Best 2-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary
Hey everyone, we are back from Sri-Lanka and had an amazing time there. We visited this beautiful country in April and in this article, we will be sharing with you our ultimate 2-week itinerary.
This itinerary will bring you all around the best places to visit in Sri Lanka like: Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala National Park, Mirissa and Unawatuna.
This itinerary is looping all those amazing destination to save time and of course, you can also do it in reverse. That’s the beauty of loop itinerary.
So, if you too are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, let’s dive right away in this 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary.
Here is our complete video from this trip :
Table of Contents
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Sri Lanka Itinerary Overview
Our Sri Lanka itinerary is the following:
- Day 1: Arrive in Sri-Lanka, overnight in Negombo
- Day 2: Transfer to Sigiriya, stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple, and then visit the Pidurangala Rock
- Day 3: Visit Lion Rock in the morning, and do a safari in the afternoon
- Day 4: Transfer to Kandy, visit the tooth temple and the royal botanical garden
- Day 5: Transfer to Nuwara Eliya, stop at the Ambuluwawa Mountain hill and tea factory. Take the train to Ella.
- Day 6: Hike to Ella Rock in the morning, rest by the swimming pool in the afternoon, cooking class in the evening
- Day 7: Spare day in Ella, to take it easy, rest or visit Lipton’s seat and Diyaluma waterfall.
- Day 8: Hike to Little Adam’s Peak, Visit the Nine Arch Bridge Transfer to Tissamaharama
- Day 9: Morning Safari on Yala National Park, transfer to Mirissa and Secret beach in the afternoon
- Day 10: Visit Coconut Tree Hill and Turtle beach in the morning, in the afternoon visit Spa Ceylon and Weligama
- Day 11: Spare day in Mirissa, go back to a beach, chill and enjoy the region.
- Day 12: Visit Parot Rock and Mirissa beach, transfer to Unawatuna, stop at a turtle Hatchery and then Galle Fort
- Day 13: Visit turtle beach in the morning and in the afternoon Unawatuna beach and the Peace Pagoda
- Day 14: Visit Heenwella beach, Thalpe natural Pool and jungle beach. Transfer to the Airport and return.
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Of course, you can make some modification as we integrated 2 spare days. For example, you could use them to stay in Nuwara Eliya to hike Horton’s Plain. You can also do this itinerary by renting a tuktuk.
2-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary Day by day
Day 1: Negombo
On the 1st day of this 2-Week Sri Lanka itinerary: Arrive in Sri-Lanka through Colombo International airport, exchange money right away as it is the most convenient place to do it. Â Then transfer to your accommodation in Negombo. You will be staying in Negombo rather than Colombo as it is closer to the airport and closer to the rest of the itinerary. Once settle, have your first experience of the local cuisine
Where to stay: Mango House Japanese Guest House
Read More: 5 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SIGIRIYA
Day 2: Sigiriya
On the 2nd day of this 2-Week Sri Lanka itinerary: After breakfast, hop on your driver’s car and then head toward Sigiriya. Make a first stop at the beautiful Dambulla Cave temple that features 53 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings and four statues of gods and goddesses. Once out of the cave be sure to walk until the golden temple. And be aware of the monkeys. Then drive until Sigiriya. After checking in, take a tuktuk to Pidurangala rock to admire sunset as well as the lion rock.  On your way back, stop for diner in a local restaurant.
Where to stay: (€): Shady Mango Villa, (€€):  il Frangipane, ($$$): Sigiriya King’s Resort
Read More: 5 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SIGIRIYA
Day 3: Sigiriya
On the 3rd day of this 2-Week Sri Lanka itinerary: After breakfast, take a tuktuk to the Lion Rock. After visiting the museum, start the hike towards the top of the massive rock that used to be the capital of king Kashyapa and on which he built his palace. Once out of the complex, it will be time for lunch.
Later, head back to your accommodation as a jeep will pick you up for a safari in the local national park. The beginning of the safari may be slow but, once the temperature is lower, majestic elephants can be spotted. At the end of the safari, take a well-deserved shower and head out for dinner.
Where to stay: (€): Shady Mango Villa, (€€):  il Frangipane, ($$$): Sigiriya King’s Resort
Read More: 5 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SIGIRIYA
Day 4: Kandy
On the 4th day of this 2-Week Sri Lanka itinerary: After breakfast, leave for Kandy. On the way there stop the tooth temple. One of the most sacred temples in Sri Lanka as within its wall is located one of Budha’s tooth. Once out of the temple, you can walk around the lake and then head to KCC, a huge shopping center in the heart of the city.
From there, head to your accommodation and check-in. After a little resting time, take a tuktuk and visit the most beautiful garden on Sri lanka, the royal botanical garden of Kandy.
If you are lucky, you may even meet some local student. Â Finish the day with a local and homemade diner in your accommodation.
Where to stay: (€): Remli Villa, (€€):  The Summit, (€€€) Aarunya Nature Resort & Spa
Read More: 6 BEST THINGS TO DO IN KANDY
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya & train to Ella.
On the 5th day of this 2-Week Sri Lanka itinerary: From your accommodation, head toward Nuwara Eliya. Right outside of Kandy stop at the Ambuluwawa mountain tower which not only offers stunning views but also lots of fun. Climbing all along the narrow stairs is super amusing and crossing people even more. Your next stop will a viewpoint on the side of the road. From which you can see 2 waterfalls. Right before Nuwara Eliya, you can make a stop at the Labookellie Tea lounge for a tea factory visit. It is short yet interesting.
If times allow, you can spend a few moments in Nuwara Eliya for Lunch, if not head straight for Nanuoya train station as you will embark on the most famous train ride in Sri Lanka. It will take you around 4h to reach Ella, which will give you enough time to enjoy the breathtaking views from the train as well as making tons of photos and videos of your hanging out the doors of the carriage. Once in Ella, it will be time for diner before going to your accommodation.
Where to stay: ($): Lavendra Paradise, ($$): Chill Ville, View Point Hotel, ($$$): Tea Cabins
Read More: ROAD TRIP KANDY TO NUWARA ELIYA & NUWARA ELIYA TO ELLA TRAIN: AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
Day 6: Ella
On the 6th day of this 2-Week Sri Lanka itinerary: In the morning, hike to Ella Rock. The trail starts along the train rail tracks so it is an interesting first part of the trail. Later it goes up up up toward the beautiful viewpoint of Ella Rock. Be sure to go to the second viewpoints which is located a few minutes after the first one. Oh, and be sure to watch out for train while walking the rail track.
Once back in Ella, go for lunch in one of the many restaurants in town. In the afternoon, we would recommend chilling in your accommodation by the swimming pool, or you can consider going to the pool bar near the little adams’ peak. And in the evening take a cooking class. It is a fun and immersive things to do in Sri-Lanka. But don’t worry you could also to that later in Mirissa or even Unawatuna.
Where to stay: ($): Lavendra Paradise, ($$): Chill Ville, View Point Hotel, ($$$): Tea Cabins
Read More: 11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ELLA
Day 7: Ella
On the 7th day of this 2-Week Sri Lanka itinerary: This day is the spare day in Ella that we would have loved to have. Spend it by chilling in your accommodation, admiring the beautiful views of the countryside. Or head to Lipton’s seat, a tea factory located south of Ella. It is a nice attraction to do, and you can combine it with the Diyaluma waterfalls that has small pools where you can swim.
Where to stay: ($): Lavendra Paradise, ($$): Chill Ville, View Point Hotel, ($$$): Tea Cabins
Read More: 11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ELLA
Day 8: Ella to Tissamaharama
On the 8th day of this 2-Week Sri Lanka itinerary: In the morning, take a tuktuk and then hike to Little Adam’s Peak. It is an easy hike, yet the views are quite amazing. From there hop back in a tuktuk to visit the Nine Arch Bridge. Be sure to go on both side and even on the feet of the bridge.
After a final lunch in Ella city center, head back to your accommodation. In the afternoon, transfer for Tissamaharama. The town located next to the Yala National Park. And on the way be sure to make a stop at the Ravana waterfall.
Where to stay: ($):Â La safari inn, ($$): Â Hotel River Front, ($$$): Wild Coast Tented Lodge – Relais & Chateaux
Read More: 11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN ELLA
Day 9: Yala National Park
On the 9th day of this 2-Week Sri Lanka itinerary: At 4:30am, you will leave your accommodation for Yala National Park. Once in the park be sure to focus to try to spot all the wildlife. Â We were lucky enough to have seen most of the big ones like the sloth bear, leopards, elephants, wild buffalos, dears and so on. And this is without counting all the birds.
Breakfast was served at 9am on a beach inside the Yala National park. It was awesome and we truly loved the whole experience.
Once back in town, transfer for Mirissa. After checking in your accommodation, head for sunset at the secret beach. And maybe take your first swim in Sri Lanka or head back to your accommodation for giant bat watching for the swimming pool.
Where to stay: $: Mimoza Mirissa, $$: Peacock Villa, $$$: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
Read More: YALA NATIONAL PARK MORNING SAFARI: A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE
Day 10: Mirissa
On the 10th day of this 2-Week Sri Lanka itinerary: After a delicious and local breakfast, rent a scooter and head to Coconut Tree Hill to see one of the most Instagram-able spot in Sri Lanka.  From there, you can walk down the hill towards turtle beach. Be sure to check both side of the beach. If you don’t have your snorkeling equipment, you can rent it there and be sure to ask the locals where the turtles are. They will gladly help you. I saw 2 turtles in 5min.
Head to the city center for lunch, Mirissa has so many great restaurants. Â In the afternoon, chill a bit as the sun will be quite strong. And by the end of the afternoon, visit SPA Ceylon, our favorite local store for souvenirs. Then visit Weligama and its beach before heading back to Mirissa.
Where to stay: $: Mimoza Mirissa, $$: Peacock Villa, $$$: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
Read More: 11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MIRISSA
Day 11: Mirissa
On the 11th day of this 2-Week Sri Lanka itinerary: This is another day in Mirissa that we would have loved to have. In the morning go for a Whale watching tour which is one of the best things to do in Mirissa and Sri lanka. In the afternoon, enjoy the swimming pool or go at the beach.
Where to stay: $: Mimoza Mirissa, $$: Peacock Villa, $$$: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
Read More: 11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MIRISSA
Day 12: Mirissa, Unawatuna, Galle Fort
On the 12th day of this 2-Week Sri Lanka itinerary: Start the day by visiting Parot Rock, a beautiful rock in the ocean providing stunning views. Â From there, walk along Mirissa beach and spend some time there. Or go back to turtle beach to see more of the turtle.
Once back in your accommodation, get your things and maybe a final jump in the pool. Take a tuktuk to Unawatuna and on the way stop at one of the turtle hatcheries. We actually liked the one we visited and learn a great deal about turtles there.
After checking in your accommodation, rent a scooter and drive to Galle Fort, where you will explore this stunning old town, walk along its cobbled streets, and enjoy some of its old buildings.
Where to stay: $: The Horizon Hill Top Villa, $$: Sergeant House, $$$: Agnus Unawatuna
Read More: 11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN UNAWATUNA
Day 13: Unawatuna
On the 13th day of this 2-Week Sri Lanka itinerary: Take a morning stroll in Unawatuna beach. One of the longest beaches in this area. After breakfast head to turtle beach. Yes, there are many turtles beach in Sri Lanka, time to visit the one of Unawatuna. What is cool there is a natural pool is formed along the beach where you can truly enjoy calm waters and where turtles are resident.
At the end of the morning, get to the city center for lunch. Unawatuna also has lots of great restaurants. After resting during the warmest hours, it is time to explore a unique spot in Sri-Lanka, the peace pagoda. A beautiful monument intended to represent harmony between people of any and all backgrounds. To finish the day, try one more restaurant in the city center of Unawatuna.
Where to stay: $: The Horizon Hill Top Villa, $$: Sergeant House, $$$: Agnus Unawatuna
Read More: 11 BEST THINGS TO DO IN UNAWATUNA
Day 14: Unawatuna & return
On the last day of this 2-Week Sri Lanka itinerary: To finish this trip in Sri-Lanka, drive to Heewella beach, a more local beach where you can see fisherman. Â Right next to it see the Thalpe Natural pools. Even if they are not natural and man-made some 50 years ago, they are a nice place to visit.
After breakfast, time for the final beach of this itinerary. After parking your scooter hike to jungle beach and enjoy a beautiful and secluded beach where the ocean is really calm.
Around noon, head for lunch in the city center. Â If you have some spare time, take your last swim.
And finally, get your transfer to the Colombo Airport. As unfortunately it is time to return home.
Itinerary
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It is not the destination where you end up but the mishaps and memories you create along the way
Get our full map
Why pin one by one when you can get them all at once? With this map, you get all our pins, destinations, things to see, where to eat and sleep, and so much more in one time.
