A Complete 2-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary

Planning to stay two weeks in beautiful Sri Lanka? Here’s an itinerary that will help you decide and hopefully guide you through the country and all the hot spots you MUST visit while there.

From the amazing beaches, historic ruins, friendly people, elephants, scenic train rides, colourful food and – not to forget – the tasty tea, Sri Lanka is surely a traveller’s delight.

Even before you go to beautiful Sri Lanka, here are a few things you must know beforehand:

 

Things To Know Before You Go To Sri Lanka

Visa Requirements

Unless exempt from a visa before arriving or on arrival to Sri Lanka, you must obtain a visa beforehand.

All visitors must hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months. Visitors are strongly urged to use the online system to avoid the lengthy delays at the entry port.

Weather In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons which bring rains to the west and south-west coasts from May to September, and east coast to the northern regions between October and February.

Temperatures are fairly constant all year round, with 25-30ºC temperature on average and 15 – 18ºC temperature in the highlands on average.

Flights To Sri Lanka

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is Colombo’s main international airport and the gateway to Sri Lanka. It’s well-connected, with flights from major airlines such as:

• Qatar Airways
• Sri Lankan Airlines
• Emirates
• Malaysia Airlines
• Singapore Airlines
• Thai Airlines
• Cathay Pacific
• Fly Dubai
• IndiGo
• Jazeera
• SalamAir
• AirArabia.

You can fly directly into Colombo from cities like Dubai, Bangalore, Lahore, Kuala Lumpur, Male, Sydney, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dhaka, Doha, Chennai, and Kuwait.

But if you’re coming from the U.S. or Europe – like I did – be prepared for a long journey. It took me over 20 hours and at least two layovers before finally stepping foot in Sri Lanka. The exhaustion was real, but the moment I walked out of the airport into the warm, tropical air, it hit me—I had arrived in a whole new world.

If you’re planning your route, I’d recommend breaking up the journey with a layover in a city you’d like to explore. I had a stopover in Doha once, and it was a great way to stretch my legs and get a little taste of another destination before the final leg to Colombo.

Getting Around In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has an extensive transportation network, including buses, trains, taxis, and tuk-tuks.

Buses are the most affordable, but can be uncomfortable, cramped, and hot. Trains are scenic and popular, especially for longer journeys.

Taxis and tuk-tuks are easy to catch on the street to travel within a city and only take cash.

There’s also the Sri Lankan version of Uber or Lyft called PickMe. You can order rides and food delivery through the app.

Health And Safety In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is generally a very safe destination for travellers, but it’s always wise to take precautions.

Make sure to purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies or theft. It’s also recommended to drink bottled water, not tap, and be careful when swimming in the ocean because of the strong currents and waves.

Keep large amounts of cash hidden and never pack valuables in the outer pockets of your bags so they don’t get pickpocketed.

Exercising any sort of caution that you would in any big city should be enough in Sri Lanka, as most people are welcoming, helpful, and friendly.

What To Pack For Sri Lanka

When packing for your trip to Sri Lanka, consider the hot and humid weather, outdoor activities, and beautiful scenery. Don’t forget:

• Lightweight tops and breathable shorts
• Swimwear and other beach essentials
• Comfortable shoes for walking around the city
• Hiking boots
• Sun protection, such as sun hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Rain gear
• Universal power adapter
• Toiletries and medications

2 Weeks in Sri Lanka Itinerary

Day 1 In Sri Lanka

Colombo is the first in the list of our 2 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary. Colombo is a city full of contrasts; it has massive colonial-era buildings, parks, lakes, temples, scenic areas and more. If you want to go out for shopping, Colombo is Sri Lanka’s fashion capital.

Want to move around the place? Ride a tuk tuk and avoid getting heat stroke in the blistering sunlight.

End your day in Colombo by going for a stroll at the Galle Face Green which is a green lawn by the sea. Watch the sunset, eat delicious Sri Lankan specialties and enjoy the environment.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Colombo

1. National Museum
2. Buildings in the Fort
3. Beira Lake
4. Khan Clock Tower
5. Independence Memorial Hall
6. Streets of Pettah
7. Mount Lavinia
8. Colombo Dutch Museum
9. Galle Face Green
10. Old Dutch Hospital

Where To Stay In Colombo

• Star Anise Boutique Capsules
• Villa Raha
• Sayura House

Day 2 In Sri Lanka

Take the train from Colombo to Galle. A beautiful trip across the Sri Lankan coast with an amazing sea view. Galle Fort is an Architectonic masterpiece with many artistic shops, galleries, diners, and cafes.

If you’re feeling puckish along the way, Galle is the place you can cater to your tummy and get a traditional meal, some curry, rice, daal and more.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Galle

1. Galle Fort
2. National Museum of Galle
3. Galle Fort Clock Tower
4. Galle Lighthouse
5. Flag Rock
6. Unawatuna
7. Galle Fort Clock Tower
8. Independence Memorial Hall
9. Sinharaja Forest Reserve
10. Japanese Peace Pagoda

Where To Stay In Galle

• The Bungalow – Galle Fort
• The Stairway – Galle Fort
• Kings Villa Galle

Day 3 – 5 In Sri Lanka

Mirissa has a much more laid back atmosphere. With so many beaches, the stress just goes away at this place. Very little beach vendors will hassle you, and you can swim or surf.

Packed with beautiful white beaches, you can often see dolphins and even an occasional whale. Many tour guys will be selling tickets along the beach, so you should go check the safari out.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Mirissa

1. Galle Fort
2. Whale Watching Point
3. Secret Beach
4. Mirissa Beach
5. Parrot Rock Bridge
6. Coconut Tree Hill
7. Weligambay Beach
8. Matara Beach
9. Midigama Beach
10. Taprobane Island

Where To Stay In Mirissa

• Central Beach Inn
• Ocean Reach Holidays
• Mirissa Beach Inn

Day 5 – 7 In Sri Lanka

Tangalle is a place where you can see wide stretches of white beaches as far as your eyes can see. Tangalle is an upgraded, even more, beautiful version of Mirissa; it’s very wild, untouched and is not very crowded.

If you’re a fan of recreating movie scenes, you can run along the beach in the afternoon, check the sea turtles, enjoy the subsets or even have a swim in the sea if you want to.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Tangalle

1. Tangalle Beach
2. Bundala National Park
3. Rekawa Beach
4. Hiriketiya Beach
5. Mulkirigala Rock Temples
6. Silent Beach Tangalle
7. Goyambokka
8. Mangrove Beach Cabana
9. Yala National Park
10. Ranlakshmi Paradise Beach

Where To Stay In Tangalle

• Mandalla Villas
• Onilreach Garden
• Lankavatara Ocean Retreat & Spa

Day 8 In Sri Lanka

From Tangalle, take a two-hour drive via a taxi to the Yala National Park. Your hotel can book you a safari trip for you which includes a safari jeep with a driver, guide, and tickets. You have the option of going in early in the morning or in the afternoon.

Being one of the most famous national parks in Sri Lanka, you can see herds of elephants, deer, crocs, buffaloes, pigs and a lot more.

Day 8-10 In Sri Lanka

Ella is extremely inexperienced and lush, it being right in the centre of tea plantations and ornamented by mountains some around 2000 metres high. It really is a sleepy town with great landscapes.

Choose hikes in the mountains or visit one of the numerous tea factories and plantations in the region. We cherished this place and ended up staying a lot longer than we originally planned.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Ella

1. Ceylon Tea Factory
2. Little Adams peak
3. Diyaluma Falls
4. Nine Arch Bridge Ella
5. Ella Rock for Hiking
6. Liptons Seat
7. Nuwara Ella
8. Ravana Waterfalls
9. Ella Wala Falls
10. Bopath Falls

Where To Stay In Ella

• EKHO Ella
• Chill Ville View Point Hotel
• Inspire Ella

Day 10 In Sri Lanka

Ella to Kandy is one of the most scenic and serene trips you can experience in Sri Lanka. Get the train trip and enjoy beautiful Sri Lanka. If you have Sri Lanka tour packages, then check if this trip is a part of it.

Just viewing the transferring villages and the local people getting on/off the beach at each train station is fascinating and present you a perception of Sri Lankan lifestyle.

At each stop, suppliers selling snacks, beverages, and food can get on and off, so are there a lot of Sri Lankan specialties to enjoy.

Day 10 – 12 In Sri Lanka

Famous for its Sacred Tooth Temple, Kandy houses one of the most sacred and important Buddhist relics – a tooth of Buddha himself.

The experience in the temple is mystifying, atmospheric and vivid.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Kandy

1. Kandy Lake
2. Hulu River Waterfall
3. Royal Botanical Garden
4. Riverton Gap
5. Highlands
6. Giragama Tea Plantations
7. Kandy city viewpoint
8. Ceylon Tea Museum
9. Ranweli Spice Garden
10. Knuckles Mountain Range

Where To Stay In Kandy

• Swp eco lodge
• Heaven Breeze
• Eagle Regency Boutique Hotel

Day 12 In Sri Lanka

Sigiriya is a gigantic, 200-metre high rock that is located in the midst of a jungle. The king’s palace was on the top of the rock and you can see the ruins when you go there.

Even though there was a 2-hour stair climb, the view was amazing.

Top 10 Places To Visit In Sigiriya

1. Sigiriya Rock
2. Pidurangala Rock
3. Sigiriya Museum
4. Elephant rides
5. Royal Gardens
6. Dambulla Temple
7. Minneriya National Park
8. Lion’s Paws
9. Anuradhapura
10. Kaudulla National Park

Where To Stay In Sigiriya

• Roo Mansala Boutique Villas
• Harini Villa
• Sat Nam Village Eco Hotel

Day 12 – 14 In Sri Lanka

From Sigiriya, there is a one hour drive up to Polonnaruwa, the once capital of Sri Lanka for 3 odd centuries. Packed with temples and ruins, it’s located in the midst of a green jungle.

Rent a bike and explore the area at your own pace and behest.

Top 10 Places To visit In Polonnaruwa

1. The Royal Palace
2. Quadrangle
3. Northern Group
4. Audience Hall
5. Swimming Pool
6. Shiva Devale No 2
7. Pabalu Vehera
8. Rankot Vihara
9. Buddha statue at Lankatilaka
10. Polonnaruwa Tank

Where To Stay In Polonnaruwa

• Ceyted Cottage
• Serendipity Apartments
• Malee Homestay

My Favourite Things To Do In Sri Lanka

Colombo, Sri Lanka

National Museum

The Colombo National Museum has artefacts from Sri Lanka’s history, and is the only museum in Sri Lanka that showcases the natural history and heritage of this amazing country.

Tickets are 750 rupees (USD 2.49) for children and 1500 rupees (USD 5) for adults.

Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is a beautiful ocean-side park in the heart of Colombo. You can get a wonderful view of the sunset, walk around and meet locals, and buy some souvenirs from vendors there.

Book a guided city tour here.

Lotus Tower

The Lotus Tower is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks and the tallest tower in southeast Asia.

You can ride the elevator to the top for panoramic views of the city and see it light up at night. There’s even a rotating restaurant at the top. The tower is open 9 am to 9 pm on weekdays and until 10 pm on weekends. Tickets are USD 20.

Red Mosque

The Red Mosque was constructed in 1908 and is one of the most famous buildings in Sri Lanka known for its beauty. It can hold up to 10,000 people and is the spiritual centre to many muslims living in Colombo. It’s open to visitors from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. 

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Sigiriya Rock

Sigiriya Rock is a famous landmark in central Sri Lanka with sculptures carved into the ock formation and amazing views of the Sri Lankan countryside. It’s open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day and is about an hour-long hike to the top. It costs USD 36.

Pidurangala Rock

Pidurangala Rock is the rock that’s across from Sigiriya and offers amazing views of Sri Lanka’s famous landmark. It’s about a 45-minute hike to the top and costs USD 5.

Sigiriya Archaeological Museum

The Sigiriya Archaeological Museum highlights Sri Lankan artefacts such as jewels, skeletons, ancient tools, and sculptures. It’s open from 6.30 am to 5.30 pm daily.

The museum is included if you pay to climb Sigiriya Rock but if you just want to visit the museum, it costs USD 6.

Dambulla Royal Cave Temple

These caves are the largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka, filled with Buddhist statues and paintings. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square metres and also have burial sites with human skeletons from nearly 3,000 years ago. Entrance to the cave costs USD 22. 

Kandy, Sri Lanka

Temple of the Sacred Tooth

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a World Heritage Site and one of the most famous Buddhist sites in the country. It’s home to one of the teeth of Gautama Buddha and is filled with Buddhist art and symbols.

Kandy Lake

Kandy Lake is a man-made lake in the middle of the city next to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth.

It was built in 1807 and strolling around it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the city. You can see local people walking around and enjoying a snack.

Ceylon Tea Museum

The Ceylon Tea Museum is a fantastic way to learn about Sri Lanka’s biggest export. You can see the entire process of how tea is processed and enjoy a panoramic view of Kandy at the top.

It’s open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday to Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. The tickets are USD 3.30.

Kandy National Museum

The Kandy National Museum showcases historical art and architecture from the region dating back to the 17th century. The building itself was a palace where the royalty of the region lived. Tickets are about USD 2. 

Ella, Sri Lanka

Little Adam’s Peak hike

Hiking Little Adam’s Peak is one of the most famous hikes in Sri Lanka with views you won’t get anywhere else in the world. It takes about an hour to reach the summit and doesn’t have an entrance fee.

Nine Arch Bridge

This famous Sri Lankan bridge is a famous tourist site. It’s also known as the Bridge in the Sky and is surrounded by beautiful Sri Lankan countryside.

There’s no entrance fee but it only costs USD 2 for a short tuk tuk ride from the road to the bridge for photos.

Lipton’s Seat

Lipton’s Seat is named after the tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton and is one of the best panoramic viewpoints in Sri Lanka.

You can hike there or take a short tuk tuk ride to the viewpoint, and make sure to check the weather before you head there to make sure it’s not cloudy.

Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains National Park is a national park where you can see the sambar deer, purple-faced langurs, rusty-spotted cat, Sri Lankan leopards, and more. 

Udawalawe, Sri Lanka

Elephant Transit Home

The Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is a place where baby elephants that are orphaned are rehabilitated and then released back into the wild.

You can witness a feeding every day at 10.30 am, 2.30 pm, and 6 pm The entrance fee is USD 5.

Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is a place where you can see elephants migrating, the rusty-spotted cat, the Sri Lankan leopard, and much more. It’s also known as a park with amazing bird watching.

Udawalawe Dam

Udawalawe Dam is located in the heart of Udawalawe National Park and is a popular site to visit in the park. It consists of a dam and a hydro power station built across the Walawe river. 

Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle Fort

Galle Fort was built in 1588 by the Portuguese and then occupied by the Dutch. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was used to defend a busy trading port on Sri Lanka’s south coast.

You can walk along the walls of the fort and see beautiful views of the ocean and Galle.

National Museum of Galle

The National Museum of Galle is located in the oldest remaining Dutch building in the Galle Fort. It has exhibits featuring artefacts from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial periods.

You can see turtle shell jewellery, Beeralu lace weaving, and traditional wooden masks. Tickets for entry are about USD 1.

Japanese Peace Pagoda

The Japanese Peace Pagoda is a beautiful white temple on Rumassala Hill, viewable from Galle Fort. It was built by Japanese Buddhist monks in 2005 when Sri Lanka was in the midst of a civil war to promote peace. You can visit any time of the day for free.

Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum features artefacts on marine biology and anthropology of the region on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. It costs less than USD 2 for a ticket. 

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At the end of the day, Sri Lanka is absolutely beautiful, scenic, mystifying and captivating all at the same time. Sri Lanka has everything to offer to its tourists. If you’re looking for adventure, Sri Lanka has adventure. If you’re looking for beauty, Sri Lanka has that too.

For those who are confused and don’t know where to start, this 2 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary will ensure a perfect exploration and good sightseeing time in the country.

For anyone looking to experience one of the worlds’ most beautiful country, this is an itinerary that will help you through the journey. Don’t wait and plan your next trip to Sri Lanka with your family now!