If you’ve been researching the best things to do in Sri Lanka, so you can build out your itinerary, then you’re in the right place.
While Sri Lanka is small, it is wildly diverse.
You can watch elephants on safari, watch the sunrise or set over UNESCO World Heritage Sites, surf on turquoise waves, hike misty tea hills and eat one of the best meals this island has to offer. And this can be done in just one trip.
We’ve been visiting Sri Lanka annually for the last 15 years or so, and we’ve visited some of the most amazing places.
And we want to share those with you, so you can have real experiences, without the overwhelm.
We break down where you should go, that will fit nicely within your itinerary and your travel style.
So, you can have an adventure that’s as diverse as the tear drop island.
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Why visit Sri Lanka
Well, where to start!
This little island is a goldmine, steeped in history that goes back thousands of years, culture, nature, adventure AND relaxation all rolled into one.
The ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya were once kingdoms and the capital of Sri Lanka way before Colombo was on the map.
There is something magical about visiting a Buddhist Temple, adorned with beautiful frescoes and a tranquil spot to just take in some quiet time or meditate.
And we can’t forget about the colonial past of the old British and Dutch buildings.
If you’re more of a nature lover, then Sri Lanka is a real heart stopper. There are a number of National Parks that offer incredible biodiversity and adventurous safaris.
Yala or Udawalawe National Park are the popular spots to get a glimpse of the leopard, elephants’, birds and more wildlife.
Marine life is just as impressive, where you can snorkel, dive or go whale watching. The best spots are down the south coast, such as Mirissa and to the east Trincomalee.
Sri Lanka has the best of both worlds, the historic ruins, wildlife, adventurous hikes and relaxation.
After all the rushing around, spend some time on some of Sri Lanka’s incredible beaches, or maybe a yoga retreat, or a spa treatment.
Whatever your vibe, Sri Lanka offers that perfect mix of adrenaline and tranquillity, guaranteeing an action-packed or laid-back trip, however you want to spend it.
You’ll be charmed in every possible way, with these things to see in Sri Lanka.
Colombo
Colombo is one of those cities in Sri Lanka that isn’t the prettiest, but it definitely shouldn’t be overlooked.
The vibrant capital has the perfect blend of colonial charm with modern sophistication. Offering something different for every traveller and will be your first glimps into the energy, diversity and culture that this country has to offer.
After a long flight, this is probably the best place to start your itinerary.
We’d recommend starting at the bustling Pettah Market, you’ll experience chaos and bright colours, then wander along Galle Face Green and watch the sunset over the horizon.
Take your first step into learning about Buddhism, with a stop at the famous Gangaramaya Temple, before taking a leisurely stroll around Independent Square.
Food is a real highlight in Colombo, where you must try rice and curry, kottu roti and fresh seafood. If you’re wondering where to eat without spending a fortune, these cheap restaurants in Colombo are perfect for trying local dishes on a budget.
This is just the tip of what is to come, on your epic adventure into Sri Lanka.
If you’d rather follow a clear plan instead of guessing, this list of recommended activities to do in Colombo makes it easy to prioritize your time.
How to plan your time in Colombo
We would recommend spending between one night in the capital.
Choosing the right base matters, especially with traffic and distances between areas. This guide on where to stay in Colombo breaks down the best hotels to stay in, depending on your travel style and budget.
You should use tuk-tuks to get around the city. You can either hail a tuk-tuk or use a ride sharing app such as Uber or PickMe (Sri Lanka version of Uber).
Public transport connects Colombo with all major cities.
Colombo is the ideal location to start or wind down your trip at the end, and let it introduce you to Sri Lanka, before the real adventures begin.
Location: Colombo
Activities: Colombo City Tour by Tuk Tuk Experience – All Inclusive
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is one of the most relaxed places to visit in Sri Lanka.
It’s casual, social and built around the ocean.
If you want some beach time, then Hikkaduwa is one of the simplest coastal stops to add to your itinerary.
The coast stretches out with golden sandy beaches, has a steady buzz of cafes and guesthouses.
This little town isn’t ultra luxury, just more relaxed and easier to enjoy.
Hikkaduwa offers romantic beach moments, snorkelling, surfing or just simply doing nothing at all.
Due to its location, it is well connected with Colombo and other beach destinations on the south coast of the island.
As this is a relaxing stop, rather than a packed sightseeing destination, you may want to plan your days loosely, with a morning swim and then explore in the afternoon, before enjoying a sunset drink by the sea.
How to plan your time in Hikkaduwa
You’ll probably want to spend around one to two nights on this idyllic beach location.
Stay near the main beach if you want atmosphere and convenience, or slightly outside town if you prefer quieter nights.
Buses and trains depart from Colombo, and other beach destinations on the south west coast.
We would recommend planning Hikkaduwa at the end of your itinerary, so it can balance out your itinerary.
Location: Hikkaduwa
Activites: You can book your snorkelling experience with Hikkaduwa Snorkelling adventures
Galle
Galle is one of many historical places to visit in Sri Lanka.
It’s calm, walkable and packed with history. At the heart is Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Take a wander through cobbled streets, colonial buildings, cafes, and boutique shops.
Explore at your own leisure, learn about Sri Lanka’s colonial past, starting with the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch and then the British.
Located on the south coast of the island, offering Galle a mix of culture with coastal scenery, which draw first-time visitors and returning travellers alike.
We started with the inside of Galle Fort, walking along the ramparts, before exploring the narrow streets, visiting small museums and browsing local boutique shops and cafes.
Don’t miss the Old Dutch Hospital, that’s been converted into a small shopping complex and our favourite restaurant, A Minute by Tuk Tuk.
If you’re deciding what to prioritise, this guide to things to do in Galle, Sri Lanka breaks down the main highlights without overloading your itinerary.
How to plan your time in Galle
You can easily do Galle in a day trip from Colombo, or other beach towns on the south and west coast of the island. But you won’t need anything more than one night, if you do wish to spend it in Galle.
You can stay in the heart of Galle Fort, or just outside if you’re looking for better value for money.
You can take the bus or train from Colombo, Hikkaduwa, Matara or Weligama to Galle.
Location: Galle
Activities: Make your own souviner, with this ideal and affordable jewelry making class.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna is one of the most popular beach stops on the south coast of Sri Lanka and for good reason.
If you’re looking for warm waters, soft golden sand, and a relaxed beach-town, then this is the perfect beach destination in Sri Lanka.
With its popularity, comes plenty of cafes, guesthouses, and laid-back nightlife.
This would work especially well, if you were to combine a day trip to Galle with a few relaxing beach days.
We stopped by at Unawatuna on our return trip from Yala National Park to Colombo. After a long day on safari, it was nice to have some rest bite at the beach.
The highlight and one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka, is to watch the sunset into the ocean.
While this was a flying visit, it was a stop that couldn’t be missed while on the south coast and one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka.
How to plan your time in Unawatuna
If this is the only beach you visit in Sri Lanka, then you’ll want to spend between two to three nights here.
If you are looking for convenience, then stay near the main beach, but if you are looking for quieter nights, then look at places further away.
This is the time to plan fewer activities and enjoy the beach while you can.
From Galle, take the bus to Unawatuna and then take a tuk-tuk or taxi to your accommodation.
Location: Unawatuna
Activities: Check out the wildlife underwater, with this excellent snorkelling experience in Unawatuna
Kandy
Kandy feels different from the southern coasts of Sri Lanka.
It’s set among the green hills and is the country’s most important cultural cities.
The Sacred Temple of the Tooth makes this one of the most religious sites of the country and the hill regions.
This is also where many travellers begin the famous scenic train journey.
Time it, so you can witness a Pooja at the Temple of the Tooth. This is when the tooth relic that’s housed inside a golden casket is on display.
Take a relaxing walk around Kandy Lake either early morning or late evening and explore the local markets and sample some of the street food.
You can learn about Sri Lankan cuisine with an authentic cooking class in Kandy. Take what you learn home with you, so you can cook an authentic meal again. A great souvenir to take back home.
How to plan your time in Kandy
You’ll only really need one night in Kandy to really soak up the culture.
Kandy is the ideal spot to connect with the coast and the hill country.
The cost to visit the Temple of the Tooth is Rs 2000 per adult and tickets can be purchased at the temple.
You can take a bus or a train to Kandy from Colombo.
Location: Kandy
Activities: Authentic cooking class, where you can learn to make Sri Lanka cuisine.
Dress code for the temple: Cover you’re shoulders and legs, a scarf or sarong is a great idea and lightweight. For more tips on what to were in a temple, then check out our detailed guide, on what to do when visiting a temple.
Sigiriya Rock
Sigiriya Rock is probably one of the most famous and popular spots to visit in Sri Lanka.
The rock rises through the surrounding forest and plains and can be seen from Dambulla Cave Temples and Kandalama.
This is one of Sri Lanka’s Eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is a highlight of any trip.
What makes Sigiriya so special, is the climb that takes you through history, and then the views combined, makes this an experience you won’t regret.
Of course, the main attraction is Sigiriya Rock Fortress, which was once a palace, placed on top of a rock.
You should plan the climb either early morning or late evening, to avoid the heat and crowds. If you time it right, you could catch the sun rising or setting over the landscape.
This is an easy climb, even for a novice hiker.
The climb does include some steep part but are well maintained with hand railings for aid. At the top, you are rewarded with views across the landscape.
On your way up, you’ll pass ancient wall frescoes, the famous mirror wall and the lion’s paw.
Take your time, as you enjoy the wanders along the way. If you want to know exactly what to expect, this guide to climbing Sigiriya Rock covers everything from entrance fees to practical tips for the ascent.
How to plan your time in Sigiriya
Ticket prices are $35 USD per adult and can be purchased on site.
You’ll only really need a day trip to Sigiriya, with an overnight stay in Dambulla or somewhere close by, to make the early or late start possible.
You should allow for at least 2 hours for the climb up. Although this will vary on your fitness levels and how many stops you make.
We’ve climbed Sigiriya Rock a couple of times, and love it so much here, that we plan to climb it again on another visit to Sri Lanka.
On every visit, we have stayed in different hotels and would highly recommend Heritance Kandalama. It’s just a short distance away, and you can book rooms with Sigiriya Rock views.
We would highly recommend booking your stay here, it’s romantic and relaxing. We were not disappointed, to the point that we have stayed here twice on our visit Sigiriya.
Take the bus to Dambulla from Colombo. Then take a tuk-tuk or taxi to your hotel.
Location: Sigiriya Rock
Activities: Hot air balloon ride over Sigiriya
Pidurangala
Just a short distance from Sigiriya Rock, and is seriously overlooked, which makes Pidurangala one of the most adventurous places to visit in Sri Lanka.
It’s one of the more affordable rocks to climb, with less crowds, and offers views across the landscape and Sigiriya in the distance.
If you are looking for the iconic photo of Sigiriya Rock rising from the jungle, then this is it.
The best time to climb this incredible rock, is during sunrise or sunset. You’ll see the bright coloured yellows, reds and oranges dance across Sigiriya Rock and the surrounding landscape.
The climb is relatively easy, with uneven steps most of the way to the top. It is the final section that involves scrambling over rocks, but it is manageable, with basic fitness. There was one section, we needed help with climbing, so if you are travelling solo, then you may wish to take a guide, to help you in places.
If you need help, why not book this awesome sunset or sunrise hike up Pidurangala with a guide and a picnic. If you prefer to go independently, this guide on how to climb Pidurangala Rock walks you through the route, difficulty and what to expect.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views across the jungle and Sigiriya Rock perfectly framed in front of you.
Now there is only one way back, and that’s down the way you came.
How to plan your time at Pidurangala
Cost: Rs 1000, purchase tickets on site
Allow for 2-3 hours in total to climb, depending on your fitness levels, and how long you sit admiring the views from the top of the rock.
You should stay nearby the night before, so you can climb the rock either early morning, or late in the evening.
Because of its proximity to Sigiriya Rock, we would recommend climbing both on the same day.
Location: Pidurangala Rock
Dambulla
Dambulla Cave Temples is a massive rock formation, with complex caves filled with ancient Buddha Statues, murals and shrines.
If you want to get an understanding of Sri Lanka’s rich religious and historic routes, then this stop is unmissable.
Plus, the elevated position, gives you sweeping views over the surrounding plains.
Dambulla has five main caves, with hundreds of Buddha statues, vibrant ceiling paintings and centuries-old artwork on display.
To avoid the heat and crowds, visit the cave temples either early morning or late afternoon.
To reach the caves, you’ll need to climb to the top of the rock. The ticket office for tourists is located at the rear, with steps to the summit.
At the summit, you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering the temple.
Pro tip: wear a pair of socks, as the rocks are burning hot and will help relieve the burning feeling.
Dambulla Cave Temples is a place to reflect, pray and give offerings to Buddha.
How to plan your time in Dambulla
Cost: Rs 1500 and buy tickets on site.
It should take a couple of hours to visit and take in the atmosphere at Dambulla Cave Temples.
As Dambulla Cave Temples, Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangala Rock are all within a short distance from each other. We would recommend spending at least one maybe two nights in the area, so you can combine these top places to visit in Sri Lanka into your itinerary without rushing.
Temple etiquette: Dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees.
Activities: Knuckles Mountain Range: Hidden Waterfall Chain Hike
Location: Dambulla
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa was once Sri Lanka’s capital and an impressive ancient city.
Unlike many of the other best places to visit in Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is a wide-open landscape that’s filled with ruins, reservoirs and statues spread across a large area.
Another of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a core part of the Cultural Triangle, which must be added to your Sri Lankan itinerary.
Explore the ruins by bicycle or tuk-tuk like we did, which is the best way to cover this large expanse.
Our highlights to include are Gal Vihara, and the remains of the royal palaces and temples.
This is the time to slow things down a bit, stop often, walk around the structures and appreciate how grand this capital once would have been in its heyday. If you want a simple route and timings to make the most of your visit, this guide on how to spend a day in Polonnaruwa pulls everything together without rushing the experience.
How to plan your time in Polonnaruwa
Cost: $30.00, purchase tickets on site.
You should allow for around half a day to a full day, depending on how deeply you want to explore the ancient ruins.
You could stay nearby for logistical reasons, or stay in Dambulla and Sigiriya area, which is just an hour’s drive away, to make this a day trip around the Cultural Triangle.
Activities: Polonnaruwa: Private Guided Cycling Tour
Location: Polonnaruwa
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura was the first capital before it moved to Polonnaruwa, which makes this one of the most historical places to visit in Sri Lanka.
The scale here is vast, with monasteries, stupas and a sacred tree, all spread across a large expanse.
This isn’t about seeing ruins; it’s about understanding how Anuradhapura shaped early Sri Lankan society.
The Sri Maha Bodhi tree is believed to have grown from the same cutting of the tree in which Buddha attained enlightenment and is one of the most sacred sites in Buddhism, and a tranquil place to visit.
The best way to explore the ancient city is by bicycle. Visit the major stupas, take time to observe ceremonies and daily rituals.
This shouldn’t be rushed, but taken at a slower pace, to really soak in the atmosphere.
Pro tip: Dress respectfully, stay hydrated and plan regular breaks. If you want a gentle structure that still allows time to absorb the experience, this guide on how to spend 1 day in Anuradhapura maps out the key sites without feeling rushed.
How to plan your time in Anuradhapura
Cost: $30.00 and purchase tickets on site.
To really soak in this large area, at least a full day is a must. Start early to avoid the heat and crowds.
You may wish to stay locally, in a hostel for affordable options, or in a hotel.
This would pair nicely with Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Sigiriya.
Activities: A classic Sri Lankan Hoppers Cooking Class
Location: Anuradhapura
Ella
Ella is one of those places that you just fall in love with, and you can see why.
Surrounded by lush green hills, tea plantations, waterfalls, and plenty of hiking routes. This little town, located in the hill country is relaxing, scenic and built for travellers.
If you are looking for cooler climates and adventure, then Ella is packed with a punch.
Even if you’re not into hiking, Little Adam’s Peak will soon change your mind, with an easy walk, but packed with big rewards.
Make your way to the famous Nine Arch Bridge and time it right to watch a train pass over.
If you’re into challenging hikes, then you’ll enjoy tackling Ella Rock.
If you want to slow the pace down a bit, then why not relax in a cafe that overlooks tea fields or nearby waterfalls.
Ella offers so much adventure, for a tiny town.
Backpacking around Sri Lanka, is a great way to see the country on a budget, for more information check out the full guide on how to backpack Sri Lanka: a complete guide.
One of the most scenic ways to reach the hill country is by train, and this Kandy to Ella train journey guide shows you exactly what to expect along the way.
How to plan your time in Ella
Between two to three days is ideal for most travellers, unless you really want to slow things down.
You should stay close to the centre for convenience, or slightly further out if you want to spend time with nature, or to admire the views.
Activities: You can never get enough cooking practice, with this Traditional Sri Lankan Cooking Class
Location: Ella
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya offers cooler temperatures, rolling tea plantations, and colonial-era buildings, you’ll feel more like your visiting England.
It’s often nicknamed Little England, and when you visit, you’ll understand why.
It’s one of the highest towns in the country and a key part of the hill country region.
Learn how the famous cup of tea is made, from plucking to the brewing. You can’t get fresher tea than this.
Take a wander around Gregory Lake, head to the famous golf course, admire the colonial architecture, and just sip a nice cup of tea in a cafe.
It might be small, but Nuwara Eliya is best explored slowly, but make sure you wrap up warm.
How to plan your time in Nuwara Eliya
You’ll only really need one, maybe two days in Nuwara Eliya.
You are better staying near the town centre for convenience, or just outside for better views and quieter surroundings.
Activities: Take on this unique Belihuloya: Baker’s Bend Hiking Trail Guided Tour
Location: Nurwara Eliya
Yala National Park
Yala National Park is the most famous safari park in Sri Lanka.
It is home to the biggest leopard population, but you can also spot elephants, crocodiles, deer, birds and dramatic landscape.
If you are looking to spot the leopard, then Yala National Park is the best wildlife destination in Sri Lanka, although other National Parks will guarantee the chances of seeing other animals.
Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is a powerful experience and a memorable contrast to Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, temples and beaches.
It’s one of those best places in Asia to spot leopards in the wild, which is a huge draw for many visitors.
The number one thing to do at Yala National Park is the jeep safari. Book your trip for early morning or late afternoon for better chances of seeing animals and for cooler climates.
There is no guarantee that you’ll spot a leopard, we were lucky and saw one walk right out in front of us, but we saw plenty in the trees in the distance.
You can however have better luck at seeing elephants, peacocks, monkeys, and a wide range of birds.
Pro tip: Bring a set of binoculars, to see leopards relaxing in the distant trees. Trust us, you can’t spot them without them. For wildlife spotting, you will need a longer lens to capture them in the distance.
Always choose a reputable safari operator. If you’re planning a visit, this Yala National Park, Sri Lanka travel guide covers safari options, the best times to go and what to expect on a game drive.
How to plan your time in Yala
Cost: Prices start at Rs 17000
Due to the parks rural location, you should spend at least two days in the area, if not three.
Most travellers stay just outside the park, or the next town and organise safaris through their accommodation.
Activities: Yala National Park Safari Tours: Morning/Evening/Full Day
Location: Yala National Park
Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya is a little off the beaten path, located on the quiet peninsula on the west coast. It’s calm, spacious and focused on nature and water activities.
The southern coast is a popular spot for whale and dolphin watching. But so is Kalpitiya, especially between November to April, when large pods are often spotted.
So, to avoid the crowds, visit the lesser-known Kalpitiya region.
It’s also a popular spot for kitesurfing, due to the consistent winds and calm lagoons.
How to plan your time in Kalpitiya
You’ll only need a couple of days in Kalpitiya.
You should stay near the lagoon or beachfront depending on your activities.
Activities: Dolphin Watching in Kalpitiya
Location: Kalpitiya
Take a scenic train journey
There are some incredible scenic train rides in Sri Lanka. You could venture down the south coast of Sri Lanka to the many beach destinations, or you could head into the hill country on our favourite and most memorable scenic train ride.
The southern route covers coastal views, with bright sun, pristine sandy beaches and beautiful waters.
Or the most popular option and in our opinion the most beautiful and scenic, is taking the train from either Colombo or Kandy to Ella or Nuwara Eliya (Nano Oya) station.
The slow train ride will take you through lush green landscapes, tea plantations, scenic hill views, and mist covered mountains.
You can travel in comfort in first class, with allocated seating, toilet facilities, window views or sit in the open door, with unobscured views.
The midrange option is to travel in second class, with seating and fans to keep you cool, with great views of the landscape. The option to sit in the open doors while watching the landscape slowly roll passed is possible.
The cheapest option is to travel via third class and while this is an experience, it is somewhat less comfortable. There is no air-conditioning, no guaranteed seating AND you could be stood for the entire journey, which could be for long hours.
We personally travelled in first class for this journey, it was so much more comfortable and we still had the experience of sitting in the doorway of the train.
Yet watching other locals and tourists boarding the third class carriages, was a squeeze and looked more like being packed in like sardines.
The question is, do you want to travel in comfort for a long journey, or the cheap option. Either way, you’ll still experience the adventure with scenic views along the way.
Sri Lankan cooking class
What better way to experience the true authenticity than with a Sri Lankan cooking class.
Learn how to make traditional Sri Lankan curries and how the flavours and spices are combined to make one of their standout dishes.
This certainly will impress your family and friends on your return home, when you cook them a Sri Lankan meal.
Or with the skills you have learnt, you could create a Sri Lankan themed night and reminisce on the memories you made.
We do this a lot with our friends and family and invite them over for a Sri Lankan themed meal. We get to share our knowledge of Sri Lanka, offer them delicious Sri Lankan food, which then inspires them to book a ticket to Sri Lanka.
This is truly a unique thing to do in Sri Lanka and one we would recommend as a must.
You can book a cooking class in Sri Lanka here.
Hot air ballon ride
This is something that is on our wish list for best activities in Sri Lanka. We have been dreaming about this for years.
Just imagine soaring above the ancient cities, such as Sigiriya and Dambulla with breathtaking aerial views.
It is an opportunity to see famous landmarks from different viewpoints.
If you’re looking for an adventure, then this would have to be one of those.
You can book a hot air balloon ride in Sri Lanka here.
Best places to stay in Sri Lanka
We’ve stayed in some lovely hotels and boutique hotels in Sri Lanka. And where you choose to stay is going to matter.
If you’re a budget traveller, looking for somewhere that’s comfortable, clean but cheap then a hostel is the ideal spot. You’ll meet like-minded travellers, at an affordable rate. We would recommend booking your Sri Lanka stays with Hostel World.
If you don’t mind spending a bit more money, or looking for a romantic spot to stay in Sri Lanka, then we would recommend:
Heritance Kandalama
Heritance Kandalama is a relaxing spot to stay on your visit to Dambulla and Sigiriya.
It’s built into a rock that overlooks Kandalama Lake and Sigiriya Rock in the distance. It’s known for its architecture, wildlife and incredible views.
We loved our two-night stay in Kandalama, it’s clean, relaxing and romantic. This is the kind of place you would want to stay after a long few days climbing Sigiriya Rock, Pidurangala Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple.
You can book your stay with Heritance Kandalama.
Aliya Resort & Spa
We also loved our stay in Aliya Resort and Spa in Sigiriya.
Be rewarded with front row views of Sigiriya Rock.
It’s spacious, peaceful and perfect if you want comfort after climbing. You’ll wake up to one of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks, which is hard to beat.
If you want to book a relaxing stay in Aliya Resort & Spa, then check out rates and availability.
Still not sure on where to stay in Sri Lanka? We use Booking.com frequently to book most of our stays. You can pick between hotels, guesthouses, apartments and boutique hotels.
So, whether you’re looking for something mid-range or a romantic getaway, then check out rates and availability.
Accommodation can book up quickly, especially during peak season. By booking early, you’ll avoid disappointment, could save you some money, stress and last-minute decisions.
Top tips for travelling to Sri Lanka
Now, to help you plan your Sri Lankan adventure, we have some basic tips, that’s worth knowing. It will save you a lot of research in the long run. Trust us.
Best time to visit:
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but the weather can be a little tricky depending on where you go and when.
You’ll want to visit at the right time, so you can enjoy the beaches, explore cultural sites or spot wildlife without getting too wet from the monsoon rains.
We’ve got a full low down on the best time to visit Sri Lanka, it’s super helpful for planning your trip.
Essential tips for visiting Sri Lanka
Most travellers will need an ETA Visa, before you enter the country. You can get the visa online or on arrival.
And there are some customs that would be a good idea to know before travelling, that way you won’t offend the locals.
Everything that you need to know and prepare yourself for Sri Lanka, can be found in our essential guide for visiting Sri Lanka.
How to get around Sri Lanka:
Getting from A to B, isn’t challenging. You could enjoy the scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella or take a chaotic bus to Galle for a day trip.
If you want the easiest way to get around, without wasting time, then check out our detailed guide on how to get around Sri Lanka.
You can also download our transportation cheat sheet, to help you navigate Sri Lanka with ease. You can download the cheatsheet here.
Estimates costs for visiting Sri Lanka
Whether you’re stretching your money or splurging a little, setting a realistic budget and understanding how much things cost in Sri Lanka is important.
You’ll find these estimates will help you understand your finances in Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka Travel CostsIs Sri Lanka safe for female travellers
Sri Lanka is a safe country to visit in general especially for female travellers.
We as a female couple have only ever experienced friendliness, from the locals. Most of which are more than happy to help, or even just say hello.
That said, you should still be mindful that anywhere is not 100% safe.
As safety is of utmost importance, we have created this detailed guide on is Sri Lanka safe for female travellers? Everything you need to know.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka is truly a breathtaking destination, with experiences that cater to every kind of traveller. In this guide we have given you a taste of the magic that you could explore, from the ancient ruins of Sigiriya to the lush green landscapes in Nuwara Eliya and the golden beaches down south.
This tropical paradise is the ideal destination for adventure and relaxation and this guide will be your compass to a stress-free and awe-inspiration holiday.
Have you visited Sri Lanka before? What was your favourite experience? Or, are you just starting to plan your dream trip and have some questions?
If you’d love to chat Sri Lanka, get real-world tips, or ask questions while you’re planning your trip, come and join our Facebook group. It’s a friendly space where we share honest advice, itineraries, and answer travel questions from fellow travellers exploring Sri Lanka. We’d love to see you there and help you plan an unforgettable trip.
Continue your travel planning, with these useful posts:
- Must eat foods in Sri Lanka
- Temple etiquette – what is appropriate and what isn’t
- Best beaches in Sri Lanka
- 10 Day Sri Lanka itinerary
- 10 Common Sri Lanka travel mistakes and how to avoid them
- Essential travel gear
- Do I need travel insurance to visit Sri Lanka
- Free virtual tours from the comfort of your own home
- What to pack in your first aid kit
- What to pack in your beach bag
