Sacred rocks, temples, tea plantations, safaris and beaches: Sri Lanka offers great variety in a small area. This two-week itinerary loops from Colombo.
Itinerary: the cultural triangle, the hills and the coast
- Day 1: Arrive in Colombo or Negombo
- Days 2 to 4: The cultural triangle: Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa
- Days 5 and 6: Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth
- Days 7 and 8: The train to Ella, through the tea plantations
- Days 9 and 10: Ella and its hikes, then a safari in Yala or Udawalawe
- Days 11 to 14: The south coast: Mirissa, Galle and its fort, then back to Colombo
When to go
The island has two monsoons, at different times on each coast. From December to April, the west and south coasts are in their dry season, ideal for this itinerary. From May to September, the east coast is the most pleasant.
Getting around
A private driver is very common and practical. Trains are slow but superb, especially between Kandy and Ella: book seats in advance. Buses are cheap but less comfortable.
Our tips
- Check entry requirements (electronic travel authorisation) for your nationality
- Cover shoulders and knees and remove your shoes in temples
- Climb Sigiriya early in the morning, before the heat
- Book the Kandy – Ella train as soon as sales open
Plan this trip with Voyage : mon guide
Add each stop with its number of nights: the app creates the days and puts the whole route on an Apple Maps map. Keep temples, hikes and beaches in the ideas box, log flights, trains and rentals on the right day, then prepare the trip for offline use before leaving. Once there, Guide mode shows the current day and tonight’s hotel.
Frequently asked questions
Are two weeks enough?
Yes for this loop. With ten days, drop the safari or part of the coast.
Do I need a driver?
It is not required, but it is the easiest way to link the stops; driving there is not recommended if you are not used to it.
Plan this itinerary with Voyage : mon guide.
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