Sri Lanka packs an incredible amount into a relatively small country. Ancient cities, wildlife-filled national parks, beautiful beaches, tea plantations, temples and some of the most scenic train journeys in the world are all within reach on a two-week trip.
The difficult part is deciding what to include. I put together this 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary after my own two-week trip around the country.
It isn’t exactly the route we travelled, because along the way we learnt about other places from locals and fellow travellers that I wished we’d had time to include.
This itinerary brings those experiences together into a practical route that gives you a taste of many different sides of Sri Lanka without trying to squeeze absolutely everything into 14 days.
You’ll find suggestions for what to do each day, how to get between destinations and where to stay, along with practical tips to help you plan your own Sri Lanka trip.
This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, I may receive a small commission. Read the full disclaimer here.
Is 2 Weeks in Sri Lanka Enough?
Yes – but you won’t see everything.
Sri Lanka might look small on a map, but travelling between places can take longer than you expect, and there is a surprising amount to see.
With two weeks, you can experience ancient cities, Buddhist temples, wildlife, tea country, the famous train journey through the central highlands and some time on the coast without spending your entire trip in transit.
This itinerary focuses on a first-time route through the Cultural Triangle and hill country before heading to the south coast. It gives you a good mix of Sri Lanka’s history, wildlife, scenery, food and beaches.
Day 1 – Arrival Day
Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Most international visitors arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), around 30 kilometres north of central Colombo.
How much you do today will depend on when your flight arrives. If you’ve just come off a long overnight flight, don’t feel as though you need to start sightseeing immediately.
There are ATMs at the airport if you need Sri Lankan rupees. Cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants and tourist businesses, but it’s still useful to carry cash for local buses, tuk-tuks, smaller restaurants and markets.
You’ll also want mobile data while travelling around Sri Lanka. Local SIM cards are available at the airport, but these days I generally prefer to organise an eSIM before I travel. I use Airalo.
You can install it before leaving home and switch it on when you arrive, provided your phone supports eSIMs and is unlocked.
Getting from Colombo Airport to the City
Allow roughly an hour to get from the airport into central Colombo, although traffic can make the journey longer.
A taxi or pre-booked airport transfer is the easiest option after a long flight.
Another useful option is PickMe, Sri Lanka’s local ride-hailing app. I’d download it before your trip as you’ll probably find it useful more than once.
Buses are cheaper, but unless you’re travelling on a particularly tight budget, I’d probably save your first local bus experience for later in the trip.
I wouldn’t recommend hiring a car and driving yourself. Hiring a car with a local driver is common in Sri Lanka and can be particularly convenient for some of the longer travel days in this itinerary.
Where to Stay in Colombo (2 Nights)
For a first visit, staying somewhere around Colombo Fort, Pettah or Galle Face will put you within easy reach of many of the city’s main sights.
We chose CityRest Fort because we wanted to be close to Colombo Fort railway station for our onward journey. It was a fairly basic budget option, but the location worked well for us and it is still operating.
If you’d prefer something more comfortable, there are plenty of mid-range and luxury hotels around central Colombo and along the waterfront.
I’d prioritise location over resort-style facilities for this itinerary because you’ll only be here for two nights.
What to Do on Your First Afternoon or Evening
If you’ve arrived early and still have plenty of energy, keep things fairly relaxed. Wander around the Fort area, head to Galle Face Green towards sunset or simply explore the streets around your accommodation.
Another option is a Colombo food tour or tuk-tuk tour, which can be a fun introduction to the city without having to work out where to go when you’ve only just arrived.
Otherwise, find somewhere for your first Sri Lankan meal and get some sleep.
Day 2 – Exploring Colombo
Today you have a full day to explore Colombo.
Start around Pettah and Colombo Fort, where some of the most interesting parts of the city are close together.
One of the most striking buildings in Pettah is the red-and-white striped Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, often simply called the Red Mosque.
Spend some time wandering through the busy streets and markets of Pettah before moving on to some of Colombo’s other sights.
Visit Gangaramaya Temple, one of Colombo’s best-known Buddhist temples, and nearby Beira Lake and Seema Malaka.
If you’re interested in Sri Lankan history, allow some time for the Colombo National Museum. You can also wander through nearby Viharamahadevi Park.
Another interesting stop is Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam, a colourful Hindu temple not far from Beira Lake.
You can walk between some attractions, but Colombo is spread out enough that you’ll probably want to use tuk-tuks or PickMe during the day.
Make sure you also try some local food while you’re exploring. You don’t need to seek out an expensive restaurant – some of the best meals in Sri Lanka can be found in simple local places.
Towards the end of the afternoon, head to Galle Face Green. It’s a popular place for locals to gather as the heat begins to disappear and a great spot to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
If you’d rather have someone else work out the logistics, a Colombo tuk-tuk or city tour is a good alternative to sightseeing independently.During your day make sure you stop and try some of the amazing Sri Lankan street food.
Day 3 – Colombo to Habarana
Today you’ll leave Colombo and head inland to Habarana, a convenient base for exploring the Cultural Triangle.
You’ll spend two nights here, giving you time for a wildlife safari as well as Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.
Leave Colombo reasonably early so that you can arrive in time for an afternoon safari.
Getting from Colombo to Habarana
You can travel from Colombo towards Habarana by train, bus or private car and driver.
We had planned to take the train, but there was a train strike while we were in Sri Lanka, so we ended up hiring a car and driver instead.
Local buses are inexpensive, although they can be crowded and aren’t always the easiest choice with luggage.
A private driver is the simplest option and gives you more flexibility with stops along the way.
Go on an Afternoon Safari
Once you’ve arrived in Habarana, head out on safari.
Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks are both within easy reach and are particularly well known for their elephants.
Which park is best can change depending on the season and where the elephants are finding food and water, so rather than choosing months in advance, ask your accommodation or safari operator where elephants have recently been seen.
When we visited, we went to Kaudulla National Park.
Elephants are the main attraction, but you may also see monkeys, deer, crocodiles and plenty of birdlife.
Where to Stay in Habarana (2 Nights)
We stayed at a small homestay called Homely Guest, and it was one of my favourite places we stayed in Sri Lanka.
It certainly wasn’t luxury, but we had everything we needed. The local family cooked dinner for us and helped arrange tours and transport, which made Habarana a particularly easy base.
Homely Guest is no longer operating under that name. The property is now listed as Elora Enclave, but I don’t know whether it is being run by the same people, so I can’t personally recommend the current accommodation based on my stay.
There are plenty of other guesthouses, hotels and resorts around Habarana. I’d look for somewhere that can also help arrange a safari and transport for your day exploring Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.
Day 4 – Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa
Today is a big sightseeing day, combining two of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Climb Sigiriya
Start early at Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka’s most recognisable landmarks.
The ancient rock fortress rises dramatically above the surrounding landscape, and getting to the top involves plenty of stairs (but you can skip that part and admire it from down below).
Allow around two to three hours to explore the site, including the museum, gardens and climb. Wear comfortable shoes, take water and try to arrive before the heat builds.
Explore Polonnaruwa
From Sigiriya, continue to Polonnaruwa, around 60 kilometres away.
Polonnaruwa was once a royal capital, and today its extensive archaeological site includes the remains of palaces, temples, stupas and enormous Buddha statues.
You’ll want several hours here, so don’t rush.
Some areas are still considered sacred. Dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered, and be prepared to remove your shoes at religious sites. Socks can be useful when the ground is hot.
For a day combining Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, I’d strongly recommend organising a driver.
That’s what we did, arranging transport through the same driver who had taken us on safari the previous day.
Day 5 – Dambulla Cave Temple and Kandy
Today you’ll leave Habarana and make your way to Kandy, stopping at Dambulla along the way.
If you’re particularly keen, you could start very early with sunrise at Pidurangala Rock, which has fantastic views towards Sigiriya. It’s not essential, though, particularly after yesterday’s full day.
Visit Dambulla Cave Temple
Your main stop today is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dambulla Cave Temple.
There are five main caves filled with Buddha statues, religious artwork and colourful paintings.
Allow around one to two hours for your visit, including the climb up to the caves. Dress respectfully and remember you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering.
When we visited, our driver took us to a parking area that was closer to the caves.
He mentioned the Buddha, and I assumed he meant the statues inside the caves.
It wasn’t until later that I realised we’d completely missed the enormous Golden Buddha at the main entrance below!
Continue to Kandy
From Dambulla, continue south to Kandy.
You can do this by local bus or with a private driver.
We took a local bus from Habarana towards Kandy. It was cheap, crowded and noisy, and the driving can feel rather enthusiastic, but I enjoyed the experience.
If you’d prefer an easier travel day, keeping your driver from Habarana makes a lot of sense. You can check out in the morning, leave your luggage in the car, visit Dambulla and then continue directly to Kandy.
Where to Stay in Kandy (2 Nights)
Kandy is quite hilly, so don’t choose your accommodation based purely on how close it looks to the centre on a map. A hotel that appears to be an easy walk away can involve a surprisingly steep climb.
We stayed at Heaven Seven Kandy, overlooking Kandy Lake.
We had a comfortable stay, a good breakfast and lovely views, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend walking there from the bus or train station with your luggage. That final uphill section would not be fun with bags.
Heaven Seven Kandy is still operating, and its location remains convenient for exploring central Kandy.
For this itinerary, I’d look for somewhere around Kandy Lake or within easy reach of the city centre.
An Unusual Place for a Drink
If you’re looking for something a little different on your first evening in Kandy, take a look at Helga’s Folly.
We went there for a drink, and it’s certainly memorable. The rambling hotel is packed with murals, artwork, antiques and all sorts of wonderfully eccentric decorations.
Helga’s Folly is still operating as a hotel and restaurant, although I’d check current opening arrangements before making a special trip.
Even if you only stop for a drink as we did, it’s one of those quirky places you’re unlikely to forget.
Day 6 – Exploring Kandy
Start with the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist sites.
It’s an active place of worship, so dress respectfully with shoulders and knees covered and be prepared to remove your shoes.
Afterwards, take a walk around Kandy Lake.
Keep an eye on the water as you walk. We saw an enormous water monitor here, which was certainly not something I had expected to encounter in the middle of the city.
Another place worth visiting is Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha, the large white Buddha overlooking Kandy.
Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens
Head out to Peradeniya to visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, around 5.5 kilometres west of central Kandy.
The gardens contain thousands of plant species and are open every day. Allow at least a couple of hours to explore.
Learn About Sri Lankan Tea
You could also visit the Ceylon Tea Museum or arrange a visit to a tea factory or plantation.
Don’t feel you have to squeeze this in. You’ll be travelling through Sri Lanka’s tea country over the next few days, so there will be more opportunities.
See a Kandyan Dance Performance
Finish the day with a traditional Kandyan dance performance.
These performances typically include colourful costumes, drumming and traditional dance, often finishing with fire walking.
It’s a tourist-oriented experience, but it gives you an introduction to a style of dance closely associated with Kandy.
Day 7 – Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Today you’ll start one of the most scenic sections of the trip as you travel into Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Rather than travelling all the way to Ella in one day, this itinerary breaks the journey with a night in Nuwara Eliya.
Take the Train to Nanu Oya
Nuwara Eliya doesn’t have its own railway station.
Book your train from Kandy to Nanu Oya, then take a taxi, tuk-tuk or local bus for the final journey into Nuwara Eliya.
Reserved train seats can currently be booked online through Sri Lanka Railways up to 30 days before travel, and I’d book as soon as your date becomes available if this journey is important to you.
The scenery becomes increasingly beautiful as the train climbs into the central highlands, passing tea plantations, small villages and green valleys.
Explore Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya feels very different from the warmer parts of Sri Lanka you’ve already visited.
Sometimes called Little England, it has a cooler climate and plenty of reminders of the British colonial period.
Depending on when you arrive, wander through town, visit Victoria Park, walk around Gregory Lake or visit a nearby tea estate.
Alternative: Climb Adam’s Peak
If you’re visiting during the main pilgrimage season and climbing Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) is high on your list, you could adapt the itinerary to include it instead of Nuwara Eliya.
Take the train from Kandy to Hatton, then continue by road to Nallathanni, also known as Dalhousie, at the base of the mountain.
Adam’s Peak is an important religious pilgrimage site, and the traditional climb begins during the night so that walkers reach the summit around sunrise.
Be prepared for thousands of steps and a strenuous climb.
The main pilgrimage season runs from around December to May. Outside this period, conditions can be wetter, windier and mistier, so for most travellers following this itinerary I’d stick with Nuwara Eliya.
Day 8 – Nuwara Eliya to Ella
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Nuwara Eliya before continuing to Ella.
If you didn’t visit a tea estate yesterday, you could do that this morning depending on your train time.
Then make your way back to Nanu Oya railway station for the next section of the hill-country train journey.
The journey from Nanu Oya to Ella is another beautiful stretch, with views across tea plantations, valleys and mountains.
Again, I’d reserve a seat if possible.
Where to Stay in Ella (2 Nights)
When we visited Ella, we stayed at a small property called The Bamboo.
Our room was huge, breakfast was delicious and the central location meant we could walk to restaurants and bars as well as attractions including Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arches Bridge.
I haven’t been able to confirm that The Bamboo is still operating, so I wouldn’t book it based on my old recommendation.
For this itinerary, I’d look for somewhere in or close to central Ella. There are some beautiful properties scattered through the surrounding hills, but staying further out means relying more on tuk-tuks whenever you want to eat or explore.
Once you’ve checked in, have a wander around town and find somewhere for dinner.
Day 9 – Ella and Surrounds
Start today with a walk up Little Adam’s Peak.
Don’t confuse it with Adam’s Peak – this is a much shorter and easier walk.
The trail passes through tea plantations before climbing to viewpoints across the surrounding hills.
Walk to Nine Arches Bridge
From Little Adam’s Peak, continue towards the famous Nine Arches Bridge.
You can walk between the two attractions or combine walking with a tuk-tuk.
Lots of visitors try to time their visit for a train crossing the bridge, but I wouldn’t build your entire morning around it.
When we visited, the train was nearly an hour later than we’d been told, so be prepared to wait — or simply enjoy the bridge without a train.
What Else to Do in Ella
Keep the afternoon flexible.
You could visit Ravana Falls, tour a tea factory if you haven’t already done one or spend some time relaxing in Ella.
Take a Sri Lankan Cooking Class
If you’d like to do something different in the evening, consider joining a Sri Lankan cooking class.
There are classes where you can learn how to prepare some of the curries, sambols and other dishes you’ve been eating throughout your trip b