The Ultimate Sri Lanka Itinerary for 14 Days (2025)

The Ultimate Sri Lanka Itinerary for 14 Days (2025)

Are you visiting Sri Lanka for the first time and looking for the best Sri Lanka Itinerary?

We’ve put together a 14-day Sri Lanka Travel Itinerary that covers the popular attractions, the best places to see elephants, impressive beaches, and some hidden gems.

Take a Sri Lanka Road Trip to this magical country from Colombo to Unawatuna, discover the best sights by tuk tuk, and have an unforgettable experience.

Our Sri Lanka Travel Guide includes the best places to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Sri Lanka. You’ll also find all the useful tips and information you need to plan your 2-week Sri Lanka Itinerary.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

How to Get to Sri Lanka

Most travelers to Sri Lanka arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (airport code CMB), as you can get cheap flights to Colombo.

Colombo is the capital and largest city of Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is the perfect place to start your Sri Lanka Itinerary from where you can easily reach Negombo, Sigiriya, Galle, or Kandy.

There are many direct flights to Colombo from India, Maldives, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and other international countries with easy connections. We arrived in Sri Lanka from India.

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Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka can be visited all year round because the weather is hot and humid. But the best time to visit Sri Lanka is between December and March in the south/west and March to October in the north/east.

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with high humidity and two monsoon seasons. The average annual daytime temperature in the country ranges between 26-28°C.

The busiest months are from December to April. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation, train tickets, and tours in advance!

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons: the northeast monsoon season, which runs from December to January, and the southwest monsoon season, which runs from May to September. You can visit Sri Lanka in the monsoon season for the low prices and to avoid crowds, but we don’t recommend it.

We did this 2-week Sri Lanka Itinerary in April, and the weather was fantastic, with only a few rains.

See also → Dalawella Beach

Why Should You Rent a Tuk Tuk in Sri Lanka?

The best mode of transport in Sri Lanka is to rent a tuk tuk. Although public transport is cheap, travel time is long, and some places are not accessible by bus or train.

So, if you want to explore the country’s hidden gems and hard-to-reach waterfalls, tea plantations, or beaches, rent a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka and have an unforgettable experience.

Renting a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka provides the freedom and flexibility to explore the country at your own pace and get off the beaten path.

You can pick up your tuk tuk anywhere in Sri Lanka, such as Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Mirissa, etc. But for the best experience, pick up your tuk tuk in Colombo and complete this 14-day Sri Lanka Itinerary.

Keep reading → Tuk Tuk Rental & Driving Tips in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Itinerary for 14 Days (Step by Step)

Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka! We hope you had a great flight and are ready to explore this beautiful country. Colombo is the perfect place to start your two-week Sri Lanka Itinerary, from where you can easily reach Sigiriya, Kandy, Galle, or Ella.

Depending on when you arrive in Colombo, you can choose to join a 4-hour Colombo private city tour or travel directly to your next destination.

From Colombo, continue your Sri Lanka trip to Sigiriya. You can book a day trip from Colombo to Sigiriya and Dambulla via GetYourGuide.

Colombo to Sigiriya

The distance between Colombo and Sigiriya is about 175 km, which is 4-6 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.

We have a detailed post on how to get from Colombo to Sigiriya with all the information you need.

Although there are several ways to get to Sigiriya, you will need a mode of transport on arrival to discover the best attractions of Sigiriya. Therefore, one of the most exciting and best ways to get from Colombo to Sigiriya is to rent a tuk tuk and drive there yourself.

After you pick up your tuk tuk in Colombo, travel to Sigiriya. The journey time by tuk tuk is approximately 4-5 hours.

Best hotels in Sigiriya

• Luxury: Water Garden Sigiriya
• Mid-Range: Hotel Sigiriya or Sigiriya Village
• Budget: The Nature Park Villa

Day 2: Discover Sigiriya

Good morning! It’s time to start your Sri Lanka Itinerary and discover the best attractions of Sigiriya. If you want to make the most of your day, we recommend getting up early and heading to Pidurangala Rock to watch the sunrise.

It was a magical experience when the first rays of light came, and we enjoyed a spectacular 360-degree view of the Sigiriya Lion Rock and the surrounding landscape.

Then have breakfast in your accommodation or at a local restaurant and visit Sigiriya Lion Rock. Since the entrance fee to Sigiriya Rock Fortress is expensive (36 USD for foreign adults) compared to other Sri Lankan attractions, many people decide to skip it and enjoy the scenery from Pidurangala Rock.

Recommended post → How to Hike Pidurangala Rock

Then relax for a few hours at your accommodation, have lunch, and travel to Dambulla by tuk tuk. The distance between Sigiriya and Dambulla is just 30 minutes.

The Dambulla Cave Temple is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. It is a sacred Buddhist site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plan to spend at least 1-2 hours at the cave temple and see the beautiful paintings and Buddha statues.

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Add an extra day to your Sri Lanka Itinerary and take a day trip to Kaudulla or Minneriya National Park.

Keep reading → Things to Do in Sigiriya

Day 3-4: Travel to Kandy & Sightseeing Tour

Good morning! We hope you enjoyed exploring Sigiriya and are ready for your next destination in your Sri Lanka Itinerary. Kandy has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.

There are no train connections between Kandy and Sigiriya and no direct buses, so travel by tuk tuk or private shuttle. The journey time by tuk tuk is approximately 2-3 hours.

Most people only know Kandy for its famous train ride between Kandy and Ella. But Kandy is much more than that and well worth a visit!

See also → Things to Do in Kandy

Wondering what to do in Kandy? Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens, climb the Ambuluwawa Tower, see the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and wander around Kandy Lake.

During these two days, you can explore Kandy at your own pace, eat delicious Sri Lankan food, and meet friendly locals.

Important note
Please don’t support places where elephants are kept in chains, so don’t visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage!

Best hotels in Kandy

• Luxury: Earl’s Regency Hotel
• Mid-Range: Earl’s Regent Hotel
• Budget: Queen’s Hotel

Day 5: Kandy to Ella Train Ride

Are you looking for an unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka? The stunning journey from Kandy to Ella is one of the most picturesque train rides in the world, so don’t miss it on your Sri Lanka Itinerary.

The train journey from Kandy to Ella usually takes 9-10 hours due to long stops and frequent delays.

Trains run only 3 times a day between Kandy and Ella! It’s good to know that if you want reserved seats, you must book your train ticket online at least 1 month before your travel date!

We recommend you travel to Nanu Oya and spend a night in Nuwara Eliya, then explore the tea plantations the next day and continue the journey by tuk tuk or train to Ella.

Nuwara Eliya does not have its own railway station. But you can reach Nuwara Eliya from Nanu Oya in about 20-30 minutes by local bus or tuk tuk.

Read the full post → Kandy to Ella Train

Kandy to Ella by tuk tuk

We decided to skip the long train journey from Kandy to Ella and travel by tuk tuk instead. It’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the tea plantations and see the impressive waterfalls along the way.

Our journey started from Kandy, then we made a short detour at Ambuluwawa Tower and drove through Nuwara Eliya to Ella.

Depending on the photo stops and road conditions (some parts of the road were potholed), you can reach Ella from Kandy in about 5-6 hours.

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Most people skip Nuwara Eliya and head straight to Ella, but if you have time, we recommend a visit.

Best hotels in Nuwara Eliya

• Luxury: Heritance Tea Factory
• Mid-Range: Galway Heights Hotel or Hilldale Retreat
• Budget: Misthill Rest – Lavish Villa

Day 6: Explore Nuwara Eliya – Optional Day

Nuwara Eliya is one of the best places in Sri Lanka, so don’t miss it. The best way to explore Nuwara Eliya is to self-drive a rented tuk tuk, join a Nuwara Eliya sightseeing tour,  or hire a tuk tuk driver to take you to tea plantations, Bluefield Tea Factory, Single Tree Hill, Lake Gregory, and Ramboda Falls.

See also → Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka

Enjoy the stunning scenery of the tea plantations and have a delicious cup of Ceylon tea. You can see how the tea is dried, pressed, and produced at the Bluefield Tea Factory.

You can decide whether to travel to Ella in the afternoon or the next day.

It takes about 2.5-3 hours to get from Nuwara Eliya to Ella by tuk tuk. Depending on when you arrive in Ella, take a stroll around the town, see the bustling bars, and eat at one of the great restaurants.

Best hotels in Ella

• Luxury: EKHO Ella
• Mid-Range: Mountain Heavens or 98 Acres Resort & Spa
• Budget: Ella Mount View Guest Inn

Day 7-8: Ella – A popular place on your Sri Lanka Itinerary

Are you ready for one of the highlights of your trip to Sri Lanka? The mountain town of Ella is one of the most visited places in the country.

We recommend you spend your first full day relaxing in Ella. Wander around the town, meet the locals, and discover some hidden gems. Ella has many great restaurants where you can try delicious Sri Lankan food or enjoy the nightlife in the bustling bars. You can also go ziplining, join a cooking class, or relax at the Ravana Pool Club.

Did you skip the train ride from Kandy to Ella but want to take the iconic photo hanging out on the train? We recommend traveling from Ella to Badulla and back. Although this part of the journey is not as picturesque as the train ride from Kandy to Ella, it is a great way to experience the train ride and see the Nine Arch Bridge.

Keep reading → How to Visit Nine Arch Bridge

On the train from Badulla to Ella, you can take the iconic photo hanging out of a train. But be careful when hanging out the door, as trees can be too close and may cause injury.

The next day, we suggest starting your day at Little Adam’s Peak at sunrise, then driving to Ravana Falls and Diyaluma Falls. Finish your day with a stunning sunset experience at the Nine Arch Bridge.

Recommended post → Things to Do in Ella

Day 9: Travel to Yala – Optional Day

Good morning! It’s time to continue your Sri Lanka Itinerary and travel from Ella to Yala. We traveled by tuk-tuk to Tissamaharama from Ella and took a half-day Yala safari tour the next day.

If you want to pass wild elephants on the way to Yala National Park, take a detour on the B35 Road. From Ella, head towards Wellawaya, then turn left on the A4 towards Buttala and take the B35 Road. During our trip, we also saw elephants in the middle and last section of the road, which was a fantastic experience in Sri Lanka.

The journey time by tuk tuk is approximately 3-4 hours. 

Recommended post → Guide to Yala National Park

These wild elephants are used to being around people, as locals regularly stop on the road to feed them. However, walk near them at your own risk!

After arriving, explore Tissamaharamara, eat delicious Sri Lankan food, and relax.

Best hotels in Yala

Most people take a day trip to the Yala National Park from Ella, Galle, or Mirissa. But for the best experience, stay near the national park.

Another alternative is to stay in Tissamaharama, as you will be close to the restaurants and budget hotels. These are our accommodation recommendations.

• Luxury: Wild Coast Tented Lodge
• Mid-Range: Jetwing Yala or Cinnamon Wild Yala
• Budget: Kaaya Eco Resort Yala

Day 10: Yala Safari Tour & Travel to Mirissa

Sri Lanka has many stunning national parks that are perfect for spotting diverse wildlife, such as elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and various bird species. You can easily join a safari tour from Ella or Tissamaharama to Yala or Udawalawe National Park.

The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, professional driver/guide, and a jeep safari tour at the national park.

Good to know
Yala National Park is one of the best places to see elephants and leopards in Sri Lanka.

 Book your Yala safari tour HERE.

After the morning safari tour, have lunch and travel from Tissamaharama to Mirissa. It takes approximately 3 hours to get from Tissamaharama to Mirissa by tuk tuk. Once you arrive in Mirissa, chill out at Mirissa Beach.

Best hotels in Mirissa

• Luxury: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
• Mid-Range: Mandara Resort or Triple O Six
• Budget: Sunset Beach Hotel

Day 11-12: Mirissa & Unawatuna – Featured Destination

Are you ready for the best part of your Sri Lanka Itinerary? Spend a few relaxing days in the beach towns of Mirissa and Unawatuna.

We recommend spending 2 nights in Mirissa and 2 nights in Unawatuna.

Mirissa is a paradise for surfers, famous for its untouched beaches, snorkeling spots, and vibrant nightlife. Wondering what to do in Mirissa? Visit Coconut Tree Hill, explore the best beaches in Mirissa, join a whale-watching tour, and go surfing.

Recommended post → Things to Do in Mirissa

If you’re looking for the most beautiful sunrises or sunsets, the best spots are Unawatuna Beach or Coconut Tree Hill. Unawatuna is our favorite place in Sri Lanka, but there is not much to do, so it is the perfect place to relax.

Sri Lanka has many beautiful beaches, but we think the most beautiful beach is Dalawella Beach in Unawatuna.

Wijaya Rock, also known as Frog Rock, is another iconic attraction in Sri Lanka. You can easily reach the famous Frog Rock with a 10-minute coastal walk from Dalawella Beach.

Best hotels in Unawatuna

• Luxury: Araliya Beach Resort & Spa Unawatuna
• Mid-Range: Agnus Unawatuna or Thaproban Beach House
• Budget: Hotel Flower Garden

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Alternatively, you can stay in Galle, only a 20-minute drive away.

Day 13: Visit Galle Fort or Relax on the Beach

On your last full day in Sri Lanka, we suggest you spend the day relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Alternatively, visit Galle Fort or take a day trip to Udawalawe National Park.

You can easily join safari tours from Unawatuna/Galle to Yala or Udawalawe National Park. For the best safari experience, book a combined tour that visits both national parks.

Yala is famous for its leopards, while Udawalawe National Park attracts visitors for its elephants. Over 500 elephants live in the park, which offers a great chance to see wild elephants in Sri Lanka.

Recommended post → Best National Parks in Sri Lanka

Galle is only 20 minutes from Unawatuna, so don’t miss a visit. The old town of Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the perfect place to see the beautiful Dutch, Portuguese, and British-style buildings. Spend at least 2-3 hours in Galle and explore the charming streets, buy souvenirs at the handicraft shops, visit the Galle Fort Lighthouse, and walk along the Galle Fort Wall.

If you have more time, we recommend adding extra days to your Sri Lanka Itinerary to visit Hikkaduwa and explore the stunning beaches. You can reach Hikkaduwa from Galle in just a 30-40 minute drive.

See also → What to Do in Unawatuna

Day 14: Leave Sri Lanka

We hope you enjoyed your visit to Sri Lanka! But it’s time to leave Unawatuna and drive back to Colombo.

Our Sri Lanka Itinerary ends where it began. Go back to Bandaranaike International Airport and fly home. It takes approximately 4-5 hours to get from Unawatuna to Colombo by tuk tuk.

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If you skip the optional days, you can spend two days exploring Negombo and Colombo.

Best hotels in Colombo

• Luxury: Shangri-La Colombo or Hilton Colombo
• Mid-Range: Mandarina Colombo
• Budget: Grand Oriental Hotel

How to Get Around Sri Lanka on a 14-day Itinerary?

The cheapest way to get around Sri Lanka is by public transport, and the best way is to rent a tuk tuk. The trains and buses connect all major cities, and local buses can also take you to smaller towns. If you have limited time in Sri Lanka, we don’t recommend using public transport to travel around the country.

There is no official bus schedule, trains and buses are often delayed or overcrowded, and most buses are not air-conditioned. Although you can save money by using public transport when traveling in Sri Lanka, the costs can quickly add up if you have to use a taxi or hire a tuk tuk driver/scooter to reach the beaches and waterfalls.

Are you spending limited time in Sri Lanka but want to make the most of your visit? If you don’t want to worry about how to get from one place to another, book this excellent 8-day tour and make your trip even more unforgettable. You can visit Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala National Park, and Mirissa.

In our opinion, the best way to get around Sri Lanka is to rent a tuk tuk and explore the best places at your own pace.

FAQ about Sri Lanka Itinerary

Where is Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is an island country lying in the Indian Ocean, in South Asia, which can easily be combined with India or the Maldives.

Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Sri Lanka is a tropical destination all year round, and we loved it!

Sri Lanka is well known for its untouched tropical beaches, cultural diversity, large numbers of elephants, diverse landscapes, world-class waves, and tea production.

How Many Days Do You Need in Sri Lanka?

Most travelers to Sri Lanka do not spend enough time in the country. But if you can, we recommend you spend at least 2 weeks in Sri Lanka and explore the best places at your own pace. You can easily modify our Sri Lanka Itinerary to extend or reduce the days.

Is it Safe to Travel to Sri Lanka?

Yes, traveling to Sri Lanka is safe! The Sri Lankan people are very friendly. However, small thefts and pickpockets can occur at the beaches, on public transport, or in parking areas. So always take care of your valuables!

There are monkeys, so always keep an eye on your bag and don’t leave anything in the tuk tuk.

You can swim and surf safely in Sri Lanka but don’t underestimate the waves and be careful. Beware of rip currents!

How Much Does it Cost for 2 Weeks in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a cheap country. However, some entrance fees and programs are expensive.

Budget travelers will spend around 35-40 USD per day.

The costs in Sri Lanka depend on the mode of transport, which accommodation you prefer, and how much you are willing to pay for restaurants or cafes.

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Prices are even higher during the holidays (Christmas, New Year, Easter), so avoid these months if you want to save money!

Sri Lanka Travel Costs

• Accommodation: 100-150 USD
• Food: 100-120 USD
• Transport: 300-400 USD (We rented a tuk tuk for 2 weeks in Sri Lanka for only 22 USD/day.)
• Activities: 100-140 USD (For most attractions, you will need to buy an entrance fee or join an organized or private tour.)

A 14-day trip to Sri Lanka will cost between 500-600 USD per person.

Save money, avoid ATM transaction fees when going abroad, and pay in local currency with a Wise Card.

Is it Safe to Drive Tuk Tuk in Sri Lanka?

Driving in Sri Lanka by tuk tuk can be a challenge, especially for first-time visitors. We found driving in the country safe and easy, so we highly recommend renting a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka.

Recommended post → Tuk Tuk Driving Tips

Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Sri Lanka?

Yes! You can apply for several types of Sri Lanka visa online depending on how long you plan to stay and the reason for your visit (tourist, business, transit).

The tourist visa with double entry for 30 days costs 50 USD for foreigners and 20 USD for citizens from SAARC countries.

You can get your Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) online a few days before your arrival. Visa on arrival is also available, but avoid queuing and extra costs by applying for ETA online.

Buy an eSIM and data package for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka Entry Requirements

• Visa
• Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry)
• Return or onward flight ticket

Sri Lanka 2 Week Itinerary Map

We hope our 2-week Sri Lanka Itinerary will help you plan your next trip. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Train/Transfer – Bookaway

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