The Perfect Itinerary for 2 Weeks in Sri Lanka

After coming in at number one in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2019 list, Sri Lanka is well and truly on the radar now of many travellers. To help you plan your trip, here are my suggestions for the perfect itinerary for 2 weeks in Sri Lanka.

I have compiled this itinerary after my own two week Sri Lanka trip. The itinerary is not exactly the same as my trip as we learnt about other places as we travelled from both locals and other visitors.

This detailed guide will help you with planning a trip to Sri Lanka.

I hope to get back again soon to see some of the things that we missed when we visited Sri Lanka and to discover some more hidden gems.

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?

But first – is 14 days in Sri Lanka enough? Honestly, no. There are so many things to do and places to visit in Sri Lanka that two weeks is really only a taste.

With experiences ranging from incredible ancient cities to wildlife safaris to amazing temples, beautiful beaches and picturesque train rides through tea plantations, it’s hard to decide what to include and what to leave out.

But if you can only visit Sri Lanka for 2 weeks, then the itinerary I have put together here will give you some of each of the above experiences.

Day 1 – Arrival Day

When you visit Sri Lanka you will almost certainly arrive by plane at Bandaranaike International Airport. It is located just north of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, and quite close to the beach town of Negombo.

How to get Sri Lanka Rupees on arrival in Colombo

Once you emerge into the arrivals hall, now is the perfect time to use an ATM machine to get out some of the local currency in Sri Lanka.

You will be able to use your credit card at some large hotels and restaurants in busy tourist areas, but mostly you will need Sri Lankan Rupees to pay for everything.

ATM machines in Sri Lanka are not on every corner, but we were always able to find one in each town we were in as we needed them.

Want more tips on getting foreign currency in a cheap and safe way? Click Here

Picking up a SIM Card on arrival in Sri Lanka

Also, pick up a local SIM card before you depart from the airport. There are counters in the arrival areas, so spend a few minutes looking and comparing the latest tourist packages available. Mobitel is the most common provider.

Get an eSIM before getting to Sri Lanka

I prefer to get an eSIM when I travel now, setting it up before I arrive so that as soon as I get off the plane I am ready to go.

While I didn’t use it in Sri Lanka, I have used Airalo eSIMs in other places across the world.

You will need to make sure your phone is unlocked and will work with an eSIM – most of the newer phones do.

How to get from Colombo Airport to the City Centre

Now it is time to make your way to your Colombo accommodation. There are a few options for your transfer.

We took a taxi as we arrived at night time but if you are on a budget some of the other options will work for you too.

• Fixed rate taxis – as you come into the arrivals hall you will see stands with fixed rate taxis. This is an easy option and generally costs around 3000-4000 LKR ($24-32AUD/$17-23USD) for the 45 minute to an hour ride into the city.
• Other taxis – once outside the airport you can also find independent taxi drivers who will drive you into the city for slightly less than the official ones above.
• Local Bus –  there is a local bus that stops outside the arrivals area of the airport and goes into the Colombo Fort train station. If the other buses we took in Sri Lanka are anything to go by, just jump on the bus and wait for it to leave. Once moving, someone will come along and ask for payment. An online search suggests the fare is around 125LKR, but I haven’t been able to confirm that.
• Private transfers – if you prefer not to leave it to chance, you can arrange a private transfer into Colombo in advance. Click here to book
• Hiring a car – I don’t recommend driving in Sri Lanka, but if you do choose to hire a car, you can do so through RentalCars.com

Where to stay in Colombo (2 nights)

Probably the most popular location to stay in Colombo is along the seafront at Galle Face. We choose to stay in the Colombo Fort area to be close to the train station for our transport out of the city. CityRest Fort was our choice. This is a basic budget style hotel in a great location.

Here are some more suggestions for hotels in Colombo

Budget:

• Vivid Colombo – It’s not every day I came across a property with a ten rating on Booking.com, but at the time of writing, this one does. It’s a lovely looking hotel located only metres from the beach. It is a little further from the city centre, but if you are looking for a lovely place at a bargain price this is the place.

Mid-Range:

• Lavonca Boutique Hotel – a lovely modern little boutique hotel with breakfast included. Also has a pool and an outside terrace to relax on

Luxury:

• Marino Beach Colombo – located right on the beachfront a little further down the coast from the Galle Face area, this five-star hotel has an amazing rooftop pool overlooking the sea. With lovely rooms for a very good price, this high-rated piece of luxury looks like a bargain.

Once settled in your hotel, spend the rest of the day exploring the local area or relaxing to recover from your flights. Perhaps ask your hotel for a good suggestion for a nearby restaurant or attraction you can explore on foot.

If you arrive early in the day and have the whole afternoon/evening available, perhaps consider one of these activities:

• Private Evening Tour: Colombo Tuk-Tuk Food Safari
• 4-Hours Colombo City Tour
• Ceylon Authentic Homemade Food Tasting & Cooking Class

Day 2 – Colombo City

Today is the day for your intro to Sri Lanka by exploring Colombo, the capital city. You can either choose to do a tour or go it on your own. If you choose to explore on your own, it is very cheap and easy to get around.

We found we were regularly approached by both taxi and tuk-tuk drivers asking if we wanted a lift.

Colombo doesn’t have a huge amount of tourist attractions in the city, but here are a few suggestions of what you might like to check out.

• Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple – temple filled with thousands of Buddhas in every shape and size.
• Galle Face Green – a wide grassed promenade along the beachfront. Great for people watching, sunsets and street food.
• National Museum of Colombo – the wonderful building alone is worth visiting
• Pettah district – including the Red Mosque, the Dutch Museum and the markets
• Explore the Fort area with colonial buildings dating back to when the Portuguese and British ruled
• Sri Kailawasanathar Swami Devasthanam Kovil Hindu temple – to show the diversity of religion here in Colombo
• Visit Beira Lake – for some relaxation
• Viharamahadevi Park – enjoy a stroll through a quiet green area in Colombo

During your day make sure you stop and try some of the amazing Sri Lankan street food.

For an authentic experience, enjoy eating with your hands and one of the many local eateries found on every corner. Look for one filled with locals and you will know the food is good.

I also recommend at some time during your day to have a ride in a tuk tuk, whether it’s getting around or just for a small tour of an area. It’s so much fun. Don’t forget to negotiate a price with the driver first.

If you choose to do a full day tour of Colombo, here are some options

• Colombo City Day Tour
• Highlights Colombo Day Tour With Afternoon HIGH TEA In Galle Face Hotel
• Colombo City Tour by Tuk Tuk
• Colombo City Tour – Experience Colombo Like a Local

Day 3 – Colombo to Habarana

Today it’s time to get out of the city and start to explore the amazing countryside on the first leg of your Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary. First stop is the town of Habarana.

Get up early to get there by lunchtime and have the afternoon free to explore.

Getting to Habarana

During the first part of our trip, we had planned on taking the train, but they were on strike so we hired a car and driver to take us to Habarana.

The drive takes around 3-4 hours and usually costs around 10000LKR ($80AUD/$57USD). We paid a little more than this but that was due to higher demand with the trains on strike.

Finding a driver should not be an issue in Colombo. Ask your accommodation to arrange one for you (probably at a higher price. Our accommodation would provide a driver for 18000LKR).

We found our driver only metres outside of our accommodation. He saw us with our luggage and approached us asking where we were going. Remember to use your best bargaining skills to get the price you want.

If you prefer to arrange a car in advance, you can book a standard chauffeur drive car here.

A second option is to catch the train, which would have been our choice had they not been on strike. The train takes around the same amount of time and is very cheap.

Even a first-class ticket will only be a few dollars. You will not be getting luxury for these prices, but you will have a great local experience and get to where you are going.

If you are not worried about reserved seats, go to the station the day before (or even just before your train leaves) to pick up tickets. In my experience it does not seem like trains sell out, because it was not unusual to see many people standing in the aisles or in the area near the doors.

The train from Colombo Fort to Habarana costs 750LKR ($3.75AUD/$2.51USD) for second class and 360LKR ($1.79AUD/$1.20USD) for third class as per the Sri Lankan Railways website (last checked in Sept 2024)

There are also buses going all over Sri Lanka. This is a true local experience, possibly slightly uncomfortable and a bit crazy, but very cheap and strangely enjoyable. I fondly liken the buses to the chicken buses in South America.

It is unlikely that you will find bus information on line, your best source of information will be your accommodation, who should be able to point you in the right direction for the bus, or at least tell you where you can find more information.

Where to Stay in Habarana (2 nights)

If you are looking for a fantastic homestay I highly recommend Homely Guest. This was definitely one of my favourite places to stay in Sri Lanka.

You will not get luxury here, but you will get everything you need provided by a wonderful local family that went out of their way to help us.

They cooked dinner for us if we wanted it and helped us to arrange tours and transport cheaper than we could get them elsewhere.

Here are some other options

Budget:

• Habarana Dulwan Guest House – a great option right in the centre of town, including breakfast

Mid-Range:

• Winmi Resort – another lovely looking, highly rated, place

Luxury:

• Cinnamon Lodge Habarana – the only five-star resort in the area, and is still incredibly affordable

For the remainder of the day arrange to take an afternoon safari tour to the nearby national parks of Kaudulla or Minneriya. The main reason to go is of course the amazing wild elephant gathering here.

You could also see crocodiles, monkeys, sloth bears, sambal deer, and even leopards. There are many species of waterbirds, and others, like peacocks too.

This is an absolute Sri Lanka must-see experience to squeeze into your Sri Lanka two week itinerary.

The elephants migrate through both parks and the locals can tell you where they are at any given time. During our visit Kaudulla was the place to go.

Tours can be easily arranged by your accommodation, or even walking around Habarana you will be approached with offers. You could also book here in advance too.

Note: Another popular location for elephant safaris is the Yala National Park in the south of Sri Lanka. I have not included that in this itinerary because we are seeing the elephants here.

Day 4 – Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa

Possibly the main reason to visit this area is Lion Rock, or Sigiriya as it is known. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and another must-see attraction on your Sri Lanka Itinerary.

Today you will need to be up early, not only because it’s going to be a very busy day, but also because the best time to visit Sigiriya is first thing in the morning.

The site opens at 7am, and I strongly suggest that you are there at that time for two reasons.

Firstly, you really want to climb to the top of this ancient rock fortress before the heat of the day sets in, as the exposed rock really has nowhere to shelter from the sun.

Also, if you climb early in the morning, you will avoid much of the crowd from the buses who come from Colombo or Kandy on day trips.

You will need at least 2-3 hours at Sigiriya depending on the crowds and how quickly you can climb up the stair cases. If you have time to spare, visit the museum to learn more about the ancient site.

After Sigiriya set off on the 90-minute drive to the ancient city of Polonnuruwa. When planning your 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary you have to include one of the two ancient cities.

While Anuradhapura is the older of the two, Polonnuruwa is just as spectacular and much closer and easier to visit with a Sri Lanka itinerary 2 weeks long.

Remember that since this is an important site, you will need to cover shoulders and be dressed modestly during your visit.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this huge site before returning to your accommodation for dinner.

If you have time, squeeze in a walk around Habarana Lake as the sun goes down and see how much of the local wildlife you can spot.

It’s not unheard of to see wild elephants come in this close to town, so you might be lucky and have a glimpse.

Getting Around

I recommend arranging a car and driver for the day to take you to both Sigiriya and Polonnuruwa. You can also get the driver to take you between the various Polonnuruwa areas, which will save you on bike hire when you are there.

If you are only going to Sigiriya, you can get there by tuk tuk from Habarana. It takes a bit longer, but will be a lot cheaper.

As per above, your accommodation can easily arrange a driver with local knowledge. We actually ended up asking the driver who took us on safari the previous afternoon if he would drive us around the next day. He happily agreed and we got a great price.

Day 5 – Dambulla Cave Temple and Kandy

If you are up for another early morning, consider climbing Pidurangala Rock for sunrise. It’s not too far from Sigiriya and gives great views of the Lion Rock sticking up through the jungle as the sun comes up.

If you do not want to get up that early, enjoy a leisurely breakfast then make your way to the nearby Dambulla Cave Temples (sometimes called Dambulla Rock Temple or The Golden Temple of Dambulla).

Spend an hour exploring the five caves in the temple complex and learning about the local Buddhist history. Since this is a temple, you will need to ensure you are modestly dressed to be respectful.

Make sure you see the huge golden Buddha which marks the new entrance to the temple. Our driver went to a different (closer) parking area so we missed it.

He did ask us as we left if we had seen it and I answered yes and there was a large gold Buddha in one of the caves but I had sadly misunderstood what he was asking.

Back in town, you can choose to take one last trip around this small community by enjoying a ride in one of the local bullock carts as they meander along the small tracks amongst the jungle and farm lands.

Get some lunch from one of the local restaurants before making your way to Kandy.

Getting to Kandy

There are no trains between Habarana and Kandy unless you go back to Colombo, so your choices are really a private driver or public transport via the local bus. We chose to take the local bus.

The bus runs right along the main road through Habarana and your accommodation should be able to point out the nearest bus stop and tell you what time the bus will come past.

It’s only 94km to Kandy, but our trip took 2.5 hours. The upside was that it only cost 125LKR ($1AUD/$0.70USD) each for our tickets so was incredibly cheap.

For those prices don’t expect luxury. The buses are old and crowded, but the locals are great to travel with. You will likely encounter a brightly decorated interior with all sorts of bling and flashing lights.

Sri Lankan music will be blaring from the speakers and you will be bouncing along on average roads with too much traffic. Sounds like a nightmare, but I quite enjoyed the experience of this way of travel.

Once at the bus station in Kandy, jump in a tuk tuk to take you to your accommodation, always negotiating the price before getting in.

Where to Stay in Kandy (2 nights)

We stayed at Heaven Seven Kandy and I would happily recommend it. This was a proper hotel rather than a homestay. It provided a fantastic breakfast and great view over the lake.

Don’t plan to walk to it though – it might not look far but the last part is all uphill and with luggage it would be a nightmare.

Here are some more suggestions

Budget:

• Amma’s Homestay – another option with a perfect rating. Also a little out of the centre but this time with private double rooms

Mid-Range:

• Old Frankland Kandy Luxury Boutique Hotel – Located outside of Kandy in a rural setting, you have to see the amazing infinity pool overlooking the jungle

Luxury:

• Mountbatten Bungalow – Kandy – Located in the hills and including an amazing pool, this is luxury at a fantastic price.

After you have settled into your Kandy accommodation, you might be looking for somewhere to go for dinner. If you would like to experience somewhere a bit different, consider Helgas Folly.

This place also does accommodation (which I have heard is overpriced for what it is), but it’s best known for it’s crazy decor!

We only called in for a drink and to have a look around, but Helgas Folly also serves meals at dinner time for residents and guests.

There is a limited menu on the website, all listed as vegetarian meals but you are also invited to add meat if you would like. The Trip Advisor reviews don’t look too bad so could be a good option.

Day 6 – Exploring Kandy

For today I would suggest hiring a tuk-tuk and visiting all of the attractions in Kandy city. Again, you can get your accommodation to organise a tuk-tuk for you.

You will also find that if you walk anywhere around the streets you will be approached and asked if you are looking for one by the drivers as they try to get fares.

We were able to negotiate an exceptionally cheap price while exploring the afternoon before by haggling with a few drivers who came along.

Be aware your tuk tuk driver may take you to a few places to encourage you to purchase local handicrafts.

We went to a gemstone museum and a mosaic factory under the guise of learning about the local crafts.

I have to say though, there was no hard sell, just showing off their wares and saying we could buy if we wanted to.

At the end of our tour, our driver wanted to drop us off for a massage, but again we declined.

Here are some of the things I suggest you consider for your day

• visit a tea factory and learn the difference between black, white and green tea
• Kandy Botanical Gardens
• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha statue (the Big Buddha)
• World Buddhist Museum (entry included with your Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic entry)
• Kandy National Museum
• Ceylon Tea Museum

If you need a pick-me-up during your tour, head to Cool Corner, an ice cream parlour that makes some amazing natural fried ice cream concoctions. Serves are huge, and it is delicious.

Consider taking a short walk along the Kandy Lake banks when the tour finishes. See if you can spot one of the HUGE water monitors that live in the lake. I think the one I saw was bigger than me.

Before dinner, attend one of the traditional dance performances in town. The shows happen at 5pm and you can buy tickets at the door if you get there about thirty to fifteen minutes before the show starts.

Day 7 – Kandy to Nuwara Eliya/Adam’s Peak

Today is the first part of the famous Kandy to Ella scenic train ride, another must-do activity during your two weeks in Sri Lanka – but only part of the journey.

Today we have two different options depending on your interests – relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings, or choose to climb Adams Peak instead!

We didn’t stop here on our trip, but I did look longingly out off the window as the train half emptied out then filled up again with people continuing their journey.

We heard so many good things from people as we continued our travels that I felt it deserved at least one night in this itinerary.

Option One – Stay in Nuwara Eliya

This option sees you visit the beautiful town of Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as Little England.

Getting to Nuwara Eliya

Surely the only option here is on the train? Well, not really, but that is definitely the most popular way.

There are two trains a day and I strongly suggest you take the earlier one so you will arrive in Nuwara Eliya around lunch time. (See the train information above for Day 3 to help with planning)

While I recommend you get your train tickets in advance, it’s not essential. You can then guarantee a seat, which was not an option for us.

We picked up our tickets at the station about half an hour before the train was leaving, but I can also see tickets available on the reputable 12go.asia website for reserved seating advance purchase (more than 32 days in advance)

Where to Stay in Nuwara Eliya (1 night)

Here are some options

Budget:

• Nuwara Eliya Mountain View Home Stay – a very economical room that looks clean and tidy and has great reviews

Mid-Range:

• The Hill Town Cottage – a cute B&B not too far from the centre of town that includes breakfast

Luxury:

• Stafford Bungalow – Located in a rural setting outside of town, a free high tea is included in the room rate

Once settled into your accommodation, spend the afternoon visiting some of the Nuwara Eliya attractions. Some of the suggestions I’ve seen are:

• Victoria Park
• Gregory Lake
• Pedro Tea Estate
• Bale Bazaar
• Visit some of the numerous waterfalls around town
• Seetha Amman Temple (only Sita temple in Sri Lanka)

Option Two – Climb Adam’s Peak

The climb to Adam’s Peak is a religious pilgrimage for many of the local people, and now many visitors are joining in on the popular climb too. You will stay in the small town of Dalhousie where the trek up the mountain begins.

Getting to Dalhousie

You will need to catch the same train from Kandy as you would if you were going to Nuwara Eliya but you would get off at the town of Hatton. You can find reserve seating Kandy to Hatton train tickets online here at 12go.asia.

Once you arrive in Hatton you have two options to get to Dalhousie. You can catch a local bus that takes about 90 minutes, or you can get a tuk tuk or taxi.

Budget tip: there will be others arriving on the train going in the same direction. See if other want to join you to split the costs.

Where to Stay in Dalhousie (1 night)

Here are some of the Dalhousie accommodation options

Budget:

• Daffodils Inn – a homestay not too far from the start of the hike

Mid-Range:

• Hotel Mango Tree – this is the closest you can get to Adam’s Peak, it’s actually a short way along the trail

Once you have settled into your Dalhousie accommodation, grab a quick bite to eat and have a very early night – you will be awake in just a few hours.

Day Eight – Nuwara Eliya/Adam’s Peak to Ella

Today you will finish the last leg of the Kandy to Ella train journey and have a chance to escape the heat for a little while.

You may be well rested and enjoying the journey, or you may have sore legs and need some sleep, depending on which of the options you have chosen for the last twenty-four hours.

Option One – Stay in Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy a leisurely morning, perhaps a sleep in, or perhaps head out of visit one of the attractions that you didn’t get to yesterday. You can choose whether you would like to catch the late morning train to Ella or wait until the afternoon train.

Option Two – Climb Adam’s Peak

You will be waking up around 2am to trek to the top of Adam’s Peak in time for the sunrise. You should be back at your accommodation around 8am, just in time for breakfast. You will then need to travel back to Hatton in time for the mid-afternoon train onwards to Ella

Where to Stay in Ella (2 nights)

In Ella we stayed at The Bamboo. It was a little on the expensive side, but it was a huge room, delicious breakfast, and could not have been any better located if it tried.

We literally walked out our door and all the bars and restaurants were there.

It was a short walk to Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arches Bridge, and about half way between the train station and the bus stops.

Here are some other Ella accommodation suggestions:

Budget:

• Damsen Home Stay Ella – central home stay that still looks like it’s in the jungle

Mid-Range:

• Saffron Eco Cottage – highly rated B&B with lovely mountain views

Luxury:

• Nine Skies – Luxurious property a little out of the centre of Ella

Once settled into your room, have a wander around the town of Ella. You will immediately notice the cooler climate and perhaps enjoy the relief from the endless heat in the rest of the country.

Eat in one of the many places on the main street, and perhaps even stay and enjoy some of the music played in the bars.

Day 9 – Ella and Surrounds

Rise early today and do a sunrise hike to the small peak of Little Adam’s Peak. You can be back at your accommodation in time to have a relaxed breakfast after your walk.

This is a much more reasonable climb than Adam’s Peak itself, taking about 45 minutes to an hour to get to the top from the centre of town.

While back in town, ask what time the train is expected to cross the Nine Arches Bridge. This will help you plan the rest of the day.

You definitely want to visit the Nine Arches Bridge, and it is pretty cool to see it with a train rumbling along the train tracks across it.

If you enjoy walking, you can easily walk to the bridge, it will take about an hour to walk from the centre of town through the jungle, rice fields and tea plantations.

Give yourself at least thirty minutes at the bridge. Not just to take in the spectacular views, but to allow time for the train to be late – in fact when we visited it was nearly an hour later than we were told it would be.

You can hire a tuk-tuk in town to take you to the bridge. Ask the driver to wait for you and drive you back to town once you are done.

Another thing to do in Ella is to visit a waterfall or two. How spectacular they are will of course depend on the time of year.

If it is hot, you also may like to enjoy a quick swim or join the locals who they use the falls as showers. You will need to hire a tuk-tuk to take you to the waterfalls or catch a local bus.

The most popular waterfall is Ravenna Falls, a few kilometres out of the town.

We only had time to fit this one in, but nearby you will also find Ellawalla Waterfall (which has a calm pool at the bottom for swimming) or the spectacular Olyaluma Falls.

It’s a little further away, but there are some beautiful hikes at the Diyaluma Falls too.

If you haven’t done so during one of the other hikes, make sure you get out into one of the tea plantations. You can wander freely amongst the tea and get some fantastic photos.

You will find tea planted near the track to both Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arches Bridge. If you didn’t visit a tea factory in Kandy, there are also some here in Ella to visit if you choose.

After a day of hiking and waterfalls, how about returning to town to do a cooking class in Ella and learn about some of the amazing Sri Lankan flavours.

This class at the Ella Spice Garden begins at 5pm and you learn to cook a fantastic dinner – which of course you then get to eat!

Day 10 – Ella to Mirissa

Mirissa is another place we did not have the chance to visit during our trip but I have heard so many good things that I just had to include it here too. This might be a place you want to skip if you are here during the monsoon seasons.

Getting to Mirissa

In Ella, simply make your way to the bus stop in the morning, and you will find buses going in all directions. Ask the locals to point you in the direction of a bus going to Mirissa.

It is possible that there may not be a direct bus, but you will end up on a bus to Matera. Just do the same here to find a bus to Mirissa, or you could even hire a tuk-tuk for the journey, it’s only about 13km. 

It will all look like organised chaos, but you will end up in Mirissa for only a few dollars. It will probably take around 5-6 hours on the bus.

Of course you can also organise a car and driver. We had plenty of offers while we were in town but we chose to save the money and catch the crazy local bus in that direction instead (we went straight to Galle).

Where to Stay in Mirissa (2 nights)

Here are some suggestions that I would consider staying at

Budget:

• Sagopearl Guest – Another good-priced guest house, this one has a shared bathroom but includes breakfast

Mid-Range:

• Jungle View Monara Guest House – Located in the jungle but still only minutes from the beach

Luxury:

• Weligama Beach Marriott Resort and Spa – Western style hotel in nearby town

Once you arrive and settle in after what will be a long day of travel whether by bus or car, relax by hitting the fabulous beaches for the afternoon.

Day 11 – Mirissa

Mirissa is basically a beach town, great for swimming, surfing or sipping cocktails as the sun goes down. This area is renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka.

You can spend the day relaxing around town, enjoying the atmosphere and searching for some local favourites such as Secret Beach or the Insta-famous coconut tree hill.

Alternatively, you can take a day trip, and this is a great opportunity to visit another one of the famous Sri Lankan National parks of Udawalawa or Yala, especially if you didn’t see the elephants in Habarana.

There are many different tours available, here are just some for you to consider. Click on the links below for more information

• Udawalawe National Park Safari Experience from Mirissa
• Yala National Park Safari Experience from Mirissa
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve Hike from Mirissa

Day 12 – Mirissa to Galle

To start your day off nice and early, book in a whale and dolphin watching tour! Whale watching in Mirissa is one of the most popular of Sri Lanka’s attractions.

Head out at just after dawn to see these magnificent creatures playing in the ocean.

Getting to Galle

You will be back in town by mid to late morning, with time to enjoy one more lunch on the beach. Afterwards, return back to Matara the same way you arrived, and take the bus to Galle.

The bus journey will only take about an hour, and buses run every 15-20 minutes.

As you would know by now, there is always the option to get a car and driver to take you to Galle.

It is also possible to catch the train between Matara and Galle, but when I looked into doing this for our trip, there were only two trains a day and so it was more convenient to take the bus than wait for the train.

Where to Stay in Galle

For our stay in Galle our accommodation was Ging View Villa. Perfectly located right across the road from the beach, in a leafy spot not too far from a lake, I enjoyed the peace offered here.

The owners were lovely and supplied fantastic breakfasts and fruit for snacks. The only downside was that it was a couple of kilometres from Galle Fort, so that meant a tuk-tuk ride into town each time we wanted to go out.

It was only about $2 each time though, and we would simply ask the owner of the villa and a tuk tuk would arrive in minutes.

It should be noted that this part of Galle was completely destroyed during the 2004 tsunami, so everything around here is relatively new, including the individual bungalows we stayed in.

Here are some other suggestions for accommodation in Galle

Budget:

• Sri 7 Homes – home stay with double rooms and breakfast included
• Rapid Luck Hostel – basic hostel located not too far from Galle Fort
• The One Apartment – some standard rooms, some with kitchenette to prepare you own meals

Mid-Range:

• Iffa House Galle – lovely rooms located inside the Galle Fort
• Galle Hilltop – a large property with pool located on the outskirts of Galle
• Ramfort Galle – another property located inside Galle Fort

Luxury:

• Bilin Tree House – Lovely property a short tuk tuk ride from Galle Fort

Day 13 – Exploring Galle

When you are exploring Sri Lanka in two weeks, Galle is another essential stop. My suggestion for today is to explore the UNESCO Heritage listed Galle Fort area.

This is where you will find all of the shops and restaurants in this town filled with narrow streets and colonial-style buildings.

You can walk the walls and check out the lighthouse, admiring the Dutch architecture as you go. Since it’s nearly time to go home, pick up a few souvenirs at some of the small craft stores that line the streets.

If you would like to learn more about the history of the area, call past one of the museums. Perhaps the National Museum of Galle, or the Galle Fort National Maritime Museum. 

You could also visit the Historical Mansion Museum, which is a restored colonial house full of all sorts of historical artefacts.

Another thing to do in Galle is to go searching for the stilt fishermen. While mostly this is now done as a tourist attraction rather than actually fishing for food, it’s still an iconic image of Sri Lanka.

Often the stilt fishermen are to be found in the nearby Koggala area, but you could ask around in Galle to find if there are any more around.

You would be able to take a tuk-tuk to Koggala to see them, but at 15km, it could take around an hour to get there. You could also go by taxi.

Come back to Galle Fort as the sun is going down to spend some time people watching. The locals gather on the walls and the nearby lawned areas to socialise, eat and relax.

You will almost certainly come across an impromptu cricket game which you could ask to join in with if you choose.

Get dinner in one of the many great restaurants in the streets of the fort. We ate at Coconut Sambal which was delicious. It was all-you-can-eat Sri Lankan curry restaurant.

Don’t expect a huge place though, there are only a handful of tables here. We also ate at Lucky Fort Restaurant which do a 10-curry meal to share between two.

This is a great way to learn about many of the different curry flavours here in Sri Lanka.

Another popular place to eat in Galle Fort is Poonies, but we didn’t get the chance to try it. For a light lunch, try Calorie Counter.

Day 14 – Galle to Negombo

It’s time to start the journey home. Jump on one of the morning trains back to Colombo. While the Kandy to Ella ride  has beautiful mountain view, this trip is just as scenic.

For much of the journey, the train runs right along the beach – with not even so much as a road between the train and the ocean so there are beautiful sea views. I couldn’t get enough.

I recommend trying to nab one of the prized seats on the left side of the train.

As always there are plenty of drivers willing to drive you, and there are also buses that do the trip too, but I highly recommend the train for the views. It will only be a few dollars, so a great budget option too.

Getting to Negombo

Once back in Colombo, there are a couple of options to do the short trip to Negombo.

We made our way across the road to the Colombo bus station and asked around until we found where the bus to Negombo left.

It ended up being more of a “tourist bus”. Much more coach-like than the old chicken buses that get around the country, and it was air-conditioned!

There was a bit of a line up with locals and tourists alike, and we couldn’t get on the bus that had just arrived, we had to wait for the next one.

Tickets for us were 130LKR ($1.04AUD/$0.75) so again incredibly cheap.

Once dropped off in Negombo – for us it was just at the side of the road, but I have read some go to a bus station – you will probably need to get a tuk tuk to your accommodation.

Where to Stay in Negombo (1 night)

We splashed out on the final night of our two week Sri Lanka itinerary and stayed at the Cloud Nine Boutique Hotel which was lovely!

In fact it was so lovely that once we arrived at around 5pm we pretty much didn’t leave again until we had to go to our flight the next morning. We ate both dinner and breakfast in their restaurant and it was delicious.

Here are some more suggestions:

Budget:

• Nethmi Rooms – a budget option with double rooms and private bathrooms

Mid-Range:

• Villa Dominikku – leafy location and exceptional reviews

Luxury:

• Pledge Scape – absolute beachfront hotel

If you get to your Negombo accommodation earlier in the day or you have a later flight, then here are a few things to do in Negombo

• Hit the beach – Negombo beach is one of the best in the area
• Explore the Dutch Fort and surrounds by tuk tuk
• Head to a spa for a nice massage
• Check out the fish markets (6am)
• Take a canal boat ride
• Visit the Muthurajawela marsh area for some bird watching

Day 15 – Fly Home

You have come to the end of your 14 day Sri Lanka itinerary.

If you have time in the morning, consider some more Negombo activities as per above, otherwise, make your way to the airport and bid Sri Lanka goodbye.

If you are anything like me, you will soon be planning to return because two weeks just isn’t enough and this amazing country really gets under your skin!

Want to read more about my trip? Here are my Travel Diaries

Sri Lanka Travel FAQs

Now that you know what to do in Sri Lanka for 2 weeks, here are a few more travel tips.

1.What are the best ways to get around Sri Lanka?

Getting around Sri Lanka is an adventure in itself! Embrace the local buses and trains for an authentic experience, and consider tuk-tuks or taxis for shorter distances.

Ride-sharing apps are gaining popularity in urban areas, offering convenience and affordability.

2. Is Sri Lanka as cheap as Thailand?

While not as budget-friendly as some parts of Thailand, Sri Lanka still offers great value. Accommodations, local transport, and street food won’t break the bank.

3. What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

December to March for the west and south coasts, and April to September for the east coast. It can be rainy from May to August due to the Yala Monsoon, especially in the southwest.

4. How much does a meal cost in Sri Lanka?

Local eateries and street stalls offer meals for about $5 to $10. Mid-range restaurants may range from $10 to $25 per person. Sri Lankan cuisine is not only delicious but also friendly to your travel budget.

5. Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes, but it’s hassle-free! Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online before your trip. A 30-day tourist visa costs around $20 and is suitable for many nationalities, including US and Australian travellers. Plan ahead for a smooth entry into the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

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