How To Spend 2 Weeks in Sri Lanka

We arrived in Sri Lanka straight from India and it felt like we’d fast-forwarded 100 years. Compared to India, Sri Lanka is much more developed for tourism – there are more facilities, it’s easier to get around, and the locals are clearly well used to welcoming foreigners. You’ll notice this reflected in the prices too; while still affordable, it’s noticeably more expensive than India.

That being said, Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and absolutely worth a visit. It’s incredibly diverse for such a small island – from golden beaches and lush tea plantations to epic safaris. It had been on my bucket list for years, and after two failed attempts due to COVID and civil unrest, it was amazing to finally get there. Third time is a charm!

2-Week Itinerary for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of those destinations where you could easily spend two weeks at a five-star beach resort sipping cocktails. But with so much to explore across the island, that would be a missed opportunity.

In this travel blog, I’ll share how we spent two weeks travelling through the highlights of Sri Lanka, plus some extra tips and alternative options to help you plan your perfect trip.

Transport in Sri Lanka

There are a few different ways to get around Sri Lanka, depending on your budget and how adventurous you’re feeling.

Option 1: Hire a tuk-tuk.

Yes, really! It’s a brilliant option if you want complete freedom to travel at your own pace. Tuk-tuks are small, they are best suited to two or three people. But there’s usually some space behind the seats for your luggage. Do note: you’ll need to be a confident driver, especially in towns where the roads can be busy and a bit chaotic. Some of the journeys are surprisingly long, so if there’s more than one of you, it helps to share the driving.

Hiring a tuk-tuk gives you the chance to explore the hidden gems of Sri Lanka and you might even spot elephants along the way! The locals are incredibly friendly and usually happy to help if you get stuck. I recommend going through tuktukrental.com, a reputable company that helps with licences, insurance, and planning routes. You’ll see their branded tuk-tuks all over the country.

Option 2: Use public transport.

The cheapest option by far is to make use of Sri Lanka’s public transport. The train network is fairly well-connected between major towns, and buses can help you reach the smaller coastal areas. Popular train routes, like the scenic Kandy to Ella line, should be booked around a month in advance, which you can do via 12go.com.

This option will save you money, but you’ll need to do a bit of planning. Research routes and booking procedures beforehand to avoid last-minute stress. Be prepared for things to go wrong occasionally.

Option 3: Private transfers.

The most expensive, but most comfortable, option is hiring private drivers. It’s still cheaper than in the UK, and if you’re travelling with others, splitting the cost can make it worthwhile. Many accommodations can arrange transfers for you, which makes things even easier. Don’t be afraid to negotiate too, they’ll often start with inflated prices. A great tip is to show them the price on Uber or Grab, and they’ll usually match it.

As Sri Lanka was our final destination after two years of travelling, we were a little more relaxed (and tired!), so we took a mixed approach: public transport for longer journeys between major towns, and private transfers to reach smaller places. It worked out pretty well – a good balance of cost and comfort.

Accommodation in Sri Lanka

With so many tourists passing through Sri Lanka, there’s no shortage of places to stay. We stayed in a mix of hotels and homestays, which is the same approach we took throughout Asia. Homestays are a great option when you want a more personal, homely vibe. They often include a homemade breakfast and local tips from your hosts – which is always a bonus!

We used Booking.com to find our stays, filtering for what mattered to us and reading through the reviews.

My top three tips for booking accommodation:

1.   Cross-check reviews on Google Maps to make sure the ratings match and aren’t inflated by fake reviews.

2.   Be cautious of listings with an unusually high number of reviews – they might be paid for.

3.   Double-check the location – we’ve accidentally booked places halfway up a mountain before. Lovely once you're there… but quite the trek after a long day out!

Travel Route in Sri Lanka

There are a few different travel routes in Sri Lanka depending on the time of year, as the weather can vary quite a bit across the island. We followed the classic route that most travellers take, as it’s well connected and fits nicely into a two-week trip.

We started in Colombo, where international flights land. Some people choose to go to Negombo first, as it’s closer to the airport. We skipped Colombo and jumped straight on a train to Kandy.

From Kandy, we took the famous train to Ella, and also visited nearby Nuwara Eliya. From Ella, we booked a private transfer to Udawalawe for a safari, though you could also choose Yala National Park instead. Afterwards, we travelled down to the coast – spending time in Mirissa, then using public transport to explore nearby beach towns like Weligama and Galle. Finally, we took the train back to Colombo for our flight home.

It’s a well-worn route for a reason – but feel free to personalise it to fit your travel style.

Things To See in Sri Lanka

Although Sri Lanka was the final stop in our two-year trip, and we were slowing down a bit, we still made time for the highlights. Here's what I’d recommend including in your itinerary:

• Lion Rock

  A striking rock fortress near Sigiriya. You can visit it from Kandy (about 2.5 hours away) or stay nearby. The hike is steep but the views are so worth it.

  
  

• Kandy to Ella scenic train

  The most famous train journey in Sri Lanka, and for good reason. It takes 7–8 hours and winds through breathtaking mountain scenery. Book well in advance and consider spending a bit extra on a first-class seat for comfort.

  
  

• Nuwara Eliya

  This peaceful area is perfect for walking through tea plantations. You can take a day trip from Ella or stay overnight to soak it all in.

  
  

• Nine Arches Bridge

  A picturesque railway bridge near Ella. There’s a short hike to reach it, and it’s a brilliant photo spot – especially if you catch a train passing through.

• Little Adam’s Peak

  A more strenuous uphill hike, but the views from the top are phenomenal. Go early to avoid the heat and the crowds.

  
  

• Ella Spice Garden

  One of my favourite experiences! A local family teaches you how to cook traditional Sri Lankan dishes – and you get to eat the feast afterwards. They also grow many of the spices they use, which you can buy to take home with you.

  
  

• Safari Parks (Udawalawe or Yala)

  We chose Udawalawe for the elephants (my favourite animals!) and saw loads. If you’re more interested in leopards or sloth bears, try Yala instead. Either way, seeing wildlife in the wild is unforgettable.

  
  

• Surfing in Weligama

  Great for beginners, with loads of surf schools offering lessons. If you’ve ever wanted to try surfing, this is the place to do it.

  
  

• Mirissa

  We spent a few days here relaxing on the beach and eating fresh seafood. You can snorkel, swim, or just unwind with a coconut in hand. Don’t miss Coconut Tree Hill for the perfect photo to round off your trip.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka is one of the most diverse and rewarding travel destinations we’ve ever visited. In just two weeks, you can explore misty tea plantations, go on safari with wild elephants, relax on tropical beaches, and enjoy some of the tastiest food in Asia.

The locals are incredibly warm and welcoming, always happy to chat and help out – which adds even more to the experience. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with friends, there's something here for everyone.

If you’ve been debating whether to visit Sri Lanka – take this as your sign. Don’t just stay in one place. Get out there, travel the island, meet the people, try the food, and experience the true magic of this beautiful country. And if you’re a fellow foodie like me, don’t forget to check out my blog Foods to Try in Sri Lanka for all my favourite dishes!