How to Spend 2 Weeks in Sri Lanka
Surrounded by a 1335 km coastline, framed by coconut trees and countless varied beaches, few visitors have complained after visiting the remarkable island nation of Sri Lanka. Measuring hardly 240 km across from its widest point, this pearl of the Indian Ocean may seem small in size, but it holds a lot within its small space.
With so many amazing things to see and do, plus the different weather patterns to consider, it can be a bit overwhelming to craft an itinerary that can fit all you want to experience.
Discover the Best of Sri Lanka in Two Unforgettable WeeksIf you are planning to spend your holidays in Sri Lanka , this 2-week itinerary, created from personal experiences, will help you experience everything without being rushed.
An important thing to note here is that the itinerary has been designed to travel by road with a private driver, which may be a tad expensive, but is the most convenient option for getting from one part of the island to another.
Day 1: Negombo (15 minutes)Depending on when your flight lands at the Bandaranaike International Airport, take a taxi to nearby Negombo for some rest before starting the most adventurous part of the trip.
Day 2: Negombo to Sigiriya (4 hours)The colossus outcrop of Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most recognizable landmark of Sri Lanka.
Leave Negombo at dawn to get to Sigiriya as early as possible, when the cooler air will make climbing the 1200 steps much more pleasant.
While the views from the top are unparalleled, head back down before noon, before the rock's surface gets too hot. Wear good tread soft shoes and carry plenty of water.
Day 3: Polonnaruwa & Minneriya (1.5 hours)From Sigiriya, drive straight to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site , followed by an afternoon safari in the adjacent Minneriya National Park.
Day 4: Anuradhapura (2 hours)Complete your exploration of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka by visiting Anuradhapura, the nation's first capital and a sacred Buddhist site.
Spend the rest of the day exploring stupas, temples, and ancient ruins like Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the tree under which Lord Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment.
Both Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have great stat options for those who want to break up the journey.
Day 5: Kandy (2.5 hrs from Sigiriya)On the fifth day of your Sri Lankan adventure, you will drive from Sigiriya to the lakeside town of Kandy . Surrounded by misty mountains, Kandy is the gateway to the hill country and the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
The sacred city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most venerated Buddhist shrines in the world, along with many other historical buildings like the Royal Palace and the Tooth Relic Museum.
Day 6: Kandy to Ella (6-8 hrs by train)This train ride is extremely scenic and a must-do on any trip to Sri Lanka. From Kandy, the train winds its way through lush valleys and tea plantations, offering unbeatable views of the country's hilly region.
Book your seats , preferably second class with open windows, well in advance, as the ride is very popular and tickets are grabbed up as soon as the reservation opens.
Days 7 & 8: (Ella/Nuwara Eliya)Both Ella and Nuwara Eliya are popular tourist destinations as they both have plenty of attractions and are surrounded by tea plantations and cascading waterfalls.
The town of Ella is nestled in the Ella Gap Valley and offers stunning views and some easy hiking trails to Ella Rock or Little Adam's Peak..The town is also famous for the Nine Arch Bridge, probably the most photographed spot in Sri Lanka.
Nuwara Eliya is located near Ella and is a charming hill station, also known as Little England, because of its cool climate.
Spend the day exploring the race course, the old red post office, and the Tudor-style buildings. Take a tuk-tuk ride as the attractions are fairly spread out.
Days 9 &10: Yala National Park (3 hours)Hire another car from Ella and head to Yala National Park, which has a healthy population of leopards and elephants. Going on a safari in the park is a must on any itinerary to the country.
You will reach Yala in time for the afternoon game drive, which lasts for about 4 hours. While the leopard density in Yala is high, there is no guarantee of a sighting.
So it is advisable to take two more game drives on the second day in Yala to improve your chances of seeing this elusive animal.
After ten days of hectic traveling and sightseeing, it is time for some beach fun and relaxation. The beaches of Sri Lanka are great for surfing and spotting diverse marine life, so it is worth spending a few days in this area.
Go on a walking tour through the historic streets of the city. Admire the restored buildings, museums, quirky shops, art galleries, and heritage hotels. Don't miss out on the church, the Galle Lighthouse, and walking the walls of the Fort at sunset.
Galle is about 90 km from Yala and is located on the southwest coast of the country. The area is home to some stunning beaches like Unawatuna, Ahangam, and Marissa, to name a few.
In Galle, head straight to the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later restored by the Dutch and British. The building is one of the best-preserved colonial forts in Sri Lanka.
It is time to leave the beach and head to Colombo for some sightseeing before catching your flight back home.
On your way to Colombo, take the scenic coastal road to check out some more interesting spots on the way. You have options of getting down at Hikkadua beach or going on a boat safari through the mangroves at Benota. The Kosgoda Sea Turtle Sanctuary is also an amazing stopover.
On arrival in Colombo, depending on the time you check into your hotel, ditch the car and opt for a tuk-tuk instead, which will allow you to better navigate the traffic of the city.
Start by checking out the historic Fort Area and the Old Dutch Hospital, before heading to the bustling Pettah Market to shop for souvenirs and handicrafts.
On your last night in Sri Lanka, enjoy the sunset and relax before heading to the airport. The drive takes roughly 30 minutes from Colombo.
Hope you find this 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary useful and inspires you to visit the incredible country. You can easily shorten it or extend it, based on your preferences and time at hand.
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