Southern Region & CoastlineThe South Coast of Sri Lanka is a place of natural beauty and vital historical significance. Here you can sneak to hidden beaches, be awed watching turtles hatch, go on safari through Yala National Park, surf the Jungle beach or browse stylish boutiques.
The walled city of Galle features unique architecture and beckons to Sri Lanka’s colonial past. Wandering through back streets and secret lanes you’ll find grand old mansions, many now transformed into hotels. The South Coast is bounding in variety and discovery.
Western Region & CoastlineThe West Coast of Sri Lanka is an eclectic mix of nature, beaches, ancient culture, markets and the vibrancy of Colombo.
Be warned you won’t get too much sleep here. The combination means you can take a Jeep safari by day and dine at a 5-star restaurant by night.
Sri Lanka’s history and contemporary future meet here. The West Coast is vibrant and surprising, offering rare insights into Sri Lanka’s developing culture.
Northern Region & CoastlineThe North of Sri Lanka is a stunning world with its own distinct personality and feel.
It is a foodie’s destination. Deliciously famous for serving up a blend of spices, flavours and dishes that can only found here. The North has a sweet ease about it, fascinating day trips compliment carefree wandering through city streets.
It is fascinating and alluring with the juiciest mangoes you’ll ever devour.
Central Region & HighlandsThe Hill Country is mesmerising! It is home to the iconic tea plantations, misty mountains, abundant waterfalls, grazing elephants and hillside train rides.
But it’s not just tea and relaxation, there is much adventure to be had with rafting, hiking, rainforests and camping.
The Hill Country has a unique cultural history and is known for its local spices, gems and of course, tea. Diverse and fascinating, the Hill Country is guilty of taking everyone’s breath away.
Central Region & LowlandsFamously known as the Cultural Triangle, this is home to Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms and historic ruins. A history of over 2500 years can be found in ancient sites throughout the island.
Sri Lanka boasts a staggering eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and six of them are found here. Continuously reviews and protected by the authorities together with UNESCO. This is a place of unique wonder, there really is nothing like it.
Ancient colonial buildings, historic museums, mosques and grand mansions adds a unique vibe to the best preserved Colonial town of Galle which is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander into tedious lanes, passing peculiar boutiques, stylish cafes and immaculately transformed hotels.
· Galle Dutch Fort & Ramparts.
· Dutch reformed church building.
· Galle Lighthouse.
· Koggala Turtle Hatchery.
Mirissa since recently has developed quite a reputation among a young and vibrant group of travelers up for adventures in the deep ocean and others seeking a calm and solitude holiday. Mirissa is also best known for its fresh sea food, colorful and happening night life. Additionally, by taking a boat ride you will be able to see the large Blue Whale, some friendly Dolphins and even some flying fish.
Unawatuna is a town in southern Sri Lanka well known for its beautiful hidden beaches lined with palm trees and nestled in a nearby jungle therefore famous as Jungle Beach.
Best known as the fishing village and reputed for its unspoiled beaches. You can spend the day at the sun kissed golden beach and optionally you can enjoy a soothing Ayurvedic massage.
The calm waves and white pristine sandy beaches of Hikkaduwa is surrounded by palm trees and is known as an international destination for surfing and kiteboarding as well as perfect for snorkeling and diving. Hikkaduwa features a coral sanctuary with a shallow surface of over 70 varieties of multi colored coral reef.
Yala National Park is home to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park comprises of five separate blocks covering 14,100 hectares consisting of rocky outcrops, scrub plains, mangroves fresh water lakes, jungles, rivers, forests and coastal lagoons. Spot herds of elephants, sloth bear, monkeys, buffalo, crocodiles, deer, sambar and the endangered leopard.
In the south east of Sri Lanka is the two historical cities of Katharagama and Tissamaharama. The towns is surrounded with lush green paddy fields, lotus filled lakes and gigantic temples. The rural shrine of Katharagama with historical significance brings devotees from all kinds of faith.
Trincomalee is well known for its beautiful blue waves and sometimes still waters in the Ocean perfect for a swim and home to the biggest natural harbor in the world. The area makes way to explore crumbling colonial forts, astonishing Hindu temples, hidden bays, dazzling markets and sandy beaches.
Encounter the magnificent giants of the deep blue ocean, mainly Spinner Dolphins which are believed to be seen regularly during March and April, August and September. The beach is perfect for relaxing while soaking up the rays of the golden sun.
Just a short boat ride away from Nilaweli Trincomalee is the two small islands named after the Blue Rock Pigeon – Pigeon Island. The ocean that surrounds the island is home to different types of fish and several species of endangered marine turtle. Surrounded by soft coral and coral reef it is ideal for those who has a love for snorkeling.
Colombo is a vibrant melting pot combining Sri Lanka’s emerging metropolitan future and its historical colonial past. Only a one hour drive from the Bandaranayke International Airport Colombo often foolishly gets bypassed. Here contemporary sky scrapers, luxury hotels and restaurants coexist with ancient markets, museums and stunning colonial architecture.
· Colorful Pettah Local Market
· Gangarama Temple
· Colombo Museum
· Local and International Shopping Malls
· Local and International Hotels
· Galleface Green
· Independence Square
· Fort Light House
· Dutch Fort Hospital (now the perfect hang out spot)
Take a boat ride to encounter the magnificent giants of the deep blue ocean. Whales are believed to be regularly seen around the Kalpitiya Peninsula, especially the Sperm Whale, between December and mid- April. The sight of the Blue Whale in here can be occasional. Kalpitiya is also famous for Kite Surfing.
Located closer to the Bandaranayke International Airport is the modest beach town of Negombo which is ideal to relax soon after a long flight. The famous beach road is home to hotels and restaurants and a few meters away from the Golden beach of Negombo and surrounded by a friendly local community.
· Negombo Dutch Fort
· Local Fish Market
· St. Mary’s Catholic Church
· Colorful Night Bazar
· Angurukaramulla Temple
· Dutch Canal
The golden beaches of Bentota is perfect for water sports, just relaxing and exploring the depths of the life of the ocean. Timing your journey right will enable you to make an excursion to the nearby areas to encounter Whales and Dolphins.
Take a boat ride at Maadhu River. The different islands located in the river is special for its own experience which includes fish spas, visiting a temple and discovering how cinnamon is made and sold from scratch.
This wildlife sanctuary a few kilo meters away from Kalpitiya is well known for its leopard population and natural lakes. Take an enjoyable jeep safari to witness the legendry sloth bear, deer, monkeys, crocodiles, elephants, peacock and buffalos. Within a few minutes’ drive you can also encounter the Kala Oya – known as the 3rd longest river in Sri Lanka.
The city welcomes you with its own colorful culture of people, food and surroundings with lined up Palmira trees on the sides of the road and salt and prawn cultivation. The juicy Mangoes at the local market is a must try while not missing to take a city tour around. Make your way to a vineyard to explore how grapes are farmed locally, used to produce grapes for sale and even wine and drinks.
· Dutch fort Jaffna
· Jaffna library
· Nallur Kandaswamy Hindu temple
Take a 15 minute Ferry to explore the island of Nagadeepa. The Island is sheltered by Palmyra trees and Coconut palm groves. First visit the Nagadeepa Viharaya and then walk to the Buddha Walawwa Raja Maha Viharaya. Finally after visiting the Nagapoosani Amman Kovil return to the mainland by boat.
Keerimalai hot water springs is where it is believed that medicinal healing benefits are imparted by bathing in its waters. An underground spring sources is where the fresh water comes from. Keerimalai is also a place of worship for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees and people come in thousands for a bath in hope of being cured.
Swim and enjoy the morning at leisure in the Casuarina Beach as it welcomes foreign and local holidaymakers for its shallow waters, characteristic trees and wide expanse.
Make a brief stop at the famous Hindu temple in Keerimalai – temple of Naguleswaram. Then discover the Nilavarai well which is thought to be bottomless with many mysteries and beguiling legends that encircle it.
Journey to one of the few remaining Buddhist legacies in the Northern Province - the Kadurugoda Temple and remains. As history records to have initially had 60 grey coral stone stupas, about 20 remain at present.
Dambakola Patuna is identified as a significant Buddhist religious destination in Jaffna Peninsula. This is known as an ancient port where a sapling from the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. While you are at it and it’s a clear day you might be able to spot the edge of India’s southern coastline.
Make an excursion to Delft Island by boat. Take a jeep safari when in the island discovering a different life and important historic remains such as the large Baobab tree, pigeon message holes, courts and horse stables.
Kandy, the last capital of Sri Lanka is known for its very own proud history, colorful and vibrant culture full of life and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most significant event is the annual Esala Perahera held during July/August in honor of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Visitors do not have to be limited to be limited to this time period as the city has many more to offer throughout the year.
· Explore the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
· Take a stroll or cycle around the Kandy Lake
· Discover the Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic
· Kandy City Centre Shopping Mall
The Elephant orphanage in Pinnawala initially commenced with five orphan baby elephants and at present has more. There will be an opportunity to bath elephants and observe while they are given a bath as they have so much of fun splashing water while enjoying their bath.
The three temples are less popular yet hold great and interesting architectural value. Known as the most legendry attractions, Lankatilake, Gadaladeniya and Embekke are a short distance from each other. Carved mostly in stone, each temple serves as a testimony to the country’s exceptional craftsmanship, history and Buddhist heritage.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city by making your way to the Udawattakele estate situated in the heart of the busy hill capital. The forest reserve serves as a vital Bio reserve to the populated city of Kandy. Make brief stops at the forest to explore the Senkada cave, Garrison cemetery water pond and the highest peak – Kondimale.
Explore into the word of gem producing as you make your way to a Gem lapidary in Ratnapura. Get an infight into the whole process and get your hands on experiencing some of the unique gems you can come across.
Visit a spice garden in Matale to learn about the unique spices in the country and their use in Sri Lankan cuisine and observe the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea.
Singharaja Rain Forest is the only virgin tropical rain forest of Sri Lanka, declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site and is of great significance for the ecosystem of the entire country. Hike through the forest to witness a great variety of plants and animals. Enjoy the true authenticity of nature, listening to the sounds of the wilderness while camping here.
Take a jeep safari to spot some of the prominent wild animals in this park - elephants, spotted deer, Sambur, barking deer, grey langur, water buffalo and jackal.
Lipton’s seat in Haputale is a beautiful place to spend the morning capturing the sun rise. It has a spectacular view point of Sri Lanka where it is said you can see all the way to seven provinces of Sri Lanka.
Ella known as everyone’s favourite village in the hill country, is famous for its breath-taking scenery of mountains, waterfalls and the Nine Arches in Demodara a few kilometres away from Ella town. The scenic beauty makes it an ideal surrounding for a leisurely walk. You can hike to the top of Little Adam’s Peak, get on board at the mega zip line (flying Ravana) that flies over the iconic tea estates and greenery over overlooking the famous Ella Gap.
Make an excursion to the Horton Plain National Park. The key fascination at Horton Plains is a sheer drop with an 870m (2,854 ft) drop called “World’s End”, offering great views over the surrounding plantations and villages. Discover the rich flora and fauna and also grab a look at the beautiful Bakers Waterfalls.
Nuwaraeliya is surrounded by breath taking sceneries of mountains, tea plantations and waterfalls, also referred to as “Little England”
· Cycle or take a stroll around Lake Gregory
· Visit the Nuwaraeliya Local Bazar
· Visit a tea plantation and a tea factory
· Take a scenic train ride
Mihintale, the town which is believed to be where Buddhism was first inaugurated in Sri Lanka. Yapahuwa is off the beaten track but is of fascinating historic importance.
With a reputation as the world’s 8th wonder the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a must visit heritage attraction with access to view the detailed carvings of the Lions paws, natural water pools and wall paintings done using natural colors of plants and flowers.
Be mesmerized by the magnificent cave temple in Dambulla which consists of complex Buddhist image houses and home to the largest number of Buddha statues in one place.
Polonnaruwa is known to be Sri Lanka’s royal medieval capital in 1073 and one of the country’s most significant cultural sites with well-preserved ruins.
Minneriya National Park is where the opportunity lies to witness herds of Elephants throughout the year. The best period to visit Minneriya National Park is from May to October.
Taking a stroll around the beautiful lake of Kandalama with the chirping of birds nesting back and gentle gush of the water in the lake, enjoying nature in its true form.
Habarana is surrounded by the serenity of its atmosphere of paddy fields, farmers, buffalos and simple local life.
· Cookery demonstration at local village house
· Enjoy the traditional rural life meeting farmers
· Board a traditional wooden catamaran
· Hop in for a Bullock ride experience
· Enjoy a local Ayurvedic Massage