2 Weeks in Sri Lanka – Travel Route and Highlights
Updated: Nov 27, 2024
Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, enchanted us with its diversity and beauty. Our 2-week journey took us to the south of the island, where we explored the cities of Galle, Ella, and Kandy, as well as a tea plantation and the Udawalawe and Yala National Parks. In this post, we’ll share our itinerary, highlights, and useful tips for your Sri Lanka trip.
On our map, you can see the location of all the highlights at a glance:
Table of Contents
1. 2 Weeks in Sri Lanka: Trip Preparation
Before embarking on your adventure in Sri Lanka, there are a few things to consider and prepare. Here, you’ll find all the important information summarized.
Visa and Entry into Sri Lanka
To enter Sri Lanka, you will need a visa, which you can apply for online in advance. It is valid for 30 days and can be extended if necessary.
Vaccinations and Health
Vaccinations against Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Rabies are recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is not strictly necessary for the southwest, but it’s advisable to check current health advice from your foreign office or a tropical medicine specialist.
Money and Currency
The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Cash can be withdrawn from many ATMs, and credit cards are widely accepted in most hotels and restaurants. We recommend exchanging or withdrawing money directly at the airport and storing it in various parts of your backpack to avoid losing it.
2. Travel to Sri Lanka: Country Information
Language
The official languages are Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Climate and Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
The best time to visit southwest Sri Lanka is from December to March. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and there is little rain – perfect for exploring both the cultural treasures and natural wonders of the region.
You can find more information on the best time to visit here.
Transportation
The road network in Sri Lanka is well-developed, but driving can often be chaotic. It’s not unusual to have an elephant crossing the road!
We recommend using trains, buses, or private drivers for longer distances. For shorter distances, be sure to try a tuk-tuk ride.
3. Our Sri Lanka Travel Route
Arrival in Colombo
When you travel to Sri Lanka, you’ll land at the international airport in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. From there, you can head directly to your first destination. We were picked up by our hotel shuttle and drove straight to Induruwa, a journey of about an hour.
Induruwa and Bentota
Induruwa and Bentota are idyllic coastal villages on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, perfect for unwinding after a long journey. Here, you’ll find stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and soft sand – ideal for relaxing.
If you only have 2 weeks, it might make sense to take several day trips from here.
A highlight in Induruwa is the turtle conservation project, where you can experience sea turtles up close. Depending on the season, you may have the chance to watch baby turtles make their first journey to the sea. We highly recommend including this excursion in your itinerary, as it’s truly a unique experience.
Another must-do is a boat trip on the Bentota River through mangrove forests, where you can observe exotic birds and wildlife.
For us, Induruwa is a peaceful paradise, away from mass tourism, offering authentic insights into local life. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and kickstart your round-trip adventure.
To get around, you can use tuk-tuks or taxis, which often wait outside your hotel. There’s also a nearby train station if you prefer to travel without private shuttles.
Safari in Udawalawe National Park
No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without a visit to a national park! Udawalawe National Park is known for its elephant population. It’s best to book a safari early in the morning, as this gives you the highest chance of spotting as many wild animals as possible.
Yala Nationalpark
Yala National Park, located on Sri Lanka’s southeast coast, is famous for its leopards, although you’ll need a lot of luck to spot one. With or without leopards, a guided jeep safari in Yala offers a fantastic day of wildlife watching.
From Induruwa, it’s quite a long journey to Yala, so it’s better suited for a trip if you plan to stay nearby overnight.
Galle
The colonial old town of Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and will captivate you with its charming streets, historic buildings, and majestic fort. It’s a great place to wander through the streets and relax in the many cafés and boutiques. Be sure to visit Galle’s iconic lighthouse.
You can reach Galle by train from Induruwa, which makes for a scenic and relaxing trip.
Tea Plantations in the Mountain Village of Ella
Ella, a charming mountain village in the heart of Sri Lanka, is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Surrounded by lush tea plantations and impressive waterfalls, Ella offers numerous hiking trails, including the famous climb to Little Adam’s Peak and the hike to Nine Arches Bridge.
A visit to a tea factory is a must to learn about the cultivation and processing of the world-famous Ceylon tea. After an active day, you can relax in one of the cozy cafés with spectacular views of the green hills.
Ella is the perfect highland destination to enjoy Sri Lanka’s breathtaking nature and unwind.
By the way, the train ride from Ella to Kandy is a very famous photo opportunity. If you lean out of the moving train, be cautious – it can be quite dangerous, and safety standards in Sri Lanka aren’t the same as in Germany.
Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, is set amidst hills and tea plantations. A highlight is the Temple of the Tooth, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites, which houses a relic of Buddha’s tooth.
The Kandy Lake is perfect for a relaxing walk, while the Peradeniya Botanical Garden impresses with its wide variety of exotic plants. The lively markets and traditional dance performances in Kandy give you an insight into the region’s rich culture.
Kandy is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience Sri Lanka’s history and tradition firsthand.
4. The Best Accommodations on Our Trip
Bentota: Pandanus Beach Resort - A beautiful beachfront hotel with a turtle hatchery nearby
Kandy: Theva Residency – A boutique hotel with stunning city views and an amazing infinity pool
Udawalawe: Athgira River Camp – Glamping near the national park with comfortable tents and a great atmosphere
Yala: Jetwing Yala – A luxurious hotel right on the edge of the national park with a beautiful pool, beach access, and fantastic food. This hotel fills up fast, so booking early is recommended
Galle: Fort Bazaar – A stylish hotel in the heart of Galle’s old town, perfect for exploring on foot
Ella: The Residence Ella - Great location and excellent value for money
We hope our travel report inspires you to take an unforgettable vacation in Sri Lanka. The mix of culture, nature, and adventure in the southwest of the island left us completely captivated, and we’re sure you’ll love this trip too!
Looking for more insights into our travels? Check out our Instagram channels tom_rbg_ and anna_rbg_! If you have any questions about the routes, feel free to reach out to us via these channels.
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