How to Spend 2 Weeks in Sri Lanka: Itinerary and Guide

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Sri Lanka is the type of magical and beautiful destination anyone could easily spend weeks and weeks exploring – many people do! But if you only have two weeks to spare as I did, don’t fret! I’m here to share my carefully planned 2 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary.

While there is an infinite number of ways to shape your 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary, I tried to create one that was well-rounded and included a little of each of the best things this island paradise has to offer.

I actually visited Sri Lanka solo – I’m on a mission to see all of Asia as a solo female traveler – and felt so comfortable navigating around. I actually had a bit of fun checking off all the best places and Instagram spots in Sri Lanka!

I hope my 2 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary gives you all the travel inspiration you need in your planning! For those with less time to explore, a solid 10 day Sri Lanka itinerary should also be enough to see the best of this beautiful country!

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!

2 Weeks in Sri Lanka Itinerary

Day 1 – 2 : Sigiriya / Dambulla

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is one of the major sites to see when visiting Sri Lanka. Located outside of the city of Dambulla in the Matale district of the country, the area is a good starting point for many cultural and historical activities.

If history and ancient ruins are a big priority for you, consider spending more time in this region! For me, 1.5 days and 2 nights was the perfect amount of time.

TIP: Most people spend their first night or two in Colombo to get their bearings and check out the city. I didn’t have much interest and went straight to Sigiriya, but Colombo may be a better first stop on your itinerary.

Things to do around Sigiriya.

• Hike to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
• Hike up Pidurangala Rock for view of Sigiriya.
• Explore the ancient City of Polonnaruwa.
• Venture around the ancient City of Anuradhapura.
• Marvel at the history of the Dambulla Cave Temple.
• Go on a safari in Minneriya National Park.

Day 3 : Kandy

Kandy is the second-largest city in Sri Lanka and is part of the famous tourist Cultural Triangle route. Because I skipped visiting the capital city of Colombo – I’m more into nature than city – I decided to stop in Kandy to get at least one day in a bustling Sri Lankan city.

From Sigiriya, I took the direct morning bus to Kandy. It picks up at 6:30 am right in front of the Kulmani grocery store across from Nilmini Lodge. I was told it’s the only direct bus from Sigiriya of the day, but there are plenty of buses leaving two per hour in nearby Dambulla. The bus ride is about 3 hours and I paid 250 rupees / $1.60 USD.

Things to do in Kandy.

• See the Temple of the Sacred Tooth.
• Climb to the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue.
• Enjoy a smoothie bowl at Secret Alley Cafe.
• Wander around Kandy Lake.
• Visit the Royal Palace Park.
• Enjoy the Botanical Gardens.

Day 4 : Famous Train Ride from Kandy to Ella

No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without riding the famous bright blue trains through tea country. Many people start in Kandy and head to Ella or stop off along the way in Hatton or Nuwara Eliya depending on your itinerary.

There isn’t a whole lot of information online about public transportation in Sri Lanka, which can make travel around the country feel very daunting. Here are some tips for how to take the famous train between Kandy and Ella!

Kandy – Ella Train Travel Tips.

• Total travel time from Kandy to Ella is approximately 7 hours.
• A seat in 2nd class unreserved will run you about 240 rupees / $1.55 USD.
• Unreserved seats never sell out, and can be purchased at the station an hour before the train departs.
• If you choose unreserved, prepare for a stampede to get on the train and fight for a seat. Also prepare for the possibility of standing for the majority of the ride.
• Reserved seats sell out up to a week in advance and even two during the busy season. To book in advance, purchase through a reputable agency but be warned that the ticket price is much more expensive. I didn’t book through this agency, but they come recommended from other travelers. 
• Take one of the morning trains to guarantee enough daylight to enjoy the passing views.
• Try to sit on the right-hand side of the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and then the left-hand side after Nuwara Eliya for the best views.
• There are vendors that come on the train and sell snacks and drinks.
• I’ve heard the reverse route from Ella to Kandy is less crowded so consider reversing your itinerary if you want to beat the crowds.
• Delays aren’t unheard of in Sri Lanka. I didn’t have any issues, but travel times can be delayed.
• You can find the timetable here at this website.
• For more train travel tips in Sri Lanka, check out this super helpful blog. 

I left Kandy at about 8:30 am and arrived in Ella around 3:30 pm and just relaxed the rest of my day in the city of Ella. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy as well as interesting places to wander about.

Day 5 – 8 Ella

Ella is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in all of Sri Lanka. With miles and miles of rolling green tea fields, stunning mountain hikes, and lovely waterfalls – it’s no wonder why. There’s no shortage of things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka!

Things to do in Ella.

Day 1

• Hike to Ella Rock.
• Bus to see Ravana Waterfall.
• Take a Cooking Class at Matey Hut or Ella Spice Garden.

Day 2

• Hike to see the sunrise at Little Adam’s Peak.
• Treat yourself to the breakfast buffet at 98 Tea Acres Resort.
• Continue on to see the Nine Arch Bridge.
• Go on a tour of the local UVA Halpewatte Tea Plantation.

Day 3

• Wake up early and tuk tuk, taxi or take a scooter to Lipton’s Seat.
• Explore Haptule village.
• Relax after your busy days hiking with an Ayurvedic Sri Lankan massage and steam bath.

Day 4 – Half day exploring Diyaluma Waterfall and travel to Udawalawe Hire driver or scooter to Diyaluma Waterfall to hike to the top of the falls.

Then head to Udawalawe for your morning safari early the next day.

Read more about the best places to visit in Ella, Sri Lanka

Day 9 : Udawalawe and travel to Mirissa

The safari in Udawalawe National Park is one of the best for elephant spotting. Give yourself enough time to enjoy a half or full-day safari, but that’s all you’ll need in this area. There isn’t much to do outside of the national park!

How to safari in Udawalawe National Park.

• Safaris are scheduled for the early morning or late afternoon when the animals are most active. Nothing runs in the middle of the day.
• The rate for the jeep for a half-day safari (usually 3-4 hours) costs 4500-5000 rupees (about $30). With more people in your group, you can split the fee to make it more affordable.
• In addition to this, you’ll have to pay for an entrance ticket to Udawalawe. I paid about 2,200 rupees / $14 USD.
• Morning safaris typically begin at 6 am and end at around 9 am.
• Your guesthouse is probably best at helping you organize the most affordable safari option. Otherwise there are usually jeeps waiting outside of the national park to take folks in.

When you’ve finished your safari, there was a bus from Udawalawe taking passengers to Tangalle, Mirissa and other various stops along the south coast. To get to Mirissa, I paid 170 rupees / $1.10 USD. A tuk tuk driver also quoted me 4,000 rupees / $26 USD if you want to splurge. Your guesthouse can help you organize transportation!

Day 10 : Mirissa

Mirissa is known as having one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Located about an hour drive from Galle, people come to enjoy the beautiful soft sand beaches, favorable whale watching and delicious food. If tourist friendly, chill beach vibes are calling your name, check out these top 8 things to do in Mirissa, Sri Lanka!

Things to do in Mirissa.

• Walk to the insta-famous palm trees on Mirissa Beach.
• Stop by Shady Lane for fresh smoothie bowls and delicious avocado toast.
• Take a selfie at the beautiful peacock wall art on the main road parallel to the beach.
• Relax at the beach – obviously!
• Go scuba diving or snorkeling.
• Watch whales from a sightseeing cruise.

Day 11 : Weligama

Weligama is a lively fishing village a 15 minute bus ride from Mirissa. I really enjoyed the vibes of this bustling local town and it’s a beginner surfer’s paradise. I stopped by for a day to give surfing a try.

Things to do in Weligama.

• Take a surf lesson and hit the waves! You can find surf lessons on the beach for 2,500 rupees / $16 USD per lesson (about 2 hours), or you can go on your own and rent a board for 250 rupees / $1.60 an hour. There are plenty of surf shops lining the beach for you to choose from!
• Go to the local hipster hangouts like Hangtime Hostel, Ceylon Sliders and Aloha Home and Kitchen.
• Check out the famous Weligama beach stilt fishermen.
• Relax at the beach.

Day 12 -13 : Unawatuna / Half Day in Galle

Unawatuna is another popular beach spot along the south coast of the country. About a 20 minute bus ride from Galle Fort, it’s a great place to base yourself to finish your trip relaxing seaside.

I recommend taking half a day to check out what Galle has to offer. Really the best things to do there are just the fort and the market, which you can do easily in a morning.

Things to do in Unawatuna.

• Swing on the insta-famous palm swing on Dalawella Beach. The swing belongs to Dream Cabana Guesthouse and is off the main part of the beach. It’s 500 rupees / $3.25 for a turn.
• Check out the lush and small Jungle Beach.
• Relax on the main beach of Unawatuna, lined with stunning palms and endless restaurants.
• Watch turtle hatching on the beach.
• Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda to memorialize those lost in the tragic tsunami of 2004.

Things to do in Galle.

• Enjoy the history of Galle Fort.
• Shop around the Dutch Market.
• Eat at Lucky Fort Restaurant. It costs 750 rupees / $4.85 for one person and 1500 rupees / $9.70 for two and was seriously one of the best lunches I had in my entire trip in Sri Lanka.

Day 14 : Travel to the airport

From Unawatuna, it’s a bit of a trek to get to the airport. You’ll need to take a train from Galle Station to Colombo Fort, then a train from Colombo Fort to Katunayake near Negombo and then a short 10 minute tuk tuk to get to the departure terminal.

TIP: Others often choose to stay their last night in Negombo to be closer to the airport without worrying about the long travel time from the south coast, so that’s another viable option for you! Negombo beach is chill and about a 20-minute drive from the airport.

As you’ve probably already noticed, my 2 weeks in Sri Lanka was heavy on the hiking and super jam-packed. I really felt two weeks was just not enough time to truly see Sri Lanka, but being the intense traveler I am, I pushed myself to see as much as I could anyways!  

For those with more time or differing interests than me, here are some other recommendations you can add in to your Sri Lanka itinerary!

Other things to do and add to your 2 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary

• Hike in Horton Plains National Park.
• Spend a day exploring cute and charming Nuwara Eliya, aka “Little England”.
• Hike to the top of Adam’s Peak – the big brother to Little Adam’s Peak.
• Go on a safari in Yala National Park to see more than just elephants.
• Relax at the luxurious Tangalle Beach.
• Spend more time surfing and exploring Weligama and the south coast.
• Check out Arugam Bay for wonderful surfing and party vibes (It was off-season while I was there).

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, if you click my links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Learn more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support!

Any questions about my 2 weeks in Sri Lanka itinerary?