If there is one country that completely reignited my love for solo travel, it’s Sri Lanka.

I had dreamed about this island for years before finally stepping foot there, and when I did, it exceeded every expectation. Tropical beaches, misty mountains, wild jungles, elephants and leopards on safari, ancient temples, scenic train journeys and some of the warmest people I’ve ever met, Sri Lanka delivers it all in a way few countries can.

If you’re planning a Sri Lanka itinerary for 2 weeks, its the perfect amount of time to experience its diversity without rushing, whether that’s riding trains through misty mountains, watching elephants roam free, or sharing a home-cooked meal with locals. And trust me – once you leave, you’ll already be planning your return.

As someone who is Anglo-Mauritian, Sri Lanka felt strangely familiar. The food, the hospitality, the way families welcome you into their homes, it reminded me so much of my Mauritian roots and Tamil culture. There’s a warmth here that can’t be manufactured, and you'll regret it if you don't spend time getting to know the locals and their beautiful culture.

This guide is my ultimate Sri Lanka two week itinerary, designed to help you experience the very best of the country without rushing yourself into exhaustion. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or planning your first big adventure to South Asia, this itinerary will help you make the most of your trip.

I’ve included:

  • Multiple itinerary options depending on your travel style
  • The best (and cheapest) ways to travel Sri Lanka
  • Hidden gems & lesser-known spots
  • Free & budget-friendly things to do
  • Honest travel tips from my own experience

This blog post is a partnership with Cathay Pacific [AD] but I only ever share my honest reviews & travel experiences.

 

Planning 2 weeks in Sri Lanka? Here's where you'll find:

  1. Why Sri Lanka is perfect for a 2-week itinerary
  2. Travelling to Sri Lanka from London
  3. 3 things to consider when planning a Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary
  4. Ultimate Sri Lanka 2 Week Itinerary – Overview
  5. Option 1: Action and Adventure Sri Lanka 2 Week Itinerary
  6. Option 2: Cultural Sri Lanka Two Week Itinerary
  7. Option 3: Nature and Beaches Sri Lanka 2 Week Itinerary

 

Get your Sri Lanka Essentials!

Sri Lanka fishing village Yala National Park, secret beach in Sri Lanka, hidden gem for sri lanka two week itinerary

Why Sri Lanka is perfect for a 2-week itinerary

Dreaming of visiting Sri Lanka, but not sure if you can squeeze in enough adventure for a two week trip? Sri Lanka is compact, but deceptively diverse. In just two weeks, you can:

  • Surf and relax on palm-lined beaches
  • Hike through tea plantations
  • Ride one of the world’s most scenic train routes
  • Go on safari and see elephants & leopards
  • Explore ancient cities older than Angkor Wat

Few countries offer this much variety in such a small space, which is exactly why planning a Sri Lanka itinerary for 2 weeks is so popular. It's a perfect country to visit if you're short on time and the transport links across the country make it easy to see a lot within a shorter timeframe. If you're weighing up visiting Sri Lanka, India or Nepal, the former is a far better option for a shorter trip as the transport links are better which allows you to cover more ground.

Before planning your trip, you may wish to read about solo travel in Sri Lanka, and my guide to everything you need to know before travelling to Sri Lanka.

Travelling to Sri Lanka from London

If you're living in the UK and dreaming of taking a two week trip to Sri Lanka, the first thing you need to think about are flights. Flights from London to Sri Lanka can really vary in price from the cheapest flights at £310 up to £1,000 – so it's a good idea to start planning your trip early so you can watch for price drops before you book.

With nearly 70 flights from London to Sri Lanka weekly, you'l have lots of choice. Air Canada are one of the most popular airlines, but I personally flew with Air India as I was travelling from Australia, which I also really rated. I recommend getting direct flights if you can – it's 10.5 hours non-stop to Colombo from London. Flights in June are cheapest, but the prices only increase up to £390 in the upcoming months so it's a great time to start looking at flights to Colombo.

Ella to Kandy train ride Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary

3 things to consider when planning a Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary

1. Transport & travel times

Sri Lanka surprised me in the best possible way when it came to transport. Despite not feeling overly touristy, the country has excellent public transport that’s affordable, reliable, and really easy to navigate. If you want to experience Sri Lanka beyond the tourist bubble, this is one of the best countries to do it.  Of course, there are lots of options for booking tours and shuttles, but personally I love to use public transport when I travel and in Sri Lanka, it is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

The public transport in Sri Lanka is some of the best I have seen in Asia, while you may see a few chickens on the buses, you will also get to experience some of the mist spectacular mountain views and unique things to do in Sri Lanka such as the famous Kandy to Ella train through the tea plantations.

Best ways to travel Sri Lanka

Trains (Highly recommended)

  • Cheap, scenic & reliable
  • Reserve 1st or 2nd class seats in advance
  • Or travel unreserved with locals for a true experience
  • The famous Ella to Kandy train (7 hours through tea plantations) cost me £1.36 / LKR 310

Buses

  • Incredibly cheap (often under £1)
  • Lively, chaotic and an unforgettable experience
  • Conductors are really helpful and speak English

Scooters

  • Best in mountain towns like Ella
  • Not as cheap as SE Asia
  • Expect LKR 1,500 (£5.60) per day

Tuk-tuks

Money-saving tip: Use trains for long distances and tuk-tuks locally.

 

2. Weather & seasons

Sri Lanka has multiple micro-climates, so weather varies depending on where you go. I travelled in November (shoulder season) and loved it, but the weather felt far more volatile than that of South East Asia during my month-long stay. When planning your trip, you should take into account the varying climates within the country as you travel between the city, the mountains, the beaches and the jungle.

Visiting in November was the perfect time to enjoy the lush green landscapes, less crowds, lower prices and the occasional dramatic storms (which I personally loved). If you plan on surfing or safaris, research conditions carefully as some parks and beaches are seasonal and surfing is dangerous at certain times of the year, while national parks can experience heavy rainfall that makes them inaccessible.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka:

  • December to January: Peak season, best weather, busiest
  • September to November: Shoulder season, fewer crowds
  • May to August: Better for east coast beaches

3. Pre-booking in peak season

December and January are the peak tourist season in Sri Lanka and the most popular time of year to travel there. Planning a Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary between September and November will often mean there is little to no rain in the South and West of the country, plus you can avoid the crowds.

If you choose to travel in peak season, be sure to book ahead for trips and accommodation. During November I had my pick of hotels and accommodations, enjoyed much lower rates and often was the only non-local around. However, there were also many places that were closed at this time due to lack of tourists. There are positives and negatives to either choice, just be sure to research before you travel.

If you’re travelling December to January, book:

If you're looking for hotel inspiration for your Sri Lanka stay, check out my reviews of Five unique luxury hotels to experience in Sri Lanka

Hiking in Sri Lanka, cultural triangle

Ultimate Sri Lanka 2 Week Itinerary – Overview

Below are three different Sri Lanka itinerary 2 weeks options, depending on your travel style:

  • Action & Adventure Itinerary
  • Cultural Triangle Itinerary
  • Nature & Beaches Itinerary

All routes start in Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital city is a vibrant, bustling city with a population of 5.6million, and can easily be adjusted. It's easier than ever to access the city with flights from Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific.

 

Option 1: Action & Adventure Sri Lanka 2 Week Itinerary

Colombo → Kandy → Ella → Yala → Mirissa

This Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary promises all the action and adventure you need to have a lifetime of stories to tell. Start off in Colombo and take two days to explore the city's colonial charm and beautiful sunsets over Galle Face Green. Then catch the train to Kandy where you can visit ancient Buddhist sites and temples and can head to the lake for stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking.

Take the scenic train ride to Ella which will give you a chance to see the real natural beauty of Sri Lanka, before hiring a scooter in Ella to explore, go hiking and head off the beaten track to waterfalls and peaks. Plan 2-3 full days in Ella to give you a chance to explore and squeeze in some good hikes. Explore Yala National Park at sunrise and at night to see the forest come to life with creatures such as jaguars, wild elephants and sloth bears. Then it's off to the beaches of Mirissa where you can spend the last few days of your trip sunbathing and relaxing, or surfing and snorkelling before returning to Colombo.

Perfect if you want:

  • Hiking
  • Trains
  • Safari
  • Surf & beaches

Days 1–2: Colombo

Sri Lanka’s capital is chaotic, vibrant and underrated. The perfect place to kick off, or end your Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary – it combines local charm and busy markets with a more cosmopolitan edge as more glossy hotels and stylish galleries pop up. Looking for the best things to do in Colombo?

Best things to do in Colombo (many free):

Days 3–4: Kandy

Welcome to the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. Kandy can be a shock to the system after the calmer mountains and jungle, but it has a lot to offer visitors. Its home to several sacred Buddhist sites and a great place to watch displays of local dancing. Take some time for the Royal Botanic Gardens, they're lovely to walk around, a real oasis of calm.

Top things to do in Kandy:

Hot air balloon ride in Dambulla, Cultural triangle, sri lanka

Days 5–7: Ella

One of my favourite places in Sri Lanka. This beautiful mountain town was another of my highlights in Sri Lanka. The climate is much crisper and cooler up here, which provides the perfect conditions for endless tea plantations and beautiful winding mountain roads with waterfalls.

Top 3 things to do & see in Ella:

  1. Take the scenic train from Ella to Kandy through the tea plantations
  2. Watch the famous blue train cross the Nine Arch Bridge
  3. Explore the natural sights including Rawana Falls, Little Adam's Peak, Ravana's Cave and Lipton's Seat

Hidden gem tip: Scooter ride through tea plantations at sunrise.

Days 8–10: Yala National Park

One of my absolute highlights of visiting Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is truly spectacular. This jungle is home to wild elephants, leopards, sloth bears and many more incredible animals. Go on safari and stay in epic luxury safari tents. Read my guide to choosing an eco-friendly stay in Yala National Park.

Why Yala is special:

  • Highest leopard density in the world
  • Elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears
  • Stay at a safari lodge or glamping tent for the full experience
  • Visit a fishing village on a secluded beach in the national park

Days 11–14: Mirissa

Don't miss this beautiful seaside town, located on the south coast of Sri Lanka amongst several sprawling sandy beaches. Think swings from palm trees, white sandy beaches and of course, fresh coconuts. It's a perfect place to relax and enjoy some downtime after the bustle of the city.

Best things to do in Mirissa:

Read my guide to the best things to do in Mirissa for more helpful tips!

Diyabubula Hideaway, Sri Lanka, Dambulla

Option 2: Cultural Sri Lanka Two Week Itinerary

Colombo → Kandy → Dambulla → Habarana → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Anuradhapura

This Cultural Sri Lanka Two Week Itinerary is perfect if history and culture are your priority. The cultural heart of Sri Lanka and the home of the country's rich history. Located in the centre of the country, Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle links several sites of historical and religious importance with some spectacular natural sights.

Take two weeks to fully immerse yourself in Sri Lanka's fascinating ancient world, walking amongst the country's ancestral sites. There is so much to see in the Cultural Triangle, so don't expect to be able to fit everything into two weeks without exhausting yourself, I recommend you focus on the key sights you would like to fit in.

When arriving in Colombo, don't spend more than two days in the city before travelling to Kandy, see the previous itinerary for the best things to do in Kandy. Head to Dambulla, where you should start off your time in the Cultural Triangle with a hot air balloon ride over the misty jungle, which is still my favourite Sri Lankan experience. It's a super early start, so give yourself two days here to recover and visit the cave temple.

Find your base in the Cultural Triangle to allow easy access to all of the cultural sites. I recommend Habarana because it is one of the shortest driving distances to each of the sites and has a range of accommodation options including an amazing homestay with a local family. From here, you can plan day trips to Sigiriya Rock, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura with days to rest in-between and visit the local markets. Nearby, there is also Minneriya National Park which also offers safaris where you can (at the right time of year) see 1-200 wild elephants roaming free. Allocate the days according to what sights/experiences you most want to enjoy and then just allow 1/2 days at the end of your trip to travel back to Colombo.

Cultural Triangle Highlights

Make sure you read my extensive guide to the Cultural Triangle before you book to plan the best itinerary.

Minneriya National Park, Habarana, Sri Lanka, 100 elephants, safari

Option 3: Nature & Beaches Sri Lanka 2 Week Itinerary

Colombo → Galle → Unawatuna → Weligama → Mirissa → Tangalle → Yala

Beach bums will love this Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary which takes you on a tour of some of the best beaches and coastline Sri Lanka has to offer. This super relaxed itinerary gives you the most flexibility to focus your time on the things you love most – whether that's beaches, local culture, safaris and wildlife, or surfing! It's ideal for beach lovers, slow travellers, surf and snorkelling.

Flying into Colombo, take a day to explore the city's colonial architecture and charm. Then, catch the train to Galle where you can explore the fort and lighthouse while taking in the views. Then you have your pick of the beaches with particular highlights being Unawatuna, Weligama for surfing, Mirissa Secret Beach and Tangalle.

I recommend planning a visit to Yala National Park and spending 2-3 days on safari spotting leopards and elephants in the wild. But it's up to you whether you want to organise this for the middle of your trip, or at the end. I would recommend travelling from Galle to Mirissa and spending a few days there, before heading to Yala for a few days. Then finish up your trip by staying in Tangalle and Unawatuna to break up the journey back to Colombo.

Highlights:

Hidden gem tip: Did you know there's also a turtle hatchery in Galle you can visit?

surfing at weligama beach, near mirissa, in sri lanka, at sunset. best two week itinerary for nature and surfing