07.9569° N · 80.7597° E

Cultural Triangle

Sigiriya

The legendary Lion Rock fortress in the sky

A 5th-century rock fortress and palace rising about 200 metres above the jungle, Sigiriya is Sri Lanka's most iconic sight and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Climb Sigiriya Rock FortressSee the ancient frescoes and Mirror WallSunrise hike up Pidurangala RockVillage tour by bullock cart and boat

Best time: All year; early morning is best for the climb

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07.2936° N · 80.6414° E

Central Province

Kandy

The sacred hill capital of Sri Lanka

Home of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy is a UNESCO-listed hill city wrapped around a peaceful lake and surrounded by green mountains.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth RelicPeradeniya Royal Botanical GardensKandy Lake walkKandyan cultural dance show

Best time: All year; the Esala Perahera festival is in July/August

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06.9497° N · 80.7891° E

Hill Country

Nuwara Eliya

Cool climate, tea estates and colonial charm

Known as 'Little England', Nuwara Eliya sits among rolling tea plantations with a cool climate, colonial bungalows and pretty Gregory Lake.

Tea factory tour & tastingGregory LakeRamboda FallsHorton Plains & World's End

Best time: All year; drier from January to April

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06.8667° N · 81.0466° E

Uva Province

Ella

Mountain village of bridges, trains and viewpoints

Laid-back Ella is surrounded by tea-covered hills, waterfalls and hiking trails, and is famous for the Nine Arch Bridge and the scenic hill-country train.

Nine Arch BridgeLittle Adam's Peak hikeElla Rock sunrise hikeRavana Falls

Best time: All year; mornings are clearest

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06.3730° N · 81.5190° E

Southern Province

Yala National Park

Sri Lanka's leopard kingdom

Yala is Sri Lanka's most famous national park, known for one of the world's highest densities of leopards plus elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles.

Morning or afternoon jeep safariLeopard and elephant spottingBirdwatching at the lagoonsVisit Kataragama nearby

Best time: February to July is excellent for sightings

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05.9483° N · 80.4716° E

Southern Coast

Mirissa

Palm-fringed bay and whale-watching capital

A crescent of golden sand and turquoise water, Mirissa is the south coast's favourite beach town and Sri Lanka's best base for whale watching.

Whale and dolphin watchingCoconut Tree HillParrot Rock & Secret BeachSurfing lessons

Best time: November to April (whale season)

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06.0267° N · 80.2170° E

Southern Coast

Galle

A living 17th-century Dutch fort

Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ramparts, a lighthouse and charming streets full of boutiques, cafés and galleries.

Walk the fort rampartsGalle LighthouseBoutique shops & cafésStilt fishermen at Koggala

Best time: November to April

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06.4200° N · 79.9950° E

West Coast

Bentota

River safaris, turtles and golden beaches

Bentota is a classic beach resort town with wide golden sands, the mangrove-lined Madu River and Sri Lanka's best water sports.

Madu River boat safariKosgoda turtle hatcheryWater sportsBrief Garden & Lunuganga

Best time: November to April

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08.3114° N · 80.4037° E

North Central Province

Anuradhapura

Sri Lanka's first great sacred city

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Anuradhapura is a UNESCO-listed sacred city of giant stupas and ancient monasteries.

Sri Maha BodhiRuwanwelisaya stupaJetavanaramayaIsurumuniya rock temple

Best time: All year; mornings are cooler

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08.5874° N · 81.2152° E

East Coast

Trincomalee

Turquoise bays and coral reefs of the east

Trincomalee is home to one of the world's finest natural harbours, beautiful beaches at Nilaveli and Uppuveli, and the coral reefs of Pigeon Island.

Koneswaram TemplePigeon Island snorkellingNilaveli & Uppuveli beachesWhale watching (seasonal)

Best time: April to September

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Where will Sri Lanka take you?