Discover Paradise

Explore Sri Lanka

A journey through the 12 most iconic destinations of the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

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Sigiriya Lion Rock
Central Province

Sigiriya Lion Rock

Rise above the jungle canopy at the Eighth Wonder of the World. Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters high. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its palace ruins on top of a massive 200-meter high rock surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures.

Best Time

January - April

Highlights
Ancient FrescoesMirror WallSummit Views
Ella & Nine Arches
Badulla District

Ella & Nine Arches

Ella is a small, laid-back town surrounded by the beautiful greens of tea. It is the perfect place to relax and cool off. The iconic Nine Arches Bridge, built entirely of brick, rock, and cement without a single piece of steel, is a marvel of engineering set amidst dense jungle and tea plantations.

Best Time

March - June

Highlights
Nine Arches BridgeLittle Adam's PeakTea Plantations
Mirissa Beach
Southern Province

Mirissa Beach

Mirissa is one of the main beach destinations in southern Sri Lanka. The area has it all, beautiful Sri Lankan beaches, surf waves, whale watching, and great bars and restaurants. It is often the place where travelers linger longer than intended, captivated by the stunning sunsets and relaxed vibe.

Best Time

November - April

Highlights
Whale WatchingCoconut Tree HillSurfing
Galle Dutch Fort
Southern Coast

Galle Dutch Fort

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Galle Fort is a trendy place to enjoy the architecture, history, shopping, and food. Walking through the streets of Galle Fort is like stepping back in time, with its Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques, and grand churches.

Best Time

December - April

Highlights
LighthouseCobblestone StreetsColonial Architecture
Yala National Park
Southeast

Yala National Park

Yala combines a strict nature reserve with a national park. Divided into 5 blocks, the park has a protected area of nearly 130,000 hectares of land consisting of light forests, scrubs, grasslands, tanks, and lagoons. It is best known for its variety of wild animals and is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan elephants, Sri Lankan leopards, and aquatic birds.

Best Time

February - July

Highlights
LeopardsElephantsSafari Camping
Kandy
Central Highlands

Kandy

Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka. It's set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. The city's heart is scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake). Kandy is famous for the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world.

Best Time

December - April

Highlights
Temple of the ToothKandy LakeBotanical Gardens
Arugam Bay
East Coast

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is known as one of the best surf spots in the world. It is a moon-shaped curl of soft sand, home to a legendary point break that many regard as the best surf spot in the country. It's a tiny place, with a pop-up vibe and a very relaxed atmosphere.

Best Time

May - September

Highlights
SurfingLagoon SafariElephant Rock
Horton Plains
Central Highlands

Horton Plains

Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. This plateau at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 metres is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region.

Best Time

January - March

Highlights
World's EndBaker's FallsSambar Deer
Trincomalee
East Coast

Trincomalee

Trincomalee is a port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. Set on a peninsula, Fort Frederick was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. Within its grounds, the grand Koneswaram Temple stands on Swami Rock cliff, a popular vantage point for blue-whale watching.

Best Time

May - October

Highlights
Nilaveli BeachKoneswaram TemplePigeon Island
Colombo
Western Province

Colombo

Colombo is the vibrant commercial capital of Sri Lanka, offering a fascinating blend of colonial history and modern urban life. From the bustling streets of Pettah market to the sunset views at Galle Face Green and the iconic Lotus Tower, the city is a melting pot of cultures, flavors, and experiences.

Best Time

Year Round

Highlights
Lotus TowerGalle Face GreenGangaramaya Temple