Sri Lanka holidays: our travel guide
Sri Lanka is an island you can tour in two weeks and still fit in rock fortresses, temple cities, tea plantations in the clouds, leopards on safari and a week on the beach.
Sigiriya
Lion Rock, with the ruins of a royal fortress on top. Photo: Yves Alarie / Unsplash
Sri Lanka: a tour with a beach at the end
Sri Lanka is small enough to drive from the mountains to the sea in a day, yet varied enough to feel like several countries. In the north is the Cultural Triangle, with ancient royal cities and rock temples. In the middle is the hill country, with tea plantations and cool nights. In the south and west are the beaches, the national parks and the old fort town of Galle.
Most people book a tour with a driver, which is common and affordable in Sri Lanka, and finish with a few days by the sea. The food is a reason to go in itself: rice and curry with many small dishes, hoppers for breakfast and fresh fish on the south coast.
Sri Lanka lies in Asia, just south of India. Many combine the island with a few days in the Maldives, a short flight away.
The train to Ella
The train through the hill country is often called one of the world's most beautiful. Photo: Yves Alarie / Unsplash
Suggested itinerary: Sri Lanka in two weeks
Sigiriya and Dambulla, 3 nights: climb Lion Rock early in the morning, see the cave temple at Dambulla and the ruins of Polonnaruwa.
Kandy, 2 nights: the Temple of the Tooth and the botanical gardens.
The train to Ella, 2 nights: the ride through the tea plantations and hikes to Ella Rock and Nine Arch Bridge.
Yala or Udawalawe, 1 night: a safari for leopards and elephants.
The south coast, 5-6 nights: Galle, Mirissa and Weligama, with whale watching, surfing and beaches.
Things to do in Sri Lanka
Climb the more than a thousand steps of Sigiriya before the heat arrives.
Take the train from Kandy to Ella, ideally by a window that opens.
Look for leopards in Yala National Park and elephants in Udawalawe.
Walk the walls of Galle Fort at sunset.
Go whale watching from Mirissa, where blue whales can be seen in season.
Taste fresh tea at a plantation in the hill country.
The stilt fishermen
Photo: Daniel Klein / Unsplash
Where to stay in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is known for the architect Geoffrey Bawa, who designed several of the island's most famous hotels, and for small, personal hotels along the touring route. The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Jetwing Vil Uyana: villas in the wetlands near Sigiriya
Thatched villas set among paddy fields and wetlands near Sigiriya. A calm base for the Cultural Triangle.
Book your tour: See rooms at Jetwing Vil Uyana
Heritance Kandalama: Bawa's hotel in the rock
Geoffrey Bawa's famous hotel, built into a rock face and covered in greenery, looking across a lake towards Sigiriya.
Book your tour: See rooms at Heritance Kandalama
Jetwing Lighthouse: by the sea outside Galle
A Bawa hotel on the rocks just outside Galle, with a pool facing the ocean and a short drive to the fort.
Book your beach stay: See rooms at Jetwing Lighthouse
Cape Weligama
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Cape Weligama: villas on the headland
Villas on a headland above the Indian Ocean at Weligama, with a long crescent-shaped pool and views over the bay.
Book your beach stay: See rooms at Cape Weligama
The hill country
Photo: Jerry Kavan / Unsplash
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so it is always in season somewhere. December to April is best for the west and south coasts, the hill country and the Cultural Triangle. May to September is best on the east coast, around Trincomalee and Arugam Bay. October and November can be wet across much of the island. See also where is hot in January and in March.
Check the current entry and visa rules before you travel.
The hotel the jungle took back
Geoffrey Bawa's overgrown hotel by the Kandalama reservoir is an experience in itself. Read more about Heritance Kandalama.
Frequently asked questions about Sri Lanka
When is the best time to go to Sri Lanka?
December to April is best for the south and west coasts, the hill country and the Cultural Triangle. May to September is best on the east coast. October and November are often wet.
How long should you spend in Sri Lanka?
Two weeks gives you time for a tour and a few days on the beach. With ten days, choose either the Cultural Triangle or the hill country as well as the coast.
How do you get around Sri Lanka?
Many hire a car with a driver, which is common and affordable. The train through the hill country is an experience, but book a seat in advance.
Where should I stay in Sri Lanka?
Stay near Sigiriya for the Cultural Triangle, in Kandy or Ella in the hill country, and around Galle, Weligama or Mirissa on the south coast.
Can you combine Sri Lanka and the Maldives?
Yes. The flight from Colombo to Malé is short, and many finish their tour with a few days in the Maldives.