Tourism in Sri Lanka

Explore notable sights and destinations in this country

Asia / Southern Asia

Tourist attractions

Sigiriya Rock

Region: Matale District

Cultural Heritage

5th-century sky palace and frescoes built atop massive monolith.

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

Region: North Central Province

Cultural Heritage

Ancient capital ruins centered around Sri Maha Bodhi tree, direct descendant of Buddha's tree.

Temple of the Tooth Kandy

Region: Kandy

Cultural Heritage

Buddhism's greatest sacred site enshrining Buddha's tooth relic. Starting point of Esala Perahera.

Galle Fort and Old Town

Region: Galle

Colonial Architecture

Fortified city and seaside townscape built during Dutch rule.

Yala National Park

Region: Southern Province

Nature

World's highest leopard density. Safari park for observing elephants, bears, and water birds.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Region: Sabaragamuwa Province

Natural Heritage

Tropical rainforest home to many rare endemic species. Bird watching sanctuary.

Nuwara Eliya Tea Highlands

Region: Central Highlands

Nature

Hill station at 1,800m elevation developed by British. Dotted with tea plantations and colonial architecture.

Horton Plains National Park

Region: Central Highlands

Nature

Cliff scenery called 'World's End' and alpine plants.

Mirissa Whale Watching

Region: South Coast

Nature Experience

High probability of observing blue whales and sperm whales from December to April.

Dambulla Golden Temple

Region: Matale District

Cultural Heritage

World's largest cave temple complex with over 150 Buddha statues and wall paintings in rock caves.

Suggested itineraries

Cultural Triangle Tour

Duration (days): 5

Highlights: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura

Efficiently tour World Heritage ancient kingdom sites, also experiencing spice gardens and elephant orphanage. Depart from Colombo.

Southern Beach and Safari Enjoyment

Duration (days): 7

Highlights: Galle, Mirissa, Yala National Park, Udawalawe Elephant Orphanage

Resort-adventure route combining Dutch fort exploration, whale watching, and safari.

Tea Train and Highland Trekking

Duration (days): 4

Highlights: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains

Deep dive into Ceylon tea with World Heritage railway views, highland hiking, and tea factory tour.

Travel tips

  • Online ETA application convenient for arrival visa.
  • Dry season (December-March) is best season for beach tourism.
  • Mountain areas require cold weather gear as temperatures drop below 10°C at night.
  • Traffic is heavily congested; use domestic trains and flights to save time.
  • Airport exchange tends to have best rupee rates.
  • When photographing temples, be considerate not to disturb monks and worshippers.
  • Tap water not potable. Use bottled water.
  • Always carry mosquito repellent and long sleeves. Dengue fever endemic areas exist.
  • Full moon days are alcohol-free days when hotel bars also close.
  • Female travelers should dress modestly and avoid solo nighttime activities.
  • Tipping culture not strong, but restaurants often include 10% service charge.
  • Choose air-conditioned 'express' long-distance buses for comfort.

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