This is a destination that is pack with so much to see and do and in this 2-week Sri Lankan itinerary, we will discover all of them.
From stunning beaches, lush tea plantations, ancient temples and ruins, wildlife spotting, safaris and busy cities.
It might sound like a lot to cover in just 14 days, but we have planned this itinerary, so you have the right balance of fun action-packed adventure, while spending some quality time beside the beach soaking up the sun.
We’ve visited every one of these locations over the last 15 years and experienced the best and worst of Sri Lanka’s travel routes. We have fine-tuned this plan to help you make the most of your trip.
Whether you’re a couple seeking your ideal honeymoon destination, backpacker looking for a budget friendly trip, or someone that just wants to dive into Sri Lanka’s rich culture and history, then this itinerary will ensure you visit the best places that this tropical island has to offer.
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Practical tips for visiting Sri Lanka
While we have created a step-by-step Sri Lanka itinerary to follow, you should still prepare yourself, by doing some research and planning.
To help you plan your Sri Lanka trip, let’s go through some practical tips first.
When to visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, BUT there are 2 monsoon seasons a year that affect different regions of the country.
If you visit during the monsoon season, don’t worry, you’ll still experience the hot sunny conditions, but you’ll also encounter a few short spells of rain.
An umbrella can solve that problem.
But if you want to avoid the wet season, then consider visiting Sri Lanka during December and April if you’re visiting the south and west coast. Which is the area this 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary focuses on.
The east and north coast is ideal during May to September.
Although typically the dry seasons are between December to April and May to September, you may encounter a few rain spells, especially during a storm.
How much does it cost for a 14-day trip to Sri Lanka
Ok, so the cost of a trip to Sri Lanka, will ultimately depend on your travel style.
If you are a budget traveller, you could be looking at anything less than $50.00 per person, per day. You’ll want to stay in hostels or cheap hotels and B&B’s, and eat at local street food vendors or small affordable restaurants.
A mid-range traveller, is likely to spend between $50.00 – $150.00 per person, per day. You’ll have a little more funds available to stay in mid-range hotels and eat in a few restaurants.
While a luxury traveller will likely spend anything upwards of $150.00 per person per day. The options are endless with luxury travellers, you will stay in luxury hotels, boutique hotels, lodges, etc and eat in high end restaurants.
Need help with finding your ideal budget. Then check out this table below, which breaks down each element of your budget.
Sri Lanka Travel CostsGo a little further and download our free budget and savings tracker. This will help you identify what your budget will be and how much you’ll need to save for the trip. You can download the budget and savings tracker here.
How to get around Sri Lanka
There are a number of affordable ways to get around, such as trains, buses and tuk-tuks, while the most convenient way to get around is either hiring a vehicle or hiring a driver.
The latter option is a more expensive way to travel around Sri Lanka.
How you navigate, will come down to your budget and travel style.
We have travelled via public transport and by hiring a vehicle and driver. We are yet to build up the confidence to drive in Sri Lanka, due to the chaotic driving.
In our experience, public transport is definitely affordable, but not always convenient. There isn’t always direct buses or trains to your chosen destination, which can mean layovers and longer transport times.
While hiring a driver is convenient, usually more comfortable, its more private as it will only be you and your family or travelling companions in the vehicle, AND you can stop for refreshments at any time.
We love using Rome2Rio to help us plan our route around Sri Lanka via public transport. And will help you to plan and book your transport options.
Want to take a slightly different way of getting around, then why not hire a motorbike or scooter. They are a convenient way to explore the country without the hassle of a car or driver. You can check rates and book your ride with Bikesbooking.com.
How about hiring a car? Hiring a car, will allow you to travel around Sri Lanka with convenience. BUT what has put us off, is the chaotic city driving conditions, especially in the capital Colombo.
If you are a confident driver, you could hire a vehicle from Discover Cars. You can check out the rates and book here.
Visa, currency, staying safe and packing
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee Rs.
You do require a visa to visit Sri Lanka, you can obtain and ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) online via the government website, or you can get a visa on arrival at the airport.
However, we would recommend completing the online application, as it takes less than 30 minutes to complete and pay the fee and normally less than 30 minutes to get confirmation that your visa has been granted.
This will prevent delays when you arrive at the airport.
Sri Lanka is a safe country to visit, but you should always be alert as you would when going your day-to-day life in your home country.
If you need more tips on planning a trip to Sri Lanka, tips on how to stay safe while on the road and packing tips, then check out these detailed guides:
Need further assistance with your packing, then download our free packing checklist. We have covered everything you need for all styles of travel. You can download it here.
14-day Sri Lanka itinerary
Will 14 days in Sri Lanka be enough?
In our experience, 14 days in Sri Lanka is enough time to visit many of the top tourist hotspots. Anything less and it really isn’t worth visiting, as you’ll be trying to squeeze so much into such a short period of time.
On the other hand, if you had longer than 14 days, then you would have a more leisurely pace and be able to visit some off the beaten path destinations, or spend more time at the beach.
We have designed this 14-day Sri Lanka itinerary to cover a variety of different things, from hill country, ancient ruins, hiking and beach time. But we also want to create a plan that is completely adaptable to your preferences.
We have therefore provided a few alternatives, depending on you and your travel style.
Day 1 Arrival in Sri Lanka
After a long flight, day 1 will be as relaxed as you want it to be.
You can either stay in Negombo, which is about 20-minute drive from the Airport and offers some relaxing beaches.
Or you can head straight into the capital and do some exploring.
You’ll only need 24 hours in Negombo and the same in Colombo.
Where to stay in Negombo or Colombo
Day 2 – Colombo
If you’re staying in Negombo, make your way to the countries capital and spend 24 hours exploring Colombo.
If you stayed in Colombo on arrival, then take your arrival day to relax and then day 2 to explore the capital.
Colombo is a busy and compact city, but don’t let that put you off. After spending the day here, you’ll discover a city that is actually full of charm, history and energy, with a mix of the colonial old and vibrant new.
Snag a deal at the bustling street markets, or enjoy a relaxing drink beside the pool. Dive head first into the rich culture, incredible food and so much more.
No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without a visit to its capital.
Need more recommendations on places to stay in Colombo, then check out our full recommendations on best places to stay.
Day 3-4 Sigiriya & Dambulla
Day 3 and 4 will need to be an early start to get you out to Sigiriya and Dambulla in time for the adventures that await you.
The next 24 hours will include climbing and exploring a temple.
Sigiriya is one of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. Now that is a lot for one small island, and you will be visiting 5-6 of these sites over the next 14 days.
This is one of the most iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka and there is no denying that it is an incredible place to visit.
It is steeped in history, dating back to when King Kashyapa built his palace back in the 5th century.
Start by walking through the grand garden at the foot of the giant rock, before climbing over 1000 steps to the top.
As you make your way up the steps, you’ll pass the mirror wall which the king is said to have been able to see his reflection in.
Admire the wall frescos and the detail that they contain, before reaching the famous lions’ paws around 2/3rd of the way up.
The final climb will reveal epic views of the surrounding landscape and you won’t be disappointed.
Pro tip: depending on the time you arrive in Sigiriya, you should climb the rock either early morning or evening to avoid the midday sun and the crowds.
If you haven’t already done so, check into your accommodation.
Rise early to get a good start on climbing Pidurangula Rock.
Pidurangula Rock is a small rock, with awesome views of the landscape and Sigiriya in the distance.
You’ll want to climb early to avoid the midday sun, as it can get very hot.
We fell in love with Pidurangula, and while over the years it has started to grow in popularity with tourists, it is still relatively quiet compared to its sister Sigiriya.
Now make your way to Dambulla to explore Dambulla Cave Temple.
This is your second UNESCO World Heritage Site in less than 24 hours.
Dambulla Cave Temple is a spiritual wonder, hidden within a sacred rock and is the largest and best-preserved temple in Sri Lanka.
These caves, include multiple rooms, with different Buddha statues.
We found that Dambulla was a peaceful temple and the perfect spot to pray, meditate or provide offerings to Buddha.
Once you have finished at Dambulla, make your way to Anuradhapura for day 5.
Whether you’re interested in Dambulla history, religion or just wanting to experience Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage, then this is the perfect spot for all of that.
Where to stay in Sigiriya and Dambulla
Day 5 Anuradhapura
This is your third UNESCO World Heritage Site visit in just a couple of days and you have a few more to come.
Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first capital, before it moved to Polonnaruwa, but what is left behind is ancient ruins, sacred temples and serene monasteries.
Today you’ll dive into the history, culture, and some deep spiritual roots of Anuradhapura.
Pro tip: Rent a bike and for a unique way to explore the ancient ruins.
Where to stay in Anuradhapura
Day 6 – Polonnaruwa
This ancient city is rich in history and was also once a capital of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa will be the fourth UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What remains of the temples, Buddha statues and grand palaces is now a lost city, with the remains of the ruins, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka as a thriving country.
This is an incredibly well-preserved archaeological site, which shows off its grand architecture.
As Polonnaruwa is more compact, compared to Anuradhapura, it makes it easy to explore, especially via bicycle.
Where to stay in Polonnaruwa
Day 7 – Kandy
Nestled in the lush hills of central Sri Lanka, Kandy has a significant spiritual connection and history.
It was once the capital and is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, one of the most important Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka.
It is your fifth UNESCO World Heritage site to visit.
There is plenty of things to do packed into this little town, from stunning lakes, rolling mountains, plenty of culture, nature and tranquillity.
This is our favourite town; the conditions are far cooler than the low-lying regions.
Where to stay in Kandy
Day 8-9 – Ella
Ella is one of the most beautiful hill country destinations, with plenty of adventure to excite you on this 14-day trip to Sri Lanka.
It is a laid-back hill town in a paradise island. With plenty of hiking, the famous Nine Arch Bridge, waterfall chasing and so much more.
If you’re a tea connoisseur like us, then a tour of a tea factory is a must.
How to get to Ella from Kandy
This is the highlight of your trip.
From Kandy, we’d recommend taking the most scenic train journey in the country.
The train will take you through misty hills, lush forests and plenty of tea plantations.
For comfort, you could travel in first class, which is the most expensive option, or you could travel in second or third class.
Be mindful that in third class, there is no guarantee that you’ll get seats and the journey takes around 6+ hours. It could be a fun experience, while a little uncomfortable if stood for that period of time.
There are direct buses, or you could drive to Ella, but these are not as scenic and exciting at the train.
Places to stay
Day 10 – Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park
Rise early and make your way to either Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park.
Both options offer an incredible wildlife experience, with either a half day or full day safari, where you’ll encounter plenty of Elephants, birds, crocodiles and maybe the shy leopard.
Yala National Park offers the highest density of leopard spotting’s, but there are no guarantees.
While Udawalawe National Park is perfect for elephant spotting.
On our adventurous safari in Yala, we opted for a full day experience and we were lucky enough to spot just 1 leopard, although I saw a leopard hiding in a distant tree.
National Park tours
These are our recommended park tours:
- Yala National Park Safari Tours: Morning/Evening/Full Day
- Udawalawe: National Park Safari & Elephant Transit Home Tour
Day 11 –13 Unawatuna or Bentota
After the last 10 days of exploring the regions of Sri Lanka, now is a time for some relaxation.
In our experience any beach destination on the south west coast of Sri Lanka is ideal, but we have chosen Unawatuna or Bentota for this 14-day itinerary.
These two beach destinations offer relaxing beaches and beautiful waters.
If too much relaxing is not on the agenda, don’t worry you can snorkel or swim with turtles in Unawatuna, or take a day trip to Galle to explore the historic and colonial Galle Fort.
Bentota has the more relaxed vibe compared to Unawatuna.
Where to stay in Unawatuna and Bentota
- Hostel Residence Bentota
- Cinnamon Bentota Beach – Signature Selection
- Araliya Beach Resort & Spa Unawatuna- Where you meet the sea all year
Day 14 – return home
After an exhausting 14 fun packed days in Sri Lanka, it is time to make your way back to the airport for your onward flight.
Conclusion
This 14-day Sri Lanka itinerary, has taken you on a full journey, that takes you to the captivating highlights that you can’t miss.
From ancient ruins at Sigiriya Rock and Polonnaruwa, to lush landscapes, tea plantations and plenty of hiking in Ella. We have also included a balance of relaxation with a short beach destination.
Sri Lanka is a destination that opens its arms wide for any traveller that wants to explore a once in a lifetime adventure.
Continue your travel planning, with these useful posts:
- 10 Day Sri Lanka itinerary
- Best places to visit in Sri Lanka
- Staple food in Sri Lanka
- Temple do’s and don’ts
- Sri Lanka travel tips
- How to plan a trip
- How to travel more around your full time job
- Best travel planning apps and tools
- 10 common travel mistakes to avoid
- How to find cheap flights
