The Pearl of the Indian Ocean: 2 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary for First Time Visitors
Looking for an easy 2 week itinerary for Sri Lanka? You’ve come to the right place!
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that Sri Lanka has become one of the top places to visit in Asia for travelers looking for a combination of centuries-old culture, wandering wildlife and mile-long stretches of golden beaches. If for some reason you need convincing, here are 10 excellent reasons why now is the time to see Ceylon.
A few years ago, I was like, “where is Sri Lanka on the map?” But since my first trip to Sri Lanka at the beginning of 2015, I have been back more than a dozen times to explore more of the country, practice my surfing skills, opened a business there and even adopted a gorgeous stray cat. Oh, and have I mentioned that Sri Lanka has some of the most spectacular sunsets I have ever witnessed anywhere in the world?
Over the past few years, friends who know that I spend a lot of time on the island have approached me for some recommendations for where to go and what to see in Sri Lanka, and I’ve taken some time to develop an easy-to-follow itinerary for those who are planning to spend 2 weeks in Sri Lanka.
These are just a few places I would recommend that you see in Sri Lanka, and you can add or subtract days here and there to make it work for your trip – this can easily be turned into a 10 day Sri Lanka itinerary if you’re short on time, or you can also check out this express 1 week Sri Lanka itinerary here. Read on for the perfect Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary!
Helpful things to know before you go to Sri Lanka
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka in 2024? Read this first!
Latest update as of April 2024: Planning a trip to Sri Lanka now may require more thought and planning – do your due diligence but everyone is working hard to make sure the country is ready to welcome tourists once again. Here are some travel tips for anyone contemplating a Sri Lanka trip in 2024/2025:
💉 If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated you will no longer need to quarantine on arrival in Sri Lanka, and as of December 7th 2022 no pre-arrival PCR or RAT tests are required for inbound passengers. The health declaration is no longer required, and the insurance is no longer mandatory but can be purchased on arrival. In other words – all pandemic-related restrictions for entering Sri Lanka have been removed.
💻 There is now a new Sri Lanka e-visa system here, the old “ETA” system is now defunct. The visa fee for most visitors has now been increased from US$50 to US$75.
💵 Due to the currency devaluation you will notice that prices for goods and services have gone up – however, the dollar-amounts remain approximately the same. As a tourist, you can exchange foreign currency at the airport upon landing so that you have some cash in hand.
🥥 Local supermarkets are full of fresh produce – albeit more expensive now. Roadside market stalls also have lots of fresh fruit and vegetables on offer. Imported products are rare, and if you find them they are also more expensive than before. Restaurants in the south coast of Sri Lanka are slowly but surely reopening for the upcoming peak season which begins in approximately November/December.
💡 Compared to June 2023 when there were twice-daily 1-1.5 hour long scheduled power cuts in the south coast, power cuts are currently few and far between. That’s not to say there are zero outages – even before the economic crisis it was not uncommon for the power to cut out occasionally. In general, larger hotel chains and boutique hotels should have generators to provide uninterrupted power supply, but smaller hotels and guesthouses may not have consistent access to diesel to run their generators.
⛽️ There are no fuel lines but somewhat limited supply still, but the QR code system is no longer required. Tuk tuks, buses and trains are still running.
💊 The economic crisis has led to a shortage in medicine, cooking gas and petrol/diesel. We brought along lots of medication just in case, but have had no issues purchasing standard over-the counter-meds like Panadol. Visitors who have certain medical supply needs should plan accordingly as it may not be possible to purchase required medication in Sri Lanka. Hospitals are open and we have not had long waits at private hospitals to see a GP.
🚫 Most countries have lifted travel advisories against traveling to Sri Lanka. However, it is prudent to check directly with your country’s foreign office on their advice, and ensure that your travel insurance is valid. The political tensions have eased, but public demonstrations may continue to take place from time to time in major cities.
Long story short, I highly recommend that you read through all of the materials carefully as there are a number of restrictions in place that you should be aware of before traveling to Sri Lanka, and the regulations change quickly (sometimes faster than they can even update the website). Snap lockdowns, curfews, interprovincial travel restrictions and last-minute closure of tourist sites may be implemented. The situation and rules may change quickly and without warning.
Read the full article here: Is It Safe to Travel to Sri Lanka Right Now? All Your Questions Answered About Sri Lanka Travel Safety (2024)
✈️ To get into Sri Lanka by air you will fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (airport code: CMB).
🛂 Most visitors will need to apply for a Sri Lanka e-visa (except for nationals of Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles) but this is easily done online. It usually takes 24-48 hours for the visa approval to come through via e-mail. You can also submit your arrival form ahead of time here to save you the hassle of filling out a paper form at the airport.
💱 The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (different from the Indian Rupee), and the official exchange rate varies from approximately 300-330 LKR: 1 USD/Euro or 200 LKR: 1 AUD. There are plenty of places to exchange money in Sri Lanka, and there are also ATMs in cities like Colombo and Galle where you can withdraw money.
📱 Local SIM cards and data packages can be picked up at the airport. You can buy a 30-day Sri Lanka SIM card from Mobitel here (the booth is located in the arrivals hall after you pick up your luggage) and top it up during your stay at any Food City supermarket or local Mobitel shop.
🚗 There is a lot of ground to cover in Sri Lanka! For such a small country there is tons to do. Getting around Sri Lanka is relatively easy and train travel is cheap and reliable(ish) in Sri Lanka, but not every train has first or even second class carriages. Seats can be reserved in person at a train station up to 30 days before the trip and scenic routes fill up FAST. Sri Lanka Railways has also recently launched an online train ticket booking system (but it may still be buggy in the early stages). Train travel through tea country is an amazing experience!
The best way to travel around Sri Lanka is by car, especially if you are short on time. Most hotels can help you to book a private car and driver to take you to your next destination, but do not expect the prices to be dirt cheap as fuel prices continue to rise. A one-way 3-4 hour car ride can cost anywhere from US$100 to $140 including tolls (but may be worthwhile if you have a large group of people or lots of luggage).
You can check approximate airport pick up fees here, and I also recommend getting in touch with Andrew for any transportation needs around Sri Lanka – he can be reached via Whatsapp at +94 776 042 915, or you can find him on Facebook and contact him via Messenger if you search for “Sri Lanka Taxi Andrew”.
Hiring a car and self-driving is not extremely common in Sri Lanka as it requires additional licensing (an international driving permit will not suffice). You can find car rental places in Colombo, but your best bet is to hire one-way, point-to-point transfers with a driver, or take public transportation such as the train or bus if you are on a tighter budget and have time (and energy) to spare. Traveling around by bus is also dirt cheap, but not highly recommended because the bus drivers drive like absolute mad men!
👚 The dress code in Sri Lanka tends to be more conservative. Sri Lanka is unlike some other popular Asian beach destination countries in the sense that it is still relatively modest. The primary religion is Buddhism so be mindful of your attire when you visit temples. Let me put it this way: I would not recommend that you drive shirtless on a scooter or walk around in a bikini when you are travelling around Sri Lanka. T-shirts, loose pants and longer dresses, shorts or skirts will serve you well on a warmer day, but as Sri Lanka has a few different climates you may also need to bring a sweatshirt or two if you’re visiting hill country as it can get fairly chilly.
💵 In general there is no need to tip if your hotel or restaurant has included a service charge. That being said, a tip is always highly appreciated by people in the service industry (such as porters, housekeeping staff, waiters etc.) and drivers. If you are visiting Sri Lanka in 2023 or 2024 you may want to bear in mind that the Sri Lankan Rupee was massively devalued, and consider adjusting your tip upwards accordingly. A few dollars or Euros may not make a huge dent in your holiday budget, but could make a big difference to professionals in the tourism industry.
🛏️ There are a plethora of hotel options suiting every budget, but prices tend to be higher than in countries such as India, Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam. I personally look for comfort, beautiful décor and warm hospitality when I travel – click here for some of the best boutique and luxury hotels to stay at in Sri Lanka.
Visiting Sri Lanka? Click here for the full list of 12 things you should know before your trip to Sri Lanka as well as 15 things you should NOT do if you’re visiting the island!
Safety in Sri Lanka
I often get asked, “is it safe to visit Sri Lanka?” And here’s the truth: the vast majority of visits to Sri Lanka are trouble free, and tourism is a major source of revenue for the country. You can read more about important precautions to take when traveling to Sri Lanka here and read more about whether it is safe to visit Sri Lanka here.
In the past, Sri Lanka has experienced protests and you may experience traffic or road diversions as a result. The majority of protests have been peaceful, but it is not advised as a tourist to participate or attend as tensions may run high. Curfews and snap lockdowns can be (and have been) implemented, though tourists tend to be exempt from these restrictions.
You may be asked to provide your passport at any check points to prove that you are a tourist. Social media bans have also been implemented without warning, so you may want to consider subscribing to a VPN service if you rely primarily on Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger or Instagram to communicate with family members and friends back home.
Violent crime against foreigners occurs infrequently, but petty crime is not uncommon. You should keep a close eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. There are a number of common scams in Sri Lanka: if an offer seems “too good to be true” or overly convenient, it could very well be part of a scam.
Sri Lankan people are generally friendly and helpful people. However, you should keep your wits about you (just as you would in any other country in the world). One of the most common scams in Sri Lanka is being overcharged by tuk tuk drivers; to avoid this make sure you agree on a price before you hop in.
If you run into any issues, Sri Lanka has dedicated tourist police which you can reach by calling 1912 or 011-2421052. It often does not help matters along by being aggressive or confrontational – your best bet is to stay calm and contact the local police or ask your hotel to get involved and mediate.
I have traveled around Sri Lanka as a solo female traveler on many occasions, and have experienced some issues including catcalling, unwanted attention, verbal harassment and lewd comments. If you are a solo female traveler in Sri Lanka, I recommend not engaging or responding, and to avoid walking alone late at night.
I do recommend taking certain precautions such as pre-booking airport transportation, watching your drink when you are out and about, and letting friends and family know of your travel plans and hotel contact information.
You may also like: Traveling alone as a woman anywhere in the world can be intimidating and may require certain precautions. Here is what you need to know if you are a solo female traveler visiting Sri Lanka.
How to spend 2 weeks in Sri Lanka
Ready to plan a trip to the destination once known as Ceylon? I’ve put together a 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary for a taste of this stunning country – read on for beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka and the best places to stay in Sri Lanka!
Here is a quick overview of what to expect from this express Sri Lanka 14 day itinerary which covers some of the top tourist destinations on the island as well as recommendations for what to do in each location and the best places to stay.
- 1 day in Colombo
- 1 day in Sigiriya and Dambulla (and optional Minneriya/Kaudulla National Park extension)
- 2 days in Kandy
- 2 days in Nuwara Eliya
- 2 days in Ella (and optional Arugam Bay extension)
- 1 day in Yala/Tissamaharama or Udawalawe
- 4 days in south Sri Lanka (based near Hiriketiya, Talalla, Weligama, Ahangama or Mirissa)
- 1 day in Galle Fort
Day 1: Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport / Colombo
This is the primary international airport serving Sri Lanka and is just outside Colombo (around 45 minutes to an hour north of Colombo). This is where your 2 weeks in Sri Lanka will begin!
If you’re landing in the evening, your best bet is to head into Colombo to get some rest. Barefoot Cafe serves up a mean coffee and you can explore their store afterwards for amazing vintage posters and local souvenirs, or head to Black Cat Cafe for a flat white to die for.
Take a stroll along Galle Face Green, a long park on the waterfront that often has street food stalls and tons of kite fliers, and wander around Pettah Market to overwhelm your senses (in a good way).
You won’t want to miss the Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid or “Red Mosque” in Pettah, and stop by the famous Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s oldest Buddhist temple complexes.
Where to stay in Colombo: Good hotel options include Granbell Hotel, a luxury hotel in Colombo with spacious rooms featuring a fusion of Japanese and Sri Lankan design, or Radisson Hotel (formerly OZO Colombo), which has a great rooftop bar facing the ocean and comfortable rooms. Click here to check current rates and room availability at Radisson Colombo or click here to check room rates at Granbell Hotel.
Colombo can be easily explored within 1 day. Click here for my guide to seeing Colombo in 24 hours!
Day 2: Head to Sigiriya
This rock fortress is unmissable if you’re visiting Sri Lanka. Sigiriya is an amazing ancient palace that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I would recommend doing the climb up the 200-metre-tall rock in the afternoon as the temperature cools, and staying for the sunset once you’re at the top. Alternatively, you can also hike up the nearby Pidurangala Rock which offers a view of Sigiriya.
Close to the rock fortress is Dambulla’s cave temples which are worth a visit also to see intricate wall frescoes and paintings, and the ruins of Polonnaruwa are about an hour away.
Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO site featuring the remnants of the country’s ancient capital city between the 11th and 13th centuries.
If you only have a day or a day and a half in Sigiriya then aim to go to Polonnaruwa in the morning (it should only take you half a day to see everything), and climb Sigiriya rock in the afternoon. The Dambulla cave temples can be visited in an hour or so on your way out of Sigiriya town as you head south.
Can’t get enough of ancient cities and temple ruins? Add on another day in Sigiriya and head to Anuradhapura, about 2 hours away from Sigiriya for a separate day trip.
The Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka is home to some of the most incredible religious and heritage sites in the country including Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla. Click here for 7 places you have to visit in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle!
Optional: Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks are also nearby and popular safari destinations for elephant lovers (but we’ll get to Yala and Udawalawe a little later).
If you are visiting Sri Lanka in August or September I recommend adding on a visit to Minneriya or Kaudulla to witness the magnificent annual “Elephant Gathering” where you can often see hundreds of elephants bathing, grazing and playing in their natural habitat.
Where to stay in Sigiriya: EKHO Sigiriya (formerly named Zinc Journey Sigiriya) is a fantastic hotel right next to Sigiriya Rock and offers beautiful, spacious rooms. You can actually see the rock fortress from the hotel! Click here to check current rates and room availability at EKHO Sigiriya.
For nature lovers, I recommend checking out Diyabubula, located about 30 minutes by car from Sigiriya Rock. Diyabubula is a jungle hideaway in perfect harmony with nature, created by a renowned Sri Lankan artist Laki Senanayake. Read on for my full review of Diyabubula.
Looking for more choices? Based on positive reviews, here are some other popular and highly-rated hotels in Sigiriya, or you can also click here to explore more accommodation options.
Hotel Sigiriya: one of the best hotels in Sigiriya, this luxury property has a pool with the ultimate view – the Lion Rock itself. Click here to check rates and availability at Hotel Sigiriya.
Jetwing Lake: operated by homegrown Jetwing Hotels, this luxury hotel in Dambulla is a 30-minute drive from Sigiriya. Rooms are spacious, modern and some even offer a balcony. The pool offers mountain views. Click here to check rates and availability at Jetwing Lake.
Days 3 and 4: Make your way over to Kandy
Kandy is another major city in Sri Lanka and was the last capital of the ancient kings’ era of Sri Lanka. Often called the “Cultural Capital of Sri Lanka”, Kandy is a cornerstone tourist destination on the island.
It is home to several sacred sites such as the Temple of the Tooth, the Royal Palace and Royal Botanical Gardens. Set aside 5-6 hours to explore the various landmarks around Kandy – the best way to get around is by tuk tuk.
I recommend hiring a tuk tuk driver for the day and asking him or her to wait for you at each location, this way you don’t have to waste time trying to hail a tuk tuk or negotiate prices each and every time! Click here to read more about what to see in Kandy.
If you have time and are up for an excursion in the great outdoors, the aptly-named Knuckles mountain range can also be found here and offers great hiking trails and waterfalls for people who love the outdoors.
Don’t skip the short and sweet hike to Mini World’s End, and stop by for a homecooked Sri Lankan meal at a local village set amongst lush rice paddies.
Where to stay in Kandy: Instead of staying in Kandy city, look into staying away from the hustle and bustle at Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge which is about a 45-minute drive from downtown Kandy: it’s a seriously amazing hotel and the perfect place to unwind from your first few days of traveling. Click here to check current rates and room availability at Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge!
Alternatively, Yoga lovers should head to Rukgala Retreat in Digana, also about 45 minutes away from Kandy. The beautiful retreat venue has 10 bedrooms overlooking the mountains and Victoria Lake, and Yoga classes are held twice daily in their beautiful open-air shala. Click here to check current rates and room availability at Rukgala Retreat or read the full review here.
Days 5 and 6: Take the train to Nuwara Eliya
I cannot emphasize enough how wonderful this train journey is. Wind and weave your way through acres and acres of tea plantations and even stand in a doorway of the train carriage to feel the wind in your face (hanging out of the train is not encouraged and can be very dangerous – unfortunately several tourists have sustained serious injuries and even sadly lost their lives). Relax as the train slinks between tiny villages in Sri Lanka and watch the world go by.
The routes between Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella are extremely popular so it’s important to try to sort out your tickets early – it’s not uncommon for the trains to be packed to the absolute brim with standing room only. Sri Lanka Railways has recently launched an online booking website for train tickets, otherwise you will need to find someone to purchase the ticket for you in person from the train station. Alternatively you should always be able to buy a third class ticket without a reserved seat on the day – they never sell out of these tickets.
Traveling by train in Sri Lanka is an incredibly cost-effective and picturesque way to get around, and many people believe it’s an integral part of the overall Ceylon travel experience. Click here to read more tips on train travel through tea country in Sri Lanka!
From Nuwara Eliya, you can do the hike to Adam’s Peak and World’s End to catch the sunrise (most guides recommend that you start early at 2 or 3 am for Adam’s Peak) and explore Lake Gregory. In the summer months the lake gets busy and offers a number of water sport activities or horse riding.
Nuwara Eliya is also particularly famous for being home to dozens of world-class tea plantations, many of which offer plantation and factory tours. Some popular tea factories in Nuwara Eliya include Pedro’s, Blue Field Tea Factory, Mackwoods Museum and Damro Tea Lounge.
Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya: Unique Cottages offered a comfortable 1 night stay at a reasonable price. The staff are friendly and helpful, and can help to book transport and tours to Horton Plains/World’s End. If you are planning to stay here, try to avoid the attic room as there is only 1 small window for ventilation. Click here to check current rates and room availability at Unique Cottages!
I also highly recommend Jetwing St. Andrew’s, a boutique hotel set in a restored colonial mansion. The rooms are slightly dated but comfortable, and the on-site restaurant and bar are both fantastic. For a touch of sophistication check out their afternoon tea offering and treat yourself with a glass of champagne. Click here to book your stay at Jetwing St. Andrew’s or click here for more accommodation options in Nuwara Eliya!
Editor’s note: If you only have 10 days in Sri Lanka, you might want to consider skipping Nuwara Eliya and heading straight to Ella, especially if you don’t mind missing World’s End or Adam’s Peak.
Days 7 and 8: Visit Ella
You’re half way through your 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary. Just east of Nuwara Eliya is Ella, a small town in the highlands of Central Sri Lanka. Ella is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka and is surrounded by tea plantations that you can visit and tour.
If you skipped the hike to Adam’s Peak you can visit Little Adam’s Peak here, a much gentler climb that takes about an hour, or trek to Ella Rock which takes about two hours each way.
There’s also a zipline course here, the Flying Ravana, for the ultra-adventurous who are looking for an exhilarating experience over the tea fields of Ella.
Ravana Falls, one of the widest falls in Sri Lanka, is about half an hour away and is seriously magnificent, and you can also get to the famous Nine Arch Bridge easily from the heart of Ella to watch trains chug leisurely along the old tracks.
Read my full guide to Ella by clicking here – it is one of my absolute favourite places to visit in Sri Lanka so I wouldn’t recommend skipping it during your 2 weeks in Sri Lanka!
Where to stay in Ella: For amazing views of the Ella mountain gap, stay at Ella Mountain Heavens, a cozy boutique hotel high up in the hills. Click here to check current rates and room availability at Ella Mountain Heavens!
Looking to splash out and experience some of the best luxury that Ella has to offer? 98 Acres is one of the top hotels in Ella. This stunning property overlooks the tea plantations and Mini Adam’s Peak, the spa is incredible and the food is delicate and very tasty. The location is perfect as it is where the trail to Mini Adam’s Peak begins, and is also only a stone’s throw away from the Nine Arch Bridge. Click here to check current rates and availability at 98 Acres.
Optional: Arugam Bay after Ella
If you have a few days to spare and you are keen to do some surfing, Arugum Bay is a popular spot for surf aficionados and is just 3 hours east of Ella.
The beaches in Arugam Bay are most popular during the summer months (from June to September) when the conditions are best. Outside of this peak season, restaurants and cafes may close or operate on a limited schedule. I recommend spending no more than 2-3 days in Arugam Bay unless you’re an extremely avid surfer.
Day 9: Go on a safari at Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park
Make your way down to Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park in the south. Sri Lanka is one of the most biodiverse places in the world and one of the best places in Asia to go on a wildlife safari.
Yala National Park has one of the highest leopard densities in the world and you are almost guaranteed to spot wild elephants in Udawalawe National Park. There is no better place to see animals than in their natural habitat!
There are also opportunities to see crocodiles, deer, water buffalo, boar, peacocks, mongoose and bears. If you are heading to Udawalawe then you should also make it a point to visit the orphaned baby elephants at the Elephant Transit Home.
These elephants are rescued and rehabilitated before being released back into the wild to re-integrate with herds in national parks around Sri Lanka, and human contact is kept to an absolute minimum (no petting, feeding, bathing or riding – it is strictly observational for visitors) to maximize their chances of survival back in the wild.
You might also like: The Best Places to See Wild Elephants in Sri Lanka
If you are planning on staying overnight in Udawalawe, I recommend staying at Eliyanth Udawalawe, a small hotel that offered incredible value for money. The rooms were spacious and spotlessly clean with a private balcony overlooking the river, and the hotel can help organize your Udawalawe National Park safari as well. Click here to check current rates and room availability at Eliyanth Udawalawe!
If you are planning on staying overnight in Yala, I recommend staying at Jetwing Yala. The rooms are spacious, the food is delicious (they have 2 restaurants and a beautiful cocktail bar), beach access as well an incredible pool. Wait for it – the pool has a swim-up bar! So you can lounge by the pool with cocktails after your morning safari. Click here to check current rates and room availability at Jetwing Yala!
You can opt to either do a day trip to Yala/Udawalawe or stay overnight if you want to go on more than 1 safari drive. If you only have enough time for a day trip to Yala/Udawalawe, your best bet is to stay in the southern province. Read on for my hotel recommendations in this area!
Days 10 and 11: Beach time!
You’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka in the country’s deep south, and the southern coast of Sri Lanka also offers tons of options for places to stay for all types of travel budgets.
Aside from hopping from beach to beach you should also set aside time to visit one of the many Buddhist temples in the region, go whale watching off the coast of Mirissa, wander around the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort or visit the Tsunami Honganji Viharaya, a memorial dedicated to the thousands of people who lost their lives during the tsunami that wrecked the Sri Lankan coast in 2004.
In this area you will also find the southernmost point of Sri Lanka at Dondra. There is a beautiful lighthouse there that you can visit – when I was there last, you couldn’t climb to the top of the lighthouse unless you had special permission from the port master but you can always check to see if it’s open to the public again.
Where to stay in south Sri Lanka: The Anantara Tangalle, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort and Cape Weligama are 5-star properties with amazing restaurants and service. If you’re looking for something more low key and on the beachfront, check out Talalla Retreat, the perfect place for surf and yoga.
Alternatively, independent travelers who are looking for a boutique luxury experience and privacy should look into Sam & Lola’s (our property) in Hiriketiya. The two private villas each feature a private plunge pool and you can easily access two of the most picturesque bays in all of the south – Pehebhiya Beach and Hiriketiya Beach. You can book directly via AirBnb here and here.
The surf in the south is outstanding (warm water surfing for the win!) and many places offer board rental if you don’t have your own.
The peak season for the southern province is typically from around November to January. Just be mentally prepared for significant crowds if you are visiting Sri Lanka in December around Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
Looking for more boutique and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka? Click here for a list of some of the best boutique and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka!
Days 11 and 12: Explore more of the south coast
The southern coast is also home to Matara, home to the second most important fort in Sri Lanka (next to Galle Fort), Mirissa, Ahangama, Weligama and Unawatuna.
In this area you will find a plethora of hotel options and activities, including watching the famous stilt fisherman at sunset, visiting spice gardens and even touring some tea plantations.
If you love being out on the open water, make the most of your time on the south coast and get in touch with Sail Lanka to see if you can hop on a half-day or afternoon cruise with them aboard a luxury catamaran. We loved our 7-hour cruise with them out in Mirissa bay and were lucky enough to spot a blue whale as well as about a dozen dolphins. The south coast cruises only operate from November to April. Read more about whale watching with Sail Lanka here.
If you’re in Matara, definitely stop by the Paravi Duwa Temple, a beautiful island temple connected to the mainland by bridge (currently under reconstruction), or visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda in Unawatuna for coastal views.
For those looking for a quieter experience in south Sri Lanka head to Talalla, Polhena, Thalpe, Midigama and Madiha which are currently still relatively less developed than places like Unawatuna, Weligama and Mirissa.
Southern Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful places in the country. Click here for more ideas for what to do in Sri Lanka’s deep south!
Day 13: Visit Galle Fort
I love Galle Fort. It’s an amazing blend of old world European architecture (Portugese and Dutch in particular) and Sri Lankan flair, and can be easily reached by train from Mirissa or Matara.
Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great place to wander around: book a massage at Spa Ceylon, sip on a cup of tea at the Amangalla, visit the old Dutch Hospital, do some shopping at Barefoot Gallery, eat some artisan gelato at Isle of Gelato, spend some time strolling through the town, see the iconic Galle Fort Lighthouse and walk along the fort wall for panoramic coastal views. Read more about visiting Galle Fort here.
Where to stay in Galle: I would recommend that you stay the night at The Fort Printers, a converted heritage hotel in the heart of Galle Fort. Click here to check current rates and room availability at The Fort Printers!
If you don’t want to stay the night in Galle, other alternatives are to stay further north and closer to the airport, or head back to Colombo before your flight out of Sri Lanka.
Option 1 is located in a little seaside town called Negombo. Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions is a beautiful adults-only boutique retreat that is located just 30 minutes away from the airport and is a great place to wind down after an exciting 2 weeks in Sri Lanka – make sure you squeeze in one final ayurvedic massage! Read my full review here or click here to check current rates and room availability at Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions!
Option 2 is situated about an hour and a half away from the airport in a lakeside town called Kalutara. Finish off this Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary on a high by checking yourself into Anantara Kalutara, a stunning sun-filled property that offers fantastic food, a beautiful pool and amazing spa services. This option would be my recommendation if you are traveling to Sri Lanka with kids as it has more facilities. Read my full review here or click here to check current rates and room availability at Anantara Kalutara!
Option 3 is located 15 minutes away from the international airport in Sri Lanka and best suited to solo travelers or couples traveling without kids. Though it is basic, Villa Dominikku is perfect if you have an early flight (or a late arrival) or need a transit hotel in Sri Lanka. The owner, Dulshan, and his wife are extremely accommodating, friendly and they have a beautiful home. If you are a solo female traveler in Sri Lanka this is a great place to stay in Negombo and the owner can organize reasonably-priced airport transfers on your behalf. click here to check current rates and room availability at Villa Dominikku!
Day 14: Head to the airport or wind down in Colombo/Negombo
Sadly, it’s time to end your 2 weeks in Sri Lanka. If you are booked on a morning flight, head straight to the airport for your flight and start looking into flights for your trip back to Sri Lanka!
If you are booked on an afternoon or evening flight then make the most of your time and squeeze in a few more thambilis (king coconuts) and another portion of string hoppers – you won’t regret it.
Is 2 weeks in Sri Lanka enough?
Wondering how long to spend in Sri Lanka? Look, I get it – not everyone can just up and leave their home, pets or job for weeks at a time. If you’re looking for a straight forward 2 week itinerary for Sri Lanka for first time visitors, then this is the route I would recommend.
However, you should be prepared to cover a LOT of ground in 2 weeks – and we haven’t even covered Trincomalee, Passikudah, Kalpitiya or the northern regions such as Wilpattu up to Jaffna. I told you Sri Lanka was massive!
Depending on what kind of holiday you’re after, I would say that this 2 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary is enough for a taste of what the island has to offer…but you need to be mentally prepared to pack up and keep moving every few days.
If you aren’t too fussed about visiting the heritage sites in central Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle then it is possible to make a beeline for the beaches on the south coast of Sri Lanka, and vice versa. If you also want to visit the far north and east coasts of Sri Lanka, you’ll need closer to 4 or 5 weeks on the island.
If you’re planning an adventure in Sri Lanka you might also like these guides:
- There are some important things to know before going to Sri Lanka. Here are some essential Sri Lanka tips
- Make sure you avoid these common Sri Lanka travel mistakes and cultural dos and don’ts
- If you’re short on time then you might want to check out this express 1 week in Sri Lanka itinerary instead
- Get inspired with this list of 40+ incredible destinations in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka has tons of boutique hotels and luxury resorts on offer – here are some of my favorites
- Want to do even more reading and research? Click here for all of my best Sri Lanka travel guides and tips!
Did you find these Sri Lanka travel tips helpful? Join the Sri Lanka Travel Inspiration Facebook group for even more tips, recommendations and advice!
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That is a good itinerary for 2 weeks! I am yet to visit this pearl of Indian Ocean!
Anuradhapura fascinates me the most because of the history!
The Cultural Triangle is amazing. Sigiriya in particular is incredible!
Great itinerary! We took more or less the same route with a Tuk-Tuk and absolutely enjoyed it. An amazing country, thanks for sharing and bringing it out there 🙂 Nice blog btw, love your style and design. Enjoy your upcoming travels.
WOAH you did all of this in a tuk tuk? It must have taken ages on the roads! Well done for surviving the ride haha. Thanks for checking this out 🙂
I always comment on your Instagram – “so dreamy!” but know that it’s not a canned comment, I REALLY mean it! Your photos are just always so dreamy! I’ve never known too much about Sri Lanka but I’m certainly learning just how beautiful it is there! Thanks for sharing on #FlyAwayFriday – hope to see you again this week! xo
Thank you so much Kana! You know how I feel about your Instagram 🙂 If you ever make it to Sri Lanka please let me know!
These photos are great and what a fantastic itinerary too! I have pinned this for a future reference. Thanks for sharing! #flyAwayFriday
I’m so glad you found it helpful! Please let me know if you make it over to Sri Lanka 🙂
Great post! I didn’t know much about Sri Lanka, but I feel like I learned a lot about it today 🙂
Yay! Thanks for taking the time to read through, Jamie 🙂 I didn’t know much about it before my first trip there in 2015, it has completely blown my mind!
This is a great itinerary. I would particularly like to visit Ella and also the Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge looks awesome.
Thanks for reading, Amanda! Let me know if you make it over – Madulkelle is truly an oasis in the hills.
Having just been, this makes me want to go back!! Aweso,e you get to go every 2-3 months…just a bit jealous of that 😉 Great itinerary!!
I still don’t feel like I’ve done and seen enough in Sri Lanka! I’d love to head to the north to experience Jaffna!
I keep hearing a lot about the beauty of Sri Lanka and I would love to visit one day. I’m saving this link for when I plan my trip – thank you for sharing all your tips!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read through, Katie! Let me know when you make it over 😉
Once again, killin it with the pictures!!! I’m DYING to go here!! Ahh!! Thank you for the itinerary idea, I def will find a way to make this trip happen 🙂 Thank you for sharing on #FlyAwayFriday and can’t wait to see your next post!
Thank you so much Chloe! Really loving the #FlyAwayFriday community 🙂 You have to make the trip over to Sri Lanka! Let me know when you do 😉
So beautiful! If it wasn’t already on my list it certainly is now.
Fantastic! Let me know if you make it over 🙂
When I was in India last year at the beginning of my long trip around the world, I was considering Sri Lanka, but opted for the Andaman & Nicobar Islands instead. Your pictures and itinerary have inspired me to add it to my “long-way home”. Thank you for sharing!
Ooh – I’ll have to add the Andaman & Nicobar Islands to my list! Were they relatively easy to get to?
Oh Sri Lanka is on my top 5 places to go within the next two years, especially whilst we are in the Middle East making travel times so much more manageable. It looks incredible and you post only makes me want to go more. My hubby is a geek when it comes to trains and would love that trip! I’ll definitely bookmark this post for reference when we finally plan it #FlyAwayFriday
Absolutely! It’s only 4-5 hours from Doha and there are lots of Qatar/Emirates flights to Colombo. Please let me know if you make it over! The train journey is really spectacular.
So well summarised. Pictures are fabulous too
Thanks for reading, Punita!
Love your itinerary! I really want to visit Sri Lanka! Do you think it’s safe to travel alone?
Hey Linda! I absolutely do – much like other places it’s still wise to exercise caution and common sense, but it’s easy to get around and people there are extremely friendly.
This is fantastic! Sri Lanka is somewhere that I’ve been considering visiting for some time, and this post will be so useful when I do get around to planning a trip there (hopefully in the next few years!) 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to read this article, Kiara! Definitely head there sooner rather than later, it’s still relatively less crowded compared to places like Thailand and Bali 🙂
Not sure I could cope with the buses either haha but very tempted by that amazing train ride, safari with elephants and the grandeur of the lighthouse. I genuinely didn;’t know Sri Lanka had so much to offer!
Thanks for taking the time to read through, Danni! There are so many different climates in Sri Lanka – it’s really amazing! Let me know if you ever make it over 🙂
Such breathtaking views! This makes me want to travel so bad. Definitely adding Sri Lanka to my bucket list and going to bookmark this post for future references.
Jasmine,
http://www.mysuitcasejourneys.com
I really hope you make it to Sri Lanka soon, Jas! You’d love it!
So beautiful! I didn’t expect Sri Lanka to have such amazing sceneries around, your post opened up my eyes! On another note, hope you enjoy more trips to visit your coach *winks*
Haha thank you Kristine! 🙂 Long distance is hard…but worth it!
I am Pinning this article to refer back to in the future as it’s so useful! Thank you for sharing your hints and tips and this has encouraged me to add Sri Lanka to my bucket list for sure! Your photographs are stunning – loved the photo of the elephant creeping out of the jungle and train travel at sunset. Heavenly!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the article, Meg! I really hope you make it to Sri Lanka soon – let me know when you do!
Sri Lanka is on my bucket list, as I have heard it’s absolutely beautiful. I have definitely noticed more and more people posting about visiting there. Your photos look beautiful and I think you have put together a fantastic itinerary. My Hubby is a keen surfer so I know he’s looking forward to surfing in Sri Lanka. The tea plantations are also definitely something I would love to do. Will pin this – thank you for sharing!
Soraya I think you’d love it! And it seriously seems like every single person went this year haha. Should definitely plan a trip there before it gets too busy! Please let me know if you make it over 🙂