{"id":7898,"date":"2023-06-04T18:16:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-04T18:16:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/?p=7898"},"modified":"2024-01-05T21:51:06","modified_gmt":"2024-01-05T21:51:06","slug":"2-week-sri-lanka-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nohurrytogethome.com\/2-week-sri-lanka-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"A Wonderful 2 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary for First-Timers"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Looking for a perfect 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary for first-timers? I recently looped around the country and here’s how you can do it too even if you only have two weeks!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful island nation, you’re in for a treat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sri Lanka is a country that has it all – from pristine beaches to lush green forests, ancient temples to modern cities, and everything in between. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With so much to see and do, planning the perfect 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary can be overwhelming, but I’ve got you covered! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, we’ll take you through a day-by-day itinerary that covers all the must-see attractions in Sri Lanka. This is the exact route I did myself and I was very happy with everything I got to see in 14 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting Around Sri Lanka<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I found getting around the country on my 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary an adventure in itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several options available, including trains, buses, and tuk-tuks and I tried them all. Here’s what you need to know about each mode of transportation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Train<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Taking the train is a popular way to travel in Sri Lanka, and for good reason. The train routes are scenic and offer stunning views of the countryside, not to mention it’s an affordable way to get around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There are three main train lines in Sri Lanka: the Coastal Line, the Main Line, and the Hill Country Line. The Main Line is the most popular and runs from Colombo to Kandy and on to Badulla. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hill Country Line is also a must-do, as it takes you through the tea country and up to Ella. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to travel this route because it was during a holiday and the train was packed (there were people actually hanging from outside the train!). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This would be my #1 recommendation when planning your Sri Lanka itinerary – check if there are any major holidays going on because it can affect your trip!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, make sure to book your train tickets in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season. You can book your tickets online or at the train station. First-class tickets are available, but second and third-class are more affordable and still offer a comfortable ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Bus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Buses are also a common mode of transportation in Sri Lanka and are a budget-friendly option. The buses can get crowded, but they’re a great way to travel short distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two types of buses: local and express. Local buses stop at every town and village along the way, while express buses only stop at major towns. Express buses are faster, but local buses are more affordable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to bring small bills and change when taking the bus, as the conductor will come around to collect the fare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Tuk-Tuk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tuk-tuks are a really fun way to get around Sri Lanka! While I wouldn’t recommend them for long distance rides, I used them a lot to get from beach town to beach town that weren’t too far away from each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Make sure to negotiate the fare before getting into the tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks don’t have meters, so the price is usually negotiable. It’s also a good idea to agree on the price before starting your journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuk-tuks are also available for hire for the day. This is a great option if you want to explore a certain area or if you have a lot of stops to make.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I thought it was a perfect itinerary because I made a full loop around the country and covered a ton of destinations and activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most impressive things about Sri Lanka is that, even though it’s small and you can get from A to B in a short amount of time, the landscapes and overall vibe can change a ton in just a matter of miles!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This itinerary shows exactly what I mean. In fact, I think I can easily split it into three sections: Culture and history, wildlife and nature, and last but not least, beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1 – 3: Kandy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kandy is one of the most picturesque cities in the country and a wonderful place to start your 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary because it has tons to see and do. I landed in Colombo and took the train directly to Kandy to start the adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I recommend spending at least three days as there are plenty of , not to mention you’ll want to have time to soak up the culture and local life as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On your first day, head to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The temple is located in the heart of Kandy and is home to the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. It’s also surrounded by stunning gardens, which make for a perfect spot to relax and unwind. Afterward, you’ll have plenty of time to explore more of the things to do in Kandy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On your second day, visit Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ancient city of Sigiriya is located on top of a massive rock and is surrounded by lush greenery. You can climb to the top of the rock and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, head to Pidurangala Rock, which is located just a few kilometers away from Sigiriya. The rock offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and it’s a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where to Stay in Kandy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n