This is a two-week itinerary and route for backpacking Sri Lanka
Emma and I spent three weeks backpacking around Sri Lanka earlier this year. Every year, Sri Lanka is becoming more and more popular. A lot of people will choose to travel around the teardrop of South Asia for two weeks. As the island nation is very small in size (roughly about the same square kilometres as Ireland!), you can easily see a lot of what the country has to offer over the course of a two-week itinerary.
Days 1-2: Negombo
Fly in and spend a night in Negombo. Start your trip by staying by the beach in one of the many luxury beach resorts. Your money will stretch so far, even on a backpacker’s budget.
Days 2-3: Anuradhapura
Take the train to the country’s old ancient capital. This city is traditional and deeply Buddhist. Hire a bicycle and travel between the world’s largest stupa and ancient temples on two-wheels.
Days 3-4: Wilpattu National Park
If you want to experience the once-in-a-lifetime experience of spotting a leopard in the wild, then a trip to one of Sri Lanka’s national parks is a must as part of your two-week itinerary. Wilpattu National Park is a great choice as there are plenty of leopards in this park. That being said, the leopard is one of the most elusive safari animals, so be prepared to search for hours on end. Trust me, it’s worth it in the end!
Days 4-6: Sigiriya
One of Sri Lanka’s top tourist activities is visiting Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or temple complex on top of a massive rock in the middle of a flat plain. Lion’s Rock, as it is also known, does come with an entrance fee of about $25. There is the option to climb the rock opposite Sigirya, called Pidurangala, but note this is not for the faint-of-heart. The view of Sigiriya is well-worth it, however.
Days 6-7: Kandy
Sri Lanka’s second largest city is nestled amongst a mountainous region. Visit the Temple of the Tooth, a very famous Buddhist temple, and climb to one of the many viewpoints.
Days 7-9: Ella
Take the famous train ride through the tea plantations from Kandy to Ella. You could stop at Nuwara Eliya for a night along the way to break up the journey but Ella deserves a few days for being such a gem. Climb Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock and view Ravana falls. Try a cooking class with Ella Spice Garden.
Days 9-11: Arugam Bay
You’ve reached the beach again! Kick back and relax for a couple of days. Take a surf lesson or just watch the pros do their thing. Enjoy one of the many beach bars located along the coast. You’ll be able to grab a good brunch here too. Salty Swamis is a personal favourite.
Days 11-13: Mirissa
From one beach town to another, Mirissa is a more popular spot and a fabulous way to end your Sri Lanka trip before you fly out. There’s good nightlife here and famous Instagram photo spots.
Days 13-14: Colombo
Make your way back towards the nation’s capital to finish off your two-week itinerary in Sri Lanka.