Two Weeks In Sri Lanka: The Ultimate Itinerary
Spending two weeks in Sri Lanka is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one you’ll want to make sure you’ve planned for properly. Full of exotic wildlife, stretches of sandy beaches, and cloud-covered mountain peaks, Sri Lanka is truly magical and one of our favourite travel destinations.
If you’re looking for fascinating ancient history and a vibrant and welcoming culture that will leave you wishing you never had to leave then you’ve come to the right place. There really isn’t a better way to spend two weeks than backpacking around this magical country.
Lots of firsts were ticked off for us when we spent two weeks in Sri Lanka. We saw blue whales in the wild for the very first time, drank tea fresh from the plantation, and sat in the doorway of a moving train, whizzing past lush green fields and atmospheric forests (Britain’s health and safety department would have an absolute field day!)
You could easily spend months here and not get bored, so two weeks in Sri Lanka probably won’t be enough to see it all, but we have done our best to include all our absolute highlights, with a few optional extras thrown in to make sure there’s something for everyone.
We have put together this Sri Lanka two-week itinerary based on exploring the highlands in central Sri Lanka and the south coast, but your itinerary will most likely depend on the time of year you are planning your trip. Read on to find out more!
Quick Guide To Two Weeks In Sri Lanka
Quick Guide
Two Weeks In Sri Lanka – The Ultimate Itinerary
Planning Your Two Weeks In Sri Lanka – A Little About The Place
Sri Lanka is often called a tamer version of India. I can’t comment on whether or not this is true, but I get the impression that Sri Lanka is perhaps a little more ‘backpacker friendly’ than the far more hectic India, so if you want a little taste without so much hustle and bustle, then Sri Lanka may well be for you!
Sri Lanka’s historical documents date back to 3,000 years ago, with evidence of pre-historic human settlements dating back to at least 125,000 years ago. It has a rich cultural heritage, with its main documented religion being Buddihism and its safe harbours providing strategic importance for the ancient silk road.
Sri Lanka fell claim to British rule in 1815, and it was then that Sri Lanka became hugely successful in exporting coffee. After it was ravaged by disease, the coffee plantations become tea plantations and the production of tea is still one of Sri Lanka’s biggest industries.
Sri Lanka sought independence in the early 20th century, and it was then that they changed the countries name from Ceylon to Sri Lanka.
2 Weeks In Sri Lanka – The Highlights
#1 Watching Sunrise Over Lion Rock
There’s no other view quite like it and we could see why it’s become so iconic. It’s worth the early start and the uphill trek in the dark. Don’t miss out!
#2 Spotting Blue Whales In The Wild
Truly a once in a lifetime experience. These huge animals are absolutely incredible, and to see them in the flesh was just breathtaking. Make sure you do it properly though – read on to find out how.
#3 Exploring Long Abandoned Temples
Think Ankor Wat, only a lot less crowded! Sri Lanka has some incredible old temples to explore that are just full of mystery and wonder.
#4 Sipping Tea Among The Plantations
I’ll admit that I didn’t have high expectations for hill country. I thought it might be a little too ‘English’. Of course I was wrong, and sipping tea with a view after whizzing through hill country on one of Sri Lanka’s open doored trains was a massive highlight of our two weeks in Sri Lanka.
#5 Relaxing On Palm Fringed Beaches
Sri Lanka really does have it all, and the palm-fringed beaches where you can watch turtles swim in the sea from a beach bar are the perfect place to end 2 weeks in Sri Lanka.
When Should You Go Backpacking In Sri Lanka?
One of the amazing things about backpacking in Sri Lanka compared to other countries is that it has great weather all year round, depending on where on the island you head. Sri Lanka experiences two different monsoon seasons, so depending on what time of year you visit, you can avoid it altogether.
Alternatively, if you’re really travelling on a shoestring, you can head to the monsoon areas and bag yourself a really good deal (you’ll just have to accept some attractions may be closed, and that you might get a little wet!)
Visiting Sri Lanka In December – February
The north of the island and the eastern coast are pretty wet at this time of year. Instead, head to the south coast, or some of the incredible beaches along the west coast. It’s a good time for whale watching off the southern coast. It’s also nice in hill country at this time so you could head to Kandy or Nuwara Eliya to drink tea and trek! Be aware that Christmas is a very busy time of year in Sri Lanka.
Visiting Sri Lanka In March – May
March is still lovely weather in the south and southwest, but by April there are signs of the monsoon. We visited hill country and the southwest in April and saw only a couple of heavy showers which actually just added to the atmosphere rather than ruin our plans. It’s a bit of a risk though, just so you’re aware! It’s still a good time for whale watching though off the south coast.
You could head to the lesser visited north Sri Lanka instead or enjoy sightseeing in the cultural triangle.
The south gets very humid in May so at this time of year hill country is your best bet. It’s a lot cooler here due to the higher altitudes so you’ll enjoy some nicer weather!
Visiting Sri Lanka In June – August
This is the perfect time to visit the north of Sri Lanka which is much less touristy and a little more off the beaten track. The hill country is still pleasant and cooler but you might experience a little rain.
Don’t miss the Kandy’s Esala Poya Perahera – Sri Lanka’s most extravagant festival, in July or August.
Visiting Sri Lanka in September – November
This is probably the worst time of year to visit Sri Lanka. Northern and eastern sides of the island still experience favourable weather conditions in September, but October to November falls between the main monsoons and the weather becomes a little unpredictable across the island. You’ll probably experience showers where ever you head at this time of year.
We’ve based this guide on the more well-known areas of the cultural triangle, hill country, and the southwest. We visited in April and it was perfect weather, with a few dramatic downpours that cleared the air!
Sri Lanka In Two Weeks: The Ultimate Guide
We’ve put together a provisional timeline for your two weeks in Sri Lanka, but chances are you’ll want to spend longer in some places, skip out others and add in some different highlights. It is possible to book accommodation as you go here but Sri Lanka does get booked up quicker than in some other popular backpacking destinations, so make sure you have something booked before you arrive!
Day 1 – Travel To Sigiriya
Chances are you’ll fly into Colombo (Bandaranaike International Airport). From here, get a taxi straight to Sigiriya in Sri Lanka’s central province. The journey took us about 4 hours and cost about £50 (with a lot of haggling!)
Tip: It may be worth looking into getting a driver for the whole of your trip. We decided against it in favour of cheaper local transport but on several occasions ended up taking more expensive taxis to save time or hassle.
It was a great way to take in the countryside and get a feel for the area and our driver enjoyed stopping for coconuts on the side of the road and pointing out local sights. You can book a taxi in advance if you don’t fancy the hassle of trying to haggle when you get there.
Make sure you book your first night’s stay so that the taxi can take you straight to your door. Our taxi pulled up next to a beautiful lake in the middle of nowhere. One thing we discovered about Sri Lanka is that the people here can never do enough to help, and our driver made several phone calls on our behalf to find our accommodation.
We were warned that it was dangerous to walk around at night. But not for all the usual reasons. The locals were terrified of the elephants that roamed the area and although we would have loved a sighting, we were not in the mood to try and outrun a furious stampede. We used tuk tuks to get to and from the town after sunset (at an extortionate rate, because, you know, elephants!) In the day the walk was beautiful and one of the highlights of our time there.
Where To Stay?
We stayed at this airbnb which was basic but had the most stunning view of Sigiriya Rock, and it was in the middle of nowhere! It might not be ideal for everyone, we did have a visit from a curious rat who made it through my canvas bag, through two plastic wrappers, and into my cereal bar (We were a bit miffed he didn’t finish it, what a waste!) But we didn’t mind sharing our space with the locals one little bit!
At night the outside was lit up by fireflies, and the owners warned us that people have sighted elephants in the garden, with strict instructions of what to do if we saw them. There was also a family of peacocks living nearby. The owners booked tuk tuks for us on request.
Jaana Guest House, from £8 a night
Rooms come with a balcony with a garden view. This is basic accommodation but for roughly £8 a night it’s a bargain!
Il Frangipane, from £39 a night
il Frangipane provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, free bikes, and an outdoor swimming pool. The air-conditioned rooms provide a garden view and come with free WiFi. This is something a little more luxurious, which might be worth booking after a long flight and with a full day of exploring ahead of you!
Day 2-Sigiriya Rock and Polonnaruwa
Get up early. You’ll probably be out of whack from the time difference anyway to make the most of it! We headed out as soon as we thought it was light enough to avoid elephants! The sunrise over the nearby lake was stunning, and we were the only people around on the walk into town.
We chose to save money and walk to Sigiriya Rock. It was a long walk and we probably wouldn’t bother again -tuk tuks are cheap and plentiful! If you want to leave really early then it’s worth booking one with your bnb in advance. That way, you know it will be waiting for you!
Sigiriya
Sigiriya or Lion Rock is an ancient rock fortress, nearly 200m high. It rises impressively out of the ground and is a widely used image of Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and a bit of a must-see, but the entrance fee is pretty extortionate ($30) so think carefully before making the trip! If you are on a tight budget then read on for an equally impressive alternative.
We spent the morning here, walking the endless set of stairs, admiring the ruins and the beautiful view from the top, and exploring the grounds below. One of the main attractions was the monkeys, of which we took way too many photos and laughed at way too many times.
Polonnaruwa
In the afternoon we hailed a tuk tuk to Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka’s second most ancient site and it reminded me of a small-scale Angkor Wat. You can get a bus there but on a limited time scale, we would consider travelling by tuk tuk.
It cost us around £10, for the hour journey there, back and several hours of taking us around the site. You can hire bikes once you are there but we were really thankful for the shade of the tuk tuk as it was screaming hot. Again, there was an expensive entrance fee ($30) and the ticket office was a little way away from the site entrance, so having a knowledgeable driver paid off!
You can stay in Polonnaruwa. It’s much busier, with more options to eat out and more things to do than in Sigiriya. If you can’t choose between the two then why not stay a night or two at each! There are hundreds of different options here, from super budget to luxury!
This was an expensive day, probably the most we spent on the whole trip in terms of entrance fees, but I was happy to spend the money on such beautiful and unique places.
Day 3-Pidurangala Hike And Travel To Kandy
Another early morning we’re afraid! But this one is really worth it. Make sure you book a tuk-tuk to pick you up about an hour before sunrise, pack a head torch and a jumper, and head to the entrance of Pidurangala rock.
Pay the very small donation to the monks and then make your way up the (unmarked but easy to find) path to the top. It only takes about 20 minutes to get up there and the path is well trodden until you reach the very top. Here there is some ‘climbing’ to be done. We read some people claiming it to be light scrambling but think this is a little misleading!
Top tip: If you’re not bothered about sunrise, or you’re happy to wait around then you will have the peak pretty much to yourself!
After such an early start we had plenty of time to pack up, eat some lunch and find a tuk tuk to take us to Kandy, about 3 hours away.
What To Do In Kandy
We regret not having longer to spend here, and spent several days trying to cram in all the wonderful things to do. If you’re wanting to escape the crowds then we thoroughly recommend taking the trekking trip to Knuckles Mountain Range (detailed below). If walking isn’t your thing then there is PLENTY to do in Kandy. Check out our guide to some of the most beautiful things to do in Kandy for some inspiration.
Where To Stay
Budget Option-Upland Inn
This cheap and cheerful option has lake views and is close to Kandy city centre. It’s got great reviews and won’t break the bank!
Mid Range Option-Kandy Eco Retreat
With a garden view, you can really escape it all at this eco-retreat. Close to the city centre, but not too close to soak up the traffic noise, this place will make for a pleasant stay while you visit the most beautiful places in Kandy.
Day 4 And 5-Knuckles Mountain Range Trek
We were desperate to get off the beaten track and love nothing better than exploring the countryside. We can thoroughly recommend the Knuckles Mountain Range trek. It includes an overnight stay in the forest and an experienced guide who will be able to tailor-make your trip and take you to all the best places, as well as point out all the fascinating flora and fauna along the way. You can find out all about it in our detailed guide.
Day 6-A Long Train Journey And Relaxing In Nuwara Eliya
We took the train early in the morning from Kandy’s bustling train station. It is excellently set up for tourists and we didn’t have any trouble finding what we needed. Just ask at your bnb for the train times and they should be able to help you out.
As we’re sure you have read, Sri Lanka’s train journeys are a must and you won’t be disappointed. The journeys here were a real highlight. We travelled on a local festival day, the trains were packed and we were squished into a cabin along with a huge group of bongo playing, Nirvana singing Sri Lanka boys, and had a ball.
If you’re not so keen on having your feet trodden on and your face in someone’s armpit then it might be best to double check you aren’t travelling at a particularly busy time. Booking a seat would also be a good option, especially for longer journeys.
Arriving in Nuwara Eliya (check out our guide to the top 14 things to do in Nuwara Eliya) instantly felt cooler, more relaxed, and more like home. You can see why they call it little England.
If you have a spare few hours before sundown then head to the public gardens (take a picnic!) It is beautifully manicured and a world away from Sri Lanka’s busy streets and markets.
Where To Stay
For budget places to stay in Nuwara Eliya, Moon Plain Inn remains a firm favourite, mostly because of just how friendly the staff are but also because of the lush green surroundings. If we’d had cash to splash we would have stayed at The Oliphant. We’d heard such good things from other travellers and it looks divine!
Day 7-Tea Factories, Waterfalls And Posh Cocktails
We took in some local culture, ate lunch on top of a waterfall, and enjoyed the luxury of The Grand Hotel all in one day.
Pedro Tea Estate is one of the main factories in Nuwara Eliya. We enjoyed the tour but it was a little rushed and very scripted so don’t expect to be able to ask many questions! The highlight was drinking tea on the balcony overlooking the estate, with the tea leaf pickers at work.
Lover’s Leap waterfall is a short walk away, starting across the road from the Tea Estate. It’s a beautiful spot that not many people bother to visit, so the likelihood is you’ll have it somewhat to yourself. There are also incredible views from the top!
In the afternoon we got a little dressed up and headed to the Grand Hotel for cocktails. We considered the afternoon tea but thought it a little expensive, whereas cocktails were very reasonably priced. We were forced inside by a dramatic rainstorm and were glad for it when we realised a pianist was playing live music in the lobby.
Day 8 Backpacking Sri Lanka-Horton Plains And On To Ella
We arranged a car the day before to take us to Horton Plains national park. Luckily for us, we didn’t need to set an alarm, because a national holiday meant that we were kept awake all night by drums, singing and a huge ‘tardis’ float complete with crazy flashing lights right outside our BnB (that was down a quiet residential street ages from the main road!?)
We were pretty tired when the car pulled up at 5am (you’ll want to leave early as if you get there too late the views will be covered by clouds). To weigh up whether Horton Plains is something you want to do, check out our detailed post here.
If you decide not to go, treat yourself to a bit of a lie-in and then head to the train station and continue the beautiful journey to Ella. This is a shorter trip and should only take a few hours, so you will have time to explore the little town of Ella when you arrive.
We absolutely loved it here and used it as a chance to recharge our batteries a bit before continuing. We spent way too much in ‘Cafe Chill’ where they did the most amazing potato wedges (head upstairs and sprawl on beanbags after a day trekking).
After a relaxing lunch you should head to Little Adam’s Peak. The walk isn’t too strenuous and you can choose how much of it to climb. There are several ‘peaks’ and you get amazing views from them all, so if your legs are aching from Horton Plains then don’t worry about cramming it all in!
Afterward visit the impressive 9 arch bridge, or save it for the morning if you want to get there early and try and beat the crowds! We were lucky enough to arrive right before a huge downpour, the crowds left and we waited it out, being left with a near empty bridge.
Where To Stay
We loved our little hut room among the tea fields. It was very private and they bought you tea on the terrace. It was a little out of town so be prepared to walk quite a long way in the dark (maybe not the best choice for solo travellers). There are countless other choices to suit all needs, you can check them out here.
My sister raved about her stay here with mountain views and there are plenty of hotels nearer the town centre (though any on the main street may be a little noisy).
Day 9 Backpacking Sri Lanka-Ella’s Rock
Another day of hiking but it’s totally worth it for the views from the top. We walked along the railway lines until we reached the path to the top of Ella’s rock. There seemed to be a few different routes, but just keep heading up and the path becomes a bit more clear.
This walk is quite strenuous so be prepared for some sweaty uphill walking! We bought a few coconuts at the bottom to celebrate reaching the top, and the refreshing juice was a nice energy boosting reward for our hard work!
If you wanted to cram in more excitement you could treat yourself to a massage or try out a cookery class. There are also lots of waterfalls in the area.
Day 10-Travel To Dalawella Beach
Sadly there are no trains from hill country to the coast so we were forced to hire a private car. It is possible to get buses but on a limited time scale we decided to suck up the cost and get there as quickly as possible. If we hadn’t been meeting up with family in Dalawella it would have made more sense to stay in Mirissa or Matara.
By leaving Ella early you can make it to the coast in time for a beach walk and sunset cocktails. If you manage to get to Dalawella you won’t be disappointed. Compared to other beaches we visited along the coast Dalawella was really quiet and not at all built up.
We struggled a bit for different places to eat out as there were only a handful of bars and restaurants, but we loved the secluded feel we got here.
A HUGE bonus was being able to see turtles from the beach. You can see their shadows and their little heads popping up every day and you can walk in from the shore and swim with them. The sea is a little rough here and the waves can get quite big at certain times but there is an ideal shallow, sheltered part for kids, with some ok snorkelling around the rocky edges.
Where To Stay
If you’re looking for just a room then we loved the look of Dalawella Beach resort, literally on the beach! But the jungle behind this stretch of beach is where we stayed and it’s like living in the jungle. Check out Kaju Green Eco Lodges. Beautiful accommodations and so much to do like a saltwater swimming pool, cycling and kayaking, yoga and SUP-Yoga classes, and Pilates.
Day 11 Backpacking In Sri Lanka-Beach Chill Out
After several weeks of rushing around you may want a day or two to relax on the beach. If you’re still itching to explore here are some ideas:
- Dive a wreck (Head to Unawatuna where there are numerous dive centres. We dove with who were excellent, especially for less experienced divers like me-I had my own instructor who kept me calm throughout!)
- Spend the day exploring the pretty city of Galle
- Visit a nearby beach
- Visit a turtle conservation site. We didn’t, as we were lucky enough to spot a baby turtle making it’s way to the sea by moonlight. I have read positive and negative reviews of this experience and the ethical problems it poses, so do your research and pick a centre wisely!
Day 12 Backpacking In Sri Lanka-Whale Watching
We couldn’t miss the opportunity to see blue whales in the wild, but we were also very cautious. I’d done a fair bit of research, wanting to know how ethically ‘ok’ it was. I’ve been lucky enough to have some amazing animal encounters on my travels but I’ve also been caught out a few times and I didn’t want to be funding bad practice. Read more here if you’re curious about our experience, and if you’re not but are planning on going, I would thoroughly recommend booking through Raja and the Whales.
Day 13-Chill Out Or Back To Colombo
If you have an early flight the next day then sadly you’re time here may be up. I’m a nervous flyer (not the flight itself, but catching it on time, panicking about tickets and passports-yes, be thankful you will probably never have to catch a flight with me!) For this reason we headed to Negombo-not the most beautiful place in Sri Lanka but near to the airport and out of the bustling Colombo.
You can catch a train to Colombo from Galle and stay there if you want a little taste of the capital, or you can get a bus or taxi to Negombo (in total around 5 hours, or more depending on whether you time the connections right!). A taxi will take a couple of hours so if you want to squeeze out more time on the beach playing with turtles this might be the best option.
We treated ourselves to a (slightly) more expensive hotel, one last thing to look forward to before we left. We had a pool, a TV, and a hot shower! There is a pretty plain stretch of beach, but it’s nothing compared to where you’ve just come from!
Day 14-Travel To Airport
If you stayed the night in Colombo then you’re about an hours bus ride away from the airport. Negombo is about a 15 minute taxi ride. Make sure you allow plenty of time to get through check in, especially at busier times of the year. The departure lounge is well set up with all the usual if you need food or drink before your flight.
What Did I Miss?
Got a few extra days and want to add on something extra or swap out something on here that doesn’t take your fancy? Here are some of the things we did on our trip that I have missed off the itinerary.
Haputale
This strange little town has a certain rundown charm and we enjoyed exploring it because it was a bit more ‘real’ than some of the other towns we visited. We wouldn’t have wanted to stay more than a night or two as there wasn’t much to do.
The real attraction was Lipton’s Seat. Take a tuk tuk to the top of the hill for sunrise and then do the walk down to the bottom, which takes a few hours. Walking through the misty tea fields in the morning light was beautiful, but you can have similar experiences elsewhere like Nuwara Eliya and Ella, so I didn’t include this stop on the itinerary.
Udawalawe
If you have never been on safari and are desperate to see elephants in the wild then you might want to consider going here. There are plenty of herds of elephants around and your driver will be desperate to find them, so you are almost guaranteed a sighting. We really didn’t enjoy the experience, as it involves chasing the poor creatures around the park alongside countless other jeeps.
After being stuck in a traffic jam of cars, trying to catch a glimpse of an elephant, we asked our driver to head off in the other direction away from the crowds (much to his disapproval). We saw some stunning birds and a wild cat in tree in the distance, but Udawalawe is a pain to get to and in my opinion not worth the trip.
Galle
If you’re not one for spending the day on the beach then I would definitely consider this as a day trip option while on the coast. This fort town is steeped in history and is a lovely place to spend a day wondering through. The little streets are full of interesting boutique shops and museums and there are plenty of inviting cafes to stop for lunch and refuel.
How To Get Around On Your Two Weeks In Sri Lanka
Getting around in Sri Lanka was pretty straightforward, and every journey was a big part of the adventure here. From incredible scenic train rides to speeding through bustling cities in tuk-tuks, you can count the journeys as a big part of the experience on your two weeks in Sri Lanka.
Renting A Car
One of the most common ways to get around in Sri Lanka is by renting a car and driver. As it’s such a popular way to get around here you’ll find multiple great options. For us, it didn’t work out price efficient, so bear that in mind if you’re travelling as a couple. It is, however, by far the easiest way to travel here so if you’re keen to pack in as much as possible then it might be worth the extra money. If you’re travelling as a group then this option will probably be the cheapest for you!
Remember, if you do hire a driver you can always ask him to drop you off at the train station and meet you at your next destination so you don’t miss the incredible train rides here!
Tuk-Tuk
This became our favourite mode of transport. We were used to getting tuk-tuks for short distances in Asia but the tuk-tuk drivers in Sri Lanka will take you long distances for good prices. If you don’t have too much luggage they can load it on the top, and you get a really scenic ride with a lovely breeze! It’s not the most comfortable mode of transport but it is really fun!
Bus
There are buses in Sri Lanka but they tend to be fast and full! They’re a cheap way to travel but not always the most convenient.
Buses are the primary mode of transport for the locals in Sri Lanka. You will find buses that cover all the cities and small towns and villages on this island. The big benefit of buses is how cheap they are, so if you’re on a super tight budget then take them where possible.
Taxi, Uber, PickMe, and Taxiyak
All major towns and cities in Sri Lanka have taxis. A few of them are metered taxis (mostly in the capital Colombo), but over longer distances, you have to negotiate on a price. Most taxi rides cost around Rs60-100 = USD0,5 per km. Hotels will usually be happy to arrange taxis for you at reasonoble prices.
In Colombo and some cities in Sri Lanka, you can use the app Uber Intercity, which works just like Uber. Just book your pick up and drop off destination and the app will find you a driver and let you know prices. PickMe is another company with handy apps, where you can book rides around Sri Lanka.
Staying Safe In Sri Lanka
On the whole, Sri Lanka felt like a safe and welcoming country to travel around. The locals were incredibly hospitiple, going out of their way to make you feel at home.
That being said, it is always wise to be sensible when you’re travelling, no matter what country you’re in. Use your common sense when it comes to backpacking in Sri Lanka. Try to avoid unlit areas and backstreets, go out with friends at night if you can, or stick to tourist areas that you know. If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, don’t be afraid to appear rude, just get yourself out and to safety.
Female Travel
Sadly, gender inequality is still an obvious problem in Sri Lanka, and it’s important to be aware of this if you’re travelling here as a female. On the most part, solo travel in Sri Lanka is completely safe and you’ll have a hassle-free adventure in this beautiful country, so don’t let a few bad stories put you off. Just follow a few precautions as you would do in any unfamiliar country.
On the whole, Sri Lankan women are conservative and dress and act modestly – especially in more rural areas. If you head out in short skirts and strappy tops then expect some attention, perhaps some of it unwanted.
Make sure you dress in cultural appropriate attire, especially when visiting places of religious or cultural importance. I had very positive experiences in Sri Lanka as a female traveller, but it’s important to be aware of cultural and social differences and act accordingly in a foreign country!
Security
Again, use your common sense when it comes to keeping your valuables safe. Keep a padlock on your bag, carry expensive items on you at all times, and never place important items in your back pockets or the front pocket of a rucksack. Grab yourself a money belt and keep some cash on you at all times.
Insurance For Your Two Weeks In Sri Lanka
Backpacking Sri Lanka will certainly be an adventure. Don’t limit yourself on what you can do there by not getting insurance, or by opting for cheap insurance that doesn’t cover you for the activities you’ll want to do there.
It doesn’t have to be expensive, just make sure it covers you for doing the activities you might be tempted to do while you’re out there. Make sure your insurance covers trekking, boat trips, scuba diving, surfing, or whatever other activities you have your heart set on.
You can get easy-to-navigate travel insurance designed for adventurous backpackers from Safety Wing. They honestly make insurance seem easy – you just go through their list of activities and make sure it’s ticked for the package you’re buying!
Get a travel insurance quote here
Money Money Money
The currency in Nepal is the Sri Lankan Rupee. It’s a closed currency meaning you can’t get hold of it before you enter the country, so if you want to have some cash on you just in case then bring US dollars. It’s an easy currency to exchange here and you’ll need some for your visa anyway.
We always find the easiest thing to do when travelling is to withdraw cash when we’re there. There are plenty of cash machines in the main areas of Sri Lanka. As usual they charge withdrawal fees, so we found the best thing to do was take out large amounts of money at a time (very discretely!) You can save yourself unfair exchange rates by getting hold of a Revolut card.
Revolut allows you £200 worth of cash withdrawals a month free of charge, and only 2% thereafter. You can pay by card in the bigger towns and cities, so £200 will actually go quite a long way. We now use our Revolut card as our main bank card.
You can keep track of how much you’re spending and where, and you can set it to automatically top-up once you’ve reached a certain amount (or not, meaning you can’t possibly spend more than you want on a night out!) This is also a handy feature to have in place in case your card gets stolen or lost.
If you’re going to use a bank card then make sure you notify them before going abroad. In the past, I ran into trouble several times when the bank blocked my card. Where possible, use ATMs that are sheltered or guarded, just to be on the safe side.
You should always have emergency cash hidden on you just in case. Get a money belt and wear it every day to keep some money close at hand!
Tipping is absolutely a thing in Sri Lanka and you should do it where ever possible.
Staying In Touch With Home
Sri Lanka is very well set up with internet connection all over and wifi in pretty much every hotel, BnB, and cafe or restaurant. Just make sure your phone is set to not roaming before you land so you don’t get charged hefty fees!
Make sure you take a smart travel adaptor like this one. It will work everywhere in the world and you can charge multiple devices from it all at once. Not all accommodation in Sri Lanka had reliable power due to frequent storms or just not enough service, so keep devices charged up when you can!
What To Pack In Sri Lanka
There probably won’t be a single day backpacking Sri Lanka that you won’t come across a place of religious or cultural importance. With that in mind, make sure you always take something to cover your shoulders and think about what you wear on the bottom before you leave for the day.
Honestly, the best clothing for backpacking in Sri Lanka is baggy or wide-legged trousers and a t-shirt. You’ll feel comfy and look the part too. Team it with a scarf or a light shirt so you can cover up for temples or the sun and you’re sorted. Leggings are perfect for trekking.
Here are the 5 things I wouldn’t go backpacking in Nepal without!
- Travel Water Bottle: An absolute essential to be kind to the environment and save you money. Don’t think about leaving home without one!
- Lightweight Scarf: I use this all the time travel, as sun shade, temple cover, even a towel or beach towel. Scarves are light to pack, look cute and come in handy ALL THE TIME.
- Headtorch: I used this all the time while backpacking Sri Lanka. It’s great for walking home at night, trekking, and even finding the toilet in the night! Get yourself one that is rechargeable so you don’t have to faff with batteries, and one with a red light so you don’t upset your dorm buddies!
- Money Belt: A belt that looks like a normal belt but hides money inside. You don’t have to remove it for airport security either.
- First Aid Kit: Sri Lanka does have pharmacies in most places but it’s always a good idea to have the essentials you know and trust from home. If you plan on going off the beaten track then you’re on your own, so you definitely want to be well equipt then. I always add painkillers, re hydration sachets, diarrhoea tablets, travel sickness tablets and antibacterial gel to mine, along with any other medication I think I might need.
Books To Read On Your Two Weeks In Sri Lanka
I’ll warn you now – I used to be a kindle hater and refused to buy one, but living on a boat forced me to give in, and now I can’t imagine life without one. I don’t know how I survived travelling without one!
You can carry a library that is smaller and lighter than just one book, and it’s so much better for the environment. Do yourself a favour and get one now, you’ll never look back. I can recommend the waterproof version, especially if you’re travelling in monsoon season. Every single one of my books got ruined in the downpours!
Looking for something relevant to read while you’re away…here are a few suggestions. I’d also thoroughly recommend getting a subscription to audible, so you can listen to books while on the long bus rides from place to place. You won’t want your gaze anywhere other than out of the window!
The Lonely Planet Travel Guide – Perhaps travel guides in book form are becoming a bit outdated with so many great blog guides online these days, but it’s so handy having a guide that doesn’t rely on an internet connection. My personal favourites are and always have been the Lonely Planet guides, as I find they always have great ‘local’ knowledge.
The Tea Planter’s Wife – If you can only take one book with you on your two weeks in Sri Lanka, take this! The Tea Planter’s Wife is an international bestseller for a reason. Based in 1920s Ceylon (Sri Lanka), this book explores what life was like for some in colonial Ceylon, and since you’re bound to visit some of the tea plantations that Sri Lanka is so famous for, this will be a captivating read.
Tamil Tigress – The story of one of the Tamil Tigers’ first female soldiers and her time as a guerrilla. This story packs quite a punch, especially if you’re reading it while traveling Sri Lanka. It’s hard to believe this happened so recently and really helps you understand the situation there without getting too ‘bogged down’ with all the politics.
Island Of A Thousand Mirrors – Another captivating historical fiction about the Civil War in Sri Lanka, with strong female lead characters. The imagery in this book is also superb and will really set you up for a visit to this beautiful country while helping you understand the recent struggles of its people.
Further Reading For Your Backpacking Trip To Sri Lanka
As you can see, Sri Lanka is a rich and diverse country full of incredible travel experiences. Spending two weeks in Sri Lanka will give you a taste of all this country has to offer, and almost certainly leave you wanting more! If you want to read about any of above activities in more depth then check out some of our useful guides below.
If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka then check out the guides below for inspiration.
- 5 days in Sri Lanka: The ultimate guide
- 2 weeks in Sri Lanka: The ultimate guide
- How to travel Sri Lanka’s most beautiful railways
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