Here is a Sri Lanka itinerary for 14 days.
Days 1-2: Colombo
Colombo is a captivating city,and although its list of must-see attractions isn’t as long as other Sri Lankan cities, this vibrant city makes an excellent first stop, especially since this is where most international flights arrive. Book yourself a hotel on arrival to rest and recuperate from the long flight, there’s still a whole day of exploration tomorrow!
After a whole night of rest, it’s time to experience this country’s cultural, historical, and religious heritage. The key highlights of Colombo includeThe Red Mosque, Viharamahdevi Park, The National Museum, and The Old City Hall. The park is quite beautiful, offering a unique sense of relaxation: from the tropical trees to the alluring flowers, you’ll enjoy seeing the children flying their kites or the locals playing cricket.
It’s worth noting that Colombo is a unique city- from the stunning mosques, museums, and traditional houses to the towering buildings and luxurious rooftop hotels and bars, you’ll enjoy an excellent blend of modernity and traditionality all in one pack!
Best Accommodations in Colombo
As the Capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the biggest city in the country. As such, it is fully packed with the most comfortable hotels. Some of the best hotels here include Colombo Court Hotel, Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Taj Samudra, and Galadari Hotel.
Getting Around Colombo
Colombo is a diverse city that’s quite hard to navigate by foot. To get around Colombo quickly, go for the famous tuk-tuks on almost every corner you make. Traveling by tuk-tuk is very affordable. You can go for a taxi or bus if you prefer more comfortable rides.
Days 3-4: Kandy
After the initial excitement at Colombo, head to Kandy – the city of kings. It’s around a 3-hour drive by bus or train. It is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and is famous for its religious, cultural, and historical significance among the locals. This vibrant city is fascinating and has much to offer, so I recommend spending at least 2 days there.
Start your Kandy adventure at one of the holiest shrines in Sri Lanka – The Temple of The Tooth, which holds a significant relic of the great Buddha. Although the Buddha’s relic is rarely shown to the public, getting a glimpse of the golden casing that holds it is quite historical. If you fancy learning more about Buddhism, the city provides an excellent opportunity to expand your understanding.
Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Enjoy all that nature has to offer in the Royal Botanical Garden. Fames for its orchids, giant trees, flowers, and birds of all kinds, it’s a great spot for an outdoor picnic.
Best Accommodations in Kandy
Some of the best hotels in Kandy include The Grand Kandyan, Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Oak Ray Regency, and Senani Hotel.
How to Get From Colombo to Kandy
There are several travel options for you to get from Colombo to Kandy. The train is the most scenic ride, taking about three hours. Buses are more budget-friendly and take 3 to 4 hours. If you prefer a more comfy option, you can hire a taxi.
Getting Around Kandy
Kandy is not as large as Colombo, and it’s easy to exploreon foot. However, you can grab a tuk-tuk for attractions that are challenging to reach on foot.
Days 5-7: Ella
If you are an adventure enthusiast, Ella’s spectacular scenery will charm you. From the lush tea plantations, rushing waterfalls, and towering mountains encircling the town, Ella is like a magical place from a storybook.
Start your Ella adventure by hiking up the Ella Rock. Remember that sunrise is the best time to hike the rock. When you reach the top, all the struggle will be worth it – you’ll enjoy the breathtaking view of Little Adam’s Peak, the Ella Gap, and the picturesque overview of the entire Ella Town.
On the second day, explore the famed Nine Arch Bridge that stands tall amidst the dense jungle. This bridge is a testament to the impressive historical architecture in Sri Lanka. You might see a train slowly navigate its way across if you’re lucky.
On the third day, start your hike to the top of Little Adam’s Peak, which will give you great views of the Ella Rock and the famous Ella Gap.
If you’re looking for more fun, try hiking up Adam’s Peak, which holds great religious significance for many. After hiking for 4 to 7 hours, you can reach the top and see the historical footprint believed to belong to Adam, Shiva, or Buddha. On top of that, you’ll enjoy an incredible sunrise or sunset view from the top of the mountain. Let’s not forget about the panoramic views!
Best Accommodations in Ella
Ella Town has some of the finest accommodations in Sri Lanka, including the Inspira Ella, morning Dew Hotel, and Ravana Heights.
How to Get From Kandy to Ella
The Kandy to Ella train is a highlight of any Sri Lanka itinerary. The ride takes about seven hours, and you’ll surely enjoy every second. Book your ticket early enough and secure a window seat for the best experience as the train enters the mysterious woodlands. From rolling tea plantations and hills to the infinite jungle, this is the most scenic train ride ever.
Getting Around Ella
Just like Kandy, it is easy to navigate Ella Town on foot. Alternatively, you can grab one of the many tuk-tuks available in almost every place or hire a taxi for a more comfortable journey.
Days 8-9: NuwaraEliya
NuwaraEliya, a little village nestled in the dense jungles between Kandy and NuwaraEliya, has its own traditional and natural charm. From its century-old colonial-style architecture to the lush green tea plantations, the village has a whole pack of picturesque sceneries to keep you thrilled.
Note that the Key highlight of the journey is between Kandy and NuwaraEliya, Soyou can opt to hire a taxi or grab the cheaper tuk-tuks from Ella to NuwaraEliya without the fear of missing out on any spectacular view.
Best Accommodations in NuwaraEliya
Some of the best accommodation options in NuwaraEliya include The Golden Ridge Hotel, Araliya Green City, and Hotel Grand Turf.
How to Get From Ella toNuwaraEliya
Like in most Sri Lankan routes, the journey from Ella to NuwaraEliya has several options, each offering a unique experience. You can choose to travel by taxi, bus, train, or the most common tuk-tuks.
Getting Around NuwaraEliya
Being a small village, NuwaraEliya is quite easy to navigate on foot, but you can choose a travel option that suits your preference.
Days 10-11: Yala National Park
If you can tear yourself away from NuwaraEliya and the surroundings, you should head over to the southern region of Sri Lanka – the Yala National Park and The south coast beach town of Mirissa.
The Yala National Park is undeniably a must-see attraction in Sri Lanka. Escape to the endless grasslands, dense jungles, pristine landscapes, sandy dunes, and numerous lakes and lagoons for two days in the Yala National Park. It is home to diverse wildlife, from leopards, elephants, crocodiles, fishing cats, and sloth bears to many different types of birds.
Best Accommodations aroundYala National Park
Several great accommodations are in and outside the national park, including the Grand Tamarind Lake, MandararosenYala, Uga Chena Huts, and Blue Turtle Hotel.
How to Get from NuwaraEliyaToYala National Park
The route from NuwaraEliya to Yala National Park has three travel options. Going by bus is the most budget-friendly option but also the longest, taking about 12.5 hours. If you want a more comfortable and faster way to arrive at the park, you can hire a taxi or drive a car, which will take 2 to 3 hours.
Days 12-14: Mirissa
After having an unforgettable two-day safari, it is time to move further to the south coast to the gorgeous beach town of Mirissa. Sri Lanka’s south coast has numerous beaches, but Mirissa is probably the most famous. Any traveler or backpacker who has been here before can attest that Mirissa is a serene beachside paradise that all Sri Lankan itineraries should definitely include.
Characterized by riding waves, beachside cafes and hotels, paradisiac beach stretches, and a tranquil ambiance, Mirissa is the best place to close up your Sri Lanka trip. The main highlight of this town is Whale Watching. That’s right! Get up close and personal with the marine life – especially the blue whales. You’ll also get to see the dolphins and turtles.
On the second day here, you can go surfing in Weligama. Mirissa is famed for its rolling waves descent for surfing all year round. If you are a novice to surfing, you’ll be pleased to know that there are excellent surf schools here that offer surf lessons to make you a surfing pro in no time.
On the last day, explore the Coconut Tree and the Parrot Rock, some of the iconic things to see in Sri Lanka. The former provides great views of the sunrise or sunset among its sea of swaying palms, while the latter is a secluded rock island offering the most spectacular views of Mirissa town and the shoreline.
Contact Sri Lanka Tour Guides to get Sri Lanka itinerary for 14 days.
