water rafting kitulgala 1

12 best places for Sri Lanka 2-day trips

Sanjeewa Padmal (Seerendipity)

Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the island on a 2 days trip in Sri Lanka. Walk around the ancient monument in the cultural triangle, venture on a jeep safari in a national park, explore the ancient walled city of Galle, stroll on the pristine south coast beach, and see the giant whale in southern Sri Lanka. The options are endless for your Sri Lanka 2-day trip. That is why we are here to help you choose the best seamless, 2-day tour of Sri Lanka to quench your thirst for exploration. You might be looking for the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in 2 days, in order to explore during the upcoming weekend and unwind from the routine office and household work. Perhaps you have flown to Sri Lanka from a faraway country, you are on holiday now, and you want to visit a few tourist places on this foreign soil. Whatever your requirement is, we have listed here the 12 best places to explore on a 2-day trip to Sri Lanka.

Table of Contents

Sri Lanka 2-day trips

Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the island on a 2-day Sri Lanka trip. Walk around the ancient monument in the cultural triangle, venture on a jeep safari in a national park, explore the ancient walled city of Galle, stroll on the pristine south coast beach, and see the giant whale in southern Sri Lanka. The options are endless for your Sri Lanka 2-day trip. That is why we are here to help you choose the best seamless, 2-day tour of Sri Lanka to quench your thirst for exploration.

Leave all the planning to an expert like Serendipity and drive through the quaint villages, tea plantations, coconut plantations, beautiful countryside, and cities to visit interesting tourist places in Sri Lanka. Your personal driver guide will welcome you upon arrival (meet at the hotel) and take you directly to the attraction without wasting any of your valuable time. Your two-day trip includes an overnight stay in a hotel of your choice.

Why Visit Sri Lanka for a Quick 2-Day Trip?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why Sri Lanka is perfect for a weekend escape:

  1. Compact Size: Many highlights are within reach, even on a tight schedule.
  2. Diverse Experiences: From ancient cities to pristine beaches, you’ll get a taste of everything.
  3. Rich Culture: Immerse yourself in thousands of years of history and tradition.
  4. Incredible Food: Your taste buds are in for a treat!
  5. Warm Hospitality: Sri Lankans will make you feel at home, even if you’re just passing through.

What should be considered when planning a 2-day trip to Sri Lanka?

When it comes to places to visit on a-day trip in Sri Lanka, the number of places is overwhelming. However, after carefully considering the natural and historical importance of the places, as well as the time it takes to visit those places; we have listed below 12 places to consider for your two-day trip to Sri Lanka. The below-mentioned 2-day trips in Sri Lanka are mainly intended to visit Colombo and west coast beach resorts.

I was considering writing this blog post on places to visit in Sri Lanka in 2 days for many weeks because I receive a large number of emails from our readers with questions like “What are the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in 2 days?” “What is the best 2-day trip in Sri Lanka?” and “Can you arrange a Sri Lanka 2-day tour package?”. Customers sometimes ask us to recommend a couple of 2-day trips to Sri Lanka in order to include them in their beach holiday packages. However, due to my very busy schedule, I did not have time to attend to this article. But I knew that I had to write this blog post sooner or later because many travelers are very hungry for the information I’m pouring into this article. This is a lengthy blog post; it takes 10 minutes to read and 2 days to write.

Is 2 days enough to explore Sri Lanka?

While two days is barely scratching the surface of what Sri Lanka has to offer, properly planned itinerary gives you a taste of the country’s diverse attractions. From ancient wonders to natural beauty, and from spiritual experiences to culinary delights, you’ll get a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s many facets in just 48 hours.

Remember, the key to enjoying this whirlwind tour is to remain flexible and embrace the unexpected. Sri Lanka has a way of surprising visitors with its beauty and warmth at every turn. So, keep an open mind, interact with locals, and savor every moment of your brief but magical journey through this tropical paradise.

This short trip might just inspire you to plan a longer visit to explore more of Sri Lanka’s hidden gems. Until then, enjoy your 48-hour adventure in this incredible island nation!

How do you choose the best places for your Sri Lanka 2 days trip?

We have listed all the places in Sri Lanka for two-day trips, providing ample opportunities for engaging in various interesting activities. You can include a multitude of places in your Sri Lanka two-day tour, but it’s crucial to select the most suitable ones for your enjoyment and engagement in your preferred activities. For example, if you’re a culture vulture, visiting Kithulgala, a hub for adventure activities, would be a pointless endeavor. There is no point in making a trip to the cultural triangle if you are an enthusiast of wildlife. Instead of going to Sigiriya, you should be heading to Yala in southern Sri Lanka; that’s the ideal destination for your two-day tour in Sri Lanka.         

All these two-day trip places in Sri Lanka can be visited from Colombo, from the airport, or from beach resorts on the west coast such as Bentota, Kalutara, Hikkaduwa, and Negombo in a 2-day trip. Usually, tourists who stay in beach hotels prefer to make 1 day Sri Lanka tours and they do like to return to their beach hotel for an overnight stay. However, we get a few bookings every month for Sri Lanka 2-day trips from beach resorts.

So you may add a few two-day trips in Sri Lanka listed below to your Sri Lanka land tour package. For example, if you have planned a 10-day Sri Lanka trip, an 8-day Sri Lanka trip, or a 9-day Sri Lanka trip, you can easily add a few 2-day trips to your itinerary.

Sometimes we organize a 2-day trip to Sri Lanka for travelers who are in transit to Colombo and want to visit a few interesting places in Sri Lanka during their brief stay. Some other travelers who book these two days’ trips in Sri Lanka are government delegates, and they are on an official visit to Sri Lanka. 

A 2-day Sri Lanka tour package significantly cuts down on travel time, allowing for more time for relaxation and sightseeing. Since you have 2 days at your disposal, it is possible to explore some of the very important tourist hotspots, such as Sigiriya Rock and Polonnaruwa in Colombo.

How to choose best places for 2 days trip in Sri Lanka?

You might be looking for the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in 2 days in order to explore during the upcoming weekend and unwind from the routine office and household work. Perhaps you have flown to Sri Lanka from a faraway country, you are on holiday now, and you want to visit a few tourist places on this foreign soil. Whatever your requirements are, we have listed here the 12 best places to explore in a 2 days trip in sri lanka.

Some of the island’s most popular tourist attractions are listed below. Many of them, such as Sigiriya and Dambulla, are UNESCO World Heritage SitesSome locations, like Kitulgala and Galle, are easily accessible from Colombo, making them suitable for exploration during a day trip. . However, these tourist attractions are best suited for a 2-day trip from Colombo due to the long-distance travel involved with these trips. After all, a 2-day trip allows you to explore these important places at your own pace while also having some leisure.

What are the 12 best places for 2 days trip in Sri Lanka?

1. Sigiriya is 170 km from Colombo (5+ hours drive)

2. Dambulla, 160 km from Colombo, 5+ hours drive

3. Kandy, 117 km fromColombo, 44+ hours drive

4. Yala National Park, 1666 km from Colombo (5+ hours drive)

5. Nuwara Eliya, 126 km from Colombo, 4+ hours drive

6. Polonnaruwa, 2300 km fromColombo, 55+ hours drive

7 Galle: 120 km fromColombo (4+ hour drive)

8. Mirissa, 152 km fromColombo, 5+ hours drive

9. Udawalawe, 1500 km fromColombo, 5+ hours drive

10. Adam’speak: 1377 km fromColombo (5+ hours drive)

11. Kitulgala, 90 km from Colombo, 3+ hour drive)

12. Sinharaja, 1388 km fromColombo (3+ hour drive)

When is the best time for the Sri Lanka 2-day trips?

The northeast monsoon, from November to April is considered the best time of the year to visit Sri Lanka. During this period, most parts of Sri Lanka except the north and east have a very sunny and warm climate, making it suitable for outdoor activities. During the same time, the sea off the south and west coasts becomes very safe for all saltwater-based activities such as diving, snorkelling, surfing, swimming, etc.

All two-day trip places mentioned above are to be found on the west coast, southern coast, or in Sri Lanka’s hill country. These areas have very good weather during the north-east monsoon (November to April) and the rest of the year, from April to November, most places mentioned above come under heavy rain due to the influence of the monsoon.

What can I do on my 2 days trip in Sri Lanka?

OK! We jump into our subject. With only 2 days’ time at your disposal, you cannot expect to do much on the two-day trip to Sri Lanka, however, there is a possibility of exploring a couple of important tourist attractions on the way, one or two important tourist places during the trip. Perhaps you will even visit three places on your 2-day Sri Lanka trip, from the two-day trip places in Sri Lanka mentioned above. For instance, you can visit Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Pinnawala elephant orphanages on a 2 day trip to Sri Lanka because all these places are located on the main road from Colombo to Sigiriya.

On the 2 days of the Sri Lanka trip to Kandy, you will be able to visit the Tooth relic temple, the Pinnawala elephant orphanage, the royal botanical garden, and the Sri Lanka mountains.

Below are five Sri Lanka 2-day tours that are extremely popular among travelers. Each tour has a different combination of tourist attractions and activities. Therefore, it is important to choose the best tour package depending on your interest. For example, the Cultural Triangle Tour includes many interesting historical places; if you choose the Southern Sri Lanka Tour, it is more like a wildlife tour with few historical places and beaches.

Sri Lanka 2 days hill country tour

Day 1: 07.00 am: Leaving for Kandy, which is Sri Lanka’s hill-country capital and one of the most picturesque cities on the island. En route, there will be 2 stops before reaching Kandy, one at the Pinnawala elephant orphanage and the other at the spice garden. Make a visit to the gem museum and lapidary in the afternoon, and later witness the Kandy cultural show. The day ended with a visit to the tooth relic temple. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 2: After the break, take the Kandy-Nuwara Eliya road and drive to Nuwara Eliya via the Ramboda plateau. En route, make stops at the tea garden, tea factory, and Ramboda waterfalls. At noon, take the Nuwara Eliya sightseeing tour, then proceed to Colombo via Ginigathhena and Kitulgala.

Sri Lanka 2 days tour to the Cultural Triangle

Day 1: Early morning leave for Anuradhapura via Chilaw. Anuradhapura is the oldest capital of Sri Lanka, with hundreds of crumbling monuments dating back to the 3rd century BC. In the afternoon, take an Anuradhapura city tour and later proceed to a hotel in Sigiriya.  Overnight in Sigiriya.

Day 2: After breakfast, trek to the pinnacle of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and afterwards visit Dambulla Golden Temple. Afterward, proceed to the hotel in Colombo. En route, visit the Pinnawala elephant orphanage.

Sri Lanka 2 days tour: -wildlife and south coast

Day 1: 07.00 AM leave for Udawalwe via Rathnapura (the gem city). En-rouet visits the gem museum, gem mines, and museum and proceeds to the hotel in Udawalawe. Udawalawe is popular for wildlife tours and Udawalawe national park is one of the best places to spot wild elephants in Sri Lanka. Overnight in Udawalawe.

Day 2: Early morning leave for a wildlife tour of Udawalawe national park. Later, leave for a hotel in Kandy via Galle, En-route stop at Galle fort, Hikkaduwa beach, and Bentota beach tour.

These 2-day trips offer a snapshot of Sri Lanka’s diverse attractions. Whether you’re interested in ancient cultures, wildlife, beautiful landscapes, or simply relaxing on the beach, there’s a perfect short trip waiting for you in Sri Lanka.

1. Cultural Triangle Express: Sigiriya and Dambulla

Day 1: Sigiriya

  • Morning: Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Afternoon: Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
  • Evening: Safari at Minneriya National Park to see wild elephants

Day 2: Dambulla and Return

  • Morning: Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, another UNESCO site
  • Afternoon: Stop at a spice garden en route back to Colombo

This trip offers a blend of history, culture, and wildlife, perfect for first-time visitors.

2. Tea Country Retreat: Nuwara Eliya

Day 1: Journey to Nuwara Eliya

  • Morning: Scenic train ride from Kandy to Nanu Oya
  • Afternoon: Visit a tea plantation and factory
  • Evening: Explore the colonial town of Nuwara Eliya

Day 2: Nature and Return

  • Morning: Hike in Horton Plains National Park, visit World’s End
  • Afternoon: Return journey with a stop at Devon and St. Clair’s waterfalls

Ideal for nature lovers and those seeking cooler climates.

3. Beach and Wildlife: Mirissa and Yala

Day 1: Mirissa

  • Morning: Whale watching excursion (in season)
  • Afternoon: Relax on Mirissa beach
  • Evening: Enjoy the beachside nightlife

Day 2: Yala National Park

  • Early morning: Safari in Yala National Park, famous for leopards
  • Afternoon: Return to Colombo or your next destination

Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and beach lovers.

4. Kandy Cultural Immersion

Day 1: Exploring Kandy

  • Morning: Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Afternoon: Tour the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya
  • Evening: Watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance

Day 2: Around Kandy

  • Morning: Visit the Embekka, Gadaladeniya, and Lankatilaka temples
  • Afternoon: Tour a tea factory and enjoy a tea tasting session

Ideal for those interested in Sri Lankan culture and history.

5. Galle Fort and Southern Coast

Day 1: Galle Fort

  • Morning: Walking tour of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Afternoon: Visit the Maritime Museum and shop for local crafts
  • Evening: Watch the sunset from the fort walls

Day 2: Coastal Exploration

  • Morning: Visit a sea turtle hatchery
  • Afternoon: Relax on Unawatuna beach or try water sports
  • Evening: Return to Colombo

Perfect for history buffs and those seeking a laid-back coastal experience.

Transport on Sri Lanka 2-day trip

    • Most time-efficient
    • Flexible schedule
    • Local knowledge
    • Air-conditioned comfort

    Public Transport

      • More authentic experience
      • Budget-friendly
      • Requires careful planning
      • Takes longer

      However, do not cram your Sri Lanka trip by adding all the tourist attractions (minor and important) to the programme because you also need time travel between tourist attractions. On the chaotic roads of Sri Lanka, it is very difficult to estimate the exact time required to travel between two destinations; there is always a plus and a minus.

      When you pack your two-day trip to Sri Lanka with attractions and activities, invariably, you have to limit the time that you allocate for each site that you visit, making you have an unnecessary rush. In fact, you need some time to hang around attractions and explore them; otherwise, what is the purpose of undertaking your Sri Lanka 2-day tour?

      This article is mainly on two-day trips to places in Sri Lanka; however, I’m not going to restrict the article to those chosen places. I’m going to give you an insight into some other tourist attractions as well, which are within easy reach of our chosen tourist attractions. If time permits, you can also visit those minor tourist attractions on your two-day trip to Sri Lanka.

      You might be looking for a two-day tour in Sri Lanka to go on the approaching weekend and unwind yourself from the routine office and household work. Perhaps you have flown to Sri Lanka from a faraway country and are on holiday now, and you want to visit a few tourist places on this foreign soil.

      Best activities for Sri Lanka 2-day trips

      You can add important activities to your Sri Lanka 2-day trip, such as shopping, visiting historical monuments, doing wildlife safaris, rainforest trekking, exploring Sri Lanka upcountry, and engaging in adventure (water rafting, waterfall abseiling). Perhaps you can indulge yourself in a 2-day Ayurveda spa treatment if you are not in the mood to travel a lot. Lying on the beach and doing nothing, occasionally sampling fresh Sri Lankan seafood, and sipping a cocktail in a luxury beach resort also sounds good, I think!

      You should seriously consider not using public transport to travel around Sri Lanka during your 2-day trip because it can suck up your time and jeopardize your entire holiday plan. Plan your 2-day trip in Sri Lanka with private transport; that’s the best way to travel on the island. Never think of using public transport, as it wastes time and is always behind schedule. On the other hand, traveling by private transport is very convenient and comfortable. Usually, public buses and trains are very crowded in Sri Lanka.

      With private transport, you can save time while also being safe. Given that you only have 2 days for this trip, including an overnight stay, it’s crucial to reduce the amount of time you spend traveling. You must reserve as much time as possible for sightseeing, and don’t forget that you can only visit the sites during the day. 

      So, have you prepared yourself and set off on a 2-day trip to Sri Lanka to pamper yourself and enjoy life at its best? Seerendipity Tour has dozens of pre-planned Sri Lanka 2-day tour packages. Browse our Sri Lanka trip packages here and check if we already have the 2-day tour you look for. You can ask Seerendipity Tours staff to make a customized Sri Lanka tour package for you; our staff will do it for you without any charge, whether you book the tour with us or somewhere else.   

      Varieties of Sri Lanka 2-day trips

      2-day trips in Sri Lanka are available in many flavors, and choosing the most suitable package is up to you. 2-day trips in Sri Lanka can be broadly categorized into the below categories,

      • Sri Lanka 2-day leisure holidays (beach holidays)
      • Sri Lanka 2 days adventure tour
      • 2-day Sri Lanka wildlife tour package
      • 2-day Sri Lanka cultural triangle tour
      • 2 days southern Sri Lanka trip
      • 2-day tour package to Sri Lanka upcountry.

      5 alternative places for two-day trips in Sri Lanka

      1. Udawalawe National Park: Sri Lanka’s Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places for wildlife holidays. Most Sri Lanka beach holiday packages with a safari include Udawalawe National Park. These 2-day Sri Lanka trips allow you to visit some of the important historical monuments, such as Galle and Kande Vihara Buddhist temples. You can book a 2-day trip to Udawalawe from Colombo and most other beach resorts on the west and south coasts. If you are based in Ella, the trip to Udawalawe is a convenient one-day trip.
      2. Adam’s Peak: Venturing on the Adams Peak hike is always a 2-day trip; however, you will have a very short night as the hike at Adams Peak is a moonlight hike. The upward journey on the hike to Adams Peak takes around 5 hours, and the downward march lasts around 3 hours.
      3. Kitulgala: If you are an adrenaline junkie, there is no better place to travel than Sri Lanka. However, the trip to Kitulgala should not be a 2-day Sri Lanka trip all the time because Kitulgala is only 100km away from Colombo. The drive from Colombo to Kitulgala takes around 2 hours. However, we recommend planning a 2-day trip to Kitulgala, which offers numerous adventure activities like river rafting, mountain climbing, trekking, hiking, and more.
      4. Anuradhapura ancient city: Anuradhapura is a historical city and an archaeological zoo, with more than thousands of crumbling ancient monuments spreading over more than 40 sq km. Anuradhapura is a UNESCO world heritage site and a trip to Anuradhapura is recommended to be a Sri Lanka 2 days trip in order to explore important monuments, museums, and temples.
      5. Sinharaja Rainforest: This Gondwana forest is one of the oldest patches of forests in the world, dating back to the Gondwana land era. Sinharaja rainforest trip can be booked as a one-day tour from Colombo, however, it is recommended to book Sinharaja as a Sri Lanka 2 days trip in order to thoroughly explore the fauna and flora of the rainforest. The drive from Colombo and most beach resorts on the west coast to Sinharaja takes around 3 hours.

      Places to visit on two-day trips in Sri Lanka

      As I have mentioned above, you can find hundreds of places to visit on your 2-day tour in Sri Lanka, but when I was choosing the below places, I followed a criterion: it should mainly provide the value of the time that you put into it, and it should provide a memorable, thrilling experience.

      The places listed in this article range from scenic mountains with tea gardens and crumbling historical monuments in the cultural triangle to the gloomy rainforest and idyllic beach resorts on the western and southern coasts. Plan your 2 day trips from Colombo or the airport to unwind, seek activities, and experience divine blessings.

      The Sigiriya Rock Forts are a 5th-century palace complex with landscaped gardens, moats, swimming pools, fountains, paintings, and a palace. King Kashyapa built his royal palace on top of the monolithic rock, 500 meters above sea level. On the upward journey, you can find frescoes halfway down the track.

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      Ultimate 2 days trip to Sri Lanka cultural triangle

      1. Sigiriya Rock, 170 km from Colombo 5+ hours drive from Colombo

      The 2-day trip from Sri Lanka to Sigiriya rock fortress ranks among the best activities for travelers; you will understand its popularity upon reaching the site, and you will encounter hordes of tourists at any time of the day here.

      The Sigiriya rock fortress is the most visited iconic tourist attraction that most travellers encounter on their Sri Lanka trip. If you undertake a multi-day Sri Lanka sightseeing tour, it is highly unlikely that you have a tour itinerary without a Sigiriya rock fortress. Sigiriya is located at the very heart of this ancient cultural oasis better known as Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. With hundreds of ancient construction such as swimming pools, granite caves, walls, moats, and palaces, this historically significant town was inhabited in the 5th century AD and is being sensitively restored.

      It is set in an oasis that is a testament to ancient techniques of water management, irrigation, and land use. It is a lush and fertile area that stands in dramatic contrast to the land around it.

      Hiking at Sigiriya rock fortress

      The hike at Sigiriya takes around 3 hours, it includes an upward and downward journey, and the time required to see the ruins and enjoy the scenery. However, the starting time of your hike is a crucial factor and largely decides how long you need to do the hike. Starting the hike in the early hours is highly recommended, so you can avoid the pilgrims and other travelers, who pile up in the queue to the summit. So the best way of explore the Sigiriya fortress is to have an overnight stay near the rock and start the hike early in the morning (07.00 am) the next day.

      What to see in Sigiriya?

      By far, Sigiriya rock is the most visited tourist attraction on the island and attracts many thousands of travellers every day. Visiting the Sigiriya rock fortress is the main reason you booked this Sri Lanka 2-day trip.

      This UNESCO world heritage site is one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world with gardens, swimming pools, palaces, ponds, caves, an audience hall, and ancient paintings. Sigiriya is under the purview of the Sri Lanka archaeological department and visitors are required to purchase the entrance ticket, which costs $35.00 USD.

      IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ON SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS, PLEASE CHECK MY ARTICLE ON, “SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS SRI LANKA”

      What are the places included in Sri Lanka 2 days trip to Sigiriya?

      • Sigiriya rock fortress
      • Pidurangala ancient temple
      • Dambulla cave temple
      • Safari at Minneriya national park
      • Hiriwadunna village (village tour and cooking class)
      • Bird watching in Sigiriya forest reserve

      Visit Pidurangala temple on Sri Lanka 2-day trips

      Another historical monument, but it is much less significant than the rock. The beautiful temple is found a few kilometres away from the rock and houses many Buddha statues and temple paintings.

      Dambulla cave temple

      Rank among the top tourist attraction on the island, the Dambulla cave temple is a UNESCO world heritage site due to its historical value. Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the oldest cave temples in the world, dating back to the 1st century BC. More than 100 Buddha statues, god figures, and Buddhist paintings can be found in the temple.

      Minneriya National Park

      Exploring wildlife on foreign soil is a thrilling experience that most travellers like to do. You have the opportunity to take a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park on this Sri Lanka two-day tour; however, it is subject to the availability of time. If you have started your Sri Lanka 2-day tour from Negombo or Colombo, you will be able to find time for the safari. However, if you finish the Sri Lanka two-day tour in southern Sri Lankan cities such as Bentota and Galle, you might not be able to find time for it.

      Pinnawala elephant orphanage The orphanage is a popular tourist attraction that can be visited with a small detour. If you are going back to the west or southern coast of Sri Lanka, you can easily visit the orphanage, which is on the way. However, if you are going back to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, the orphanage is way off track.    

      10 days Sri Lanka Buddhist tour includes the major Buddhist religious sites on the island, that you do not encounter on most trips. The tour covers some of the major temples, such as Somawathiya, Mahiyangana, Girihandu seya, Seruwila raja maha vihara, Kiri vehera, Tissamaharama raja maha vihara, etc. Most temples that you encounter on this trip are not included in popular Sri Lanka trips. This trip is specially designed for Buddhist devotees. This is a private trip that can be customized to meet your specific requirement. The trip includes all entrance fees, Accommodation in luxury hotels, a luxury vehicle, a live guide, daily breakfast and dinner, as well as all taxes.

      2. Places to visit in Sri Lanka: Dambulla, 160 km from Colombo 5+ hours driving

      Dambulla cave temple

      Another important tourist attraction in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka is another UNESCO world heritage site. When the south Indian Chola army invaded the capital (Anuradhapura) in the first century BC, it is believed that King Walagambahu lived in the temple. Later, the king returned to Kandy by defeating the Chola army.

      Dambulla cave temple is located very close to Dambulla town and it takes only a few minutes to reach it from the Dambulla city centre. If you are coming from places like Bentota, Galle, or Negombo and heading to historical places such as Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, invariably you have to pass Dambulla, which means you can visit the Dambulla cave temple without any extra drive. Usually, Sri Lanka’s 2-day tour to Sigiriya includes the Dambulla cave temple in the program.

      The entrance fee to the Dambulla cave temple is USD 10.00 and one is required to properly dress upon entering the site.

      IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION ON DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE PLEASE PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINK

      What are the places included in Sri Lanka 2 days trip to Dambulla?

      • Dambulla golden cave temple
      • Safari at Minneriya national park
      • Pinnawala elephant orphanage
      • Sigiriya rock fortress
      • Pidurangala temple
      • Herbal/Spice garden

      3. Places to visit in Sri Lanka: Kandy, 117 km from Colombo 4+ hours driving

      Kandy is a historical city with a large number of Buddhist temples and is also regarded as the cultural centre of Sri Lanka. There are many interesting places to visit near Kandy, including botanical gardens, temples, tea gardens, lakes and rivers, wildlife sanctuaries, cultural performances, and the Pinnawala elephant orphanage. Kandy is one of the best places for a top-notch shopping experience, where you can buy gems and jewellery, clothing, leather products, tea, spices, and souvenirs. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KANDY.

      Tooth relic temple

      Visiting the tooth relic temple is the most important activity of this Sri Lanka 2 days trip. The tooth relic temple resides in the city of Kandy, which is the most important Buddhist temple on the island. Tens of thousands of Buddhist devotees visit the temple every day, so visitors should pay close attention to the dress code while they are there. CLICK HERE TO GET MORE DETAILS ON THE TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE.

      What are the important places to visit in Sri Lanka on a 2 days trip to Kandy?

      • Tooth relic temple
      • Historical museum
      • Tea museum
      • Royal botanical garden
      • Kandy lake (boating)
      • Tea factory
      • Pinnawala elephant orphanage
      • Kandyan cultural show
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      This 2-day Sri Lanka tour includes 2 most important tourist attractions in southern Sri Lanka Yala and Galle Fort, on this 2 days private tour you will be visiting many tourist attritions such as the Madu River estuary, Yala national park, Galle Fort, Moonstone Mines, sea turtle conservation project, Galle fort as well as Yala wildlife reserve. The tour includes a full-day safari at Yala national park with a picnic lunch. The tour includes entire ground transportation places to visit in Sri Lankan, a live guide, accommodation, and all taxes

      4. Places to visit in Sri Lanka, Yala national Park, 166 km from Colombo 3+ hours driving

      Sri Lanka’s 2 days tour package to Yala is one of the most popular activities among foreign travellers because it enables them to see one of the rarest animals in the world, the leopard. The 2 days trip to Yala can be booked from 40+ hotels in western and southern Sri Lanka. The 2 days trip to Sri Lanka is available either with a full-day Yala safari or a regular 3-hour jeep safari.

      What are the important places to visit on Sri Lanka 2 days trip to Yala?

      • Yala national park
      • Galle fort
      • Hikkaduwa beach
      • Madu River estuary
      • Sea turtle conservation project
      • Mask Museum

      5. Nuwara Eliya, 126 km from Colombo 5+ hours driving

      sitting at an elevation of 1800 meters above sea level, Nuwar Eliya is one of the most popular hill country resorts in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka hill country resorts such as Nuwar Eliya and Ella are undeniably captivating. It comes in such contrast to the picturesque coconut tree-lined beaches, and the bustling cities of Colombo and Negombo. The world-renowned Ceylon tea comes from the hills of Sri Lanka’s inland tea stations. Nuwara Eliya was one of the most popular settlements among colonial rulers due to its healing climate.

      The drive from Colombo and most other beach resorts on the west coast to Nuwara Eliya takes around 5 hours due to a large number of bends on the steep road. Nuwara Eliya sits 1800 meters above sea level, which is the main reason for its popularity as a holiday destination. Road travel and rail travel are the most popular transport modes to drive to Sri Lanka’s hill country. Traveling by train or bus gives you the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery of the hill country. But travel by train is very popular among travelers, and the Sri Lanka hill country train ride is considered one of the most scenic train trips in the world. And it’s part of Sri Lanka’s unexpected charm in the variety of landscapes and cultures for a small island nation.

      Nuwara Eliya is a holiday destination with a healing climate, where the temperature hovers around 20 degrees Celsius. Tea gardens and mountain peaks surround Nuwara Eliya.  Unlike most other 2-day trips in Sri Lanka, you will not encounter many religious sites here, and most importantly, it is highly unlikely to visit a Buddhist temple with historical importance. However, you will visit the Sita temple and Hanuman temple, both Hindu shrines.

      What are the important places to visit on Sri Lanka 2 days trip to Nuwara Eliya?

      • Gregory lake, tea factory
      • Ambewela farm
      • Horton plains national park
      • strawberry farm
      • Seetha Temple
      • Waterfalls
      • Haggala botanical garden
      • Victoria Park

      6. Places to visit in Sri Lanka: Polonnaruwa, Polonnaruwa-230 km from Colombo 5+ hours driving

      The historical city of Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan kings in the 11th century ruled the island from Polonnaruwa. The historical city of Polonnaruwa hides many dozens of historical places that date back many centuries.

      The main reason for venturing on a 2 day Sri Lankan trip to Polonnaruwa is to visit the historical monuments because Polonnaruwa is a living testimony of the rich culture and history of ancient Sri Lanka. In the archaeological site, you can see parks, lakes, gardens, palaces, temples, and many other historical monuments.  

      What are the important places to visit on Sri Lanka 2 days trip to Polonnaruwa?

      • The historical city of Polonnaruwa
      • Sigiriya rock fortress
      • Dambulla cave temple
      • Minneriya national park (safari)
      • spice garden
      • handicraft centre
      • Hiriwadunna village (village tour and cooking class)
      • Pinnawala elephant orphanage

      7. Galle: 120 km from Colombo, 4+ hours driving

      Galle is the capital of southern Sri Lanka and a popular beach resort. Galle Fort is the most popular landmark in the city and is a UNESCO world heritage site due to its historical importance. Galle Fort is the best preserved Dutch-built Fort in the region and it dates back to the 15th century AD.

      A sizable wall surrounds the fort, which also contains a complete city with sizable residences and businesses. Today most buildings function as hotels, guest houses, restaurants, shops, cafes, bars, and, museums. Take a stroll along the cobblestoned, narrow streets and see the well-preserved Dutch-built mansions in the old Dutch style.  

      What are the important places to visit on Sri Lanka 2 days trip to Galle?

      • Galle Fort
      • Hikkaduwa beach
      • Madu River estuary
      • Bentota beach
      • Mask Museum
      • Hikkaduwa marine sanctuary
      • Sea turtle conservation project-visiting the sea turtle conservation project on the Galle tour is an important highlight to most travellers because it offers a close look at this endangered marine creature.
      • Moonstone mines

      This whale-watching day tour starts from Colombo and other major beach resorts on the west coast of Sri Lanka. This one-day tour includes an all-inclusive whale-watching tour off Mirissa and a guided walking tour of Galle Fort. On this one-day tour, you will also visit the spice garden, mask museum, and sea turtle conservation center. The private tour includes entire ground transportation in a luxury vehicle, breakfast, a live guide, and all taxes.

      8. Places to visit in Sri Lanka Mirissa is 152 km from Colombo, 2+ hours driving

      Mirissa is a multi-faceted holiday destination in Sri Lanka and Mirissa is a family beach holiday destination in Sri Lanka as it offers a wide range of activities for the entire family. Mirissa is the whale-watching hub in Asia and one of the most popular spots for whale-watching tours in the world.  Mirissa had been a popular beach resort in the south but today it is more than a beach resort due to the popularity of whale-watching tours.

      A large number of travellers set off from Mirissa in search of blue whales, and sperm whales. Spotting whales is quite easy in Mirissa, especially from November to April as a large number of whales migrate to the Sri Lankan waters from the Arabian Sea.  A two-day trip in Sri Lanka to Mirissa usually includes an overnight stay in Mirissa in view of the early departure of whale-watching boats from the harbour.

      What are the important places to visit on Sri Lanka 2 days trip to Mirissa?

      • Mirissa Beach
      • Galle fortress
      • Hikkaduwa beach
      • Madu River estuary
      • Bentota beach
      • Mask Museum
      • Hikkaduwa marine sanctuary
      • Sea turtle conservation project
      • Moonstone mines

      9. Udawalawe national Park, 150 km from Colombo 3+ hours driving

      If you make a trip to Udawalawe, it is purely due to the wildlife observation at Udawalawe national park, Udawalawe national park is one of the best places to sport a large gathering of wild elephants. The remote tourist attraction can be visited on a day trip from Colombo; however, if you would like to explore the national park without much haste, it is recommended to go on this Sri Lanka 2 day trip to Udawalawe.

      Important tourist places that you can visit on this 2 day trip in Sri Lanka are Galle Fort, Hikkaduwa Beach, Udawalawe elephant transit camp, Madu River estuary, Bentota Beach, Mask Museum, Hikkaduwa Marine, Sanctuary, Sea Turtle Conservation Project, and Moonstone Mines.

      The two-day trip in Sri Lanka to Udawalawe national park can be easily combined with other tours such as a Yala national park tour, the whale watching trip, and the Galle two-day trip.

      What are the important places to visit on Sri Lanka 2 days trip to Udawalawe national park?

      • Udawalawe national park
      • Udawalawe elephant transit camp
      • Mirissa Beach
      • Galle fort
      • Hikkaduwa beach
      • Madu River estuary
      • Bentota beach
      • Mask Museum
      • Hikkaduwa marine sanctuary
      • Sea turtle conservation project
      • Moonstone mines

      10. Adam’s peak, 137 km from Colombo 4+ hours driving

      Sri Lanka is blessed with many dramatic and beautiful mountains, Many of these mountains see only a handful of travellers every year; however, there is an exception with regard to Adams peak. Adam’s Peak, or Sri Lanka’s holy mountain, has become a popular pilgrimage site for local travellers and a popular adventure site for foreign travellers.

      The 2 days trip in Sri Lanka to Adam’s peak essentially involved a 5-hour hike to visit the footprint of Buddha, which resides at the pinnacle of the mountain. The hike can be a very tiring task, making you rest for a few days at your hotel. However, many travellers take this challenge and make the upward journey on their feet. A lush, green forest surrounds the mountain, which is located in a reserve. The abundance of spellbinding scenery is the biggest reason for its popularity among foreign travellers.

      What are the important places to visit on Sri Lanka 2 days trip to Adam’s peak?

      • Adams peak
      • Kitulgala
      • Ratnapura saman devala
      • Gem museum/factory
      2 days kandy kitulgala tour
      Venture on a Southern Sri Lanka tour to see the important tourist attraction on Sri Lanka’s south coast such as Wildlife parks, beaches, forts, museums, parks, and town

      11. Kitulgala, 90 km from Colombo 3+ hours driving

      Although most famed as a destination for Whitewater rafting, Kitulgala on Sri Lanka’s west coast is a wonderful destination in its own right, with boulder-rich rugged terrain, scenic trekking, rain forests, and terrain varying from steep escarpments and rainforests to granite caves and green-capped mountains. There are a few set routes, which makes for many possibilities. 

      A 2 days trip in Sri Lanka to Kitulgala will be a very thrilling and happening tour for most travellers, and it involves many adrenaline-pumping activities such as mountain climbing, rainforest trekking, water rafting, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and caving. Usually, adventure lovers love this trip and it is available from more than 40+ hotels in western and southern Sri Lanka, as well as from the airport. The trip can be easily done on a day trip from Colombo with fewer activities such as water fasting, kayaking, and jungle trekking.

      Kitulgala is not purely an adventure holiday destination and it offers many patches of forests suitable for Sri Lanka jungle tours and treks. Kitulgala rainforest is one such rainforest located bordering the Kelaniya river, which can be used for jungle trekking. The duration of the Sri Lanka jungle tour based on the Kitulgala rainforest is very short, it may not last more than 2 hours, because it is small in extent compared to most rainforests in Sri Lanka.

      Belilena, a pre-historic cave located near Kitulgala, is another noteworthy tourist attraction, considered to be a residence of a pre-historic man in Sri Lanka. A large number of stone implements have been discovered in the cave during the excavations.

      12. Sinharaja rainforest, 138 km from Colombo 3+ hours driving

      At the moment, there is no shortage of jungle cover in Sri Lanka; forests cover about 24% of the island. A large part of the remaining forest cover of Sri Lanka consists of steamy rainforests, so pristine rainforests such as the Sinharaja rainforest are considered ecosystems with one of the richest and most biologically important habitats.

      Sri Lanka’s primaeval forest cover shrank considerably in the 18th century due to the expansions of tea plantations and other crops within its border. Deforestation was considerably lowered during the post-colonial era. However, there had been a rainforest massacre in the recent past, based in Wilpattu national park. The politicians encroached on a sizable portion of Wilpattu National Park in order to increase human settlements.

      The Sinharaja rainforest has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its rich biodiversity puts it on the radar of the international community. Sinharaja rainforest is one of the few last remaining rainforests in the world. Visiting this most valuable natural asset of Sri Lanka would undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience for any traveller. The lush green forest of Sinharaja is one of the oldest patches of rainforests in the world and its roots date back many millennia (Gondwanaland era).

      The travellers have the valuable opportunity to visit the Sinharaja forest by venturing on a Sinharaja rainforest tour, They can trek through the Sinharaja forest and see the immense natural wealth of the forest. One of our nature experts accompanies visitors on the approximately 4-hour trek and provides them with all the pertinent information about this ecological wonder. Sinharaja rainforest is one of the best places for Sri Lanka jungle tours and it is part of most Sri Lanka nature tours.

      Travel Tips for Your 2-Day Sri Lanka Tour

      1. Transportation:
        • Consider hiring a private driver for Day 1 to maximize your time
        • Book train tickets in advance, especially during peak season
      2. Accommodation:
        • Stay in Kandy on your first night and Ella on the second
        • Book centrally located hotels to minimize transit time
      3. Clothing:
        • Pack modest clothing for temple visits
        • Bring comfortable walking shoes and lightweight, breathable clothes
      4. Health and Safety:
        • Stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities
        • Use mosquito repellent to prevent insect bites
      5. Cultural Sensitivity:
        • Always remove shoes before entering temples
        • Ask permission before photographing monks or local people
      6. Money:
        • Carry some cash, as not all places accept cards
        • Inform your bank about your travel to avoid card issues

      Health Tips

      • Stay hydrated
      • Use Mineral water/bottled water
      • Use mosquito repellent or nets
      • Eat at reputable places

      What to Pack for a 2-Day Sri Lanka Tour

      • Comfortable walking shoes
      • Light, breathable clothing
      • Modest outfit for temple visits (covering shoulders and knees)
      • Hat and sunglasses
      • Sunscreen
      • Mosquito repellent
      • Reusable water bottle
      • Power bank for your devices
      • Camera with extra batteries
      • Small daypack
      • Light rain jacket (especially during monsoon season)

      Respect the Sri Lankan Cultural

      Quick tips for respectful travel [source: https://www.eth.gov.lk/cultural-etiquette/]:

      How do I book a 2-day trip in Sri Lanka?

      Seerendipity Tours is a fully owned local travel company that organises all-year-round Sri Lanka trips. Please contact us at admin@seerendipitytours.com for more information. The travellers can book or get more information about Sri Lanka by calling us on 0094774440977 or WhatsApping us on 009477www0977.

      Seerendipity Tour is a fully locally owned travel company with a head office in Colombo. The highly experienced local staff is a key strength of Seerendipity Tours, and they can plan your dream holiday to Sri Lanka. When you book a tour with us, you directly book the tour with a local tour operator, which means there are no middlemen between you and the tour company, therefore, you can eliminate the commissions charged by third parties and online booking portals.

      Simply get in touch with us and let us know when you travel and what you like to see. Our staff makes a personalized program for you, which you can change until you find the best package for you. You can also browse our existing Sri Lanka tour packages for inspiration; all our ready-made tour packages are customizable and can be tailored to meet all your expectations. Write to us at admin@seerendipitytours.com.

      24 thoughts on “12 best places for Sri Lanka 2-day trips”

      1. WOW, just what I was searching for. We are heading to Sri Lanka in August with Kids on a 2-week holiday. I’m gathering some information about Sri Lanka’s 1 day tours and I’m gathering some information about Sri Lanka’s 1-day tours and 2-day trips to do during our vacation.

        Reply

      3. Well I truly enjoyed studying your article on places to visit in Sri Lanka on a 2 days tour. This post provided by you is very useful for correct planning.

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      4. We planned to visit Colombo in November this year but had to postpone it due to COVID-19, We definitely take the Yala 2 days trip as you suggest here, It seems to be very nice activity.

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      5. What is better, taking few day trips and 2 day trips to toruist attraction from the beach hotel or first make large trip like one week road trip and visiting important attraction along the way. We are hpoping to visit Srilanka on a 2 weeks trip and we need to have 1-week relaxation on the beach.

        Reply

        1. Dear Ms Wu
          Thank you for contacting us. As far as my experience is concerned, it is best to plan a 1-week trip first and relax on the beach rest of the holiday. That way you can save a lot of time and money because you spend far less time on travelling compared to other methods (taking Sri Lanka day trips and 2-day trips). It means you can have some leisure even during the trip.

          However, please be kindly informed Sri Lankan airports are still closed for foreign travellers due to COVID-19.

          Reply

      7. We were looking for few ideas to plan our short trips in Sri Lanka and fortunately, we came across this nice article with plenty of information on how to plan a 2 days trip in Seri Lanka.

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      8. Excellent collection of places for a Sri Lanka trip. We visited Sigiriya on Sri Lanka 1 day trip, it was agreat place to be and you can see a large number of ancient monuments.

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      12. We were not able to book 2 days trip as suggested in this article as we had booked the beach hotel for our entire stay. But we visited a few places mentioned here on day trips.

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      13. We did not take part any of the two day trip mentioned here, but this article led us to find a local tour operator for us to organize our Sri Lanka trip. It was a nice trip and with all things were properly planned by a local tour operators. very nice hasle free trip, very affordable Sri Lanak tour.

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      14. We decide to book 2 trips (Galle tour and Sigiriya trip) after reading the article and both of them were good activities, highly recommended.

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      15. We are not much into adventure things but decided to book the Kitulagla tour because we liked the village walk, rainforest trek and bird watching. Water rafting was not as adventurous as we thought and it was also a very fun activity. 2 days trip to Kitulagla was great and we booked it with the local operator they suggested here. They gave us the same exact trip mentioned here.

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      16. We were in Sri Lanka few years back. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country one of the best destination we ever visited.

        Reply

      17. Excellent article on Sri Lanka 2 days trip places, very descriptive and make a clear picture about Sri Lanka 2 days trip places.

        Reply

      21. Hi author

        we do like to visit east coast of Sri Lanka because we have heard that east coast Sri Lanka are very beautiful and excellent spots for swimming, diving, snorkelling and basking on teh sky. Can you give us a plan for a 2 days trip based on east coast?

        Reply

        1. Dear Salin

          Thank you for contacting us. We do like to suggest you below plan for your 2 days trip in the east coast, However, make sure you are travelling to the east coast during the south monsoon (from October to April). This is the best time of the year to travel to the east coast because the rest of the year the sea is rough and not suitable for beach holidays.

          Day 1: driver to East coast from Colombo, en route visit Trincomalee. reach the hotel in Nilaveli by non and leisure.
          Say 2: leisure in the morning and water sport late in the evening start the return journey.

          Reply

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