Looking for a 2-week or longer Sri Lanka itinerary? You’re in the right place. I’ll share the top places to visit, how to get there, the best accommodation options, and the coolest activities.

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Sri Lanka served as my introduction to Southern Asia, and I couldn’t have made a better choice as a solo female traveler on a tight budget. My choice was driven purely by financial reasons, as Sri Lanka turned out to be the cheapest country to fly to from Italy. But I soon realized this island would vastly exceed my expectations in the best way.

I had only planned to spend one month in Sri Lanka as I was eager to then make my way to Southeast Asia. However, a series of circumstances led me to postpone my departure three times, ending up spending over two months in the country. As a digital nomad, I could easily change my plans, so I went against my habit of sticking to my itinerary and allowed myself to go with the flow.

Now, I realize that not everyone has the same flexibility, and Sri Lanka is a vast country with much to discover. So I thought I’d put together a two-week Sri Lanka itinerary, condensing my two months into an intense but highly rewarding 15-day trip through this beautiful island country.

This itinerary is ideal for budget and solo travelers, particularly female travelers, but you can easily adapt it to your needs. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a couple, or a group of friends heading to Sri Lanka for the first time, I’ll make sure to cover everything you need to know, from transportation tips to the best spots to eat delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry.

If you can spend more than two weeks in Sri Lanka, I will include additional tips and recommendations at the end. Before diving into it, let me share some useful information about traveling around Sri Lanka.

Your 2-Week Sri Lanka Budget Itinerary

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Travel tips for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is not the easiest country to travel to on a solo trip, but you’ll quickly get the hang of things. While navigating public transportation can be a bit challenging, locals are always happy to help. Even if they don’t speak English, they will do their best to help you find your way. So don’t hesitate to ask around whenever you don’t know where to go.

To make things easier for you, I want to share some useful info I learned along the way.

• Cash is mandatory: Always have cash on hand. You’ll need it for buses, tuk-tuks, many restaurants, and even accommodation. Only some restaurants and shops accept card payment. I found that the best way is to withdraw cash from the ATMs. I have Revolut and found that these banks usually don’t charge any commission: People’s Bank, National Savings Bank, Bank of Ceylon.
• Transportation: Traveling around Sri Lanka may seem daunting at first, but it’s totally doable by public transportation. Buses reach every major town, though sometimes they are few and far between. Don’t rely exclusively on Google Maps. It can help, but it doesn’t show all the options. Talk to locals or ask your accommodation hosts, and you’ll find the best way to get to your next destination.
• Visiting Temples: You must always cover your legs (above the knee) and shoulders when visiting temples. I always carry a light scarf that I can use to cover my shoulders. Flowy skirts and pants are a must for women! Also, remember never to stand with your back to the Buddha statues, and especially no selfies with them!
• Talk to locals: I can’t emphasize this enough! Sri Lankan people are some of the friendliest I’ve ever met, and they will be happy to help you (except maybe for some tuk-tuk drivers in super touristy areas). Most Sri Lankan people speak some level of English, but you can also use Google Translate if needed.
• Get an eSIM or a local SIM: I personally opted for an eSIM from Airalo, the same app I use for most of my travels. I sometimes use Saily, depending on what packages they offer and the price (P.S. get 5$ off your first purchase with code ROXANA5754). I love Airalo because I receive credit whenever I purchase an eSIM, so I get discounts on future eSIMs. Alternatively, you can buy a local SIM card at the airport, at the provider stores, or even at Keells. The main providers are Hutch, Dialog, Mobitel, and Airtel.
• What to pack: Firstly, I recommend using a backpack instead of a suitcase, especially if you’ll travel by bus. Given the humid heat almost everywhere in Sri Lanka, I recommend lightweight clothing. However, pack some layers if you’re heading into the mountains, as it can get quite cold. Sunscreen and mosquito repellent are must-haves, but you can buy them there at much lower prices.
• Useful Apps: PickMe and Uber (for ride sharing, including tuk-tuks), Google Maps, Maps.Me (for hiking trails), Xe Currency Converter, Google Translate, Booking.com or Agoda (for accommodation), 12Go (for some transportation options), Airalo or Saily (for eSIMs). I’ll include a list of all these useful apps and more at the end of the post.

Budget Summary

You can easily do Sri Lanka on a budget, but you can also spend a lot if you want the comforts of luxury accommodation and private transportation. This guide is for budget travelers, so my recommendations are mainly for my fellow backpackers. However, I am including alternatives to upgrade or treat yourself on occasion.

• Daily Budget Breakdown:
  • Accommodation: $5–$20 per night (hostels and local guesthouses; more for hotels)
  • Food: $5–$15 per day (local food is much cheaper than Western options)
  • Transportation: $3–$8 per day (buses, trains, tuk-tuks)
  • Activities: $0–$50 per day (you can do a lot of stuff for free, but activities like safaris can get a little pricy)
• Currency: The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee or LKR. This is the exchange rate: 1€=335 LKR, 1US$=300. This can vary, so download a currency exchange app to know real-time exchange rates.

Okay, now that we covered the most important Sri Lanka travel tips, let’s dive into this two-week Sri Lanka itinerary. You’ll notice it’s a loop starting and ending in Colombo, but you can also do it the other way around.

Day-by-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary

Day 1: Colombo

To get to Sri Lanka, you will probably fly into the Bandaranaike airport just outside Colombo. So, it makes sense to spend the first day in the capital and explore some of the sights.

I’ll be honest, Colombo was my least favorite part of Sri Lanka. That is not to say that you should skip it, but if you only have a couple of weeks, one day is more than enough to check the main sights. If you have more time, you could spend a couple of days in Colombo to check out different areas and visit more temples (my favorite part).

How to Get to Colombo from Bandaranaike Airport

From the airport, you have a few options to get to the center of Colombo. The easiest is to use Uber or Pick Me to get a tuk-tuk or a car. This option is a bit more expensive, but still doable compared to prices in other countries.

Alternatively, you can also hop on a taxi or tuk-tuk just outside the airport, but be prepared to negotiate. Drivers will usually ask for a higher price than Pick Me, and it’s hard to negotiate down to the same price. Furthermore, you need to pay cash.

The cheapest option is by bus. I also found this a little tricky, since the buses don’t stop outside the airport. You first need to walk about 10 minutes to the Katunayake Bus Stop and catch bus 187 to Pettah. The bus fare is 500 LKR (€1.50; $1.70).

Things to Do in Colombo

This is a non-exhaustive list of things to do in Colombo, but I find it to be more than enough for a short stay to get a taste of the city. I didn’t spend that much time there myself, so I don’t pretend to have in-depth information. These are the things I checked out during roughly three days in the city.

Where to Eat in Colombo

Accommodation in Colombo

Colombo is more expensive compared to the rest of Sri Lanka, so I stayed in hostels for the two nights I spent in the city. Still, you can find a good range of accommodation for every budget.

Days 2-3: Weligama & the Southern Coast

I spend roughly a month in southern Sri Lanka, between Mirissa and Weligama. I also moved a bit along the coast, and after checking out many places, I believe the best area to base yourself is between Weligama and Ahangama.

I spent most of my time in a lovely homestay halfway between Weligama and Midigama, which was perfect. Weligama is a bit too busy for me, so this was a good compromise between a peaceful atmosphere and proximity to services. I also rented a bicycle, which made everything easier. If you’re up for it, you can also rent a scooter to move around.

However, if you want to be within walking distance to supermarkets, banks, and the surfing schools, you may want to base yourself in Weligama. Mirissa is a good alternative, much smaller with a good mix of spots catering to tourists and locals.

How to Get from Colombo to Weligama

There are several ways to travel to Weligama from Colombo. My favorite is by train, which happens to be both the most scenic and the cheapest. Trains depart from Colombo Fort and take 3/3.5 hours to reach Weligama, depending on the train. There are several departures throughout the day.

You can buy train tickets for 2^nd and 3^rd class directly at the train station before departure. You can also try reserving a seat for 2^nd or 1^st class (if available), but you usually must do this a few days in advance, as they sell out. Reservations are possible at the dedicated ticket office at Colombo Fort or online on the Sri Lanka railways website (though I never managed to do it online myself).

There is also a local bus from Colombo (Pettah) to Matara, which stops in Weligama, but it’s a long and often uncomfortable ride. These buses get really crowded, so I would only recommend them when there is no alternative. It is, however, a cheap option, though probably not much cheaper than the 2^nd class unreserved train ticket.

A valid alternative is the expressway bus from Colombo to Matara. This is a modern, comfortable bus that takes just over two hours. The downside is that it doesn’t stop in Weligama, so you need to take a local bus or a tuk-tuk from Matara to Weligama. You can find bus timetables and fares on the National Transport Commission website.

Things to Do in Weligama and the Surroundings

Where to Eat in Weligama and the Surroundings

You’ll find countless amazing spots to eat in Weligama and nearby coastal towns like Mirissa, Ahangama, and Midigama. I loved the local rice and curry spots, but there are also many Western restaurants. These are more expensive than the local ones, but still way cheaper compared to Europe or the U.S. Here are some of my favorites.

Accommodation in the Weligama Area

There is no shortage of accommodation along this part of the coast. From hostels to simple, local guesthouses and even luxury stays, there’s plenty of choice. Below are some of my top choices, some of which I stayed at myself.

Days 4-5: Udawalawa

Going on a safari in Sri Lanka is pretty much a must. The country boasts several wonderful national parks where you can spot wildlife. The most famous ones are Udawalawe National Park, Yala National Park, Minneriya National Park, and Gal Oya Valley National Park.

Udawalawe National Park is the easiest to reach from the south by public transportation, which is why I am including it in this itinerary. However, Yala National Park is also in the south, not too far from Udawalawe, so it’s a great alternative. I chose Udawalawe, so I will focus on this one for this itinerary, but I’ll add some details for Yala at the end.

How to Get from Weligama to Udawalawa

There are only two ways to get to Udawalawa from Weligama: private transfer (taxi) or bus. If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to catch the bus, which is roughly 700 rupees, so just over 2€/2$. However, there is no direct bus, so you will need to change a few times.

First, head to Matara, either by bus (there are many buses between Weligama and Matara) or by tuk-tuk (more expensive). In Matara, catch bus 11 to Embilipitiya, and there you’ll find buses to the town of Udawalawa. I can’t remember the number, and it likely won’t show on Google Maps, but just ask around and you’ll find it. Locals are very helpful, and these buses are quite frequent.

A local told me there is a direct bus between Udawalawa and Weligama, but we didn’t see it. Either way, both Matara and Embilipitiya are major connection hubs for buses, so you’ll find options. The entire trip will take between 4 and 6 hours, depending on traffic and connections.

If you can afford to spend more money, you can book a private transfer from Weligama to Udawalawa. However, expect this to cost upwards of 60$ for the trip. It may be fine if you share between 3-4 people, but definitely expensive if you’re traveling solo.

Doing a Safari in Udawalawe NP

The main reason to visit Udawalawa is for a safari at Udawalawe National Park. You have several options for booking a safari, depending on your budget and how much time you have.

There are several companies offering safaris, and every guesthouse in the area will offer them too. You can either book a tour in advance or check with your accommodation to see what they offer. I opted for the latter.

In general, going with your accommodation will be the cheaper option. Even so, you can expect to pay a minimum of 50€/55$ per person to join a small group tour for the short option, which lasts 4/5 hours. This will include the entrance fee to the national park.

Alternatively, you can check Viator and GetYourGuide for safari options. I did some research before booking our safari and found these to be among the best options:

Note: When researching safari options online, ensure they include the park entrance fee. Below are two options, both allowing you to include the national park entrance fee.

Udawalawa is better known for elephant sightings. Other than that, you can expect to see monkeys, water buffalo, peacocks, and lots of other beautiful birds. There are no leopards or sloth bears. For these, consider exploring Yala National Park and Minneriya National Park.

Things to Do in Udawalawa

Although the safari in Udawalawe National Park is the main attraction in the area, there are a few other activities you can try if you have extra time.

You can plan to arrive in Udawalawa in the afternoon or evening to do the safari the following morning (they start very early, around 5 AM). Depending on the length of the safari, you can head to the next destination in the afternoon or spend another night in Udawalawa. This allows you extra time for other activities.

Where to eat in Udawalawa

In Udawalawa, you can mostly expect to find local restaurants serving traditional dishes like rice & curry, kottu, and fried rice. Here are a few options.

Accommodation in Udawalawa

If you research accommodation in Udawalawa, you’ll notice very low prices, starting from 2$/night, which may seem suspicious. That’s because they earn money by providing safaris and extras like home-cooked meals. It’s a win-win, as you can often get lower prices on safaris. Just make sure to message them and check the details and prices ahead of your stay.

Alternative: Yala National Park

If you want to see leopards, Yala National Park is the place to be. Not far from Udawalawa, Yala is said to have the highest concentration of leopards, along with other wildlife like crocodiles, wild boar, deer, golden jackals, and even sloth bears. Plus, birdlife is abundant.

To visit Yala National Park, you can travel to Kataragama and find accommodation there. Similarly to Udawalawe, this small town has plenty of accommodation options, which also offer safaris. Or, you can book a safari online. Below are some accommodation options, followed by the best safari options on GetYourGuide and Viator.

Yala National Park Safaris

Days 6-7: Ella

I did not love the town of Ella, but the surrounding nature is incredible, so I still consider it a must on a Sri Lanka trip and couldn’t skip it in this itinerary. The town is super touristy, with Western restaurants and bars blasting loud music all along the main street. It’s loud, expensive (compared to the rest of Sri Lanka), and mostly artificial. But once you leave the town, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of nature. Think scenic views over the mountains, awesome hikes, monkeys running wild, and incredible sunrises and sunsets.

This itinerary is packed, so I only included two nights in Ella, but if you have extra time, I believe three nights would be great so you can enjoy more hikes around town and check out the wonderful waterfalls. However, if you’re sticking to the two-week Sri Lanka itinerary, you can do a lot in two days.

I also have a guide on Ella’s most popular hikes, Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock. Check it out if you’re unsure whether you should do both or don’t know which one to choose.

How to Get from Udawalawa to Ella

The trip from Udawalawa to Ella is quite long, as there is no direct bus, but you have a couple of options. If you check Google Maps, you will see that you can change buses in Pelmadulla, and the trip takes roughly five hours.

However, there are two other options that you won’t find on Google Maps that can take less time. Option one is to catch a bus from Udawalawa to Thanamalwila, then change to a bus to Ella. The second is to go from Udawalawa to Wellawaya and then change to Ella. Note that there are only a couple of buses doing this route daily.

As usual, asking locals at your accommodation or the bus station is the best way to find the most direct transportation options. You should still expect the trip to take around 4 hours, depending on traffic and transfer times.

Things to Do in Ella

Where to Eat in Ella

Accommodation in Ella

I found accommodation in Ella to be among the most expensive in all of Sri Lanka. This is an extremely popular tourist destination, which contributes to higher prices. You can still find affordable stays. Below are a few options.

Day 8: Nuwara Eliya

A lot of people skip Nuwara Eliya and choose to just travel by train between Ella and Kandy, but I consider this stop to be a must in your Sri Lanka trip. I loved this small town, especially after being quite disappointed by Ella.

Nuwara Eliya is also known as Little England, and you’ll soon understand why. The town is just gorgeous, curated and peaceful, a stark contrast to some other places in Sri Lanka. With English-style cottages, polished parks, and an overall quaint vibe, Nuwara Eliya bears the most pronounced traces of the British colonial era.

The town was founded in the mid-19^th century by the English explorer Samuel Baker, who chose this area for its serene landscapes and prime climate for tea plantations. It initially served as a country retreat for British colonialists who would go hunting and play sports like cricket and golf. Nowadays, Nuwara Eliya is a quaint town with a mild climate that will almost make you forget you’re in southern Asia.

In Nuwara Eliya, you can expect to find fine-dining options, prestigious hotels, curated parks, golf courses, and even a horse-race track. It’s much more polished than most of Sri Lanka, but I loved the picturesque atmosphere. Check out my detailed Nuwara Eliya guide here.

How to Get from Ella to Nuwara Eliya

To get to Nuwara Eliya from Ella, you can either take the iconic train crossing the Nine Arches Bridge or a less iconic but more authentic local bus. The train ride takes longer, and you’ll need to get off in Nanuoya and take a bus the rest of the way. The bus goes directly to Nuwara Eliya and takes roughly three hours.

Both options are affordable, but you should head to the train station early to find a seat, unless you manage to reserve one in advance. However, you can always find 2nd-class and 3rd-class tickets just before the train’s departure.

If you take the bus, it’s much easier. Just head to the bus stop on the main road in Ella and hop on the bus to Nuwara Eliya (it’s the final stop). The ride is a bit bumpy, with winding roads crossing the tea plantations and forests, but I found it great and much more convenient.

Once again, you won’t find this bus route on Google Maps, so check the schedule with your accommodation. At the time of my trip in March 2025, there were five daily departures between 7.30 AM and 11.20 AM. No buses in the afternoon.

Things to Do in Nuwara Eliya

Where to Eat in Nuwara Eliya

Accommodation in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is not as compact as Ella, so you have a vast range of accommodation options. Places around the center are more expensive, but you can find amazing places just a 20-minute walk away. Here are some options:

Days 9-10: Kandy

Kandy is the second-biggest city in Sri Lanka, though compared to Colombo, it’s actually small. Nevertheless, there’s much to do in this beautiful city in central Sri Lanka, from stunning temples to amazing natural landscapes.

The main tourist attractions in Kandy are spread all over the city and its surroundings, so you’ll have to rely on tuk-tuks and buses to get around. You can walk around the central area where many restaurants and a few temples are located, but you’ll need some means of transportation for other locations like the botanical gardens.

As soon as you arrive in Kandy, you’ll see tuk-tuk drivers offering tours of the city where they pick you up and take you to all the major attractions for a very small fee (starting at 1500 rupees, so less than 5€/5$). You may wonder how this is possible. Well, there’s a trick. Let me explain.

Tuk-tuk Tours

As they drive you to the attractions offered in the tour, the drivers will drop you at various shops where you’ll be “kindly encouraged” to purchase things: a jewelry shop, a tea factory, a textiles store, a spice garden, etc. Someone will show you around and share some knowledge, which is quite cool, but ultimately, the goal is for you to buy stuff. The prices are inflated compared to other similar shops, and your driver will get a fee for taking you there, which is how they earn from these tours.

I only had a short time in Kandy, and despite being suspicious of the extremely low price, I decided to do it and see what it was about. I spontaneously joined the private tour offered by a driver I met on my first night in Kandy. I must say I didn’t feel pressured to buy anything, though I did end up with some miraculous herbal oil for sore muscles and a fancy new ring. I also finally cut my tour short because there were things I wanted to do on my own time.

The bottom line is, you can do these tours if you don’t have much time. You can always tell your driver to skip some stops or simply not purchase anything (some vendors won’t be too happy, but it is what it is). Just know what you’re getting yourself into. If you skip the tour, you may still end up spending the same money or more on various tuk-tuks to take you to the different spots.

If you want to plan this in advance, you can also book one of the many tours on GetYourGuide, like this Kandy Private Guided Tour.

How to Get from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy

You can reach Kandy from Nuwara Eliya by bus or train. Again, the train option is the more scenic one, but you first need to make your way to the Nanuoya train station by bus. From there, it’s over five hours to Kandy by train.

The bus ride from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy takes roughly three hours, so it’s much faster. There are a few direct buses (not shown on Google Maps, ask the locals), but you also have the option to catch a bus to Peradeniya and then change to another bus or a tuk-tuk for the rest of the way (around 10 minutes).

Things to Do in Kandy

Where to Eat in Kandy

Accommodation in Kandy

Kandy is a fairly large city, though not nearly as big as Colombo. Still, that means you should pay attention when booking your accommodation, as it may very well end up being quite far from the center. Below are a few options, both in Kandy center and a bit further if you prefer silence and nature.

Days 11-12: Dambulla & Sigiriya

Sigiriya Rock, also known as Lion Rock, is probably the most iconic sight in Sri Lanka. If you’ve ever seen pictures of Sri Lanka, you probably recognize this huge monolith standing in the middle of the jungle, with ruins of an ancient fortress on top. I know I’d seen this and was amazed. Well, that is Sigiriya Rock, and it’s another must on your first trip to Sri Lanka.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock towers over the surrounding jungle from its 200 meters of height. The citadel at the top dates to the 5^th century AD and was once an elaborate palace with gardens and water features you can still observe among the ruins. At the bottom of the stairs, you can see two giant paws, the only remains of what was once a giant gateway in the shape of a lion. Later on, the site was used as a Buddhist monastery.

Not far from Sigiriya, Dambulla is better known as the home of the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple. The cave complex is the largest and best-preserved one in Sri Lanka. The caves were once inhabited by forest-dwelling Buddhist monks and showcase stunning Buddhist mural paintings and statues. This site is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to Get from Kandy to Dambulla and Sigiriya

Google Maps won’t be useful for this one. When I checked, it said I was supposed to change about three buses and that the journey would take pretty much a whole day. But there is a bus that goes from Kandy to Dambulla, which is only about half an hour by tuk-tuk from Sigiriya. Then, you can choose whether to base yourself in Dambulla or Sigiriya. I recommend Sigiriya, so you’re closer for the sunrise hike if you want to do it.

The bus to Dambulla departs just outside the main bus station in Kandy, near the railway station. You’ll notice several bus stops in a row, to different destinations. Head to the one that says Anuradhapura. If you can’t spot it, just ask the locals and they’ll point you in the right direction.

The journey from Kandy to Dambulla takes just over two hours if there’s no traffic. From Dambulla, you can either take a tuk-tuk (we managed to negotiate down to 1800 rupees for two people) or catch the bus for 80 rupees. The bus takes a bit longer, but it’s totally doable, and they are quite frequent, despite what some tuk-tuk drivers may tell you.

Things to Do in Sigiriya and Dambulla

Where to Eat in Sigiriya

Where to Eat in Dambulla

Accommodation in Sigiriya

Sigiriya has way more accommodation options compared to Dambulla, including several hostels. I recommend basing yourself in Sigiriya if you plan to hike to Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock at sunrise or sunset.

Accommodation in Dambulla

Dambulla can be a good base to explore the area, especially if you want a more local and less touristy vibe. There are many affordable guesthouses managed by friendly locals.

Days 13-14: Anuradhapura

For the final leg of this trip, it’s time to explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura. An ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site worth visiting.

The archaeological area features several important Buddhist sites, from beautiful temples and ruins of ancient buildings to the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, said to originate from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment in India.

What I love about Anuradhapura is that it’s a much less touristy place, despite being one of the most important ancient cities in Sri Lanka. You’ll mostly see locals bringing their flower offerings to the temples and walking around the area. It’s the perfect place to understand Sri Lanka’s history and the deeply rooted Buddhist tradition.

Paid vs Free Anuradhapura Tour

Exploring Anuradhapura is not exactly straightforward. The area is extremely spread out with lots of temples and other landmarks, so it requires a bit of planning.

The first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you want to shell out the 30$ entrance fee for some of the main temples or enjoy the budget version with mostly free temples and landmarks. Of course, if you have enough time and money is not an issue, you can do both.

Another thing to consider is the extreme heat. Given the size of the area, there’s no way you can explore this on foot! Your two best options are either renting a bicycle and cycling around (budget option) or getting a tuk-tuk tour (more expensive). I opted for the self-guided budget bike tour and absolutely loved it, though some may say it’s worth spending the money to access the more expensive temples.

You can usually get good-value tours or bicycle rentals from your accommodation in Anuradhapura. They can also advise you on the best spots and the best time to go there. Also, if you’re traveling solo, you may find other travelers to share the cost and enjoy the experience with. That was my case, and it’s one of my best memories from Sri Lanka.

Is the free Anuradhapura tour worth it?

Overall, I think you will enjoy even just doing the “free version” of the archaeological area. You’ll still get to see amazing temples, and cycling around this place is just special, even more so at sunrise, when there aren’t many people around and the heat isn’t yet unbearable. We did just that and finished our tour by midday.

If you can handle the heat, you can continue with the paid temples in the afternoon or choose the more comfortable tuk-tuk tour for the paid version, so at least you won’t have to cycle in the sun all day long. If I had more time, I would have done the paid tour as well. I guess I have something to look forward to for my next trip to Sri Lanka.

You can arrange a tuk-tuk tour with your accommodation or book a tour online. Here are two highly rated tours you can check out:

How to Get from Dambulla to Anuradhapura

There is a direct bus from Dambulla to Anuradhapura, the one departing from Kandy. In fact, you could also visit Anuradhapura first, followed by Sigiriya and Dambulla, if you prefer.

The bus only runs a few times per day, so check the schedule in advance. The ride only takes around two hours from Dambulla to Anuradhapura.  There aren’t many alternatives to the bus, except for a private transfer by tuk-tuk or car, which can get quite expensive. 

Top Sights in Anuradhapura (Budget Version)

Top Sights in Anuradhapura (Paid Version 30$)

Where to Eat in Anuradhapura

Accommodation in Anuradhapura

I found that Anuradhapura offers less variety in terms of accommodation compared to other cities in Sri Lanka. I actually love that, as it means it’s not yet as touristy. But you may want to book your stay a few days in advance to have more options. that Anuradhapura offers

Day 15: Back to Colombo

To go back to Colombo from Anuradhapura, you can catch a 4-hour direct train. There are usually three daily departures on weekdays, mainly in the morning and early afternoon, and an extra afternoon departure on weekends.

Before your departure, you can either explore more of Colombo or stay in nearby Negombo if you want to be closer to the airport. Negombo is a smaller and less chaotic city, well-connected to the Bandaranaike Airport. It’s also along the coast, so you can take advantage of any time you have left to relax at the beach.

More time in Sri Lanka?

If you can stay longer than two weeks (which I highly recommend), there is a lot more you can do. First of all, I would opt for spending more time in the south, but that’s personal preference because I love being by the ocean.

If you choose to stay longer in the south, be sure to check out Hikkaduwa, Ahangama, and Tangalle. You could also spend a night or two in Galle and check out Unawatuna Beach.

If you want more beach destinations, you can also explore the western coast around Trincomalee. While the south has the best weather between January and March, Trincomalee is ideal during the summer months, from April to September, or even October.

For mountains and hiking trails, I recommend spending more time between Ella and Nuwara Eliya. Here, you can explore lots of waterfalls, hiking trails, tea plantations, and much more. You could also hike a few stages of the Pekoe Trail, a recently opened hiking trail connecting Kandy to Ella and consisting of 22 stages. 

Lastly, you can explore the northernmost part of Sri Lanka, particularly Jaffna, where you can visit beautiful temples, explore lesser-known islands, and explore the local cuisine, which is a mix of Sri Lankan and Indian.

That’s about it! I hope this itinerary will help you plan an incredible trip to this wonderful country!

Oh, and if you haven’t yet, make sure to get the PDF version of this Sri Lanka Itinerary!

Travel Resources

Here is a list of the apps and websites I used on my trip to Sri Lanka.

Website/App	Category	Description	Book here
Booking.com	Accommodation	My go-to website for a wide range of accommodation options.	Find a Place
Agoda	Accommodation	A great alternative for accommodation throughout Asia.	Find a Place
Kiwi.com	Flights	My new favorite platform for finding affordable flights.	Find Flights
12Go	Transportation	You can use it for some transportation options in Sri Lanka	Transportation
SafetyWing	Insurance	One of the best travel medical insurances for frequent travelers.	Get Insured
GetYourGuide	Activities	My favorite platform for tours and experiences with lots of options.	Experiences
Viator	Activities	A great alternative for activities all over the world.	Experiences
DiscoverCars	Car rental	Car rental platform for great deals anywhere in the world.	Rent a Car
Airalo	eSIM	My favorite app for buying digital SIM cards when traveling abroad.	Get an eSIM
Saily	eSIM	A great alternative to Airalo, with cheaper plans in some destinations.	Get an eSIM
PickMe	Ride hailing	The main ride-hailing app in Sri Lanka. Pay cash or register your card.	Book a ride
Uber	Ride hailing	Uber works in some locations across Sri Lanka. Tuk-tuks available.	Book a ride
Xe	Currency	A currency converter showing real-time rates. Website or app.	Get Xe App
Maps.Me	Navigation	My favorite navigation app for hiking trails and remote areas.	Get Maps

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