Hugh Sitton / Stocksy United

Sri Lanka

Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavorful food make Sri Lanka irresistible.

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Best Time to Visit

Best Places to Visit

Start planning your trip

Best Time to Visit

Best Places to Visit

Attractions

Must-see attractions for your itinerary

Gal Vihara
Polonnaruwa
Part of Parakramabahu I’s northern monastery, Gal Vihara is a group of beautiful Buddha images that probably marks the high point of Sinhalese rock…
Uda Walawe National Park
Uda Walawe National Park
With herds of elephants, wild buffalos, sambars and spotted deer, and giant squirrels, this Sri Lankan national park is one of the nation's finest. In…
Kumana National Park
The East
This 357-sq-km park, once known as Yala East, is much less frequently visited than its busy neighbour, Yala National Park. Consequently, it's a far less…
Jaffna Fort
Jaffna
Long the gatehouse of the city, the vast Jaffna fort, overlooking the Jaffna lagoon, has been fought over for centuries. Today you can wander its walls,…
Dutch Hospital
Colombo
This terracotta-tiled, Dutch-era structure dates back to the early 1600s. Beautifully restored, it's now home to trendy shops, cafes and restaurants. In…
National Museum
Colombo
Offering a captivating walk through Sri Lankan history, this delightful Colombo museum sprawls across a gleaming white, neo-Baroque building constructed…
Arugam Bay Beach
Arugam Bay
This long crescent of sand, partially shaded by coconut palms, is as good a reason as any to visit Arugam Bay. In season, its appeal to surfers is obvious…
Mirissa Beach
Mirissa
A vision of tropical bliss, Mirissa Beach boasts powdery pale sand, while its azure water is framed by an arc of coconut palms. The west side is the…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

From remarkable train rides to world-class surfing, here are the best things to do on a visit to Sri Lanka.

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Things to Know

Poised off the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka is defined by its rich culture and friendly people. Here's what you need to know for a trouble-free trip.

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Transportation

Traveling around Sri Lanka by train is one of Asia's favorite adventures, but there are many other ways to explore. Here are the best ways to get around.

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Visa Requirements

Here’s our guide to navigating the entry requirements for visiting Sri Lanka as a tourist, with information on visa types, costs and how to apply for one.

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Money and Costs

With travel experiences that don't break the bank and incredible hospitality, Sri Lanka is a great place to visit for those on a budget.

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Best Road Trips

Hire a car and driver or rent a motorcycle to road trip through Sri Lanka – it’s the best way to explore the temples, national parks and beaches.

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