Discover Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island that tastes of cinnamon, salt and centuries of tea.
Tea country, ancient kingdoms and beaches that go on for days.
Capital
Colombo (Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte)
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Best Time
December to March (south), April to September (east)
Vibe
Tropical, varied, welcoming
Budget
$$$Why Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka delivers a complete trip in a small country — surfing, safaris, hill country, temples and tea estates within a week.
Must Try
- Hoppers (appam) with egg and coconut sambol
- Kottu roti chopped on a hot griddle
- Arrack with ginger beer (arrack sour)
Must Visit
- Sigiriya rock fortress
- Kandy's temple of the tooth
- Ella and the tea-train ride
Before You Go
- The train through tea country is legendary — book early
- Spice can be unforgiving — ask for 'less spice'
- Tuk-tuks are king for short hops
Local Legend
Sigiriya, the rock fortress, was built in the 5th century as a palace by a king who'd murdered his father. He covered the rock face in frescoes of beautiful women, supposedly so he could see them as he climbed. Many are still there.
Explore by Category
What to Visit in Sri Lanka
Cities
- Colombo
Landmarks
- Sigiriya rock fortress
- Kandy's temple of the tooth
- Ella and the tea-train ride
Nature Spots
- South coast beaches around Mirissa
Stories from Sri Lanka
View allfirst-day
Local insight
A Kandyan tea estate owner brewed travellers white tea in a glass pot at 6am — the leaves opened like flowers — and explained that this batch was reserved for the Japanese imperial household. Travellers bought a small tin. Travellers are still rationing it.
hidden
A local legend
Sigiriya, the rock fortress, was built in the 5th century as a palace by a king who'd murdered his father. He covered the rock face in frescoes of beautiful women, supposedly so he could see them as he climbed. Many are still there.
sunset
The one line that stays
Sri Lanka is an island that tastes of cinnamon, salt and centuries of tea.
4 Quizzes about Sri Lanka
View allFood Lover Quiz
Which Sri Lanka flavour matches you?
Destination Quiz
Which Sri Lanka corner should you visit first?
Culture Quiz
Test your Sri Lanka custom know-how.
Adventure Quiz
What's your Sri Lanka adventure style?
On the map
Where is Sri Lanka?
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