Sri Lanka itinerary for 2 weeks beach and sights???

Hello Graham

If your parents are keen on the cultural parts of Sri Lanka, the cultural triangle (around Habarana or Sigiriya) offers many lovely hotels and I could easily spend a week there, but it is a shame to miss out on the many other places that Sri Lanka has to offer.

Personally, I would prefer to stay 2 or 3 nights at one place and then move on a bit, but if they are adamant that they only want one base, then probably Kandy is your best bet. From there, you can see the best known places in the cultural triangle (albeit with a bit of a drive), the attractions in and around Kandy itself like the botanical gardens, Temple of the Tooth, elephant orphanage (bit touristy for me but most people seem to like it). And you are also within driving distance of the hill country to see something of the lovely scenery, tea plantations and waterfalls.

If you want to spend a whole week on the beach, the south coast ones are the best, but you have to be prepared for a drive to reach them. Otherwise, there are plenty of resorts to choose from on the west coast. I like a day or two at the start and end of my holiday in Negombo which is convenient for the airport, but I don't think I'd want a whole week there. Bentota further down the west coast has a nice beach and would be less of a drive for your parents. Maybe someone else can advise you on the beach part of it because I tend to stay inland for my holidays in Sri Lanka with just a few days on the south coast.

Hope this helps a bit

Sue

Hi friend,
Nice to see you will visit sri lanka.If your parent like to have nice 3star hotel in south of country I like to recomend
VILLA OCEAN VIEW HOTEL.Wich is very nice hotel beach is nice and food is very good.It is located at WADDUWA.
and close to air port.They can have nice relax holiday.After week or so they can travel to see the country.

If you want more inforemation you can contect us.

e- mail ruchitailoredtours@hotmail.com If want we can assist you to book hotels and transport for good deal. cheers.

Hi,

A good beach base on the south coast is Unawatuna. From there you can visit the following places by tuk tuk or taxi:

Galle Fort - beautiful small village with colonial style houses in Galle
Yatagalla rock temple (really beautiful temple made by the natural setting of impossibly hanging boulders)
Turtle hatcharies
Koggala lake (you can take a boat trip and visit a spice garden)
Walk drive up the Rumasalla road (at the end of the beach) up to the temple to watch the sun set (or rise!)
Take a tour to the rainforest or one of the local forest reserves (get in touch with Rainforest Rescue International for more information - +94 91 2232585 or email julia@earthrestoration.org)

You can also take overnight trips from there if you want to head further afield...

There are lots of different accommodation options available to match your budget and it is a lovely beach. You can also visit quieter nearby beaches such as Mirissa (about 45 min away)

thanks for all your replies. they have settled for a beach - beruwela - and will maybe spend a day or two in kandy, as well as some of the thing suggested here. Thanks again.