Sri Lanka is a vibrant and exciting destination in South Asia. This teardrop-shaped island country is off the coast of India, and it’s well worth a visit, boasting golden beaches, ancient sites and tea plantations.
Where to visit in Sri Lanka
Known for its surf, Sri Lanka also boasts a rich cultural triangle, with five UNESCO-heritage-listed sites including the iconic Sigiriya fortress. It combines sandy Bali-style beaches with a dash of history, a welcoming multicultural society and a well-maintained infrastructure.
Let’s explore the best places to see and things to do in Sri Lanka.
Nuwara Eliya
Claire & Devon Falls, Sri Lanka by Annelieke Huijgens
Nuwara Eliya is at the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea-growing region, a hill resort founded by British explorer Samual Baker in 1946. Sri Lanka was called Ceylon within the British Commonwealth, until May 22, 1972, when it became the Republic of Sri Lanka.
The town was built with Tudor-style houses, a golf course, a racetrack, gentleman’s clubs and a botanical garden. Nuwara Eliya is the coolest place in Sri Lanka, a hub of horticultural activity where most of the vegetables that feed the country are grown. Visit a tea plantation and sample local produce — enjoy the colonial architecture and glimpse the lifestyles of the British settlers.
A short train ride away is spectacular waterfalls, including St Clair Falls, one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. In nearby Yala National Park leopards, buffalo and elephants live in a diverse range of habitats, and there is an Elephant Transit Home where orphaned elephant calves are rehabilitated for release into the wild.
Weligama
This “sandy village” is a lively fishing and resort town, with a two-kilometre-long stretch of sandy beach. Stilt fishermen practice a traditional style of fishing here, perching above the surf on a cross-bar fixed on a pole planted into the sea bed. This centuries-old sustainable fishing practice is unique to this town.
Near Weligama, mangrove forests line the Madu River, providing shelter for the 4 different bird species that live here. Nature’s beauty is generous, with huge water lilies and colourful butterflies gracing the waterways.
There’s also a rich Moonstone Mine and a Tsunami Photograph Museum recording the impact of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami on the coast of Sri Lanka.
Weligama, Sri Lanka by Dennis Bunnik
Galle
Not far from Weligama, Galle is a coastal city surrounded by stone sea walls. Many of the buildings, including the famous Fort Galle, are heritage-listed.
Galle’s past is a colonial history, beginning with the Portuguese fleet who took a wrong turn to land here and decided to settle and build a fort in the 16th century. Dutch voyagers attacked and gained control of this strategic trading port, destroying the fort in the battle and then rebuilding it. Galle Fort is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers.
Wander the car-free streets, visit ancient mosques and churches and marvel at the imposing Dutch colonial buildings of this artistic hub of Southern Sri Lanka, a unique and charming city.
Habarana
At the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle and not far from the famous Sigiriya fortress and ‘Lion Rock’ is Habarana. This centrally located town is the ideal place to stay while making day trips to the iconic cultural and historical sites nearby.
Among the must-see places nearby is the Dambulla caves, a well-preserved temple complex built in the 1st century. The Ritigala Medicinal Forest is deep in the jungle, where huge sculptural granite monoliths surround an abandoned Buddhist hermitage.
In Polonnaruwa, a small group tour allows the unique experience of sharing lunch with a local family. In the same day, visitors might travel to Minneriya National Park. At the very centre of the park is a tank built in the 3rd century, where elephants come to bathe and graze during the dry season and flocks of birds fish in the shallow waters.
Kandy
Kandy Royal Botanical Garden, Sri Lanka by Lisa Turner
While Galle is a place to experience Sri Lanka’s colonial history, Kandy retained Sinhalese rule and resisted colonisation until 1815. As a result, in Kandy traditional cultural and heritage sites and customs are preserved. This cultural capital of Sri Lanka still boasts many colonial buildings, and perhaps the most famous attraction, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It’s said this tooth was collected from Buddha’s funeral pyre and it’s now protected inside a gold-roofed temple, a pilgrimage destination for many Sri Lankans.
Surrounded by mountainous terrain and nestled around an artificial lake, Kandy is worthy of a few days spent exploring the bustling city, the surrounding tea and spice plantations and if the timing is right, viewing the spectacular Kandy Festival celebration, the biggest festival in Sri Lanka.
Negombo
Negombo Lagoon, Sri Lanka by Pg W
Negombo, Sri Lanka by Dennis Bunnik
Negombo is a popular seaside resort not far from the international airport. It is many travellers' first destination in Sri Lanka. Set along a picturesque lagoon, Negombo is the end-point of a network of canals built by the Dutch to transport cinnamon to the seaport and later by the British, connecting Negombo to Colombo.
The fish markets are a sight to see and hear, where ships dock and frenzied bidding over catches fills the early morning with sound. Nearby tourists can board a boat to explore the mangrove islands, home to colourful birds and water monitors. Bring a camera and try to get the perfect shot!
There’s also the colourful Angurukaram ulla Temple, a Buddhist temple, and plenty to see through the streets of this bustling post-colonial city.
Unique experiences in Sri Lanka
The first unique experience to seek out in Sri Lanka is to cruise the calm waters of Negombo Lagoon at sunset. Look for the jungle flora and fauna that line the banks — the little egret and other water birds like the Asian openbill, purple heron or spot-billed pelican can be spotted on the mud flats.
Connecting with the local community is an important part of a rich travel experience — and how better to do this than to enjoy a traditional meal served in a local home near Sigiriya? Follow the lead of your host when eating — In Sri Lanka it’s polite to eat with the right hand, using fingertips to mix rice and curry into balls and the thumb to push the food into the mouth.
Next up, the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, established in 1995, exists to rehabilitate orphaned elephant calves before releasing them into national parks. Visiting the home contributes to the ethical commitment to enhancing these elephants' chance of survival, and it’s an opportunity to see 40-60 young elephants being fed at one of four daily feeding sessions.
A visit to Sri Lanka wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local tea and learning about the tea-making process — an exclusive experience that can be had at a local tea plantation.
Finally, travel through the bustling streets of Colombo in an open-top Jeep, the ideal way to soak in the atmosphere and see the city’s architectural wonders and attractions.
Travelling with a small group unlocks these wonderful experiences and unique opportunities, creating lasting memories and new friendships.
How to get around Sri Lanka
Choosing convenient, relaxing, reliable and efficient transport helps to make discovering Sri Lanka much more enjoyable. Sri Lanka can be hot and humid sometimes, so air conditioning on longer trips allows travellers to relax and recuperate during transit between sightseeing destinations.
Private coach or bus
An air-conditioned coach with room to spread out is one of the best ways to tour Sri Lanka comfortably, especially for longer distances. With a custom itinerary and the ability to drop passengers right at the desired destination, a coach with a private driver enables a personal experience of the country, including hidden or local experiences.
Local trains
Each of Sri Lanka’s major cities and towns is connected by train, a convenient and sustainable way to travel. Travelling by train in Sri Lanka can be scenic and provides a worthy experience in its own right.
There are three classes of train tickets, with air conditioning and spacious seating in first class and fans provided in second class, where passengers may keep the window down for the best views. These tickets need to be purchased in advance (tickets are included in tours. Third-class tickets are first come, first served, with those missing out on a seat standing for the journey.
Sri Lanka by Annelieke Huijgens
Tuk-tuk
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka by Toni Oxer
For short journeys within townships or cities, a tuk-tuk is a motorised rickshaw that takes the place of a taxi or Uber in Sri Lanka. Negotiate the fare with the driver then sit back and enjoy the energy of the streets on the trip — it’s the authentic way to experience the sights, sounds and smells on the way to dinner or a show.
Jeep
Finally, on safari, a jeep provides the ability to navigate the terrain of the national parks. Nothing is as exhilarating as travelling by jeep to see exotic animals in native habitats!
How to get to Sri Lanka
International flights to Sri Lanka arrive and leave from either Negombo or Colombo. Negombo is a logical place to begin a Sri Lankan journey, immersing visitors in Buddhist culture and religion, and only a short trip to the famous Sigiriya region.
Colombo is a garden city in Sri Lanka’s east, stretching over 14 kilometres along the Indian Ocean. The open-air markets and bustling city are the perfect places to collect souvenirs and gifts to mark the trip just before boarding a flight home, avoiding carting gift-laden luggage throughout the journey.
Bunnik Tours has an office in Colombo, where those joining a small group tour can be treated to a complimentary local homemade meal.
Sri Lanka’s culture
Temple of the Scared Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka by Dennis Bunnik
Sri Lanka is a melting pot of cultures, with diverse ethnic groups, languages and religions. Sinhalese are around 75% of the population while Tamils comprise another 14%. Indian influences are evident in art, architecture, literature, music, medicine and astronomy.
Buddhism is the primary faith throughout Sri Lanka, upholding values of compassion, goodwill, and patience. Hinduism comes a close second and there are many Buddhist temples and Hindu shrines throughout the country.
Sinhalese kingships were entwined with Buddhist beliefs and practices, with the close connection between this religion and the rulers contributing to a peaceful and continuous reign. The myriad of decorated temples evidences the importance of monasteries as learning and cultural centres, and the interconnected roles of religion and the ruling class.
Explore the Culture of Sri Lanka
Festivals
Sri Lankans celebrate 25 public holidays throughout the year, including Buddhist, Muslim and Hindu holidays. The Buddhist Poya festival of lights is at the first full moon of March, while Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is at the end of October. Muslims fast for Ramadan in February, and the Maha Shivarati celebrates the Hindu god Shiva in June.
Language of Sri Lanka
The predominant language in Sri Lanka is Sinhala, and Tamil is also spoken in particular areas. While English is spoken throughout the country, knowing a few phrases can help smooth communication and build connections with locals.
Basic Sinhala phrases
Although 'āyubūvan' is the most common phrase used for greeting in Sinhala, meaning 'may you live long,' there are informal ways to say 'hello' as well. People in Sri Lanka often greet and part with a small bow and their hands clasped together.
- Ow — Yes
- Naa — No
- Ayubowan — Greeting
- Istuti — Thank you
- Bohoma istuti — Thank you very much
- Kohomadhe? — How are you?
- Varadak neh — Fine
- Karunakerara — Please
- Nama mokadhdha? — What is your name?
- Mage nama… — My name is...
- Hari hondai — OK/very good
- Hari rasai — Delicious
- Mata terinneh neh — I don’t understand
- Hari ganan — Very expensive
- Seeni netuwa — No sugar please
- Metana nawaththanna — Please stop here
Basic Tamil phrases
- Vanakkam — Hello
- Poyvituvarukiren — Goodbye (Reply: Poyvituvarungal)
- Amam — Yes
- Illai — No
- Oruvelai — Perhaps
- Nandri — Thank you
- Celakkiyama? — How are you?
- Ungal peyar yenna — What is your name?
- Yen peyar … — My name is …
- (Hotel) yenge? — Where is the (hotel)?
- Idu/Adu yenna? — What is this/that?
- Yenna vilai? — What is the price?
- (Kapi) Vendum — I want (coffee)
- Mudiyuma? — Is it possible?
Typical food in Sri Lanka
Combining fragrant spices, herbs, coconut and rice in mouth-watering dishes, Sri Lankan food is a treat for the palate. In coastal cities and towns, fish, shrimp and crab provide protein. In the central hill regions, pork, chicken, beef, goat and lamb are favoured. Here are a few delicious Sri Lankan meals to anticipate.
Rice and curry: Perhaps the most ubiquitous meal eaten for dinner throughout Sri Lanka, rice with a vegetable, meat or fish curry can be found anywhere. Affordable, nutritious and full of flavour, this is a must-try in Sri Lanka.
Dhal curry is made from red lentils. When cooked in an earthen pot with onions, tomatoes, fresh chillies and flavoured with cumin seeds, turmeric fenugreek, mustard seeds and pandan leaves with coconut milk bringing out the flavours, it’s a creamy comfort food.
Rice and curry: Perhaps the most ubiquitous meal eaten for dinner throughout Sri Lanka, rice with a vegetable, meat or fish curry can be found anywhere. Affordable, nutritious and full of flavour, this is a must-try in Sri Lanka.
Dhal curry is made from red lentils. When cooked in an earthen pot with onions, tomatoes, fresh chillies and flavoured with cumin seeds, turmeric fenugreek, mustard seeds and pandan leaves with coconut milk bringing out the flavours, it’s a creamy comfort food.
Deviled sweet and sour fish: Fish is deep fried, smothered in sweet and sour sauce, then lightly fried again along with red onions and yellow waz (or banana) peppers. Served with fried rice and flatbread (paratha) it’s a hearty and delicious meal.
Gotu kola mallung: Packed with vitamins, this local salad is made with chopped greens and capsicum, seasoned with salt, pepper, lemon juice, ginger, shallots and freshly grated coconut.
It’s a little like tabouleh with greens that include gotu kola leaves.
Wambatu moju: This piquant eggplant dish has variations throughout the country, basically consisting of deep fried eggplant combined with chilli powder, cloves, mustard seeds, sugar, salt and vinegar in a dark saucy moju, served with fried shallots and shredded ginger atop plain rice.
Egg hoppers with sambol: Hoppers are like thin pancakes made from fermented rice flour, coconut milk, coconut water and a little sugar, with crispy edges, shaped into crepe-like bowls.
As the hopper cooks in a wok that gives its bowl-like shape, an egg is cracked into the centre, then garnished with a sambol of onions, chillies, lemon juice and salt.
Wood apple: A wood apple is a South Asian fruit sold at local markets in Sri Lanka, with a hard shell and brown paste-like centre. This fruit aids digestion and has many health benefits, it's a popular smoothie ingredient with locals.
Sri Lanka by Dennis Bunnik
Negombo, Sri Lanka by Dennis Bunnik
Watalappan: No cuisine tour is complete without a dessert — watalappan is popular with Sri Lanka’s Muslim community and made for religious festivals. A steamed egg custard with Kitul jaggery, coconut milk and spices like cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg is kept lighter by air bubbles infused into the rich dessert.
Taste, see and hear Sri Lanka, the fastest-growing travel destination in Asia
A stunning destination at any time of year, Sri Lanka is the place to visit for tropical beaches, luscious jungles, exotic spices and a glimpse into the area’s colonial heritage. Whether it’s learning more about the history of this contested nation, enjoying the famous tea or exploring the bustling markets and cities — why wait? Learn more about small group tours to Sri Lanka and dive into this fascinating multicultural experience.
Frequently asked questions
Should tourists go to Sri Lanka?
With its breathtaking landscapes, stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage and unique food experience, Sri Lanka is definitely a place with so many hidden gems to explore. Bunnik Tours has an office in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to ensure an unforgettable journey through the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
What is the best time of year to visit Sri Lanka?
The best weather in Sri Lanka occurs between the two monsoon seasons, during September and October and April. If these dates don’t fit, temperatures are fairly constant all year round, making it an enjoyable travel destination any time.
How many days are enough for Sri Lanka?
Two weeks isn’t quite enough to appreciate all Sri Lanka offers, aim for 15-18 days to take in the sights, sounds and cultural experiences in this wonderful country.