Explore Sri Lanka

Welcome to Sri Lanka. Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavourful food make Sri Lanka irresistible. ... One of the joys of travel in Sri Lanka is the delicious, spice-rich food.

Wildlife

Despite its size, Sri Lanka is highlighted as one of the Top Five Global Diversity Hotspots. Featuring over 25 National Parks, each with its own unique charm, playing host to over 106 species of amphibians, of which 90 are endemic, making it a coveted destination for nature enthusiasts from around the world. Whether it is the thrill of seeking out the elusive sloth bear or the stealthy leopard or pursuing the ideal picture of migratory or resident birds, Sri Lanka offers one of the most accessible and best-preserved opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural environment.

Hotspots
  • Sinharaja Rainforest
  • Yala National Park (World’s Highest Density of Leopards)
  • Bird Sanctuaries
  • Minneriya National Park

Adventure

With varying climates and diverse geography packed into the small island, Sri Lanka is truly a paradise for thrill-seekers. From the mountain tops, through the winding rivers, and to the depths of the ocean, you are sure to find the adrenaline rush of your choosing.

Hotspots
  • Arugam Bay
  • Kithulgala
  • Knuckles Mountain Range
  • Hikkaduwa
  • Trincomalee
  • Bambarakanda waterfall
  • Bentota

Cultural Heritage

The depth of Sri Lanka’s heritage spans over 3000 years and is recognized by UNESCO, by declaring six archaeological World Heritage Sites. From the ancient frescos adorning the cave walls at Sigiriya, to the ancient structures than stand in the cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, enthusiasts can visit all these sites in the small region referred to the Cultural Triangle.

Hotspots
  • Sigiriya - 8th Wonder of the World
  • Polonnaruwa - Ancient Irrigation system
  • Digamadulla - Agricultural
  • Kandy - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Galle Fort - Colonial fort

Tea Trails & Waterfalls

Littered with romantic landscapes, governed by rising mountains, lush forests, ocean-sized lakes and gushing waterfalls, Sri Lanka is considered the true lost paradise by globetrotters. Take a magically journey of the tea trails, through majestic waterfalls and beautiful landscapes carved into the hills by the colonials for the cultivation of the world’s finest tea. Experience the art of plucking as well as the tasting of the finest.

Hotspots
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • Deniyaya
  • Kandy
  • Hatton

Yoga & Meditation

Compliment your mind and body with a spiritual journey for the soul. Yoga and meditation are widely practiced in Sri Lanka. Find yourself in many breath-taking backdrops in the hills, or get lost in the solitude of a forest, or in the spiritual calm of temple; whatever the experience you seek to help channel your energies, you are sure to find the perfect yoga and meditation retreat to foster your quest for inner peace.

Food & Shopping

Since ancient times, Sri Lanka was always a key point on the Silk Route. Today, you will find things have not changed much is this aspect. Whether your idea of retail therapy entails shopping for international designer brands or if you seek the thrill of the best bargain in one of many marketplaces, Sri Lanka has just what you need! Experiencing the food in Sri Lanka is an adventure in itself. Coupled together with the easy access to herbs and spices, as well as the history of colonials, you will discover subtle influences of foreign cuisine embedded into the flavours. Appraised by international chefs as a must-visit destination for the foodie, Sri Lanka’s wide offering of food truly is a mind-blowing experience.

Hotspots
  • Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct - Colombo
  • Independence Arcade - Colombo
  • Dutch Fort - Galle
  • Kandy City Center - Kandy

Colombo by Night

The commercial capital is bustling during the day but comes alive at night. Take a walk in search of street foods and delicacies, unwind in one of Colombo’s many rooftop bars, overlooking the city. For a night on the wild side, head over to one of Colombo’s nightclubs or lounges and dance the night away.

Hotspots
  • Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct - Multi-Cuisine Restaurants and Bars
  • Flamingo House & Love Bar - Restaurant/Bar and Lounge
  • 41 Sugar - Rooftop Restaurant and Bar

Ayurveda & Reflexology

synergy of mind and body. With roots dating back over 3 centuries, Sri Lanka’s Ayurveda is an adoption of practices that has been widely used in Eastern civilizations. Indulge your senses at one of many Ayurveda and reflexology spas across Sri Lanka and awaken your senses.

Beaches

Looking for long golden beaches with dainty grains of sand or wind and wave-battered beaches sans footprints for miles? Sri Lanka is your destination of choice! Whether you are hunting for secluded stressed to laze in the sunshine for the ultimate tan, or if you are thrill-seeker looking to indulge in water sports such as kite-surfing, scuba diving, surfing and windsurfing, the island is in no shortage of multiple beaches to supplement your dose of vitamin-sea all year round, thanks to the 2 separate monsoon winds that alternate between two corners of Sri Lanka.

Hotspots
  • Best Southern Beaches: Tangalle, Mirissa, Beruwala, Bentota, Unawatuna
  • Famed Eastern Beaches: Uppuveli, Arugam Bay (“High-Church of Surfing”)
  • Popular Western Beaches: Negombo, Mount Lavinia (Colombo), Galle Face Green (Colombo)

Pilgrimage

Sri Lanka is known for its rich Buddhist culture and offers many places of religious and historic significance. From the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to the footprint atop Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka has much to offer pilgrims from many faiths.

Pilgrimage Sites
  • Anuradhapura
  • Polonnaruwa
  • Dambulla
  • Temple of the Tooth - Kandy
  • Kataragama
  • Adam’s Peak
  • Gangaramaya Temple - Colombo