2 Weeks iItinerary for Sri Lanka

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.

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.

Where to Stay in Colombo?

Budget

Clock Inn Colombo

$ | Dorm

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

The Steuart by Citrus

$$ | Double Room

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High-End

Cinnamon Lakeside

$$$ | King Room

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Getting from Colombo to Habarana

One option is to take a train from Colombo toward the Batticaloa line and get off at Habarana. Unlike when I first traveled here, Sri Lanka Railways now has an official online seat-reservation system, so you no longer have to rely on buying a reserved ticket at Fort Railway Station the day before. You can book the train online here. Train schedules can change, so check the official timetable and reservation system for your travel date. If the available train does not fit your itinerary, buses are another practical option for reaching Habarana.

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.

Where to Stay in Habarana?

Budget

Green Garden Resort

$ | Double Room

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Habarana Village by Cinnamon

$$ | Double Room

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High-End

Cinnamon Lodge Habarana

$$$ | Double Room

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Getting from Habarana to Polonnaruwa

You can take a local bus from Habarana toward Polonnaruwa (I took B294, but this may have change so check with your accommodation again). Bus frequencies and fares change, and reliable timetables are difficult to find online, so ask your accommodation or the bus conductor for the current departure and fare rather than relying on the old schedule and 40 LKR fare from my 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 should be able to find bicycles for rent near the archaeological area. I rented mine from Pramod Cycle Depot just off the main road. It cost me around 200 LKR at the time, but with all the inflation, prices may have increase, so ask for the current rate when you are there.

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.

Where to Stay in Kandy?

Budget

Clock Inn Kandy

$ | Dorm

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Sevana City Hotel

$$ | Twin Room

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High-End

The Radh Hotel

$$$ | King ROom

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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.

This is one of Sri Lanka's most popular train journeys, so I recommend reserving a seat as soon as your travel date becomes available. Sri Lanka Railways now supports official online reservations for Kandy–Ella services, with advance reservations generally opening up to 30 days before travel. Reserved seats can sell out, especially during busy periods.

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, spend some time enjoying the scenery from the windows and doorways, but stay inside the carriage and follow railway safety instructions. The views are spectacular without needing to hang outside the train.

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.

Where to Stay in Ella?

Budget

Ella Escapade Hostel by Nomadic

$ | Dorm

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Grand Peak Hotel Ella

$$ | Double Room

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High-End

EKHO Ella

$$$ | Double Room

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Getting from Ella to Udawalawe National Park

Getting from Ella to Udawalawe is less straightforward than the major tourist routes. You can arrange a private taxi or shared transfer, or travel more cheaply by local bus with a connection, commonly via Thanamalwila.

I would recommend a shared transfer or taxi if you have people to split the cost with. Otherwise, ask your accommodation in Ella for the current local-bus connection to Thanamalwila and onward to Udawalawe. I would not plan around the old 8:45 AM departure in this article because local bus schedules can change.

Day 10: Udawalawe National Park (day trip)

Udawalawe National Park is one of Sri Lanka's best-known places for seeing wild Asian elephants, with elephants present in the park throughout the year. It is a great wildlife stop if you are following this route from Ella toward the south coast.

After Ella, make your way to Udawalawe National Park and take a jeep safari through the park. Elephant sightings are common, but this is still wildlife, so no particular number of sightings can be guaranteed. You may also see water buffalo, peacocks, and many other species around the grasslands and reservoir.

You can arrange a jeep safari locally or book one in advance. I paid 3,500 LKR for the jeep and 3,000 LKR for the entry fee, but Both park admission and jeep rates have changed substantially since my visit, so make sure to check the current national-park fees and confirm exactly what your safari quote includes before booking.

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 plenty of beachfront accommodation across different budgets. I found very inexpensive rooms for 20 USD when I Was here. Some stretches of coast can have strong surf and currents, so choose a sheltered swimming spot and pay attention to local conditions.

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.

Where to Stay in Tangalle?

Budget

Nest Residence

$ | Dorm

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Golden Pearl Tangalle Beach

$$ | Double Room

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High-End

Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort - Level 1 Certified

$$$ | Beachfront room

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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.

Local buses run west from Tangalle toward Matara and Colombo, with services that can drop you along the south-coast route for Mirissa. I took the bus #32, which runs 2 - 3 times per hour from Tangalle main bus stand amd ot tppl me around 2 hours. Routes, frequencies, and numbering can change, so confirm the current direct option at Tangalle bus stand just in case.

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.

Mirissa is one of Sri Lanka's main whale-watching bases, with the south-coast season generally running from around November to April when sea conditions are calmer. When I visited, one operator that stood out to me was Raja & the Whales. Check its current schedule, policies, and inclusions before booking, as these can change over time.

During my trip, the company promoted a return-trip policy if we did not see a whale and emphasized keeping a more respectful distance from the animals. Breakfast, snacks, and drinks were also included on my tour. Treat those as details from my experience rather than guaranteed current inclusions, and check the latest policy before booking.

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.

Where to Stay in Mirissa?

Budget

JJ's Hostel

$ | Dorm

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👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Sunstyle Mirissa Guest House

$$ | Double Room

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High-End

Saltasia

$$$ | King Room

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Getting from Mirissa to Colombo Airport

For the trip from Mirissa back to Bandaranaike International Airport, allow plenty of buffer time. Bus services and airport connections from the south coast change, so I would not rely on the old direct Weligama-to-airport service described in earlier versions of this guide without confirming it locally. A bus toward Colombo or the expressway network followed by an airport connection is usually possible, while a private transfer is the simplest option for an important same-day flight.

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?

Most international travelers arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo. Flight networks change regularly, but Sri Lanka has nonstop connections with a number of cities in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, while travelers from many other origins will connect through a regional hub.

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.

Sri Lanka Visa and ETA

Check Sri Lanka's official immigration website before you fly. As of September 2026, most foreign visitors are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. Since May 25, 2026, ordinary passport holders from 40 countries, including Thailand, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, China, Japan, Australia, Canada, and several European and Middle Eastern countries, can obtain a 30-day tourist ETA free of charge. Other nationalities may still need to pay the applicable ETA fee.

Visa rules can change, so treat this as a planning note rather than a substitute for checking the requirements for your own passport immediately before travel.

How to Get Around Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is well-connected by trains and buses, although some routes are slower or require connections because of the island's mountainous terrain and road network. Trains are a great way to slow-travel through the countryside, while buses reach many more places 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.

Some carriages use unreserved seating while reserved classes give you an assigned seat. For the popular hill-country route, reserving ahead is the better option if you want more certainty. Either way, the scenery is excellent from the carriage windows, and you should stay safely inside the train rather than sitting or hanging outside an open doorway.

This has changed significantly since my trip: Sri Lanka Railways now offers an official online advance seat-reservation system for many intercity and express routes, including Kandy–Ella. Reservations generally open up to 30 days ahead, and popular trains can sell out, so book early when your itinerary depends on a reserved seat.

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.

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.

Local buses remain one of the cheapest ways to travel around Sri Lank, but timetables can be difficult to verify online for local routes, so ask your accommodation, bus station staff, or the conductor for the current departure and fare.

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?

Sri Lanka does not have one simple island-wide dry season because the southwest and northeast monsoons affect different parts of the country. For this itinerary, which includes the hill country and south coast, December to February generally brings better conditions on the southwest coast, while March and April are transitional months with more afternoon thunderstorms. May to September is wetter in the southwest and hills, and October to November can bring heavy showers across much of the island.

I traveled during a quieter period, and when I was in Tangalle I had my guesthouse and a nearly deserted beach largely to myself. That was my experience rather than something I would expect on every April trip.

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?

I used SLT-Mobitel durimg my trip, and I had no trouble with it. They currently sells dedicated tourist SIM and eSIM packages, which you can easily get from Bandaranaike International Airport.

Alternatively, if your phone supports eSIMs, you can set one up before arriving and have mobile data as soon as you land. You can browse through available eSIMs here.

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.

Is it Safe to Travel to Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is currently safe to travel, but the country is prone to instability, so be sure to keep up to date with the situation in the country. Use the same practical precautions you would elsewhere: keep an eye on valuables in crowded places, use reputable transport, be cautious around traffic, and follow local instructions during demonstrations, severe weather, or other disruptions. Conditions can change, so check news shortly before departure.

I would also keep digital copies of your passport and insurance details and make sure you have a way to access emergency funds. Sri Lanka's tourism authority lists 1912 as its tourism hotline and 1990 for the Suwa Seriya ambulance service.

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.