

Exploring the streets and lakeside walks of Kandy, Sri Lanka

From the Temple of the Tooth, visit the Kandy Lake, which boasts clear and still waters amongst beautiful and relaxing scenery. Not far from Kandy Lake is the Kandy Market, popular for selling a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

If by now you’re like me and need a break from the heat you can relax at the Theva Residency , a serene resort in the city of Kandy. We spent one night here and loved relaxing on poolside while enjoying the view over the hills.

Check out the latest prices and availability at the Theva Residency in Kandy here  

Enjoying the pool and view at the Theva Residency in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Day 6: Ride the train from Kandy to Ella

Wake up early for Day 6 and start your train ride from Kandy to the small laid-back town of Ella. The train ride usually takes six to seven hours. Make sure to reserve a ticket on Day 5 or you might have to stand for the entire ride!

It will be slightly more expensive, but it definitely is worth it. Trust me, you do not want to stand for a seven-hour long train ride. Third class reserved is much better than second class not reserved.

Additionally, you will be placed in the back of the carriage so you have all the opportunity to take cool shots out of the windows with all the train carriages snaking behind you.

Riding the iconic train from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka

There isn’t an official Sri Lankan rail travel website where you can book your ticket but you can purchase one online at 12goAsia . Don’t worry if it shows as sold out on your desired date, this isn’t actually the case.

The sold out is only referred to the tickets available on 12goAsia , you can still buy them at the station or through a Sri Lankan agency (ask your hotel for a contact, they should be able to help).

Click here to book your Kandy to Ella train ticket!

Sweeping views over the Sri Lankan countryside during the Kandy to Ella train journey

During the train journey street food vendors will come onboard selling their homemade samosas, rotis and water.

However, just to be sure, it is advisable to bring your own snacks in case you don’t like any of the food of the food vendors or there are none when you get hungry.

| READ MORE: KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN ULTIMATE GUIDE |

Fresh fruit sold on the Kandy to Ella train journey in Sri Lanka

Finish the day by sleeping at Hangover Hostel , a cool and friendly hostel which is only a short five-minute walk from the Ella train station.

Hangover Hostels is also close to the Main Street in Ella where you can find plenty of food choices and book onwards travel for the following days. Rest early as you will have an early day tomorrow.

Check out the latest price and availability at Hangover Hostel in Ella here

View over the tea plantations in Sri Lanka during the Kandy to Ella train journey

Day 7: Hiking in Ella

Wake up early on day 7 and get ready for a 4:30 AM sunrise hike to Little Adam’s Peak . Make sure you bring water and snacks!

The hike is only about 30 to 40 minutes. It is easy terrain and the whole trail is littered with signs; it is fairly easy to navigate your way around.

Sunrise from Little Adam’s Peak in Ella, Sri Lanka

Enjoying the sunrise view from Little Adams Peak in Ella, Sri Lanka

The view on top is absolutely breathtaking. It is a stunning 360-degree view of the neighbouring mountains.

The mountain peaks are quite high which means the sky will lighten before the sun actually peaks over the mountaintops. This makes the trekking even easier as there is enough light to see where you’re treading.

Enjoying the view from the top of Little Adam’s Peak in Ella, Sri Lanka

From Little Adam’s Peak, it’s super easy to get to Nine Arch Bridge. There are signs that will point you there and it’s a direct hike instead of going back to Ella and then round the other side.

I recommend going straight away before the day heats up and it will be much less crowded. Plus, who doesn’t want to go and visit the Bridge of the Sky that is Nine Arch Bridge?

If you go during the day, there will be tons of other people and it will get too hot to be walking under the sun.

The hike to get to Nine Arch Bridge from Little Adams Peak is another 40 minutes or so, and you will arrive at it from a beautiful viewpoint as opposed to from the train tracks.

The view over Nine Arch Bridge when you arrive from Little Adam’s Peak

Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka

After hiking and seeing the beauty of the Bridge of the Sky, just follow the train tracks until you get back to the Ella train station. Just be aware that this is a functional railway so the train might come at some point!

If it does, just walk off the track in the surrounding grass. You’ll be able to hear it coming. When you get back to Ella, you are bound to be tired from all the hiking that you have done.

Get some food at one of the many cool restaurants in town and chill for a bit. By this point you will have done two epic hikes and it’s not even lunch time!

You can spend the hottest hours of the day relaxing and cooling down at the pool of Mountain Heavens .

Even if you are not a guest, you can use the pool for 550 LKR per hour. We stayed longer than one hour and nobody complained or approach us to ask for more money.

The infinity pool at Mountain Heavens in Ella, Sri Lanka

If you’re game for a third hike, from Mountain Heavens, you are already on the way to Ella Rock .

You will want to wait for it to get a little bit cooler before you start your hike, but make sure you don’t start too late as you might miss the sunset or end up walking in the dark.

It is a three to four-hour round trip hike. We set off our hike at 3PM.

Hiking along the train tracks in Ella, on the way to Ella Rock, Sri Lanka

The hike is challenging but very rewarding in the end. Most of the difficulty lies in the fact the route isn’t marked very well and it is quite difficult to navigate.

In terms of terrain it’s a fairly easy hike until the final section, which is quite steep. Reaching the peak is very satisfying. The peak of Ella Rock is high enough that you can see the clouds kissing the tops of the mountains.

The way back took less than the hike up and we got to Ella in time for an early dinner.

You can enjoy a kottu for dinner and then hit the hay early, as you’ll probably be tired from all of this hiking. Kottu is a special type of Sri Lankan roti savory dish.

You can easily do this day and these activities alone, however if you prefer to have a guide you can visit Little Adams Peak, Nine Arch Bridge and Ella Rock all together in a Ella 3 Icons one day tour .

Click here to book your Ella 3 Icons one day tour

The view from the top of Ella Rock in Sri Lanka

Day 8: Waterfall chasing in Ella

Start Day 8 by renting a car with driver for the day to take you to Diyaluma and Ravana Falls.

This will cost you 7,000 LKR. There are a lot of car in the streets of Ella. You can arrange it directly with the drivers there on the day and set off at 9:30AM.

Diyaluma Falls is about one and a half-hour drive away. I was actually quite afraid that it will be a lengthy trip just for an “insta-spot” but it actually ended up being one of my favourite days in my two weeks in Sri Lanka.

| READ MORE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DIYALUMA FALLS |

The 220m drop of Diyaluma Falls in Sri Lanka, drone shot by @solarpoweredblonde

The driver will ask you if you want to do the one and a half-hour hike from the bottom to top of the waterfall or the shorter 20 minute one. We ended up taking the shorter route.

When you get there, you can try hiking alone, but the trail isn’t marked at all so it will be very difficult for you to navigate your way.

At the parking area is a small shack that sells water and snacks. There we found a guide for 2,000 LKR.

The first place we went to was actually the final pool, just by the 220-meter drop. There are three small rock pools in total that you can swim in and I am not exaggerating when I tell you that the views are absolutely insane!

Swimming in the rock pools at the top of Diyaluma Falls in Sri Lanka

From there, we made our way back up the river and to three more waterfalls and swimming spots. The first one we chose not to swim in and just enjoyed the views.

The second one has a seven-meter jump right next to the waterfall that you can dive from into the pool below. The final one is a very tiny waterfall that has a small rock slide where you can let the water slide you down and into the pool.

It’s basically a natural waterpark!

On the way back, we stopped at the Ravana Falls but didn’t get the chance to swim as it was getting quite late. They’re beautiful but after Diyaluma were fairly uneventful.

| READ MORE: BEST THINGS TO DO IN ELLA |

Cliff diving in the waterfalls of Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka

Day 9: Udawalawe National Park elephant safari

There’s lots of driving planned for Day 9 so make sure to get a good driver!

We negotiated with the same driver that took us to Diyaluma the day before and he charged us 11,000 LKR for a drive from Ella to Mirissa, with a three-hour stop to Udawalawe where we did a safari.

We set off early at 5AM for the morning safari. The total drive was four to five hours.

| READ MORE: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DOING AN ELEPHANT SAFARI IN SRI LANKA |

We spotted elephants during our safari in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka

The first elephant we saw during our safari in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka

The safari starts at 7AM. We paid 3,000 LKR for a private jeep, which I can highly recommended as you can seat hop so you are always in the shade and you can get closer to the animals.

Entry to the national park changes depending on the number of people you have in the jeep. We paid around 8,000 LKR for two heads.

Prepare yourself as you will see lots of animals during this safari. There are also crocodiles, pumbas and buffalos during the trip.

We saw so many elephants we soon lost count, with the first one showing itself before we had even entered the park gates! We arrived in Mirissa by lunch and spent the rest of the day relaxing by the beach.

We loved Hangover Hostels in Ella so much that we stayed at the Hangover Hostel in Mirissa for the next few nights. It has a cool rooftop lounge area with seafront view and very nice, clean rooms with very good AC.

Check out the latest prices and availability at Hangover Hostels in Mirissa

Elephant safari in Udawalawe National Park

Day 10 – 12: Mirissa & Weligama

After the cultural and action packed itinerary you’ve had so far you’ve deserved to spend the next three days of your trip by relaxing and enjoying the beautiful beach in Mirissa .

White sand, blue clear skies and swaying palm trees – it is a nature paradise. The next three days of your two-week in Sri Lanka itinerary will be relaxing but not boring, as Mirissa offers a wide variety of things to do .

It’s one of the best places to stay along the South Coast as there are lots of shops and good-quality restaurants along the beach.

Mirissa also offers a fun nightlife; every night there is a party scheduled at a different beach bar, just look out for the light beam (you’ll easily see it from the beach) as that is where the party will be!

A stunning sunset in Weligama, Sri Lanka, pic by @solarpoweredblonde

In terms of surfing, however, Weligama is a better option. The waves are just more cooperative in Weligama than in Mirissa. I recommend you stay in Mirissa and take a tuk-tuk to Weligama if you ever want to surf around.

The tuk-tuk ride will cost you 300 LKR and you can rent a surf board in Weligama for 200 LKR for one hour. Most of the surf schools have sunbeds and cabanas you can use for free if you surf there.

Weligama has some of the easiest waves I’ve ever surfed, they’re long and slow and perfect for beginners.

Book your Weligama surfing lessons here

Sunset surf in Weligama, Sri Lanka

You can also do some snorkelling with turtles in Mirissa for 1,500 LKR. We organized it with a stall on the beach and they came to pick us up by tuk-tuk the following morning to take us to a turtle beach 15-minutes away.

I thought we’d have to sail for hours to see them but they are actually super easy to spot as they are close to the shore where the water is very shallow.

Book your snorkelling with turtles in Mirissa experience here

Snorkelling with turtles in Mirissa, Sri Lanka

In Mirissa there is also a famous sunset viewing spot. A short 15-minute walk along the beach will take you to coconut hill, where you can enjoy the sunset framed against the slender palm trees.

| READ MORE: 10 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN MIRISSA |

Sunset at the famous coconut hill in Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Day 13: Unawatuna & Galle

The drive from Mirissa / Weligama to Galle is around one and a half hours. We spent most of the morning by wandering around Galle Fort, where there are lots of nice shops and restaurants.

The colonial architecture is also very unique and Galle had a chill vibe that none of the other Sri Lankan cities we visited had.

The cute colonial streets of Galle in Sri Lanka, pic by @solarpoweredblonde

Galle Fort in Sri Lanka, drone shot by @solarpoweredblonde

After walking around in the heat we then went Dallawella Beach in Unawatuna to relax and cool down. Here you’ll find the famous palm tree swing where you can snap that perfect instagram photo at sunset. 

Unawatuna has a similar beach set up to Mirissa with lots of bars and restaurants along the beach, the perfect place to enjoy your last evening in Sri Lanka.

The famous sunset swing at Dalawella Beach in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Day 14: Back to Colombo & fly out

Day 14, and you finally made it! It is now the last day of your Sri Lanka two-week itinerary. Depending on what time your flight is you can spend the day relaxing by the beach until it’s time to fly out.

I wouldn’t spend any more time in Colombo so just drive straight to the airport from Unawatuna for two hours. We paid 9,000 LKR for this drive.

View of the Colombo skyline from Jetwing Colombo Seven in Sri Lanka

Essential info for two-weeks in Sri Lanka

Hope you’ve enjoyed reading my Sri Lanka two-week itinerary! I’ve listed below some important information that you should know before your Sri Lankan trip.

Sort your visa before travelling

All travellers going to Sri Lanka will require a visa, so make sure to apply for your Sri Lanka visa before travelling.

The process is very easy, you simply apply and pay for your Sri Lanka visa online (around 15 GBP). This will give you a ETA, which is valid for 6 months, single entry to Sri Lanka and a maximum stay of 30 days.

The local currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). At time of visit the exchange rate was around 1 USD = 176.85 LKR. You can check out the latest exchange rate here .

Exploring the ruins of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan cuisine is very similar to its neighbouring country, India. The majority of food is rice and curry, with different types of spices added to the curries or a different main emat.

You can find rottis and samosas almost everywhere as a sort of street food on-the-go. My personal favourite dish in Sri Lanka was the Kottu, a special type of rotti tossed with sauce, vegetables and chicken.

Kottu – a typical Sri Lankan dish, not a very pretty one but the taste is awesome

Getting around

Public transport in Sri Lanka is fairly good. Buses and trains go around almost everywhere but are just a bit slow, you might also have to change buses or trains if they don’t run direct.

You can also get private cars with a driver for reasonable prices. If you keep your driver for more than one day, do not worry, as a lot of hotels provide driver accommodation.

We were quoted 50 USD a day for a car with driver for one week. You can rent a private car for your time in Sri Lanka here . For short distances, get a tuk-tuk instead of renting a car!

Drone shot of Dalawella Beach in Sri Lanka, drone shot by @solarpoweredblonde

What to pack for two weeks in Sri Lanka

The following are just some of the key essentials you will need, check out this tropical vacation packing list for a full guide on what to bring for two weeks in Sri Lanka.

Fast drying towel : If you’ve read any of my packing lists you know I carry one of these everywhere I go. Whether it’s to use in a hostel that doesn’t provide towels or to take to on a day at the beach, lake or waterfalls I love these. They dry quickly, take up very little space and get the job done.

Temple and heat-appropriate clothing, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts made out of breathable fabrics.

Power bank ,  as there are a lot of power cuts during the day in some towns in Sri Lanka!

Sunscreen to defend yourself from the sun.

View over Sigiriya from Pidurangala Rock in Sri Lanka

Where to stay in Sri Lanka

During our two weeks in Sri Lanka we stayed at a variety of different types of accommodation, ranging from hostels to luxury boutique hotels (all about that balance). The ones I can recommend are the following.

Hangover Hostels : We stayed at the Hangover Hostel in Ella and loved it so much that we ended up changing our plans and staying at the Hangover Hostel in Mirissa too.

Both were clean, had good-sized lockers and have a very friendly sociable atmosphere for backpackers.

Click here to see the latest prices and availability at Hangover Hostels in Sri Lanka

Jet Wing Colombo Seven :  This was the first hotel we stayed at and after a long flight, it was exactly what we needed. The rooftop pool was also the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the views after wandering around in the heat of Colombo.

Check out the latest prices and availability at Jetwing Colombo Seven

Sunset view from the rooftop pool of Jetting Colombo Seven in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Theva Residency :  After spending a few days hiking and exploring the inland areas of Sri Lanka like Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa we absolutely loved staying at the Theva Residency .

It was the perfect place to escape the heat and relax on poolside, with beautiful views over the hills of Kandy. The food was all amazing as well.

Check out the latest prices and availability at The Theva Residency here

Poolside breakfast at the Theva Residency in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Hotel Tri :  We ended our two weeks in Sri Lanka with 2 nights at Tri Lanka and it was the perfect ending to an incredible trip.

After staying in hotels for the previous week and having some very action packed days, it was the perfect place to unwind and relax, while pampered by the friendly staff.

Check out the latest prices and availability at Hotel Tri here

The pool of Hotel Tri by Koggala Lake in Sri Lanka  

Final thoughts on spending 2 weeks in Sri Lanka

Have you been to Sri Lanka before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below! This was a two-week comprehensive travel guide on how to spend your two weeks in Sri Lanka wisely, based on my own two-week trip to Sri Lanka.

With UNESCO World Heritage Sites, pieces of history and religion alongside breathtaking beaches, your two weeks in Sri Lanka is bound to be worth every single minute.

Enjoyed reading my Sri Lanka 2-week itinerary? Pin it!

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A complete 2 week itinerary through Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka with its countless beautiful sights is my all-time favorite travel destination. The island offers everything from a paradise coastline in the south to misty mountains, tropical jungle, and tea plantations in the central highlands. Although you could probably spend a lifetime traveling through this country, the ideal length of a vacation is 2 weeks. This complete 2 week itinerary through Sri Lank takes you to destinations like Weligama, Mirissa, Hiriketiya, Udawalawe National Park, Ella, Kandy, and Colombo. Get ready – here we go!

Table of content

Map of your 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary

Flight day – arriving in Sri Lanka

Chill & surf in Weligama

Relax in Mirissa

Dikwella & Hiriketiya beach

Safari in Udawalawe National Park

Visit the well-known mountain village Ella

The world’s most beautiful train ride, from Ella to Kandy

Sightseeing in Colombo

Flight back home

Optional places

This 2 week travel itinerary through Sri Lanka contains a day-by-day schedule. You get to experience the vibrant cultural heritage in the capital, the surf culture on the south coast, a safari in a national park, an enchanting train ride through lush tea plantations, and hiking in the mountains. All at the same time as meeting the kind Sri Lankan people and experiencing their rich culture (and great food!)

Let this guide help you plan your Sri Lankan trip, and if you have more time, I’ve added some additional options. If you want more details on specific locations, head to this page where I’ve gathered 10+ Sri Lanka travel guides.

Day 1: Flight, arriving in Negombo

Going to Sri Lanka from Sweden is a rather long flight. We had two layovers: the first one in Copenhagen, and the other one in Doha. The flight took approximately 16 hours. If you are not arriving in Sri Lanka too late in the evening, I suggest you continue straight to your first destination: Weligama. Weligama is located a 3 hour drive from the international airport in Negombo.

Getting to Weligama: Our first plan was to take the train to Weligama. Taking the train is a really cheap way to travel around the island. But after a quick scan, we found out that taking a cab is pretty cheap too. We paid 12 000 Sri Lankan rupees (LKR), which is around 60 EUR or 600 SEK, for a 3-hour drive. To us, this was money well spent. We had comfortable seats, air condition and could sleep peacefully. We asked our guesthouse in Weligama to send a driver, but you can also book a taxi via Sri Lankan taxi – or ask someone at the airport.

Day 2 – 4: Chill & surf in Weligama

Weligama is the place to be for those who love surfing, trendy cafés and soft vibes. This is a laid back town to spend your first days in Sri Lanka. Weligama beach is a 3 kilometers long sandy beach, and is known as one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka for beginner surfing. Plenty of surf camps are located here, and the beach is crowded with surf schools and board rentals. Go for a surf lesson, or rent a board on your own for an hour (250 LKR) to experience the waves.

➳ Read more: 5 x best restaurants in Weligama, Sri Lanka

Coconut Tree Hill and Secret Beach in Mirissa .

Day 6 – 7: Relax in Mirissa

Mirissa is mostly about chilling at the beach and exploring the ocean. Mirissa is sometimes missed by travelers but was according to me the perfect place for some relaxing days. Mirissa is much smaller than Weligama and has a soft atmosphere with a beautiful beach, clear water, and great restaurants. During these days you can go diving, search for turtles, take a relaxing massage, etc.

➳ Read more:  Top 10 things to do in Mirissa

Day 8 – 9: Dikwella & Hiriketiya beach

Head east to the small town of Dikwella (officially Dickwella). Here you will find many trendy restaurants and two great beaches: Dikwella beach and Hiriketiya beach. Hiriketiya is smaller and famous for its surfing, and Dikwella is larger and calmer. Stay somewhere in between to experience them both.

➳  Read more:   A complete travel guide to Dikwella & Hiriketiya beach

Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places to see elephants in Sri Lanka.

Day 10: Safari in Udawalawe National Park

When in Sri Lanka you should definitely visit one of the many national parks. The country is home to over 26 national parks and is probably the best country in Asia to experience wild animals. Udawalawe National Park is located between Dikwella and Ella and is popular among those who want guaranteed elephant sightings. Unlike Yala National Park, Udawalawe is smaller but is still home to a significant number of elephants. Udawalawe is actually one of the best places to see elephants in Sri Lanka.

Going to Udawalawe from the south coast with public transport is possible. You take a bus to Matara and there you switch to another one. After observing the craziness of the buses, we decided that going by car felt better. The car ride cost us 8000 LKR (400 SEK/40 EUR). We decided to book one hotel night in Udawalawe. We arrived in the evening, got some dinner at the hotel, and then went to sleep to catch a 6 am safari.

Tips! While in Udawalawe, make sure to visit the baby elephants in the Elephant Transit Home .

The iconic Nine Arch Bridge, and the view from Little Adam’s Peak, both in Ella .

Day 11: Visit the mountain village Ella

Ella is a small town located in the central highlands, surrounded by mountains and tea plantations. The views you get to see here are stunning! Although Ella is a popular stop for tourists, the atmosphere is still relaxed. From here you can visit tea plantations, go on spectacular hikes like Little Adams Peak, swim in waterfalls, and meet monkeys (that will steal the bananas you saved for your afternoon snack). From Ella, you can board the train to Kandy, which is known to be the most beautiful train ride in the world.

We went from Udawalawe to Ella by car. Again worth it. It took 2 hours and cost 6000 LKR (300 SEK/30 EUR).

Tips! You can easily spend 3–4 days in Ella if you wish to extend your trip to Sri Lanka.

➳  Read more:  8 things to do in Ella – a guide to the most scenic village in Sri Lanka

Taking the train from Ella to Kandy is a must-do while in Sri Lanka.

Day 12: The world’s most beautiful train ride, from Ella to Kandy

The best way to get to Kandy from Ella is definitely by train. It takes about 7 hours, but it is definitely worth it. This scenic train ride is known to be the world’s most beautiful train ride. The train trip takes you through tea plantations, on mountain tops, and through beautiful villages. Make sure to book your ticket in advance . We booked our tickets a few weeks before our trip and they were almost sold out.

We didn’t have more than a few hours in Kandy before leaving for Colombo the next day. To be honest: I’m glad we didn’t have more time. There are some things to do in Kandy, like visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens, but I wouldn’t want to prioritize them over the south coast or Ella.

Tips! Have more days in Sri Lanka? Then make a stop in Nuwara Eliya on your way to Kandy! This little mountain village is considered to be the highest located village (in altitude) in Sri Lanka and is home to many beautiful tea plantations and hike trails.

Day 13: Sightseeing in Colombo

Finish your trip and stay close to the airport in Colombo. Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka, and also the biggest city on the island. We had one day here before we had to go to Negombo and the airport. The city has an interesting history, with several temples and buildings to explore – but I would say one day is enough. Spend the evening at Galle Face Green, an ocean-side urban park in Colombo. Since Colombo is located on the west coast you can see a pretty good sunset from here.

Day 14: Flight back home

Head to Negombo and the airport. Give the world a big smile and enjoy the fact that you just spent 14 days in a wonderful country!

Do you have more time in Sri Lanka? Extend the route with these popular places:

• Unawatuna and Dalawella : Two famous beach towns on the south coast. Unawatuna is a bit too touristy for me. Dalawella is small but popular among sea turtles, which makes it worth a visit!
• Galle Fort : Galle Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site that nowadays is filled with impressive colonial buildings, cute shops, and trendy cafés. If you stay in Unawatuna you can make a day trip to Galle Fort, as it’s located only 20 minutes from Unawatuna.
• Yala National Park : Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife park due to its many leopards. We chose Udawalawe over Yala because we wanted to see elephants.
• Arugam Bay : Arugam Bay on the east coast of Sri Lanka is known as a surfers paradise and one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka.
• Climb Sigiriya Rock : Lion Rock in Sigiriya is one of the most popular landmarks in Sri Lanka. The rock is located 2,5 hours north of Kandy. A visit here means you need to extend your trip by at least two days.
• Kaudulla National Park : Kaudulla National Park is home to 200+ elephants, which makes it a great alternative to Udawalawe National Park.
• Nuwara Eliya : Explore the lush mountain village Nuwara Eliya, also known as Little England of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is located at 1900 meters above sea level which makes the environment unique, with lush tea plantations and cooler temperatures
• Elephant Freedom Project in Kegalle : Spend a few days volunteering at the Elephant Freedom Project in Kegalle, one of the few ethical sanctuaries for elephants in Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka, the island just south of India, has incredible beaches, ancient culture, and breathtaking wildlife experiences. In this two-week Sri Lanka itinerary, we have outlined where to go and what to do with 14 days (or more) to explore this tropical paradise.

Planning your first trip to Sri Lanka can be intimidating- there are so many locations to choose from! We spent hours researching, and then spent over a month exploring the island, so we can tell you first-hand what to skip, and what to make sure to add to your itinerary.

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Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting?

Sri Lanka is a fantastic place to visit! It seems to be off-the-radar for many US-based travelers, but it is definitely worth visiting. You’ll find amazing wildlife, beautiful beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a low cost of living, and very friendly, laid-back people. This is a place you’ll want to return to!

We spent over a month in Sri Lanka as part of our Family Gap Year ( what is a Family Gap Year? ) and would love to return- both to explore new places and spend more time at some of our favorite spots.

Is Sri Lanka Family Friendly?

Yes, Sri Lanka is very family-friendly! We took our kids to Sri Lanka when they were 5 and 8. They had a great time- taking surf lessons, spotting wild elephants, visiting tea plantations, and more!

Sri Lanka is a terrific addition to your family bucket list . It has beautiful beaches where families can relax, as well as many national parks where you can spot wildlife from leopards to elephants, to colorful birds. There are plenty of educational opportunities including painted caves, Buddhist temples, and the ruins of ancient cities.

A (Very) Short History of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, known as the “Teardrop of India,” has a long history spanning over 3,000 years, which includes the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Starting in the 16th Century parts of the island were controlled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. The British gained control in 1815, calling Sri Lanka “Ceylon” and ruled until Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948. The name “Ceylon” was used until it was officially changed in 1972 when Sri Lanka ceased being a Dominion of the British Empire and became a Republic and the oldest democracy in Asia.

Sri Lanka is 70% Buddhist, with a rich cultural heritage of both Buddhism and Hinduism on the island. A brutal civil war between the Sinhalese and the Tamil communities lasted from 1983 to 2009. Since then, Sri Lanka has been working towards national reconciliation- you will find both populations living side by side today.

Sri Lanka Itinerary: Two Weeks

A 14-day itinerary in Sri Lanka allows you to see some culture and some wildlife, and then have a few days left for some amazing beaches! This itinerary focuses on the south and west parts of the island. We always prefer to start with a faster pace, and then leave the beaches for the end of the trip, so that you can relax before heading out. You could easily do this itinerary in reverse as well.

Negombo: 2 Nights

Negombo is a beach town just North of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. If you have more time, there are a few things worth seeing in Colombo, but with just two weeks in Sri Lanka, we advise heading straight out to Negombo to begin your Sri Lanka travels.

Negombo is about a 20-minute drive from the main international airport: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), it’s actually closer to drive to Negombo than drive into Colombo. Most flights into Sri Lanka land at odd, middle-of-the-night hours. I assume it has something to do with wind patterns, but whatever the reason, you will probably land at 2:30 am or some other unfortunate hour.

Book a hotel in Negombo for the night you are flying, so when you arrive at 3:30 am a bed will be ready for you (especially important with kids!). You’ll then have a full day to acclimate to any jet lag and explore a bit of Negombo beach before moving on into the interior of Sri Lanka.

While in Negombo, check out Cafe Zen for coffee, smoothies, and vegan meals like falafel wraps, or Thai Mango salad. For dinner, head to Lucky’s Family Restaurant for excellent rice and curry. The best thing about curry in Sri Lanka is that for each rice and curry meal, they bring 5-8 small dishes of different curries, so there’s a lot of variety.

Recommended Negombo Hotel: Christima Residence

The Christima Residence has a great location on a quiet street close to the beach and an easy walk to some great cafes. The rooms are bright and comfortable, with an outdoor pool and a garden to relax in while you deal with jetlag. This hotel is also a quick walk to the beach so you can enjoy some ocean waves!

Book Now: Christima Residence

Bonus Stop: Check out the huge Athagala Buddha on your drive between Negombo and Sirgirya.

Sigiriya: 3 nights

Sirigirya is an inland town that has been built around Sigiriya Rock- more commonly called Lion Rock . While it’s not a large town, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants around to make this a base for a few days while you explore the rock and two other cultural sites that are close by- the Dambulla Cave Temple, and the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa.

Climb Lion Rock

Lion Rock rises more than 600 feet above the plains around it. In the 5th century, Sinhalese King Kashyapa I built a palace on top of the rock, including stairs leading up through lion’s paws, hence the popular name. The palace fell into ruin but became a popular pilgrimage spot, and finally a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.

You can climb the rock, ascending through various levels of gardens and palace rooms below, for wonderful views of the valley below. As you head down, you’re able to view magnificent frescos of apsaras- celestial dancers, on the rock wall. As you continue down, picture the entire face of the rock covered in these wonderful paintings, and you may catch of glimmer of how impressive this site once was.

Pidurangala Temple Rock

Lion Rock is quite pricey to climb- the entrance fee is the equivalent of about 30 USD per adult. Some budget-conscious visitors opt to skip the climb in favor of climbing Pidurangala, a rock across from Sigiriya with an entry fee of just 3 USD. The argument is that from here you have a better view of Sigiriya Rock, for a much lower cost.

You enter this hike through a temple, so make sure you dress appropriately to enter the temple- with your knees and shoulders covered. This rock is supposed to also be lovely at sunset if you’d like to time your hike accordingly.

The Ruins of Polonnaruwa

While in Sigirya, consider a day trip to Polonnaruwa – the ruins of an ancient city. You’ll need to hire a tuk-tuk driver to take you there- it’s about an hour from Sigiriya. The drive is pleasant, we actually saw two wild elephants along the way! Once you arrive at Polonnaruwa, you can either explore on a bicycle or have your tuk-tuk driver move you through the different areas of this city.

Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura was destroyed in 993CE. You’ll see the remains of the Royal Palace, the Royal Bath, the Council Chamber, and more. Be sure to check out the impressive Moonstones- semi-circular carved stone slabs at the base of stairways and entrances.

Travel Tip: When visiting temples (often a big part of ancient cities), you will be removing your shoes a lot. Opt for flip-flops or easy-off shoes to make this simpler.

Dambulla Cave Temple

The Dambulla Caves are the largest and best-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka. Every inch of space here on the walls and ceilings is painted! There are five main caves that are located under a large outcropping of rock, so they stay dry, and thus incredibly well-preserved. There are 153 Buddha statues here as well as statues of kings, gods, and goddesses. At the base of the caves, you’ll find the Golden Temple, with, yup, a giant golden Buddha!

Where to Eat in Sigiriya

One of our favorite places to hang out in Sigirya is Cappuccino Bistro . They have a lovely outdoor seating area on a raised terrace, with good coffee, smoothies, board games, and a few main dishes. Another lovely place for relaxing with coffee is La Dolce Vita – they have a wide-open patio and relaxing vibes.

We had dinner at both Kenoli and The Kitchen , and both were delicious. Lots of local staples like rice and curry, and Koththu (roti chopped up with vegetables and meat).

Where to Stay in Sigiriya: Sigiri Heritage Villa

We loved our stay at Sigiri Heritage Villa . It’s got some serious treehouse vibes, which we all loved. They have a pool and a restaurant on-site, as well as being within walking distance to some places in Sigiriya, though we recommend taking a tuk-tuk at night, or to Lion Rock.

Book Now: Sigiri Heritage Villa

Kandy: 1 Night

The Town of Kandy is centered around the famous Temple of the Tooth, and the large Kandy Lake. Kandy was not my favorite town in Sri Lanka, but you need to go through here to ride the picturesque rail line from Kandy to Ella.

While you are here, check out the Temple of the Tooth , complete with its taxidermied elephant, and sacred tooth relic (only on view at certain times), and take in the Kandy Cultural Show . There will be people all over town directing you to the cultural show- some will even tell you the temple is closed now so you might as well go to the show! It’s not necessary to pre-book tickets, though if you do, they will reserve the front few rows of seats for you.

The kids loved the cultural show- it included dance, costumes, and fire-breathing, ending will a full-on fire-walking demonstration. There is a handout that explains the context and story behind each dance sequence.

Walk around Kandy Lake to see Kingfishers, Monitor lizards, and more. We didn’t make it to the Royal Botanical Gardens , but we hear they are beautiful and have an astounding display of orchids.

Bonus Stop: The Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage

This elephant orphanage is an hour outside of Kandy. If you are short on time, and won’t be visiting one of the national parks in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants, this is a great substitute. Pinnewala was founded by the government in 1975 to care for orphaned elephants and now has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world.

Where to Eat in Kandy

There are two dosa places that both get rave reviews- Sri Krishna Dosai , and Balaji Dosai , across the street from one another. For coffee, brunch, or smoothie bowls, head to Cafe Secret Alley or to Buono for avocado toast. For dinner head to Hideout Lounge . They have everything from pumpkin curry to hummus bowls and pasta. We also enjoyed a pizza night at Vito Wood Fired Pizza .

Where to Stay in Kandy: Hotel Casmara

This hotel has a great location right in the middle of the Kandy with a rooftop pub and outdoor pool for when you need to get away from the bustle and relax. Just a few minutes walk to Kandy Lake or the Temple of the Tooth, this hotel has big rooms, many with balconies.

Book Now: Hotel Casmara

Scenic Train Ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

One of the great highlights of travel in Sri Lanka is the scenic train that travels from Kandy to Ella. It is not a fast train, but it winds through the hills and is slow enough that you can safely hang out the open door and get epic tea plantation pictures.

You can drive between the cities faster than the train, but we highly recommend you take the slow route! We also recommend breaking the 7-hour train journey into two days- Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya stop), and then Nuwara Eliya to Ella. This gives you two chances to have good weather and wonderful views of the countryside. Otherwise, you may find yourself traveling through dense fog, with little to see.

You should reserve tickets for the train in advance. You can choose 1st class (A/C, closed windows), or second class and third class where the windows open. You also have to choose “unreserved”, or “reserved”. Reserved means you have an assigned seat. You’ll want to go for 2nd or 3rd class reserved. It’s much more fun to be able to hang out the window a bit, and take pictures.

Travel Tip: Make sure to book train tickets in advance . They are released 32 days ahead and sell out quickly. We had to split up into two different classes on one of the trains because we couldn’t get 4 tickets together. You don’t want to stand for 4-7 hours.

Nuwara Eliya: 2 Nights

Nuwara Eliya is in the hills of Sri Lanka, often called “Little England”. We quickly found out that it’s called that because it rains a lot. It rained just about every day we were there. This is a great stop on the Kandy to Ella train but could be reduced to one night if you are trying to condense the itinerary.

While you are in Nuwara Eliya, tour a tea factory . We chose Damro Tea, but there are several available. They’ll show you how they process the tea, and then you’ll have a complimentary cup to sip.

We also highly recommend High Tea at the Grand Hotel . Make a reservation to ensure you get a lovely white tablecloth table on the patio. The tea towers here are delightful, and also a great price (about $15 USD per tower). Served between 3 pm and 6 pm, we shared two tea platters between the four of us. Make sure to take a stroll inside, you’ll meander through grand parlors on your way to the washroom.

There are several waterfalls you can visit , including Ramboda Falls (the Upper Falls is worth the climb), also consider a trip to a strawberry farm ! From Nuwara Eliya, you can make a day trip out to Moon Plains , or hike Adam’s Peak , though you’ll want a clear, dry day for both!

Where to Stay in Nuwara Eliya

Mid-range hotel: the ramp.

The Ramp Hotel has this name because of the funky staircase going up its side- it’s a bit lopsided fairytale! The beds are comfy, the rooms are large, and it’s got a great location in town where you can walk to many places.

Book Now: The Ramp

Luxury Hotel: The Grand Hotel

If you’ve got the budget, the best place in town is The Grand Hotel , where you can enjoy high tea or happy hour whenever you want, eat at their posh restaurants, or play on the golf course. This five-star hotel has the old-school elegance of a traditional colonial hotel and is surrounded by English gardens.

Book Now: The Grand Hotel

Ella: 2-3 nights.

Ella is a delightful town where you’ll find most of the cafes and restaurants on one main street that is very walkable. You’ll also see cows strolling up this street in the mornings. We had generally better weather in Ella and preferred this town to Nuwara Eliya. Also, we saw an epic display of lightning bugs here, so take a stroll at night and keep your eyes peeled!

One of the best things to do in Ella is hike Little Adams Peak ! You’ll pass through tea plantations on the way. It’s not a hard hike, and you end up with amazing views. There are actually three different “peaks”, and the scramble down the hill and back up to the third peak was the highlight of the hike for us. Definitely worth it!

After hiking, hit up 98 Acres for a fancy lemonade and a snack. They also have all the most recent timetables to tell you when trains will be passing across the Nine Arch Bridge so you can plan your day from there. You will be sweaty and underdressed for this fancy resort, but the views from the deck here are worth it.

The 9 Arch Bridge looks straight out of Harry Potter or the Polar Express or whatever story you most associate with large arched bridges. However, this is not a steam train, so the train itself passing is a little less picturesque than those images might convey.

This bridge is also called “the Bridge in the Sky”, it’s 300 feet long and about 100 feet high. Built by the British in 1921, the Nine Arch Bridge crosses a ravine, with a tunnel on one side just before the bridge. Trains generally pass at 9:30, 11:30, 3:30, 4:30, and 5:30 though it’s common for them to be up to an hour late.

After the train passes, you can walk through the tunnel and take the train tracks back to the center of Ella. It’s not the fastest way, but it’s different and beautiful. The train comes through six times a day, you have about two hours between trains, so no need to worry about being on the tracks.

While in Ella, we highly recommend a cooking class with Ella Spice Garden . At about $18 per adult and no charge for kids, it’s an absolute bargain. You’ll start with a tour of their spice garden so you can see how the spices grow, then cook your meal, and then of course eat it! They were great with the kids, and we all learned a lot. Stop by the shop to make a reservation for the class.

If you have more time in Ella, consider a trip to the Dowa Rock Temple . Hire a tuk-tuk from the main street in Ella, and ask them to wait while you explore the temple, as this is a pretty quiet location. The temple is free (though they may imply a donation is expected), and beautifully painted. You’ll see a cave out back that used to have an 11 km long tunnel that was used by the King. There is also an impressively large stone Buddha carved on the rock face behind the temple.

There are also many waterfalls to visit around Ella, including Diyalum Falls, and Ravenna Falls.

Where to Eat in Ella

There are many cafes along the main strip in Ella- many are just average. We enjoyed breakfast at Rainbow Cafe and a lunch of Indian dosas at Dosa Cafe Ella . We also liked spending a slow afternoon playing darts and pool at Dream Cafe Ella .

We celebrated Waker’s birthday at AK Ristoro , which is a short walk off the main strip. The food was wonderful- you can get anything from sushi to pasta to more local specialties.

Our favorite meal in Ella was the one we cooked with Ella Spice Garden !

Where to Stay in Ella: Ella Soul Resort

The rooms at this hotel are simple and clean, with a mini fridge, and a lovely roof terrace. The location is fantastic- on a quiet road, an easy walk to the main strip of Ella. This hotel is just up the road from the Ella Spice Garden.

Book Now: Ella Soul Resort

Yala National Park: 1-2 Nights

Yala National Park is the ultimate place to spot leopards in the wild in Sri Lanka- it contains the world’s largest leopard population! It’s a bit farther to the East than many people want to travel- if you are tight on time, the smaller Udawalawe National Park is a great alternative.

I found planning a trip to Yala National Park a bit daunting. There seemed to be little information about how to actually plan a trip without booking an extremely expensive package deal. We’ve got all the best advice on how to book a safari in Yala , including where to stay from luxury to budget options.

In the end, we booked a tent at Wild Trails Yala by Suri , and then emailed them to arrange our safari, and then separately booked a car to drop us at the lodge and pick us up the next evening. You can get quotes for a driver from your hotel in Ella (or wherever you are coming from), and from the lodge you are going to, to make sure you have a competitive rate.

You can choose a morning safari, an evening safari, or a combination of both. We initially chose an afternoon safari followed by a morning safari, and our lodge encouraged us to change that to one full-day safari, with an added bush walk the afternoon we arrived.

We had a fabulous time and did see a wild leopard in the later afternoon on our safari. The guides here are terrific and know all the leopards in their section of the park by sight and name. Spoiler: they move fast and are hard to photograph!

The middle hours of the safari can be a bit dull, as the sun is high, and the animals are less likely to be out and about. However, you avoid leaving and re-entering the park which can take up precious time (there’s often a line), and you’ll be able to explore deeper into the park. We also saw tons of other animals including peacocks, water buffalo, wild boar, elephants, and dingoes.

We highly recommend Wild Trails Yala by Suri , and the guides they provide. Our tent was luxurious- with two double beds and an attached bathroom. We had a candlelight dinner and packed breakfast and lunch for our safari.

Book Now: Wild Trails Yala by Suri

We chose to stay one night, leave early (before sunrise) for our safari, and then head out that evening, letting the kids fall asleep in the car so we could all wake up at our next beach destination the next morning. If you want a more relaxed itinerary, stay the second night, enjoy a second candlelit dinner, and then head onwards in the morning.

Southern Beaches: 3 nights

For your final stop in Sri Lanka, relax on one of the epic beaches on Sri Lanka’s South coast. There are so many to choose from- we did a lot of research and then decided to stop at a few of them. All of the beaches on the South Coast are beautiful and clean. The water is warm, and you won’t see much trash. Here’s a breakdown of these beaches so you can choose the right one for you.

Hiriketiya Bay / Dikwella Beach

Hiriketiya is the smaller bay close to Dikwella Beach and was by far our favorite beach in Sri Lanka . Hiriketiya can get crowded, but it’s perfect conditions for new surfers- the water is shallow and warm, and there are few rocks to get hurt on. The surf instructors could literally stand next to us and give us a push as the wave came in. It was a great first experience.

A ten-minute walk from Hiriketiya Bay, Dikwella Beach, just opposite Verse Collective, was gloriously empty. An amazing expanse of sand, sun, and water where the kids could safely splash in the waves. No vendors, no bugs, just us and a few people wandering by.

The town of Dikwella itself can be loud and busy. Smoke and Bitters is a fantastic restaurant for a fancy night out. People travel here just for this restaurant, so reserve ahead. Verse Collective is great if you need to pay for strong internet for a day and drink coffee while you are at it.

In Hiriketya, head to Dots Bay House for brunch- it’s got views of the water and a slow vibe. For dinner head to Malu Poke for an easy, customizable meal. For a quick, cheap meal, get roti to go from Roti Hut along the main road. We also had some great curry at the Garlic Cafe .

Mirissa Beach

The town of Mirissa didn’t speak to us- the main road along the beach is loud, dusty, and difficult to walk. The main draw here is whale watching- this is a great spot to see blue whales, though be warned the seas here are rocky, and seasickness is common.

There are lovely beaches here, we just preferred the more relaxed beachside ambiance or other towns more.

Head to Surfing Wombats for good cocktails and dinner while watching the sunset. We sat down for happy-hour with plans to continue on, and well, just stayed. Delicious. We also recommend Cafe Extreme and Milky Wave .

Bonus Stop: On the drive between Mirissa and Hikkaduwa you’ll pass the famous stilt fisherman of Sri Lanka. These men no longer actually fish here (the fish are now farther out to sea), but pose for tourists. Make sure to ask the price before snapping a photo, or you’ll find it’s quite pricey. If you ask first, you can negotiate the price down to a reasonable sum. They will also invite you (or your kids) out to try sitting on the stilts if you like.

Hikkaduwa Beach is a great beach to end your stay in Sri Lanka because it’s reasonably close to the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). It’s known for its sea turtles , who swim right up to the beach. Locals come out with bags of seaweed, which lure the turtles, but they are free to leave if they like.

This is one of those animal experiences where you’re grateful to see them so close up- they actually bump into you at times when the waves move them- but are also anxious that they are interacting so closely with humans. There are signs saying not to touch them, but of course, not everyone follows the rules.

Overall Hikkaduwa is a lovely beach with surf spots for beginners and more advanced surfers. There are also boogie board rentals available up and down the beach. The waves are a bit stronger here, so this was a fun alternative to surfing for our kids. Hikkaduwa Beach also makes a great base for day trips to other parts of Sri Lanka if you have a short trip.

Galle is not a beach town, but a colonial town along the Southern coast. You can make a day trip here via train from Hikkaduwa. We fully planned to do this and then decided to laze on the sand in Hikkaduwa a bit more instead.

Galle was founded by the Portuguese and is known for its colonial center and scenic lighthouse. The Dutch Galle Fort is another UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts many visitors. You can also do the Madu Ganga River Safari here which we hear great things about.

When to Visit Sri Lanka

If you are visiting from December to May, plan to head to the South and West coasts of Sri Lanka, as this itinerary describes. This area has its monsoons from May to August.

The East Coast and North areas of the island have a separate monsoon season from October to January, so you’ll want to avoid those. Visit these areas from May through the beginning of October.

Generally, October and November are rainy throughout the island, and not the best time to visit. As Sri Lanka is a tropical island, there is always the chance of rain. You’ll also find vast climate differences between the dry coasts and the misty, rainy inland highlands, where so much famous tea grows!

Getting Around Sri Lanka

Generally, we like to pre-book our intercity transportation before we arrive at our destination so we have no surprises. In Sri Lanka, however, we found it best to arrange each leg as needed. If you have a short trip and are moving fast, you may prefer to hire one driver for the duration of your trip. With a combination of cars, tuk-tuks, and trains, we opted for a more piecemeal plan.

For short distances, tuk-tuks are the best way to go. Negotiate directly, or ask at your hotel to get a good idea of current rates. We were advised to use the app PickMe , but it only really works in large cities. In smaller towns, it would give us a rate, but no one would pick up on it, and hotels advised that the actual rate was higher than the app was indicating.

For longer trips, ask your hotel to recommend a car and driver, or take the local bus. Gas prices have been changing constantly, so you cannot book these too far ahead.

For train tickets, you must book ahead- ideally 32 days ahead, when tickets are released.

11 Travel Tips for Visiting Sri Lanka

Here are some travel tips for visiting Sri Lanka so you can be prepared and know what to expect.

1. Unless you are from Singapore, the Maldives, or Seychelles, you will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Sri Lanka. For non-Southeast Asia nationals, Sri Lanka visas are $50 per adult, and children under 12 are free. If you are considering a longer stay, note that the cost of a 30-day visa and the cost of a 180-day visa are the same. Apply online at the official government site .

2. Safety is often a big concern when traveling to new places. We always felt comfortable traveling around Sri Lanka with our kids. The people were very friendly and happy to help us communicate and figure out transportation plans. Check out our top safety tips for traveling with kids.

3. In 2022 there was an economic crisis and corresponding shortages in Sri Lanka that greatly affected tourism on the island. Fuel was hard to find, and inflation was high. Some tourists were actually unable to leave the island as there was no fuel to get them to the airport.

When we visited in February of 2023, this was much resolved, though the cost of fuel was still high, and we found ourselves paying double for transportation what travelers had quoted six months before. We experienced rolling power outages (always right after we ordered a smoothie of course), but otherwise saw no residual effects of the crisis. What we did find were a people anxious to see tourism recover, and grateful to have visitors.

4. Internet access is universally lousy across Sri Lanka. Expect very little access, and limited access that your hotel cannot control. If you need secure or robust internet access, look for co-working spaces that specialize in this.

5. Plan to pay cash for everything, including some hotels. With the high inflation in Sri Lanka, cash is king, and prices change quickly, so plan ahead.

6. Beware the Monkeys. If you open snacks outside, be prepared for monkeys to come running. Eat in a covered location, around other people, or save the snacks for later.

7. Tuk-tuks are the main mode of transport. When we first got to Sri Lanka, we thought the four of us were a tight fit in a tuk-tuk. By the end of our travels around Sri Lanka, we were fitting ourselves and all our luggage into a tuk-tuk with room to spare. It’s all perspective.

8. Uber is a great way to get around larger towns. You’ll see tuk-tuks offered as an option here. However, in Sigirya and Nuwara Eliya, Uber, and PickMe did not work well and we had to ask hotels to call us tuk-tuks or cars as needed.

9. Dress conservatively for temples. Your knees and shoulders should be covered. You will also be removing your shoes a lot, so wear flip-flops or other easy-to-take-off shoes or you will spend too much time dealing with socks and laces.

10. It is proper etiquette to avoid turning your back to Buddha when possible. When you leave a prayer area with a Buddha, take a step or two backward before turning. Honestly, turning your back is sometimes unavoidable- especially if there are Budhha’s on many sides of you! Do your best and be aware of the protocol.

11. Sri Lankan food is delicious, and there are often vegetarian options available. Expect to see rice and curry (often 7-8 types of curry at once), lots of coconut sambal, rotis, and koththu (chopped roti with veggies and meat). We found that the spice level varied greatly. Koththu at one place was scorching hot, at another very mild. Coconut roti is a family favorite!

FAQ: Two-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary

With two weeks in Sri Lanka, you can see some of the interior jungles filled with wildlife and culture, and also enjoy the beaches. With just one week, you’ll have to choose between culture and beach life. We spent a month in Sri Lanka and felt like we had a good amount of time there, but we are slow travelers.

Sri Lanka is relatively inexpensive. You can find a local meal for a few dollars. However, you can also choose to buy Western-style brunches which will be more expensive- 10-12 USD. Hotels are quite inexpensive, as are most tourist attractions. Lion Rock is one of the priciest things you can do with an entry ticket of $30 USD per adult. Transportation is relatively inexpensive, though in 2023 high gas prices increased transportation prices quite a lot.

Sri Lanka is much cheaper than Thailand, cheaper than Cambodia, and cheaper than Indonesia. It is comparable to some cities in India in cost.

No, Sri Lanka is not part of India. It is an independent republic with cultural ties to India. Sri Lanka is home to large populations of Buddhists, Muslims, and Hindus. The population of Sri Lanka is just over 22 million, it is much less dense than most places in India.

Yes, Sri Lanka is a safe place for travelers, including solo travelers and families. The people are very friendly and helpful.

There You Have It: Sri Lanka Itinerary for Two Weeks

This Sri Lanka itinerary for two weeks includes lots of UNESCO world heritage sites, wildlife, jungles, and of course, amazing beaches. We’ve pointed you to the best 14-day Sri Landa itinerary to experience a little bit of all that this island has to offer- including 11 travel tips for Sri Lanka and a breakdown of the best beaches on the South Coast.

Heading over to India? Don’t miss a visit to the Taj Mahal !

Cynthia Matthews von Berg is the founder of Sharing the Wander. She is a passionate traveler, mom, and travel coach specializing in long-term travel and family travel. She and her family embarked on a Family Gap Year in 2021, and haven't looked back.

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Exploring Sri Lanka: A Comprehensive 2-Week Travel Itinerary

Sri Lanka is a top-ranked tourist destination with a multitude of experiences. Some travellers look for history and culture, some for entertainment, and some crave adrenaline adventures. Sri Lanka is a most versatile travel destination, and visitors are able to experience all of the above and more in this one amazing place.

What is the best way to enjoy a two-week holiday in Sri Lanka? We have created this itinerary as a guide for the best way to enjoy your short stay. We hope you enjoy these recommendations.

A Two-Week Travel Itinerary to Experience Sri Lanka

The journey begins in Colombo, with its vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and cultural attractions. Visit the National Museum, the Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, and Independence Square to experience history in the heart of the business capital. Other attractions you can enjoy in this modern city include the nightlife, a wide variety of cuisine, film theatres, malls, stage dramas, and open-air festivals.

Next, we make our way to the Cultural Triangle, comprised of Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Anuradhapura. Climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to admire the frescoes, gardens, and stunning views. In Dambulla, visit the Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness impressive paintings and statues of Lord Buddha. Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka, is where you can see the ruins of ancient stupas, temples, and monasteries.

Moving on, we now journey to Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred places for Buddhists. Witness the daily ceremonies and rituals, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural heritage. Other attractions include the Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens, and the Kandy Cultural Centre. If you visit at the right time in July or August, you can attend the infamous Kandy Esala Perahera festival.

Our next stop is Nuwara Eliya, known for its scenic surroundings of tea plantations, waterfalls, and mist-covered hills. Visit a tea factory or embark on a nature hike through Horton Plains. You can visit World’s End, a famously sheer cliff with a stunning view. Also in the area are Hakgala Botanical Gardens, the Seetha Amman Temple, and Gregory Lake.

Now we will move on to Ella, where the hike to Ella Rock, the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls, the Ravana Cave, and Little Adam’s Peak are the main attractions. Ella offers tourists a laid-back vibe with quaint cafés and is known as a backpacker’s paradise.

From the hills to the jungles, we shall now visit Yala National Park for a memorable safari experience. You can spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and a myriad of other wildlife on this conserved land. Other attractions in the area include the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, the Magul Maha Viharaya, and the Sacred City of Kataragama, where thousands of pilgrims visit each year.

Head south to Galle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the well-preserved colonial architecture and historic fort. Visit the Galle Lighthouse, the Galle Fort, the Dutch Reformed Church, the National Maritime Museum, and the Old Gate, alongside various art galleries, cafés, and shops.

The southern coast is known for its idyllic beaches, which attract visitors from all over the world. Relax and enjoy these picture-perfect beaches, such as Mirissa and Unawatuna, and enjoy water sports like snorkelling, surfing, and whale watching. If time permits, you can visit the Matara Fort, the Dondra Lighthouse, the Weligama Stilt Fishermen, and the Koggala Lake.

We have almost come to the end of an eventful fortnight. Let’s head on to Bentota, where numerous luxurious beach resorts are available to choose from. Water sports enthusiasts will especially love this destination. You can also visit the Brief Garden, the Lunuganga Estate, and enjoy the beauty of the Bentota River and the Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara.

Head on back to Colombo for the final segment of your journey. Take a moment to look back on the experiences and unforgettable memories from your visit to Sri Lanka.

What is the Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka for 2 Weeks?

Selecting a time that would suit a large and varied number of destinations is difficult, since there are two monsoons that affect different areas of the country at different times of the year. The dry seasons, which usually occur from December to March and from June to September, are ideal for travel to Sri Lanka. These times are considered peak tourist seasons, and there can be crowds and slight elevations in prices in general.

We hope that you have a wonderful time, and enjoy your experience in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Itinerary 2 Weeks

Sri lanka itinerary 2 weeks contents.

I know you’re here for the Sri Lanka itinerary but I’ve also got some bonus tips for you on what to expect, how to travel around Sri Lanka safely and costs. If you’d rather skip those however just click the link below to jump down to the 2 week itinerary (the route could be done in 3 to 4 weeks as well if you’d rather travel at a more leisurely pace).

My Experience | Top Tips | Getting Around | Costs

2 week sri lanka itinerary.

Day 1 – Explore Colombo 

Day 2 to 3 – Beaches and Surfing in Hikkaduwa

Day 4 to 5 – discover historical galle fort, day 6 to 7 – go whale watching in mirissa, day 8 to 9 – safari at yala national park tissa.

Day 10 to 11 – Climb Little Adam’s Peak & Marvel at  Hill  Country in Ella

Day 12 to 13 – Trek Adam’s Peak Dalhousie

Day 14 – Depart from Colombo

My Experience

This Sri Lanka itinerary is for 2 weeks, even though I didn’t have 2 weeks there myself, since I couldn’t in good conscience recommend that anyone else does the trip I did there. I did this itinerary in 8 days. That meant I had one morning in the whole time where I didn’t have to get up before 6am (because I’m a sensible adult I decided to go out drinking till 6am that day instead). I was broken by the end of the 8 days. Much better to do this itinerary in 2 weeks and actually get to enjoy it properly. If you happen to have even more time to spend on this lovely island here is a 4 week Sri Lanka itinerary to check out as well. 

Sri Lanka is amazing . It’s by far one of the most beautiful places I’ve even been in my life. I loved it there. One of the many reasons I loved it is because the country is so varied; you can surf, trek mountains, see Unesco world heritage sights, go on national park safaris, see whales…the list goes on. 

It was so beautiful there that even though I was only in Sri Lanka for 8 days, I have 3 albums worth of photos from it on  Flickr  with over 1,000 photos.

This itinerary involved going to 7 places.  Yes, I was there for 8 days and went to 7 places! You should have seen my trip planning for that one! The route I took had me starting in Colombo going down the west coast to the south and then up through the middle and hill country before returning to Colombo. Sadly I didn’t have time to visit the east coast and it wouldn’t have been the best time of year to go anyway since, like with rainy season in Bali , which coast is best to visit depends on the time of the year. In Sri Lanka, December to March is the best time to visit the west coast and do this Sri Lanka itinerary. From March to Septemeber it’s best to go to the east coast. Especially if you’re looking for surf beaches as they have one of the longest lefthand waves in the world at Arugam Bay.

I’m really happy with the route I chose to go but learn from my mistakes and don’t try to cram all of it into 8 days. I feel exhausted just having written this out again and thinking of all the early mornings and long journeys in between. Give yourself more time to enjoy your Sri Lanka trip. When I arrived in Bangkok after Sri Lanka I was basically KO’d. There was no exploring. Me and my bed urgently needed to spend some quality time together.

Sri Lanka Itinerary – 2 Weeks 

You can see in the map below how my recommended itinerary for 2 weeks in Sri Lanka looks overall.

And this is how the route plots out by day with the key activities to do in each location:

Day 1 – Explore Colombo

It’s easy to get from Colombo international airport into the city with plenty of taxis and tuk-tuks available there. I booked one in advance through my hostel as I was arriving at 1am but they didn’t show up anyway so I had to get a random one.

Colombo is a big city and not really the prettiest to look at. It has some nice spots and you can still walk down to the seafront but aside from the tourist attractions there it’s not just a cool city like London or Barcelona or Singapore that you’d want to hang out in any way.

The key attractions to see in Colombo are Galle Face Beach, the local markets, Gangaramaya temple (one of the rooms is incredible) and The National Museum.

Read more about what to do in Colombo here .

Hikkaduwa is a cool lazy surf and beach town. It’s good for partying too and one of the best places to surf from December to March. Turtles also come up to hang out on the beach in some spots there so if you’re lucky you might get to see one of them too.

Read more about things to do in Hikkaduwa here and how to navigate the train system to get there from the train station in Colombo.

Galle Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site. While it takes about 2 hours to get from Colombo to Hikkaduwa, Galle Fort takes no time to get to by train after Hikkaduwa.

The sunsets in Galle are out of this world,  I’ve never seen anything like it in all my travels around the world. And because it’s quite a quiet town at night you can see more stars than I’ve ever seen in the sky too, well apart from on Nyepi in Bali.

If you’ve been backpacking for a while and want to have a bit of comfort and luxury definitely check out the Galle Fort Hotel for some pampering while you’re there.

Read more about things to do in Galle Fort here .

Mirissa is where everyone goes to go whale watching and it is worth the journey (and early morning).

You go out at sunrise on a large boat but there’s no chasing the whales through the water, or any of the those sketchy behaviors, sometimes used in Bali or the Philippines.

That does also mean, however, that there are no guarantees you’ll see whales.

I got lucky and I mean I knew whales were big but DAAAAAAMN. There’s a nice beach in the center of town too, perfect for chilled-out beach days at cafes with a book.

Read more about what to do in Mirissa here .

I wasn’t a big fan of the center of Tissa and it didn’t look like there’d be a lot to do there however the safari round the Yala National Park is enough of a reason to go on its own.

You’ll see elephants and boars and leopards all just wandering around. It’s a lot cheaper than doing a safari would be in Africa too.

Read more about doing the safari at Yala National Park Tissa here .

Day 10 to 11 – Climb Little Adam’s Peak and Marvel at Hill Country in Ella

I was short on time on my trip so I asked a friend of mine who used to live in Sri Lanka whether to go to Ella or Kandy and she said definitely don’t skip Ella and I’m so glad she did. If you have time after Adam’s Peak in Dalhousie you could carry on up to Kandy to visit the sacred tooth relic at Sri Dalada Maligawa.

Don’t skip Ella though.

Coming into Ella on the bus the views of the tea plantations will keep you more than entertained.

Once in Ella, you can then climb Little Adam’s Peal, which personally I think has a better view from the top than the real one. There’s also a waterfall to visit and not far from the train station is the center of town is the nine arches bridge which I’m sure you’ve seen a photo or two of at some point.

I didn’t actually leave the town to see it, but I did leave Ella by train (which is the way to do it for the spectacular hill country views) so I very possible went over that nine arch bridge.

Read more about what to do in Little Adam’s Peak Ella here .

Day 12 to 13 – Trek Adam’s Peak Dalhousie 

The town of Dalhousie itself is small and not the easiest to get to. I had to get the train from Ella to Hatton (no hardship that one as those were the best views I’ve ever seen on a train before) and then a bus from Hatton to Dalhousie itself.

People go to Dalhousie to climb Adam’s Peak therefore the small town is set up around supplying items to people for the trek, from warm jumpers and hats to torches.

Don’t listen to anyone who says the climb up Adam’s Peak is easy or isn’t challenging. There are 5,500 steps to get to the top. I think you can decide for yourself from that one piece of information if it’s actually challenging!

Read more about climbing Adam’s Peak in Dalhousie here.

Day 14 – Return to Colombo

Your 14 day Sri Lanka itinerary is up now so it’s time to hop on a train back to Colombo to make it back to the international airport in time for your next flight.

Itinerary Duration : As you can see above I’ve plotted this Sri Lanka itinerary for 2 weeks but that still only leaves one night in each location, therefore, you could easily stretch it out to a 3 or 4 week itinerary traveling at a more relaxed pace.

For full posts one each location with information on how to get there, where to stay and what to do in each click the links below:

The Front Row of Seats on Buses – Don’t sit in the front row of seats on buses. I mean you can but if a priest gets on you have to vacate that seat for them and by then the rest of the bus may have filled up leaving you standing.g

Clothing –  I had just come from backpacking India when I went to Sri Lanka so I was on high alert for well, everything, and making sure all possible skin was covered up on me at all times. I didn’t need to be so paranoid. Whilst I wouldn’t have walked around in shorts in a lot of places there it certainly felt like I could relax my clothing a little and take my shirt off at times to just have a tank top on or wear shorts in more beachside areas.

I don’t know why but instantly Sri Lanka felt much safer than India and like I could finally relax a little.

Luggage – if you’re just going on a trip to Sri Lanka make sure your luggage is as small as possible. One for the point mentioned below of being able to put it in the overhead luggage storage on trains but also because some busses just won’t stop and pick people up if they see loads of massive bags since they don’t have space for them on the bus and it will take up space they could be putting paying customers in.

Random Strangers – If you’re a solo female you may find a lot of men coming up to talk to you as you walk around different locations, especially in Colombo. None of them seemed at all threatening or to have any ill intention towards me. They even gave me advice on things to go see. Sri Lankan people seemed more intrigued by me than anything else.

Getting Around

This is not one of the countries in Asia where there’s a great tourist-friendly system of busses connecting everywhere, like in Thailand for example. There are local buses and trains and they can be challenging. But that’s just part of the adventure right?

Busses – The busses in Sri Lanka are small and cramped with hard metal seats. Most of the time they don’t appear to go by any very set timetable and the directions to get the bus in some areas involve just standing at a point in the road that locals indicate to you, even though there are no signs or similar to indicate that it might actually be a bus stop.

Even when you are at the big bus stations your life isn’t necessarily going to get much easier. Finding the right bus can be very difficult as no one seems to know what’s going on. People also tend to assume in a lot of instances that they won’t understand you even if all you say is the name of the place you want to go to, point to a bus and give a thumbs up or down to indicate you want to know if it’s that one. I had the most success with writing the names of destinations on my phone and then showing people. It still didn’t make things easy, but easier at least.

Trains – These are much easier to navigate than the busses although hearing what they say in the announcements at the station is tough. The announcements are in Sinhalese and Tamil anyway so obviously there’s the not speaking the language comprehension barrier but you’d think you would be able to pick out the name of the destination of the train to check if it’s yours. Most of the time you can’t. The trains have numbers though and as do your tickets so just double check that as it pulls in.

Most trains in Sri Lanka have at least 2 or 3 classes. Even as a solo female I felt perfectly safe traveling in all classes of the train. You’re just more likely to find a seat on the busier trains if you travel in first. There are floor areas you can sit with your bags in some of the second class sections which is handy. The trains will make it very clear to you why it’s best to travel with a backpack  and one that you’re able to lift above your head on your own so you can put it into one of the overhead luggage spaces if a seat does become available.

On some of the train rides, the train platforms don’t stretch down the whole length of the train. This caused me when traveling 3rd class one day to miss my stop as I’d assumed we were just stopped at traffic lights since there was no platform but that had been my station stop. I’d even been following the journey along on google maps on my phone to avoid that exact scenario but it had been slow in updating my location.

Even though it was getting dark and I was the only woman in the 3rd class carriage however the men in the carriage helped me out with finding a tuk-tuk back a the next big city without wanting anything in return or me feeling unsafe at any point.

I booked all of my train tickets on the day of travel while in Sri Lanka but that can mean the class you want to travel in is booked up. If you’d like to make sure you have everything sorted in advance you can book online with 12Go (they even allow you to book cars if you decide to go that route).

Cars – If you’re traveling in a group hiring a car and driver between some of the larger distances does make sense and will make your journey infinitely easier than taking the local busses.  Might make for less of a fun adventure though!

It is worth noting that how people drive in different countries varies greatly, and especially in places with large numbers of scooters on the road , it’s probably best if you don’t drive yourself. Asia isn’t exactly known for its calm and predictable traffic. 

Accommodation – There are a lot less hostels in Sri Lanka as it isn’t that touristy so for all but 2 of my nights there I had to stay in hotels. The hotels aren’t that expensive, about $20 a night but in comparison to the cost of everything else that will be a fair whack of your daily budget if you’re on your own. Hostels are about $10 a night when you can find one.

Food – Sri Lankan curry is amazing and portion sizes are really generous in a lot of locations. One free hotel breakfast, what I got was enough to feed a family of 5. Street found is just a couple of dollars and restaurants are in the $5-10 range.

I hope you love your 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary as much as I did. Leave me a comment below if you have any top tips you’d add.

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A Perfect Sri Lanka 2 Week Itinerary (With Stunning Photos)

Written by BELLA FALK

Everyone talks about how fantastic Sri Lanka is – how diverse, how rich in history, culture, scenery and nature. So I knew it was somewhere I would love. And yet for some reason, despite travelling for over 20 years to more than 65 countries, I’d never been.

Contents (click to view)

Until now. I’ve just got back from a tour of Sri Lanka, and I’m happy to report that this enchanting island more than lived up to its fantastic reputation!

But even though Sri Lanka is a relatively small country, it’s so packed with things to see and do that it can be hard to work out what to do for 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, and what to skip.

So I thought I’d share our Sri Lanka itinerary with you, to help you with your own planning.

Note: I did this 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary as a guest of the Sri Lanka Tourism Board. My flights, accommodation, transport and food were all included. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own, and I don’t accept freebies or payment in exchange for positive reviews. All prices are correct at the time of writing. Some of the links you will see in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. 

Why visit Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a diverse and beautiful holiday destination with a huge amount to offer packed into a relatively small island – and whether you’re into beaches, nature, heritage or culture, you’ll find it all here.

With eight UNESCO sites and countless temples, there’s plenty to keep the history and culture lovers satisfied, meanwhile for sun and sand worshippers, the miles of palm-fringed beaches along the island’s south coast are among the best in Asia.

Sri Lanka also boasts beautiful landscapes, with misty mountains and rolling hillsides carpeted with vivid green tea and rice plantations, and masses of wildlife to spot including elephants and leopards. Not to mention that the food is fabulous, and the people some of the friendliest and most welcoming you’ll encounter anywhere in the world.

Sri Lanka is such a jewel, it’s no wonder they call it the Pearl of the Indian Ocean!

The best time to do this 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary

With a hot tropical climate, Sri Lanka can be visited all year round, but it’s a good idea to try to avoid the Yala monsoon which brings heavy rain to the south and west between May and September.

If you want the most sunshine and the best chance of spotting whales, you’ll need to visit between November and April.

Getting around Sri Lanka

The country is pretty well served by public buses and trains, but in order to pack as much as possible into your 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary, I’d recommend getting a car and driver and only taking the train when it’s part of the attraction. Hiring a driver will obviously work out more expensive than using public transport, but for convenience and flexibility it can’t be beaten, and is definitely worth doing if your budget will stretch.

If you don’t plan to hire a driver, you’ll struggle to fit this entire itinerary into two weeks and will need to amend it accordingly.

Another great alternative, if you don’t want the hassle of planning your own trip, is to do a ready-made group tour. G Adventures does a Discover Sri Lanka tour that takes in many of the same places on this Sri Lanka itinerary, but they also offer other Sri Lanka tour options as well.

Or click here to search for more Sri Lanka tours from a variety of trusted operators .

About this Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary

This itinerary was put together by the local experts at the Sri Lanka tourism board. They know the country inside and out and designed our route to show off the best things to do in Sri Lanka – so you can be confident that this is the best Sri Lanka itinerary possible!

The route we did was actually a 12 days Sri Lanka itinerary, covering a mix of must-see destinations and less touristy, off-the-beaten track places. I thought it was an excellent balance, but doing it in just 12 days felt a bit rushed, and there were a couple of places we missed that I would have loved to visit.

So I’ve bumped this itinerary up to a full 2 weeks in Sri Lanka and added the extra places in. If you can spare the time, I’d recommend following the whole route as described below, but if you only have 12 days, then you can skip the extra stops and just follow the exact Sri Lanka 12 day itinerary that we did.

How to spend 2 weeks in Sri Lanka: a summary

Our 2 weeks sri lanka itinerary – the route map.

And here’s our Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary plotted on a handy map, so you can get a sense of the full journey.

Day 1 – Arrive in Colombo

It’s a long way to Sri Lanka – about 11 hours direct from London or more than 18 hours from New York, so your first day is a chance to rest and recover after your flight. Depending on when you arrive, you might have time for a nap and then a wander around the local area, but my advice would be to book a smart hotel with a pool and just snooze on a sun lounger for the afternoon.

If you’re feeling up to it, in the evening you could do a Colombo food tour by tuk tuk , or just enjoy sunset cocktails at either the Kingsbury Hotel’s rooftop terrace or the Galle Face Hotel’s beach club bar. It’s the perfect way to ease yourself into the Sri Lankan holiday vibe!

Where to stay in Colombo

We spent two nights at The Kingsbury Colombo , a luxurious hotel with rooms dripping with old-school opulence, a sparkling seafront pool with beach club, and a glamorous rooftop bar offering cocktails and colourful canapés with sunset views.

An alternative, just a short walk away, is the legendary and historic Galle Face Hotel , which dates back to 1864 and offers similar five-star grandeur but in a more historic setting. Celebrities and royalty including Roger Moore, Richard Nixon, Mahatma Gandhi and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh have stayed here, so you’ll know you’re in good company!

Day 2 – Explore Colombo

Hopefully you are now recovered from your journey, and ready to explore Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital city.

Colombo was founded as a port city in 1517 by the Portuguese, who were the first Europeans to arrive in Sri Lanka. For the next 150 years they battled with the local Sinhalese kings for control of coastal areas, until the king of Kandy made a treaty with the Dutch and kicked the Portuguese out. Dutch rule then continued until 1802, when the British took over, established Colombo as their capital, and ruled Sri Lanka until independence in 1948.

Today the city is an energetic mix of old and new, where colonial heritage sits alongside a rush of modern development, and a variety of cultures, races and religions all mingle in a colourful east-meets-west melting pot.

The best way to get a feel for Colombo is to take an open-topped bus tour . These cost around $15 per person and last 2.5 hours, during which you’ll pass most of Colombo’s important landmarks, including the National Museum, Lotus Tower, Independence Square, the ‘White House’ Town Hall, and the scenic Beira Lake, home to the beautiful Gangaramaya Temple.

I find these kinds of tours are a fantastic way to get a sense of a city and work out what I want to see. In the afternoon, you’ll then have plenty of time to hop in a tuk tuk and head back to your favourites to check them out in more detail.

Alternatively, you could simply book a half or full day guided Colombo city tour , with a private guide to take you to see the main sites.

Here are some of the highlights we visited.

The National Museum of Colombo

Founded in 1877, this fascinating museum covers the full range of Sri Lankan history, and contains some of the country’s most important artefacts including stunning Buddha statues dating from the 3 rd to the 9 th centuries and the gold throne of the last king of Kandy. It’s a great place to learn more about the story of Sri Lanka and get some context for the sites you’ll see later on your Sri Lanka tour.

The Gangaramaya Temple and Seema Malaka Chapter House

The Gangaramaya Temple (sometimes written as Gangarama Temple) is one of the most important temples in Colombo, featuring a place of Buddhist worship, a learning centre, and a museum housing a huge collection of relics and icons donated from around the world.

Just a few hundred metres away, the Seema Malaka Chapter House is a picturesque wooden building on stilts over Beira Lake, surrounded by gold statues of the Buddha and with pelicans floating serenely on the green water. It’s mainly used for meditation and rest, rather than for worship, but I mostly loved it for how photogenic it is!

The Lotus Tower

This iconic 350 m (1150 ft) high tower shaped like a Lotus flower dominates the Colombo skyline and is the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia. It was intended to house a viewing platform and rotating restaurant, but due to construction problems is still not officially open to the public. We were lucky enough to be allowed a quick ride up in the lift to check out the incredible views from the top – but for now at least most visitors will have to be content with taking a photo from the outside.

Other Colombo sights worth checking out

Other sights that you could try to visit if you have time are the stunning Red Mosque with its fabulous candy-striped façade and the Pettah Bazaar street market.

Day 3 – Elephant Safari

On Day 3 of your Sri Lanka 2-week itinerary, it’s time to leave Colombo behind and head off to explore some of the country’s world-class scenery and wildlife.

After breakfast at the hotel, get in the car and drive to Habarana, five hours northeast of Colombo. Check into your hotel, grab a quick lunch, and then head to one of the nearby National Parks for an elephant safari.

This area is home to about 1500 Sri Lankan elephants spread across three main parks – Minneriya, Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa. There are no fences, and the herds migrate between the parks depending on the availability of food and water, so which one you should visit depends on where the elephants are at the time.

Minneriya is particularly famous for ‘The Gathering’, an annual event when hundreds of elephants all gather together during the northern dry season between April and October. However, we visited in February when Minneriya was flooded after the rains and the elephants had moved to one of the smaller parks, Hurulu, so that’s where we went.

We spent a fabulous afternoon spotting not only dozens of elephants including a tiny 1-month-old baby, but also wild peacocks, macaques and water buffalo.

As Hurulu is a smaller park the roads were quite crowded with other cars which was a bit frustrating, but this was partly due to the fact that it was a weekend. To avoid this, try to visit on a weekday, or go to one of the larger parks where there’s more room to spread out.

After three hours of wildlife-spotting you’ll return to your hotel, where you should have time to jump in the pool before dinner.

Where to stay in Habarana

We spent two nights at the charming Habarana Cinnamon Lodge , which has huge rooms located in individual blocks set in gardens around a lake. It’s wonderful to be able to step out of your room directly into nature – but don’t leave windows and doors open or the monkeys may come in nick your stuff!

Day 4 – Anuradhapura

Day four of your Sri Lanka itinerary is the chance to immerse yourself in some of Sri Lanka’s history and culture with a visit to Anuradhapura Ancient City, about 1.5 hours drive from Habarana.

Anuradhapura is considered to be the greatest of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, and it’s one of the country’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s a sprawling complex of caves, carvings, temples and stupas, some restored, some in ruins, dating all the way back to 300 BC.

In the third century BC the first Buddhist community was established in Anuradhapura, and you can visit the caves where the earliest monks lived. Later they built temples, baths, water filtration systems and a refectory, the remains of which are all still visible.

There are also several magnificent stupas, huge solid brick structures (you can’t go inside) containing relics and used as venues for worship and meditation. Some of them are still used today, like the brilliant white Ruwanweliseya stupa, which was built in the second century BC (now restored) and is still the focus of daily prayers and ceremonies that are fascinating to watch.

Note that to visit any of the temples in Sri Lanka you will need to remove your shoes and cover your body from shoulders to below the knee – no vest tops or shorts. You are also encouraged to wear white- or light-coloured clothes as the locals do.

The best way to maximise your time at the site is with a guided Anuradhapura tuk tuk tour – there’s so much to see here, and the temples are quite spread out, so it’s really helpful to have an expert to show you round and explain everything.

At the end of the day, drive the 1.5 hours back to Habarana.

Day 5 – Sigiriya

It’s just a short drive from Habarana to Sigiriya, another one of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and probably the most famous archaeological site in the country.

Sigiriya – nicknamed the Lion Rock – is an ancient lava plug, on top of which King Kashyapa, who ruled in the 5 th century, built a magnificent palace complex surrounded by ornamental gardens. In fact these are some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world.

According to historical accounts, Kashyapa was not the recognized heir to the throne, so he killed his father and seized power. To avoid revenge attacks from his brother, the rightful heir, he hid out at the top of Sigiriya. But eventually his brother returned with an army and defeated him.

The rock is just under 200 m (600 ft high), with 1200 steps to the top. It took us about half an hour to climb, but I didn’t find it too strenuous, and the stunning views make it worthwhile. It’s a good idea to start fairly early though, before it gets too hot!

While you don’t need a guide to climb up Sigiriya , we had one and it was really interesting to learn more about the history and features of the site.

If you have a bit more time, or you are on a tight budget, you can also hike to Pidurangala Rock instead – it’s much cheaper and offers stunning views of Sigiriya.

Note that if you’re pushed for time, you can also do Sigiriya and an elephant safari on a single day trip .

After lunch near to Sigiriya, it’s time to get back on the road and drive up into the Knuckles Mountain Range . This is another beautiful part of the country and one of Sri Lanka’s less commonly visited areas – with 34 peaks ranging from 900m to 1900m.

Here your remote destination for the next two nights is a bit different: a luxury off-grid campsite located deep within this beautiful landscape.

Where to stay in the Knuckles Mountain Range

We spent the next two nights at the fabulous Wild Glamping Knuckles , which has 10 smart safari tents with ensuite bathrooms set in a valley surrounded by the mountains. It’s totally off the beaten path, 20 minutes by jeep from the nearest road along a bumpy dirt track and has no wifi or phone signal, and only electricity from a generator four hours a day. But it’s a wonderful place to escape from modern life and really soak up the beauty of Sri Lanka’s interior.

Day 6 – Hiking in the Knuckles Mountain Range

Day six of this itinerary for Sri Lanka is a chance to explore the stunning scenery of the Knuckles Mountains on a day hike. The campsite works with local guides Nipuna Knuckles Trekking to offer a variety of nature walks and hikes ranging in length and difficulty, so you’ll easily find one to suit you.

We did the Heel Oya waterfall hike, a 12 km walk, mostly downhill, through tiny colourful villages, tea plantations, rice paddies, a pine forest and down to a waterfall. Here we were able to cool off in the rushing water before continuing through more farmland to another small village where we had a late lunch, before being picked up and driven back to the campsite.

The evening was spent sitting round the campfire before enjoying a delicious barbecue dinner, and then falling asleep to the sounds of the wind in the trees and small frogs chirruping in the nearby river. As a nature lover, this was one of my favourite days in the whole of our itinerary in Sri Lanka.

Read more: Glamping And Hiking In The Beautiful Knuckles Mountain Range, Sri Lanka

Day 7 – Kandy

It’s time to tear yourself away from the tranquility of the mountains and head back to the bustle of the city. It’s about a two-hour drive down winding mountain roads, through the same vivid green tea and rice farmland you hiked through on the previous day, to get to the city of Kandy.

Kandy’s most important attraction – and another World Heritage site – is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. This former royal palace of the Kingdom of Kandy is now said to house a tooth of the Buddha kept in a gold casket inside a locked room. A window that allows visitors to look in and see the casket is only open during special prayer times – we happened to visit on a sacred full moon day and it was very crowded, but it was also incredibly atmospheric to see all the devotees in their white outfits queuing up to make offerings to the Buddha.

In the afternoon there’ll be time to explore the rest of the city, including Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya, or the ‘Three Temple Loop’ that takes in three 14 th century temples. If you have time, you could also go see a performance of the fabulous traditional Kandyan dancing (note: I quite often roll my eyes at touristy ‘dance shows’, but Kandyan dancing is really good!)

You can also do a full-day Kandy tour that takes in most of the above, with pick up and drop off from your hotel. 

Where to stay in Kandy

We stayed one night at the stunning Amaya Hills Kandy , which is perched on a hillside overlooking the city and benefits from spectacular sunset views from the rooftop pool. Watch out for the monkeys here though, and don’t leave your balcony doors open, or you may find yourself with some unwelcome guests!

Day 8 – Nuwara Eliya

If, like me, you love the Amaya Hills hotel so much you don’t want to leave after just one night, you could stay another day in Kandy; otherwise, it’s time to head back into the highlands for some more of Sri Lanka’s historic charm and beautiful scenery.

Your destination on Day 8 of your Sri Lanka travel itinerary is the highland city of Nuwara Eliya , which means City of Light, though it’s sometimes also referred to as ‘Little England’. That’s because under British rule this was a popular hill station where the elite came to escape the heat and humidity of the coast. As a result the city is full of elegant colonial-style buildings, and there’s even a lake to land seaplanes, and a golf course.

Nuwara Eliya sits at 1,868 m (6,128 ft) above sea level, giving it a much cooler climate which is perfect for growing tea. In fact this is the most important tea growing region in Sri Lanka, and the entire district is made up of rolling green tea plantations as far as the eye can see.

Stop off to do a tea tour at one of the many factories that welcome visitors – here you can learn about how they grow and process tea, before trying a cup of the freshest tea you’ll ever taste. We visited the Damro plantation but I found it a bit touristy – we did drive past others that looked nicer though, so you won’t have trouble finding one that suits you.

In the afternoon you can explore the city and enjoy the grandeur of the Victorian-style architecture or, if you have a bit more time to spare, take a tour to the nearby Horton Plains National Park to try to spot the elusive leopard or visit the legendary ‘World’s End’ viewpoint.

We travelled to Nuwara Eliya by road, stopping off to check out the impressive 358-ft tall Ramboda Falls on the way past. But if you fancy it, the other way to get there from Kandy is to take the much-photographed and hugely popular Kandy to Ella train, and get off at Nanu Oya, the stop for Nuwara Eliya.

Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya

We stayed at St Andrew’s Hotel , a restored Georgian style country mansion set on a hillside above the town and bursting with faded old-world charm. Sit out on the lawn with a cocktail and enjoy the cooler mountain air before enjoying a delicious à la carte dinner made with fruit and vegetables grown in the hotel’s own garden.

Day 9 – Ella

On Day 9 of our Sri Lanka 12 day itinerary we drove straight from Nuwara Eliya to the coast without stopping in Ella, which I was a bit sad about as I’d heard great things about this enchanting mountain town and would have loved to have time to visit.

So if you do have a bit more time – and especially if you want to ride the famous train – at this point I’d suggest doing the second leg of the train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella (said to be the more scenic of the two halves). Then you can spend a night in Ella before continuing with the rest of this itinerary.

Otherwise, if you only have time for 12 days in Sri Lanka, skip this day, and jump forward to Day 10.

Day 10 – Drive to Mirissa / Weligama

Today will mostly be a travel day, leaving the interior behind and heading for the heat and white sandy beaches of Sri Lanka’s south coast. The drive from Nuwara Eliya takes about 6-7 hours, so if you leave early you should be at your beachfront hotel in the early afternoon, allowing you plenty of time to relax by the pool or take a dip in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean before heading out for dinner or a cocktail at one of Mirissa’s many bars and restaurants.

Where to stay in Mirissa / Weligama

Mirissa and Weligama are two small beachfront towns linked by a single coastal road. It’s easy to get from one to the other and both are good options for a night or two by the sea. Mirissa is possibly a bit more crowded and backpackery, but the beach is more sheltered and the water calmer. Weligama beach has bigger waves, making it more popular with surfers but less popular with backpackers; as a result the beach is a bit quieter.

We stayed at Mandara Resort in Weligama , a mid-range hotel with a pool and direct access to the beach. Rooms were spacious and clean, and some had sea views. If you’re there for the backpacker vibe, I’d suggest staying in Mirissa, but if you want more peace and quiet, go for Weligama. It doesn’t much matter though, as it’s easy enough to grab a tuk tuk and move between the two.

Day 11 – Whale watching and Ayurveda

An early check out today for one of the highlights of your Sri Lanka tour – and one of my favourite days. You’re going whale watching!

Between November to April, Mirissa is visited by a variety of sea life including fin, sei, and sperm whales, orcas, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and – most exciting of all, the elusive blue whale, the largest creature on earth.

As a result, Mirissa is THE place to go whale watching in Sri Lanka and there are numerous tour operators offering half day, full day, or even overnight tours. We travelled with Sail Lanka on a 7-hour catamaran cruise that included breakfast and lunch.

I have heard reports that whale-watching boats can stress and harass whales and force them into shipping lanes, so do make sure that when you choose your operator, you pick an ethical one that won’t get too close to the whales.

We were lucky enough to see huge numbers of dolphins which came up and swam alongside our boat, as well as a blue whale – a breathtaking experience. And don’t worry, we weren’t very close, I just had a big zoom lens!

Read more: A Magical Trip Whale Watching in Mirissa, Sri Lanka

After all that excitement – not to mention getting pretty hot and sweaty being out in the sun all morning – the afternoon is for relaxation. You could just chill out back at your hotel, or head to one of Mirissa’s many Ayervedic wellness centres for an afternoon of spa treatments.

We headed to Ayurvie Weligama Ayurvedic Retreat where we enjoyed a wonderful foot massage and a chance to chill out in the peaceful surroundings – this place is absolutely beautiful so if your budget can stretch to it and you’re interested in wellness, definitely consider staying a night here.

Otherwise, it’s time to get back in the bus and drive the two hours north along the coast to Bentota.

Day 12 – Galle

On our 12 day Sri Lanka itinerary, we drove straight from Weligama to Bentota without stopping in Galle, a historic fortified port town about halfway between the two. Galle is another of Sri Lanka’s Unesco World Heritage Sites, beautifully photogenic and packed with history. It’s somewhere I would have loved to visit, but unfortunately there wasn’t time.

So if you’re planning to make this trip a full two weeks, at this point I’d suggest first travelling to Galle for one night, before continuing on to Bentota. If you’re only looking for a 12 day Sri Lanka itinerary, then skip Galle and head straight to Bentota.

Day 13 – Bentota

More wildlife adventures await on your last full day in Sri Lanka – this time with a river safari along the Madu River through mangrove forests. Here we saw beautiful birds including egrets, a common kingfisher and a blue-tailed bee-eater, as well as river jellyfish and several water monitor lizards. It was also just delightful to motor gently along the river, watching the small riverside houses and endless jungle pass by, veering off occasionally to pass though mangrove caves or visit an island where they grow and prepare cinnamon.

You can also do this experience as a day trip from Colombo .

Bentota is a well-established resort town with a long stretch of powdery beach and a string of fancy resort hotels, so in the afternoon you can relax at your hotel, explore the town, try out watersports or go diving, or even visit one of several sea turtle conservation projects in the area (but again, do your research to ensure the one you visit is ethical and does not stress or harm the animals)

Where to stay in Bentota

Our hotel in Bentota was the best of all – the utterly fabulous Taj Bentota Resort & Spa , boasting gorgeous rooms with sea views and a beautiful pool overlooking the ocean and sunset. We only stayed here two nights, but if your schedule and budget will stretch I definitely recommend staying a bit longer!

Day 14 – Return to Colombo and leave

It’s time to say a sad farewell to this wonderful country. It’s about a two-hour drive back to Colombo, so depending on the time of your flight you may be able to have a lie in and a leisurely breakfast, or even another swim or a stroll along the beach, before heading to the airport for your flight home.

Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary travel tips and FAQs

So now I’ve covered what to do in Sri Lanka for 2 weeks, here are some commonly asked questions to help you plan your trip.

What should I pack for 2 weeks in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is hot all year round, so you’ll mostly need lightweight summer clothes. You can wear vests and shorts in most places, but for visiting temples you’ll need to be covered from shoulders to below the knees, so make sure you bring at least one shirt or t-shirt, and long trousers or a skirt.

If you’re planning on hiking in the highlands you’ll need trousers and socks to protect your ankles from leeches. It can also get chilly up there at night, so bring a jumper. And it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat or an umbrella, as Sri Lanka enjoys frequent showers!

What is the currency in Sri Lanka

The currency in Sri Lanka is the rupee. At the time of writing, 1000 Sri Lankan rupees was worth about £3.60 or $4.90.

Do I need a tourist visa for Sri Lanka?

Travellers from most countries will need an eTA visa before boarding their flight. You simply fill in a form online and get confirmation by email. It’s valid for 30 days from the date of arrival. Apply for your electronic visa here .

Can I use my mobile phone in Sri Lanka?

When I visited, customers of some UK networks were able to use their phone at no extra charge. I’m on Vodafone, and I could not, so I bought a local SIM. For 1300Rs (about £4.75 or $6.30 at the time of writing), I got a 30-day package with 10 MB of data, which ran out on day 12 of the trip (I was using my data a LOT though, for doing social media as we travelled around.

Alternatively, get an E-Sim! Nowadays I use Airalo to buy e-Sims via their app before I travel and then activate on arrival. They can be a bit tricky to set up but the help team are on call if you need them and once you get it working they’re brilliant.

What is the food like in Sri Lanka?

Traditional Sri Lankan food is similar to Indian, based around rice, potatoes and breads like naan or paratha, with various curries and salads. There’s a huge variety and you won’t struggle if you’re vegetarian, but it can be quite spicy (though you can usually ask for a less spicy version). Tourist hotels serve plenty of western-style options too, so if curry is not your thing, don’t worry!

What languages do they speak in Sri Lanka?

The two main languages in Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil, but apart from in rural areas English is spoken widely, so you should have few problems getting around. However, I always find it helps to learn a few words of the local language to ease interactions and show respect as a visitor to another country. Here are just a couple of words to help you on your journey:

Ayubowan – pronounced aye-you-bow-ann: Literally translates to ‘May you have long life’, but used with prayer hands and a bow of the head to mean hello or welcome, and also goodbye. Istuti (or bohoma istuti ) – pronounced (Bo-hoh-mah) Iss-too-tee: Thank you (very much)

What are the important customs in Sri Lanka?

When visiting temples, you’ll be required to remove your hat and shoes (though socks are allowed). As mentioned above, you’ll also need to cover your body from shoulders to below the knees (though short sleeves are OK).

It’s considered very disrespectful to turn your back on the Buddha, so don’t take selfies or pose for photos standing in front of his statue. If you want to do this, you always need to make sure you are facing towards him.

When taking photos of people , always be respectful and ask permission where possible. Don’t get too close to people who are praying.

Is Sri Lanka safe?

In 2009 the 25-year-long Sri Lanka civil war finally ended, and since then the country has been recovering. That recovery was sadly shaken by a terrorist attack in April 2019 that left 250 dead.

But don’t let that put you off! On the whole Sri Lanka is an extremely safe and friendly country to visit, as long as you’re sensible and exercise the usual precautions, you should have no need to worry.

Can you do a 1 week Sri Lanka itinerary?

As you can see, there are tonnes of things to do in Sri Lanka, and even this two weeks Sri Lanka itinerary isn’t really enough. However, if you’re pushed for time and can only manage 1 week in Sri Lanka, than I suggest you take this itinerary and just do either the first half or the second half. You won’t be able to do all of it, so either head north from Colombo and do the first part, or head south and do the second part. You’ll just have to come back another time to do the rest!

What Sri Lanka tours are available?

If you don’t want the hassle of planning your own trip, another great alternative is to do a ready-made group tour. G Adventures does a Discover Sri Lanka tour that takes in many of the same places on this Sri Lanka itinerary, but they also offer other Sri Lanka tour options as well.

There’s also a bunch of great Sri Lanka tour options from a range of trusted tour operators here .

You can find out why I think group travel is great by reading 10 Great Reasons To Do Group Holidays .

And there you have it – the best Sri Lanka itinerary I and the good folk from the tourist board could come up with! I really hope you found it helpful and that you have a wonderful 2 weeks in Sri Lanka!

Where to next?

If you liked this Sri Lanka travel itinerary, why not be inspired by some of my other itineraries?

• A Weekend In Tunisia – The Perfect Itinerary
• An Ideal Morocco Itinerary in 2 Weeks
• The Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Expedition: Our Epic Itinerary
• An Epic Uganda Itinerary In 2 Weeks
• A Perfect Guatemala Itinerary In 10 Days, 2 Weeks Or 3 Weeks

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Sri Lanka Itinerary – What to See in Two Weeks

Updated March 11, 2024

// By Margherita

Are you looking for the perfect two week Sri Lanka itinerary? There you are, all you need to know to plan your two week Sri Lanka holiday, including where to go, where to stay and how to get around! 

Don’t have time to read? Book your Sri Lanka tours and experiences in no time here!

We love booking tours with GetYourGuide – the company offers a variety of activities, flexible booking, and 24/7 support!

• Local Colombo City Tour by Tuk Tuk – the best way to tour Sri Lanka’s capital!
• From Ella: All-Inclusive Day Trip to 5 Landmarks – a full immersion into Ella’s best sights
• Kandy: Private Guided Tour of the City by Tuk-Tuk – fun tuk-tuk tour with a local!
• Ella Rock & 9 Arch Bridge, Little Adams Peak with Transfer – explore amazing landscapes!
• Galle: Traditional Jewelry Making Workshop – make your very own unique souvenir!
• From Colombo: Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip and Safari – including climbing Sigiriya and a wildlife safari!

I’ve been dreaming of a trip to Sri Lanka for about 10 years , ever since I worked as a behavioural therapist in London for a Sri Lankan family.

Their home in Wembley was a whirlwind of colours, scents and sounds – there were spices roasting on the stove and Bollywood dance scenes on TV, coconut milk curries mingling with the fragrant aroma of freshly-cooked rice and jasmine garlands, brightly coloured masks on the walls, Buddha and Hindu statuettes in a small altar full of flowers.

The walls of the room where I worked were decorated with posters of Sri Lanka’s main sights. During those cold, endless London days , I longed to climb the rock temple of Sigiriya , spot elephants in Yala , roam around the fort city of Galle .

In October 2018 we finally got the chance to visit Sri Lanka, in occasion of the TBC Asia conference sponsored by wonderful Cinnamon Hotels , where we won an award for Best Responsible Tourism blog . Sadly, we didn’t have long to spend in the country, and so we started planning a two-week Sri Lanka itinerary that would allow us to see as much as possible.

First of all, don’t be fooled by Sri Lanka’s diminutive size . The country has been nicknamed ‘miniature Asia’ as it offers many typically Asian experiences without having to travel too far – there are archaeological sites, palm-fringed golden beaches, Buddhist and Hindu temples, mountains, rainforests, and lots of Sri Lankan wildlife.

Two weeks are not enough to cover the whole of the country. Our Sri Lanka itinerary focuses on the southern and central part of the country, with arrival and departure in Colombo, the former capital and largest city. We travelled with a private driver, wanting to make the most of our time in Sri Lanka, but it’s also possible to travel by public transport.

Here is our Sri Lanka itinerary for two weeks – knowing that we’ll be back very soon to experience all the sights we missed!

What to See in Sri Lanka – Two Week Itinerary

Colombo (2 nights).

Sri Lanka’s largest international airport is actually located in Negombo , a coastal town with a nice beach and fish market that many travellers choose as a first stop on their Sri Lanka itinerary, to get a ‘mellow’ introduction to the country.

Colombo is definitely more hectic and traffic in and out of town can be fierce, but it’s still worth checking out for a day or two. The harbour area is currently being developed, and within the next few years it will probably look like Singapore’s Marina Bay.

To while away your time in Colombo, you may choose to relax with a spa treatment – SPA Ceylon is located in the city centre and offers a selection of full body treatments with scented creams and lotions for sale at very good prices.

Other things to do in Colombo include visiting Beira Lake and the Galle Face Green area, which is very lively at night with street food carts and families enjoying picnics on the grass. I think one or two days in Colombo will be a perfect way to start your Sri Lanka itinerary , before moving on to the southern coast of the island.

Where to Stay in Colombo – Cinnamon Grand Colombo , a luxury 5 star hotel with comfortable rooms in the city centre and plenty of dining options.

Galle (2 Nights)

Galle was by far our favourite place in Sri Lanka . Most Sri Lankan towns we’ve seen are crowded and busy – by contrast, Galle felt relaxed and charming, and it’s an absolute must in any history lover’s Sri Lanka itinerary.

Walking around Galle is a bit like taking a journey through the history of Sri Lanka , from Dutch colonial times to the present day. The historic centre of town is located within the walls of a fort first built by the Portuguese, then extended by the Dutch in the 17th century.

Galle is the kind of place that is fun to just wander around , walking around the fort walls from the iconic clock tower to the lighthouse on the opposite side, overlooking the ocean.

Within the walls you’ll find a tangle of narrow streets opening up onto beautiful British colonial buildings , like the Galle Fort Hotel . Besides the fort, some of the sights worth checking out in Galle include the Dutch Hospital , the Anglican Church , and the Old Gate near the old Galle port with a Dutch emblem on one side and the British emblem on the other.

Also, don’t miss the Black Fort , the oldest part of Galle Fort. Getting to it is a bit tricky and it involves walking across the police station and than down a narrow passageway. Police officers are usually happy to point out the way, and there are also signs telling you where to go. You’ll be rewarded with some great photo opportunities!

We recommend spending at least two full days in Galle , to enjoy its vibe and explore its shops and restaurants.

Where to Stay in Galle – The Galle Fort Hotel , a boutique hotel located within the fort, with a great street side verandah offering plenty of charm and great value.

Otherwise, if your budget stretches far enough, try Amangalla, the best hotel in town in a 17th century Dutch building.

Southern Coast (2 Nights)

The southern coast of Sri Lanka is full of wonderful beaches , some of which are perfect to relax with a bright orange king coconut in hand, while others are ideal to go surfing or enjoy water sports.

You could easily spend weeks beach hopping along the southern Sri Lankan Coast , choosing where to stop depending on your interests. We spent a night in Beruwala , where we enjoyed a visit to the local fish market followed by a dinner or freshly-caught seafood – sadly, we couldn’t swim because it rained all afternoon.

Another night was spent in Hikkaduwa not far from Galle, in a beach resort with a lagoon perfect for swimming and a wilder stretch with waves and turtles often visiting.

Other recommended places along the south coast are Weligama , a backpacker surfing paradise, Unawatuna , famous for being one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, and Tangalle , not far from the stunning Blue Beach and the famous blowhole.

Where to Stay along the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka –  Cinnamon Bey Beruwala , a resort with a sprawling swimming pool and great seafood restautants.

Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon in Hikkaduwa, a laidback beach resort with a quirky vibe

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle , a luxury resort on a paradise beach with excellent dining, private villas and award-winning architecture.

Mirissa (1 Night)

Mirissa is also located on the southern coast but it’s worth a mention of its own, since it’s one of the best places in the world to see blue whales. The best months for whale watching in Mirissa are November to April/May. Cruises sometimes also depart outside of these months, but the sea can be rough and whales hard to spot.

It pays off to choose a responsible operator when whale watching in Mirissa – we went with Cinnamon Nature Trails and our boat wasn’t crowded, and never got too close to the whales. Sadly we cannot say the same thing of other boats we saw out in the ocean, some of which were packed to the gills and were swaying dangerously as people moved from one side to the other.

Also, don’t forget that sightings are not guaranteed, and you may have to travel long distances before spotting a whale. Our entire whale watching cruise took 7 hours , and we had to travel three hours each way.

An alternative to whale watching in Mirissa is Trincomalee on the eastern coast – however, it may be hard to fit that in a two week Sri Lanka itinerary , since it’s a fair distance from all the other locations listed in this article.

Where to Stay in Mirissa –  Imagine Villa Hotel , a boutique hotel with a large beach, swimming pool and a charming owner.

Yala/Lunugamvehera National Park (2 Nights)

Yala National Park is probably Sri Lanka’s prime wildlife destination , thanks to the high likelihood of spotting iconic species like elephants, peacocks, spotted deer and especially leopards , with a 50% chance of spotting them during safaris. This is a really great place to see animals in Sri Lanka !

As a wildlife lover, you can’t miss visiting Yala – however, please note that the park is closed to the public in September and October for maintenance, and to give animals a break. Overcrowding is also a concern at Yala – check out Jing’s guest post titled ‘what went wrong in our Yala National Park Safari’ to know more!

During these months, you could visit the lesser-known Lunugamvehera National Park , located about an hour away, and with far fewer tourists compared to Yala. We spent an entire afternoon on a safari around Lunugamvehera and we were lucky to spot deer, elephants and many colourful bird species – but sadly, no leopards. We’ll have to go back!

Where to Stay in Yala –  Cinnamon Wild Yala , a safari lodge with individual bungalows and sprawling grounds including a lake, offering great wildlife-watching opportunities. Book a private breakfast by the lake to start the day surrounded by animals!

Hill Country – Ella or Nuwara Eliya (2 Nights)

After Yala, it’s time to leave the coast behind and head for the Hill Country in the interior of Sri Lanka , a green and lush place with lots of tea plantations, perfect for both hikers and photography lovers.

Ella is a wonderful place to stay in the Sri Lanka Hill Country. Hiking lovers will enjoy climbing to the top of Little Adam’s Peak , walk all the way to the famous Nine Arch Bridge and learn about tea at  Lipton’s Seat , where Mr.Lipton planted the first of his legendary tea in 1890.

From Ella, you can then hop on a train to Kandy , the next destination – the train ride between Ella and Kandy has often been described as one of the best in the world, and can’t be missing from your Sri Lanka itinerary.

An alternative to Ella could be Nuwara Eliya , also offering the perfect mix of hiking and tea plantation that makes the Hill Country of Sri Lanka so special!

Where to Stay in Ella – 98 Acres , a luxurious eco-friendly hotel overlooking Little Adam’s Peak, located close to the start of the Little Adam’s Peak hike. If you can, book a bungalow with private swimming pool!

Kandy (1 Night)

At first glance, Kandy doesn’t look like much – it’s a bustling city with heavy traffic. Yet, it’s worth including in your itinerary for two reasons. First of all, because the stunning Ella-Kandy train terminates there , making it a convenient addition to your Sri Lanka itinerary.

The second reason is that Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth , one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world, housing a relic that is believed to be a tooth of Lord Buddha himself. It takes about two hours to visit the sprawling grounds of the temple – if you can, time your visit to coincide with one of the three-daily pooja , when a gilded box containing the tooth is displayed to tourists.

Other things to do in Kandy are the man-made lake located just opposite the Temple of the Tooth, a pleasant place to walk around, and the Botanical Gardens about 5 km outside of town.

Where to Stay in Kandy –  Cinnamon Citadel Kandy , a luxury hotel with swimming pool and views over the Mahaveli River. Book a river tour with Cinnamon Trails if you have time!

Sigiriya (2 Nights)

Finally, you can’t leave Sri Lanka without visiting Sigiriya , the iconic fortress built in the 5th century AD, perched on a rock almost 200 meters high.

Sigiriya is as beautiful as it is well-known, and it’s literally overrun with tour groups . If you think you’ll beat the crowds by arriving early, think again – thousands other people will have had exactly the same idea!

In any case, Sigiriya is definitely worth visiting. Don’t just follow the crowds up the rock – also take time to tour the water and rock gardens at its base, admire the huge lion paws surrounding the entrance to the rock fortress, and walk around the palace on top looking at the view from all possible angles.

For an incredible view over Sigiriya itself, head to nearby Pidurangala , a rock temple located only a couple of kilometers away. The climb up Pidurangala is more challenging and even requires a little scrambling over boulders – but when you’ll get to the top, it will all be worth it.

Nearby you can also visit Kaudulla National Park, home to the famous Elephant Gathering – a time in the year when hundreds of elephants gather near water sources, a spectacle unlike any others in Asia.

To read more about the elephant gathering, check our  Kaudulla National Park post !

Where to Stay in Sigiriya –  Cinnamon Lodge Habarana , my favourite hotel in the whole of Sri Lanka! Accommodation in this luxury hotel is in private cottages, and there’s also a wonderful spa and private dining options, including lunch overlooking a nearby lake.

When to visit Sri Lanka

If you’ve seen pictures of Sri Lanka, I’m sure you’ll have noticed how green it is. That is because the country has not one, but two monsoon seasons – the south-western monsoon between May and September, and the  north-eastern monsoon , which brings wind and rain between October and January.

September and October are the rainiest months , but also the cheapest. We visited in late October and it did rain a lot, but rain was usually concentrated in short bursts and morning were usually sunny and clear.

If you want to avoid the rain, the best time will probably be December/March. This is a busy time to visit Sri Lanka, and prices are at their highest.

Getting to Sri Lanka

The only possible way to reach Sri Lanka is flying , as there are no ferry connections to India or other nearby countries. We flew from London with Sri Lankan airlines, the flagship carrier, offering direct daily flights to Colombo.

Flight time is about 10 hours each way, and our experience flying economy class was good – service was courteous, food was good (a great intro to Sri Lankan flavours!) and the entertainment system was excellent.

Sri Lankan Airlines flights from London are often busy , and we both ended up in middle seats, which made the whole experience a bit uncomfortable. We recommend choosing your seat ahead of time, or maybe try bidding for business class.

How to Travel Around Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is small enough to travel overland, but if you want to extend this two-week Sri Lanka itinerary and head to places like Trincomalee on the east coast, you may want to consider flying. Cinnamon Air offers flights to a range of destinations on small 8 seater airplanes, an opportunity to enjoy a scenic flight while making your way to the next destination.

The Budget Way – Buses

Buses are the best way to travel around Sri Lanka if you’re on a strict budget. They ply every stretch of road in the country and they’re very easy to notice thanks to their bright colours. They are all identified by a number and also bear the name of the destinations they cover in English as well as Sinhala.

You just need to find the bus you need, hop on and pay your fare to the assistant driver. Can it possibly get any easier?

The Scenic Way – Trains

I’ve already mentioned that trains are a great way to travel around Sri Lanka, especially on scenic routes like Colombo-Kandy, Kandy-Ella and Ella-Nuwara Eliya. 

Trains are also a budget-friendly way to travel around Sri Lanka , especially if you get second or third class tickets. The downside? Trains are slow, don’t travel along the length of the southern coast beyond Matara and tickets can be a hassle to get. However, make sure you take at least one train ride in the Hill Country!

The Convenient Way – Private Driver

If you only have two weeks in Sri Lanka , your best bet will probably be hiring a private driver. This is quite affordable, with prices ranging around $500/750 USD for two weeks, depending on how extensively you need to travel around the island.

You can try your luck and hire a private driver directly at the airport, but it can be risky – it is better to contact a reputable local operator like Walkers Tours . Upscale hotels will have drivers quarters, otherwise they will sleep in the car, but you will be expected to pay for their meals if you dine together. Don’t forget to tip them if you’re happy with their service!

Our trip to Sri Lanka was sponsored by Cinnamon Hotels and Sri Lankan Airlines as part of TBC Asia 2018. Thanks for the great adventure!

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How to Spend Two Weeks in Sri Lanka: An Itinerary for 2023

Literally meaning ‘Resplendent Island,’ Sri Lanka has been a popular holiday destination for just over a decade now. The country has a complex cultural history, stretching back thousands of years. Even today, you can visit incredible remnants of ancient kingdoms scattered across the nation’s interior, enveloped by lush jungle.

Sri Lanka’s spices, gems and most importantly location made it an attractive target for successive European colonization, beginning with the Portuguese (of which little evidence remains) and continuing with the Dutch and British, who have left behind remarkable if problematic remnants of their occupation. Up in the highlands, acres of tea plantations cover the hills, producing enough tea to make Sri Lanka the fourth-largest tea maker in the world.

Dollars and euros will take you far here, which is why many people rely mostly on hiring drivers to take them between destinations. The country also has a robust public transportation network as well, however, so that those game for throwing themselves into the web of buses and trains that traverse the country can easily manage.

Day One: Colombo

Almost all trips to Sri Lanka begin in Colombo, the former capital of the country and still its largest city. Start off in a leisurely manner with a visit to Viharamahadevi Park, built by the British colonial administration but now a public green space for all. It is dominated by a large golden buddha which faces the white neoclassical façade of the expansive Town Hall. You’ll notice this contrast of Western and Eastern is present throughout Colombo, which provides some grand examples of colonial architecture alongside more traditional Sri Lankan iconography.

If you want to learn more about the complicated past of the country, we heartily recommend a visit to the Colombo National Museum, which is located just a few steps away from Viharamahadevi Park. The various halls take you on a journey through thousands of years of history via artefacts from different periods. Trust us when we say you’ll find this to be an invaluable reference point for when you visit the ancient monuments of the country later on in your Sri Lanka itinerary.

Keep heading south and you’ll come to Independence Memorial Hall, an elaborately designed structure of sculpted pillars and wooden carvings, flanked by statues of lions. Different aspects represent different local handicraft traditions. Presiding over the building is a statue of Sri Lanka’s first prime minister, D. S. Senanayake.

Finish your day with dinner at Paradise Road, a Colombo institution housed in a building conceived by Sri Lanka’s most famous architect, Geoffrey Bawa. While the cuisine at the Gallery Cafe is standard Western fare, the al fresco dining experience in the evening, when the pavilion is delicately lit by atmospheric lights, is a wonderful way to finish your first day.

Where to stay in Colombo: The city has several five-star, hundred-room hotels, but we went with a more boutique experience and stayed at the Taru Villas Lake Lodge . The rooms are lovely and spacious, and the location is ideal for strolls in Viharamahadevi Park or a visit to the Gangaramya Buddhist temple.  

Day Two: Colombo

Now that you’ve had a gentle introduction to Sri Lanka’s history and culture, it’s time to really get stuck into Colombo’s modern-day bustle. Dive into the alleyways of the Pettah district, which thrum with locals doing their daily shopping at food markets, clothing bazaars and other general stores. It’s chaos, glorious chaos!

Squeezed in amongst these commercial establishments are some striking religious edifices, such as the red and white candy-striped Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque and the Sammangodu Sri Kathirvelayutha Swamy Kovil, a Hindu temple whose façade is completely covered with statues to various deities. While Sri Lanka is predominantly Buddhist, these buildings are a poignant remind of its multireligious, multiethnic, multicultural past and present.

Colombo generally provides you with tons of sometimes jarring contrasts. Just a short walk west of the scrum of Pettah, for instance, is the genteel Fort district. Once upon a time, this is where the first Europeans made their base. Now, the area is Colombo’s central business district, where glass skyscrapers meet remnants of the colonial past, such as the 17th-century Dutch hospital and the iconic Cargills building.

After a hectic day, take the load off at Galle Face Green. This evening hangout spot is a narrow strip of beach next to the sea where you can dip your toes in the water, before retreating to one of the nearby makeshift bars for a chilled bottle of Lion beer. Make sure you don’t miss trying the street food from one of the stalls beside Galle Face Green. We’re a big fan in particular of Nana’s, especially their kottu: roti bread chopped together with egg, gravy, onion, chili and meat.

Day Three: Dambulla

Sri Lanka’s oldest kingdoms tended to flourish in the center of the island, which is where some of the country’s most historic sites are located. If you’re rushed for time or want to spend part of your 14 days in Sri Lanka at the popular beach resorts on the east coast, you can book tours like this one from Colombo that will take you through some of the highlights in a day. If you’re not in a hurry, however, make the excursion yourself and devote a little more of your trip to exploring the past.

A world away from the liveliness of Colombo, Dambulla is a quiet, rural town that is also a perfect base from which to explore several of Sri Lanka’s unique treasures. The easiest way to get here is to hire a private driver to take you the three-hour journey. While more expensive than hopping on and off buses and trains, it’s much faster and still pretty affordable.

Dambulla is home to a famous cave temple complex, containing statues of the Buddha as well as Hindu deities. Legend has it these caves have been used for worship since the 1st century BC era, but most of what you see today was added several hundred years later. Though we initially assumed that the bright colors adorning the roofs, walls, and statues had somehow been miraculously preserved at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, they are actually regularly repainted and restored to maintain their original appearance.

The complex isn’t extensive, and you can easily cover all five caves in an hour, though there is a short hike up a hill to reach the area. One really important thing not to forget is that, like all religious places in Sri Lanka, you will be refused admittance if you do not cover up your shoulders and your legs. Some popular tourist haunts have spare garments to lend, but why would you risk it, eh?

Where to stay in Dambulla: This cute guesthouse boasts some of the nicest hosts we’ve ever met. The room was simple but clean, and the hearty breakfast kept us going well into the day. Even though you’re surrounded by greenery and wildlife, it’s only a short walk to the small-town center, where you can find shops and restaurants. Plus, the owners will help you organize trips to the nearby points of interest.

Day Four: Sigiriya

Dambulla is an interesting place to start your exploration of old Sri Lanka, but Sigiriya takes the experience to a whole other level. This fortress was hewn from the solitary column of rock in a flat landscape all the way back in the 5th century AD. Its name translates as ‘Lion Rock’, due to the fact that the original gateway was built to look like a gigantic lion. All that remains today of this stone beast are the front paws, which frame the steps leading up to the summit.

It’s a fair old climb up to the top, but there’s usually a slowly moving queue to ascend, which means plenty of time to take breaks. On the way up, you’ll see thousand-year-old graffiti as well as some rather saucy frescoes.

At the summit is the castle itself, a ruined shadow of its former glory now home to the occasional monkey rather than royalty. There’s still enough of the tiered structure remaining, however, for you to imagine just what a feat of construction this must once have been. Plus, there are great views of the land below, including of the remains of the water gardens that adorn the avenue leading to the lion gate.

Day Five: Anuradhapura

Another day, another day trip, this time to Anuradhapura, the seat of the ancient Sri Lankan monarchy. The royal city began life in the 400s BC but was steadily enlarged upon over the following centuries. 

This was one of our favorite parts of Sri Lanka with a ton of things to see. It’s spread over a fairly large area – after all, this was once an entire city – so you probably won’t be able to see it all in a day. Among the many scattered monuments and ruins, however, there are a few you absolutely can’t miss.

First is Ruwanwelisaya, a restored stupa originally built in 140 BC. The enormous dome is 951 feet in circumference, 338 feet high and completely painted white, aside from a golden tip which flashes in the sun. You have to remove your shoes to visit, which, in the height of summer, means hopping across burning brick floor – at least, that’s what we sockless people were forced to do, much to the amusement of the local Sri Lankans, who were completely unfazed by the heat of the ground.

A short walk away is the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, girdled by a protective fence. Legend has it that this sacred tree was grown from the cuttings of the tree under which the Buddha found enlightenment. 

Both Ruwanwelisaya and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi are well frequented by religious devotees. In the same area but less crowded is Jetavana, a ruined monastery that is arguably more atmospheric. At its center is the tallest stupa in Sri Lanka, rising to 400 feet. This one has also been restored but remains unpainted, exposing the terracotta-colored brickwork. Around its exterior you can still see the beautiful remnants of the original white carvings from the 200s AD.

If you want to see another example of the Anuradhapura monastic complex, head to Abhayagiri, though in our opinion it’s not quite as impressive. It is, however, located not far from the Twin Ponds (Kuttam Pokuna), two ornately crafted pools where kings and queens were once said to bathe.

Day Six: Polonnaruwa 

The final point of Sri Lanka’s so-called Cultural Triangle is Polonnaruwa. Another wonderfully preserved old city, it was made the capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura fell to invasion in the 11th century. (And yes, we really did get out money’s worth at the Colombo National Museum!)

Indisputably the most impressive remains of this kingdom are in what is known as the Sacred Quadrangle (Dalada Maluva). Our personal favorite is the vatadage, an utterly unique circular shrine that retains some of its intricate carvings. Nearby are a further two shrines, the hatadage and the atadage, which are less striking but still hold interesting examples of Buddhist statuary. Rounding out the area is the Nissanka Latha Mandapaya, which had us snapping away frantically because of its beautifully carved lotus pillars.

If you haven’t yet had your fill of stupas, you can visit Rankoth Vehera, which was built in imitation of the Anuradhapura structures. More unique to Polonnaruwa, however, are the distinctive Buddha sculptures that have been persevered. Gal Vihara contains four different depictions of the Buddha carved from granite, while the Lankatilaka Temple boasts one giant headless Buddha built from brick.

Of course, not all the megastructures of Polonnaruwa were dedicated to religion. A clutch of the citadel buildings for the royal family remain, including the imposingly large palace walls, the council hall with its artful carvings and the luxurious bathing pool.

Day Seven: Kandy 

After the extended sojourn in the countryside, it’s time to get back to city life. Like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, Kandy was a former capital of Sri Lanka. Unlike those other two cities, it remains a major city – albeit one of just a couple hundred thousand people.

One of Kandy’s most famous spots is the Temple of the Tooth, which was built to house the sacred relic of the Buddha’s tooth and is part of the former Royal Palace. If you visit during the right time of year (end of July, beginning of August), you can buy tickets to see the hugely elaborate annual procession when the tooth is taken through the streets of the city, accompanied by religious bigwigs, colorfully caparisoned elephants and traditional performers. It’s a fantastic (if somewhat overlong) experience. 

Kandy’s other claim to fame is its artificial lake, built by the last Sri Lankan king before he was deposed by the British. Today, it makes for a calming escape to nature right in the heart of the city.

Where to stay in Kandy: Downtown Kandy is a bit of a mess, so it’s better to stay in one of the guesthouses in the hills above the city and then tuktuk around. The beautifully higgledy-piggledy pink building of the Villa Rosa is a fab option. While fantastic views are a given, it was the traditional-style decoration that really wowed us.

Day Eight: Kandy

There’s nothing more genteel to do in Kandy than promenade through the city’s botanical gardens, located in a suburb called Peradeniya. As far back as 1371, this site was used as pleasure gardens for royalty. It was substantially redesigned by the British in the 1800s along the lines of London’s famous Kew Gardens and now contains over 4,000 species of plants and flowers. 

Also in these same outskirts are a clutch of three small temples dating from around the same period, each with unique features and much more peaceful than the Temple of the Tooth. Our favorite is Lankathilaka, a vision in white built atop a hill with views across the surrounding landscape. By contrast, Embekka is much more understated but boasts some exquisite, well-preserved carvings. Gadaladeniya is probably the least interesting of the trio, with its faded frescoes and poorly maintained stone structures, though there appear to be efforts in place to stop the main shrine from tumbling down completely.

Day Nine: Into the Highlands

One of the absolutely unmissable Sri Lankan experiences is to take a scenic train ride up country, into the tea hills. Hanging out the side of the old-timey carriages as you pass the lush countryside is an unparalleled, glorious sensation. 

There are several trains running daily from Kandy to Nanu Oya, though only one has an observation car attached where you can see directly out onto nature as you travel along. Fair warning: the zig-zagging ride is not for the motion sick. Depending on which train you take, the journey will take between 3.5 and 4 hours. 

Once you’ve dropped your bags off at your hotel, head out again immediately to see where one of Sri Lanka’s famous exports is made: the tea plantations. There are lots throughout the region around Nanu Oya and the nearby city of Nuwara Eliya, all offering similar tours through their production facilities as well as attached shops. We recommend asking your lodging for nearby options for simplicity’s sake.

Get some rest in the afternoon if you can because you’ll probably need to venture out again at 10pm in order to get to Adam’s Peak.

Where to stay: Hilldale Retreat has fantastic views over the verdant countryside and surrounding tea hills. It’s a small hotel, so the staff are really attentive. There’s also a pool, though since it’s not heated it’s only for those who like a bracing swim.

Day Ten: Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak has many legends associated with the ‘footprint’ at its summit. Buddhists claim it was left by the Buddha, Muslims that it was created by the biblical Adam after being cast out of heaven, and Hindus that the depression is a sign that Shiva once walked here.

Partly thanks to the competing religious claims and partly because it’s a spectacular mountain, Adam’s Peak is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. Tradition dictates you need to be at the top for sunrise – plus, that is when you will get the best views. 

When you need to arrive at the base depends on the time of year, how fast you can climb and the route you take, but in general you should aim to get there somewhere between 1am and 2am. Then, it’s a bleary-eyed hike for around 3 to 4 hours up some fairly steep steps, followed by a chilly wait for the sun to come up. It’s all worth it though for the first glimpses of those glorious rays poking out from the horizon, slowly revealing the lush surrounding landscape.

If you’re like us, you’ll want to spend a while just relaxing and waiting for the sun to fully rise, before making the descent. Spend the rest of the day catching up on those zzzs or relaxing with a beer and a book.

Day Eleven: Horton Plains

We’re a glutton for punishment, so the day after Adam’s Peak, we headed over to Horton Plains for another hike. Fortunately, this one involves fairly flat walking, as you drive up most of the incline to the car park.

Inside the national park, you follow a largely gentle circular route through grassy plains interspersed with streams and unique plants that can only be found here. There’s a pretty but not particularly inspiring cascade called Baker’s Falls, but the main attraction – apart from the natural beauty – is World’s End, a plateau that comes to a sudden sheer drop. Most of the time, the views from this spot are shrouded in mists, with the occasional peak jutting out mysteriously – which is why Horton is sometimes referred to as Cloud Forest National Park. 

On a good day, they say you can see Adam’s Peak and the east coast of Sri Lanka. Honestly, we’ve no idea if that’s true, but what an atmospheric piece of scenery!

Day Twelve: Yala Safari

There are several places you can visit to see Sri Lanka’s most impressive wildlife species, but Yala wins the popularity contest because it’s where you’re guaranteed to see herds of elephants going about their business, whether that’s frolicking in watering holes, caring for young or attempting the occasional rutting session.

You can organize your own guide with a 4×4 to take you through the environment or book via a tour company like this one that I went with. This is the bread and butter for many locals, so they are all very knowledgeable about the best places to go depending on the time of day to catch a glimpse of the animals in their natural habitat. Aside from elephants, we also saw crocodiles, buffalo and the elusive leopard, as well as too many species of bird for anybody but the most avid ornithologist to remember.

It’s possible to book a whole-day trip, but honestly two to three hours is the ideal amount: just enough to see the wildlife in their natural habitat without it all becoming overly repetitive or your bones being jolted to jelly over the rough terrain.

These tours are popular, so if you do want to ensure you get a place on one, I recommend booking online and in advance. You can check availability for my tour provider below:

If you haven’t got too much luggage with you, we recommend taking your bags with you to Yala and then continuing on to Galle after your safari, as this will save you some time on travel.

Day Thirteen: Galle

Galle is one of the best-preserved remnants of the Dutch presence in Sri Lanka, which lasted 1658 until 1796. The chill vibe here makes it the perfect place to end your stay on the Resplendent Island. 

The first thing to do when you get here is explore the streets, wandering between colonial remnants like the old church and the cutesy curio shops lining Pedlar Steet. Break your day with lunch at Galle Fort Hotel, once an 18th-century villa, now a gorgeous property with excellent seafood and one of the most extensive gin menus we’ve ever seen outside of London’s trendiest bars.

In the afternoon, clamber over the old fortifications that enclose the town. Now carpeted with grass, these robust stone ramparts and bastions are picturesque in their own right but are also a great place to snap views of the sparkling blue sea.

Make sure you also take the time to head out to the photogenic lighthouse on the headland. It’s located next to the unusual Meeran Mosque, which was commissioned in 1904 and built to fit with the existing aesthetic. As a result, it looks more like a Catholic church than an Islamic place of worship.

Where to stay: We decided to treat ourselves to a five-star experience at the Fort Printers to finish our trip – and it did not disappoint. This is a gorgeous little spot, right in the middle of Galle Fort, with attentive staff and stylish, clean rooms. The cherry on top is the breakfast, served in the pretty courtyard beside the pool.

Day Fourteen: Galle

Having been in Sri Lanka for two weeks galivanting through multicultural cities, ancient kingdoms, and national parks, you’ve earned yourself a well-earned rest. Spend your last day in the country soaking up some sun at one of the beaches surrounding Galle.

Unawatuna Beach is a beautiful expanse of sandy coast just a short tuktuk ride away from Galle Fort. The shore has a couple of restaurants and bars to keep you fed and watered as you absorb some vitamin D.

For a more hidden spot, you can scramble down a discreet path a little further along the coast to get to the less frequented, slightly stonier Buena Vista Beach. This hidden cove is also known as Jungle Beach because it’s completely concealed by the surrounding foliage.

Since most international flights leave from Colombo, you’ll have to make your way back to the capital either today or tomorrow. If you have time, book dinner at Nuga Gama, a rustic-style all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. While it’s located within the five-star Cinnamon Grand Hotel , it’s been designed to emulate a village eatery and offers all the main Sri Lankan specialties cooked in traditional style. All that and the price is just 5,900 Sri Lankan rupees per person (equivalent to about $16). Make sure you try the hoppers: delicate pancakes made from a rice flour and coconut milk batter, traditionally filled with a fried egg and spicy sambal.

And That’s How to Spend Two Weeks in Sri Lanka!

For first-time visitors to Sri Lanka, this is a perfect itinerary to get the most out of your two-week stay. Of course, there’s so much more to see and many ways you can mix up the trip. For example, if you have longer to explore or are just more of a beach person than a hiking or history person, the east coast of Sri Lanka has some amazing seaside resorts. While Batticaloa is the largest, Arugam Bay is our favorite for surfing, while at Pasikuda Beach you can walk out into the azure sea for a kilometer before it begins to flow over your waist.

While we haven’t made it to Jaffna yet, the area is increasingly becoming popular as an alternative view on Sri Lanka. Much of the northern part of the country was tragically destroyed during the civil war, but the Tamil culture here offers an experience that is distinctive from other parts of the island.

No matter where you go, the people are always incredibly friendly, helpful and genuine. Sure, Colombo residents aren’t afraid to jostle at the markets in Pettah, but then again, neither are we!

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Itinerary Sri Lanka 2 & 3 weeks: the ultimate itineraries for backpacking in Sri Lanka!

The ultimate itinerary for sri lanka.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful and versatile country. It is not big and the distances between destinations are short. You can visit Sri Lanka with a fixed itinerary, but this is not necessary. Booking a hotel last minute is easy and transport is often available without a reservation. Due to the many highlights, it can be difficult to make choices: there is so much to do, even in two or three weeks you will not be able to see everything.

Don’t worry, whatever your itinerary for Sri Lanka is, you’re going to have a fantastic time anyway. To get you started, we have put together three different itineraries for Sri Lanka that will let you experience culture, nature and beautiful beaches. Then you will find a short description of what to expect here a little further in the article per destination in Sri Lanka. This way you can judge for yourself whether you add the destination to your tour through Sri Lanka!

Our trip through Sri Lanka:

Looking for inspiration for nice hotels and unique places to sleep? Then read our hotel guide for Sri Lanka!

Sri Lanka itinerary 2 weeks

Do you want to visit the most authentic destinations of Sri Lanka in just a short time? Then consider the following 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary. With this tour you visit the old capital of Sri Lanka; you can see different beaches and experience the special train journey from Kandy to Ella . You will also visit the beautiful Sigiriya with its characteristic temple on top of the rock and you can enjoy hiking in the beautiful surroundings of Ella . Want to take it slower, then scrap the beach town of Mirissa and use the extra days for Ella or Arugam Bay.

This 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary is as follows:

Negombo – Anuradhapura – Sigiriya – Kandy – Ella – Arugam bay – Dickwella – Mirissa – Colombo

Day planning itinerary Sri Lanka 2 weeks:

Day 1: Negombo – Anuradhapura (4-6 hours drive) Day 2: Anuradhapura Day 3: Anuradhapura – Sigiriya (2 hours drive) Day 4: Sigiriya Day 5: Sigiriya- Kandy (2 hours drive) Day 6: Kandy – Ella (7 hours train) Day 7: Ella

Day 8: Ella – Arugam Bay (3 hours drive) Day 9: Arugam Bay Day 10: Arugam Bay – Dickwella (2 hours drive) Day 11: Dickwella Day 12: Dickwella – Mirissa (1.5 hours drive) Day 13: Mirissa Day 14: Mirissa – Colombo (3 hours drive)

Do you want to know how we spent our time in Sri Lanka? Then read my diary blogs about Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka itinerary 3 weeks

This 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary takes you past the ancient royal city of Anuradhapura , the spectacular Lion’s Rock, Ella and beautiful beaches. You will also stop here in the old colonial village of Nuwara Eliya where you can visit the traditional tea plantations. Challenge yourself while climbing the most sacred mountain in Sri Lanka: Adam’s Peak . For spotting wildlife, you have to go to Yala National Park . Here you will find herds of Asian elephants and with luck a leopard. You will spend the last days of your trip at the beach and if you haven’t seen enough culture yet, you can always consider a visit to Fort Galle .

This 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary is as follows:

Negombo – Anuradhapura – Trincomalee – Sigiriya – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Adam’s Peak – Ella – Yala National Park – Dickwella – Mirissa (Galle) – Colombo

Day planning itinerary Sri Lanka 3 weeks

Day 1 : Negombo – Anuradhapura (4-6 hours drive) Day 2: Anuradhapura Day 3: Anuradhapura – Trincomalee (2 hours drive) Day 4: Trincomalee Day 5: Trincomalee Day 6: Trincomalee – Sigiriya (2 hours drive) Day 7: Sigiriya Day 8: Sigiriya- Kandy (2 hours drive) Day 9: Kandy Day 10: Kandy – Nuwara Eliya (3 hours train) Day 11: Nuwara Eliya & Adam’s Peak

Day 12: Nuwara Eliya – Ella (4 hours train) Day 13: Ella Day 14: Ella Day 15: Ella – Yala National Park (2 hours drive) Day 16: Yala National Park – Dickwella (safari + 2 hours drive) Day 17: Dickwella Day 18: Dickwella Day 19: Dickwella – Mirissa (1 hour drive) Day 20: Mirissa (Galle Fort) Day 21: Mirissa – Colombo (3 hours drive)

Visiting the most sacred mountain in Sri Lanka? Then climb Adam’s Peak early in the morning!

Combined trip India, Sri Lanka & the Maldives

A tour through Sri Lanka can also be combined well with the Maldives. From Colombo you can fly to Male in no time and from this travel, if the budget allows it, to a beautiful overwater bungalow. Allow at least 4 days for the Maldives. For backpackers who have more time to spend, India is a nice destination that is easy to combine with Sri Lanka. From Kochi you fly directly to Colombo. Traveling through the Maldives is considerably more expensive than backpacking through India or Sri Lanka. A possible itinerary from which you can further explore each country is:

Kochi – Colombo – Male

Highlights of Sri Lanka: all destinations at a glance!

Although Sri Lanka is a relatively small country, it has many highlights! For your convenience, we have made a map with all the highlights of Sri Lanka. 

Map with the highlights of Sri Lanka

The destinations in Sri Lanka are quite diverse. Below we have briefly described what you can expect at each Sri Lankan highlight.

Colombo: International airport

In Colombo you will find Sri Lanka’s international airport. Chances are that you will start your journey through Sri Lanka here. Do not stay here too long, Colombo is mainly a large and busy city. Consider spending your first night in nearby Negombo to acclimate to Sri Lanka.

Negombo: Beach place

Negombo is not a huge highlight, but a beach place where you can relax perfectly before your trip through Sri Lanka starts.

Anuradhapura: Spiritual place of prayer

Jaffna: culture & island hopping.

Jaffna is located in the quiet north of Sri Lanka. If you really want to get off the beaten track, consider discovering this area. You will meet considerably less backpackers here and the city has only been open to tourists since 2009. Enjoy the beautiful temples or go on an island hop tour in Jaffna!

Trincomalee: beaches

Sigiriya: lion’s rock, a beautiful rock formation, kandy: busy city + start of the famous train journey kandy to ella.

Kandy is a typical Asian city: busy and chaotic! But if you have the time, immerse yourself in this bustle and enjoy the scents, colors and sounds that belong to Sri Lanka! Plus Kandy is the starting point for one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world: the train ride from Kandy to Ella! You can read everything about Kandy in Sri Lanka  here.

Nuwara Eliya: Tea Plantations & Adam’s Peak

On the way from Kandy to Ella, the train also stops in the village of Nuwara Eliya. This green hilly area is known as little England. It is a lot colder here in comparison to the rest of Sri Lanka and very green. Visit one of the tea plantations or depart from Nuwara Eliya to the top of the sacred mountain Adam’s Peak ! Read all about Nuwara Eliya in this blog .

Ella: nature and fun!

Ella is known for its many beautiful walks and delicious food. Read here about the seven activities that you should not miss in Ella, Sri Lanka!

Arugam Bay: surfing!

Yala national park: safari in sri lanka.

In Sri Lanka you also have several safari parks with elephants and other wild animals. One of these is Yala National Park. A cool park perfect for a safari! Consider this day safari in Yala National Park and  Udawalawe National Park.

Dickwella: surfing

Dickwella is the hip and slightly undiscovered sister of Mirissa! Just 1.5 hours away you will find this relaxed village with Hiriketiya Bay as its highlight. The ultimate place to learn to surf as a beginner. Read all about our favorite beach town Dickwella in this travel guide!

Mirissa: Beaches and whales

Mirissa is known as a relaxed beach spot. You will find cute bays, wide sandy beaches and many beach bars here. Mirissa has now become a real hotspot that attracts many tourists every year. Don’t fancy that? Then consider choosing Dickwella instead of Mirissa. It is possible to spot whales in Mirissa, but read carefully about the animal welfare of such a whale safari! Read all about Mirissa here.

Galle: beach resorts & old Dutch fort!

Sri lanka tips: good to know before traveling to sri lanka.

Finally, some useful tips and facts about traveling through Sri Lanka.

1. Sri Lanka is not an expensive country!

Sri Lanka is by no means an expensive country! For example, you can eat delicious curries at local restaurants for just a few euros. Accommodation is also not expensive and for a few euros you can travel all over the country by public transport. An average daily budget for a backpacker in Sri Lanka is between 30-40 euros.

Curious how expensive a trip through Sri Lanka can be? Read all about traveling on a budget in Sri Lanka here in this blog.

2. Good English is spoken in Sri Lanka

Do not worry whether you can make yourself understood: people speak good English in Sri Lanka. In addition, the population is often very helpful and nice.

3. Traveling around Sri Lanka is simple!

Transport options in Sri Lanka

You can travel in Sri Lanka by public transport or by private transport:

• Public transport in Sri Lanka: If you are traveling on a budget, you have to rely on colourful buses or the train. The buses in Sri Lanka connect all over the country and run several times a day. A ticket for the bus is cheap (1-2 euros for a distance of 100-300 km). A ride on the train in Sri Lanka is a special experience (especially between Kandy and Ella!). Keep in mind that the trains are sometimes full and that they do not run throughout Sri Lanka.
• Private transport in Sri Lanka: If you are in a hurry or need more comfort, you can opt for the tuk-tuk, taxi or pick-up service from the hotel. This is more expensive, but faster than public transport.
• Independent driving in Sri Lanka: Would you rather be in control yourself? You can rent a tuk-tuk to drive all over Sri Lanka yourself. It is also possible to rent a scooter on location for a day to see the nearby area.

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More blogs about Sri Lanka

Travel guide: all you need to know about the ancient city of anuradhapura in sri lanka, what are the best beaches of sri lanka a beach guide to sri lanka, trincomalee travel guide: endless white beaches in sri lanka, itinerary sri lanka 2 & 3 weeks: the ultimate itineraries for backpacking in sri lanka, sri lanka budget: how much does it cost to backpack in sri lanka, adam’s peak: everything you need to know about this cool hike in sri lanka, the ultimate travel guide mirissa: trendy restaurants and golden beaches in sri lanka, travel guide ella in sri lanka: seven activities you cannot miss in ella, leave a reply cancel reply.

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The Ultimate Two Week South Sri Lanka Itinerary

Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Natalia

South Sri Lanka is home to some truly incredible places, so it’s easy to fill a two week itinerary covering just this area of the country. The south of the Sri Lanka is home to some of its most popular destinations, including the beachside town of Mirissa, Yala National Park and the scenic town of Ella, situated high in the stunning hill country perfect for a 2 week itinerary. This area of the country is particularly interesting for wildlife and nature lovers, offering the chance to see blue whales, leopards and more in the wild, as well as being home to some truly breathtaking scenery. We personally loved this area of the country so much that we’ve spent over 6 weeks exploring it over two different trips. We’ve used our first hand experience to come up with an action-packed 2 week south Sri Lanka itinerary, covering some of the best the country has to offer in just 14 days for every budget!

Table of Contents

South Sri Lanka 2 Week Itinerary

Mirissa (days 1 to 6).

Your 2 week itinerary kicks off on the south coast of Sri Lanka in the small town of Mirissa. Famous for being one of the best places in the world to see blue whales in the wild, it’s the perfect place to start your trip!

Wherever you’re travelling from your first step will be to fly into Colombo International Airport.

As it’s likely to have been a long flight we recommend booking a taxi in advance to take you directly from the airport to Mirissa. A taxi from Colombo airport to Mirissa should cost around 12,000-13,000 rupees one-way.

The journey from the airport to Mirissa takes around 3 hours by taxi, but can take up to double this if you use public transport.

If you’re travelling Sri Lanka on a budget then you can get from the airport to Mirissa by bus or train. There are plenty of tuk-tuks and taxis at the airport that will take you to the relevant station if you want to use public transport.

Public transport is extremely cheap in Sri Lanka, but if you’re travelling with big bags it can cause a bit of an issue. The buses normally only have a small luggage compartment so there may not be space for your bags, and the trains are often quite busy, which can make travelling with bags a bit of a squeeze.

For more information, make sure to check out our guide to public transport in Sri Lanka!

If you plan to travel by train then the best way to book is using the 12goAsia website. It’s generally quite hard to book tickets in advance as a tourist, but thankfully 12goAsia is a useful way to get around this!

Click here to book train tickets from Colombo to Mirissa on 12goAsia!

Once you arrive spend the rest of the day relaxing after a long journey. There are plenty of restaurants along the town’s beachfront so head to one of these for dinner and drinks before calling it a night.

Be sure to read our travel guide to Mirissa for more information about this lovely town.

Kick off day 2 of your 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary by heading to one of the most popular spots in Mirissa – Secret Beach. It’s not as secret as the name suggests, but it’s still a lovely spot to visit irrespective of that.

Due to its popularity its no longer much of a hidden gem, but it’s still a great alternative to Mirissa Beach and for this reason we recommend heading there in the morning as it’s the quietest time of day to visit. The beach is more sheltered, which means it’s less wavy and better for swimming.

It’s a pebbly beach in a more secluded area of Mirissa, around a half hour walk from the town’s main street.

We’d recommend just spending the morning at the beach before heading back into town to have lunch at Dewmini Roti Shop – one of the best value restaurants in Mirissa. Not just that but one of our favourite spots to eat in this 2 week South Sri Lanka itinerary. They serve delicious local food including both sweet and savoury Roti, Kottu and more!

From Dewmini Roti Shop use a map on your phone to find your way towards the nearby river to discover the Mirissa Wildlife Walk. We accidentally stumbled upon this walking trail during our trail and have never heard it mentioned anywhere else.

If you follow the path alongside the Mirissa river you’ll have the chance to see some lovely wildlife and nature. It’s only a short walk of around 30-60 minutes, but you can see playful monkeys, huge water monitor lizards, birds and more!

Seeing the monkeys is a real highlight as they swing between trees and fling themselves into the river below.

We loved stumbling across this and had to include it in our 14 day South Sri Lanka itinerary!

Mirissa is generally considered an essential stop on any South Sri Lanka itinerary, as the town is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales in the wild. We recommend doing your whale watching trip on day 3, as that way if you have bad luck and don’t see any whales you have time to take another trip before leaving Mirissa!

There is an abundance of incredible marine life in the area, so it’s possible to see blue whales, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, bottlenose dolphins, orcas (killer whales), turtles and more! Tours normally take around 3-5 hours, but can last 6-8 hours if it’s hard to find any whales!

The peak whale watching season in Mirissa runs from November until April/May. During this time there is around a 90-95% chance of seeing blue whales on a whale watching tour.

Having taken 2 whale watching tours in Mirissa, in our experience if you have one sighting then you’ll have many! On our first trip in 2017 we had around 10 blue whale sightings and during our second trip in 2020 we had around 20 sightings – so prepare for an amazing day!

Although there are plenty of operators offering whale watching tours, it’s important to be careful when choosing who to go with. A number of the operators run unethical tours that do not follow the correct safety precautions and overcrowd the whales.

Before booking a tour we recommend reading our guide to ethical whale watching in Mirissa.

We personally took both of our tours with Mirissa Whale Watching Club , and we cannot recommend them enough. The two other ethical operators we know of are Whale Warriors and Raja & the Whales.

Prices vary between operators, but as a rough idea tours with Mirissa Whale Watching Club cost in 2022 around $50 USD including government fees.

Although it’s generally an amazing experience from start to finish, it’s worth taking some sea sickness medication like dramamine as a precaution. If you don’t do this you may end up regretting it as the sea can get pretty choppy – and you don’t want to miss out on seeing whales because you’re being sick!

It was by far one of our favourite experiences in our 2 week south Sri Lanka itinerary and a real must do!

One of the top spots to visit in Mirissa is Coconut Tree Hill, which is a beautiful spot to visit at sunset. Also known as palm tree grove, it’s a beautifully picturesque spot thanks to the towering coconut palm trees covering the hill.

It’s probably the best place to watch sunset in Mirissa, so it’s well worth visiting at least once during your stay.

Although it only takes 15-20 minutes to walk there from the centre of town, you can always opt for a tuk-tuk if you’d prefer.

Day 4 of your 2 week Southern Sri Lanka itinerary will be spent relaxing on the beach, snorkelling with turtles and visiting the southernmost point in the country.

The first stop is the beautiful Polhena Beach – a lovely sandy beach located around 10 kilometres away from Mirissa.

As well as being one of the best beaches in South Sri Lanka, Polhena Beach is one of the best places in the country to go snorkelling with turtles. Sea turtles can be found just a short distance from the shore, giving you an amazing opportunity to swim with these beautiful animals.

We recommend getting your own snorkel and mask before your trip, but if you’d prefer you can rent them for around 400 rupees at the beach.

It’s important to remember that you need to stay a respectful distance from the turtles as they are wild animals and you don’t want to scare them. You also shouldn’t feed the turtles, which some locals and tourists unfortunately do.

You can easily spend the whole morning enjoying the lovely sandy beach and snorkelling with turtles. For more information, including more information on how to get there, check out our guide to snorkelling with turtles at Polhena Beach!

After you’ve finished up at the beach we recommend heading to Bob SL Restaurant for lunch. They serve delicious food with huge portions at reasonable prices!

Once you’ve had lunch it’s time to head to Dondra Head – the southernmost point in Sri Lanka and in your 2 week South Sri Lanka itinerary.

Dondra Head Lighthouse is in a beautifully picturesque location, towering above the surrounding palm trees along the coastline of the Indian Ocean. There isn’t too much to do other than enjoy the lovely scenery, as unfortunately you can’t go inside the lighthouse itself.

It’s up to you how you spend your final day in the area. There are plenty of great day trips from Mirissa to choose from but if you’d prefer a more relaxing day then just lounge by the pool or head to the beach!

If you had bad luck and didn’t see any blue whales on your whale watching tour then we’d definitely recommend giving it another go. Some operators even offer a discounted tour if you don’t see any on your trip – so if you don’t see any make sure to ask if there are any discounts available!

If you aren’t going to go whale watching then the best day trip options are Udawalawe National Park or Galle. Part of the reason we feel like the South of Sri Lanka deserves 2 weeks is because of the amazing opportunities to see animals in the wild.

Our personal recommendation would be to visit Udawalawe National Park as it’s possible to see elephants in huge herds of up to 100 at a time. If you have the time you can add Udawalawe to your Sri Lanka itinerary, but if not we just recommend visiting on a day trip from Mirissa.

Find out more about the national park with our comparison between Udawalawe and Yala National Parks!

We personally weren’t overly impressed with Galle when we visited, so we’d recommend prioritising other day trips as part of your 2 week itinerary in south Sri Lanka.

Where to stay in Mirissa

Beach Mirissa – Located on the beachfront, the property has its own private beach and pool. Prices start from 24,400 rupees per night.

Click here to book a stay at the fabulous Beach Mirissa Hotel!

Randiya Sea View Hotel – Centrally located and with a pool, rates start from as little as 7,500 rupees  per night.

Click here to see the great prices available at Randiya Sea View Hotel on Booking.com

Tissamaharama (Days 6 to 9)

The next stop on your south Sri Lanka itinerary is the town of Tissamaharama. Often referred to as simply Tissa, the town is perfectly located for visiting the famous Yala National Park.

Yala National Park is well-known as one of the best places in the world to see leopards. If you love wildlife and want the chance to see these amazing animals in the wild then a visit to Yala is a must during your 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary!

The easiest way to get from Mirissa to Tissa is to take a taxi, which takes around 2 hours and should cost around 7,000 rupees.

It’s best to take it easy once you arrive in Tissa as you have an early start the following day. Spend the rest of your day relaxing and/or going for a walk around the town.

If you want to go for a walk then the best spot to visit is Tissa Lake. It’s possible to see some wonderful birdlife around the lake, including kingfishers, white-bellied sea eagles and more!

Locals will offer boat trips on the lake for the small cost of around 1,500-2,000 rupees. If you fancy giving your legs a rest it’s a good way to see more without having to do too much walking!

If you have time it’s also worth visiting the Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara temple. This impressive Buddhist temple is said to date back as far as the 3rd Century BC.

A safari in Yala National Park is destined to be one of the highlights of your 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary. It’s an incredible experience, giving you the chance to see leopards, sloth bears, elephants, monkeys and more in the wild!

There are several options when it comes to booking your safari, but the best way is to arrange it in advance through one of the specialist operators in the area.

We had a bit of luck and managed to see a leopard, a sloth bear, crocodiles, elephants and much more! Having an experienced and dedicated guide can really make a difference on safari, so it’s worth paying a bit more to go with an operator with good reviews!

If you want a reliable and good quality operator for your trip to Yala then we recommend visiting the Yala Kings website to arrange a safari!

Alternatively click here to check out Get Your Guide who offer various safari tours around Yala National Park!

Most hotels will prepare a breakfast box for you to take on safari so that you have something to keep you going until lunchtime – so make sure to check with them if they can do this the night before!

Although half day safaris are available, we personally recommend opting for a full day. This gives you the best chance of seeing some of the harder-to-spot wildlife like leopards and sloth bears.

It’s hard to find the words to do justice to how amazing a safari in Yala National Park is.

Around 25 minutes away from Tissamaharama is the lesser-known Bundala National Park – a birdwatcher’s paradise! Although the amazing birdlife is the main attraction in Bundala, there’s plenty of other brilliant wildlife to see too!

Bundala is much quieter than Yala and you’ll likely only see a few other jeeps, if any, during your safari.

Many of the Yala safari operators are able to arrange safaris in Bundala National Park, but we decided to try going with someone else for our visit. After doing some research we decided to visit Bundala with Srimal Safari.

Srimal is an excellent guide with a vast knowledge of the park’s birdlife. His family home is located just outside the national park, and so he is extremely familiar with the area – which gives him an advantage when it comes to bird-spotting!

Bundala National Park is home to nearly 200 different bird species, including storks, hornbills, spoonbills, kingfishers and several eagles – notably the white-bellied sea eagle and crested serpent-eagle.

Several migratory birds make Bundala their temporary home, with around 50 migrant species visiting the park each year. Thousands of greater flamingoes used to flock to Bundala, but in recent years this number has dropped dramatically.

Bundala National Park is also home to elephants, monkeys, jackals, crocodiles, snakes, fishing cats and more. The elephant population in the park is relatively small, so if seeing elephants is a priority it’s worth trying to visit Udawalawe National Park during your trip to Sri Lanka.

We recommend taking a morning safari in Bundala as this is the best time to see the park’s birdlife. If you want to you can make a full day of it, which gives you a better chance of seeing elephants as they tend to be more active in the afternoon!

Our morning safari in Bundala cost 30,000 rupees for 5 people, which included pick up and drop off in Tissa. It’s another early start though, so you’ll need to be ready to leave at around 5.30am!

Find out more by checking out our Bundala National Park Safari Travel Guide!

If you didn’t see a leopard in Yala the day before you can always opt for another safari there instead, or alternatively do a half-day in Bundala and a half day in Yala.

Where to stay in Tissa

Koragaha Lodge – Located on the outskirts of Yala National Park, Koragaha Lodge is a brilliant accommodation option. Rooms at the lodge are comfortable and air-conditioned.

Click here to arrange a wonderful stay at the Koragaha Lodge on Booking.com!

Ella (Days 9 to 13)

The small town of Ella is the last major stop of your two week south Sri Lanka itinerary. Situated in one of the most beautiful areas of Sri Lanka, known as the hill country, it’s home to stunning scenery in the form of rolling hills, tea plantations and lush greenery.

Although buses do run from Tissa to Ella, we recommend taking a taxi so that you can stop at the beautiful Ravana Falls on the way. Standing around 25 metres tall, Ravana Falls is a lovely roadside waterfall around 5 kilometres outside of Ella.

The price for a taxi from Tissa to Ella with a stop at the falls should be around 7,000 rupees. Make sure to mention to your driver that you’d like to stop there when booking.

After a short stop at the falls continue on towards Ella and make your way to your accommodation.

When you’re ready head to Cafe Chill , which is a great spot for some drinks and/or dinner!

Spend day 10 of your 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary visiting two of the most popular spots in Ella – Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arch Bridge. You can easily visit both spots within the space of a few hours, so there’s no need for an early start unless you’d rather avoid the midday heat.

Before heading out for the day it’s best to check the train times to see when a train will be passing over the Nine Arch Bridge. Although you can visit at any time of day, it’s worth timing your visit to see the bridge in use if you can.

Ideally you’ll have time to climb Little Adam’s Peak before you head to the bridge. It’s a relatively short climb that only takes around 30 minutes, but if you’re starting from the centre of Ella then it will probably take closer to an hour.

The majority of the path is quite steady, but towards the end there is a tough stretch of stairs that will get your legs working!

Once you reach the top you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the lush, green Sri Lankan countryside. You could easily spend an hour or two here enjoying the views of the rolling hills and the towering Ella Rock – a spot you’ll be visiting the following day!

Nine Arch Bridge is conveniently located within walking distance of Little Adam’s Peak, meaning it’s easy to visit before or after your climb. We recommend using an offline map like maps.me to find your way there, but if you’d prefer you can take a tuk-tuk there for a few hundred rupees.

Dating back to 1921, the Nine Arch Bridge is a beautiful piece of architecture. The bridge is found amongst lush countryside, surrounded by tea plantations and forest, making it an extremely picturesque spot.

Although it’s still a beautiful spot to admire without seeing a train cross it, it’s worth timing your visit if you can. Just remember to keep in mind you might have to wait a bit longer than you expect before the train actually arrives though!

Thankfully there are a few cafe’s in the area, so we recommend arriving early, getting a seat with a view and grabbing a refreshing drink while you wait.

Hopefully you won’t be waiting too long for a train, at which point you can stay as long as you like before either heading to Little Adam’s Peak if you haven’t been yet, or making your way back to the centre of Ella for the evening.

Sri Lanka is one of the largest producers and exporters of tea in the world, famous for producing Ceylon Tea. As a result, Sri Lanka’s hill country is home to an abundance of tea plantations, many stretching as far as the eye can see and is a must visit as part of any 2 week South Sri Lanka itinerary!

On the outskirts of Ella lies the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory – the largest tea producer in the country’s Uva region, producing 150,000 kilograms of tea a month! The factory is situated atop a hill, 1,230 metres above sea level, and has some incredible views of the lush green tea fields and plantations surrounding it.

Located around 6 kilometres outside of Ella, the factory is around 15-20 minutes away by tuk-tuk. It’s well worth visiting to enjoy the stunning views, as well as to take a tour of the factory to learn about the tea-making process.

Tours last around an hour and are relatively inexpensive, costing just around $10 USD per person. Tours include a guide to the tea manufacturing process, a tour of the factory itself and tea tasting.

Tours run every half an hour between 8am and 5.30pm, and can be booked on the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory website. Alternatively, you can just turn up and you should hopefully be able to join a tour, but it’s best to book in advance if you can!

If you want to see the tea-making process in action then take an early morning tour and avoid Sundays, as the majority of work is done in the mornings from Monday to Saturday.

The remainder of the day will be spent climbing Ella Rock – a longer and more challenging hike when compared to Little Adam’s Peak the day before. If you’d prefer you can always leave it until the following day so that you can get an early start to avoid some of the midday heat!

Starting from Ella Railway Station, the hike to Ella Rock takes around 3-4 hours round trip. Once you reach the top you’re rewarded with amazing views of Sri Lanka’s hill country, with greenery and rolling hills as far as the eye can see.

There isn’t always a clear path to follow, so we recommend following this guide to the Ella Rock hike by Atlas and Boots. Combine these instructions with an offline map like maps.me and the route is easy enough to follow.

When you finally make it to the top of Ella Rock you can take a rest and enjoy the wonderful views. There is a 2nd viewpoint around 500 metres to the right of Ella Rock with a similarly spectacular view, but with the advantage that it’s less crowded!

It’s worth spending at least half an hour at the top just taking in the views before starting the long hike back to Ella itself. Once you get back to Ella take it easy for the rest of the day and treat yourself to a nice dinner and some drinks.

It’s up to you how you choose to spend your final day in Ella. The majority of this 2 week south Sri Lanka itinerary is spent on-the-go, so by now you might want to spend a day just relaxing and not doing anything in particular.

If that’s the case then just take it easy all day, and if you want any other suggestions of what to do then check out our Ella guide.

Alternatively, if you’re ok with another early start you can make the trip from Ella to Horton Plains. People generally choose to visit Horton Plains from Nuwara Eliya , but the trip is also possible from Ella.

Horton Plains National Park is well-known for the World’s End Viewpoint – one of the most stunning viewpoints in Sri Lanka. It’s important to visit early in the day as by about 9am clouds start to roll in and obscure the view.

To make sure you arrive to the viewpoint in time you need to arrange a taxi to pick you up at around 5am. A taxi from Ella to Horton Plains should cost 9,000 rupees round-trip.

You should arrive to the car park at around 6.45am, and from there you need to walk for around an hour before you reach World’s End. Once you get there the early start will be completely worth it as you take in the beautiful view.

Although World’s End is the highlight, there’s more to see in Horton Plains National Park. If you carry on following the path you will eventually reach the turning to Baker’s Falls – a lovely 2-tier waterfall.

Depending on how long you spend enjoying the scenery and how quickly you walk then your hike through Horton Plains will take around 4 to 5 hours. If you’re lucky then you may even spot a rhino-horned lizard – a unicorn-like lizard species only found in Sri Lanka.

Where to stay in Ella

The One Ella – Perfectly located near the start of the Little Adam’s peak hike. With fantastic views overlooking the surrounding hill country and Ella Rock.

Click here to check availability at The One Ella on Booking.com

The Secret Ella Bungalow – If you’re looking to treat yourself to a secluded getaway, this really is the place for you!

Click here to take a look at the wonderful Secret Ella Bungalow on Booking.com!

Colombo (Days 13 and 14)

Sri Lanka is famously home to one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and is included in most peoples 2 week Sri Lanka itineraries especially those visiting the south. The train ride between Ella and Kandy is well-known for providing scenic views of the hill country’s lush greenery over the course of several hours.

Although the famous train ride is between Ella and Kandy, you’ll actually want to stay on the train all the way to Colombo.

In total it should take around 9 and a half hours to get from Ella to Colombo, unless there are any delays. It’s important to book your tickets in advance or else you may end up without a seat, which means either sitting on the floor or standing for the whole journey.

Train tickets in Sri Lanka go on sale 30 days in advance, so you need to plan ahead to make sure you don’t miss out. For reserved seating you’ll need to book tickets in either first or second class.

As a tourist the easiest way to buy tickets is to use 12goAsia. They allow you to order tickets over 30 days in advance, but your tickets will only be confirmed 30 days before your travel date as they cannot actually buy the tickets for you until then.

Travelling in second class means you can spend some of the journey sitting in the doorway to have some brilliant unobstructed views, safe in the knowledge that you have a reserved seat to go back to whenever you want.

Click here to book your train tickets from Ella to Colombo through 12goAsia!

There are a few trains each day, but it’s best to book the one that departs from Ella in the morning so that it’s light outside for the whole scenic section of the journey.

It’s a good idea to plan ahead for your meals and pack what you can for the journey. Some restaurants in Ella will happily prepare some takeaway meals for you as long as you request it the day before, so just see what takes your fancy and ask around.

Once you’re on the train just sit back and relax as you’re treated to one of the most scenic train journeys in the world!

Depending on the time of your flight you probably won’t have too long in Colombo before it’s time to head to the airport.

If you have an afternoon or evening flight you may have a little bit of time, but in our experience there are no specific must see sights in the city.

It takes around 35-40 minutes to drive from the Colombo Fort area of the city to the international airport. The easiest way to get there is to take a taxi.

This 2 week south Sri Lanka itinerary can be adjusted to 7 days, 10 days or 21 days by selecting which places interest you most! We personally recommend at least two weeks to explore the south of Sri Lanka with this itinerary to make the most of this beautiful area.

Alternatively, VRBO have some fantastic accommodation options if you want to rent a property instead of staying at a hotel during your 2 week South Sri Lanka itinerary! Click here to see the amazing options on the VRBO website!

Please note that some links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This money is used to support this website and cover the costs of keeping it online and free to access!

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Home » Asia » Sri Lanka » Sri Lanka Itinerary Trip Planner | Travel Routes for 2024!

Sri Lanka Itinerary Trip Planner | Travel Routes for 2024!

So you’re planning an itinerary for Sri Lanka? That almost feels self-defeating. Both a part of South Asia and an island paradise, time has a certain way of taking its own flow here—locals lovingly refer to it as  ‘Sri Lanka Time’.

But perhaps you’re visiting Sri Lanka for a quick-blast holiday? Or maybe you just want to explore it fully before you kick off to the next grand destination? Either way, it’s good to know exactly where to go in Sri Lanka before you arrive.

Though not as big or as difficult to travel as its bigger brothers further up the subcontinent, you’re still looking at slow transit times and unpredictable occurrences of deeply-structured chaos. That’s why it’s important to be clued in on the ins-and-outs of executing a Sri Lanka itinerary seamlessly.

And that’s exactly why I present to thee a seamless itinerary for Sri Lanka… Two in fact!

Using these travel routes for Sri Lanka (as marked by the varying monsoon seasons), you’re going to see  a lot  of the country! All the best parts in fact, plus some sneaky bonus stops you’re probably not going to find out about anywhere else. I’ll be covering the coolest destinations in Sri Lanka, what to do there, and, of course, the best and brightest places to stay.

In one seamless guide.

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The Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka is an all-year-round destination… in that it’s always raining and always sunny simultaneously somewhere on the island. The pesky alternating monsoon seasons make planning a trip to Sri Lanka a wee bit more complicated. In that sense, Sri Lanka is also a year-round monsoon destination!

• Northeast “Maha” Monsoon (December to February): Over the Christmas holiday period, the north and east take a refreshing shower, Arugam Bay all but shuts down, and the south coast of Sri Lanka is in full tourist swing.
• Inter-Season “Dryboi” Monsoon #1 (March-April): You’ll catch some rains in the southwest quadrant of the island during this period while everywhere else stays mostly dry.
• Southwest “Yala” Monsoon (May-September): This is when Sri Lanka’s south and west coast highlights really start to get soaked. The Yala monsoon period is easily when to go to Sri Lanka’s east coast—spending a surf season “stuck” in Arugam Bay in particular.
• Inter-Season “Sadboi” Monsoon #2 (October-November): It kinda just rains everywhere during this period… a lot. Have fun with that!

Right, so that may look way too complicated, but it’s not so bad. Except for when it really pours, the rains in Sri Lanka are pretty typical Asian-style monsoons: they rarely hang around for more than a couple of hours max. You can still expect frequent catchups with Mr Blue Sky even during the rains.

Realistically, the best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on where you want to go . Keep in mind the rough timing of seasons (and my even rougher attempt to break them down), and you’ll find that crafting a primarily dry itinerary for touring Sri Lanka will be easy. Just avoid the ‘Sadboi’ season; that shit sucks.

Weather in Sri Lanka

Monsoons aside, the climate in Sri Lanka is a much more straightforward ordeal. Expect serious thigh chafing conditions—hot and humid. Sometimes it may be just hot, and sometimes it may just be humid, but it’s probably always going to be at least one of the two.

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The exception is in the hill country (central highlands). Up here, things cool off considerably and even get properly cold in the right places. I’d actually go so far as to say it’s my sweet spot; blissful sunny mornings cooled off by drizzles of afternoon mist leading into a full night’s rest snuggled betwixt the blankets.

Check out the table below for some average temperatures in Sri Lanka. I’ve chosen Colombo (Sri Lanka’s west coast capital) and Nuwara Eliya (the balmy capital of the mountainous tea country) to contrast the two distinct climates.

So, before we start the 14-day Sri Lanka itinerary extravaganza, I wanna talk about arrival and Day 0. For any and all backpacking routes in Sri Lanka, you’ll be landing at Sri Lanka’s international airport— Bandaranaike —which is near Colombo but not in Colombo. This is a blessing in disguise.

Colombo is beautiful on the inside… probably. It’s hard to tell because it’s so ugly on the outside. I spent a week here: the only redeemable thing I found was UberEats so I could just stay in my hostel in Colombo .

Instead, I present to you… Negombo!

Negombo is a fine alternative to staying in Colombo’s gridlocked mayhem. It even sounds similar!

Negombo is a whole lot more chill, the beaches are nicer, and it’s closer to the airport. Maybe I sound like a vacuum salesman pitching the newest model, but suck it up, princess! Any and all times you can skip Colombo, do it.

Colombo is yesterday’s soggy street roti disappointing my mouth.

Where to Stay in Negombo:  YoYo Beach Hostel

There are actually two YoYo sister hostels in Negombo—this one and the airport hostel. The YoYo Beach Hostel is aimed more at a party vibe; you can expect to crack open the arrack by night and sleep off the migraine on the beach by day.

The  YoYo Airport Hostel  (which is closer to the airport than the beach) is more setup for one-night stayovers when flying in and out of Sri Lanka. You’ll get quiet vibes and a soundproof room with the option to transfer to the Beach Hostel if you wanna partake in family dinner. Truth be told, they’re both pretty mint places to stay, and you can’t really go wrong with either!

Sri Lanka in Two Weeks: The Breakdown

1. Bandaranaike International Airport 2. Negombo 3. Sigiriya 4. Kandy 5. Ella 6. Yala National Park 7. Mirissa (South Coast Beaches) 8. Galle Fort

December to January is the peak; March and April is a comfortable shoulder season.

1. Looking at Sigiriya Rock 2. The train ride to Ella 3. The hill country

Stop 1: Sigiriya (Days 1-3)

Next up is Sigiriya. You’d be hard-pressed to find a single suggested itinerary for Sri Lanka that didn’t include the majestic wonder of Sigiriya: the ancient rock fortress.

Set in the central, dry, and hot lowlands region, Sigiriya sits inside the Cultural Triangle area (which I’ll cover more in the ‘3-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary’ ). Beneath the hulking behemoth of Lion’s Rock  (AKA Sigiriya), is a relatively sleepy and tourist-lite village (comparatively to Sri Lanka’s other famous places to visit). I actually really dig the town; tourists float in, but it’s not overdone. Plus there are some endearing strange ones kicking around town.

The rock fortress of Sigiriya is the main draw to this area (not to mention one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sri Lanka).  If you’re only in Sri Lanka for 14 days, it’s a must-see thing. Powerful yet humbling, the supposed tomb of the God-King Ravana himself, it’s also mega-touristic and a tough price to swallow for those travelling Sri Lanka on a budget.

There are, however, other options…

You can potentially find a direct bus, but the train runs from either of the  ‘-ombos’  to nearby  Habarana . It’s an easy bus ride or tuk-tuk to Sigiriya from there.

The choice is as follows:

• Pay  $25 , climb Lion’s Rock with a horde of tourists and locals (it’s a very sacred site), and experience the admittedly very impressive ancient fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Or… climb the nearby Pidurangala rock for about  $3  with a smaller swarm of tourists and locals, and watch the sunset (or sunrise) set the hues of Sigiriya ablaze.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, however, I do recommend the latter. And at sunset. Alternatively, just do both!

• Shenadi Restaurant –  Yummy local food at cheap prices—it’s just that simple.
• Rastarant Sigiriya –  The juices are bangin’ and the slackline’s a’ hangin’!

Where to Stay in Sigiriya:  Jungle Vista

The family who runs the hostel are also mega-lovely, can easily organise safaris and tours, and cook up a mean Sri Lankan feed every night. It’s a bit out of Sigiriya town (about 10 km) but absolutely worth the tuk-tuk fare (the family can organise you transport anyway).

Stop 2: Kandy (Days 3-5)

Ok, ok, Kandy… most tourists I meet travelling Sri Lanka are pretty unenthused by Kandy. I can’t necessarily blame them. It’s, admittedly, a bit like chewing bubble gum—fun for a brief period, but the magic quickly wears off.

Yet, still, I like Blandy. It’s a normal but pretty city where normal people do normal boring things. There’s a mall with an ice-cream parlour, a lake for moonlit romantic strolls, and heaps of cheap food around.

If you’re a backpacker, Kandy is similar to Colombo (albeit way more chill and lacking in a proper nightlife); there’s not much reason to go there except to start the unbelievable train journey to Ella. If you’re visiting Sri Lanka for the first time, or on a whirlwind 5 to 7-day itinerary, you can just book a hostel in Kandy , stay a night, rest up, and catch the train right on out the following morning.

Unless you’re lucky enough to score a direct bus, chances are it will be one bus to  Dambulla  (30 mins approx.) followed by another bus to Kandy (hopefully < 3 hours).

Honestly, I scoped a few attractions out, and it really is the kind of city where you’re better off just wandering and seeing what secrets you find. That said…

• Temple of the Tooth –  Easily the most famous thing to see in Kandy, this temple holds a very sacred artefact: the alleged tooth of Lord Buddha himself. Personally, I’d say it’s not really worth the price of entry since you don’t even get to see the tooth, but it’s a mention for the temple-nutters.
• To the Batcave –  This is something special. I’m not sure if it’s seasonal (I visited Kandy in September) but at twilight, the sky fills with a myriad of bats—truly innumerable. Find a high spot in the hills, roll up, and enjoy the show.
• Licenced to Grill –  Delicious puns aside, you get wraps and burgers at mean prices with chips that are really more like wedges (which makes them better).

Where to Stay in Kandy:  Hipsters Hideout Lounge

You know when something is not particularly special, but it just kinda appeals to you. That’s how I feel about Hipster’s Hideout Lounge.

It’s cheap and the walls have got some cool art going on, but it was also pretty quiet every time I visited Kandy. The dorms are basic too—no lockers. That said, I like the vibes, and it’s always my go-to place every time I stay in Kandy.

Inter-Stops: The Kandy to Ella Train

This is why you have to at least pass through Kandy: the train to Ella. The Kandy to Ella train is a must-do thing on any and all Sri Lanka itineraries. It’s not a journey to be missed.

Chances are you’ve already heard of the train ride from Kandy to Ella. If not, you’ve at least seen pictures, even if you don’t know it. Winding train tracks elegantly slice paths through the jungles, tea plantations, and misty slopes of the hill country. It’s one of those types of train journeys where you get to do this:

You don’t have to actually board the train at Kandy. There are stops before and after, and you can even board the train at Colombo. That is a bloody long ride though.

Kandy is about the right distance to Ella (roughly an 8-hour train ride plus the margin-of-error for the Asia effect), and there are a few extra spots you can stop along the way in Sri Lanka’s hill country if you can smush it all into your travel itinerary route. Since we’re already smushing a lot in, I’ll cover the extra places to go in the 3-week itinerary: check the hill country section .

Stop 3: Ella (Days 5-8)

Man, cutting only 4-days from your Sri Lanka itinerary for Ella hardly even seems like enough! Ella is easily my favourite place to go in Sri Lanka: I collectively spent around 2 months there staying it what used to be one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka (R.I.P. and bless).

I wouldn’t suggest staying in Ella town itself. There’s some good food in town, and some souvenir/Goa-lite shopping, but, otherwise, it’s an over-capacity tourist bubble. The real draw of Ella is everything around the bubble.

Smack-bang right in the middle of the emerald sea of the hill country, Ella is surrounded by gorgeous tea plantations, stunning valley panoramas, and plenty of aimless wandering opportunities. If you’re not staying outside town in the fairytale fields of cloud forests and shifting mists, you’re missing out.

From Kandy, I’m only going to tell you to catch the train every time.

• Little Adam’s Peak –  An easy walk with a grand payoff. For people that like eating the cake but don’t wanna bake it.
• Ella Rock –  A more challenging and dynamic hike with, arguably, less viewing payoff. There are heaps of backtracks here making it a fave for anyone that likes exploring. For those that like baking the cake but don’t want to eat it because the calories will ruin their trim walking figure.
• Nine Arches Bridge –  It’s a pretty bridge that the trains runs across with people selling drinking coconuts nearby. I don’t really get it, but it’s mega-touristy and a super popular attraction in Sri Lanka, so I thought I’d be remiss not to mention it.

In Ella itself:

• Matey Hut –  There are some blessed dank eateries in town (shoutout to the nameless roti shop on the south edge of town), however,  Matey Hut serves up high-quality Sri Lankan cuisine in a tourist restaurant setting.
• Cafe Chill –  It’s not really my jam—a proper tourist joint through and through. The prices are high, the food top-notch, and the music is usually on-point too! Along with  Cafe One Love , it’s one of the two main watering holes in town.
• MozarElla –  No matter where you go in the world, you will always find three things: pigeons, pizza, and Australians.

Where to Stay in Ella:  Ella Escapade Hostel by Nomadic

As I said, it’s better to stay  outside  of Ella, and this is a sweet spot. Getting into town itself will take some forethought, however, in the surrounding area of the property, there is heaps to explore.

You’ve also got free breakfast here saving you the trek into town (although walking the train tracks into town is always a blast). Ella Rock is also super close and easy to access. Once you get to Ella town itself and feel how touristy and packed it is, you’ll be glad you booked this peaceful place outta town in the mountains.

Stop 4: Yala National Park (Days 8-10)

We’re heading south towards the beach, but first, stop 4 and a disclaimer! Listen, there are three things nearly all backpackers travelling Sri Lanka will do:

• Go on a safari
• Get an elephant tattoo (probably shortly after the safari)

On point two, Yala is arguably the best place to visit in Sri Lanka in your 14 days of adventuring for a safari; it’s Sri Lanka’s biggest national park . Personally, though, I wouldn’t recommend it.

The animal tourism in Sri Lanka has a less than sterling reputation . Even on my own personal backpacking trip to Sri Lanka, I saw multiple instances of animal abuse both inside and outside the tourism industry.

Many safaris in Sri Lanka are not at all in line with responsible and ethical wildlife tourism , and nearly all are contributing to the greater issue. In Yala alone, safaris are overbooked, traffic is frequent, drivers are reckless and endanger the wildlife, and wild animals are (and have been) killed as a result.

Chances are, if you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you’re already considering booking a safari. Ultimately, you do you. Just consider this the counter-perspective.

Unles you want to organise a driver or shared tourist taxi (which is easy from Ella), you’ll need to catch the bus. There are a few options for where you can go close to the national park, but Ella to Kataragama is a standard route and base for exploration.

A safari or not—s’up to you. Fair warning though, you’re not really permitted to explore the national park at your own duress like other places in the world. I’d really just suggest outright skipping Yala and the moral bankruptcy to go just soak up the beach for longer.

Where to Stay in Yala:  Leopard Trails

When I say luxury, I do really mean luxury: it’s an expensive, high-end tent accommodation with all the trimmings of a modern-day resort. And, of course, they’ll set you up for all your safari shenanigans.

An Ethically-Sound Alternative to a Sri Lankan Safari: Millennium Elephant Foundation

That’s right – you can get up-close-and-personal with some of the most majestic beasts in Sri Lanka and not even feel a drop of moral anxiety about it!  Millennium Elephant Foundation  is  ethical elephant tourism.

These guys don’t even let you ride the elephants. They used to let you ride them bareback, but now they’ve exchanged that program for their much more whimsical and respectable  Elephant Walk Experience . It’s kinda like a first date: you get to hang out, go for a romantic stroll with your partner elephant, and even help them bathe at the end if you’re lucky. ?

Was the first date divine? Then it’s time to commit because the  Elephant Foundation accepts volunteers too!  Not only will you get to hang out, care for, and bathe with the lovelies, but you’ll help out around the property too with farming, veterinary work, and teaching!

Honestly, there’s zero reason not to drop the cash you were going to spend on booking a safari on this instead. It’s  1000 times more  of an authentic experience,  1000 times less  morally reprehensible, and  100,000 times better  than sitting in a jeep staring slackjawed at wild animals that really just wish you’d piss off…

Stop 5: South Beaches (Days 10-13)

And it’s time for the beach! We’ve spent nearly 14 days in Sri Lanka already, and we still haven’t hit the beach—shameful.

Instead of sending you along Sri Lanka’s south coast, however, I’m going to lay out the beach destinations here for you (southeast to southwest direction) and who they’re good for:

You’ll find a bus from Kataragama no sweat. Once you’re on the south coast, the train runs from Colombo as far east as  Matara  (between Mirissa and Tangalle), and the buses run straight along the coast from town to town. Getting around Sri Lanka’s south coast is super easy!

Pretty much anything associated with beaches and tourists:

• Diving/Snorkelling
• Drugs, backpackers, and parties

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka’s South (Mirissa):  Colours Hostels

A good atmosphere and a pumping little piece of backpacker accommodation in Sri Lanka’s south. To be fair, there are heaps of cool areas stay (just see above), but Mirissa is pretty central, close to lots of good beaches, and has a neato tourist-friendly scene going on.

Good people generally float in, the family feeling is high, and breakfast is a killer. Expect good vibes.

Galle and the Fort (Days 13-14)

Galle Fort—so pretty yet so strange. It is the perfect spot, however, to round off your southern Sri Lanka tour. Inside the fort proper—Galle’s main tourist hub—there’s an almost timeless bubble quality (even if the tuk-tuk bois are too thirsty); it’s easy to decompress here before heading back towards the madness of Colombo (or, ideally, straight to the airport).

Galle is an oddball. Outside the fort in Galle city things make sense in that they make no sense: the typical South Asia craziness ensues. It’s a Sri Lankan city through and through.

Once you step inside the fort though, the game changes—rice and curry goes out the bathroom window and barista coffee and cake come right on in. It’s like a little slice of Europe in Sri Lanka (right down to the narrow alleyways lined with Volkswagens and Portuguese/Dutch-era colonial architecture).

Personally, I’m not a big fan of staying in Galle Fort. The lack of street food and vendors peddling single cigarettes feels too inauthentic. But if you’re wondering where to stay in Sri Lanka for 2-3 days after a whirlwind highlight itinerary route, it’s a very beautiful place to tie it all up with some fine-dining and a romantic moonlit stroll.

Both the main bus station and the train station are situated right out front of the fort—easy peasy!

Depending on your style of travel, you’ll either find heaps to do or not much:

• Shopping –  And heaps of it! Tea, spices, souvenirs, art, gems (watch for scams) are all on ample display.
• Dining –  Much like shopping, there are heaps of restaurants functioning more on a Western schema.
• Early morning/late night strolls –  Galle is easily prettiest when the tuk-tuk mafioso and touts are sleeping off a hard day’s harassing. And, honestly, it’s kinda charmingly quaint.
• Galle Lighthouse –  I just think it’s super pretty.
• Abacate –  I simply CANNOT recommend this place enough. Genuinely authentic food inside the fort coming in at a fair price (which is also unheard of in the fort). I know the cook and his family personally, and there isn’t a single person in Sri Lanka I would rather send me into a blissful kottu-induced food coma on the whole damn island.
• Street eats –  For street food and hole-in-the-walls, you’ll have to leave the fort. Once you cross the big intersection back to the city main, you’ll find the good stuff again.

Where to Stay in Galle Fort:  Fort Sky House

Well, Galle Fort is  super  upper-class and when in Rome… rent a swanky apartment with an open-air kitchenette/lounge bar terrace! The whole apartment is most definitely continuing that whole Sri Lanka meets European village neighbourhood feel.

It’s in a sweet location in the fort—conveniently located but still in a private spot—with a very gracious host. Honestly, you’re about to leave Sri Lanka, so why not pimp out and just treat yo’self for the remaining nights!

Getting Home:  After Galle, getting to the airport is pretty simple. One option is to ride the train to Colombo and make your way from there, however, you’ll also find buses that go direct from Galle’s main bus station to the airport. Just ask around, and you’ll be fine.

Okely-dokely, you’ve got an extra week, and the rains are pissing down in the south. There are a few crossovers between this suggested Sri Lanka itinerary and the last, however, I’ll elaborate further on a few areas. Besides, Sigiriya, Ella, and the train are absolutely necessary things to do in Sri Lanka even in just seven days.

I’ve given you a few extra bonus stops too, but mostly I’ve bumped this up to a 3-week itinerary for Sri Lanka to give you extra time to spend in Arugam Bay. Arugam Bay is one of those places that people get stuck.

Sri Lanka in 3 Weeks: The Breakdown

1. Bandaranaike International Airport 2. Negombo 3. Sigiriya 4. Polonnaruwa 5. Anuradhapura 6. Wilpattu National Park 7. Jaffna 8. Trincomalee 9. Arugam Bay 10. Ella 11. Nuwara Eliya 12. Adam’s Peak  (Sri Pada) 13. Kandy 14. Meemure Village

March through to September with the summer months being the busiest.

1. Mad munchies in Arugam Bay 2. Still the hill country 3. An adventure to Meemure

Stop 1: Sigiriya and the Cultural Highlights (Days 1-4)

Well, we already talked about Sigiriya, so instead, I’m mentioning a few other notable places to travel to in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. I still recommend staying in Sigiriya and soaking that yumminess up though (potentially with some side-adventures to explore the local landscapes).

But, since you’re spending a few more days touring Sri Lanka, there are a few extra bonus day trips from Sigiriya you could consider:

• Polonnaruwa – The ancient city of kings. It’s a $25 entrance fee, but, honestly, if you were considering dropping that on Sigiriya Fortress, just visit Polonnaruwa instead. Think of Polonnaruwa as a historical theme park. Once, 800 years ago, it was a thriving city, a hub of culture and commerce, and the seat of power for one of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms . Now it’s a playground for lovers of archaeology, history, and ruins. It’s a large space—you’ll need to hire a tuk-tuk driver or a bike to explore it—but if you’re a sucker for old-world goodness, it’s worth the trip.
• Dambulla cave temple – It could be worth the trip if you’re really into temples. Dambulla town itself is a waste, but the cave interior temple (another extremely sacred site in Sri Lanka) is very impressive. It’s also extremely commercialised and carries that whole “God is dead” feeling… so… up to you!
• Jathika Namal Uyana (Rose Quartz Mountain) – Dude, I missed checking this out, and I hate myself so much for that. It’s exactly what it purports to be: five bucks and you’ll be standing on a mountain of pink rose quartz. Don’t be like me— go .

Where to Stay in Sigirya (again):  Nethmini Leege Cottage

It’s another place to stay in Sigiriya and a damn cool bit of accommodation in Sri Lanka—a treehouse! Nestled in the jungle, you’ll be surrounded by the gorgeous nature of Sri Lanka’s lowlands.

It’s very close to Sigiriya town and walking to Lion’s Rock is even an option. It’s still a homestay, however (treehouse or not), so expect some damn good home cooking! A mum-cooked meal when you’re so far away from home is always a blessing.

Stop 2: Anuradhapura (Days 4-6)

If you’re feeling the temple/history burnout, you can leave Anuradhapura off your itinerary in Sri Lanka. There’s not much else to see there except more of Sri Lanka’s historical attractions.

Well, that’s a lie—there is one thing that’s pretty dope: Sri Maha Bohdi . Thought to be the oldest-living human-planted tree in the world, the tree started as a cutting from the original tree that Lord Buddha gained enlightenment beneath. Planted as a sapling by one of the kings of old, now it’s an incredibly revered place to visit in Sri Lanka.

Past that, you’re looking at a similar concept to exploring Polonnaruwa, albeit slightly different in the execution. Another archaeological park with a $25 entrance fee and another archaic kingdom, however, this time it’s the cradle of Buddhism in ancient (Sinhala) Sri Lankan civilisation.

Enormous towering dagobas (brick stupas) and sprawling monastic complexes fill the area. Much like Polonnaruwa, it’ll be a matter of renting a bike or tuk-tuk driver to explore Anuradhapura to its fullest.

From Sigiriya, your options are:

• To travel to Dambulla and catch the direct bus from there.
• Or you should, theoretically, be able to catch a train from  Habarana  (or any other station) to Anuradhapura (since the train runs through it). I can’t properly confirm this through my sources, however.
• Abhayagiri Vihara –  One of the major monasteries in Anuradhapura and the biggest in Sri Lanka for a long while. Topped by a towering dagoba, there is some complex architecture on display here including the pools and intricately carved Moonstone.
• Isurumuniya Vihara –  Another monastic complex except this time, it’s carved out of rock!
• More of the same –  Yah, seriously, throw a rock in Anuradhapura and you’ll hit a ridiculously impressive dagoba or stupa (and probably a one-way ticket to Sri Lankan jail). A couple of other key players in Anuradhapura’s stupa scene include  Jetavanaramaya  and  Ruwanwelisaya .

Check out  Mango Mango  for some cheap local cuisine in a restaurant setting. Failing that, the shopping centre has some other snackeries.

Where to Stay in Anuradhapura:  Heaven Upon Rice Fields

Well, to start, there’s aircon, and in the mugginess of Sri Lanka’s central region, that really is a little slice of heaven (upon rice fields). Honestly, it’s just a nice place to stay in Anuradhapura.

A cute little Sri Lankan bed and breakfast with a darling outlook of—yup, you guessed it—rice fields! Yummy brekky, yummy dinner, bike rental (which is perfect for exploring Anuradhapura), and a damn nice room.

Booking a Tour in Sri Lanka

Usually, I’m not much of a tour guy, however, for some of these major historical sites in Sri Lanka— Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura in particular —you can see why booking a tour is smart. With such a complex and deep history locked behind such an esoteric culture and language, booking a tour is really the only way to fully comprehend these ancient wonders of Sri Lanka.

Organising a tour once your there is always easy; there’s always a bare minimum of 36 touts lurking in the bushes at any given time. However, if you want to pre-book, or want to ensure that you get a legitimately insightful and professional guide, I’d advise booking a less off-the-cuff tour through the links below.

Safari Stop-or-Not: Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is northwest Sri Lanka’s answer to Yala. The largest national park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is also potentially an even better choice than Yala for seeing leopards (they’re still mighty rare, however).

Pretty much everything I said about Yala National Park still holds true here. It’s not so much a matter of the park-to-park context as it is the wildlife tourism in Sri Lanka as a whole.

That said, with two different Sri Lanka itineraries, two different monsoon seasons, and two different routes, this your alternative place to go if your heart is really just that set on a safari.

Where to Stay in Wilpattu National Park:  Base Camp Wilpattu

More ethically questionable luxury glamping— woo!  This one is allegedly reported, however, to abide by a strict set of environmental policies and be run by some upstanding peeps. Whether that’s true or not I can’t say, but I can say that you’ll be comfortable!

Fancy beds, fancy meals, fancy trimmings, and they’ll probably even deck you out with you own emblazoned fancy pants. Jokes aside, the reports are in that this is a dope place to stay and start your safari from. Apparently the staff really do care.

One Last Note on the Ethics of Wildlife Tourism in Sri Lanka

You can find reasonable or even positive forms of animal tourism in Sri Lanka (and low-impact safaris too). This is more a callout to be  shrewd . Extremely shrewd.

You’re travelling in a region of the world with a historically poor (and earned) reputation for the mistreatment of animals. A lot of backpackers and tourists kinda just roll in and assume that because a man in khakis told them it’s ok, that’s it’s ok. That’s usually not the case.

So be critical; taking the hypothesis that it’s a case of unethical tourism until given proof to the contrary is a good method. It’s better to be safe than sorry on this topic.

Oh, and for the love of God, please,  do not ride the elephant s .

Bonus Stop: Jaffna (Days 6-8)

Now, this is certainly an uncommon place to visit off the standard Sri Lanka backpacking itinerary. I’m saying it’s a bonus stop because:

• It is going to add some distance to your travel route.
• It’s a bit more challenging to travel.
• You honestly may just be busting to hit the beach after spending a week in the hot, humid, booze-less cultural epicentre of the island.

It’s impossible to really understand Jaffna without knowledge of the history of Sri Lanka. The tl;dr is that there are actually two subgroups of Sri Lankan people—the Sinhala and the Tamils. In modern times, there was an ungodly civil war that ripped these two peoples lives apart for more than two decades, and in the primarily Tamil northern area of Sri Lanka, you’ll still see traces of the horrors that occurred.

It’s not all doom and gloom though… Jaffna is also super pretty! It’s a change in architecture to a more South Indian style and, if your spice palette has refined enough to notice the subtle differences, it’s a change in cuisine too.

You don’t need to spend too many days in Jaffna. Mostly, you’ll be concerned with checking out some (more) temples and finding a soulful spot in the ocean to cool off during the midday heat. The remaining eleven days on this Sri Lanka itinerary is going to leave the historical stuff alone mostly in exchange for the blissful beach days. But if you’re interested in rounding off your experience by meeting the other half of Sri Lanka’s people before getting lost the bikini-booty-bods, travel to Jaffna.

There’ll be a bus—there’s always a bus in Sri Lanka—but the train also runs all the way north to the Jaffna peninsula.

• Island tour –  From the tip of the Jaffna peninsula, there are a couple of choice islands to visit: there’s  Nainativu Island  with its gorgeous Tamil-Hindu temple while  Delft Island  has both colonial and natural delights.
• Off-beat travel –  There are plenty of official homages to the civil war in Jaffna, however, look hard enough and you’ll start to see darker examples of what transpired. Crumbling ruins, forts, and even old bullet holes are there for those willing to look.
• Malayan Cafe –  Cheap and proper local grub where they won’t even bother giving the whiteys cutlery. An absolute gem.
• Jaffna mangos –  Not to be confused with the restaurant in Jaffna  called  ‘Mangos’ (who serve killer dosa). The mangos in Sri Lanka’s north are rumoured to be the best on the island, and you’ll find plenty of street food ops to eat them with a seasoning of chilli, sugar, and salt.

Where to Stay in Jaffna:  Sky Park View Guesthouse

First up, I like the location; it’s right across from a park! There aren’t any dorms here, but the private rooms are cheap (the same prices as a dorm in a lot of other hostels around Sri Lanka).

You’ve got scooter rental, super friendly and helpful staff, and plenty of local food around. It’s not ultra-flash, but it is home and a good bit of budget accommodation in Jaffna.

Stop 3: Trincomalee (Days 9-12)

The warm-up to the inevitable time-sink of Arugam Bay. There’s no good swell in Trincomalee if you’re chasing the ultimate surfing holiday in Sri Lanka , however, everything else is on point!

You’ll find long sandy beaches lined with deckchairs and drinking holes. A Lion Strong, a round of beach volleyball, and an escape from the insane midday heat in the sparkling water is a guarantee. It’s also considerably quieter than Arugam Bay—like everybody left their mutual chaos behind along with their binge alcoholism.

That’s what Trinco feels like: Arugam Bay all grown up. Arugam Bay in its 30s when it started showering regularly and stopped sleeping with everything with a pulse. It’s cleaner, a bit more refined, a bit more expensive, and also a bit more boring. It’s either the warm-up to Arugam Bay or the place to come down afterwards.

From either Anuradhapura or Jaffna you can catch the train, but it will require a backtrack to the  Maho Junction . There are also direct buses from both cities which would be your better option.

The train actually alights closer to the centre of town where you almost definitely won’t want to stay considering all those beautiful Sri Lankan beaches hanging around.

• Uppuveli  is the main tourist hub ( Sarvodaya Road  specifically). It’s one long street filled with restaurants, shops, and various bits of accommodation with  plenty  of beach access.
• Nilaveli  to the north of Trinco is a much quieter area. There are still plenty of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beach hotels and resorts, but the actual area (and beach) is way more local.

As I said though, Trincomalee is noticeably more expensive than a lot of other places in Sri Lanka that I visited. If you’re budget travelling in Sri Lanka, the best way to keep the costs down is to step outside the tourist bubble. One foot off of Sarvodaya Road back into the real Trinco and everything gets  a lot  cheaper.

Where to Stay in Trincomalee:  Wanderers Hostel

And it’s back to the hostel life! Dorms with aircon (boom, Buddha),  plenty of travellers to chill with, private rooms for sex after the beach! (Na, Trinco is  wayyy  too hot for banging.)

It’s a chill hostel although I do wish they would actually fill that plunge pool up. There’s free tea and coffee but no food served, and the WiFi is inexplicably good. Like, really damn good—I don’t get it either.

Stop 4: Arugam Bay (Days 12-?)

We maaaade it. Here’s a season in Arugam Bay in a nutshell:

• Sweet wonderful vacuous meaningless backpacker sex

Personally, it’s not my vibe (except the doobies-munchies). But any way you swing it,  this is undeniably a backpacker haven—anywhere the Israelis congregate en masse usually is. If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, and particularly a first-time visit, plan to lose track of your holiday itinerary for an indeterminate amount of time. Arugam Bay is the surf mecca of Sri Lanka as well as the backpacking mecca. Arugam Bay is one of those places.

It’s a sticky place.

You may want to consider a taxi if you’re not a fan of long stints on the bumpy bus. Otherwise, from Trincomalee, it’s a bus to Batticaloa and a change for Arugam Bay.

Wednesdays are also a party night, but it’s a dumb party and no one goes:

• Blue Wave Hotel Pool Party (Thursdays) –  An Israeli pool party (legitimately) featuring Tel Avivian Ibiza vibes and next-level trash music. It’s easily the best place to get laid in Arugam Bay.
• Whiskey Point (Fridays) –  The traveller-fave of Arugam’s throwdowns. A beach bar a bit out of town featuring house and techno.
• Mambo’s (Saturdays) –  It’s another beach bar featuring techno and house except that this one is in town and there’s a slackline—yay!

My happy place:

• Mama’s Restaurant –  Welcome to Sri Lanka at it’s finest! All-you-can-eat rice and curry buffet, 6 types of curry, full-power papas, and no end or regrets in sight until you puke.
• Blue Vans/Trucks –  On the south side of town, there’s a row of them all serving up street eats, and they all kick ass!
• Bites –  Go here, get yourself a brookie It’s a brownie-cookie—eugenics done right.

Where to Stay in Arugam Bay:  The Long Hostel

The amenities are tight, and the dorms get the job done, but you’re more staying here for the vibe. It’s backpackery, young, 100% party-surf focused, and, honestly, kinda cliquey. Like I said, love it or hate it, it’s Arugam Bay to a tee.

Oh, and the iced coffees will blow your mind wide open.

A Final Note on Backpacking Arugam Bay

Jokes aside, Arugam Bay really is backpacker central and a place people “get stuck”. It’s like a little slice of Thailand backpacking with a South Asian twist. Whether you love that or not is ultimately up to you.

If you’re not so much on a backpacking Sri Lanka tour as vacationing there, it may not be your vibe. Despite the copious amounts of joints being rolled, it definitely doesn’t feel chill. With such a high concentration of travellers, there’s the level of madness that you’d expect from other similar bubbles in the world like Pai, Pokhara, or Goa (though nothing competes with Goa).

Even if you’re a backpacker through-and-through but, perhaps (for example), one who’s grown into quiet living and out of many elements of the Southeast Asia backpacking scene, it still may not be your vibe. Unless you’re like me and will go anywhere there’s cheap food and doobs. Then it’s kickass for a week.

…Or if you’re a surfer. Then you’ll definitely be fine.

Stops 5-6: Ella, Kandy, and the Hill Country (Days 16-21)

Yup, the same as the 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary except in reverse! I really cannot stress enough how much this part of the country and the train journey are a must-see in Sri Lanka in any itinerary.

Ella really is the ultimate detox to skip the bends leaving Arugam Bay. There is a tranquil majesty to Sri Lanka’s hill country ( outside of Ella town) that will make even the most crushing wipeout a gentle ride to shore. If you can take a few extra days to hike, explore the valleys, or even just smoke and watch the sky, definitely do it.

When you do catch the train to Kandy, there are a few extra stops you can consider to break up the trip, provided you have the time:

• Nuwara Eliya – One of several points of interest in Sri Lanka that still  heavily carries the colonial remnants. The racecourse, the architecture, the tea, and definitely the post office all feel like cracking open a city-sized time capsule the British colonialists left behind. You’re up high in the hills here though, so expect it to get cold and rainy.
• Haputale –  Speaking of tea, at Haputale you’ll find Lipton’s Seat (yes, of  that Lipton) which is really more like an imperialist’s throne overseeing the incredible sweeps of plantations, hills and even right down to the south coast on a clear day!
• Hatton –  I’m not so much suggesting that you stick Hatton on your Sri Lanka itinerary as what’s near it: the mighty and majestic Adam’s Peak (AKA Sri Pada AKA  Samanalakanda AKA  Bob’s Your Uncle AKA a million other things). One of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka, Adam’s Peak is an absolutely exquisite climb to venture above the sea of clouds. The climbing season for both pilgrims and tourists runs from December to May, however, it’s a much nicer climb in the shoulder season before it gets crazy.

When you do arrive in Kandy, and since you’ll be departing shortly, forget the dorms! Take a nice accommodation in Kandy out of the city or up in the hills, and soak up the last few days spent with Sri Lanka.

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

Idyll Homestay

The view is incredible, the bed is incredible, the visits from the local critter-cuties are incredible… the breakfast is  super  incredible! What ties it all together though is the host: he really goes above and beyond for his guests. Short of languishing within a hippy mountain palace, it’s undoubtedly one of the nicest places to stay in Ella.

Laughing Leopard Hostel

Truthfully though, the staff who run this place are warm and friendly to a fault; they really do create a space for people to relax in whatever capacity. If they also happen to enjoy some late night drinks and techno bangers, can you really blame them for that?

The Cliff Lodge

High up in the hills above Haputale is The Cliff Lodge: a place to retreat to, ditch the WiFi for a few days, and reset. Calling it a  “lodge”  is generous—you’re given a tent set up in an old tea picker’s hut, but that’s part of the charm. For nighttime fires, unreal starscapes, and a complete digital detox, this is where to stay in Sri Lanka.

Private Rooftop Villa with a Plunge Pool

Stop! You had me at skinny dipping!

I didn’t say skinny dipping…

Well… now you did!

It’s a private top floor villa outside of Kandy surrounded by lush greens and splatterings of colonial architectural charm. Breakfast is complimentary, the hosts are mega-chill, and, again, there’s a private plunge pool. Finish Sri Lanka with a bang…?

The Ultimate Boss: Meemure and the Knuckles Mountain Range

Mmm, yum. Mountains—my happy place (other than joints and buffets). This is about as off the beaten path in Sri Lanka as you can probably get. The unquenchable, untameable, and unabashed Knuckles Mountain Range hiding Sri Lanka’s most remote village—Meemure.

You’ll need to dedicate at least 3 days in Sri Lanka from your itinerary for the trip: one day there, one day to explore, and one day to return. If you can spare more time, then that’s even better.

Travelling to Meemure is one of those things where it’s about the journey. It may not be as hardcore as some other South Asian adventures (*cough* backpacking Pakistan *cough*) , but it’s still the most hardcore thing and hidden place I could unearth on my trip to Sri Lanka.

I really can’t break that down concisely here; you’ll have to read my  Meemure Village Cheeky Adventure Guide  for the deetz!

Again, check the guide. Even reaching and experiencing Meemure (and laying eyes on that absolutely magnificent Lakegala) is a feat and reward together. Outside of that, the Knuckles Mountain Range is so, so yummy and missing out on hiking them would be a damn shame. If you happen to see a leopard too, congrats! You’re a real traveller: stuff the safari up the industry’s left nostril.

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Holy mother of box-ticking, Batman! Those are some blessed Sri Lanka travel itineraries.

Now, you’re probably going to have a cracker of a time no matter where you go; there are heaps of beautiful places in Sri Lanka . There are also heaps of beautiful feeds to feast upon in Sri Lanka! (I’ve failed to mention it thus far, but get yourself a kottu—Sri Lanka’s answer to greasy hangover food.)

However, before commencing on that ultimate holiday vacation to Sri Lanka, get yourself keyed on the insider knowledge. I didn’t live there for three months just so I could not share this stuff!

How many days should I spend in Sri Lanka?

Truthfully, I’d say anything less than a month just really isn’t doing it justice. There are just soooo many places to see in Sri Lanka . You could, however, potentially smush it all into a 3-week trip to Sri Lanka. My initial route backpacking around Sri Lanka was similar to the above-listed 3-week itinerary and weighed in somewhere between 3 and 4 weeks in execution.

If you’re not really the smoke, surf, and turf kinda human, the beaches may not slow you down as much as they would a typical backpacker. For everyone else though, Sri Lanka’s beautiful beach destinations—Arugam Bay in particular—will more than likely initiate “Actually, I’ll leave tomorrow,” syndrome.

When you’re planning your trip to Sri Lanka, ease up on the allotted time in your itinerary for the historical and cultural sites, and free up more for the ‘fun’  stuff. The historical sites in Sri Lanka are dope, no doubt, but every traveller I met at the beach or in Ella expressed regret over not having gotten there sooner.

Besides, for the same cost as entry to Sigiriya Fortress or Polonnaruwa, you could rent a surfboard for 7-8 days. You do the math.

…Wait, nevermind, I just did it for you.

What kind of travel budget do I need for touring Sri Lanka on an itinerary?

Obviously, that’s a highly variable question dependent on the length of your itinerary and travel style. I was able to live pretty comfortably on a daily budget of $20 a day in Sri Lanka, however, this is The Broke Backpacker and so that should give you an idea of how cheaply I travel .

If you travel like a backpacker, but it’s more of a holiday itinerary for Sri Lanka (as opposed to that sweet, sweet slow travel life), upwards of $40 a day should be plenty. That’s an extra $20 of wiggle room a day on top of the necessities (sleeping, eating, smoking) for activities, partying, and whatever else.

BUT, if you’re more the quick vacation type, say a budget for 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, $60 a day is a cool max. You can set yourself up in a few top hotels around Sri Lanka and leave the dorms behind.

Finally, if you want to scoot around the island quickly, maybe a whirlwind 5 or 7-day itinerary through Sri Lanka’s highlights, you’ll be relying on taxi services or even a private driver. Honestly, that could run you up to $100 a day or even more depending on how you eat and sleep.

Folks, slow travel is cheaper.

How to Get Around Sri Lanka

Right, so I’ve mentioned a lot of buses and trains , and the truth is that they’re simply the cheapest way of getting around Sri Lanka. But they’re also slow. And uncomfortable. And prone to the South Asia effect (it once took me 11ish hours, 6 bus changes, and one after-dark breakdown to go the 200 km from Unawatuna to Ella).

That said, I still love the public transport in Sri Lanka! It’s chaotic and an adventure every time. And… it’s super cheap:

• Bus from Trincomalee to Arugam Bay (via Batticaloa): < $7
• Versus a private taxi: $85-$90 (contingent on you haggling ability)

Taxis are, otherwise, going to be the main form of tourist transport services in Sri Lanka to utilise. You can save money by hooking up with a crew and sharing transport to the next destination; it’s always easy to find peeps in the tourist bubbles. Taxis are faster, but they’re expensive; you’re going to need to haggle like a pro .

You could also consider renting a bike in Sri Lanka. Cost-wise, that’ll run you about $5-$10 a day (though you can definitely get it cheaper if you rent for an extended period), however, Sri Lanka is a phenomenal road trip country! Just make sure you dot your i’s and cross your t’s with licencing and legalities.

And wear a bloody helmet—dem buses will smoke ya!

Tuk-Tuk Rental in Sri Lanka

Aww, yeahhh —and now we’re talking about the best way to travel in Sri Lanka. Cross the whole damn thing in your own mighty three-wheeling steed!

Can you rent your own tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka? Damn, right you can, and it don’t get much better than this. Well… unless you pay the few extra bucks for the optional boombox!

It really isn’t as confronting to learn to drive a tuk-tuk as you may think. I started to get the hang of it within 5 or 10 minutes. Plus, the looks the other tuk-tuk drivers give you when you overtake them are just so damn delicious.

It’s definitely not the cheapest form of transport in Sri Lanka— $25-$30 a day including rental costs, food, etc. —but that’s not really the bloody point! You’re driving a goddamn tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka! No matter what happens, it’s gonna be a journey you remember for the rest of your life, guaranteed.

All I can say is that I did it (well, hitched a ride with some peeps who did it), it was hella fun, I made some blessed life-long friends along the way (love you guys to the moon), and it’s a top recommendation for travelling around Sri Lanka without a shadow of a doubt.

Check out tuktukrental.com for more info. Use the code  brokebackpacker at the checkout when you decide to take the plunge, and let the good times roll out!

What to Pack for Sri Lanka

Packing for Sri Lanka is pretty straightforward; take whatever your usual backpacking setup is. There aren’t too many other nuances speak of.

DEFINITELY DO, HOWEVER, take a high-quality rain jacket . Even if you’re doing your best to avoid the monsoon, chances are that you’ll get rained on at some point during your visit to Sri Lanka.

Oh, and the mosquitoes are assholes. Take something from home or, better yet, just buy some Odomos when you arrive. It’s cheap there, and the best damn mosquito repellent I’ve ever used!

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Still wondering what to take to Sri Lanka? Then check out our full backpacking packing list more more ideas on gears, gadgets, and goodies for the road!

Staying Safe in Sri Lanka

So… Is Sri Lanka safe ? Yup! I mean, it’s not perfectly safe, but you can also choke on your toothbrush if you’re not careful so…

It’s easiest to think of it as India-lite. The same travel rules you’d apply for backpacking in India, apply it here and then just dial it back a notch.

• If someone asks if you’d like to take a photo of them, or they’re behaving like a tourist attraction (eg. a stilt fisherman or tea picker), then they’re almost definitely going to ask for money if you do take that snap. Kids will too!
• Never trust a tuk-tuk driver—GPS out and money is exchanged only after you’ve confirmed you’ve arrived at the correct destination.
• Travellers of the feminine disposition won’t have nearly as hard a time as in India but should still be wary, smart, and be careful where they’re walking alone at night. And get used to being stared at—take it in stride.
• Don’t leave your valuables unguarded on the beach (or anywhere for that matter).
• Your shoulders and knees need to be covered at sacred sites. No iconography of Lord Buddha-san (tattoos, shirt logos, etc.) and no turning your back on the Buddha statues or taking selfies with them.
• Watch out for scams but also don’t spit the dummy every time someone overcharges you 20 rupees. Therein lies the road to insanity.

Honestly, it’s a standard South Asia affair. Sri Lanka is pretty chill, and out of the three major backpacking destinations of the Indian subcontinent (Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka), I’ve found Sri Lankans (the Sinhala people specifically—maybe it’s the Buddhism) to be the most scrupulous and sincere.

Getting Insured for Your Trip to Sri Lanka

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Sri Lanka itinerary.

How many days is enough to visit Sri Lanka?

14 days is a great amount of time to get around the country and take in the highlights.

Is 10 days enough in Sri Lanka?

It’s pushing it but you could see most of the main sights if you prioritise your time.

Is 3 weeks too long in Sri Lanka?

3 weeks is the perfect amount of time to really take in pretty much everything there is to see and have some down time too.

Is Sri Lanka cheap?

Yeah, Sri Lanka is a super affordable destination, it’s an ideal place to go backpacking!

Concluding Your Itinerary in Sri Lanka

Y’know, when I started writing this itinerary, I was all like “Man, itineraries are lame” .  And now…? Well, I still think itineraries are lame.

But it was also an absolute pleasure to write about travelling Sri Lanka again. I get a little blast of candy-nostalgia every time I return in my mind’s eye to that gorgeous island. Cloud forests rolling through plantations and emerald hills, the chaotic madness of any and all bus rides, dawn on sunkissed beaches watching lone fishermen drag their laden nets in.

Sri Lanka is both the gem of the Indian Ocean and subcontinent itself. Whether it’s one, two, or three weeks in Sri Lanka, every moment is a blessing. If you can give yourself 3 months, that’s even better!

Plan your trip with my perfectly crafted itineraries for Sri Lanka; there is a lot of love and care in them. See all there is to see, but also, remember to stop and smell the kottu. And to meet the peeps.

And to ride the trains, take a big slow breath, and, most of all, to appreciate the sky.

Ziggy Samuels

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Hey Ziggy, we are older backpackers planning a 3 month trip to Sri Lanka early next year. I am excited by your information and will refer to it many times, I’m sure. We love travelling slowly, Sri Lanka will suit us well. Thank you!

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I tried Sri Lanka’s brand new highland hiking trail – here’s why you should follow me

“Just here?” The tuktuk driver seems doubtful.

Why were these two foreigners abandoning his vehicle on the corner of a steep, single-track road by the rusting, rattling hulk of a derelict tea factory?

We pay the agreed price to convey us from Ohiya station down a largely broken, bumpy road and wave him goodbye. He sputters off, clearly thinking we’re mad.

But we are, according to the map we have downloaded, exactly where we want to be: at the starting point of stage 12 of the Pekoe Trail. And there is no one else here.

After a week of finding ourselves on the conveyor belt of Sri Lanka’s tourist hotspots , we had stepped off and away, pitching up in the small, scruffy hilltop town of Haputale with the beguiling prospect of walking some of Sri Lanka’s first long distance hiking trail.

The Pekoe Trail started as the hobby of Miguel Cuñat, a Spanish-born resident of Sri Lanka for over two decades. In between putting together high-end itineraries and guiding wealthy clients to the more exclusive parts of the island, he loved nothing more than escaping to the cooler uplands and seeking out places to hike.

Sri Lanka’s highlands are where, in the late 19th century, entrepreneurial Englishman with names like Taylor and Lipton took over from the beleaguered coffee farmers who had lost everything to coffee blight and started growing tea instead. Tea remains the crop that dominates this region still: low, tightly planted bushes, transforming the steep, rugged landscapes into a rolling sea of pillowy green.

The plantations, Cuñat realised, provided a network of already established routes, connecting the harvested crop with roads and railways. What if they could be linked together, creating one long trail? The area is already famed for the dramatically beautiful railway journey that links Kandy with Ella and the “little England” of Nuwara Eliya, but rather than watching this beguiling landscape slip serenely past a train window, would people take the chance to experience it in a slower, more immersive way if they could? 

It was an idea which, if dwelt upon too long, would probably never have gone any further. The obstacles were many. Multiple landowners, both government and private, needed to agree for an official trail to cut through their land.

Sri Lanka’s rains between May and September and again in December, are often heavy enough to cause landslides that wash away large swathes of hillside, and always trigger a furious growth spurt in the already verdant vegetation. Who would be responsible for the constant maintenance the route would demand?

And even if the estate owners allowed the use of the tracks that ran through their plantations, there were still large areas that needed to be explored and possibly cleared to fulfil Miguel’s vision of linking one end of the highlands with the other.

But the idea had taken hold, and with the often tireless help of many local guides and expert machete-wielders, the trail started to emerge, bit by bit. It wove its way from the slopes south of Kandy, through Indiana Jones country ( The Temple of Doom features scenes filmed against the dramatic backdrop of the earliest part of the trail), following sandy tracks running through small communities, linking bustling market towns, bus routes and railway stations.

It climbed to breath-taking viewpoints, cut through forests, past shrines and temples, village cricket pitches, rice paddies, vegetable gardens and farms. And as the 185 mile (300km) route unfurled, Miguel realised that what was being created was more than a walk. It was a means to bring opportunity and economic benefit to people bypassed by tourism.

We follow our map back up the road, flanked by vivid spikes of purple flowers, stone walls and wide blue-green views over peaks and valleys. We pass the figures of tea pickers, sacks hanging down their backs from their foreheads, swift-fingered and sharp-eyed, moving methodically between the waist-high bushes.

A narrow path leads us away from the road into deeper countryside and from here we enter the fragrant, rustling shade of a eucalyptus plantation. 

We follow the contour of the hill around the ruins of an abandoned village, plunge into the shadows cast by tight-knit lofty pines, planted, like the eucalyptus, to fuel the tea factories. A scramble over fallen trunks brings us to the plantation edge and below us curves the railway line we took earlier.

A series of hooting whistles announces the imminent arrival of the train and we wait to see it come into view, chuffing sweetly beneath us, its rust red carriages sweeping around the curve of the hillside and away.

Soon afterwards we are on that same railway track, giggling as we struggle to match our stride with the distance between sleepers, feeling like naughty children doing what we have firmly been told never to do. But railway tracks double as footpaths all over rural Sri Lanka, which is why trains obligingly make their approach known so far in advance.

We join locals walking from the station along the tracks towards their homes. A cheerful group of men clearing vegetation along the line with long-handled sickles assure us it is fine to walk through the tunnel ahead. As a couple of them are unconcernedly munching roti whilst squatting in the middle of the track, we take their word for it.

The latter part of the walk follows paths through tea estates. Hillsides tamed and terraced and so uniformly green, it was like looking at an installation by the artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude, who famously wrapped landscapes and landmark buildings in fabric. We walk alongside women emerging from the fields with bulging sacks on their backs to the weighing stations. 

At just over 13 miles (21.5 km) this section of the trail is one of the longest. “I wanted to make it possible for people to complete each section in a morning, before it gets really hot,” explained Miguel. “And also to have time to do other things in a day, not just have to walk. But of course it is possible to walk more than one section in a day, if you want to.” 

The following day we walk from our guesthouse to the forest on the edge of Haputale, and climb steadily via wide panoramas, soaring eagles and troops of macaques, to the tea-workers’ village of St Catherine, heralded by a hand-painted sign declaring “The Best View Comes After the Hardest Climb”. We add an extra climb by heading on to Lipton’s Seat where the Glaswegian, whose name is synonymous with tea to this day, would sit and survey his empire.

A Tuktuk bumps us back down the long road to Haputale. Sri Lanka’s ubiquitous three-wheelers make it very easy for walkers of the Pekoe Trail to base themselves in one place for a few days to walk a number of sections, without the need to carry luggage or move accommodation every day. Trains and Tuktuks and the helpful guidance of the owner of our guesthouse allow us to walk sections 12-15 – two short sections which we joined together – from Haputale. Section 15 brings us, via the iconic Ella Rock down into Ella, our new base, whilst our luggage travels by Tuktuk and meets us there.

Miguel’s hope that the trail could open up opportunity and bring prosperity to communities along it is, even in these very early days, starting to be realised. And it comes at a crucial time for Sri Lanka. Beneath the thin patina of warm smiles and welcome drinks is a country struggling to raise itself off its knees. 

Tourism, which built steadily until 2018, crashed following the terrorist attacks on Easter Day 2019, and the pandemic which followed reduced numbers even further. The EU and USAID have recognised the potential of the Pekoe Trail and, as part of a tourism resilience programme, have helped fund the administrative process of making the trail official, training for guides and business start-ups such as homestays. Sections 1 and 2 are waymarked and officially open, but waymarked or not, the trail exists, testimony to one man’s brave and beautiful vision, his love of his adopted country and its people. 

We walked 9 of the trail’s 22 sections. Each one had its own character, its own charms and challenges. We had days of blistering sunshine, followed by days of gusting winds and low cloud and drizzle that was not unlike being in the Brecon Beacons (with added leeches). We saw barking deer skulking in the shadows, heard shy hellos from children and sustained ourselves on coconuts, egg roti and stumpy sweet bananas.

The walk was an ever-changing mosaic of colour, sound and beauty. This is Sri Lanka as seen on foot – off the beaten track but on a trail of wonders.

Kate Humble travelled as a guest of Wild Frontiers , which offers a 15-day itinerary including walking sections of the Pekoe Trail from £2,559 per person, including transfers, some meals and accommodation, but excluding international flights.

The best time to walk the Pekoe Trail is between January and April and September to November. The terrain is varied and good hiking shoes or boots are recommended. Walkers should carry sunscreen, insect repellent, water and a hat. A light waterproof jacket might be advisable, as the weather can be changeable. Vegetation can be overgrown in some sections of the trail and you may encounter leeches, particularly when the trail is wet. 

Waymarking of the trail is a work in progress. At the time of writing only the first two sections had been waymarked. Trail routes are available on the Wikiloc App, but approved guides are also listed on the Pekoe Trail website , as well as practical information and suggestions for accommodation.

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