Welcome to Sri Lanka, an island package of lush vegetation, ornate ancient temples, close up wildlife encounters and palm fringed beaches. To help you plan your trip we’ve crafted the perfect Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary, with 14 days of fun to see the best of this friendly tropical country. If you have less time there’s also an itinerary for 10 days in Sri Lanka that takes in the country’s highlights.
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Overview of our Sri Lanka 2 Week Itinerary
We’ve created a 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary that covers the top things to see. You’ll start and end in Colombo, making a loop of the central highlands, south and west of the country. If you have more time you could extend your trip to visit the east coast and Jaffna in the north, but this would add another week or two to the trip.
You’ll start in Colombo (Day 1) before heading inland to the Cultural Triangle for the top heritage attractions at Dambulla and Sigiriya (Day 2-4). Next you’ll visit Sri Lanka’s second city of Kandy (Day 5) and then head south into the cooler Hill Country.
Day 6 (Nuwara Eliya) and Day 7 (Horton Plains) are spent visiting tea plantations and hiking through lush green landscapes to see waterfalls and viewpoints. You’ll take the famous Blue Train to Ella (Day 8-9) and then spend a day spotting elephants in Udawuluwe National Park (Day 10).
Then it’s on to the south coast for some relaxation and beach time at Mirissa (Day 11). From here you will travel up the south-west coast stopping at the historic town of Galle (Day 12). The final night is spent back in Colombo or Negombo (Day 13) before flying home on Day 14.
For the next 2 weeks in Sri Lanka we’ll show you the country’s highlights including the top cultural sights, elephant safaris and beach time to relax.
If you need an airport transfer check these options for airport to Colombo and airport to Negombo.
Day 1 – Relax in Colombo
If you’ve had a long flight, you’ll probably need a day to relax and acclimatise. We recommend spending your first day in Sri Lanka’s capital of Colombo to see some of its sites. As an alternative, you may prefer a relaxing day in the beach resort of Negombo, which is closer to Colombo airport.
Things to do in Colombo
Colombo offers a blend of dynamic city life, shady green residential areas, old colonial charm and sea views bounded by the train tracks. Here’s how we recommend spending a day there.
For a gentle start, take a stroll around the algae green waters of South Beira Lake. We stayed nearby at the Boutique Hotel Taru Lake Lodge. On the lake is the Seema Malaka temple designed by Geoffrey Bawa and nearby is the Buddhist Gungararamaya Temple.
From here it’s an easy stroll through the shady Vihara Mahadevi Park to the Colombo National Museum. Set in a gorgeous colonial era building, the museum gives a taste of Sri Lankan art and history.
Afternoon in Colombo
In the pleasant leafy suburb just south of the museum is the former home of Geoffrey Bawa at No 11, 33rd Lane. The house gives a glimpse of the vision of Sri Lanka’s leading architect. If art and design interests you it’s worth taking one of the pre-booked tours – check the Geoffrey Bawa website for more details.
Nearby you can shop for authentic souvenirs from Sri Lankan designers at Barefoot and have a drink or snack in their garden cafe. We stayed not far from here at the pleasant and stylish Sayura House.
In the evening take a tuk tuk to the Galle Face Hotel for a sunset cocktail or mingle with the locals strolling by the sea at Galle Face Green.
If you prefer to feel the hustle and bustle of Colombo, take a walk around the Fort area near the station. There are many grand colonial buildings in this neighbourhood, including the atmospheric St Peter’s church. You can also dive into the hectic bazaar area of Pettah, although it can be rather chaotic and overwhelming!
Also check out our article on 20 Amazing things to do in Sri Lanka
Getting around Colombo
Getting around Colombo is easiest by tuk tuk which you can find on every street corner. We found this was one of the most fun ways to experience Colombo. The fare is determined by a meter although many drivers claim it is broken, but in any case prices are affordable.
Where to stay in Colombo
Book one of these hotels in Colombo for 1 night. * Our Pick
Boutique – Taru Lake Lodge * – boutique style well located close to South Beira Lake.
Budget style – Sayura House – affordable and stylish in a quiet area of south Colombo.
Luxury – Jetwing Colombo Seven – a stylish and modern 5* international hotel with rooftop pool.
You can also check prices and availability for hotels in Colombo and hotels in Negombo
Stay in Colombo at the boutique hotel Taru Lake Lodge near South Beira Lake
Day 2 – Colombo to Dambulla
After checking out of your hotel, you’ll head inland to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for cultural and religious sites. Stop to visit the Dambulla Cave Temples, before spending the night close to the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, which you will visit the next day.
It’s a 3.5 hour drive to reach Dambulla Caves and from there you will be only 30 mins drive from Sigiriya.
See below for tips on hiring a driver in Sri Lanka, but for convenience we recommend 12Go, the specialist website for booking train travel and taxi transfers in Asia and beyond.
Dambulla Cave Temples
The Dambulla Cave Temples date back to the 1st century and were carved by hand from a rocky overhang. Five caves are filled with statues of Buddha, other religious subjects and colourful frescoes covering every surface of the temple interiors. In one of the caves is a 14 metre reclining Buddha carved out of the solid rock, with murals depicting scenes from the life of Lord Buddha.
Buy tickets before you start climbing the steps to the cave temples themselves. Once at the top you will need to leave your shoes and walk into the temple compound barefoot (wearing socks is also allowed if your feet are sensitive).
Within the temple compound there are freelance guides who you can pay a fee to give you a guided tour of the temples, although we were happy to just wander around and take photos. Allow around 1-1.5 hours for your visit. After visiting the cave temples, your driver can leave you at your chosen hotel, to relax for the rest of the afternoon.
Where to stay near Sigiriya
We highly recommending treating yourself a stay at Heritance Kandalama, a gorgeous resort style hotel with swimming pools, set by a lake. The hotel was designed by Geoffrey Bawa, built into the rock and draped in jungle like creepers, with monkeys that play outside the windows. You’ll need to book a hotel for 2 nights, as you’ll also stay tomorrow after visiting Sigiriya.
If looking at other hotels, the closest town is Dambulla, where there are plenty of accommodation options, restaurants and services like ATMs. You’ll also find inexpensive hotels in Sigiriya and Pidurangala, very close to Lion Rock. * Our Pick
Luxury – Heritance Kandalama * – Geoffrey Bawa designed hotel by the lake with a jungle feel
Resort hotel – Jetwing Lake – contemporary hotel in peaceful lakeside setting
Budget – Nature Park Villa – peaceful small hotel with pool surrounded by nature
Stay at Heritance Kandalama near Dambulla – a unique lakeside hotel where we stayed designed by Geoffrey Bawa
Hiring a driver in Sri Lanka
On our trip we travelled with a driver for part of our journey, combined with travelling by train and tuk tuk. We don’t recommend hiring a car to drive yourself, as there is a very well established system of drivers to take you around the country, which is much more relaxing.
It’s very easy to find a private car with driver in Sri Lanka, even at quite short notice. You can use a booking site like 12Go – check out their most popular transfers in Sri Lanka. Hotels can also arrange a driver and you will often be approached by taxi drivers offering their services for longer trips. For trips lasting multiple days, the driver will arrange their own accommodation and this is included in the price quoted.
The cost of hiring a car with driver for a multi-day trip includes the fuel, car, driver’s wages and cost of driver’s accommodation and meals. Costs quoted will be variable depending on the size and quality of car, the costs of fuel at the time, distances travelled and the places visited, since driver accommodation may cost more in some places.
We found that costs were comparable to hiring a car in Europe, averaging £40-50 per day. However due to fluctuations in exchange rates and rising fuel costs, this may vary. A driver tip is customary at the end of a multi-day trip, we allowed around 10% of the overall cost.
For more travel tips read our article: Sri Lanka Travel Tips – information to plan your perfect trip.
Need help to design your dream holiday? We’ve partnered with UK travel advisor Luxeco Holidays to create your personalised itinerary
Day 3 – Eploring Sigiriya
Today is the day to explore Sri Lanka’s best known heritage site at Sigiriya, then stay a second night nearby at your chosen hotel.
Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is a natural stone fortress that rises a sheer 200m from the jungle covered plain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a mixture of historical interest, an exhilarating climb and stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
Visiting Sigiriya Rock
You’ll need to be reasonably fit to climb the 1200 steps that take you up to the top of Lion Rock. But don’t be put off, as there are a number of resting points on the way up, with a two way system in some places.
Ask your driver to drop you off in the early morning, or take a tuk tuk from your hotel. You need to arrive before the heat gets too intense, or after 3pm when the crowds and heat are starting to subside. The site opens at 6.30am and closes by 5.30pm.
Be sure to carry a water bottle and some snacks on your climb, as there is nothing to buy once you leave the ticket office, which is also the last opportunity for a bathroom stop. Allocate 2-3 hours for your visit to Sigiriya.
Halfway up are the lion paws straddling the stairway, which is a nice place for a photo. They are all that remain of a giant lion statue that guarded the final stairway to the palace.
At the top of the rock is the ruined palace complex, with a water tank and great views over the ancient water gardens. It’s a wonderful spot to view the jungle covered countryside all around.
Frescoes at Sigiriya
On the way down you can climb a spiral staircase to see the frescoes of voluptuous water spirits, sheltered by a rocky overhang. The western rock face was thought to be covered with similar frescoes but only these 21 paintings remain. Sadly no photos of the frescoes are allowed.
Back at ground level there’s also a museum, which is included in your ticket. Cost to visit the whole site is $30 US and it’s best to bring cash with you. Once you have completed your visit, spend the rest of the day relaxing at your hotel, with dinner at one of the many local restaurants in Dambulla or nearby.
Day 4 – Sigiriya to Kandy
Today you are heading south to Kandy, the second largest city of Sri Lanka in the cooler Hill Country. Driving time is 2-2.5 hours depending on where you stayed near Sigiriya. There are a couple of extra things you might like to see en route, or otherwise arrive in Kandy by lunchtime for more sightseeing time there.
Climbing Pidurangala Rock (Option 1)
Close to Sigiriya is Pidurangala Rock, which you can climb to get some amazing views of the Lion Rock. Many travellers climb the rock before dawn to see the sunrise glowing behind Sigiriya. Not being a fan of early starts we opted to go in the morning and still got wonderful views.
The climb starts at a small temple, where you pay a mandatory donation to access the path (1000 Rupees when we were there). For this first part you will need to be suitably dressed and wraps are available to borrow if you are wearing shorts.
Easy stone and brick steps then take you up past the reclining Buddha statue under a rock overhang. From here the climb is a bit more tricky as you need to scramble over some large boulders and squeeze behind a rock. Finally you reach a rocky plateau with fantastic views towards Sigiriya.
The whole visit takes around 2 hours. Note that this climb is not suitable for young children and you need to wear trainers or hiking sandals.
Visit Polonnaruwa, ancient capital of Sri Lanka (Option 2)
If you go for this option, bear in mind that it will be a very long day, but worthwhile if you are interested in culture and heritage sites. The drive from Dambulla to Polonnaruwa is around 1hr 15 mins. You’ll need 2-3 hours to visit Polonnaruwa and then the drive from there to Kandy is around 3 hours.
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa was the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom established by King Vijayabahu I in the 13th century. It was later abandoned and became overgrown by jungle, but was excavated and declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1982. The main sites are somewhat spread out with plenty to see once you have purchased a ticket.
Getting around Polonnaruwa
If you have hired a driver, they can take you by car between the different parts of the site or you can also hire a bicycle or tuk tuk near the entrance. I’d recommend taking a tour with one of the registered guides who will approach you near the museum and can follow you on moped around the site to explain everything.
Start your visit at the museum, where you buy your ticket, which gives a good overview of the site and houses some of its treasures. Next visit the Royal Palace group of buildings. These include the ancient ruins of the king’s palace, council chamber and the nearby bathing pool for the royal family.
Furthest from the ticket office is the Gal Vihara or Rock Monastery, which includes four enormous Buddha statues carved directly into the rock. The largest is a 14 m long statue statue, depicting reclining Buddha at the moment of death and entering nirvana.
Cost of the ticket for the whole site is $25.
Afternoon in Kandy at the Royal Botanical Gardens (Option 3)
If you arrive in Kandy around lunchtime, you can settle into your hotel and still see some things in the afternoon.
We particularly recommend visiting the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, a 15 minute drive by car or tuk tuk from Kandy. With orchid house, vivid floral plantings, palm avenues and a suspension bridge over the river, you could easily spend a pleasant hour or two here, before returning to your hotel.
Once back in Kandy, finish the day with a stroll around the Kandy Lake. Here you can hire a boat, admire the Queen’s Bathing House and take in the lakeside views.
Transport Tips
Kandy is where you may wish to end your arrangement with the driver you booked in Colombo, unless they are staying with you for the whole trip. Most things in Kandy are easily walkable or can be reached in an inexpensive tuk tuk ride.
Where to stay in Kandy
Most of the more luxurious and resort style hotels are a little way out of Kandy, which is fine if you just want to relax but not ideal when you want to explore Kandy. The best for location is the Cinnamon Citadel, just a 10 minute drive from the centre.
Kandy offers many affordable accommodation options, including the Radisson and Sharon Inn on the hillside overlooking the south side of Kandy Lake, so you can walk or take a tuk tuk into town.
You should book 2 nights in Kandy as you’ll stay here tomorrow as well. * Our Pick
Resort style – Cinnamon Citadel – resort style hotel by a river just 10 mins drive from the centre of Kandy
Mid-range – Radisson Hotel * – formerly the Ozo hotel, contemporary style with rooftop pool overlooking Kandy Lake
Budget – Sharon Inn – modest guest house with friendly owners, overlooking Kandy Lake – they do a great traditional curry buffet.
Stay in Kandy at the modern Radisson Hotel featuring a rooftop pool, near Kandy Lake
Day 5 – Exploring Kandy
Today we’ll be exploring Kandy, especially its biggest attraction, the Temple of the Tooth. A driver is not needed for this day as you can walk or take a tuk tuk to all the local attractions. You’ll stay a second night in Kandy before heading south into the Hill Country.
Top Tip: If you plan to take the famous Blue Train from either Kandy or Nanoya (near Nuwara Eliya) to Ella, reserve your seat as soon as possible at the train station in Kandy. Reserved seats for the Ella Train in 1st and 2nd class book up days, sometimes weeks ahead. Otherwise you may have to buy an unreserved seat and stand all the way. You can also book online through 12Go, but online bookings must be at least 4 days ahead and no more than 30 days as train tickets are not released beyond this.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth
The Temple of the Tooth is Kandy’s top attraction, so we suggest you spend the morning visiting it and allocate at least a couple of hours. Tickets for foreign visitors can be purchased by card at a machine, and freelance guides may approach you offering a tour which is worth considering.
As with all temples, you need to cover your legs and shoulders and shoes must be removed and left at a kiosk, for which there is a small charge.
The temple houses Sri Lanka’s most holy relic, the tooth of Lord Buddha housed in a gold casket within a gold roofed shrine. You may want to time your visit with the morning or evening puja ceremony accompanied by drumming, when the shrine is opened for a closer glimpse of the casket holding the tooth.
After visiting the hall that houses the relic and other parts of the temple, look around the gardens and see the Royal Hall with its carved wooden pillars.
Other things to see in Kandy
If you haven’t already visited the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, we suggest you take a tuk tuk there to visit in the afternoon. Otherwise in Kandy you could visit the busy covered market, with sections selling clothing, fruit and veg, meat and fish, which is good for local colour and buying spices and souvenirs.
Take a relaxing stroll around the Kandy Lake and perhaps walk or drive up to the viewpoint on the south side of the lake, for some great photos.
In the early evening it’s worth attending a performance of traditional music and dance. The 1 hour show at the Kandyan Arts and Crafts association is the one we saw. It’s an energetic taste of the performances that would normally take place during festivals.
You’ll spend a second night in Kandy at your chosen hotel.
Also check out our article on 20 Amazing things to do in Sri Lanka
Need help to design your dream holiday? We’ve partnered with UK travel advisor Luxeco Holidays to create your personalised itinerary
Day 6 – Nuwara Eliya
South of Kandy is the Hill Country, where we will be heading today to Nuwara Eliya (3 hours drive). Due to the altitude, the temperatures are cooler and you may get rain showers, even in the dry season.
If you haven’t retained a driver for the whole trip, you could now engage one to drive you from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. Alternatively you could easily take the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (2.5 hours). You’ll spend 2 nights in Nuwara Eliya.
Tea Plantations in Nuwara Eliya
Due to its cooler climate, Nuwara Eliya was the centre of the tea industry and is often described as “Little England”. The tea planters built their English style bungalows and imported their customs such as horse racing and afternoon tea to the town.
If driving into town you can stop and visit one of the tea plantation such as Damro Laboukellie. You’ll get a free short guided tour of the tea factory, followed by a cup of tea and cake in their tea lounge and plenty of opportunity to buy tea in the shop.
Other tea plantations to visit include the Blue Field Tea Estate 20 km north of the town and Pedro Tea Factory which has a scenic walking trail through the tea plantation.
More things to do in Nuwara Eliya
Once you’ve arrived at Nuwara Eliya and checked into your hotel you might like to take a stroll around the town, checking out the oh-so-English red brick post office with its clock tower. In the centre is Victoria Park, an English style public park, with fountains, pools and colourful floral displays, with a small charge to visit.
You can also enjoy the green space of Nuwara Eliya Race course, where you can have a pony ride alongside the race track, or continue your walk as far as Gregory Lake.
We enjoyed our elegant “High Tea” overlooking the gardens at The Grand Hotel. It’s a beautiful colonial style hotel that would not have been out of place in the Cotswolds!
If you have time, take a tuk tuk to the Ramboda Falls, which are just outside Nuwara Eliya. You can climb up the path to the head of the falls, with a shallow pool and cascade of water to stand under.
Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya on a Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary
You’ll need to book a hotel for 2 nights. * Our Pick
Heritage – The Grand Hotel * – elegant heritage hotel in lovely gardens, a short walk from the centre
Mid-range – Chimneys – small country house style hotel in a traditional bungalow on the edge of town
Budget – Nuwara Eliya Hills Rest – homely guest house in a bungalow, centrally located close to Victoria Park
Boutique Luxury – Heritance Tea Factory – boutique style in a converted tea factory, surrounded by tea plantations, outside Nuwara Eliya.
The Grand Hotel is a classic heritage hotel, set in lovely gardens beside Nuwara Eliya Golf Course
Day 7 – Horton Plains
Today you’ll take a day trip from Nuwara Eliya to visit Horton Plains National Park, returning in the afternoon to spend a second night in Nuwara Eliya. The drive is just over an hour and if you don’t already have a driver, ask your hotel to arrange one for the day take you there and back.
Be sure to set off by 6-7 am, in order to see famous World’s End viewpoint before the mist rolls in at 10am and obscures the view.
Visiting Hortons Plains National Park
On arrival at the park entrance, you will need to pay an entrance fee, as well as a fee for the car. Then there is a short drive from the ticket kiosk to the car park and visitor centre where you start the walk.
Horton Plains National Park is set on a plateau at an elevation of 2000 metres, making the climate here cooler and wetter than the Sri Lankan coastal regions. This was once a favourite hunting ground of the British, with deer, birds and monkeys, but you’re unlikely to see anything bigger such as elephants or leopards.
Horton Plains is a fantastic spot for hiking as it’s one of the few national parks in Sri Lanka where you can walk without a guide or a vehicle. The most popular circular walking route is well marked and takes in Baker’s Falls as well as the World’s End viewpoint and a second viewpoint at Mini World’s End.
World’s End Viewpoint
A big draw of Horton Plains Park is the viewpoint known as World’s End, where the escarpment drops away, revealing views down the valley and beyond to the coast. To see the viewpoint at its best, you need to arrive there before 10am when the cloud from the valley starts to rise and obscure the view.
Unfortunately we arrived at 10.15 and bang on time, the cloud had already rolled up the valley. Nevertheless, it was a great hiking experience. If you are hurrying to see the World’s End Viewpoint, then take the left hand fork where the path divides after the entrance.
Just before reaching World’s End there is a smaller viewpoint known as Mini World’s End. Continuing on this loop will take you past the series of cascades at Baker’s Falls. The whole circular trail is around 9km and you should allow at least 3 hours for your visit.
Tip: Single use plastic is not allowed in the park and the wardens will search your bag, so be sure to leave all plastic bags and food wrappings at home – although water bottles are allowed.
After your visit, ask your driver to take you back to Nuwara Eliya, where you’ll be spending a second night. If you had an early start, you can relax for the afternoon or see anything you missed.
Day 8 – Nuwara Eliya to Ella by train
Today you will catch the famous Blue Train from Nanuoya station, just outside Nuwara Eliya. This is one of the most scenic train rides in Sri Lanka, running through a lush landscape of tea plantations, with plenty of photo opportunities.
Many people take the train from Kandy, but this takes around 7-8 hours, and the shorter section from Nanuoya to Ella is around 3 hours but with the same beautiful scenery.
Before catching the train from Nanuoya, we recommend stopping for refreshments at the small Edinburgh Tea Station cafe with beautiful views over the tea plantations.
Tips for taking the Blue Train
If you want reserved seats (definitely advisable), these should be purchased in advance up to 30 days ahead (tickets are only released for the next 30 days). You can buy them direct at any train station, or online through 12Go (at least 4 days ahead). So for this itinerary if you haven’t booked online, buy from the station in Colombo or Kandy, ideally for the earliest train of the day.
Be warned, this trip is very popular, so you may not get your first choice of seat. It’s best to travel in 2nd class, which offers comfortable seats and windows that open, allowing for the best photos as the train curves around a bend through the tea plantations.
3rd class offers the same views but harder seats. 1st class offers air conditioned compartments but the windows don’t open, making it more difficult to take photos.
You’ll see many photos on social media of people hanging out of the doors and windows, or dangling their legs from the open doorways. If you are going for this kind of shot, do take care as we heard tales of people falling out of the train, or getting injured, even though the train doesn’t travel very fast.
Arriving in Ella
On arriving in Ella, take a tuk tuk or taxi from the station to your accommodation. If you were able to take the earliest train, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to look around and relax. The small town of Ella is a big backpacker destination. While the main street is very touristy, the surrounding area is undeniably pretty and a great place for hiking.
I’ll cover all the things to do in Ella in the next section, but you may have time for some of them on your arrival day.
For dinner head to the busy hipster hangout Chill Cafe, ideally reserving a first floor balcony table so you can watch the action along the main road.
Where to stay in Ella
Book accommodation for 1 night in Ella
Budget Boutique – BBQ Hub Ella – urban boutique style in a quiet side street close to the centre
Luxury – Anasa Wellness Resort – a small luxury resort surrounded by nature, just outside Ella
Budget – there are numerous budget options in Ella, check price and availability here
The BBQ HUB Ella is a budget boutique hotel in Ella with a quiet but central location
Day 9 – Ella
This is a day to look around Ella, with its tea estates, waterfalls and jungle covered peaks. In the late afternoon you’ll transfer to accommodation near Uduwalawe. If you don’t already have a driver, you’ll need to engage one to take you later for the 2 hour transfer to Uduwalawe where you’ll be taking an elephant safari tomorrow.
Things to do in Ella
First stop for most visitors is the easy climb up Little Adams Peak. Half an hour of mostly gentle walking will earn you a stunning view and plenty of photo opportunities to perch on cliff edge gazing into the distance. If you’re an avid hiker and have more time, you may want to tackle the more challenging Ella Rock, which you can see from Little Adam’s Peak.
Thrill seekers will want to do the Flying Ravena zipline, which is just under Little Adam’s Peak, but if it’s not for you, buy an ice cream and watch them come down from the viewing platform. At the bottom of the Little Adam’s Peak trail, we enjoyed a scenic lunch and juice in the quirky Ella Flower Garden restaurant, full of English style flower borders.
9 Arches Bridge
After Little Adam’s Peak it’s not too far to walk along the shady path to Demodara Bridge, also known as 9 arches bridge. There are lots of photos to be taken from all angles of the bridge and if you time it right, you’ll be there when a train crosses the bridge for an extra special photo.
If you still have time, take a tuk tuk from town to the nearby Ravana Falls which are conveniently located right by the road for a photo stop. There are also a couple more tea estates close to Ella which you could hike to: the Newburgh tea factory and the Uva Halpewatte tea factory.
In the late afternoon take the 2 hour transfer to your hotel at Uduwalawe where you’ll be spending the night.
Where to stay near Uduwalawe on your Sri Lanka 2 day itinerary
The hotels and lodges around Udawalawe cater for visitors wishing to take a wildlife safari in the nearby national park. Most hotels have their own safari vehicles and guides so ask when you make your booking.
Mid Range – Kottawatta River Bank Resort – small resort with A-frame bungalows and swimming pool. We took one of their safaris which was excellent.
Check Prices and availability for more hotels in Uduwalawe
Stay in a tented bungalow at the Kottawatta River Bank Resort near Udawalawe National Park
Day 10 – Uduwalawe elephant safari
Today you’ll take an elephant safari in Uduwalawe National Park, before transferring to Mirissa by evening. Ask your hotel to book a driver to take you on to Mirissa after your safari (2 hr drive).
The best known parks for seeing wild elephants other than Udawalawe, are Minneriya national park and Yala national park. We were very happy with our experience at Udawalawe, as we heard that Yala had become very crowded with vehicles.
Tips for an elephant safari at Udawalawe
The best option is to book a tour of the park through your hotel, since many have their own vehicles and guides. Alternatively, book with a reputable local tour company, since no private cars are allowed in the park. Or you can just turn up at the park ticket office and hire a jeep with driver there.
Wildlife tours of the park are normally taken early in the morning or the afternoon around 3.30pm when the temperatures are cooler and the animals are most active. We went in the afternoon and spent several hours until the park closed at 6pm. There’s also the option to do a full day safari, but for me that would be a bit too long.
Elephants at Uduwalawe
We were thrilled to see so many elephants, some quite close up as they munched through the vegetation, scratched against a tree trunk, bathed in the lake or showered themselves with earth to protect from the sun. It was an especially magical experience to see a group of 3 females with a baby only a few months old, coming to bathe in a pool then heading out into the bush.
Your driver will normally double as a guide, knowing the spots where you are most likely to see wildlife. In addition to elephants, we saw lots of birds, iguana, crocodiles, water buffalo, monkeys and peacocks. Leopards are known to be in the park but are rarely spotted.
After the safari, return to the hotel to meet your driver and transfer to the beach resort of Mirissa (2 hr drive).
Where to stay in Mirissa
Book 2 nights in Mirissa. We recommend booking a hotel that’s close to the beach and preferred the Turtle Beach end of the resort which is quieter. * Our Pick
Boutique beachfront hotel – The Slow *- stylish boutique hotel with idyllic beachfront position and vegan restaurant
Mid range – Morning Star – Sri Lankan style small hotel with pool, a short walk from Turtle beach
Budget – there are numerous budget and affordable places to stay in Mirissa – check here for prices and availability
THE SLOW Vegan Hotel boutique hotel in Mirissa is right on the beach with watersports and vegan restaurant
Day 11 – Mirissa
This is a day to relax in Mirissa and enjoy some beach time. The south coast offers many small beach resorts and Mirissa was one of the nicest we visited. With a chilled out vibe, the resort has several beautiful beaches fringed by palm trees and a good range of accommodation and restaurants.
The biggest sweep of sand is divided by parrot rock from a couple more beaches, one of which is good for snorkelling to see the turtles that give the beach its name. You can also take a tuk tuk to a more secluded beach known as “Secret beach” which is just round the headland.
It’s easy to walk from one section of beach to the other with some parts being good for swimming, and others for surfing. You can also rent surf and body boards and snorkels.
Mirissa is known as the place to go whale and dolphin spotting. If you take a whale watching tour, make sure you go with an operator who sticks to international whale watching regulations and conservation best practice.
If you want a bit more action, just walk along the beach to check out different beach bars, cafes and activity providers. We especially enjoyed the lovely vegan food and excellent cocktails at The Slow, who have a beach bar you can visit even if not staying there.
Fresh seafood for dinner at Weligama
In the evening we recommend taking the 10 minute tuk tuk ride to Weligama, a nearby resort that is favoured by surfers. Weligama is a thriving fishing area and you can see the colourful traditional catamarans pulled up on the beach at the end of the day. In the evening, fish stalls set up along the beach, each with tables to dine on the beach.
Choose the fresh fish, prawns, octopus, or lobster from the stall which is sold by weight, and then it’s cooked and brought to you in a meal with rice, fries and salad. It’s a magical sitting on the beach, watching the waves and the sunset, then feasting on fresh fish at the end of the day.
After a chilled out day, you’ll spend a second night in Mirissa.
Day 12 – Galle
In the morning you’ll transfer to Galle. It’s easy to arrange a driver for the 1 hour transfer to Galle. You can also take the train from Mirissa to Galle (1 hr 40 mins) which is a pleasant and scenic ride along the coast. You’ll be staying 1 night in Galle.
Things to do in Galle
The main attraction of Galle is the old colonial fort area, enclosed within the ramparts. As you only have a day to look around, we recommend that you choose a hotel within the fort area. The port had its heyday in the 16th and 17th century when the Portuguese and then the Dutch were in charge leaving churches and old buildings from that era.
It’s time to explore the narrow streets of the Fort area, where many of the houses have been made into guest houses, hotels, restaurants and shops. Take a walk along the ramparts at sunset to see everyone out enjoying the evening air and playing cricket, with locals having wedding and engagement photos taken. At one end of the ramparts is the famous lighthouse, the photographic symbol of Galle, although it was only built in 1938.
Around Pedlar Street are many shops shelling upscale souvenirs and jewellery. This is a great place to have jewellery made to your own design, using the Sri Lankan sapphires, rubies and moonstones.
Other places to visit include the atmospheric Dutch Reformed Church with gravestones dating back to the 18th century. Soak up some history at the various museums, such as the Galle National Museum, the Museum of Maritime archaeology and the Historical Mansion Museum.
There are no shortage of places to eat, from traditional rice and curry to international and Sri Lankan fusion dishes, with many of the hotel having excellent restaurants.
Where to stay in Galle
Book 1 night in Galle – we recommend staying within the Galle Fort area. *Our Pick
Budget Boutique – Mango House * – Small boutique hotel with a Bollywood theme in a quiet but central location of Galle Fort
Luxury – Galle Fort Hotel – Elegant luxury hotel with 11 suites and pool in a central location of Galle Fort
Budget – Villa Yehinsa – small guest house with colourful Sri Lankan style and quiet location in Galle Fort
Mango House is a charming boutique hotel in a quiet location within Galle Fort
Day 13 – Galle to Negombo or Colombo
Today you’ll be transferring back to Colombo or Negombo, the final stop before you fly home tomorrow. Ask your hotel to book a driver for the 2.5 hour drive to Colombo. Alternatively you can take the train from Galle to Colombo central station (3 hours) and then take a taxi to your hotel.
If you are heading to Negombo for an afternoon on the beach, it’s probably easier to book a driver for a door to door service.
For a unique and artistic place to break your journey halfway, we recommend stopping at Lunuganga Estate near Bentota, the country home of architect Geoffrey Bawa. Guided tours take place 3 times a day and should be pre-booked, to see the lovely gardens and some of the buildings which have now been converted into a luxury hotel.
Need help to design your dream holiday? We’ve partnered with UK travel advisor Luxeco Holidays to create your personalised itinerary
Day 14 – Fly home
This is the day you fly home, so relax or do some last minute sightseeing, depending on the time of your flight. If you need to book a transfer to the airport you can book online for Colombo to airport or Negombo to airport.
For hotels check our previous recommendations for Colombo or look at all hotels in Colombo and hotels in Negombo
Boutique Guesthouse Sayura House is located in a quiet location of south Colombo
Sri Lanka 10 day Itinerary
If you don’t have 14 days to spend, you can adapt the itinerary above for a 10 day trip. Also check out our article on 20 Amazing things to do in Sri Lanka
1 – Following your flight, sightsee in Colombo or relax in Negombo – 1 night in Colombo / Negombo
2 – Travel to Sigiriya, visiting Dambulla Caves on the way – 2 nights near Sigiriya
3 – Visit Sigiriya, overnight at Sigiriya
4 – Travel to Kandy – 1 night in Kandy
5 – Travel to Nuwara Eliya – 1 night in Nuwara Eliya
6 – Morning Train from Nuwara to Ella – 1 night in Ella
7 – Morning transfer to Udwalawe, afternoon safari, transfer to Mirissa – 2 nights in Mirissa
8 – Relax in Mirissa, overnight in Mirissa
9 – Transfer to Colombo / Negombo stopping at Galle on the way
10 – Relax in Colombo/ Negombo, fly home
FAQ about Sri Lanka
We’ve tried to answer the most frequently asked questions about Sri Lanka below, but you can also read our full article Sri Lanka Travel Tips – information to plan your perfect trip.
Where is Sri Lanka?
The teardrop island of Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean and is part of South Asia, with its northern tip 30 km from the south east coast of India. This island nation was formerly known as Ceylon and was a British colony until 1948, when it gained independence, making it the oldest democracy in Asia.
Airport transfers in Sri Lanka
International flights to Sri Lanka arrive at the country’s main Bandaranaike airport, which is just north of the capital city Colombo.
Unless you are on a tight budget or are a seasoned traveller, I personally think a pre-booked airport transfer straight to your hotel is the best option so that you can relax and acclimatise to the new country and culture.
We recommend leading booking site 12Go to book a taxi transfer for airport to Colombo or airport to Negombo.
If you don’t have anything booked, there is an official Airport Taxi kiosk once you are through security, where you can arrange a taxi at the official rate. You may also be approached by people from the tour company desks in the airport who can provide a taxi, transfer or longer tour.
An airport express bus is available that will take you directly to the centre of Colombo, with a journey time of around 1 hour, and this the cheapest option.
Sri Lanka visa requirements
To ensure you have the most up to date advice, for travel from the UK and visa for Sri Lanka, check the UK Government Sri Lanka page which has links to all official advice. If travelling from other countries please check your own government’s official travel advice.
All travellers to Sri Lanka require an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) which can be applied for online and is normally approved within hours. The ETA fee for travellers from UK, Europe and USA for a 30 day tourist visa is $50 (2024) but please check the official website in case this changes in the future. If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, it’s normally possible to extend this visa online while in Sri Lanka.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
If visiting the west, central and southern areas, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March. Although it is considered high season, for the itinerary above we suggest above this is the best time to go.
However if visiting the north and east of the country, the weather in Sri Lanka is at its best between May and September. In the ‘shoulder’ seasons of April/ May and October / November you could visit any areas of the country and find warm weather but also expect to encounter some rain.
Weather in Sri Lanka
The weather in Sri Lanka tends to be hot and tropical all year round, with temperatures ranging between 25 and 30 degrees celsius. In the central part of the country, the temperatures are somewhat cooler due to the higher altitude, ranging between 15-17 degrees celsius.
Sri Lanka has 2 monsoon seasons when rain can be heavy. The monsoon rains hit the south and western coast between April and September, while the east and north of the country is wettest between September and March. Hence whenever you visit you will be able to find part of the country where the sun is mostly shining.
The central area around Kandy, the Cultural triangle and Hill Country can receive rain showers from both directions, even though the daytime temperatures are warm. During monsoon season it may be worth packing a small umbrella as the locals do, to use any time there’s a shower.
What languages are spoken in Sri Lanka?
The official language in Sri Lanka is Sinhala, with the second language being Tamil, which is spoken mainly in the north. English is widely spoken by anyone working in tourism and as a link language for locals.
Most tuk tuk drivers, shop assistants, hotel and restaurant staff will also speak at least a little English or there will be someone nearby that can translate.
Read Next
To help plan your trip read my article: Sri Lanka Travel Tips – information to plan your perfect trip
More articles to read about Sri Lanka
20 Amazing things to do in Sri Lanka
Our Kerala itinerary – amazing 10 day trip in southern India
Sri Lanka travel tips – information to plan your perfect trip
This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com
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