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A tropical wonderland, Sri Lanka is rightly recognised as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Brimming with the most stunning and diverse landscapes, Sri Lanka is also renowned for its vibrant culture, historical heritage, amazing cuisine and an overall unparalleled natural beauty. An island nation that has something to offer to every kind of traveller out there, Sri Lanka is truly mesmerising at its best. From ancient cities, to palm fringed beaches and luscious hills, enjoying a simple meal of rice and curry or venturing out on a train ride or even a wildlife safari, Sri Lanka offers its curious travellers an experience of a little bit of everything. With a country that is so far and wide in terms of the various experiences that it offers, venturing out on a trip to Sri Lanka requires a lot of planning. So, here’s to make your task a little easier for your next trip to this beautiful tropical island with a carefully curated 2 week itinerary for you to completely immerse yourself in all that Sri Lanka has to offer.
Check out the ultimate 2 week itinerary and travel guide to Sri Lanka to make your trip worthwhile as you cover all the highlights that the island country has to offer
Day 1 and 2 - Columbo
The perfect place to begin your two weeks in Sri Lanka, Colombo airport should ideally be the place you land at. The island’s capital, Columbo is a bustling city which perfectly represents the most enthralling blend of modernity as well as the age-old traditional roots of Sri Lanka. Take your time to settle in once you arrive, and thereafter begin your Sri Lanka itinerary by exploring the capital.
Take a leisurely stroll down the Galle Face Green and take your time to enjoy the sunset by the beach. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple which is among the most iconic Buddhist temples in the country that represents a beautiful blend of traditional Sri Lankan architecture with more contemporary designs. You can also visit the Independence Square and the Colombo National Museum, however through all these explorations, do not forget to munch on some delicious Sri Lankan cuisine!
Day 3 and 4 - Sigiriya & Dambulla
These are the two places worth visiting while in Sri Lanka which offer you the most captivating cultural experience. Sirigiya is located at a distance of about a few hours from Colombo, and this is where the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress is located. Listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites, make sure to hike up to the top of these rocks and take your time to explore the ancient frescos, ruins of the royal palace as well as the mirror walls.
Also venture out to explore the Dambulla Cave Temple while here, which is an ancient Buddhist temple complex, consisting of five caves that are adorned with the most stunning statues and frescos.
If you are able to make an early start, you can also catch the sunset at Sigiriya while also being able to take out time to explore the Minneriya National Park and experience the elephant safari.
Day 5 and 6 - Kandy
The next stop in your Sri Lanka travel itinerary is Kandy, which is located at the heart of the island country and is truly the cultural capital. Among the best places in Sri Lanka to experience the culture of the country, Kandy is nestled amidst the mountains and makes for a great start to enter the Hill Country. Among the most obvious things to do while in Kandy is to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This temple is the place where the sacred relic of Gautam’s Buddha’s tooth has been preserved for centuries.
Once you are done with your visit to the Buddha tooth relic, you can witness the traditional Kandyan dance show in the city or take a stroll through Kandy’s scenic lake and visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens as a part of your Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary.
Day 7 and 8 - Nuwara Eliya
An iconic thing to do during your two weeks in Sri Lanka is to take the train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya that is quite rightly considered to be the most scenic route in the world. Experience the most breathtaking views as you travel through the mist-covered hills to Nuwara Eliya, which is also known as Sri Lanka’s ‘Little England’ because of its colonial charm and plan your stay there.
Savour the beautiful cold weather and the surrounding natural beauty of this place, and do not forget to take time out to visit the various tea plantations and tea estates in the region. Visit the Pedro Tea Estate or take part in a guided walk across Sri Lanka’s famous Ceylon tea production as a part of your Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary. Explore the various little waterfalls in the area and don't forget to go boating at Lake Gregory.
Day 9 and 10 - Yala National Park
The best Sri Lanka itinerary for all the adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers out there has to include a visit to the Yala National Park. Located a distance of a few hours from Ella, you can be a part of their jeep safaris and maybe spot a leopard around, and even crocodiles and elephants. Take some time out to plan a stay at the jungle lounge or a glamping site for an all immersive experience.
Day 11 and 12 - Mirissa
A must on your Sri Lanka itinerary next is a visit to Mirissa, which is a small beach town towards the south of Sri Lanka. A destination to finally relax and enjoy in a rather low key manner, Mirissa is a must include in your Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary because it is here that you can spot the world’s biggest animal by the waters. Take part in a whale watching tour, for which the best months are between November to April, or you can also indulge in exciting water sports such as surfing.
The nightlife at Mirissa is also the most thriving in Sri Lanka. Chill at a bar with music and savour some authentic Sri Lankan beachside snacks while here.
Day 13 and 14 - Galle & Bentota
The final stop in your Sri Lanka travel itinerary, complete your two weeks in Sri Lanka by visiting Galle and Bentota which are popular spots for a beloved coastal escape in the country. Explore the Galle Fort while here, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting of influences from Dutch colonialism. Further explore the various boutique cafes in the region for a hearty meal and stop by the Bentota Beach to indulge in some thrilling water sports or even a river safari before returning back to Columbo for your flight home.