Explore Sri Lanka
Places to Visit
From ancient kingdoms to pristine beaches — discover the most beautiful and fascinating destinations across Sri Lanka.
Must Visit Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Climb this 5th-century rock citadel rising 200 metres above the jungle. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Trending Hill Country
Ella
A misty mountain village loved by backpackers and luxury travellers alike, surrounded by emerald tea estates.
South Coast
Galle Fort
UNESCO-listed Dutch colonial fort with charming cafes, boutique hotels and sweeping ocean views.
Hill Country
Kandy
Sri Lanka's cultural capital and home to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic.
Wildlife Parks
Yala National Park
The world's highest leopard density. Also home to elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles.
South Coast
Mirissa
Gorgeous crescent beach — Sri Lanka's top whale watching departure point.
Cultural Triangle
Polonnaruwa
A UNESCO-listed ancient capital with magnificent Buddhist shrines, palaces and moats.
Hill Country
Nuwara Eliya
Little England in the clouds — Sri Lanka's highest city, ringed by world-famous tea estates.
East Coast
Trincomalee
One of the world's finest natural harbours — and home to stunning Nilaveli beach.
East Coast
Arugam Bay
One of Asia's top surf spots, with a chilled-out vibe and world-class point breaks.
Cultural Triangle
Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka's first ancient capital — a vast UNESCO site with towering dagobas and the sacred Bodhi Tree.
North & Jaffna
Jaffna
The Tamil cultural capital of Sri Lanka — ancient kovils, island cycling, and a distinctive cuisine.
South Coast
Hikkaduwa
Sri Lanka's original beach resort — coral reef snorkelling, surf breaks and beach bar life.
South Coast
Bentota
Luxury beach resort town with river safaris, water sports and colonial-era hotels.
South Coast
Hiriketiya
A sheltered horseshoe bay perfect for beginner surfing and yoga retreats.
South Coast
Dikwella
Wild, unspoilt beach with Sri Lanka's largest seated Buddha statue nearby.
East Coast
Nilaveli
White-sand beach near Trincomalee — gateway to Pigeon Island coral reef.
East Coast
Uppuveli
Quiet, beautiful beach just north of Trincomalee, perfect for escaping the crowds.
Northwest
Kalpitiya
Sri Lanka's kitesurfing capital, with dolphin watching and dolphin safaris.
East Coast
Batticaloa
The Singing Fish lagoon, Dutch fort ruins and a city slowly rediscovering tourism.
North Sri Lanka
Mannar
Remote island with ancient baobab trees, bird watching and the ruins of a Portuguese fort.
Hill Country
Adam's Peak
Sri Lanka's sacred mountain — an overnight pilgrimage climb for a legendary sunrise.
Hill Country
Nine Arch Bridge
The iconic colonial viaduct framed by jungle — Ella's most photographed sight.
East Coast
Pigeon Island
Sri Lanka's best snorkelling — blacktip reef sharks and coral gardens off Nilaveli.
North Sri Lanka
Delft Island
A wild, windswept island of wild ponies, coral walls and ancient ruins near Jaffna.
Hill Country
Ambuluwawa
A striking multi-religious tower and biodiversity complex with 360° hilltop views.
Hill Country
World's End
An 870-metre sheer cliff drop at Horton Plains — one of Sri Lanka's most dramatic viewpoints.
Hill Country
Ravana Falls
Mythological waterfall beside the road near Ella — popular swimming and photo stop.
Hill Country
Diyaluma Falls
Sri Lanka's highest waterfall at 220m, with natural rock pools at the top.
Wildlife Parks
Bundala National Park
Ramsar wetland reserve and prime flamingo habitat on the south coast.
Wildlife Parks
Wasgamuwa
Remote highland park with large elephant herds and sloth bears, near the Cultural Triangle.
Wildlife Parks
Kumana National Park
East coast wilderness bordering Yala — birds, leopards and a famous waterbird nesting colony.
Wildlife
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Watch 80+ rescued elephants bathe in the river — Sri Lanka's most iconic wildlife experience.
Colombo
Gangaramaya Temple
Colombo's most eclectic Buddhist temple — a surreal collection of Buddha statues and religious art.
Colombo
Galle Face Green
Colombo's beloved oceanfront promenade — street food, kite-flying and Indian Ocean sunsets.
South Coast
Matara
Southern city with Dutch fort, surf beach and the southernmost railway station.