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Updated: 3rd August 2017

Two weeks in Sri Lanka? When the chance arose to visit as a stopover, I guessed that would be plenty… it turns out it was not, but here are all the incredible things you can cram into your 14-day visit.

From the lush green landscape of the hilly country where tea pickers decorate the landscape to the postcard-perfect, and nearly empty beaches along the south coast, Loud, noisy and dusty cities compete with tranquil hilltop counterparts rich in history. The magical land of Sri Lanka is one just waiting to be discovered, and the secret is already out that this is one of the best islands to visit.

Wildlife all around

Elephants, Monkeys, Leopards, Peacocks and hundreds of birds all live on this wildlife paradise island. With more national parks than you could cram into a two-week vacation, you are spoilt for choice on how to get your animal kick in Sri Lanka.

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A safari is one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka. Whether it is the most popular park at Yala in the South East for a chance to spot a leopard or to one of the other many parks. Being able to see Elephants in the wild was one of the most beautiful parts of this trip. Monkeys and chipmunks can be found hanging around everywhere, and cows and water buffalo are holding up the traffic. Check out my safari here.

Sri Lanka Beach

Beaches without the crowds

Visiting during the off-season on the South Coast might bring the odd shower, but it certainly didn’t bring the crowds. The beaches in Sri Lanka are some of the most empty and beautiful beaches I’ve seen globally. I am sure it won’t be long before the tell-tale signs of resort development are spreading out from the small hubs it has now. Pick a hotel (The beautiful Aqua Cantaloupe, pictured below) and relax to nothing more than the sound of waves.

Read more ideas of where to stay in Sri Lanka or check out my report on amazing hotels with unique swimming pools.

Beaches in Sri Lanka

Tea, Tea, Tea

For a country previously known as Ceylon, there is one thing to do in Sri Lanka you can’t miss: Tea. The hill country from Kandy through to Ella is the most famous region to get your tea fix and visit the beautiful green fields.

The area around Nurwara Eliya is a favourite base for exploring plantations and factories not far out of town. Mackwoods estate is one of the most famous, though the views from Blue Fields a little further along are sublime.

Read more: Sri Lanka travel guide

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The world’s most scenic train journey

Tagging on the beauty of the Tea Country above, there is even more served up on the journey there. The seven-hour train from Kandy to Ella is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Usually, I find the press and hype do not live up to the reality, but the views are truly breathtaking. Just like these below.

Dambulla Caves Sri Lanka

Perfectly preserved cave paintings

The Dambulla caves, one of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO attractions, are home to five caves. Each of these is decorated with the most detailed of paintings both on the walls and roofs. As well as various sculptures and Buddha, these are not to be missed on your Sri Lanka itinerary.

What to do in Sigiriya

Extinct Volcano Cities

One of the most famous images of Sri Lanka is the rock city of Sigiriya. The Lions Rock, a historic UNESCO site used to house a city atop it, is one of the ‘must-visit sites’. It is a little pricey on the entrance front, and from an archaeological point of view, there is not so much left to view; however, once you have reached the top, the views are more than worth it alone.

Sigiriya Sri Lanka

The People

I haven’t felt as welcome, safe and warm in a country since my visit to Myanmar last year. Smiles, nods, and greetings soon turned into fleeting talking or conversations. From contraband tea dealers to families waiting for the bus.

It takes you by surprise how a nation that has been through so much in recent times can shine through with such genuine warmth. A lesson for us all.

Sri Lanka stilt fishermen

Surprise at every corner

Whether it is the traditional Stilt Fisherman, stumbling into the Dutch colonial town of Galle or simply having your taste buds blown away by a ten-course curry, Sri Lanka never stops surprising you.

Turning a corner on a train out of a dusty city to a green landscape, travelling a few hours and feeling the temperature change by 15 degrees. Sri Lanka really is a land of contrasts.

Galle in Sri Lanka

Sacred temples in Hill Top Towns

The second city of Sri Lanka, Kandy, is an excellent place to wind down for a few days as the mist and hills dance together around you. The ‘Temple of the Tooth’ is one of those things you may feel obligated to do in Sri Lanka. It would be a crime to miss it, however. Arrive at sunset to enjoy the temple with traditional Kandy drum players and see the offerings when the actual tooth room is open.

UNESCO Sites

With five UNESCO World Heritage Sites alone in the ‘Cultural Triangle’ fitting, them all with only two weeks in Sri Lanka might be a bit of a push. With ancient cities, monuments and wonders for both religious and simply historical reasons, you are spoilt for choice with architectural and archaeological delights to dive into.

Sri Lanka top 10


Two weeks in Sri Lanka will allow you to enjoy all the above, but perhaps add a couple more days to really get under the skin of the country and enjoy a little more relaxation. Trust me, there will be a surprise at every corner.

Don’t have two weeks? Check out this one week Sri Lanka backpackers guide. Or, for more ideas, take a look at Sri Lanka Travel Buddy, a website run by Mani, a Colombo local.

36 replies
  1. Roshan says:

    nice post. SriLanka is really an awesome place to visit. You have described the top most famous places of Srilanka through excellent pictures.

  2. Josh says:

    Awesome article, photos really capture Sri Lanka. Did you get a chance to visit the North? I spent three months on the island and for me that was definitely one of the highlights.

    Was very sad to hear of the terrorist attacks recently, it’s such a beautiful country and I loved how the communities got on together within the island. Hopefully Sri Lanka can recover together quickly!

    • Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo) says:

      Sadly not, I had trouble getting up there when I went in 2015, but next year I plan to return and visit the North – glad to hear you enjoyed it.

      Tragic indeed, and I’ve heard tourism has really struggled, hopefully, the travel community will rally round again now travel and insurance restrictions have been lifted.

  3. Philip says:

    Hi Dan,
    Nice article about Sri Lanka. People like you are an inspiration, providing valuable tips to people. Checkout my website if you looking for more interesting facts about Sri Lanka @

  4. Praveen says:

    Great article about thing to do in this tropical island. Most of the travelers come here just for beaches. But this this is good point to prove them wrong. There lot of thing to do in the island, including wild safari’s, historic city rides etc. Thank you for sharing with us. Keep writing. Cheers.

    • Daniel James (Dan Flying Solo) says:

      Hahaha. Know that feeling. Well, I would say do Sigiriya and Dambulla as they are more than ruins and that area is pretty beautiful in general I felt but to be honest, I would plan the rest of what you would like to do first and then fit in the ruins that are nearby. If you are like me ruins and ruins and there are only so many you can see and seen as it’s a hard-ish country to get around make your life easier by picking the ones that work with your plans :)

  5. Sanjeev Gabriel says:

    Thanks for the wonderful work that you have done. I am really surprised that you have enjoyed so much the country and would love to meet you when you are back again in Sri Lanka.

  6. Anonymous says:

    hi thanks for posting. Im planning a trip back to the country of my birth and its inspiring to see it through someone else’s eyes. Thanks for the advice.

    • danflyingsolo says:

      Thank you so much Bethan! Means a lot.

      It is one special country, hope you get to visit soon :) Safe travels!

    • danflyingsolo says:

      Thanks for reading! Me neither, I was so surprised and if it hadnt been for the stopover option I doubt I would have gone. Now however, would love to go back!

      Hope you make it there one day soon

      Safe travels :)

  7. Rebecca says:

    We just decided to add Sri Lanka to our RTW trip, should be there around September 2016, and this blog has a lot of great inspiration. Thank you for sharing!

    • danflyingsolo says:

      Hey Rebecca! Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Sri Lanka is awesome, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a pretty tough country for infrastructure. Keep meaning to post about all the bus routes and stuff, will let you know when I do. Have an amazing trip. Where is your first stop? Safe travels :)

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