Our top Sri Lanka destinationsThis teardrop island off the coast of Southeast India packs a lot of history, beauty and pride between its rugged shores.There’s the west coast’s patchwork of faiths, communities and history, the colourful chaos of Jaffna, the rolling green Hill Country and national park safaris. And, on an island wrapped in coastline, there are boundless beaches: the east coast’s vast golden bays, and the south coast’s surfer alcoves and rolling blue waves.In short, you’re spoilt for choice. And on this relatively petite isle, distance isn’t the issue – deciding what to do is. We’ll help you start, plot the worthwhile detours, and leave space for moments that aren’t planned. Because Sri Lanka is at its best when it has space to surprise you (that’s how it earns its nickname – the “island of serendipity”). Overview Itineraries Experiences Places to visit Best time to visit Accommodation Image Image All Colombo & the West Cultural triangle Kandy & the hill country National Parks The East The North The South Sri Lanka AhangamaA laid-back stretch of beach with barefoot backpacker energy. Sri Lanka AnuradhapuraA city adorned with ancient stupas, ruins and sacred temples, this is one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Asia. Sri Lanka Arugam BayTucked into the southern stretch of Sri Lanka’s east coast, this bay is a haven for surfers, beach-loafers and wildlife lovers. Sri Lanka BalapitiyaJust down the coast from Bentota, this quiet coastal town is known for blonde beaches and crystal waters. Sri Lanka BentotaA popular coastal resort town with long, golden beaches, gentle tides, and a handful of luxury hotels. Sri Lanka ColomboWith its mix of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital is a hive of art, tradition, local spirit and 21st century luxury Sri Lanka DambullaKnown for its UNESCO World Heritage cave temple complex, this city is packed with spiritual history and ancient sites. Sri Lanka Ella & BandarawelaWidely known as the Hill Country’s backpacker hub and a lively base for exploring the surrounding summits. Sri Lanka Gal OyaSri Lanka’s most untouched national park for wild, off-grid safari experiences. Sri Lanka GalleGalle is all fort walls, Dutch-era facades and cobbled lanes – with sandy beaches a quick tuk-tuk ride away. Sri Lanka HaputaleA tranquil, high-altitude town in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country with epic hikes and misty mountain views. Sri Lanka Hatton & Bogawantalawa ValleyThe verdant corner of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country famed for its long hikes and top-tier tea estates. Load More Sri Lanka BalapitiyaJust down the coast from Bentota, this quiet coastal town is known for blonde beaches and crystal waters. Sri Lanka BentotaA popular coastal resort town with long, golden beaches, gentle tides, and a handful of luxury hotels. Sri Lanka ColomboWith its mix of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital is a hive of art, tradition, local spirit and 21st century luxury Sri Lanka KalpitiyaA small peninsula on the northwest coast with some of Sri Lanka’s best kitesurfing and dolphin-spotting. Sri Lanka NegomboMany stop in this seaside town on their way to or from the airport out of convenience, and are surprised by its chilled out, coastal feel. Sri Lanka AnuradhapuraA city adorned with ancient stupas, ruins and sacred temples, this is one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Asia. Sri Lanka DambullaKnown for its UNESCO World Heritage cave temple complex, this city is packed with spiritual history and ancient sites. Sri Lanka PolonnaruwaIn Polonnaruwa’s well-preserved ancient city, you’re seeing a story of pride, innovation and resilience told in every stone carving and time-worn statue. But if you’re expecting a few crumbling relics and well-trodden stupas, think again. Sri Lanka SigiriyaA busy village in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle sat at the foot of a huge rock fortress with a fascinating history. Sri Lanka Ella & BandarawelaWidely known as the Hill Country’s backpacker hub and a lively base for exploring the surrounding summits. Sri Lanka HaputaleA tranquil, high-altitude town in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country with epic hikes and misty mountain views. Sri Lanka Hatton & Bogawantalawa ValleyThe verdant corner of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country famed for its long hikes and top-tier tea estates. Sri Lanka KandyThe cultural capital of Sri Lanka and the gateway to the tea country’s rolling emerald hills. Sri Lanka Nuwara EliyaA town known for its British colonial past and layered, rolling tea plantations. Sri Lanka Gal OyaSri Lanka’s most untouched national park for wild, off-grid safari experiences. Sri Lanka MinneriyaJoin a roaming population of wild elephants in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Sri Lanka UdawalaweA large national park packed with elephants and birdlife, easily accessible from the south coast. Sri Lanka WilpattuA lesser-known conservation area north of Colombo, for those seeking out wildlife in a peaceful setting. Sri Lanka YalaBrave the crowds for a leopard sighting in Sri Lanka’s most well-known safari park. Sri Lanka Arugam BayTucked into the southern stretch of Sri Lanka’s east coast, this bay is a haven for surfers, beach-loafers and wildlife lovers. Sri Lanka Pasikudah & KalkudahKnown for its long shallow coastline and gentle waves, families flock to this east coast beach destination. Sri Lanka TrincomaleeA port city on Sri Lanka’s northeast coast that has maintained the feel of Sri Lanka of 50 years past, with a rich Hindu heritage, vast beaches and fewer crowds. Sri Lanka JaffnaA taste of Tamil culture and deep-rooted spirituality in Sri Lanka’s northern capital. Sri Lanka AhangamaA laid-back stretch of beach with barefoot backpacker energy. Sri Lanka GalleGalle is all fort walls, Dutch-era facades and cobbled lanes – with sandy beaches a quick tuk-tuk ride away. Sri Lanka KoggalaA beach town on the edge of a serene freshwater lagoon bursting with wildlife and dotted with fishermen on traditional stilts. Sri Lanka TangalleFor sleepy charm and uncrowded beaches, head west along the coast. Sri Lanka WeligamaThe centrepiece of Sri Lanka’s surf scene and a popular beachside base.