Tea-covered hills, ancient rock fortresses and surf-lined beaches.
Sri Lanka squeezes a remarkable range into one island. The Cultural Triangle holds the rock fortress of Sigiriya, the cave temples of Dambulla and the ruined cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Kandy's Temple of the Tooth leads up into cool hill country around Ella and Nuwara Eliya, while the south coast offers Galle Fort, whale watching off Mirissa and leopards in Yala National Park.
Rice and curry, crisp hoppers and kottu roti make eating a daily pleasure. Travel is unhurried: the hill-country train rolls slowly through tea estates, and many visitors hire a driver for the rest. Two monsoons mean there is usually a good coast somewhere; the south and west are best from December to March, the east coast from May to September.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
January, February, March.
Places to visit in Sri Lanka
Sigiriya: A fifth-century royal citadel atop a sheer rock column, with painted maidens and a giant lion gateway.
Kandy: The last royal capital of Sri Lanka, set around a lake and home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Galle: A walled Dutch colonial fort town on Sri Lanka's south coast, near palm-lined beaches and surf spots.
Ella: A hill-country village among tea estates, reached by one of the world's most scenic train journeys.
Colombo: Sri Lanka's commercial capital, with a seafront promenade, colonial landmarks and excellent food.
Essentials
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Language: Sinhala and Tamil; English widely spoken in tourist areas
Plugs: Type D / G, 230 V
Driving: Left side
Time zone: UTC+5:30
Tipping: Service charge often added; small extra tips are appreciated
Getting around: Scenic trains in the hills; hired drivers, buses and tuk-tuks elsewhere
Entry: Check the official rules for your passport before booking