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Sri Lanka is a compact island off the south coast of India with beaches on every shore, hill-country tea trails, eight UNESCO World Heritage sites and national parks known for leopards and elephants. This free, independent guide covers where to go, when to visit, visa and ETA, Colombo airport, transport, money and safety, all sourced and dated.

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Sigiriya Rock Fortress 4.8

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Cultural Triangle Polonnaruwa Ancient City 4.6

Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Cultural Triangle Anuradhapura Sacred City 4.5

Anuradhapura Sacred City

Cultural Triangle Nine Arch Bridge 4.5

Nine Arch Bridge

Hill Country

Top temples & shrines

Sri Dalada Maligawa 4.7

Sri Dalada Maligawa

 Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya 4.8

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

 Ruwanweli Maha Seya 4.9

Ruwanweli Maha Seya

 Dambulla Cave Temple 4.5

Dambulla Cave Temple

 Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi 4.9

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

 Sacred City of Kandy 4.7

Sacred City of Kandy

 Gangaramaya Temple Colombo 4.6

Gangaramaya Temple Colombo

 Thuparamaya 4.8

Thuparamaya

Waterfalls to chase

Ravana waterfall 4.6

Ravana waterfall

 Ramboda Falls 4.6

Ramboda Falls

 Bopath Falls 4.6

Bopath Falls

 Bambarakiri Ella 4.6

Bambarakiri Ella

 Aberdeen Waterfall 4.8

Aberdeen Waterfall

 Bomburu Ella Waterfall 4.8

Bomburu Ella Waterfall

 Lover's Leap Waterfall 4.6

Lover's Leap Waterfall

 Kumari Ella 4.4

Kumari Ella

Where foodies go

Big Plate ★ 4.7 Halal Abid's Restaurant Sri Lanka ★ 4.8 Family Cinnamon Grand Colombo ★ 4.7 Shangri-La Colombo ★ 4.6 Restaurant WILDISH ★ 4.7 Asian Shanmugas ★ 4.3 Vegetarian Graze Kitchen ★ 4.6 Buffet No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop ★ 4.7 Sri Lankan

Wildlife & safari

Diyatha Uyana Park 4.5

Diyatha Uyana Park

 Sigiriya 4.7

Sigiriya

 Galle Face Green 4.5

Galle Face Green

 Gregory Park 4.5

Gregory Park

 Viharamahadevi Park 4.4

Viharamahadevi Park

 Horton Plains National Park 4.6

Horton Plains National Park

 Victoria Park - Nuwara Eliya 4.4

Victoria Park - Nuwara Eliya

 Beddagana Wetland Park 4.4

Beddagana Wetland Park

Catch a wave

Ama Surf School ★ 4.9 Surfing Lucky's Surf School ★ 4.9 Surfing The Surfer Surf Camps Sri Lanka - Your Best Surf camp in Sri Lanka Weligama - Surf and Yoga Camp Weligama ★ 4.9 Surfing Chuty‘s Surf School Mirissa Beach ★ 5.0 Surfing Lucky’s Surf Camp Weligama Sri Lanka - Surf and Yoga camp in Weligama - ★ 4.8 Surfing Kima Surf Camp Sri Lanka ★ 4.9 Surf & Yoga, Sri Lanka 〰 All Inclusive Surf Camp & Yoga Retreat in Sri Lanka ★ 4.8 Surfing Ride a Wave Surf School Weligama ★ 4.9 Surfing

Common questions about visiting Sri Lanka

How many days do I need for Sri Lanka?

A satisfying first loop, west + Cultural Triangle + hill country + south coast, takes about 10 to 14 days. With a week, pick two regions (e.g. Triangle + hills, or hills + south) rather than rushing everywhere.

Should I carry cash or card in Sri Lanka?

Both: cards work at hotels and bigger restaurants, but tuk-tuks, small eateries and guesthouses run on cash. Withdraw rupees from bank ATMs every few days.

Can I drink the tap water in Sri Lanka?

Not recommended for visitors. Bottled, filtered or boiled water is cheap and available everywhere; many hotels now offer filtered refills.

How long does Kandy to Ella take?

About 4 to 5 hours by car and 6 to 7 by train for just 130 km. The train is slower on purpose and worth it; take the earliest one.

When is the Kandy Esala Perahera?

It follows the lunar calendar, usually late July to early August, across ten nights ending on the Esala (Nikini) full moon. Book Kandy stays and grandstand tickets well in advance.