Review: A Whirlwind 2-Day Tour from Kandy, Taking in Sigiriya & Nuwara Eliya

So, you’re thinking about seeing quite a bit of Sri Lanka in just two days? That can feel rather ambitious, and this review will look into a popular itinerary: a two-day trip that whisks you away from Kandy to Sigiriya and then on to Nuwara Eliya. A fast-paced adventure it is, for sure, but just how enjoyable and feasible is it really? I’ll give you the inside scoop, so you can figure out if it’s a good choice for your travel style.

First Stop: The Sacred City of Kandy

Starting in Kandy, well it’s almost like stepping back in time, that! A city positively buzzing with history and culture, right at the heart of Sri Lanka. A tour often kicks off with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), so, said to house a tooth of Buddha. Getting amongst the devotees and the scent of incense definitely gives you a sense of the spiritual heartbeat of the place, in a way.

There might be time for a quick wander around Kandy Lake, a picturesque body of water right in the city’s core, actually. Afterwards, some tours include a cultural show featuring traditional Sri Lankan dance and music, typically. While the show is a decent overview, is that not so, it can sometimes feel a bit rushed, with not much time to really absorb the artistry. Overall, Kandy is a solid start, and sets a really great cultural tone for the days to come, right?

Ascending Sigiriya: The Lion Rock

Day two starts with an early rise for a drive to Sigiriya, roughly a few hours north of Kandy, in fact. Trust me, the early start is, anyway, so worth it. Sigiriya, also referred to as Lion Rock, really is a sight that’ll stay with you. Rising dramatically from the flat landscape, and so the scale is almost breathtaking.

The climb to the summit is, to be honest, a bit challenging. A good level of fitness helps as you face hundreds of stairs, anyway, with rather persistent monkeys eyeing your belongings as you ascend. A worthwhile challenge it is, as you will be rewarded at the summit with incredible panoramic views, actually! Don’t miss the ancient frescoes painted on the rock face and the remains of what was once a majestic palace. The history alone makes the climb very compelling. Taking it slowly, and frequent pauses, helps with the heat, so I recommend that for you.

Journeying to Nuwara Eliya: Little England

From the historical heights of Sigiriya, the tour shifts to the cooler climes of Nuwara Eliya, so very high up in the hill country. The drive itself can take a fair chunk of the afternoon. That said, the views are, apparently, so stunning, so you’ll be passing by cascading waterfalls, sprawling tea plantations, that.

Nuwara Eliya, often called ‘Little England’, has a quite colonial vibe. Expect to see charming bungalows and well-manicured gardens and stuff. Tea is the thing here, basically! So a tea factory visit is usually on the cards. You’ll see how tea is processed, plus have the chance to sample different varieties. Often, you may get the chance to take some brilliant photos. If time allows, and that might be a push, you can explore Gregory Lake or maybe even play a round of golf at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club.

Things to Keep in Mind on This Whirlwind Adventure

Okay, so fitting Kandy, Sigiriya, and Nuwara Eliya into two days means a rather packed itinerary. Early mornings and some drives can get a bit long. Pick comfortable clothing and footwear that is appropriate and so bring layers, given the varying climates.

This sort of tour often involves quite a few optional extras, such as entrance fees to sites. Ensure you know what is included, because costs can quickly add up. Are you the kind of person who likes things well organized? Think about pre-booking to reduce stress.

The quality of your tour can come down to the guide, for sure. Research the tour operators in advance, check reviews, make sure you choose carefully. A great guide should have, too, a decent level of information about Sri Lanka, handle logistics and bring local culture alive for you.

So, Is this 2-Day Tour a Great Idea?

Is your idea of travel getting a taste of lots of places, yet not delving too deep? If you said ‘yes’, then you could just love this high-speed Sri Lankan experience, very! Think about it this way. In just two days, anyway, you’ll take in historic temples, and then scale ancient fortresses, before being transported into the verdant hills and tea plantations. If you know there’ll be less focus on in-depth exploration, that might be better.

However, if you just love taking things slower, lingering longer, and maybe getting off the beaten track a bit, then a less packed itinerary might, basically, be what you need. Always keep in mind the driving times and the early starts needed to actually get to see each location.

A 2-day tour can give you just a wonderful taste of Sri Lanka. Should you prepare properly for a tight schedule, a high-impact experience will ensue. I hope that my humble review, will anyway, so give you a great sense for such Sri Lankan adventures, as it’s good to know that it’s an adventure awaiting those who opt for the same.