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

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, leave the planning to a local expert.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

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…

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

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

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

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…

National Museum

Offering a captivating walk through Sri Lankan history, this delightful Colombo museum sprawls across a gleaming white, neo-Baroque building constructed…

Arugam Bay Beach

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

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…

Top picks from our travel experts

18 of the best things to do in sri lanka.

Church Street Social

A classy retreat from Galle's steamy streets, this refined air-conditioned hotel restaurant is the perfect setting for a great meal, with the formality of…

Polonnaruwa Ruins

For three centuries Polonnaruwa was a royal capital of both the Chola and Sinhalese kingdoms. Today's archaeological park is a delight to explore, with…

Kalpitiya Beach

North of Colombo

Kalpitiya Beach at the northern end of the peninsula consists of a long spit of sand most easily reached by boat across the Kalpitiya lagoon. It's a…

Pettah Floating Market

A perfect example of how quickly Colombo is changing: what was an industrial canal has been reborn as a waterfront district with simple cafes, food…

Hotel De Pilawoos

Just known as Pilawoos, this open-fronted purveyor of short eats is renowned for what may be the best kotthu (rotti sliced up with cheese and other…

Elephant Transit Home

This complex is a halfway house for orphaned elephants. After rehabilitation, the elephants…

Pidurangula

This prominent rock about 1km north of the Sigiriya site, offers amazing views of Sigiriya from its wide summit. It's a 20-minute hike up to the top, past…

Koggala Lake

Next to the road, Koggala Lake is alive with birdlife and dotted with islands, one of which features a Buddhist temple that attracts many visitors on poya…

A short stroll north of the Royal Palace ruins, the area known as the Quadrangle is literally that – a compact group of ruins in a raised-up area bounded…

Hotel Renuka & Renuka City Hotel

The well-run Renuka is bifurcated into two different buildings. Its 99 rooms are well maintained and have safes, fridges and 24-hour room service. It's…

Lankatilaka

One of the most evocative structures in Polonnaruwa, the Lankatilaka temple was built by Parakramabahu I and later restored by Vijayabahu IV. This massive…

Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. A set of near…

Stick No Bills

Super-stylish reproduction posters (Rs 3000) and postcards (Rs 350) covering Sri Lanka through the decades. Many of the beautiful vintage airline images…

Kaudulla National Park

The Ancient Cities

Like Minneriya, Kaudulla offers a good chance of getting up close and personal with elephants. In October, there are up to 250 elephants in the park,…

Wilpattu National Park

At 1317 sq km, Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest national park. Hidden in the dense, dry woodland, you'll (hopefully) find an array of wildlife that…

Minneriya National Park

This national park is one of the best places in the country to see wild elephants, which are often present in huge numbers. Dominated by the ancient…

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

Things to Know

Here's what you need to know about health, safety and etiquette for a trouble-free trip to Sri Lanka.

Transportation

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

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.

Money and Costs

With travel experiences that don't break the bank and incredible hospitality, Sri Lanka is a great place to visit for those on a budget.

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.

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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Sri Lanka and beyond

Time stands still as you step into Sri Lanka. Ancient Kingdoms with magnificent palaces, sprawling national parks, to golden beaches, blend with culture, history, nature and architecture seamlessly merge as one to create a land like no other. 

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The ultimate Sri Lanka Travel Guide: what to see, know and do

To help you make the most of your holiday, here's our complete Sri Lanka travel guide, full of all the practical information you need to make your trip brilliant.

There are so many reasons to visit Sri Lanka.

Endless white-sand beaches with pumping surf. Lush tropical jungle and misty mountain towns .

Ancient World Heritage sites and safari plains where Asian Elephants and Leopards roam in abundance. Enchanting train rides through rolling tea plantations and vibrant cultural heritage . The friendliest locals you could ever hope to meet plus delicious food and fruits everywhere you look.

And what’s more, travelling in Sri Lanka is a relatively easy experience.

English is widely spoken, the country is safe (yes, we hear your concerns post April 2019 - more on that below!), the locals are friendly, the prices cheap, the scenery astounding and the infrastructure improving. Then there’s the food - always plentiful, always delicious.

There’s a reason Sri Lanka has boomed onto the travel scene over the last couple of years, so to help you travel better in Sri Lanka, we’ve put together this Sri Lanka travel guide.

Our Sri Lanka travel guide is full of all the information you could ever need or want, such as the best places to visit on the Island , transport and accommodation details, common Sri Lankan scams, responsible tourism in Sri Lanka, and of course, what to eat (NOM)!

So, what are you waiting for? Book that ticket and enjoy this little island paradise as much as we did.

TRANSFORM YOUR SRI LANKA PHOTOS | We’ve just released our brand new collection of Lightroom Desktop and Mobile presets, check out the full range here now.

SRI LANKA TRAVEL GUIDE | WHAT TO SEE, KNOW, AND DO IN SRI LANKA

What to know before you visit sri lanka | sri lanka travel guide, where is sri lanka.

Sri Lanka is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, south of India and the Bay of Bengal, east of Africa and the Middle East, and west of Indonesia and south-east Asia.

Sri Lanka’s largest city, and capital, Colombo , is located in the south west of the country, and is home to the majority of Sri Lanka’s 21 million people.

Sri Lanka’s history dates back over 125,000 years, and its documented history 3,000, making it rich with cultural heritage.

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SRI LANKA | SRI LANKA WEATHER

Sri Lanka’s weather is punctuated by two seperate monsoons affecting different parts of the island at different times of year, you trip will require a little pre-research to know what’s ‘in season’.

The main monsoon, "Yala”, occurs from April/May to September on the west and south west coasts (including main tourism sites such as Galle , Unawatuna , and the southern coast), with the wettest months from April - June.

The less severe “Maha” monsoon usually hits the east coast from November to March (includes Arugam Bay and Trincomalee).

If you’re wanting to visit the incredible sights of the south and central areas, December to March is the best time to visit Sri Lanka .

Alternatively, if you’re keen to hit the surf breaks of Arugam Bay and Trincomalee, April/May to September is the best time to visit Sri Lanka .

READ | Our top Sri Lanka travel tips

SRI LANKA TOURIST VISA INFORMATION

Tourist visas are generally issued for a 30-day period, and it’s best to organise it via ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) before you arrive in the country.

To organise your visa, head to the ETA website about a week before your arrival, pay the fee via credit card, and then you should receive the visa confirmation within a couple of days.

Prices for the ETA Visa are:

SAARC countries | USD $20 for 30 days with double entry

Non-SAARC | USD $35 for 30 days with double entry

Although it’s currently still possible (as at March 2019) to organise a visa on arrival to Sri Lanka, it’s preferable to organise this ahead of time - and you will pay an extra USD $5 if you choose to organise yours upon arrival.

You will also need to meet the following entry requirements when you arrive at Colombo airport:

Proof of departure flight

Minimum 6 months validity left in passport

Blank page to stamp

Proof of Yellow Fever and Cholera vaccination (only important if you’re travelling from an infected area, such as Africa, within 10 days).

If you decide you love Sri Lanka too much to leave just yet (we don’t blame you!), you can renew your 30-day visa twice, and for 30 days each time.

To extend your visa, download the relevant form here , fill it in, and take it to the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo .

Get there as early as possible, and prepare to spend a few hours navigating the Sri Lankan bureaucratic system!

INTERNET, WIFI AND DATA IN SRI LANKA

On our most recent trip to Sri Lanka , we actually ended up just using our 3 UK sim cards (thank you, ‘Go Roam’ coverage!), but during our first trip in 2016, we bought local sim cards and topped up with data as we needed.

4G is readily available here, and actually seems to enjoy a better signal than we used to get living in London! Better yet, buying pay as you go credit is super cheap.

On previous visits to Sri Lanka, we’ve used Dialog who have free sim cards available to travellers at the airport, and LKR 1300 (USD $9) will get you 9GB of data and LKR 350 of local calls. To top up, simply head to any little convenience shop.

Wifi is available in almost all main tourist areas, and is fairly quick in major cities.

DRINKING WATER IN SRI LANKA | CAN I DRINK THE TAP WATER IN SRI LANKA?

The tap water in Sri Lanka generally isn’t safe for drinking; but that absolutely doesn’t mean that you need to go buy plastic bottled water just to stay hydrated.

Travel with a water purification system (we recently switched to The Grayl after using Water to Go f or about a year), and you can fill up direct from the tap, purify your water and filter out any nasties, and drink with confidence.

We haven’t bought bottled water in over 18 months, and despite travelling through some places with very questionable water (Sri Lanka included), we’re yet to encounter a single tummy bug. Not a single one!

BUY | The Grayl water purification bottle

related | our top sri lanka travel tips

Money matters | what’s sri lanka’s currency.

Sri Lanka’s currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. The currency code is LKR.

Denominations include ₨10, ₨20, ₨50, ₨100, ₨500, ₨1000, ₨2000, ₨5000.

The exchange rate currently is 1 USD = 177 LKR & 1 GBP = 216 LKR

From tuk tuk drivers to restaurants, grocery stores to tour operators, this is a country that runs on cash.

CASH OR CARD IN SRI LANKA?

While ATM and card facilities are pretty widely accessible in the main tourist areas, they can’t always be relied upon.

We’d recommend withdrawing as many Sri Lankan rupees as you need in batches (from the ATM rather than a currency exchange so you don’t get ripped off), and using that to pay your way instead.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA? | DAILY SRI LANKA BUDGET

In our experience, the cost of travel in Sri Lanka is pretty affordable, but it’s definitely pricier when you compare it with many of its asian neighbours.

Overall, we’d suggest budgeting for around USD $20-30 per day including accommodation, food and transport.

Food and transport in Sri Lanka is particularly cheap, with our longest train ride ( Jaffna to Colombo) only setting us back £1.47 each, and most local meals coming in between £1-3 per person.

COST OF FOOD + DRINK IN SRI LANKA

Sri Lankan food is absolutely delicious, and the local and street food is extremely affordable.

Street food | USD 50c - $3

Rice and Curry | USD $1-3

Main local meals | USD $1-5

Expensive western meals | USD $5-20

Beer | USD $2-5 (alcohol is very expensive in Sri Lanka)

Bottled Water | Buy a Grayl bottle and never worry about bottled water again…

COST OF ACCOMMODATION IN SRI LANKA

The real budget breaker in Sri Lanka is accommodation, which we found to be pretty pricey both trips.

Private rooms in guesthouses priced at about £15-25 per night, meals in the trendy cafes and restaurants dotting the southern coast (obviously!), and paying for guided tours, like safaris.

When compared to western pricing it’s still very much a budget destination, but for those travelling on a backpacker budget, it’s something to be aware of.

For those looking to experience the best of Sri Lanka, including 4* + accommodation, first class transport, and tours, expect a budget of between USD $60-200 per day.

Guesthouse | USD $10-20 per night, depending on location/season

Airbnb | USD $15 per night

3* Hotel | USD $15-30 per night

Expensive hotel | USD $100+ per night

COST OF TRANSPORT IN SRI LANKA

Bus | USD $1

Express bus | USD $3-5 depending on distances

Trains | USD $3-10 depending on distances and classes

Tuk tuks | 50c per kilometre, however longer distances can be negotiated. Expensive in cities, so always negotiate

Private cars | USD $10 - 100, depending on distances

HOW TO GET TO AND FROM SRI LANKA

Being an island in the middle of the Indian ocean, pretty much the only way to get to Sri Lanka is by plane.

Right now, the main gateway to the country is Bandaranaike International Airport , at Katunayake, 30km north of the capital Colombo . The main frustration with the airport is the distance to Colombo - in traffic it can take over an hour to arrive into Colombo Fort.

BOOK | Use Skyscanner to find the best price

We’d suggest booking a taxi into Colombo (around LKR 2,500). Taxis are regulated from the airport and prices are almost always fixed, so you can be comfortable knowing you’re not being ripped off.

Alternatively, you can walk outside the airport grounds to hire a tuk tuk, which should cost marginally less (but is far less comfortable).

In general, airfares to Sri Lanka remain consistent, however it pays to book well in advance to secure the cheapest deal.

GETTING TO SRI LANKA FROM EUROPE

Sri Lankan Airlines operates direct flights from London. For those flying from other parts of Europe, expect to stop in either the Middle East or southeast Asia for your connecting flights.

GETTING TO SRI LANKA FROM NORTH AMERICA

Flying from North America to Sri Lanka is like Australians flying to Europe - it’s a loooong way! Flights from the west coast often connect through Asia, while flights from the east coast connect through the Middle East or Asia. Either way, expect a 20+ hour flight time.

GETTING TO SRI LANKA FROM ASIA

Just a hop, skip and a jump from Asia, Sri Lanka is obviously well serviced by major Asian airlines, including budget airlines such as Air Asia. Prices can be competitive, so it’s worth using Skyscanner to find the best price.

GETTING TO SRI LANKA FROM AUSTRALIA

Sri Lankan Airlines operates direct flights from Melbourne to Colombo daily, however if you’re leaving from any other capital city in Australia, you’ll need to stop-over in southeast Asia.

For cheaper fares, budget airlines such as Air Asia operate the route through Kuala Lumpur.

TRANSPORT IN SRI LANKA | HOW TO GET AROUND SRI LANKA

Due to Sri Lanka’s small size and abundance of transport options, getting around the island is easy, if not a little time consuming and uncomfortable.

Buses and tuk tuks are the most common form of transport on the island, and service even the most remote corners. Buses, however, are a fraction of the cost of tuk tuks and oftentimes make for a much faster journey from A to B.

The most picturesque form of transport, however, is Sri Lanka’s train network. The network may be slow, cumbersome, and somewhat unreliable, but it services all the main areas of the island and provides travellers with rich cultural experiences that just aren’t as common in western countries.

If public transport isn’t your thing or time is of the essence, it is possible to arrange a private transfer, however the cost is often prohibitive for a backpacker budget.

HOW TO GET AROUND SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

This is the method of transport that basically put Sri Lanka on the map; the iconic images of the blue train weaving through the thick jungle of Ella and Horton Plains is almost everywhere you look online now!

But, as with most tourist hotspots, there’s a reason for its popularity. This is the cheap, slow, and scenic way of getting around the country, and honestly, some of the world’s greatest train journeys happen right here in Sri Lanka, including: Colombo to Kandy, Kandy to Ella , Colombo to Galle .

There are three ticket classes with reserved and unreserved seating classifications in each. Our personal favourite is third class (generally reserved), where we could have some awesome local interactions, see some amazing sights with a little less cramping, and of course, get some epic shots out the train window/door.

Second class is less busy and slightly more comfortable, but you’re a little more removed from the action, as we found that many of the doors are locked (no hanging out the doorways here!).

We absolutely love the train experience in Sri Lanka; from the colour and chaos of it all, to the clacking noise of the trains and the constant energy of chai sellers, local touts hawking their wares, kids singing, families excitedly watching for the next best view, and plenty of people to chat and make new friends with.

For timetables, we recommend checking at the station in each destination, but to give you an idea head to the Sri Lankan railways site here .

READ | Our guide to the Kandy to Ella train ride BOOK | Book your Sri Lankan train tickets on 12go.asia here

HOW TO GET AROUND SRI LANKA BY BUS

Bus routes cover about 80% of the nation’s 90,000km of roads.

Loud, sweaty, chaotic, slow, bumpy, busy… bus rides in Sri Lanka are a real experience.

These ever-present metal beasts screech around every corner of the island at what seems like minute intervals throughout the day, meaning locals and tourists alike can get just about anywhere at anytime. On top of that, they’re by far the cheapest mode of transport on the Island, with trips setting you back between LKR 30 - 400 depending on trip length (for example, our seven hour bus ride from Dambulla to Jaffna cost just LKR 350).

For those on a budget or looking for some authentic Sri Lankan experiences, this is your best bet. A few tips for bus travel in Sri Lanka:

Prices are fixed

You’ll need small change to pay your fare

If you’re backpacking, backpacks can go on the front engine hub next to driver or in the rear luggage compartment... ask the attendant where to put it

HOW TO GET AROUND SRI LANKA BY EXPRESS BUS

There are times when jumping on the local bus is the cheap and fun way to travel about; then there are other times when you just want to sit in a little bit of comfort and get to your destination as quickly as possible.

The express bus system that runs in the south is the perfect answer to this; small, air-conditioned mini buses that run regular routes between places like Galle and Colombo (LKR 450) or Kandy to Dambulla (LKR 410).

They’re quick, efficient, and comfortable, if not a little splurge compared to other modes of transport.

HOW TO GET AROUND SRI LANKA BY TUK TUK

If there’s one mode of transport that always signals adventure in this part of the world, the zippy little tuk tuk is definitely it.

These colourful three-wheeled auto rickshaws weave in and around the traffic and are omnipresent around the island, so you can be sure that you jump in one pretty much anywhere you go.

The tuk tuk is a great way to get around cities quickly and efficiently, and they’re generally happy to take you just about anywhere. Just be sure that you either negotiate the fare before you jump in - or, if available, ask them to turn on the meter.

We actually refused to use any Tuk tuks in Colombo that weren’t running on metered fares thanks to a few ‘tuk tuk mafia’ idiots ruining it for everyone else.

It is also possible to take a tuk tuk between cities/destinations, and while it’s not a huge expense, it will obviously cost you more than the local bus would. To give you an idea, we once caught a Tuk tuk from Udawalawe National Park to Mirissa (a 3-hour journey) for USD $30. The tuk tuk is also an awesome way to see the local countryside, with the opportunity to stop at various spots along the way.

A few tips for using tuk tuks in Sri Lanka:

Always negotiate, unless you’re happy with the fee

Use the PICKME app in Colombo or Kandy (essentially uber for tuk tuks)

Always get to know your driver - they’re always wonderfully friendly and happy to provide local recommendations for food etc.

Tipping isn’t necessary unless the service was great or you thought they were awesome people.

WHY NOT BOOK A TOUR OF SRI LANKA?

Although we’re definitely advocates for independent travel, we understand some travellers may want to experience Sri Lanka with a guide, and with all the nitty gritty travel details taken care of.

Below are selection of tours in Sri Lanka, and the best day tours around the Island.

Sri Lanka Encompassed with G Adventures | A 14-day small group tour visiting major cultural sights within Sri Lanka, including the most scenic train ride in the world from Kandy to Ella. Includes expert guides, meals and transport.

BOOK | Sri Lanka Encompassed

Sri Lanka Explorer with Intrepid Travel | A 12-day tour that takes in all the key cultural and tourist areas (including Jaffna in the north!

BOOK | Sri Lanka Explorer

Best of Sri Lanka with Intrepid Travel | A 15-day in-depth cultural tour of Sri Lanka that takes in all the major sights including Sigiriya , Kandy , Galle and Ella .

BOOK | Best of Sri Lanka

SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS

If you’re planning your own travels to Sri Lanka, we’ve put together this list of Sri Lanka travel tips we really think you should know before you visit.

Includes the good and simple stuff that will help you travel better and more responsibly in the teardrop isle.

READ | 39 essential Sri Lanka travel tips

SAFETY IN SRI LANKA | TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR SRI LANKA

We’ve actually written a comprehensive guide to safety in Sri Lanka , with everything you need to know, including the historical context, common travel scams, safety on roads, advice for solo and female travellers, and much more. Read the guide here

Do note that despite having been through a tumultuous few decades during the bitter civil war that raged between the Tamils and Sinhalese, Sri Lanka has always felt like an incredibly safe destination to travel to for us.

That being said, the recent terrorist bombings in April 2019 left the world in shock and the country reeling.

The attacks by local extremists, which killed over 250 people, including tourists, targeted popular tourist hotels around Colombo, as well as throughout around the country. The targets were clear, and the outcome horrific.

As of now (August 2019), the government has enforced a State of Emergency across the island, and security is tight. It’s not uncommon to see military and heavily armed police in main tourist hotspots.

Don’t let this deter you from visiting the country, though. Right now, Sri Lanka is at its safest, and it’s the perfect time to visit.

For more up to date information, visit the UK Government’s Sri Lanka travel advice, here .

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We firmly believe that if you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the pandemic has taught many; things can go wrong anywhere in the world and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.

For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out of pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here .

For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.

Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy

GENERAL HEALTH IN SRI LANKA

When travelling to Sri Lanka, be aware of the following:

Mosquitos | Dengue fever outbreaks are common in Sri Lanka, so cover up as often as you can. Fortunately, Malaria has been eradicated

Food related issues | Honestly, we’ve never had an issue eating any type of food in Sri Lanka. But do be careful when buying food, especially from street vendors. Eat freshly cooked foods, cook veggies, clean salad in iodine water, and avoid shellfish

Heat | Sri Lanka is stinking hot, so always carry water or fluids with you. In the heat of the day, stay inside, or seek shady areas to avoid the direct sunlight. And use sunscreen, and lots of it!

Transport | Overall, public transport in Sri Lanka is quite safe. Buses are an exception though - they’re crazy! While we’ve never felt unsafe in one, there are often accidents, especially on evening buses. Just be vigilant. Keep your wits about you, especially when travelling in tuk tuks or taxis. Use the Pick.Me app to monitor drivers and prices.

SCAMS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN SRI LANKA

Beyond a couple of tuk tuk drivers trying their luck, we’ve barely encountered any real scams or safety concerns on either of our trips, but here are a few things to watch out for just in case:

Tuk tuk scams | The most common scam in Sri Lanka involves tuk tuk overcharging. In cities, only take tuk tuks that have meters, and request that they’re turned on prior to getting in to the vehicle. In other areas, be sure to clearly agree on a set price before getting in.

Alternatively, use apps like PickMe (basically the Uber of the tuk tuk world here!) to avoid any issues.

Pickpocketing | As with most destinations, the risk of pickpocketing, particularly in crowded areas like Pettah market in Colombo.

Try not to flash your expensive items, and avoid putting your valuables in your pockets or easily accessible areas of your bags.

Stilt fisherman | There’s no image more iconic in Sri Lanka than the stilt fisherman, expertly balancing on two strapped-together sticks in the shallows of the southern coastline, fishing for the day’s catch.

While a small handful do genuinely practice this traditional fishing method (most prefer boat fishing now), there are also plenty of unscrupulous non-fisherman who partner with men on the beach to demand payment once you’ve snapped your winning picture.

Spice Garden Scam | Tuk tuk drivers will often pair with a spice garden to bring tourists through the doors, for a commission. Then, the ‘doctor/professor’ will try to sell you any number of herbal remedies, which are often low quality or useless.

If you don’t buy, the doctor/professor get angry and agitated and storm out. This is all a ruse to get you to buy something, but don’t fall for their act.

Sapphire scams | Sri Lanka is home to the sapphire, so it’s no surprise that gem scams occur, especially in Galle and Kandy. Oftentimes, tourists are sold fake, or poor quality gems with faked authenticity certificates.

Fake Temples/Tuk Tuk tour scam | Kandy and Colombo are the home of the tuk tuk mafia, who see tourists as pure dollar signs. They’ll do anything to take you to a multitude of gem, textile and souvenir stores for a kickback. Refuse. It may end up in a squabble, but there’s no point in being ripped off. They also like to take you on expensive city tours to visit amazing temples, most of which don’t exist. It’s just a really bad, boring ’tour’ of the city and not worth any money.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA | OUR TOP TIPS

- We’re working on a comprehensive guide to responsible travel in Sri Lanka - so watch this space! In the meantime though, here are a few tips to keep in mind, to ensure that your travels benefit the people, and places, that you’re visiting too:

DON’T RIDE ELEPHANTS OR PARTAKE IN ANIMAL TOURISM

Sri Lanka is not immune to animal tourism, with many operators offering elephant safari’s in national parks, including the popular Minnereya National Park, Kaudulla National Park, and Habarana National Park, as well as the questionable practices of Pinnawela Elephant Sanctuary .

Quite simply, under no circumstance should you ride an elephant in Sri Lanka , or anywhere in the world for that matter.

To ‘train’ an elephant to accept riders, elephants are taken from their mothers at a very early age and physically and psychologically abused.

They’re chained, hit with clubs spiked with nails and hooks, and screamed at.

They’re exceptionally intelligent, emotional animals and this training is extremely damaging and traumatising.

Although this is a centuries old traditional in Sri Lanka and many parts of the world, modernity, morals and ethics mean this practice is no longer justified or applicable.

The best way to enjoy animals within their natural habitat is via a quintessential Sri Lankan safari experience - sure it’s not the most quiet option, but at least it’s not possible to physically and mentally abuse a Jeep.

READ | 26 tips on how to be a responsible traveller , Our guide on how to be an animal friendly traveller

DON’T USE PLASTIC / REFUSE PLASTIC

Plastic is a huge issue in Sri Lanka (as with most of the world), especially in the mountain areas where waste management is almost impossible. The easiest way to reduce your overall plastic consumption in Sri Lanka is to just say NO !

Avoid buying plastic products if at all possible, say no to plastic bags, and where possible, gently educate locals on the negative consequences of plastic. It doesn’t need to get preachy; a simple ‘no thanks, I don’t like plastic as it’s bad for the environment’ will suffice.

When exploring Sri Lanka’s beaches, or walking through it’s many UNESCO sights, fill up a reusable water bottle and take it with you wherever you go to avoid buying unnecessary single-use bottles.

‘But what about dirty water?!,’ we hear you ask.

Well, we agree that clean drinking water can be an issue in many developing nations - but as a traveller it absolutely doesn’t need to mean buying endless plastic bottles everywhere you go.

Invest in a Grayl water purification bottles or steri-pen , which delivers clean, safe drinking water from any non-saltwater source, is a simple solution.

READ | How to reduce plastic consumption on your travels , our eco-friendly packing guide

RESPECT THE CULTURE | DRESS + ACT APPROPRIATELY, ESPECIALLY AT TEMPLES

In Sri Lanka, the majority Buddhist culture, as well as Hindi and Muslim are both modest and reserved, so it's important to be respectful at all times.

Treat the Sri Lankan locals how you’d wish to be treated as a guest, take your cues from how they behave and dress, and always travel with respect at the heart of your adventures.

Although a lot of travellers visit Sri Lanka to explore the epic beaches and stunning natural scenery, the rich culture that exists within the whole country is worth learning and understanding.

So much of the beauty of travel is found in discovering the rich tapestry of religion, language, and customs that make up our world, so set aside time to explore the religious and cultural sights within Nepal, and try to engage in community homestay programs or social enterprises.

In Sri Lanka, a fairly strict dress code applies when visiting sights of religious significance, such as temples or stupas, or rural communities.

Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting these areas, and you shouldn’t have any issues.

READ | 26 tips on how to be a responsible traveller

the best views of sigiriya | a guide to the pidurangala rock hike

Accommodation in sri lanka | where to stay in sri lanka.

Accommodation to suit any budget can be found in Sri Lanka, from luxury hotels right through to dorms in budget backpackers. By far the most common accommodation is guesthouses, which you can find just about anywhere. Luxury hotels on Sri Lanka are some of the finest in the world.

Generally, the standard of accommodation in Sri Lanka is very good, and compared to the west, quite cheap.

If you’re travelling on a budget, USD$20 per night should cover you, however if money is no issue, luxurious hotels can cost anywhere between USD$50 - $200 per night.

If you’re looking for accommodation in Ella, we’ve put together a guide to where to stay in Sri Lanka’s hill-country town here

READ | Where to stay in Ella

HOTELS IN SRI LANKA

Hotels in Sri Lanka range from the most incredible 5* resorts through to standard 3* shoe boxes. Despite this, hotels are much cheaper here than other parts of the world, so if you’ve got a decent travel budget, you can find some incredible accommodation at decent rates.

BOOK | Use Booking.com to find the best deals on your Sri Lanka hotel accommodation

GUESTHOUSES IN SRI LANKA

Guesthouses are the most popular accommodation option in Sri Lanka and can be found just about everywhere on the island. While some are fancy, the majority are a room/s in family homes, which provide an authentic experience with your host family.

During one of our guesthouse stays, we enjoyed some of the best rice and curry we’ve ever eaten.

We recommend searching for and booking guesthouses through Booking.com .

BOOK | Use Booking.com to find the best deals on your Sri Lanka guesthouse accommodation

HOSTELS IN SRI LANKA

It’s important to note that hostels are rarer in Sri Lanka than other southeast Asian countries, mostly due to the abundance of wonderful guesthouses. That being said, there are a number of cool hostels in all the main destinations on the island, including Unawatuna , Galle , Ella , Kandy and Colombo.

One of the best is The Doctors House , located in Matara, which is located in a restored colonial building and has a cool outdoor bar and chill area to meet other travellers.

BOOK | Check Hostelworld for the best hostels in Sri Lanka now.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN SRI LANKA | SRI LANKA HIGHLIGHTS

From the blissfully tropical south to the untouched north, to the world’s best train ride and awesome surf breaks, Sri Lanka is full of amazing things to see and do.

Most travellers spend their time in the south and central part of the island, where the majority of the Sri Lanka’s popular attractions are.

This should be your starting point to the country, and exploring this part of Sri Lanka is easily doable in two weeks.

We’ve written all about the best places to visit in Sri Lanka — check it out here !

However, as an overview here’s what we recommend for two or more weeks in Sri Lanka.

TWO WEEKS OR LESS IN SRI LANKA

If you’re spending two weeks or less in Sri Lanka, we recommend visiting all of these popular

Galle | Historical and beautiful Galle Fort is a must-see in the south. Read more here

Weligama | Laidback surf hub which is the perfect place to learn to surf in Sri Lanka

Mirissa | Potentially Sri Lanka’s best beach and also a backpacker hub

Hiriketiya | Hiriketiya beach is our favourite place in Sri Lanka for it’s yoga and chill life. Read more here

Yala National Park | Spot leopards and elephants in Yala National Park

Ella | Ella is Sri Lanka’s hill country starting point and home to awesome hiking and waterfalls. Read more here

Kandy | Home to the Temple of the Tooth and many other important cultural sights. Read more here

Sigiriya | Sri Lanka’s famous ancient rock fortress surrounded by jungle + Pidurangala . Read more here

If you’ve got the time, or are a little more intrepid, it’s worth making your way towards the recently opened north, checking out various UNESCO World Heritage sights along the way.

THREE OR MORE WEEKS IN SRI LANKA

If you’ve got more time in Sri Lanka, add some of these amazing destinations to your itinerary.

Hikkaduwa | Home to awesome Diving and surfing in a chilled out environment

Unawatuna | Home to Sri Lanka’s party scene as well as decent beaches and surfing. Read more here

Adam’s Peak | Hike to the top of Sri Lanka at Adam’s Peak

Udawalawe | Spot all the elephants in this picturesque national park

Polonnaruwa | Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa

Jaffna | Explore the northern capital and surrounds of Jaffna. Read more here

READ | 31 incredible things to do in Sri Lanka READ | See the best of Sri Lanka with our brilliant 3 week Sri Lankan itinerary

the best of sri lanka | our three-week sri lanka itinerary

Food in sri lanka | what to eat and drink in sri lanka.

In our humble opinion, Sri Lankan food is the best in the world (and we’ve tried many) .

It’s flavoursome, healthy, and influenced by both its proximity to India, its colonial past, and its access to lush, fertile farming lands and oceans.

Here are a few of our favourite dishes and street food delights to look out for:

Rice and curry | The Sri Lankan staple - expect to eat it day and night (more on this below!)

Kottu Roti | You’ll hear this street food long before you taste it, so ubiquitous is the metal clanging of the hot plates its cooked on. This is Sri Lanka’s most popular street food, a mix of shredded godamba roti, vegetables, and spices cooked and chopped quickly on a hot plate and served on just about every street corner.

Hoppers | These little pancake-like bowls are traditionally a breakfast dish, made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. You can order them with or without an egg, and they’re typically served with a yellow lentil dahl.

String Hoppers | Similar to the hoppers, but made as a ‘noodle patty’, these are served with a mild curry sauce (kiri hodi) and a coconut sambol, again typically for breakfast (but we ate them all day long!)

Vegetable roti | our go-to street food! Little parcels of roti goodness, with lots of veggies inside.

Wade | Listen out for the call of ‘wade (wah-deh) wade’, particularly on trains, which signals the presence of deep fried dhal cakes (aka heaven on earth)

Dhal | the staple comprising of lentils cooked in spices with a coconut milk

Brinjal (eggplant) curry | sweet, almost caramelised eggplant with spices

Jackfruit curry | tender baby jackfruit (with a meaty texture) mixed with spices Sri Lankan food is known for being relatively spicy, but they’re also used to travellers not being able to handle their level of heat! If you’re worried, just ask for little or no spice in your meal.

Just about every local establishment serves rice and curry, and these tasty meals should only set you back about LKR 150 - 500. It’s the perfect option for those on a budget, as it’s delicious, super filling, and seriously cost effective too.

TIP | Our best meals were eaten in some of the most run-down looking eateries imaginable. Look for eateries packed with locals, and you’re in for a tastebud treat!

head north: the best things to do in jaffna, sri lanka’s northern capital

Travel insurance | stay safe in sri lanka.

Whatever you do, don’t travel through Sri Lanka without travel insurance . Whether it be Delhi belly, theft, or lost baggage, things can go wrong in Sri Lanka, and insurance is your only way of mitigating the issues!

BUY | Click here to get the best travel insurance deals with World Nomads

SRI LANKA BACKPACKING ESSENTIALS | EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR SRI LANKA ITINERARY

Travelling through Sri Lanka comes with a unique set of needs. To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:

Reusable water bottle | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles , which allows us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!).

Biodegradable Wet Wipes | Keep clean without destroying the planet!

Hand sanitiser | not something we’d actually recommend normally, but in Sri Lanka it can be a bloody great investment.

A spork | to cut down on unnecessary plastic usage at meal times

Power bank | don’t get caught out without power for your devices

READ | check out our eco-friendly packing guide to travel through Sri Lanka consciously and comfortably

EXPERIENCE MORE OF SRI LANKA WITH THESE ESSENTIAL POSTS

SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | 31 incredible things to do in Sri Lanka , Our essential 3-week Sri Lanka Itinerary , Our 7-day Sri Lanka Itinerary , Everything you need to know before you visit Sri Lanka (39 essential tips!), Where to stay in Galle

SRI LANKA CITY GUIDES | We’ve got in-depth guides to Colombo , Galle , Kandy , Jaffna , Hiriketiya , Mirissa Beach , Ahangama Beach

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS | Our essential guides to both Sigiriya and Pidurangala , A guide to Polonnaruwa

TRANSPORT GUIDES | Our definitive guide to the Kandy to Ella train , how to get from Colombo to Kandy , how to get from Colombo to Galle

ELLA, SRI LANKA | Our complete guide to Ella , a guide to the Nine Arch Bridge , How to see Diyaluma Falls , Ella accommodation options for every budget (+ our recommendations)

PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Wondering what gear we use to get all of our photos around the world?

Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide , as well as our top travel photography tips !

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT.

ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials

We hope you enjoy Sri Lanka as much as we did, and get use out of our Sri Lanka travel guide.

If you have any questions, ask away in the comments below!

TRAVELLING TO SRI LANKA? YOU’LL LOVE THESE GUIDES TOO!

Some of the links on this Sri Lanka travel guide are affiliate links.

If you choose to purchase using these links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by using these affiliate links, you're directly supporting The Common Wanderer to stay wandering, the running costs of the site, and our ability to provide you with free content to help you on your travels.

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Anuradhapura

Bundala Nation Park

Hambanthota.

Horton Plains

Knuckles Range

Nuwara Eliy

Trincomalee

Yala National Park

Polonnaruwa

Wilpattu National Park

Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. From the 4th century BC, it was the capital of Sri Lanka until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km²). Anuradhapura is also significant in Hindu legend as the fabled capital of the Asura King Ravana in the Ramayana.

Arugam Bay is a bay situated on the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's southeast coast. The bay is located 320 km due east of Colombo. It is a popular surfing and tourist destination. Due to its popularity among low budget tourists, the area has managed a slow recovery. By private initiatives only. The main road through town has still not been repaved. Work is in progress to improve road access to the area. But in Arugam Bay itself, little has changed. As late as May, 2009 no help has been received from any official source or international organizations. An exception is uncoordinated support for fishing folk as well as many school rebuilding programs, resulting in a continuation to provide only separatist schools for each community.

Adam's Peak

Adam's Peak is a 2,243 metres (7,359 ft) tall conical mountain located in central Sri Lanka. It is well-known for the Sri Pada "sacred footprint", a 1.8 m rock formation near the summit, in Buddhist tradition held to be the footprint of Buddha, in Hindu tradition that of Shiva and in Muslim tradition that of Adam.

Batticaloa is a city in the Eastern province of Sri Lanka. It is the seat of the Eastern University of Sri Lanka. It is on the east coast, 69 miles south by south east of Trincomalee, and is situated on an island.

A Sri Lankan coastal city famous for golden beaches, Bentota is situated on the southern coastal tip of the Galle District of the Southern Province . The town is a popular tourist attraction. It is especially famous among the foreign tourists. The name comes from a mythical story which dates back to kings time saying a demon called Bem ruled this river ( tota = river bank. Bentota hosts a handful of world proclaimed hotels. It is the hosting land for the famous Sri Lankan Jeweler Aida. Bentota also delivers an ancient art of healing called Ayurveda . Bentota is also famous for its production in Toddy. An alcoholic beverage made out of cocunut nectar. The city's population is estimated to be between 25,000-50,000.

Beruwela, is a small resort town in the south western coastal belt of Sri Lanka. The name Beruwela is derived from the Sinhalese word Beruwela (the place where the sail is lowered). It marks the spot for the first Muslim settlement on the island, established by Arab traders around the 8th century AD. A large population of Sri Lankan Moors, many of them are gem merchants, still live in the town-- particularly in the "China Fort". Msjid-ul-Abrar , a landmark of Beruwela and Sri Lanka's oldest mosque, was built by Arab traders on a rocky peninsula overlooking the town.

Bundala National Park

Located about fifteen kilometers east of Hambantota Bundala National Park is one of Sri Lanka's foremost destinations for birdwatchers, protecting an important area of coastal wetland famous for its abundant aquatic (and other) birdlife. The park is also home to significant populations of elephants, Marsh & estuarine crocodiles, turtles & other fauna, including the leopard. Stretching along the coast east of Hambantota, Bundala National Park is ideal for instant gratification: in a four hour jeep ride, we can see elephants, 8ft crocs, giant squirrels & flamingoes. Afternoon safaris in the dry season (December - May) provide visitors with the best chance of seeing the wildlife.

The name "Colombo", first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505, is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name Kolon thota, meaning "port on the river Kelani". It has also been suggested that the name may be derived from the Sinhalese name Kola-amba-thota which means "Harbour with leafy mango trees". Due to its large harbour and its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. However it was only made the capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815, and its status as capital was retained when the nation became independent in 1948. In 1978, when administrative functions were moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

Major attractions of the city include the largest and best preserved cave temple complex of Sri Lanka, and the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, famous for being built in just 167 days. The city also boasts to have the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia, and the Iron wood forest, or Namal Uyana. Ibbankatuwa prehistoric burial site near Dhambulla cave temple complexes is the latest archaeological site of significant historical importance found in Dambulla, which is located within 3 kilometers of the cave temples providing evidence on presence of indigenous civilisations long before the arrival of Indian influence on the Island nation.

Ella is blessed with some of the most beautiful views, you could find in Sri Lanka. Only 8 km from Bandarawela, this small town is used as a base for plenty of trekking expeditions to the surrounding countryside. A taste of the breathtaking scenery of Ella could be had, if you just walk into the Garden of the Grand Ella Motel (Formerly Ella Rest House), where you seem to be standing at the edge of the world, and everything around you seems to disappear at your feet. Another fine view is from the Ambiente Hotel, where the wide doorway, opens out to the mountains, creating a dramatic cinematic like experience, on entry. Some of the places you could see in Ella are the Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam's Peak and Bambaragala Peak among the other many varied pleasant walks with stunning scenery.

Galle"Gaul", and in Sinhalese IPA: [ɡaːlːə]) is a town situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. The major river is Gin River Gin Ganga which starts from Gongala Kanda and passing villages such as Neluwa, Nagoda, Baddegama, Thelikada, Wakwella and kisses the sea at Ginthota. In Wakwella over the river there is Wakwella Bridge which is the longest bridge in Sri Lanka.

Hambantota is a rural town in southeastern coastal area of Sri Lanka. It is also the capital of the Hambantota District in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka.

Hikkaduwa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is located in the Southern Province, about 20 km north-west of Galle. Hikkaduwa is famous for its beach and corals. Villages affected were Telwatta, Paraliya, Dodanduwa, Kahawa, Rathgama. The place is on the way from Colombo to Galle on the famous Galle road. It is primarily a tourist destination, and serves as a great beach with options to surf, snorkel and enjoy the sun.

Horton Plains National Park "Maha-Eliya" in Sinhala, is a national park in the highlands of Sri Lanka. It lies at a height of more than 2,000 m in the central highlands, and its altitude means that it has a much cooler and more windy climate than the lowlands of Sri Lanka, with a mean annual temperature of 16 °C rather than the 26 °C of the coasts. The area was named in 1834 after Lady Anne Horton, wife of Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, then-governor of Ceylon.

Jaffna or Yazhpanam is the capital city of the Northern Province, Sri Lanka. Most of the residents of Jaffna are Sri Lankan Tamils with a presence of Sri Lankan Moors and Portuguese Burghers . Almost all Sri Lankan Muslims were driven off from Jaffna by the LTTE in the 1990s, as a result of the ethnic conflict which started in the 1970s [1] which leaves Jaffna exclusively Tamil, apart from the military personnel.

Kalkudah or Kalkuda (Pronounced Kal-Kuda, Tamil translation rock-bay) is a coastal resort town located about 35 kilometers northwest of Batticaloa, Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka. It used to be a popular tourist destination. Pasikudah and Kalkudah are located few kilometers apart

Despite its natural beauty, the western peninsular area of KALPITIYA in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka is remarkably untouched by tourism. But for those lucky enough to visit, there's a plethora of things to see and do! With the small close-knit fishing community dominating the lives of the local people, visitors can get a real insight into working life away from the city. After watching the night fishing boats return in the morning, a visit to one of the fish markets offers the opportunity to choose the evening meal direct from the fresh catch! The Dutch Fort and St Peter's Kerk church in the town itself are interesting examples of Sri Lanka's rich history and colonial past. Leisurely boat rides up the lagoon and canoe trips down the river are a pleasant way of exploring the coastline, whilst 4WD jeep rides along the deserted sand dunes between the ocean and the lagoon offer a unique way of watching the colourful evening sunsets.

Kandy in Sinhala, pronounced is the English name for the city of Maha Nuvara (Senkadagalapura) in the centre of Sri Lanka. It is the capital of the Central Province and Kandy District. It lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy Valley which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka. Kandy is of both an administrative and religious city. It is the capital of the Central Province and also of the administrative district of Kandy.

Katunayake a town is situated on the west coast of the island of Sri Lanka near Negombo and close to the commercial capital of Colombo. It is the site of Bandaranaike International Airport, the primary international air gateway to Sri Lanka. With the change of government in 1977 and the introduction of the open economy policy a large area was allocated to create a free trade zone. This created a large amount of job opportunities for the local youth and has contributed substantially towards the country's economy.

Kitulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka. It is in the wet zone rainforest, which gets two monsoons each year, and is one of the wettest places in the country. Nevertheless, it comes alive in the first three months of the year, especially in February, the driest month. The Academy Award-winning "The Bridge on the River Kwai" was filmed on the Kelani River near Kitulgala, although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations for the bridge Kitulgala is also a base for white-water rafting, which starts a few kilometres upstream.

The Knuckles Mountain Range lies in central Sri Lanka, north-east of the city of Kandy. The range takes its name from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif which resemble the knuckles of clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District. Whilst this name was assigned by early British surveyors, the Sinhalese residents have traditionally referred to the area as Dumbara Kanduvetiya meaning mist-laden mountain range (Cooray, 1984). The entire area is characterised by its striking landscapes often robed in thick layers of cloud but in addition to its aesthetic value the range is of great scientific interest. It is a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka.

Mannar Island is part of Mannar District, Sri Lanka. It is linked to the rest of Sri Lanka by a causeway.

Matara historically belongs to the area called Ruhana, one of the three kingdoms in Sri Lanka (Thun Sinhalaya). First Indians who arrived to the island country according to the Mahawansa settled in the area, along the banks of Nilwala river. Matara was ruled by Sinhala kings for thousands of years and this is evident by the ancient temples and shrines built by them such as temples in Dondra (Devinuwara) and Weherahena. The temple in the middle of the town is also built by ancient kings and now it is a very popular sacred place among the Buddhists in the area. In 16th and 18th centuries Matara was ruled by Portuguese and Dutch respectively.

Minneriya is a small town in Sri Lanka, and is famous for two things , for the great Minneriya lake build by King Mahasen and for the Minneriya wildlife sanctuary which is a hot spot for safari lovers because of the abandons of Elephants. Furthermore it is situated near Habarana which have some high class hotels for tourists and some famous world heritage sites like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya which are relatively close to Minneriya.

Negombo is a town of about 65,000, approximately 37 km north of Colombo, in Sri Lanka. It is located at the mouth of the Negombo lagoon, about 7 km from the Bandaranaike International Airport. Negombo has a small port, and its economy is mainly based on tourism and its centuries-old fishing industry, though it also produces cinnamon, ceramics, and brass ware.

Nilaveli is a coastal resort town located about 20 km North-West of Trincomalee, Trincomalee District, Sri Lanka. It used to be a popular tourist destination.

Nuwara Eliya meaning "city on the plain (table land)" or "city of light", is a town in Sri Lanka. It is located at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft) in the central highlands and is considered one of the most important locations for Tea production in Sri Lanka. The town is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka.

Pasikudah or Pasikuda is a coastal resort town located about 35 kilometers northwest of Batticaloa, Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka. It used to be a popular tourist destination, Pasikudah and Kalkudah are located few km apart.

The Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle, halfway between the present capital Colombo and the ancient royal residence Kandy in the hills of central Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka wildlife department in a 25-acre coconut property near the Maha Oya river. The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned elephants found in the jungle. As of 2008, there are about 84 elephants.

The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country once more under a local leader.

The history of this dry zone district goes back to the arrival of North Indian Prince Vijaya, 2500 years ago in Tammanna in the coastal belt above Puttalam. This happened when his vessel was washed ashore. Thonigala the homeland of Kuweni is deep in the district. The name "Puttalam" may be a modification of in Tamil Uppuththalam , i.e, Uppu means Salt and Thalam means the place where salt production. So finally the name came Puttalam.

Ratnapura is the name of the provincial capital of Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka and the Ratnapura District in which the town is situated. Some say the modern name is derived from the Portuguese name Rapadura for jaggery, the palm candy produced traditionally in this region, but the more common explanation in Sri Lanka is that it comes from the Sinhala "ratna" meaning gems and "pura" meaning city. Ratnapura is also spelled as Rathnapura. Located some 101 km south east of Colombo, it is the centre of a long-established industry of precious stone mining including rubies, sapphires, and other gems. Apart from gem mining, the town is known for rice and fruit cultivations.

Sigiriya (Lion's rock) is an ancient rock fortress and castle/palace ruin situated in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures. It is a popular tourist destination, also known for its ancient paintings (frescos), very similar to those in the Ajanta Caves of India. The Sigiraya was built during the reign of King Kassapa I (AD 477 – 495), and it is one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a national park in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The hilly virgin rainforest, part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests ecoregion, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility, and was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988. The reserve's name translates as Kingdom of the Lion.

Trincomalee is a port city on the east coast of Sri Lanka, about 110 miles northeast of Kandy. The city is built on a peninsula, which divides the inner and outer harbours. It is one of the main centers of Tamil speaking culture on the island. Historically referred to as Gokanna, or Gokarna it has been a sea port that has played a major role in maritime and international trading history of Sri Lanka.

Unawatuna is a beach resort, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Described as most wonderful beach location by the nature, Unawatuna is one of the best Scuba Diving Locations in Sri Lanka. You can enjoy the beach, Scuba Diving, Surfing and Sea Food in Sri Lankan Style. The Jungle Beach, Roomassagla Hills, Kathaluwa Temple, Galle Fort are interesting places to visit.

Weligama is a fishing town in Matara district on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The term Weligama literally means `Sandy Village' which refers to the area's sandy sweep bay. Situated at a distance of 143 km from Colombo, Weligama is a popular tourist destination and hosts several boutique hotels. It is most famous for its distinct stilt fishermen and an off shore islet known as Taprobane, where a dream house of French Count de Maunay was built.

Wilpattu National Park is a park located on the island of Sri Lanka. The unique feature of this park is the existence of “Willus” (Natural lakes) - Natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. Located in the Northwest coast lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka. The park is located 30km west Anuradhapura and located 26 km north of Puttalam (approximately 180 km north of Colombo). The park is 131, 693 hectares and ranges from 0 to 152 meters above sea level. Nearly sixty lakes (Willu) and tanks are found spread throughout Wilpattu. Wilpattu is one of the largest and oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is among the top national parks world renowned for its Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) population. The Leopard population in Wilpattu is still not yet known.

Yala National Park is a national park in Sri Lanka. The reserve covers 979 km², although only the original 141 km² are open to the public. It was established in 1894 as a Game Sanctuary. Much of the reserve is parkland, but it also contains jungle, beaches, freshwater lakes and rivers and scrubland. The latter zone is punctuated with enormous rocky outcrops. The range of habitats give rise to a good range of wildlife.

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‘Nas Daily’ releases his first video on Sri Lanka Tourism

Popular international vlogger ‘Nas Daily’ who recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sri Lanka’s Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has released his first video promoting Sri Lanka tourism.

Minister of Tourism Harin Fernando said that  ‘Nas Daily’ will produce three special videos promoting Sri Lanka Tourism.

WATCH : https://fb.watch/p03Nkl_p7r/?mibextid=RtaFA8

© Newswire.lk

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Sri Lanka Tourist Stock Footage: Royalty-Free Video Clips

Royalty-free stock footage clips, media details, usage rights, ( 1,276 results found for sri lanka tourist ), sigiriya, sri lanka - february 2014: tourists visiting sigiriya, an ancient palace located in the central matale district near the town of dambulla in the central province., tourists climb the stairs on sigiriya 4k, drone view of galle, sri lanka, showcasing urban landscape, historic cricket ground, cityscape, traffic, colonial architecture, clear skies, gotuvala, sri-lanka - november 11, 2021: old train with locomotive travels to tunnel. people passengers are waving to tourists who looking at train in picturesque tropical mountains. travel tourism., sri lanka, kandy - july 29, 2023: ambuluwawa tower sri lanka. action. view from below of white spiral tower on background sky. beautiful, galle, sri lanka - march 2014: the view of buddhas in a temple in galle. galle is the administrative capital of southern province, sri lanka and is the district capital of galle district., ella, sri lanka - march 2014: tourists enjoying train ride through sri lankan tea plantation foothills, galle, sri lanka - march 2014: view of galle fort tower. galle is the administrative capital of southern province., dawn breaks over coconut hill in sri lanka where peaceful waves meet a shore lined with palm silhouettes against a shimmering golden sea, drone view galle fort, coastline heritage colonial buildings palm trees sri lankan landmark historic architecture tropical beach tourism, cityscape of sri lanka. street of the city. asia. people., aerial view of galle fort, coastal landmark, sri lanka. historic fortress, green countryside, turquoise ocean, urban landscape, tourism, colombo, sri lanka - february 2014: view of busy train station with people passing by. the sri lankan railway transports millions of people daily in the country., aerial view of a train riding at dawn over the nine arches bridge in sri lanka, surrounded by lush green scenery, tea plantations and hills, mirissa, sri lanka - march 2014: visitors strolling on sandy beach with shoes in hand. this beautiful tropical beach offers breathtaking sunsets and sunrises., dambulla, sri lanka - february 2014: pilgrims walking by at the temple hallway at the golden temple of dambulla, a world heritage site in sri lanka., a group of asian women are picking tea leaves with their friends very cheerfully, mirissa beach in sri lanka with lush palm trees and gentle waves, dambulla, sri lanka - february 2014: tracking shot of the entrance of the golden temple of dambulla, a world heritage site in sri lanka., sigiriya, sri lanka - february 2014: woman looking at the view on sigiriya, an ancient palace located in the central matale district near the town of dambulla., aerial view of galle, sri lanka, showcasing the historic fort, cricket stadium, coast and urban landscape with verdant tropical fauna, a, sigiriya, sri lanka - february 2014: school girls visiting sigiriya, an ancient palace located in the central matale district near the town of dambulla in the central province., aerial view of galle fort, historic architecture, iconic lighthouse beside tropical palm trees lines shimmering indian ocean coastline, sigiriya, sri lanka - february 2014: people climbing to the top of the rock fortress in sigiriya, an ancient palace located in the central matale district., drone panning left over amazing coastline and buildings of colombo, sri lanka. amazing aerial shot of asian architecture, sigiriya, sri lanka - february 2014: tourists riding an elephant in sigiriya, an ancient palace located in the central matale district in the central province., aerial view of colombo, high-rises along the coast, urban landscape. foggy weather masks distant buildings, waves lap on the shore, city, galle, sri lanka - march 2014: the view of inside buddhist temple in galle. galle is the administrative capital of southern province, sri lanka and is the district capital of galle district., galle, sri lanka - march 2014: interior view of local souvenir shop in galle. galle is the administrative capital of southern province, sri lanka., view of sri lankan countryside landscape from a moving train., colombo, sri lanka - february 2014: view of colombo seaside from passing train. the sri lankan railway transports millions of people daily in the country., mirissa, sri lanka - march 2014: tourist walking on beach with umbrella for sun protection. beautiful sandy tropical beach with stunning sunsets and sunrises., drone footage showcases galle fort, sri lanka, revealing historic architecture, lighthouse, tropical coastline. aerial view, galle, sri lanka - march 2014: the view of galle landscape from a buddhist temple in galle. galle is the administrative capital of southern province, sri lanka., dambulla, sri lanka - february 2014: tracking shot of buddhhist monks passing by at a temple hallway at the golden temple of dambulla, a world heritage site in sri lanka., sigiriya, sri lanka - march 2014: tourist enjoying elephant ride on dirt track close to sigiriya rock., galle, sri lanka - march 2014: tracking shot of galle fort. galle is the administrative capital of southern province, sri lanka and is the district capital of galle district., aerial view of dalawella beach lagoon in sri lanka with turquoise waves, palm-lined sandy shores, and tropical foliage. ideal for travel, colombo, sri lanka - march 2014: crowded comuter train full of people on the way to the capital colombo., view of bananas hanging in local shop in mirissa, sri lanka., aerial view of galle fort coastline. lush greenery, historic architecture, indian ocean waves hit rocks. clear sky, serene water surround, aerial view of dalawella beach lagoon, sri lanka, tourists swimming in clear water, palm-lined coast, waves on reef, sunny tropical travel.

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This entire island gifted by shining blue water. Therefore, Sri Lanka is most popular for beaches among tourists.   Read More

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In Sri Lanka, you can get experience in water base, air base, earth base and many kinds of activities.  Read More

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within this you can easily find out proper tour itineraries to explore the Sri Lanka. Read More

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Blue whales are the biggest animal live on the earth and Mirissa is the one of most suitable spot to watch blue whales and other whales too.  Read More

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This is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka.Yala is home to Asian elephants, leopards and variety of beautiful endemic birds.  Read More

sigiriya popular as eighth wonder of the world among the tourists and it was the one of Asia's oldest landscaped garden.  Read More

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Hello Again Sri Lanka

Despite its small size Sri Lanka boasts of one of the highest rates of biological endemism in the world whether in plants or animals and is included among the top five biodiversity hotspots in the world. Of the ninety-one species of mammals found in Sri Lanka Asian elephants, sloth bear, leopards, sambar and wild buffaloes engages the majority of the attention of wildlife enthusiast. Yet the rarest mammals of Sri Lanka are the red slender Loris, Toque Macaque, and Purple-faced Langur, who according to IUCN clarifications are endangered due to habitat loss. Meanwhile the ocean around Sri Lanka is home to large families of cetaceans including the mighty blue whales, sperm whales and lively dolphins. Altogether 26 species of cetaceans rule the waters surrounding the country, making it one of the best locations for whale and dolphin watching.  

Despite the mighty elephants and rare amphibians found in the country birds are the glory of the Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Boasting nearly 433 bird species of which 233 are resident Sri Lanka holds 20 endemic species while another 80 species have developed distinct Sri Lankan races, compared to their cousins in Indian mainland.

Although less celebrated, Sri Lanka has one of the richest diversity of amphibians in the world, containing over 106 species of amphibians of over 90 of which are endemic. The country has long claimed to have the highest amphibian species density in the world with a high concentration in the Sinharaja rainforest.

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Department of Immigration and Emigration

Sri lankan identity overseas.

Non - Resident Visa

A Visit visa is an entry permit signifying the consent of the Sri Lankan Government for the admission of a foreign national to the country.  The Visa contains details of the period of time and the condition/s of the stay.

Tourist Visa

A Tourist Visa is issued to bona-fide tourists who want to enter Sri Lanka for sightseeing or holidaying, visiting friends and relatives, medical treatments, participate in art, music and dance events, participate in sport events for a short period of time.

• For Whom: Potential tourists living out of Sri Lanka  
• Period of Visa: 06 months at one stretch limiting 60 days at each visit (Double entry within the validity period of the visa). if need more than 60 days can extend for 2 months (terminating the double entry facility)  
• Application mode: Online through the web site  https://www.srilankaevisa.lk  
• Sightseeing / Holidaying
• Visiting friend and relatives
• Medical treatment including Ayurvedic and Yoga
• Participating sports events, competition and activities relating to cultural performance
• Engage in Business/Trade activities,
• Taking part in Meetings, conferences, Short term training programs, Art, Music, Dance events/festivals
• Engage in employment paid/unpaid, self –employment.
• Live in Sri Lanka for a long period through frequent or successive visits
• A colour photograph in jpg image
• jpg image of data page of valid passport
• For Whom: Potential tourists  
• Period of Visa: 12 months at one stretch limiting 90 days at each visit (Multiple entries within the validity period of the visa).  
• Visa Fee: US $ 200  
• Engage in Business/Trade activities, 
• Taking part in Meetings, conferences, short term training programs, Art, Music, Dance events/festivals
• Engage in employment paid/unpaid, self –employment
• Live in Sri Lanka for a long period through frequent or successive visit
• For Whom: Potential tourist  
• Period of Visa: 02 years limiting 180 days stay at each visit (Multiple entries with the validity period of the visa)  
• Visa Fee: US $ 300  
• Performing any other activities is strictly prohibited
• Engaging in internal politics of the country
• Period of Visa: 05 years limiting 180 days stay at each visit.  
• Visa Fee: US $ 500  
• Period of Visa: 10 years limiting 180 days stay at each visit.  
• Visa Fee: US $ 1000  
• For Whom: USA Citizens  
• Period of Visa: 5 years limiting 180 days stay at each visit.  
• Visa Fee: US $ 100  
• Application mode: Sri Lankan Embassy in United State of America  
• For Whom: Potential tourists from nationals of China, Indonesia, India, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan.  
• Period of Visa: 30 days form the date of initial arrival.  

Free of charge.

• Application mode: Online through the web site  https://www.srilankaevisa.lk apply on or before 30/04/2024. 

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• "Suhurupaya", Sri Subhuthipura Road,
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• 1962 / +94 112 101 500
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• controller@Immigration.gov.lk