Sri Lanka
Hugh Sitton / Stocksy United
Overview
Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavorful food make Sri Lanka irresistible.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
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…
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
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,…
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…
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…
Colombo
Offering a captivating walk through Sri Lankan history, this delightful Colombo museum sprawls across a gleaming white, neo-Baroque building constructed…
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
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…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
From finding the best surf to trying the ultimate local dishes, here are the top things to do in Sri Lanka.
Read articleBest Places to Visit
From beautiful beach resorts and wildlife-filled national parks to ruined cities, here are the essential spots to see in Sri Lanka.
Read articleBest Time to Visit
If anywhere deserves to be called a year-round destination, it’s Sri Lanka. From surf season to elephant-spotting season, here are the best times to come.
Read articleThings to Know
From navigating the heat to local phrases and dress codes, we've got all the insider info on what you need to know before visiting Sri Lanka.
Read articleTransportation
Our guide to transportation can help you plan the best way for your travels around Sri Lanka.
Read articleMoney and Costs
Whether you’re coming for just a few days or backpacking for months, here are some helpful ways to keep your costs down and visit Sri Lanka on a budget.
Read articleTraveling with Kids
Whether you're traveling with toddlers or teenagers, we give you tips on where to stay and what to do for an unforgettable family adventure in Sri Lanka.
Read articleBest Road Trips
Hire a car and driver or rent a motorcycle and explore the best of Sri Lanka with these road trip routes.
Read articleGet Connected
Sri Lanka is the perfect Indian Ocean getaway, and your cell phone is a handy tool for exploring. Here's what you need to know about getting connected.
Read articlePlan with a local
Articles
Latest stories from Sri Lanka
Filter by interest:
Tips & AdviceHow to get your cell phone connected in Sri Lanka: eSIMs, wi-fi and mobile networksMar 4, 2025 • 9 min read
BeachesSri Lanka or the Philippines: which incredible Asian country is right for you?Feb 17, 2025 • 8 min read
Budget Travel16 tips for keeping costs low on your next Sri Lanka adventureJan 13, 2025 • 8 min read
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