Hugh Sitton / Stocksy United

Sri Lanka

Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavorful food make Sri Lanka irresistible.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions

Uda Walawe National Park
Uda Walawe National Park
With herds of elephants, wild buffalos, sambars and spotted deer, and giant squirrels, this Sri Lankan national park is one of the nation's finest. In…
Kumana National Park
The East
This 357-sq-km park, once known as Yala East, is much less frequently visited than its busy neighbour, Yala National Park. Consequently, it's a far less…
Jaffna Fort
Jaffna
Long the gatehouse of the city, the vast Jaffna fort, overlooking the Jaffna lagoon, has been fought over for centuries. Today you can wander its walls,…
Dutch Hospital
Colombo
This terracotta-tiled, Dutch-era structure dates back to the early 1600s. Beautifully restored, it's now home to trendy shops, cafes and restaurants. In…
Gal Vihara
Polonnaruwa
Part of Parakramabahu I’s northern monastery, Gal Vihara is a group of beautiful Buddha images that probably marks the high point of Sinhalese rock…
National Museum
Colombo
Offering a captivating walk through Sri Lankan history, this delightful Colombo museum sprawls across a gleaming white, neo-Baroque building constructed…
Arugam Bay Beach
Arugam Bay
This long crescent of sand, partially shaded by coconut palms, is as good a reason as any to visit Arugam Bay. In season, its appeal to surfers is obvious…
Mirissa Beach
Mirissa
A vision of tropical bliss, Mirissa Beach boasts powdery pale sand, while its azure water is framed by an arc of coconut palms. The west side is the…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

From finding the best surf to trying the ultimate local dishes, here are the top things to do in Sri Lanka.

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Things to Know

From navigating the heat to local phrases and dress codes, we've got all the insider info on what you need to know before visiting Sri Lanka.

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Transportation

Our guide to transportation can help you plan the best way for your travels around Sri Lanka.

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Visa Requirements

Here’s our guide to navigating the entry requirements for visiting Sri Lanka as a tourist, with information on visa types, costs and how to apply for one.

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Money and Costs

Whether you’re coming for just a few days or backpacking for months, here are some helpful ways to keep your costs down and visit Sri Lanka on a budget.

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Traveling with Kids

Whether you're traveling with toddlers or teenagers, we give you tips on where to stay and what to do for an unforgettable family adventure in Sri Lanka.

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Best Road Trips

Hire a car and driver or rent a motorcycle and explore the best of Sri Lanka with these road trip routes.

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