Follow this itinerary to visit Sri Lanka in 15 days, designed to make sure you don't miss a single must-see, and to give you a great overview of both the country's natural and historical riches. We've designed this itinerary so that you can do it without hiring a car, preferring the train or bus, although a cab or scooter rental may be useful in more remote areas. Finally, this route forms a loop with optimized transport times, beginning and ending in Colombo, home to Sri Lanka's largest airport.
Days 1 and 2: Arrival in Colombo
Like most travellers, you'll probably land atBandaranaike airport, which is Colombo's main airport. This is the country's largest city, and its economic capital. So it's the ideal place to start your 15-day Sri Lanka itinerary.
Explore the Pettah district
Spend two days in Colombo, giving yourself time to settle in after your flight. Then head for the Pettah district, the city's most emblematic neighborhood. Colorful, teeming with people and life, and bustling with the rhythm of its markets, this district is a must-see in Sri Lanka, and the best way to get a glimpse of the country's multicultural richness.
We recommend that you book this private guided Tuk Tuk tour of Colombo, to discover the city's history and iconic landmarks.
Discover Colombo Fort
Colombo Fort is the city's financial district. Not only is it home to the Colombo World Trade Center, but also to the city's rich colonial heritage. Here you'll find former Portuguese, Dutch and British buildings that have become banks and other luxury residences.
Stroll around Galle Face Green
Alongside Colombo's Fort district lies Galle Face Green, a peaceful public garden wedged between buildings and the Indian Ocean. It too was created during the colonial era, and today offers pleasant walks.
Day 3: Visit Sigiriya
Leave Colombo to continue your 15-day Sri Lanka itinerary towards the Cultural Triangle. This region between Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, at the heart of which lies Sigiriya, will enable you to fully appreciate the riches of Sri Lanka. To get to Sigiriya from Colombo, you have several options: take the bus for a journey of around 5 hours, generally with a change at Dambulla, take the train to Habarana and then a tuk-tuk, or the most convenient: take a cab. An even simpler option: book this day trip to Sigiriya and Dambulla from Colombo. You'll be picked up directly at your hotel and enjoy a small-group tour.
Admire the Lion Rock
Sigiriya literally translates as Lion Rock. It is the former royal capital of Sri Lanka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country's most visited sites. This imposing rock, 370 m high, is not only grandiose, but also particularly busy. For a better view of the rock and the jungle, it's best to climb the Pidurangala hill, which we describe in the next section. It's a 30-minute, very steep walk to the top, so try to time your arrival at the top to coincide with sunset. On the way up, be sure to admire the Demoiselles de Sigiriya, an extremely well-preserved 5th-century mural fresco, as well as the Lion Gate, a monumental entrance decorated with two large carved lion pastes.
Explore Pidurangala Rock
Less well known and less frequented than Lion Rock, Pidurangala Rock is also very interesting, offering a magnificent view of Lion Rock and the Sri Lankan jungle. However, it's a fairly strenuous walk, being so steep and rocky that you'll have to climb the rocks in places. Ideally, plan your ascent for sunrise or sunset.
Day 4: Dambulla excursion from Sigiriya
Take an excursion to nearby Dambulla. There are several options from Sigiriya: direct, inexpensive but often crowded buses, tuktuks, cabs or scooter hire. This last option is more expensive, but allows you to take a real motorcycle road-trip through the cultural triangle. In the evening, return to Sigiriya for the night.
Explore the Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is Dambulla's main attraction and one of the highlights of this 15-day Sri Lanka itinerary. It's a Buddhist temple made up of 83 caves, sanctuaries and monasteries. In all, the site boasts over 150 statues of Buddha, plus mural paintings in the caves.
Click here to book your all-inclusive guided tour of Dambulla's temples and cave villages.
Lose yourself in the alleys of the market
Dambulla is also home to an important wholesale market, the largest in Sri Lanka. Local food stalls and cheap meals make Sri Lanka an ideal destination for backpackers.
Day 5: Excursion to Polonnaruwa from Sigiriya
Leave your base in Sigiriya once again, this time to discover Polonnaruwa. If you've hired a scooter, you can get there on your own in 1 h 30. Keep your eyes peeled, as the area is rich in elephants. Otherwise, the easiest option is to take a cab. Buses are cheaper, but you'll have to travel via Habanara. In the evening, return to your base in Sigiriya for the night.
Another headache-free option: book this guided day trip to Polonnaruwa from Sigiriya. It includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
Visit the archaeological site of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, and as such boasts numerous remains dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you'll find ancient temples, an archaeological museum, a palace, sculptures and much more. The site is also famous for its stupas: cone-shaped Buddhist structures, often containing relics. Allow at least 4 hours on site.
Days 6 and 7: Visit Kandy
It's time to leave your base in Sigiriya and head for Kandy.Take a cab for 2.5 hours, or hop on a bus, with a change at Dambulla.
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth
Kandy is also an ancient royal capital, and an important place for Sri Lankan spirituality. It is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, which houses one of Buddhism's most revered relics: Buddha's tooth. The tooth is too precious to be seen by the public, but that doesn't stop it from being an important pilgrimage site.
Discover the history and traditions of Kandy on this guided tuk-tuk tour of the city. You'll visit Kandy's main temples and end your day with a cultural show.
Lose yourself in the spice market
Kandy is Sri Lanka's second-largest city, and as such is home to an important market. It's a great place to pick up Sri Lankan souvenirs: spices, teas and more. In addition to its food appeal, the market is also particularly beautiful, built around a garden.
Stroll around the lake
One of Kandy's special features is that it is built around a man-made lake. Take a pleasant stroll around it. Ideally, you should stroll along the shores at sunset, to take advantage of the best light.
Days 8 and 9: Visit Ella
To continue this itinerary for visiting Sri Lanka in 15 days, the best way to get to Ella from Kandy is by train. The 6-7 hour journey is one of Sri Lanka's most famous spectacles, as you'll pass through jungle and tea plantations. As this train is in great demand, it's advisable to make a reservation (you can do so here, for example, as there are some rather complicated time slots locally)
Hike to Little Adam's peak
Ella is a small Sri Lankan village perched in the mountains, surrounded by rice plantations. It's as typical as it is touristy. It's the ideal starting point for a hike to the summit of Little Adam's peak. All you have to do is walk for around 40 minutes through the tea plantations to reach this superb view, which is best appreciated at sunset. You can also opt for a more substantial Asian trek in the region, includingElla Rock.
Admire the Nine Arches Bridge
The Nine Arches Bridge is a beautiful railway bridge in the middle of the Sri Lankan jungle. Photographers flock here to capture the iconic train that crosses it 5 times a day, so much so that the place is very busy, but still interesting.
Day 10: Visit to Yala National Park
It's time to leave Ella and continue your 15-day Sri Lanka itinerary, heading for Yala National Park. As the region is a little remote , cabs are the easiest option. The bus journey is rather complicated and involves at least two changes. The easiest way is to book an organized tour with a tour operator , just click here.
Explore the national park
Yala National Park is undoubtedly Sri Lanka's most famous national park. It is home to the highest density of leopards in the world, as well as sloths, elephants, peacocks and crocodiles. An ideal safari destination, the park can usually be explored by 4 x 4. It also boasts a number of historic sites, including a 2,000-year-old Buddhist temple and monastery. Spend the night in ecotourism accommodation in the heart of the park.
Book my safari in Yala National Park
Days 11 and 12: visit Tangalle
As Yala National Park is quite remote and therefore poorly connected to the public transport network, the best way to leave it and reach Tangalle is by cab. By bus, the journey is quite demanding: you'll have to catch a bus at Tissamaharama and then stop off at Matara.
Tan on the beaches
Tangalle is located on the island's south coast. It's famous for its beaches, making it an ideal stopover after stomping through the towns and crawling through the jungles of Ella and Yala. Among Tangalle's heavenly beaches, don't miss Madilla Beach, Tangalle Beach and Rekawa Beach, which follow each other to form the country's longest stretch of sand. Silent Beach and Hiriketiya Beach are also well worth a visit for a little Sri Lankan idleness.
Explore Rekawa Lagoon
Head for the Rekawa Lagoon, a mangrove swamp and haven for many species, including turtles. They can be seen between January and April, when they lay their eggs. Kayaks are ideal for exploring the lagoon.
Day 13: Visit Galle
Leave Tangalle to continue your 15-day Sri Lanka itinerary towards Galle. The easiest way to get there is by local bus, as there is a direct route, which takes 2-3 hours.
Visit Galle Fort
Galle is a superb fortified city of colonial origin in the south of Sri Lanka. It is above all famous for its emblematic 17th-century seaside fort. Once again, this is a Unesco World Heritage site. Lose yourself in the cobbled lanes of the fort until you reach the famous Galle lighthouse, the symbol of the city, which is also an ideal spot from which to watch the sunset.
If you're looking for an unusual activity to do on site, we recommend this traditional jewelry-making workshop: an authentic experience in learning how to make traditional jewelry the old-fashioned way.
Explore Galle's surroundings by bike
Cycling is a great way to leave Galle and lose yourself in the surrounding countryside. You'll also haveaccess to some beautiful beaches, such as Unawatuna and Jungle Beach. If you're a nature lover, there are also boat trips from Galle to see the whales.
Day 14: Visit Bentota
The easiest way to get from Galle to Bentota is by train. The journey is direct and takes around 1 h 30. More affordable buses also make the journey.
Enjoy superb beaches
Bentota is a very popular and beautiful seaside resort in the southwest of the island. As such, it is home to a number of beaches, including Bentota Beach, considered one of the most beautiful in the country, and Induruwa Beach, which is less popular. On both, the atmosphere is one of white sand and coconut palms. It's also a good opportunity to try your hand at water sports, of which there are plenty in the region. For example, you can include jet-skiing or scuba diving in your program, especially as these waters are rich in turtles. For the less sporty, a boat trip on the Bentota River is also in order. Here, you'll be able to observe numerous animals, including monitor lizards, crocodiles and exotic birds. Tempted? Click here for your boat safari on the Bentota lagoon.
Indulge in Ayurvedic medicine
Bentota is an important center for ayurveda: traditional Indian medicine. The town boasts a number of treatment centers that are sure to get you back in shape by the end of your trip. Here you can enjoy traditional treatments and massages.
Visit Lunuganga
Lunuganga is the former residence of the famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. This lush estate near the center of Bentota is open to the public, who can admire its magnificent gardens and unique architectural style.
Day 15: Back to Colombo for the return flight
It's already the end of this itinerary for visiting Sri Lanka in 15 days, and to get back to Colombo, all you have to do is take the train. There's a direct route that takes around 2 hours, with the added advantage of skirting the ocean, so you can take in the beautiful views one last time before your flight. If you're traveling on a budget, you can also opt for the bus, as the direct route takes just over 2 hours. Finally, if you want to stay on schedule and make sure you don't miss your flight, a cab remains the most practical option.
If you haven't done so at the start of your trip, we recommend you book this private guided Tuk Tuk tour of Colombo, to discover the city's history and iconic landmarks.
If you'd like to opt for a personalized travel itinerary in Sri-Lanka please click here. A tailor-made, responsible trip, direct with the best local agencies, awaits you!
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