Sri Lanka is an island country located off the coast of South India. It is one of the most underrated countries in the world due to the generalization people make about Sri Lanka, assuming it is the same as India.
From the outside, it may look similar, but from the inside, nothing could be further from the truth. I had the opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka for 2 weeks, and in this article, you will learn everything you need to know about this awesome country and how you can spend 2 weeks on the island with our suggested itinerary. Let's begin, shall we?
- Sri Lanka Itinerary Map
- 2 Weeks Sri Lanka Itinerary
- Sri Lanka Travel Video
- Why Visit Sri Lanka?
- How to Get to Sri Lanka?
- How to Get Around Sri Lanka?
- When to Visit Sri Lanka?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for Sri Lanka?
- What to Pack for Sri Lanka?
- Is it Safe to Travel to Sri Lanka?
- Further Reading for South Asia
Sri Lanka Itinerary Map
2 Weeks Sri Lanka Itinerary
Day 1 - 2: Colombo (2 nights)
To tell you the truth, Colombo is not a place you should stay in for more than a day when you are in Sri Lanka. It is a big city with some notable temples and a museum, but the highlight of Sri Lanka cannot be seen from the city.
But since most of you will have to fly into Colombo anyway, I would suggest that you at least give the city a go. If you have a day here, do go to the National Museum to learn about the history of Sri Lanka.
A great temple that I would recommend you visiting is the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple located only 15 minutes away from the city. The temple dates back to the 5th Century BC, and you can find some nice sculptures and paintings that will give you a sense of how rich Sri Lankan history is.
- Sri Lanka One Life Adventures - 12 Days (12 days)
- Sri Lanka Experience (12 days)
- Grand Tour Of Sri Lanka (12 days)
There are other temples that are worth visiting, such as the Gangaramaya Temple, but these can all be done in one day.
Traveling in Colombo is pretty straightforward. You can get around the city by taking a tuk-tuk to take you around for a day with a fixed price, or you can minimize cost and flag one down from the street each way.
As I always recommend, when dealing with taxis and tuk-tuks, no matter where you are, they may want to squeeze money out of you, so be sure you agree upon a price before you get on one. You can also ask your hotel to find one for you if your hotel is not located on the main road.
Giving you one day in the city also allows time for you to plan your next step, such as getting a train ticket at the train station or finding the bus route to take.
Getting from Colombo to Habarana
You will have to take the train for this route, and you will have to visit Fort Railway Station one day prior to your departure to get the train ticket. The train leaves very early in the morning, and it should take around 6 hours to get there. Like with most trains in Sri Lanka, the view along this route is quite a sight to behold, so be sure to get a window seat for this one.
Day 3 - 5: Habarana (3 nights)
After a day in the city, it's time to head into the countryside and witness the true beauty of Sri Lanka. Habarana is a small town in central Sri Lanka, and it is the perfect place to use as a base to explore all the cultural sights around the area.
There are several other places that people like to use as a base to explore central Sri Lanka, such as Kandy, Anuradhapura, or Dambulla. However, I prefer Habarana more as it is quiet, small, and relatively unknown to tourists. It is also located less than an hour away from the famous Sigiriya rock and the ruins of Polonnaruwa. These are what we will be doing in the next 2 days in Habarana.
On your first day, hire a driver or a tuk-tuk to take you to Sigiriya Rock in the early morning to beat the crowd and hike to the top of the rock for a grand vista of the Central Sri Lankan landscape.
You can hire a tuk-tuk via your hotel/hostel in Habarana the day before, and they should have no problem picking you up very early in the morning.
Sigiriya is a 200m high ancient rock that was used as a fortress in 477 CE. When hiking the rock, you will be able to see the beautiful landscape of Sri Lanka from the top.
Sigiriya is so much more than just a rock in the middle of nowhere. This place has so much more to offer than just hiking up to see the view. There are several ancient ruins around the rock that you can explore on foot. I spent almost half a day in Sigiriya alone.
After half a day in Sigiriya, you can come back to Habarana and explore the forest and landscape around the area. I especially enjoy walking around Habarana Lake. To get there, you can walk through the Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, and you will find a vast lake where you can sit and enjoy the view.
If you are looking for a nice restaurant to indulge yourself in, I couldn't recommend Dewata Villas Village Restaurant enough. They open in the evening and serve local food at a reasonable price. They can get packed fast in the evening, so be sure to be there early to beat the crowd.
For your second day in Habarana, I would recommend that you hop on a B294 bus from Habarana main road in the morning and go to Polonnaruwa. Rent a bike and spend the day exploring the archaeological site.
Getting from Habarana to Polonnaruwa
You can stand on the main road in Habarana and flag down the B294 buses. They should run twice per hour starting at 6 AM (check with your hotel before) and cost you around 40 LKR per trip.
Visit Polonnaruwa (Day Trip)
Polonnaruwa is the royal ancient city of the Buddhist Kingdom of Polonnaruwa, where you can find massive structures of the kingdom's remnants, such as a 170m high ancient stupa and a huge, headless standing Buddha, scattered all over the site.
The site is quite large with many sites to visit, and since you only have one day there, I would recommend that you rent a bike to explore Polonnaruwa. There are several shops from which you can rent a bike.
Once you arrive in Polonnaruwa, you will see plenty of bikes in front of a store. Simply go in there and rent one for the day. I rented one from Pramod Cycle Depot just off the main road when I arrived in Polonnaruwa. It should cost around 1 USD (200 LKR) to rent the bike for a day.
Once you rent a bike, be sure to buy the entrance ticket at the Archaeological Museum before you start exploring, so you don't have to backtrack when you realize you need a ticket to enter these sites, as I did.
The ticket is 4500 LKR (25 USD), which is a tad bit expensive, but that is why we want to maximize our time here by renting the bike and seeing as much as possible.
There are many sites to see, and it can get quite confusing as to where to visit. So above, I have mapped out all the significant sights you should visit when you are in Polonnaruwa, so you don't have to waste time getting lost as I did.
To get back from Polonnaruwa to Habarana, you will have to get the same bus back by simply standing on the opposite side of the road where you were dropped off and flagging down the same bus (B294), and you will be on your way back. It is recommended to start making your way back at 4 PM, so be sure to be at the road before then.
Getting from Habarana to Kandy
There are no trains that connect these two towns, so you will have to get a bus, which you should have no trouble finding as Kandy is a big city. Most buses that run along the main road in Habarana are mostly going to Kandy. For example, Bus 41 connects Polonnaruwa with Kandy, so you can get on that one to go to Kandy.
If you are not sure which bus to take, ask your hotel for a recommended bus number or you can simply ask the conductor. You can also pay the conductor for a ticket once you are on the bus.
The journey should take around 2-3 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions at the time, as you will be going up and down hills quite a bit before arriving in Kandy.
Day 6 - 7: Kandy (2 nights)
Kandy is the second biggest city located in the hill country of Sri Lanka, home to the famous Temple of the Tooth, a sacred Buddhist temple that houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.
The temple itself was pretty cool to see, but the city itself shines more with quite a lot to offer if you are interested in the Kandyan culture. Kandy also serves as a good starting point for one of the most scenic train rides in Sri Lanka, which we will discuss in the next section.
I did not go into the Temple of the Tooth because I was not wearing appropriate clothes, rocking my shorts and all 😂, so if you wish to go in, you better wear something that covers your shoulders and knees.
If you are interested in the history of Buddhism, I would suggest you visit the World Buddhist Museum in Kandy. This is the only museum I found that dedicates each room to different types of Buddhist practices from other countries around the world.
They have dedicated rooms for Thai Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Afghan Buddhism, and many more. It is fascinating to learn the mutual connection between each country, all through this one religion.
Another thing to do in Kandy is to see the Kandyan traditional dance. Every evening, you can attend one of these shows, and the show lasts around an hour.
Your hostel/hotel will have the schedule and price for you if you are interested in seeing this Kandyan dance. As of 2019, the price has almost doubled to 1000 LKR, which is quite expensive for a one-hour dance show. However, I like to think that this money will go on to support the local artists in the end.
If you are interested in seeing the Kandyan dance, you can buy a ticket through your hostel/hotel and simply take a tuk-tuk to show up at Kandyan Art Association on time to see the dance.
I am not usually a fan of traditional shows, but this one captivated me the whole time. The dance is really intense and energetic, with a fast-paced drum beat that keeps you on the edge of your seat. There's also one where they danced with fire!
Another place I like to go waste my time people-watching is at the Kandy Central Market. If you are in Kandy and want to see the best side of Sri Lankan people, simply walk inside the market, and you will see why Sri Lankans are one of the nicest people in the world.
Getting from Kandy to Ella
The most scenic way to get to Ella from Kandy is by train, as the railway goes through some of the most scenic landscapes in the country, hugging along the side of a mountain through many tea plantations.
I highly recommend that you book your ticket as early as 2 days before your departure from the Kandy train station because this is a popular route for tourists to take, and it can get fully booked very quickly, especially during the high season.
The journey will take you about 7 hours, so expect a full-day experience for this train trip. Fortunately, the view will keep your mind occupied for most of the day, and the weather becomes cooler the higher up you go, which is great on an open-air train.
You can check the recent train schedule from Kandy to Ella here: Kandy to Ella train schedule timetable.
Day 8 - 10: Ella (3 nights)
When people say the train from Kandy to Ella is one of the most scenic things you can do in Sri Lanka, they ain't wrong.
The train ride from Kandy to Ella is about 6 hours, and the route will take you through a variety of areas you wouldn't normally see if you take a bus, such as urban areas of non-touristic cities, along mountain sides, and through the tea plantations that produce one of the best teas in the world, Ceylon tea.
While you are on the train, don't bother sitting in your seat. Find an unoccupied door, hang your legs off, and sit and enjoy the ride.
Once you are in Ella, go on a hike to the Little Adam's Peak and watch the sunset at the top. The hike is super easy, and it will take you no more than 2 hours round trip.
At the end of the trail, you will be surrounded by the rolling hills of Ella. Little Adam's Peak is best seen at sunset, so you will be right on time to witness such beauty by the time you arrive in Ella in the afternoon.
The next day, spend the whole day hiking the Ella's rock, which will take you through some of the most stunning walks you can experience in Ella. One minute you are walking on a railway track; the other, you are hiking through tea plantations.
Having a guide for this particular trail is recommended, as the way was not clearly marked. The hike will take around 4-6 hours round trip. It is relatively easy to hike, except for the last part where the trail will get steeper as you approach the summit.
Your hotel/hostel should be able to organize a guide for you the day before, so be sure to inquire with them on the day you arrive. This way, you can hike Ella's Rock the next day.
You can do it solo, but be very sure that you have a hiking map with accurate designation, as we found quite a few people getting lost along the way. Maps.me (Android | iOS) does have a good reliable hiking map for you to save offline, so be sure to have that app installed on your phone before you embark on the hike.
There isn't much I can say about the summit except that it is beautiful. Just look at the photo above!
Once you arrive at the top, you will have to backtrack your way back to Ella and spend the rest of the evening relaxing or go off and find the Nine Arches Bridge, a beautiful colonial-era railway construction in the middle of the lush green forest of Ella.
Getting from Ella to Udawalawe National Park
This is a bit tricky as there is no direct connection between Ella and the national park, so you will either have to take a private taxi, which costs 7000 LKR (flat rate, so you can share the cost with others), a mini-van that leaves from Ella bus stand, which costs around 1500 LKR, or you can take a local bus via Thanamalwila, which is the cheapest way to get to Udawalawe but the most hectic.
I would recommend getting a minivan or a taxi if you have people to share it with. Otherwise, you can take the bus from Ella at 8:45 AM (be sure to check the schedule with your hotel before you embark) to Thanamalwila. From there, you can get a bus that is heading to Colombo, which should pass through Udawalawe where you can get off.
Day 10: Udawalawe National Park (day trip)
A Sri Lankan trip will not be complete without going on an Elephant Safari tour. Why? Well, Sri Lanka has the highest number of wild elephants in Asia, and it would be a shame if you did not see any elephants when you are here.
After Ella, rent a car or take a public bus to Udawalawe National Park and go on a 3-hour safari trip through the park. You are guaranteed to see at least 10+ elephants and a bunch of other animals, like peacocks and wild buffalos, all hanging out near a watering hole.
You can hire a jeep driver to take you on a safari trip at the entrance of the national park, and it should cost you around 3500 LKR (20 USD), excluding the ticket price, which is another 3000 LKR (17 USD) per person.
Getting from Udawalawe to Tangalle
If you arrived in Udawalawe by taxi, they should have no problem dropping you off in Tangalle. However, if you are using public transportation, you can catch a south-bound bus at the Udawalawe junction bus stop to reach Tangalle.
Buses bound for Matara should pass through Tangalle, so you can get on one of them at the Udawalawe junction bus stop and get off when you arrive in Tangalle.
Day 11 - 12: Tangalle (2 nights)
After two days of hiking in Ella and relaxing in the Udawalawe National Park, it is time for you to loosen up and chill at the beach. Tangalle is a quiet fisherman town located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Here, you can find many beachfront accommodations for as cheap as $20 USD per room. The beach in Tangalle is mostly empty due to its strong tides, but what people may not know is that there are some places where you can still swim. There was even a natural pool near my guesthouse, which eliminates the problem with the tides entirely.
You can also spend your time walking around the quiet Tangalle town and go try some local dishes like the delicious Kottu Roti, as well as all kinds of fresh fruit you can find at the market.
Getting from Tangalle to Mirissa
There is a direct bus you can take from Tangalle to Colombo that should pass through Mirissa. There is no need to change at Matara. The bus (Line #32) runs quite frequently (2 - 3 times per hour) from the Tangalle main bus stand and it should take around 1 - 2 hours.
Day 13 - 14: Mirissa (2 nights)
And last but not least, Mirissa, the final stop of your epic trip in Sri Lanka. There are several cool things you can do in Mirissa, from whale-watching to tracking down the stilt fishermen and getting a photo of this dying tradition.
There are many whale-watching tour operators in Mirissa, but one that stood out the most was the Raja & the Whale. It is a bit more expensive than the others, but the way they marketed themselves is certainly very noble.
For example, they will give you a free ride if you don't see a whale that day, or if they don't chase the whales as most cruises do. They will be on the side instead, so the whales don't feel threatened by our presence. Free breakfast, snacks, and drinks will be provided throughout the 6-hour trip.
The guides were well-informed about how the whales behave, and they would tell us when the best time was to get that perfect picture. I really enjoyed my time with them, and I highly recommend supporting their cause.
It took me ages to find these stilt fishermen, and it broke my heart to discover that most of them will only do it if you pay them.
That said, my friend was able to find a group of them a little bit north of Mirissa, so if you take your time, you might be able to find a genuine stilt fisherman somewhere around Mirissa. The tuk-tuk driver usually knows where to find them, so ask them if you have trouble finding one yourself.
There were also some nice spots on the beach near Mirissa, like this rock or a giant swing, roped to a coconut tree, for you to jump into the ocean in style.
Getting from Mirissa to Colombo Airport
If you are wondering how you can get back to Colombo from Mirissa, don't worry. You can take a direct airport bus from Welligama, a city just north of Mirissa, and you will be at the airport in time for your flight on the same day. The trip should take around 6 hours through the new highway that connects Mirissa to the capital city.
Why Visit Sri Lanka?
This question often came up when I told people that I was traveling in Sri Lanka, so here is a simple answer to sum up my experience: Sri Lanka is like a lite version of India. If you are intimidated by India, Sri Lanka is the place to be.
The best part about the country is the unmatched hospitality I have received while traveling there. The locals are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. How friendly? Well, while walking around the central market in Kandy, everyone was greeting me all the time, inviting me into their stores, and even giving me free fruits.
Apart from the fact that the people are unbelievably friendly, Sri Lanka has a lot of other things to offer as well, such as going on an elephant safari, whale-watching, hiking, temple hopping, and trying all the awesome food.
How to Get to Sri Lanka?
The best way to get here is to fly into Colombo. There are several airlines that connect the US, Europe, and Asia to Sri Lanka. From the US or the EU, there is no direct flight, but you can fly to Sri Lanka with transit in either the Middle East via Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines or East Asia via Japan, Korean Airlines, or Cathay Pacific.
If you are in Asia, it will be easier and cheaper for you, as AirAsia offers quite a few routes to Colombo via cities like Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, and many more.
If you are looking for the cheapest flight for your trip, I would recommend browsing through Skyscanner or Expedia to find a cheap flight from where you live to Colombo that best fits your itinerary.
How to Get Around Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is very well-connected by trains and buses. Some areas are a little harder to reach, either due to its mountainous terrain or military checkpoints, but nothing is impossible. Trains are a good way to slow-travel through the countryside, while buses are fast but can be hectic at times.
By Trains
I had the opportunity to take both modes of transportation, and I like them both. The scenery from the trains was outstanding, especially the route from Kandy to Ella (a must-do), where the train goes through tea plantations hugging along the side of cliffs all the way.
One of the routes I would highly recommend you to take the train is the one that connects Kandy and Ella. The railway goes through some of the most stunning landscapes in Sri Lanka, going up and down the hills of Ella, through the tea plantations, and across scenic bridges. It is slow but extremely scenic and rewarding.
Seats are free for all, so be sure to get on the train first to get the best window seats. This way, you can see the view, or you can sit at the door of the train, as I did 😉.
One of the problems with the train is that it does not offer online booking, so you will have to get the ticket the day before and visit the train station to do so. Be sure to spare a few hours if you are planning to travel by train the next day.
If you are short on time and would rather be reassured by reserving the tickets before you arrive, then you will need to go through an online agency like 12go.com.
Important: If you decide to go this route, you will need to book the ticket with them 30 days before your arrival date so that they will have enough time to process your tickets for you.
Within this itinerary, you will have to take 2 trains: one from Colombo to Habarana and another from Kandy to Ella. For the train from Colombo to Habarana, you will have to go to Fort Railway Station in Colombo. You can reserve the ticket at the kiosk in front of the train station, located in the white building.
For the one connecting Kandy to Ella, visit Kandy Railway Station the day before and get your tickets.
For more details on Sri Lankan trains and their schedules, visit: Train travel in Sri Lanka by Seat61.com.
By Buses
Local Buses are fast, cheap, and quite reliable, but they can get a little hectic as they pick up more and more people along the way. Many times, I have had to squeeze myself and my backpack together to make room for other passengers. These buses are also quite old and lack air conditioning, so keep in mind the number of people and the humidity before getting on one.
Personally, it was part of the experience of traveling in Sri Lanka, and it was fascinating for me to see how 90% of the people actually travel in the country.
The price is often very cheap with local buses; some are as low as 0.15 USD per ticket. They do have a rough schedule that is almost always not followed, changes often, and is impossible to find reliable information online. Therefore, it is best to ask your hotels/hostels to help you organize one, or you can just flag them down from the main road.
For local buses, I would recommend getting one for shorter routes, such as the route from Habarana to Polonnaruwa, where you can simply go to the main road and easily flag down the B294 bus.
There are also modern private company buses that connect big cities together, like the one from Welligama to Colombo Airport via the Southern Express Highway, which you can take if you end your trip in Mirissa.
For private buses, the price doubles that of the local buses going the same route but is still more affordable than taking a taxi.
By tuk-tuk
This is only possible when you want to travel somewhere nearby, like visiting a tourist attraction near Colombo or taking a day trip to Sigiriya from Habarana. For big cities like Colombo and Kandy, you can easily flag a tuk-tuk from the road to get to places, or you can hire a driver for the day via your hostel/hotel.
For going to places further away, such as visiting Sigiriya or Polonnaruwa from Habarana, you will need to hire the driver for the entire day. The price will depend on how far you are going and how long they will have to wait for you. There is no fixed price, so negotiate hard when they offer you the first price.
Make sure to also agree upon a price before you get on one to prevent any disagreement about the price at the end.
When to Visit Sri Lanka?
Since Sri Lanka is an island with a variety of terrains, the weather is all over the place no matter which season you are here during. October - March is considered to be a high season, and if you are like me and want to avoid high season at all costs, April is a good time to be here because the high season ended a month before. Not only will you get discounted accommodation prices due to the low season, but you will also have the attractions to yourself.
When I was in Tangalle, I had the guesthouse and a deserted beach to myself because no one was there.
Temperature varies a bit from place to place. In the hill country, the temperature could go as low as 20°C, whereas all the other places will maintain their temperature at 30+°C.
Which tourist SIM card is best for Sri Lanka?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Sri Lanka without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Sri Lanka:
WiFi at hostels and guesthouses is not reliable at all in Sri Lanka. So, if you require a constant connection, I would suggest getting a local SIM card to stay connected throughout the country.
I got a 2GB one from Mobitel, and the 4G coverage is good in big cities (Colombo and Kandy), but in small towns, it often diverts back to 3G or EDGE. It's not the fastest but quite manageable. Definitely better than relying on just WIFI alone.
You can find more information about the local SIM card here: Sri Lanka Prepaid Data SIM Card.
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
Daily Budget
This place is quite affordable compared to all the other countries in the world. If you are planning a trip here, you can expect to spend around $25 - $45 USD per day per person, which should include accommodation and three meals.
Please keep in mind that these are suggested daily budgets based on my own style of travel, which leans more towards the budget side of things. If you aim to stick to this budget, anticipate sleeping in dormitories, dining out only occasionally, and being comfortable with the cheapest and most convenient modes of transportation, which often involve a considerable amount of walking.
What to Pack for Sri Lanka?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Sri Lanka:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Sri Lanka in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Is it Safe to Travel to Sri Lanka?
Due to the recent tragic event in Colombo in April 2019, the safety of Sri Lanka has been tarnished due to the attack on Christian Churches and some 5-star hotels that left over 300 people dead. It's not an easy reality to comprehend, but safety concern for traveling in Sri Lanka is now a legitimate question that needs to be answered.
For most of this itinerary, you will be mostly in a safe area with only a few days in Colombo where the tragic bombing happened. Big cities are always riskier with petty thefts and terrorist attacks like this, but once you are out and about, you should be fine.
So, would I recommend you cancel your trip to Sri Lanka? I would say, if you are only planning to visit, maybe it is best to postpone your trip for now until everything settles. If you have already booked everything, I would say you can still stick to your plan but avoid being in a crowded area during public holiday seasons.
All in all, the chance that you will witness something horrific, like in April 2019, is pretty low. However, it is best not to ignore it and stay vigilant.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for South Asia
Looking for more information for your trip to South Asia? Here are a collection of articles about Myanmar that might help you with your trip planning.
- Pakistan is rich in culture, history, and stunning landscapes. It is, after all, the place where the Himalayas, the Hindu Kush, and the Karakoram mountain ranges meet. Here's the ultimate guide and one-month itinerary for backpacking in Pakistan.
- One of the best road trips you can do in the world is to traverse the Karakoram Highway in Pakistan, which connects the country with China. Here's the ultimate guide to traveling the Karakoram Highway.
- Looking to do some trekking in Nepal? Check out my Complete Guide To Trekking Everest Base Camp Independently with a 15-day itinerary.
- Looking for a complete packing guide for the Everest Base Camp trek? Check out: What To Pack For Everest Base Camp Hike - A Complete Packing List.
- There are also some short treks in Nepal for you to do, such as the Annapurna Base Camp. Here's a complete guide on how to hike the Annapurna Base Camp in 7 days solo.
- Annapurna Base Camp is a 7-day hike, and there is quite a lot you will have to pack for the hike. Here is What To Pack For Everest Base Camp Hike - A Complete Packing List.
- I have also written a bit about my trip to India. Here are the 2-part photo essays of my journey: Incredible India Part 1 and Incredible India Part 2.
- You can also watch my travel videos about South Asia here: Sri Lanka travel video, Nepal travel video, and Pakistan travel video.
- Want to know where to go after Sri Lanka? How about exploring the Golden Triangle in India, doing some trekking in Nepal, or going off-the-beaten-path and backpacking through Pakistan?
- For all articles about Sri Lanka, visit the Sri Lanka Travel Guide page.
- You can see all of my South Asia-related articles on my South Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
23 Comments
Thank you for the great guide. I am considering a trip to Sri Lanka in the last two weeks of September. Your itinerary looks wonderful. A few questions. I've heard really good things about the Buddhist caves at Dambulla. Did you get to those? I don't see them on here. Also, about how much should I expect to pay for the safari and whale watching?
Hey Sam,
I didn't have enough time to get to those caves but I've heard people going there as a one night stop. Feel free to let me know how it is if you ever get there :)
For the whale watching, It was approximately 40 USD per person if I remember correctly. Safari is usually around 25 USD half day and if you are talking about Udawalawe national park than the entrance fee should be aroound 15 USD on top of that. The prices are subjected to change though so do keep that in mind.
I hope this helps!
Safe travels!
Great post. What camera/ lenses did you use for the photos? Amazing shots
It was the RX100 M3. And thank you for te comments!
looks great itinerary , what do you think about Nuwara eliya is it worth of a visit ?
I LOVE your video! I'm even more excited to visit Sri Lanka now. And thanks for a very imformative post.
Thank you Charlotte!
very cool gets me very ready to go
Thank you!
Wow! Love your photos!