Best Feb–Sep7.96°N 80.76°E
Sigiriya
The 5th-century rock fortress rising from the plains — Sri Lanka’s most famous sight.
ExploreDestinations
Where to go in Sri Lanka
A small island with very different regions — and a different best season for each. Start with the map, or browse by region.
Cultural Triangle
Rock fortresses, cave temples and ancient capitals. Best roughly Feb–Sep.
Best Feb–Sep7.94°N 81.00°E
Polonnaruwa
A compact medieval capital best explored by bicycle — palaces, temples and the Gal Vihara rock carvings.
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Best Feb–Sep7.86°N 80.65°E
Dambulla
Cave temples filled with Buddha statues and paintings, an easy stop between Kandy and Sigiriya.
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Best Feb–Sep8.31°N 80.40°E
Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka’s first great capital — vast stupas, ancient reservoirs and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree.
ExploreHill Country
Tea estates, cool air and the famous train ride. Best roughly Dec–Apr.
Best Dec–Apr7.29°N 80.63°E
Kandy
The hill capital and home of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — the cultural heart of Sri Lanka.
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Best Dec–Apr6.87°N 81.05°E
Ella
A laid-back hill village of viewpoints, tea and the Nine Arch Bridge — and the end of the famous train ride.
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Best Dec–Apr6.97°N 80.78°E
Nuwara Eliya
Cool, misty tea country with colonial-era bungalows and walks to World’s End on Horton Plains.
ExploreSouth Coast
Fort towns, whale watching, beaches and leopards. Best roughly Dec–Apr.
Best Feb–Jul6.37°N 81.52°E
Yala National Park
Sri Lanka’s best-known national park, famous for leopards, elephants and coastal scrub.
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Best Dec–Apr6.03°N 80.22°E
Best Dec–Apr5.95°N 80.46°E
Best All year6.47°N 80.89°E
Udawalawe National Park
Open grassland around a reservoir — one of the most reliable places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants.
ExploreColombo & West
The capital, the airport coast and easy beach towns. Best roughly Dec–Apr.
East Coast
Calm bays and surf when the west is wet. Best roughly May–Sep.
Best May–Sep8.57°N 81.23°E
Trincomalee
A deep natural harbour with calm beaches at Nilaveli — the east coast at its best from May to September.
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Best May–Sep6.84°N 81.83°E
Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka’s surf capital — a laid-back east-coast village with world-class waves in season.
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Not sure where to go?
Tell us your dates and interests — we will suggest the right regions for your season.