Sri Lanka is a tropical island with a lot to offer, such as lush tea farms, misty mountains, golden beaches, old forts, and jungles full of animals. With your 2 week travel itinerary sri lanka ,you can see the southern half of the island at your own pace while still enjoying nature, culture, the beach, and excitement. This guide breaks down each day in great depth to help you get the most out of your trip to this magical place.
Day 1: Get to Colombo and take a bus to Kandy.
When you get off the plane at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport, go straight to Kandy, which is known as Sri Lanka’s culture capital. You can get there by private transfer, air-conditioned bus, or a beautiful train ride that lasts three to four hours.
Kandy is in the central highlands and has a mix of culture and peace. In the evening, take a walk around the peaceful Kandy Lake and eat your first Sri Lankan meal. If you have time, watch a classic dance show from Kandy.
Begin your trip through Sri Lanka in Colombo, a city that is full of character but doesn’t get much attention. Pettah Market is a colorful and busy place with colonial buildings and busy street life. Don’t miss a trip to the beautiful Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid). Gangaramaya Temple, Viharamahadevi Park, and the Colombo National Museum can all be reached by a short tuk tuk ride. At the end of the day, take a peaceful walk along Galle Face Green, the city’s famous oceanfront area.
Where to Stay:
Negombo is a good choice if you want to get to the airport quickly. You can stay in Cinnamon Gardens or Colombo 03 for a more expensive, café-filled vibe, or you can choose to stay in Colombo Fort for history and markets. The cheap hostel Republic, the boutique hotel Srilax, the mid-range Colombo Villa, and the high-end Jetwing Colombo Seven are all great choices
Day 2: Get to Sigiriya and watch the sun go down at Pidurangala Rock
Your second day is mostly spent traveling. You leave the city and head to Sigiriya, which is the cultural center of Sri Lanka. From Colombo’s Central Bus Stand, take a bus to Dambulla. The trip will take about five hours. From there, switch to a local bus going to Sigiriya, which will take about thirty minutes. After you get there and settle in, get ready for an amazing hike at sunset.
This rock is only 4.5 km from town, so you should go there. For about 1500 LKR ($5), you can rent a tuk tuk to take you there and back. It takes about 30–40 minutes to climb up on rocky paths, and the walk is short but steep. What is the reward? A wide view of the jungle and the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress rising from the fields. The view is especially beautiful at golden hour. This is the best way to see this famous area for the first time.
Where to Stay:
Freedom Home Stay or the charming La Dolce Vita are both cozy places to stay that won’t break the bank and have a nice, calm vibe.
Where to Eat:
Don’t miss Kenoli Restaurant, a small, family-run gem that serves some of the best rice and food in town. It feels like you’re eating at home in Sri Lanka.
Day 3: Sigiriya Rock & Dambulla Cave Temples
On Day 3, start your day early by hiking up Sigiriya Rock Fortress to catch the stunning sunrise. This ancient site, once a royal palace, offers breathtaking panoramic views from the top. The climb is challenging but worth it for the opportunity to explore the ruins and gain insight into the ingenuity of the ancient civilization that built it. Expect to spend around 3 hours here to fully appreciate the site. In the afternoon, take a short trip to Dambulla, located just 30 minutes away by tuk tuk or bus. Here, you can explore the Dambulla Cave Temples, one of Sri Lanka’s most important and well-preserved cave temple complexes. These caves house over 150 Buddhist statues and colorful murals, with the temple perched high on a rock offering peaceful surroundings and beautiful views of the valley below. It’s a serene and culturally rich experience, easily done in about 1-2 hours
Day 4: Kandy
On Day 4, go from Sigiriya to Kandy, which is known as Sri Lanka’s culture capital. Discover Kandy in the afternoon. It was the last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings before the British took over.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is the first place you should see. It is one of the greatest places in Buddhism. In this temple, you can learn about the holy tooth treasure of Buddha and feel the spiritual energy of the place. Go up to Bahirawakanda in the evening to see the big Buddha figure and get a great view of the city. The view is especially beautiful at sunset.
If you’re hungry, go to Balaji Dosai and get their famous masala dosa. It’s a popular South Indian food that’s very cheap.
Day 5: Ella
People think the train ride from Kandy to Ella is one of the most beautiful in the world, and that’s what Day 5 is all about. The eight-hour ride goes through beautiful mountain views, tea farms, and lush green landscapes. No matter how long the trip is, the ride itself is part of the fun. Because the train can get busy, it’s best to buy your tickets ahead of time. When you get to Ella, you can check into your hotel and either sleep or go out and see the town.
Eat at Matey Hut in the evening; they serve great rice and stew or kottu (shredded roti). You could also take a cooking class to learn some Sri Lankan recipes.
Getting to know Ella: Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arches Bridge
Early in the morning, walk to Little Adam’s Peak to see Ella Gap at sunrise. The walk is easy to intermediate, and there are great views of the valleys around you. After breakfast, go to the famous Nine Arches Bridge, a stone bridge from the colonial era that has become a popular spot on Instagram. For the best photos, try to get there when a train is crossing. You can relax in the evening at a café on a mountain or eat Sri Lankan hoppers for dinner.
Day 6 : Diyaluma Falls or Ella Rock can be an optional adventure.
On Day 6, start your day with a sunrise walk to Little Adam’s Peak. It’s a short, beautiful hike that gives you a great view of the area. After that, go to the Nine Arch Bridge to get a picture of the famous “Bridge in the Sky” from a quiet spot before all the other people get there. Take a tuk tuk to Diyaluma Falls in the afternoon. It is Sri Lanka’s second-tallest waterfall. It takes about two hours to drive from Ella to the falls. The walk to the upper pools is well worth it because you can swim in natural pools with beautiful views.
On your second full day in Ella, you can either walk Ella Rock, which is 10 km long, takes about 4 hours, and has amazing views of the countryside, or you can take a half-day train trip to Badulla. Taking the train will give you a more beautiful ride to Badulla, which is where the line ends and there aren’t many tourists. It’s a beautiful 30-minute walk from the train stop to Dunhinda Waterfall. After that, go back to Ella for a calm evening.
Take a day trip to Diyaluma Falls, which is Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall, if you want to do something exciting. You can walk to the top and swim in the natural pools that seem to go on forever. You could also go on the Ella Rock hike, which is more difficult but has even better views. If you’d rather take it easy, spend a quiet day going to shops, yoga classes, and cafes in town.
Day 7: Get to Tangalle and start having fun at the beach
Leave the hills behind and head south to the coast. You can get to Tangalle, a beach town that is less busy and more relaxed, by taking a beautiful drive. After settling into your hotel or seaside cabana, take a break at either Silent Beach or Goyambokka Beach for the afternoon. These beaches are known for their calm, turquoise water. Watch the sun go down over the Indian Ocean while you eat fresh fish.
Highlights:
- Lounge at Silent Beach or Goyambokka Beach.
- Explore the Mulkirigala Rock Temple for history and panoramic views.
- Treat yourself to a beachside dinner.
Where to Stay:
📍 Ananya Beach Resort or Palm Paradise Cabanas
Views of temples and rocks in Tangalle on Day 7
Visit the Mulkirigala Rock Temple first thing in the morning. It is an old Buddhist temple built on top of a rock outcropping. It’s not hard to get there, and the views are great.
There are caves with paintings on the walls, Buddha figures lying down, and writings that are hundreds of years old. Go back to the beach in the afternoon to swim, get a massage, or take a nap in a chair.
Day 8: We're going to Hiriketiya to surf and relax.
Hiriketiya Beach is a secret gem that is only a short drive from Tangalle. It is a horseshoe-shaped bay lined with palm trees that is great for surfing and relaxing. There are beach bars, smoothie shops, and surf schools in this laid-back town with a bohemian vibe. Everyone can enjoy Hiriketiya, whether they’re riding their first wave or sitting on the shore with a coconut. Drinks and live music at sunset can be found at Dots Bay House or La Playa in the evening.
Days 9 and 10: Hiriketiya Island Walk and Real Food
Take a short tuk tuk ride to Nilwella Beach and walk along the narrow beach to get to Blue Beach Island. Blue Beach Island is a small, rough island with waves crashing on both sides. It’s a unique journey that photographers and explorers will love. Come back for lunch at Lemon Grass Café, and then go to Kingsley’s Kitchen for an all-you-can-eat rice and curry spread. In the evening, you can unwind with yoga or a beach party.
Where to Stay:
- Dots Bay Hostel and Hotel – A relaxed, budget-friendly option with great proximity to the beach and a friendly vibe.
- Salt House – A more upscale stay offering comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the bay and easy access to the beach.
Where to Eat:
- LemonGrass Cafe – Known for its delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry, this cafe offers a cozy and authentic experience with excellent hospitality.
- Kingsley’s Kitchen – Another great spot for unlimited rice and curry, perfect for a hearty, local meal.
- Duni’s Hoppers – A charming brunch spot offering smoothie bowls and traditional Sri Lankan hoppers, located just off the beach with great coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 10: Get to Mirissa, where beach meets adventure
Next, go to Mirissa, a lively beach town famous for its nightlife and golden sands. After you check in, go to Coconut Tree Hill, a red-earth cliff with palm trees and a wide view of the ocean that’s great for taking pictures at sunset. You can eat dinner at a place by the beach or at one of the cool cafes in town.
Day 11, we went snorkeling, surfing, and watched whales.
Take a whale watching tour first thing in the morning. Mirissa is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales (from November to April). After lunch, swim with turtles at Turtle Point or go surfing at Weligama Beach, which is only 10 minutes away. Enjoy a crab BBQ and arrack cocktails by the beach to end the day.
Day 12: Galle Fort: A Look at History and Culture
Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site up the coast. It has colonial houses, cobblestone streets, and stylish shops. Take a walk along the walls of Galle Fort, check out the Dutch Reformed Church, and look around the shops in the area. For gifts, stop by Barefoot or Stick No Bills. Watch the sun go down at Flag Rock Bastion and then have dinner at a cute diner next to the fort.
HOW TO GET THERE :To get along the south coast, you can take either the bus or the train. The train usually goes from Galle to Matara and back again during the day, but it’s slower than the bus. You can also just take any bus from Matara to Galle; the trip should take about 1.5 hours.
The Old Dutch House or The Merchant Hotel are good places to stay.
You can eat at Coconut Sambal, a small restaurant on the wall that serves a classic rice and curry buffet. Additionally, they create their own ginger beer. The place called ABACATE is cheap and happy, and they serve tasty lunch foods like hoppers that are popular in the area. For something different, try the high-end Asian food at Dumplings Cafe.
Day 13 : Unawatuna or Jungle Beach
Get in a tuk tuk and go to Unawatuna Beach. There, you can swim or have a drink at a beach bar. For a more peaceful experience, take a hike to Jungle Beach, a hidden beach surrounded by trees. If you want to surf some more, go to Dewata Beach or Bonavista Bay. These spots are great for both new and experienced surfers. Go back to Galle to see the sunset one last time and maybe get a scoop of gelato from Pedlar’s Inn.
Day Trip:
Take a short tuk tuk ride to Unawatuna Beach for a day of swimming or visit Jungle Beach for a quieter vibe. Surfers can head to Dewata Beach or Bonavista for mellow waves.
Where to Stay:
📍 Old Dutch House or The Merchant Hotel
Eat At:
Coconut Samb
Day 14: Go back to Colombo or get picked up at the airport
You can go back to Colombo or straight to Bandaranaike International Airport on your last day. A straight train from Galle to Colombo Fort Station takes about two and a half to three hours. Alternatively, you can take an air-conditioned bus to Colombo Kottawa. If you are going out the same day, you might want to take the EX03 airport bus, which goes straight from Galle to the airport twice a day. Think about your trip, sort through your pictures, and start making plans for your next trip to this amazing island.
Last Words
This two-week plan takes you through Sri Lanka’s central hills and southern coastlines. It’s the perfect mix of culture, excitement, and relaxation. Sri Lanka’s beauty will take your breath away whether you’re drinking tea in the mountains, hiking to waterfalls, surfing in surf towns, or watching the sunset from old forts. The distances aren’t too far, the people are friendly, and the events will stay with you forever. Get your camera ready, and get ready for two weeks of magic in Sri Lanka.