Last Updated: August 2, 2024
Sri Lanka is a wonderful country bordering the Southeast coast of India. It took as many years to visit and the moment we did, our first thought was “Why didn’t we visit sooner”? This is how quickly this wonderful country stole your heart!
Every place we visited kept consistently impressing us just as much as the last one. Naturally, we couldn’t wait to share all the wonderful things we experienced during our 2-week trip across Sri Lanka.
This is the only guide you’ll need for your 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary. Why? Because it’s packed with information on which places not to miss in Sri Lanka, where to stay in each of these places, where to eat, and what to do.
Also, useful tips on how to get around Sri Lanka and much more.
Are you ready?
Let’s go!
How to get to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s main international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport, located a short distance from Negombo, the closest city to the airport, and roughly 40 minutes from Colombo, the capital. If your flight arrives after hours and doesn’t allow you to start your road trip immediately, we suggest you find a place to stay for a night in Negombo.
There are plenty of guesthouses and hotels near the airport at very cheap prices. It might be worth asking the host if they can pick you up from the airport, this is a service that most guesthouses offer, some for free, others for a small fee.
How to get around Sri Lanka
The best way to get around Sri Lanka is by a private driver. It’s the perfect way to explore the country with the bonus of having a local guide seeing that the driver will give you tons of insider tips.
You can ping our driver, who was lovely and knowledgeable! He also spoke very good English so communication was not an issue.
WhatsApp: Indi – +94 77 764 4144
Buses are also an option, however, they’re very unreliable. Another good way to get around Sri Lanka is by train. A scenic train ride is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka as they pass by some of the country’s most wonderful landscapes. We’ll expand further on that later!
If you choose to spend a longer time in one town, then you might also consider renting a scooter or even a tuk-tuk. Having said that, driving in Sri Lanka is quite challenging and you need to be extremely careful.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to April in the south-west and March to September in the north-east. We visited the south-west of Sri Lanka from mid-February to the beginning of March and the weather was great! In the south of the island, it was rather too hot with temperatures soaring up to 36 degrees but the locals told us that this was unusual for this time of the year.
During the peak season, the temperatures range from 25 to 33 degrees by the coast. However, in the hill areas, the temperatures may plummet to as low as 16 degrees at night, so make sure to carry a light jacket with you.
Lastly, avoid visiting Sri Lanka during its two monsoon seasons. The southwest monsoon affects the south and west coasts from May to August, while the northeast monsoon affects the east coast from November to January.
Your 2-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary
You’ll want to split your trip into 2 parts, the first week you can spend exploring the quaint villages and tea plantations. The second week, you can spend it entirely on the South Coast, exploring some of Sri Lanka’s best beaches!
Week 1 on your Sri Lanka Itinerary – Hill Country and Tea Plantations
Day 1 – Arrive in Colombo
The airport is located closer to Negombo so we’d suggest picking this location over hectic Colombo. Another plus to this is that you can start exploring your day first thing in the morning without getting stuck in traffic.
Day 2 to 3 – Sigirya
While Sigiriya is small, you should spend one night to properly enjoy it. You’ll most likely arrive late afternoon. Once you check in, head to one of the many restaurants lining the main street for a nice dinner.
Most restaurants here offer unobstructed views of the Sigiya Rock.
On day 3, start as early as possible by exploring the crowning jewel of this area.
Sigirya Rock vs Pidurangala Rock: which one is best?
We had the same question when planning our itinerary to Sri Lanka!
Sigiriya Rock is truly exceptional, however, the truth is, you can’t really see it if you’re standing on it. What’s more, the hike to reach the top is not for the faint-hearted. If you’re not used to steep hiking paths, you might find this hike rather challenging.
Pidurangala Rock is located right opposite Sigiriya offering outstanding unobstructed views of the latter.
Also, it is worth noting that the entrance to Pidurangala Rock is significantly cheaper than Sigiriya Rock. The entrance fee to Pidurangala Rock is LKR 1000 ($3.30) whilst for Sigiriya is ten times as expensive, so roughly LKR 11000 ($36).
The hike to Pidurangala Rock is relatively easy with the most challenging part being at the last leg of the hike, where you’ll need to squeeze through very narrow paths and also climb a few rocks. We saw families with small children committing to this hike, so it’s doable even if you’re a beginner.
Where to stay in Sigiriya
Sigiri Shen Residence – A cute place with spacious rooms and a little patio facing the garden where you can enjoy your morning coffee. The breakfast was delicious but what we enjoyed the most was their coffee.
Where to eat in Sigiriya
The Downtown Gastropub – A beautiful laid-back place with nice music and great service. The menu here offers a combination of fast food and local dishes, at reasonable prices.
Day 3 to 4 – Dambulla & Kandy
Dambulla
On the third day of your Sri Lanka itinerary, head to Kandy, but not before you visit one of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable cultural attractions, the Dambulla Cave Temple. Located only 30 minutes from Sigiriya, it’s better visited as you depart from the town and on your way to Kandy. The Dambulla Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 1st century. It’s an impressive site, not to be missed.
The entrance is LKR 2000 and you will need to climb a few steps to reach the cave. This is a religious site, so you need to respect the local customs by covering your knees and shoulders before entering the temple. There is a spot by the entrance where you can leave your shoes. We chose to carry them in our backpacks simply because there was quite a queue and we felt it was quicker this way.
TIP: if it’s a really hot day, the floor outdoors can get uncomfortably hot if you’re barefoot. Therefore, we’d suggest you wear a pair of socks to protect your feet.
Kandy
Kandy was one of my favorite places in this part of Sri Lanka. The city is big enough that you need a day to explore it. Its mecca is hands down the river located right in the middle of the city, with a beautiful promenade surrounding it. Whichever point you choose to start from, we’d suggest you walk the entire loop so that you enjoy the beautiful views from all angles.
On one side of the lake, you’ll find the Temple of the Tooth, a World Heritage Site. This unique landmark houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Same as with all religious sites in Sri Lanka, make sure to dress modestly and cover your knees and shoulders. The dress code is strict here so you won’t be allowed to enter the temple if you’re not dressed properly.
The entrance fee to the Temple of the Tooth is LKR 1500.
On your last day in Kandy, be sure to spend a few hours at the Royal Botanical Gardens, a must-see attraction in Sri Lanka. While nature is abundant in Sri Lanka, here you will find a vast collection of orchids, tropical flora, and beautiful landscapes as you explore the serene and picturesque gardens.
The entrance fee to the Royal Botanical Gardens is LKR 3000
Where to stay in Kandy
Kandy Hills – A fantastic property with beautiful rooms and outstanding views. This is a small hotel, located just a few minutes from the lake. What’s best, they have a nice restaurant on the top floor and it is open all day long.
Where to eat in Kandy
The Golden Curry Restaurant – The restaurant is located on the first floor, make sure you don’t miss the sign. it‘s fully air-conditioned, part of the reason why we chose this place over others and the food was even better than we expected. Certain dishes on the menu are served only during the dinner, so it is best to ask your waiter to confirm what’s available on the menu before placing your order.
Day 4 to 5 – Ella
Ella is one of the most popular towns in Sri Lankan highlands, nowadays known by most for its famous Nine Arch Bridge. In reality, Ella has so much more to offer than just this popular spot. From lash nature to cascading waterfalls, a bustling town, and beautiful hiking trails your days will be everything but dull.
Years ago, Ella was a popular destination for backpackers who took the scenic train ride from Kandy. Our driver told us that back then, all that existed here were a couple of houses and a few local places to eat. Nowadays, Ella has become one of the most visited places in Sri Lanka!
One of the top must-visit attractions in Ella is the Nine Arch Bridge, which we can safely say that it lives up to the expectations! Tucked within lush greenery, the scenery is truly magical. It’s an incredibly picturesque location, which is why it has become increasingly popular for Instagrammers, photographers, and content creators across the world! So yes, expect to find heaps of crowds trying to snap the perfect picture.
To best see the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, we’d suggest that you go as early as sunrise to avoid the crowds. If you want to see the bridge while a train is passing by, then it’s best if you ask one of the locals to inform you of the train schedule. This could be either the host at your guesthouse or the tuk-tuk driver. Usually, the trains pass by every 2 hours but delays are very frequent, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait for long stretches of time. We visited the bridge at 7 am and were lucky enough to see the train that was scheduled for 05:30 am instead!
Other popular attractions in Ella, include Little Adams Peak and Ravana Falls, both located roughly an hour’s walking distance from Ella. If you’re short on time, then we’d recommend visiting the Kuda Ravana Waterfall instead, located roughly 10 minutes from Ella.
Where to stay in Ella
Leisure Dream Inn – This is a small hotel of 3-4 rooms with the most noteworthy feature being the stunning views over the lush hills and a waterfall. The owner is the kindest and always willing to help with anything you need. Last but certainly not least, the breakfast was amazing, with a selection of fresh fruits, local favorites, and yummy crepes.
Where to eat in Ella
Cafe Chill – This restaurant has a chill vibe, with nice music and even better food. The menu is very extensive offering from local favorites to burgers, pasta, and more.
Day 6 – Nuwara Eliya
If you’re visiting Sri Lanka during the peak season when temperatures are high, a visit to Nuwara Eliya is the perfect escape from the heat. Located at an altitude of 1,868 m, Nuwara Eliya offers a cool climate even during the summer months. During the British Colonial times, this gorgeous location was a popular station amongst the English, precisely because of its favorable climate. The colonial architecture is distinguishable to this day on many of the buildings across the town.
A few noteworthy attractions that you don’t want to miss, are the Nuwara Eliya Post Office, Queen Victoria Park, and Lake Gregory. These attractions are close to each other so one day should be enough to explore Nuwara Eliya.
Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya
After a few days on the road and constantly staying in guesthouses, we wanted a bit of a change and chose a hotel instead. We stayed at W15 Lake Gregory Hotel, located right by the lake. The hotel is a converted estate of 4 rooms, an indoor swimming pool, and a beautiful lobby. What we loved the most, apart from our room, were the beautiful views over the lake! Additionally, the service was exceptional, so we can’t recommend this place enough!
Where to eat in Nuwara Eliya
Eleven 2 Eleven Restaurant – If you like Indian cuisine then one of our top recommendations of places to eat in Nuwara Eliya is Eleven 2 Eleven Restaurant. The entrance looks rather unassuming, but past that, the food is incredible and so is the service.
Cafe Noshers – This is a fantastic place if you’re looking for something other than the local cuisine. They offer pasta, sandwiches, and breakfast options, plus great coffee and drinks. You will find also a small selection of local dishes but it’s very limited.
The Grand Cafe – This is more of a coffee shop where you can enjoy a pick-me-up and a nice cake if you, like us, have a sweet tooth. The location is nice too with sitting areas indoors and outdoors.
Day 7 – Udawalawe National Park
Have you ever been to Sri Lanka if you haven’t experienced safari at one of its National Parks? A safari experience has been for a long time in our bucket list and we were brimming with excitement when we found out that this is one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka. Many places offer this unique experience, but it all depends on how much time you have and your itinerary. In our case, we opted for Udawalawe National Park because we heard that it’s less crowded than Yala, the most popular National Park in Sri Lanka. Another reason why we opted for Udawalawe is because it was more convenient for us based on our itinerary.
Udawalawe National Park is located roughly 4 hours away from Nuwara Eliya and 2 hours from Mirissa which was our first stop on the South Coast of Sri Lanka.
Typically you can explore the park in a day, however, we decided to stay a night so that we could get a proper night’s sleep before heading to the South Coast. The best time to start your safari is in the afternoon when the temperatures cool down slightly. One more reason why this is the best time to visit Udawale National Park is because that’s when most animals roam around the park. You can opt for a full-day or a half-day tour. We chose the latter, which was roughly 4 hours and it was enough time to observe the animals and properly enjoy all the stops.
Whilst a group tour is great because you can socialize with other people, we chose a private tour seeing that this was our first time on a safari and wanted a more personalised experience. Also, if you enjoy bird watching or photography, a private tour is hands down the best option!
Where to stay in Udawalawe National Park
There is an array of great places to stay in this area, ranging from luxury hotels to quaint guest houses. We stayed at Clay House because of the great reviews, and we can’t recommend it enough. This was one of the cleanest properties we stayed in during our 2 weeks in Sri Lanka and the personalized service was truly exceptional! We then learned that the hostess was working for many years at a luxury hotel so she’s implementing here everything she learned from her experience at the hotel. From the impeccable cleanliness to the exceptional service, and to the food, everything was fantastic!
Where to eat in Udawalawe National Park
We only had the chance to eat out once during our visit to the park and chose Machang Udawalawa. The restaurant was clean, the food delicious and the service was quick, so we’d recommend it. It’s always worth asking your driver for places they can recommend, as they know all the areas you’re stopping by pretty well.
Week 2 on your Sri Lanka itinerary – South Coast
Day 8 to 9 – Mirissa
We loved every single day spent in the Sri Lankan highlands but the truth is, we’re huge beach bums, so naturally, we were very hyped to finally reach the coast. We dedicated 1 entire week in our Sri Lanka itinerary solely to the South Coast for that reason! There are a bunch of incredible beaches to explore here but we wanted to narrow it down to 4 to allow enough time to properly enjoy each one of them.
RELEVANT READING
Our first stop was Mirissa Beach. This is hands down one of the best towns if you’re looking for a combination of relaxation and plenty of options for things to do. Mirissa Beach is a wonderful place to swim compared to Tangalle, which is more suitable for those who like surfing and other water sports. The beach is lined by swaying palm trees and restaurants tucked amongst them. Each restaurant has a few rows of sunbeds and umbrellas, the majority of which are free of charge.
On your first day, head over to the main beach, and during sunset, make your way to Secret Beach to enjoy the sunset. On your second day, you can explore the other half, and for incredible sunset views, head towards Parrot Beach. Word of advice, this spot tends to get overcrowded this time of the day, however, we’d recommend it nevertheless because the views are unmissable. If crowds are an absolute no-go for you, you might want to consider visiting during the early morning hours. This time you’ll not only beat the crowds but also the heat.
Where to stay in Mirissa
Peacock Villa – when we were choosing a place to stay in Mirissa it was important to be located in a quiet street and of course to be clean. Peacock Villa ticked those boxes and then some! Like most guesthouses in Sri Lanka, this too is family-owned. The owners were kind, and the rooms were quite honestly the cleanest out of all the properties we stayed in Sri Lanka. Our room came with breakfast included, and the best part is that they offer 2 choices, local or international. We went both times for international as they were serving crepes with coconut and fruits which were finger-licking good.
Where to eat in Mirissa
No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop – This place is so popular in Mirissa that it’s almost always packed with people. It’s clean and the food is sensational! What will blow your mind though, is their rottis. Make sure to try the coconut one! Trust us, you won’t regret it!
Lava Mirissa – This was our favorite place to eat in Mirissa for fresh fish and seafood. During the evening, the staff replaces the sunbeds with tables and chairs and welcomes people for dinner. The place is lit up with candles, and looks magical bathed in candlelight! There is a selection of freshly caught fish on the display where the waiter takes you so you can choose which one you want. What’s more, the prices are super affordable.
Lost Paradise – If you’re craving more Westernized flavors this place is for you. They have plenty of healthy options, delicious smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and great coffee.
Day 9 to 11 – Unawatuna & Galle
On the next leg of your 2-week itinerary head over to Unawatuna to spend a few days. Unawatuna offers a long stretch of golden sandy beach and a more toned-down vibe than Marissa.
Same as most beaches in Sri Lanka, this one too has an array of restaurants and bars on the beach. The life of the town happens on Yaddehimulla Street, which is bustling with bars, restaurants, and other shops. Unawatuna is perfect for couples and families alike. One more reason why we enjoyed this location is because of its proximity to Galle.
Where to stay in Unawatuna
Ridee Villa – This is a beautiful property, located right by the main street in Unawatuna. The rooms are beautifully decorated and the outdoor pool is a huge plus. Upon check-in we were glad to hear that the hotel offers free transportation to the nearby beaches, such as Turtle Beach, but also one-way transportation to Galle. Whilst there are other, much cheaper properties in the area, this one is worth every penny and we didn’t regret our decision.
Where to eat in Unawatuna
Koha Surf Lounge – We loved everything about this place! The menu offers a variety of healthy bowls, but also burgers and seafood. Located a mere few meters from the beach, it’s a cool place to grab breakfast or lunch.
Galle Fort is a remarkable place, easily explored on foot in just a few hours. The fortress was originally built by the Portuguese but then rebuilt by the Dutch. With its cobblestone streets and beautiful colonial architecture, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time.
Where to eat in Galle
AQUA Pizza – we visited Galle towards the end of our 2-week trip in Sri Lanka and our tastebuds were craving something “closer to our home”. When we found this place, we didn’t think twice. Their pizza is exceptional and the vibe is great, offering sitting indoors and a few tables outdoors, great for watching the passersby as you enjoy your meal.
Day 11 to 12 – Hikkaduwa
With only a few days remaining in Sri Lanka, you’ll want to spend most of your time lounging by the beach; at least that was our plan! Hikkaduwa Beach is quiet compared to the ones mentioned above. The same applies to the town. If you’re looking for total relaxation this is the place for you. The beach is also popular for beginner surfers, and divers.
Where to stay in Hikkaduwa
Ten30 Hikkaduwa – What we loved most about this place, is that it was idyllically located by the beach. All rooms face the ocean and have a balcony where you can sit and relax while you take in the stunning views.
Where to eat in Hikkaduwa
Salty Swamis – A great place if you’re vegan or vegetarian. All dishes are mouth-watering and are made of fresh ingredients. The atmosphere is boho and the service is fast and friendly. You sure don’t wanna miss this place to eat if you visit Hikkaduwa.
Day 12 to 13 – Bentota
Bentota is very low-key compared to the other beach destinations in Sri Lanka that we have mentioned so far. It’s a family-friendly destination, offering a miles-long sandy beach with golden sand. The water at most parts is shallow, making it perfect for kids and for those who are not as confident in their swimming skills.
Where to stay in Bentota
Cinnamon Bentota Beach – We saved the best for last, as this hotel swayed us away! The rooms are impeccable and the service is unparalleled. Cinnamon Bentota has a heritage dating back to the 60s when it was first expertly designed by one of Asia’s most influential architects, Geoffrey Manning Bawa. That’s reflected everywhere across the hotel creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
We highly recommend that you opt for half or full board so that you can take advantage of the extensive buffet which offers local and international dishes, cooked by expert chefs!
Day 14 – Colombo
On your last day spare a few hours to explore Colombo, the capital, before heading to the airport. Colombo’s hustle and bustle is not for everyone so brace yourself for its heavy traffic. A few landmarks worth checking out are the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque and the Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil, the oldest Hindu temple in Colombo.
Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting
Sri Lanka’s incredibly lush nature, dreamy beaches, friendly people, and exceptional cuisine make this an ideal destination for everyone! We made memories that’ll last a lifetime and based on all the amazing things Sri Lanka has to offer, we guarantee you that your holiday will be nothing short of amazing! So yes, the answer to your question “Is Sri Lanka worth visiting” is, heck yeah!
Ready to kick off your trip planning? Check out these handy travel resources:
