Every corner of the island, curated
16 essential Sri Lanka destinations — each with honest travel tips, best seasons and the tours that visit them.
Colombo
The vibrant gateway to Sri Lanka
Lotus Tower observation deck — 360° city views · Galle Face Green sunset stroll
Sigiriya
The Lion Rock fortress of kings
Sunrise climb of Lion Rock · Frescoes of the 'Heavenly Maidens'
Kandy
Hill capital of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic · Kandy Lake evening stroll
Nuwara Eliya
Little England of the tea country
Tea factory tour & fresh brew tasting · Gregory Lake boat rides
Ella
Backpacker heart of the highlands
Nine Arch Bridge & the scenic train · Little Adam's Peak sunrise hike
Yala National Park
The leopard capital of the world
Leopard safari at dawn · Elephant herds at water holes
Mirissa
Whale-watching capital & beach bliss
Blue whale & dolphin safari · Parrot Rock sunset viewpoint
Galle
The Dutch Fort & southern soul
Dutch Fort ramparts sunset walk · Lighthouse & maritime museum
Trincomalee
The east's hidden bay of gold
Pigeon Island snorkelling · Nilaveli & Uppuveli beaches
Jaffna
The Tamil heartland's cultural revival
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple · Jaffna Fort sunset
Bentota
Water sports capital & golden sandy shores
Madu River boat safari through mangrove tunnels · Lagoon water sports: jet ski, wakeboarding, banana boat
Hikkaduwa
Vibrant surf, coral reefs & coastal nightlife
Snorkelling with wild green sea turtles in the shallows · Hikkaduwa Coral Reef National Park boat tours
Ahangama
Boutique surf haven & bohemian coastal charm
Surfing the famous Kabalana 'The Rock' A-frame break · Stilt fishermen photography against the sunset
Hiriketiya
Horseshoe bay of surf, palms & chilled vibes
Surfing inside the sheltered horseshoe bay year-round · Dickwella long beach strolls for empty sunset views
Arugam Bay
World-class right point breaks & wild east-coast energy
Surfing Main Point, Whiskey Point, Peanut Farm & Elephant Rock · Climbing Elephant Rock for panoramic coastline & lagoon sunsets
Sinharaja Rainforest
UNESCO primary tropical rainforest & biodiversity hotspot
Trekking with expert local naturalists through ancient primary jungle · Spotting the endemic Sri Lanka Blue Magpie & Red-faced Malkoha