2 Weeks in Sri Lanka - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Highlights of Sri Lanka 

See Sri Lanka's top attractions, from national parks to ancient monuments to idyllic beaches, on this sweeping highlights tour of the country. 

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Kick off the adventure with a Jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park, looking for rare leopards on the trip. Spend the next few days around the Jaffna Peninsula, taking boat rides to nearby islands, then tour Anuradhapura — one of the world's oldest cities — before ascending the sacred mountain of Mihintale. Continue onward to coastal Trincomalee for a dolphin-watching tour and time to relax on the beach.

The next part of the trip is educational. Visit the famous temples of Dambulla and Kandy, then take some time to learn about tea production in the Hill Country. On day 11, you'll explore Horton Plains National Park, spotting rare wildlife during a safari. Hike to a viewpoint over the region the next morning, then base yourself at the beach in Unawatuna for the last few days of the trip. Tour Galle, known for its Dutch fort, on the last full day. You'll sightsee in the capital of Colombo before catching a flight out. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Ancient History & Pristine Beaches in Sri Lanka 

From cultural exploration to relaxation, this well-balanced 14-day itinerary offers a wonderful mix of sightseeing in Sri Lanka's key destinations and time to enjoy the country's beautiful beaches.

The trip begins in Negombo. Leave for a two-day safari experience in Wilpattu National Park, then continue on to Anuradhapura, one of the world's oldest inhabited cities. Spend the next few days touring key monuments here and in Sigiriya, home to a famous rock fortress. Then you'll go to Polonnaruwa to see the spectacular Gal Vihara temple complex and other ancient ruins. Midway through the trip, take a break by the beach at Pasikudah, where you'll have free time to relax and enjoy the coast.

Check out the cave temples at Dambulla before boarding an antique train for the epic ride to Ella — the trip itself is an adventure! Continue to oceanfront Tangalle, where you'll have the chance to see turtles hatching their eggs on the beach at night. Take another free day for exploring, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Then you'll tour Galle Dutch Fort in Galle and spend an afternoon sightseeing in the capital city of Colombo before catching a flight out. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Discover Nature & Culture in Sri Lanka

Hike through national parks, go on a cycling tour, and visit Sri Lanka's most magnificent temples and monuments on this two-week adventure through the country's natural wonders and historic centers.

Start the itinerary in Colombo, the capital city, where you'll shop for locally produced crafts and textiles in the bazaar of Pettah. On day three, you'll rise early and hike to the top of Adam's Peak for incredible sunrise views from the sacred mountain. You'll tour a tea plantation near Nuwara Eliya and board an antique train for the famously scenic journey to Kandy, where you'll base yourself for the next few days. Hike in the Knuckles Mountain Range, visit historic sites, and catch a cultural show to see traditional Sri Lankan music and dance. 

The second week begins in Sigiriya, home to an ancient rock fortress. You'll tour that, and the cave temples of Dambulla, on day eight, then go on a cycling tour around the countryside. Enjoy an afternoon safari in Minneriya National Park, where you'll likely spot elephants. The last few days of the trip are action-packed: you'll visit the sacred mountain of Mihintale, sightsee in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, and end up in coastal Kalpitiya, where a dolphin-watching tour and kitesurfing lessons are both on the agenda. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Sri Lanka Family Adventure

Bring the whole family along for this two-week family tour that includes a dolphin-watching boat tour, the chance to interact with baby elephants at a rehabilitation facility, various safari excursions, and a cooking class with a Sri Lankan chef.

Your family will begin the tour in Waikkala, home to lovely beaches and more than 60 species of birds. You'll continue on to Kalpitiya on day two, where you'll go on a dolphin-watching tour and relax on the sand. Then it's off to Wilpattu National Park for a safari tour. You'll also attend a cooking class with a local chef who will teach you to prepare traditional Sri Lankan food. The next few days are dedicated to sightseeing, first in the ancient city of Anuradhapura, then in the rock fortress of Sigiriya, the ruins of Polonnaruwa, and the cave temples of Dambulla.

In the second part of the trip, transfer to Nuwara Eliya to see firsthand how tea is harvested and produced. On day nine, you'll have back-to-back safari experiences in two national parks, Horton Plains and Udawalawe. After seeing elephants in the wild, you'll see baby elephants up close at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe. Spend a few days relaxing on the beaches of Unawatuna, snorkeling around the coral reef offshore, and trying various watersports. Then you'll finish up with a tour of historic Galle and the capital city of Colombo before flying out. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Explore Sri Lanka & The Maldives 

On this outdoorsy 14-day trip plan, you'll divide your time between Sri Lanka's highlights and the island paradise of the Maldives, where you'll have the chance to snorkel with tropical fish and enjoy glorious sunsets.

The itinerary commences in Negombo. You'll visit Yapahuwa Rock Fortress, then the rock temple of Sigiriya and the ruins of Polonnaruwa, spending the night in Giritale. Move on to the cave temples of Dambulla and Kandy, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Cool off in Hill Country, basing yourself in the village of Ella for a few nights. You'll tour a tea plantation and do two hikes in a single day, one to Little Adam's Peak and the other to Ella Rock.

Kick off the second week with a safari adventure in Udawalawe National Park. Learn about the Dutch fort in historic Galle, then take a couple of days to relax by the beach in beautiful Unawatuna. You'll have an afternoon to sightsee and shop in the capital city of Colombo, then catch a flight to the Maldives the next day. The last few days of the trip will be filled with boating, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying unforgettable sunsets as you soak up the charm of this breathtaking island paradise. Learn more

More Great Sri Lanka Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Sri Lanka? Check out these other Sri Lanka itineraries, with active adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.