2-Week Travel Plan for Sri Lanka – Nature Guide

This 2-week adventure through Sri Lanka kicks off and wraps up at the international airport near Colombo. Our journey highlights iconic spots like Sigiriya, Ella, Tangalle, Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Galle.

Sri Lanka will amaze you with its natural beauty and exciting experiences. From green highlands with hikes and waterfalls to sunny beaches for relaxing, surfing, or exploring the sea, it’s truly the jewel of the Indian Ocean.

If your schedule allows for it, consider extending this 2-week itinerary into a more leisurely travel experience. You can take your time and explore the additional gems we recommend throughout our guide.

CHAPTERS

2-Week Travel Plan for Sri Lanka – Nature Guide

Sri Lanka, an island nation situated in South Asia, lies to the southeast of India.

Just a short, inexpensive flight away, Sri Lanka and the Maldives are neighboring countries in the Indian Ocean. This proximity offers a perfect opportunity to explore the budget-friendly local islands in the Maldives right after your adventure in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka on Map

Best Time to Visit SriLanka

Sri Lanka, with its tropical climate, enjoys a mix of dry spells and wet seasons. What sets this beautiful island apart is its experience of two monsoons, creating distinct rainy periods in various parts of the country.

The ideal time for your trip to Sri Lanka largely depends on the area you plan to visit. For the destinations outlined in this itinerary, the best months to go are from December to March, when the weather is dry and enjoyable in Southwest Sri Lanka.

The shoulder seasons, which fall between April and May and again from October to November, can provide delightful weather while attracting fewer visitors. To dodge the crowds and secure better deals, it's wise to plan your visit during the weekdays or during these shoulder months.

How Long to Stay in Sri Lanka?

You can fly internationally to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo to reach Sri Lanka. Depending on where you are, you can check for direct or connecting flights right now.

IMPORTANT: Make sure to check the visa requirements before you book your flight.

How to Get Around in Sri Lanka?

Navigating Sri Lanka isquite straightforward, with a variety of transportation choices at your disposal. Your decision will hinge on your personal preferences and budget considerations.

Grab the bag that carries it all with style and comfort.

Long Distances (from one destination to the next):

Short Distances (for driving around in one area):

We enjoyed renting a scooter at each location to navigate around, arranging several highly regarded tours in Sri Lanka, and traveling between locations by public bus and picturesque train. In Sri Lanka, buses are inexpensive and quite quick. The trip was incredibly affordable, genuine, and daring.

Best Tours in Sri Lanka

See some of Sri Lanka's must-see sights by taking one of our carefully chosen trips.

Best Accomodations in Sri Lanka

All of Sri Lanka's multiple breathtaking destinations has its own top facilities.

A 2-Week Trip to Sri Lanka

The international airport in Negombo, close to Colombo, is where our two-week trip to Sri Lanka begins and concludes. Sigiriya, Ella, Tangalle, Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Galle are some of our main stops.

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo & Transfer to Dambulla/Sigiriya

Airport Arrival

The International Airport is situated in Negombo, one hour's drive from Colombo.If you arrive late, think about spending the night at the Belmont Boutique Hotel in Negombo and going to the beach.

If, like us, you get to the airport early or around noon, spend the day traveling to Dambulla or Sigiriya, both of which are excellent places to see Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala.

Transfer to Dambulla/Sigiriya/Habarana

If you're on a tight budget like us, you can use local transit or arrange for a private transfer to pick you up from the airport and drive you to your lodging in Dambulla or Sigiri.

First, go to the Minuwangoda Junction from the airport via tuk-tuk. It cost about 1000 LKR and took us 15 to 20 minutes. Before you set off, haggle over the fare. In Sri Lanka, a tuk-tuk should cost between 100 and 150 LKR per km.

Go outside and try again on the main road if they attempt to deceive you with the airport prices.

Take the bus to Kurunegala at the Minuwangoda Junction. You can grab some meal at the Kurunegala Central Bus Station after the one-hour ride. The next bus to Dambulla takes around an hour, so be careful to inquire when it departs.

It takes about four to five hours to travel from the airport to the Dambulla Central Bus Station. If Sigiriya is your ultimate aim, proceed to your lodging there by getting a tuk-tuk from Dambulla.

Colombo to Habarana by Train

You can take the train from Colombo to Habarana, which is about 20 minutes from Sigiriya, if you choose to travel to Colombo City for a few days first.

In Sri Lanka, traveling by train is a really genuine and daring experience. The renowned Kandy to Ella Train Ride will be described in detail below, so make sure not to miss it.

Hotel & Scooter in Dambulla/Sigiriya

You can stay 2 nights at the beautiful White Land City Hotel in Dambulla, which is within walking distance from the bus station. In the evening, you can arrange a scooter for about 1500 LKR per day if you want to head out early for a sunrise hike to Pidurangala.

We strongly advise booking a room at the Sigiriya Hotel if you would rather be near the city's attractions.

MONEY-SAVING TIP:At the airport, you only obtain a poor exchange rate if you change a small amount of money. In Dambulla City, we discovered much better rates.

Day 2: Sigiriya, Pidurangala & Elephants

Sunrise Hike to Pidurangala Rock

Early in the morning, we departed Dambulla and traveled to the Pidurangala Rock entrance on our rental scooter. We parked there, purchased our admission passes , and then climbed up about half an hour.

Sunrise was amazing and well worth the early wake-up call when we managed to make there. 360-degree panoramic views, including the well-known Sigiriya Rock , are available from the summit of Pidurangala Rock.

Must Read: Pidurangala Rock Hike In Sigiriya Sri Lanka

Without binoculars, you will never look like a Traveler.

High Powered 15x25 Compact Binocular

Alternative: Sigiriya Rock

If you're interested in historical landmarks and cultural history, you can also visit Sigiriya Rock , which is a UNESCO World history Site. On top of a rock island, you will tour an old stronghold that has numerous deserted palaces, gardens, and canals.

However, for tourists on a tight budget like us, the USD 20 per person admission charge to Sigiriya is excessive. This is one of the reasons we chose to go to Pidurangala.Due to its proximity, many visitors decide to visit both rocks in order to take in the sights, such as the sunrise at Pidurangala and the sunset at Sigiriya .

Encounter with Wild Elephants

We strongly advise doing a guided safari in the afternoon at either Kaudulla National Park or Minneriya National Park, two neighboring national parks. You can come across a lot of wild elephants.

Please use caution if you decide to ride a motorcycle like us. This region is teeming with wild elephants. Keep a wide enough distance when you observe them crossing the roadway so that you have time to drive away if they approach you. They are capable of great speed.

Avoid stopping to take pictures if you see them by the road. Given their reputation for being extremely hostile toward tourists and the numerous fatalities they have caused, it can be risky. Asking your lodging how to drive safely on your own is another option. Bring a great deal of respect instead of fear.

Day 3: Transfer to Kandy

Dambulla/Sigiriya to Kandy

From Dambulla, take the bus to Kandy or arrange for a private transfer. Bring some food, spend the day taking in the local culture, and recharge for the following days.

Although we don't think Kandy has much to offer, it is the starting point for the well-known and picturesque train trip to Ella. Take a walk around Kandy Lake if you have the time.

Hotel in Kandy

We spent one night at the Selyna Sky Terrace, which was the ideal hotel because it was close to both the Kandy Train Station and the Kandy Bus Station.

The Greatest Places to Stay in Kandy

Search for the best hotel in Kandy

Train Tickets

We recommend booking your train ticket from Kandy to Ella in advance to ensure you have a reserved seat, as the trains can get very crowded and seats sell out fast.

Day 4: Kandy to Ella Train Ride

Train Ride

The following morning, we set off on the well-known train journey to Ella, which is renowned for its breathtaking scenery as it gently passes through the highlands of Sri Lanka.

This train ride is an adventure in and of itself, not merely a way to get about. To see the most stunning scenery and get a taste of local Sri Lankan culture, it's a must-do experience.

Our Experience

We soon discovered how congested the third class can be, how challenging it is to move around on the train with all of your luggage, and how lengthy the train travel is after taking the lengthy Kandy to Ella train ride. For this reason, we made the decision to travel to Ella without giving any thought to the scenery or photography.

After two days, we made the decision to travel to Haputale and back by the earliest train, which takes two hours each way, from Ella. We really enjoyed the shorter, less crowded early ride, which was ideal for taking in the beautiful scenery.

It was much simpler for us to go about the train and shoot pictures because we only had our phones and no luggage. We visited the Haputale viewpoint during our stop at Haputale.

Popular Stops

If you have a few extra days, we strongly advise taking the train from Kandy to Ella, which will break up the lengthy travel and let you see other sections of the area.

Hotels in Ella

You will be able to visit some of Sri Lanka's top attractions throughout the next four days, all of which are accessible from Ella. In between trips, make sure to reserve a comfortable accommodation for yourself.

Search for the best hotel in Ella

Day 5 - 8: Enjoy the best of Ella

Stay in Ella for four whole days. Ella is our favorite place to visit in all of Sri Lanka since it offers 15 amazing activities, some of which are even considered to be among the best in the country. These activities are all conveniently placed in one area.

Best Tours in Ella

There are amazing treks and some of Sri Lanka's most famous landmarks all around Ella. Here are a few highlights that you really must see:

Diyaluma Waterfall

Our favorite activity in Ella was hiking to Diyaluma Falls, which is 220 meters high and the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. For the best experience, we advise allocating an entire day.

Park your car and start the hike after taking in the waterfall from below. After that, have a picnic beneath the trees, bathe in the cool natural pools, and snap photos of the different waterfall levels.

MUST READ: Diyaluma Falls Hike – 2. Highest Waterfall in Sri Lanka

Nine Arch Bridge

The Nine Arch Bridge is without a doubt one of Ella's top attractions. It is a stunning sight because of its striking architecture, 91-meter-long and 30-meter-high stone bridge with nine arches, and the lush, green tea plantations and dense jungle that surround it.

Little Adam’s Peak

Do you want to take in some of Ella,Sri Lanka's greatest 360-degree panoramic views? After a short and simple hike, the Little Adam's Peak Hike offers you breathtaking views of the mountains, the surrounds of a tea plantation, and the ideal spot for a sunrise or sunset.

MUST READ: Little Adam’s Peak Hike in Ella Sri Lanka

Ellawala Waterfall & White Forest

Ellawala Waterfall was our favorite, followed by Diyaluma Falls.It is situated in the middle of the jungle, and getting to the base of it is a short climb.When we went in March, the strong waterfall and the sun's rays produced a lot of mist, which made the place enchanted.

There is a lake with white trees along the route to Ellawala Waterfall. There was a striking contrast between the water and the trees. It was definitely worth a stop.

Safari in Yala or Udawalawe National Park

Spot elephants, leopards, and vibrant birds on an unforgettable safari. Yala and Udawalawe National Parks not only offer incredible wildlife, but also stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, and scenic lakes that make the adventure even more special.

Extension

After visiting Ella, if you have a few more days to spare, think about spending them in Yala Wild Hut, which is close to Yala National Park.

Facilities with lake views are available close to the National Park, where you may see water buffalos cooling off in the water. Additionally, you may watch them at sunset from the "Fruits Bats View Point."

Day 9: Transfer to Tangalle

Ella to Tangalle

After enjoying an unforgettable stay in Ella, head south to Tangalle. Begin with Silent Beach, known as one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful beaches. While you’re there, explore nearby turtle nesting sites, relax at peaceful lagoons, and visit small temples that add even more charm to the area.

You can either book a private transfer or catch local buses from Ella Bus Station to reach Tangalle. The trip requires one bus change, and the driver will let you know when it’s time to switch.

Day 10-13: Discover the South Coast (Tangalle - Galle)

Spend your final 4 days exploring Sri Lanka’s south coast. Start in Tangalle after leaving Ella and make your way along the coast to Galle. Along this stretch, you’ll find beautiful beaches, lively towns, and plenty of memorable experiences.

Spend your time along the coast based on your interests. You can get around easily using public buses or private transfers, as most destinations are fairly close to each other.

Silent Beach in Tangalle

As mentioned, we suggest visiting Tangalle to see Silent Beach, a peaceful paradise with golden sand and clear blue waters.After exploring many beaches in the south, we found it to be the most beautiful.It’s the ideal spot to escape the crowds and enjoy nature.

Surfing

Surfing in Sri Lanka is a fantastic way to improve your skills, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors.The south coast has many beautiful beaches with waves for all levels.You can join surf camps with accommodation, take a single lesson, or easily rent equipment.

We tried our first surfing sessions at Hiriketiya Beach, Weligama Beach, and Dewata Beach, and absolutely loved the experience.

Turtles

If you’re near Dickwella, a visit to Turtle Point is a must.This area is famous for its wild sea turtles, where you can watch them in their natural habitat.It’s a unique experience to see these gentle creatures up close, especially during nesting or feeding times.The spot is peaceful, surrounded by beautiful beaches, making it perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Sunsets

For stunning sunsets, head to Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa or the famous Rope Swing at Dalawella Beach. Both spots offer breathtaking views and are perfect for capturing unforgettable moments.

Whale Encounters

Mirissa is one of the top spots in the world for seeing whales, including blue whales, sperm whales, and humpback whales. The best time to go is during the dry season, from December to March, when the seas are calm and the whales come closer to the coast.

Galle

If you love history, visit Galle, a charming colonial town influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Its old buildings and streets give you a feeling of being in Europe.

Day 14 Transfer to the Airport

On your last day, make your way back to Negombo for your flight. You can take a direct bus from Galle to the airport or arrange a private transfer for more convenience.

Packing for Sri Lanka

Before visiting Sri Lanka, check the weather based on the regions you plan to explore, as the country has two different rainy seasons. It’s always a good idea to be ready for sudden rain.

Travel Tips for Sri Lanka

Costs for Sri Lanka - Travel Budget

Sri Lanka is one of the most affordable countries we’ve visited, making it perfect for any budget. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, it should definitely be on your bucket list.

Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan Rupee. You can exchange dollars or euros at banks and money changers or withdraw cash from ATMs.We recommend using a travel credit card like Wise for the best exchange rates and no international withdrawal fees.

It’s usually better to exchange money or withdraw cash away from the airport. If you need cash right when you arrive, get a small amount and take out more at your first destination.

Here are some prices we noticed while traveling in Sri Lanka.

Where to go after Sri Lanka?

If you have at least three weeks, we highly recommend combining Sri Lanka with the Maldives. The two countries are close and connected by short, affordable flights, making it easy to visit both on the same trip.

Explore the Best Things to Don In Maldives for a budget-friendly experience in this tropical paradise.

MONEY-SAVING TIP:At the airport, you only obtain a poor exchange rate if you change a small amount of money. In Dambulla City, we discovered much better rates.