Sri Lanka is an island nation. Therefore you might think that 2 weeks is too long a time to spend in Sri Lanka. But what you must consider is that this island nation has a written history of over 2500 years, and was one of the most developed civilizations in the ancient world. Therefore, obviously, it has something to see wherever you go, be it culture, history, or nature. So, to answer your question whether 2 weeks would be too much for Sri Lanka, my answer would be it’s not too long at all.
Then you will ask me, what is there to see in a small island? The answer is not short. I can go on for days, but here’s a few reasons why you need more than 2 weeks to explore Sri Lanka, and what activities you can engage in during your stay.
Nature
Sri Lanka has rain-forests, rivers, mountains, different climate zones, wildlife ranging from birds to elephants, and the list goes on and on. Given below are a few highlights that come to my mind right now. For them alone, you will need more than 2 weeks in Sri Lanka if you decide to enjoy the natural wonders of this island nation.
National Parks to observe herds of wild elephants.
Wasgamuwa, Udawalawe, Minneriya, Kaudulla, and Gal Oya are just a few national parks known for roaming herds of Asian elephants. Amazing views of adult and baby elephants coming in their hundreds, and frolicking by the tanks and sometimes swimming in them, are things that will never be equalled anywhere else in the world.
Bird watching
Sri Lanka has 34 endemic bird species, and altogether 492 species across the island. You will find that there’s no area in Sri Lanka that doesn’t have beautiful birds wherever you go. All national parks, forest reserves, river valleys, mountains, villages, and pretty much anywhere is a bird watching area in Sri Lanka. But merely for the record, well known areas for bird watching include the Kumana, Bundala, and Horton Plains national parks, and many wetlands like Beddagana Wetland Park which is in close proximity to Colombo.
National Parks for Leopard sighting
Yala National Park is known to be the natural habitat with the highest density of leopards in the world. Apart from that the Wilpattu National Park is another absolutely fabulous national park to observe leopards in their natural setting.
Lakes and reservoirs
There are many natural and man-made lakes and reservoirs in all parts of Sri Lanka. Thousands of reservoirs built during the early civilization around 5th century BC are still a wonderful sight while natural lakes are found in abundance in many parts of the country.
Waterfalls
Bambarakanda, Diyaluma, and Ramboda are some of the most popular waterfalls among tourists. However there are many other equally beautiful and equally tall waterfalls across Sri Lanka. Dunhinda, Devon, St.Clair, and Aberdeen waterfalls attract thousands of tourists due to their unparalleled beauty. But they are just only a fraction of the list of waterfalls found in Sri Lanka.
Mountains, rainforests, rivers
Nature’s treasure trove in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has mountains and rivers of outstanding beauty. Sinharaja rain forest is the largest rain forest in Sri Lanka, with thousands of endemic species of fauna and flora.
History
Built in the 5th century BC, Anuradhapura is the oldest planned city in Sri Lanka. Having been the capital for almost 1500 years, it has thousands of ruins of monasteries, palaces, ponds, hospitals, artefacts, and many other features that stand in testimony for one of the most developed civilizations of its time.
Polonnaruwa is a medieval kingdom that was the most successful in terms of agriculture. Ocean-like tanks built in its day are proud reminders of the golden era of Sri Lankan self sufficiency. Palaces, temples, and many other remnants of the era are for you to see and admire.
Kandy, the last kingdom of Sri Lanka is another world heritage site which is still the capital city of the Central Province of Sri Lanka. You can stay there, engage with the community, and learn about the ordinary life in the country.
If you had the doubt whether 2 weeks is too long to visit Sri Lanka, visiting the ancient cities alone will require a considerable amount of that time if you decide to see them all.
Culture
Inherited from ancient times, and developing throughout the passing millennia, the arts and crafts of Sri Lanka showcase the talent of the locals, their artistic tastes, and the values of and advanced culture.
The Kandy Pageant known as the Esala Perahera is a highly popular cultural event which thousands of visitors wait for months to take a glance at. Various cultural events fill the calendar with something every month to get the people together. You will need more than 2 weeks to enjoy what Sri Lanka has to offer in terms of cultural experiences.
Landscape
Sri Lanka is a country with colourful lively cities, laid back villages, sprawling green fields, misty mountains, and pristine beaches. But if you are looking for lively beaches with surfing and boating, then you have them too.
Sprawling tea estates covering thousands of acres in the hill country are the reminders of the colonial times. Small villages scattered among them still showcase the many features inherited from the colonial era.
Rivers and lakes scattered across the country provide space for a quiet and calm life. But if you are interested in water sports and fun activities then there are places for that too.
Conclusion
Were you in doubt whether 2 weeks are too much to spend in Sri Lanka? Well, the answer clearly is “no”. 2 weeks are barely enough to see the main items shown in a majority of itineraries, and if you need to see them properly to get an authentic experience, then consider 2 weeks the bare minimum recommended.
