Explore Sri Lanka in 2 weeks

The ultimate 2-week adventure is waiting for you

Two weeks is not nearly enough time to see everything in Sri Lanka, but there is still plenty to do and experience on the island in that given time. There is no other place that has so many historical and protected sites to see than in Sri Lanka. You will find yourself spoiled for choice in terms of luxurious beaches, an array of amazing cuisines and you will find is easy to get lost in the islands majestic beauty and magical atmosphere that can transform your travel experience forever.

I will always tell people to rent a car Sri Lanka, as you can do what you want when you want to do it without stressing out about finding your next ride. And since my freedom to move about was of paramount importance to me I could not have traveled the length and breadth of the island without my trusty vehicle.

A step to step guide to help on your journey through Sri Lanka

The first stop on your 2-week journey should be in the capital of Colombo. Here you can explore the National Museum, Viharamahadevi Park, Pettah Market and the Galle Face Hotel. Take a few days to discover the vintage artifacts, mesmerizing markets and tasty food.

Mirissa is a great place to explore next with its laid-back atmosphere and pristine beaches it’s hard to not stat at least a few days here. You can swim enjoy great seafood and even explore the imagine villa hotel which is an amazing boutique hotel that goes out of its way to make you feel special. Drive down a little further and you will find your next beach paradise in Tangalle. The Serein beach hotel puts you right up where the action is on the beach and has a great deal for a 2-night stay.

The Yala National Park is just 2 hours away from Tangalle and has many wild animals like elephants, deers, crocodiles, leopards and colorful birds for you to see on safari. After your 2 night stay there you can take off to Ella were you can visit Nuwara Eliya, a tea and hiking village perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Next, you can drive to Kandy and spend 3 days there and see the temple of the sacred tooth relic (which has the tooth of Buddha) or even send a wonderful day at Kandy Lake and see the British garrison cemetery while you are there.

You should end your trip at Sigiriya or Lion Rock which was once the capital of Sri Lanka and still has magnificent sites to see. Yes, it takes quite a workout to climb all the way to the top but trust me when I say it’s very worth it when you see the view from above.

A few things to always remember and keep in mind when visiting Lanka.

You simply need to apply online for an ETA (electronic travel authorization) to enter the country, which you need to show to the immigration officer when you arrive in Sri Lanka.

Make sure that you have a valid driver’s license and your phones Gps is working properly as you will need it in the event that you rent a car Sri Lanka.

If you are like me and driving is too stressful in another country which has different rules, you can hire a driver like I did from Kings Rent a Car who knew all the roads and shortcuts.

It’s of vital importance that you choose the right car for you. You can choose anything from a large SUV to a compact car. I personally went with the Perodua Axia, it was way easier to find parking and travel light. But minivans and Luxury sedans can make a journey very fun and relaxing as well.

So that’s really all you need to know here’s what you really need to know and your all set to take off on a new adventure in Sri Lanka.

Foodies and Sri Lankans

Foodies will love this island of delights

Sri Lanka has so many delectable food and dishes which is why it’s known internationally as a food destination. 

With the multiple cultures residing and influencing this island, all foodies will love the deliciously rich cuisine that Sri Lanka offers all its visitors. I particularly enjoyed the Dutch and Portuguese flavors, but that's not all Sri Lanka has. You can find authentic English, Arab, Malay and Indian delicacies on the island too.

Being a food lover I had just one agenda on my list, how do I eat as much as I can in the time I have on the island. The solution was to take off on my food journey and choose car hire Colombo, which allowed me to travel on my terms and see the country while exploring its multiple cuisines.

Where to go and what to eat

Ministry of Crabs in the Iconic Dutch Hospital. 

It’s easy to find good curries anywhere in Sri Lanka, cafes and roadside are good, it’s always better to try the nightly buffet at Zion View in Ella. But for those who truly love seafood, I would really recommend that you eat at Ministry of crab in Colombo that has the freshest seafood on the island.

The islands tea capital, Nuwara Eliya is perfect for those elegant high teas with sandwiches, cakes and tasty tarts all which can be found at the St. Andrew’s Hotel.  I really enjoyed the tea and scones and which is a testament to how good the tea is as I am not really an avid tea drinker. The English influence can be further seen with the abundance of veggies like cabbage, carrots leeks and potatoes, along with strawberries and roses that were strewn across the hillsides.

You can find the Dutch and Portuguese delicacies like love cake which was simply divine and made with semolina, ground cashews and honey. The nutmeg, cinnamon and rosewater gave the dish freshness and made it smell mouthwatering. Dishes like Bolo Fiado(a layered pastry cake with dried fruit and syrup), Breudher(yeast cake with lots of butter) took me to another world and you should definitely hit Café Chill where you can eat the legendary Lamprais which is made with signature Dutch meatballs, veggies and rice slowly cooked in a banana leaf.

A Quarter Chicken Biriyani. 

You can find flatbreads and samosas at many Arab and Indian restaurants, but it’s the Wattalappam which has Malay influences and is made from jaggery coconut milk and cardamom that will take your breath away. The out of this world dessert can be found at Mama’s Galle Fort Roof Café and is well worth you driving done there to have a bite or simply indulge in Biriyani, found almost everywhere in the Island. 

But I really have to say that the two of my most favorite restaurants in Colombo were Chutneys which had an array of condiments to go with tradition Asian food and The Lagoon which had the best lobster I had ever had.

Living life on bite at a time

Having your own transportation in another country gives you the freedom and mobility to explore Sri Lanka at your own pace and comfort. This is why I rented a car from Kings Rent a Car and it really helped me stop where ever and whenever I wanted and let me discover amazing cafes and roadside food which may have gone undiscovered if I was travelling in a train or bus. I really feel that choosing a car hire form Colombo is the best way to discover the hidden treats that this sea kissed island has to offer. All you need is a valid license and you can speed off into the sunset and have the time of your life.