Highlights of Sri Lanka
The Cultural Triangle Places we visit
Sigiriya: Fortress in the Sky
Rising out of the jungle like something from a dream, Sigiriya is Sri Lanka’s most
iconic sight — and once you’re standing on top of it, it’s easy to see why.
This towering rock was transformed into a royal citadel in the 5th century by King
Kashyapa, who built pleasure gardens, moats, and a palace on the summit.
Today,
you can follow in his footsteps, passing water gardens and the famous mirror wall,
before climbing past the remarkable frescoes — 21 celestial maidens, still vibrant
after all this time.
Just before the final ascent, pause at the Lion’s Paws — the only remains of a
monumental stone lion that once guarded the entrance to the palace. Then it’s up to
the top, where the ruins and panoramic views stretch out endlessly in every
direction.
It’s a place that stirs the imagination — part history, part myth, all utterly
unforgettable.
Dambulla: Where Stone Walls Whisper Stories
Step inside the ancient cave temples of Dambulla, and you step into another world.
Carved into the rock face over 2,000 years ago, these five sacred caves are filled
with golden Buddhas and intricate murals — a quiet testament to Sri Lanka’s rich
spiritual heritage.
It began in the 1st century BC, when a king in exile found shelter in these caves.
After reclaiming his throne, he returned to transform them into a temple of gratitude.
Since then, generations have added their own touches — and the result is nothing
short of extraordinary.
Don’t miss the mysterious water bowl that never overflows, or the panoramic views
from the top. And yes, you’ll likely be accompanied by a few cheeky monkeys on the
climb — part of the charm, really.
Anuradhapura: Sacred Roots & Timeless Rituals
In Anuradhapura, the past is not a distant memory — it’s still very much alive. Once
Sri Lanka’s first capital, this ancient city was a centre of power, devotion, and
innovation for over a thousand years.
Today, its sprawling ruins are still revered by pilgrims from across the country. At the
heart lies the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree said to be the oldest recorded tree in
the world — grown from a cutting of the very tree under which the Buddha attained
enlightenment.
Wander at your own pace through vast dagobas, monastic ruins, and ancient
reservoirs. It’s a place to pause, reflect, and feel the stillness of centuries.
Polonnaruwa: Echoes of Empire in the Jungle
Tucked beneath rustling trees and dappled sunlight, Polonnaruwa feels like a
forgotten kingdom being slowly reclaimed by the forest — and that’s exactly what
makes it so special.
This former capital rose to prominence after Anuradhapura and is now one of Sri
Lanka’s best-preserved historical sites. Among the highlights are the three serene
Buddhas of Gal Vihara, carved into a single granite rock. Nearby, the Vatadage, a
circular relic house, feels both ancient and oddly modern, while the Gal Potha
(“Stone Book”) records the epic deeds of a king on a 9-metre-long slab of stone.
History, nature, and artistry all intertwine here — and it’s hard not to be captivated
Polonnaruwa: Echoes of Empire in the Jungle
Tucked beneath rustling trees and dappled sunlight, Polonnaruwa feels like a
forgotten kingdom being slowly reclaimed by the forest — and that’s exactly what
makes it so special.
This former capital rose to prominence after Anuradhapura and is now one of Sri
Lanka’s best-preserved historical sites. Among the highlights are the three serene
Buddhas of Gal Vihara, carved into a single granite rock. Nearby, the Vatadage, a
circular relic house, feels both ancient and oddly modern, while the Gal Potha
(“Stone Book”) records the epic deeds of a king on a 9-metre-long slab of stone.
History, nature, and artistry all intertwine here — and it’s hard not to be captivated
Hill County places we visit
Kandy: Culture, Colour & the Sacred Tooth
Nestled in misty hills and wrapped in lush greenery, Kandy is Sri Lanka’s cultural heart and many would argue, its most beautiful city. With a refreshingly cool climate and a slower pace, it’s the perfect place to catch your breath, soak in the views, and connect with the spiritual soul of the island. At the city’s centre is the revered Temple of the Tooth, home to Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist relic,a tooth said to belong to the Buddha himself. Pilgrims come from all over the country to pay their respects, often to the sound of drumming, chanting, and the rhythmic swirl of traditional ceremonies. Look up, and you’ll spot a towering white Buddha watching serenely over the city — climb up for sweeping views and a few quiet moments away from the buzz. Then wander down into Kandy’s charming streets: a mix of local markets, jewellery shops, colonial architecture, and modern shopping spots if you're in the mood for a little browsing. Kandy is a place of contrasts — sacred yet lively, traditional yet effortlessly stylish.
Nuwara Eliya: Tea Country in the Clouds
High in Sri Lanka’s central highlands lies Nuwara Eliya, a town that feels part mountain village, part time capsule. Sitting at around 2,000 metres above sea level, the air is crisp, the evenings misty, and the stars, on a clear night, absolutely dazzling. Known as "Little England" thanks to its colonial-era charm, Nuwara Eliya is unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka. Manicured lawns, flower gardens, and stately buildings sit alongside bustling markets, sari-clad locals in woolly jumpers, and endless fields of emerald-green tea. This is the home of Ceylon tea — some of the world’s finest. Visit a working tea estate, walk through misty plantations, and enjoy a freshly brewed cup overlooking rolling hills that disappear into the clouds. Beyond tea, this is rich agricultural country. In the villages surrounding the town, you’ll find fields bursting with carrots, leeks, cauliflower — and yes, even beetroot. It’s the perfect place to slow down, take in the mountain air, and watch rural life unfold around you.
Ella
Welcome to Ella, a misty mountain village where time slows and the soul exhales.
Perched high in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, Ella is a place of lush tea plantations,
cascading waterfalls, and sweeping valley views that stretch to the horizon.
Wake to the scent of fresh mountain air and the distant call of birdsong. Hike through
emerald-green hills to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, where trains curve gracefully
through the jungle like something out of a dream. Climb Little Adam’s Peak for
sunrise and watch the world turn gold beneath your feet, or wander through tea
estates where pickers in bright saris move rhythmically through the rows.
Ella is more than a destination — it’s a feeling. A place to sip Ceylon tea on a breezy
veranda, to lose track of time in a hammock, to let the rhythm of nature guide your
day. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, exploring ancient temples, or simply soaking
in the view, Ella invites you to slow down and stay a while.
Sri Pada (Adam's Peak)
Also known as Adam’s Peak or “Butterfly Mountain”, Sri Pada is one of Sri Lanka’s
most spiritual and rewarding climbs. Sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and
Christians alike, this mountain draws thousands of pilgrims each year, all making
their way to see the mysterious sacred footprint at the summit.
Whose footprint? That depends on who you ask. It has been attributed to the
Buddha, Shiva, Adam, or even St. Thomas. But one thing’s for certain: the
experience of climbing Adam’s Peak is unforgettable.
The season runs from December to May, with peak climbs around the April New
Year. Most begin the ascent in the dead of night, guided by strings of lights and
prayer flags, to reach the summit just in time for sunrise, when the mountain casts a
perfectly triangular shadow across the landscape below.
It’s steep, it’s busy, and at times emotional — but standing at the top, wrapped in
mountain mist and morning light, you’ll understand why so many make the journey.
Yala National Park
The Allure of the Yala Region
Wild beauty, sacred energy & slow-living charm
The Yala region is where the wild heart of Sri Lanka beats loudest — a captivating
mix of untamed nature, sacred traditions, and earthy, everyday charm. Here, wide
skies stretch over golden grasslands and shimmering lakes, while leopards roam the
forests and pilgrims leave offerings at ancient temples.
You’ll wake to birdsong and cicadas, end the day with a sky full of stars, and fill the
space in between with moments you won’t soon forget: a roadside stall selling sweet
corn and mangosteen… the quiet curve of a stupa at dusk… the sudden thrill of
spotting a leopard through the trees.
Whether you come for the safaris, the spirituality, or just to soak up the slower pace
of life, Yala and its surrounds invite you to pause, explore, and reconnect — with
nature, culture, and yourself.
Tissamaharama Town
Tissamaharama (or “Tissa” as the locals call it) is more than just a launchpad for
safaris but it draws us in in its own right too. Tissa is a warm, green, wonderfully
grounded town where the pace slows, and life unfolds with grace.
Surrounded by lush rice paddies and peaceful farmland, Tissa is where you’ll spot
water buffaloes lazing in muddy fields, and villagers selling fresh curd in clay pots,
crisp vegetables, and just-picked produce along the roadside.
The Tissa Wewa reservoir is the town’s soul; a calm stretch of water where locals
swim and bathe daily, seemingly unfazed by the crocs that lurk nearby. It’s one of
those moments that reminds you: life here runs on trust, rhythm, and deep roots in
nature.
Wander past stalls offering sweetcorn, juicy mangosteen, and when in season the
famously smelly durian (trust us, you’ll smell it before you see it).
Sprinkled across the town are peaceful Buddhist stupas, rising above the treetops
like ancient guardians. These are lovely places to reflect, to wander barefoot, or
simply to sit in silence and soak it all in.
Tissa is the quiet, beating heart of the region — full of life, colour, and that
unmistakable Southern hospitality.
South Coast Beaches
Unawatuna
Soft golden sand, calm shallow waters and a famously laid-back vibe make
Unawatuna one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved beach stops.
It’s easy to spend days
here hopping between sea swims, fresh seafood lunches, and lazy afternoons under
a palm tree. You can take a short walk up to the hilltop Japanese Peace Pagoda for
a moment of calm and a sweeping view over the bay.
This is a great place to unwind — but it’s also well-connected, making it a handy
base to explore nearby Galle Fort, Jungle Beach, or head inland for spice gardens
and tea plantations.
Galle Fort
Inside the thick coral-and-limestone walls of Galle Fort, time begins to blur.
Cobblestone streets twist through centuries of stories, Portuguese, Dutch, British, Sri
Lankan, layered into the architecture, the colours, the very air.
There’s a hushed elegance here. Sunlight filters through frangipani trees and spills
over colonial verandas, while the soft ring of a bicycle bell or the call to prayer from a
nearby mosque reminds you: this is still a living, breathing town.
By day, you can meander past boutique galleries, antique shops, and art-filled cafés,
perhaps pausing for a cinnamon iced tea or to try on a locally crafted piece of
jewellery. Old spice stores and heritage mansions sit shoulder to shoulder with
minimalist design studios and gelato counters all under the Fort’s timeless, red-tiled
rooftops.
Galle Fort is more than a stop on your journey; it’s a pause. A place where history
lingers in the stones, where modern life moves gently, and where the soul of Sri
Lanka speaks in soft, elegant tones.
Mirissa
Palms, parties and postcard-perfect scenes — Mirissa offers a little bit of everything.
It’s one of the best places for a picture-perfect beach day, and it’s also the launching
point for whale watching tours, where you may spot blue whales, pilot and spinner
dolphins just offshore.
In the evenings, the beach transforms into a glowing row of restaurants, each grilling
the catch of the day. You’ll find chilled-out reggae bars, full moon parties (in season),
and plenty of places to dance barefoot in the sand.
Weligama
This long, sandy bay has made a name for itself as the place to learn to surf — and
rightly so. With mellow waves and dozens of surf schools lining the shore, Weligama
is welcoming for beginners and full of energy.
It’s also one of the more up-and-coming areas, with cool cafés, yoga studios, and
creative spaces dotted between fishing boats and friendly beach stalls. From here,
you can easily visit the quirky town of Midigama or catch a glimpse of the famous stilt
fishermen perched above the waves.
Bentota
Bentota offers a gentler pace, where golden sands meet the calm waters of the lagoon. It’s a watersports haven—jet skiing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, and banana boat rides all unfold against a backdrop of swaying palms and turquoise sea. The Bentota River adds another layer of adventure, with lagoon fishing trips and boat safaris drifting past mangroves and sleepy riverbanks. Whether watching toddy tappers at work or soaking up the sunset from a quiet beachside café, Bentota invites stillness and play in equal measure. It’s a place to pause, breathe, and let the rhythm of the coast settle in.
Hikkaduwa
Colourful, quirky and full of character, Hikkaduwa is one of Sri Lanka’s original beach
towns. Once a hidden gem on the hippie trail, now a lively coastal favourite that
hasn’t lost its soul.
By day, the beach hums with sunseekers, snorkellers and surfers. Just offshore is a
vibrant coral reef where you can spot tropical fish and occasionally a curious sea
turtle swimming alongside you. Grab a mask and fins or hop on a glass-bottom boat
if you’d rather stay dry.
The main strip is lined with shops, cafés, and art stalls where you can pick up
colourful batiks, wood carvings, and last-minute gifts. There’s a wonderfully retro
beach-town vibe here- relaxed and a little rough around the edges, but in the best
possible way.
Hikkaduwa also has some great nightlife for those who like their evenings social,
think beach bars, casual live music, and friendly faces from all over the world.
Whether you’re staying a few nights or just passing through, Hikkaduwa has a way of
drawing you in with its energy, colour and charm.
Tangalle
Wilder and more rugged, Tangalle offers untamed beauty and space to breathe. The
beaches here feel raw and natural with long stretches of golden sand where the
waves crash loudly, and the breeze feels stronger.
It’s a great place to walk, think, read, or write. There’s also a growing number of
stylish eco-lodges and boutique stays that blend beautifully into the surroundings.
Nature is never far — sea turtles’ nest nearby, and the nearby Rekawa Lagoon is
perfect for kayaking and bird watching.
Negombo
Often overlooked, Negombo is actually one of the handiest and most underrated
spots in Sri Lanka, especially for your first or final night. Just a short drive from the
airport, it’s a working fishing village with a long beach, a lively town centre, and a
warm welcome.
Start (or end) your trip with a sunset stroll along the shore as colourful catamarans
bob on the water. Browse for last-minute souvenirs at the local shops or markets —
from handwoven textiles and wood carvings to locally made teas and spices. And
when hunger strikes, you’re in luck: Negombo has a growing reputation for great
food, with everything from fresh seafood grills to fine-dining fusion tucked in stylish
boutique hotels.
There’s something honest about Negombo — it’s real, it’s lively, and it’s incredibly
convenient. Whether you're winding down or just beginning, it’s a great way to ease
into (or out of) the island’s rhythm.
East Coast Beaches
Passikudah & Kalkudah
These two sister beaches offer something gentler — calm, shallow waters and long
stretches of white sand ideal for families, honeymooners or those craving relaxation,
or just floating for hours in the warm sea.
The reefs offshore are great for snorkelling, and while there are resorts nearby,
there’s still a strong sense of space and simplicity. You’ll find local food stalls, sleepy
fishing villages, and some surprisingly good spots for a sunset cocktail.
Nilaveli
Nilaveli Just north of Trincomalee, Nilaveli is picture-perfect — wide open beach, turquoise sea, and barely a footprint in sight. This is a great base for snorkelling trips to Pigeon Island, where clear waters reveal coral reefs and colourful fish. It’s quiet, beautiful, and just far enough off the tourist radar to feel special. Inland, you can visit hot springs, Hindu temples, or take a boat ride into the mangroves. A perfect spot to spend your days doing very little — and doing it well.
Trincomalee Town
Trincomalee blends history, spirituality, and coastal life in a way that feels quietly profound. The town itself is bustling, with colourful markets and tuk-tuks weaving through colonial streets. Just beyond, sacred sites like Koneswaram Temple perch above the sea, offering sweeping views and moments of reflection. The nearby beaches—Nilaveli and Uppuveli—are serene and spacious, ideal for swimming, snorkelling over coral reefs, or simply watching the horizon shift. Trinco holds stories in its stones and salt air, inviting you to listen and linger.
Arugum Bay
Arugam Bay hums with surf culture and laid-back charm. The crescent-shaped beach draws wave-chasers from around the world, with surf lessons available for all levels—whether you're catching your first wave or carving through the break at Main Point. Early mornings might begin with yoga overlooking the sea, followed by fresh roti and coconut sambol from a roadside stall. The town’s energy is youthful and creative—murals, music, and barefoot wanderers fill the streets. It’s a place to feel free, to explore, and to connect with the wild beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast.