Where to Go: Sri Lanka Region by Region

West, the gateway (Colombo & around)

Most trips start here. Colombo mixes colonial Fort, Galle Face Green, the Pettah bazaar and the Red Mosque; Negombo by the airport is handy for first/last nights with its lagoon and Catholic “Little Rome” character. Inland, the Fa Hien (Pahiyangala) cave held the oldest modern-human skeleton in South Asia (~37,000 years).

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Southern Riviera, forts, surf & whales

The south coast runs from Bentota to Hambantota: UNESCO Galle Fort, surf and stilt-fishermen around Ahangama to Weligama, the bays of Mirissa and Hiriketiya, and blue-whale trips off the southern shelf. Yala and Udawalawe national parks sit at its eastern end.

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Cultural Triangle, ancient capitals

The dry-zone heartland of heritage: the rock fortress of Sigiriya, the cave temples of Dambulla, and the ruined royal cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Base yourself around Sigiriya/Habarana and day-trip out.

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Hill Country, tea, trains & cool air

Kandy (Temple of the Tooth) is the gateway up; Nuwara Eliya is colonial “Little England” at the heart of tea country; Ella has the Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak and the famous train line. Bring a layer, mornings are misty.

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East & North, quieter shores

The east (Arugam Bay surf, Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Pasikudah) is at its best May to September when the south is wet. The north around Jaffna offers a distinct Tamil culture, islands and Hindu temples, and is still relatively untouristed.

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Wild Sri Lanka

For wildlife: Yala (leopards), Udawalawe (elephants), Wilpattu (leopards, fewer crowds), and the Sinharaja rainforest for endemic birds. Pair a park with the nearest coast or hill town to cut driving.

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Frequently asked

Places in this guide

Sigiriya Rock Fortress Galle Fort Kandy Ella Rock Mirissa Beach Yala National Park 0.9 km Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic 1.5 km Ravana Falls