The Capital city

— Colombo —

With a population of 5.6 million, Colombo is a bustling, cosmopolitan city. It is home to impressive skyscrapers, vast roads, upscale hotels, and a newly developed luxurious shopping mall at its heart, alongside a newly constructed port in the city center.

Despite its modernity, Colombo retains its charm with friendly and hospitable locals, delicious food, vibrant markets, and a rich history. The city also boasts beautiful colonial-era buildings, intriguing churches, and scenic parks and gardens.

Colombo is an ideal destination for adventurous travelers who enjoy the energy of large cities.

Beaches

—Unawatuna —

Unawatuna is a coastal town in the south of Sri Lanka, located just 5 km from Galle. Known for its stunning coral reefs and palm-lined sandy beaches, Unawatuna offers a vibrant atmosphere with bars and nightclubs along its shoreline.

A Japanese peace pagoda stupa, nestled on the palm-covered hillside, adds a touch of tranquility to the area, where visitors can also enjoy unique cultural programs.

The region offers endless activities to keep everyone entertained. You can practice yoga, visit the secluded Jungle Beach, go diving, take a boat ride, try jet-skiing, swim, or simply relax in a hammock with a refreshing coconut in hand.

Capital of Southern Province

—Galle —

alle is located just two hours from the airport and is a popular destination for visitors, known for its beautiful beaches and exciting activities. The city is famous for its magnificent fortress, which bears the marks of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British from the 1500s. Today, within the fortress walls, you'll find trendy boutiques, cozy cafes, and charming hotels that add to the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Surf

—Weligama —

Weligama Bay is a palm-fringed tropical haven located along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The bay is renowned for its excellent surfing spots, offering surf schools for beginners, as well as waves suited for advanced and professional surfers.

In addition to its natural beauty, this part of the island offers a vibrant, laid-back atmosphere. With modern bars and restaurants, it's the perfect place to unwind and meet fellow travelers from around the world while enjoying delicious food and refreshing drinks.

Rainforest

— Sinharaja —

Sinharaja is the last remaining extensive patch of rainforests in Sri Lanka. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is located in the lowland wet zone of southwestern Sri Lanka. It is a paradise for nature lovers, offering breathtaking waterfalls, rich wildlife, and a variety of creatures such as lizards, snakes, spiders, and exotic birds. Towering trees, vibrant rainforest plants, and stunning landscapes await hikers.

The trails are wide, and there are walks of varying lengths, making it accessible for most visitors, even those with little hiking experience.

Whales and Dolphins

—Mirissa —

Mirissa is renowned for its stunning beaches and excellent surf waves. This stretch of coastline is also famous for its rich marine life, where visitors can observe dolphins and whales in the crystal-clear blue waters from the comfort of a boat.

For those interested in diving, the area offers incredible underwater experiences, with vibrant marine life to explore. Mirissa also features oceanside bars, lively parties, the charming Coconut Island, and a bustling fish market. Alternatively, you can simply relax by the beautiful Indian Ocean, enjoying a peaceful day with a book in hand.

Elephant orphanage

—Pinnawala —

Pinnawala is located 93 km from Colombo and is home to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which was founded in 1975 to care for and protect injured wild elephants found in and around Sri Lanka's jungles. The orphanage was established with the goal of attracting both local and international visitors, with the income generated used to support the facility's operations.

Over time, Pinnawala has become a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Guests can witness the daily care routines of the elephants, including feeding the young calves and bathing them in the Ma Oya River.

Another unique attraction at Pinnawala is the Elephant Poop Museum, where visitors can see how paper and other household items are made from elephant dung.

Temple of Tooth

—Kandy —

Kandy is located 120 km from Colombo, nestled in a spacious valley surrounded by mountains and tea plantations at an altitude of 490 meters. At the heart of the city lies a long, serene artificial lake.

Kandy is one of the most sacred cities in Buddhism, home to the famous Temple of the Tooth, which houses one of the most revered relics of Buddhism—Buddha's Tooth. The city is also the cultural center of Sri Lanka, offering visitors a chance to witness traditional performances and delve into the mysteries of Sri Lankan dance.

In addition to its spiritual offerings, Kandy is home to the Botanical Garden, the Spice Garden, and a Silk Factory, all of which are rich in local heritage. Every visitor to Kandy is sure to experience its unique, spiritual, and energetic ambiance.

Cave Temple

— Dambulla—

Dambulla is located approximately 160 km northeast of Colombo. The Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991, is an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists.

The temple consists of five cave sanctuaries carved into the rock face, adorned with sculptures and paintings from various historical periods, including many works from the 16th to 18th centuries. The largest cave, spanning nearly 1,200 square meters, houses over 70 statues, mostly depicting Buddha, with a total of 150 Buddha statues spread across the temple.

Lion Rock

— Sigiriya —

The ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress is located near the town of Dambulla in Sri Lanka's Central Province. This historical and archaeological site is most notable for its towering rock, which rises about 200 meters above the surrounding landscape.

At the top of the rock are the ruins of the ancient Palace of King Kashyapa (477–495), offering visitors breathtaking views at the end of the tour. The Sigiriya ruins include an ancient citadel, palace, moats, bastions, water basins carved into the rock, a lion's gate, the Mirror Wall, and stunning wall paintings.

In later centuries, the rock served as a Buddhist monastery and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mountains

— Ella—

Ella is a charming, cool town nestled in the mountains of Sri Lanka, accessible via a scenic, fog-covered road that winds through lush hills. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and exciting outdoor activities, Ella has become a popular destination, especially for young adults, with a laid-back, backpacker vibe.

Visitors to Ella won't be disappointed, as the breathtaking views from the mountain peaks are truly unforgettable. The town offers a variety of attractions, including Mini Adam's Peak, Ella Rock, the Ravana Waterfall, and the iconic 9-Arch Bridge.

Tea plantations

— Nuwara Eliya —

The journey to Nuwara Eliya takes us along winding roads through lush green valleys, rolling hills, and scenic tea estates, with small streams, waterfalls, and mist-covered mountains leading the way. The town's unique climate, often cloaked in early morning fog and crisp, cool air, creates an atmosphere reminiscent of an English countryside.

Nestled among some of the most beautiful tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya offers attractions such as golf courses, racecourses, horse tracks, and stunning rose gardens. British-style houses dot the landscape, all contributing to the town's charm. With its serene ambiance and unmatched beauty, Nuwara Eliya is the perfect retreat for a tranquil holiday.

Safari

— Yala—

Yala National Park is located in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka, spanning two provinces. Covering an area of 1,260 square kilometers, only one-fifth of the park is accessible to visitors, while the remaining four-fifths are designated as a strict nature reserve.

Situated in an arid zone and surrounded by numerous lagoons, Yala is home to a variety of Asian wildlife, including leopards, elephants, bears, crocodiles, deer, and many other species typical of the tropical wilderness. The park is also a sanctuary for hundreds of migratory bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

Safari

— Udawalawe—

Udawalawe is located at the border between the wet and dry zones of Sri Lanka. The park is primarily characterized by plains, although there are also some mountainous areas.

The main attraction of Udawalawe is its population of elephants, making it the perfect place to get an up-close view of these magnificent gentle giants. Along with elephants, visitors can also encounter crocodiles, deer, wild boars, and herds of water buffalo, all of which are key highlights of the safari experience.

History

— Polonnaruwa—

Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka, established after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993. It is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the country, offering a rich experience in a relatively compact area.

We highly recommend exploring the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa, home to some of the best-preserved ruins of ancient Ceylon, by bicycle. It's a fun and easy way to navigate the site and truly immerse yourself in its history.

History

— Anuradhaphura —

Anuradhapura flourished as the capital of Sri Lanka from 377 BC and can be considered the ancient capital of the island. Due to the impressive ruins of the ancient Sri Lankan civilization, UNESCO declared the site a World Heritage Site in 1982.

The area is filled with restored monuments, preserved ruins, and historical sites where archaeological excavations continue to this day. Anuradhapura's greatest pride lies in its ancient stupas (or dagobas), which are pagoda-like structures, and its ancient reservoirs. These stupas and civil engineering feats were constructed with remarkable precision, taking into account factors like light exposure on high-rise buildings, along with many other advanced engineering techniques that remain a mystery to this day.

Hindu Temples

— Trincomale—

Trincomalee has been a major center of Tamil-speaking culture in Sri Lanka for nearly a millennium. In this region, locals speak Tamil and predominantly follow Hinduism.

Trincomalee is known for its pristine, untouched beaches and ancient temples. It offers a perfect opportunity to relax on the tranquil Uppuveli and Nilaveli beaches. If you're interested in experiencing colorful and unique Hindu temples, you'll have the chance to visit Shri Thirukoneswaram, Shri Bhadrakali Amman, and the Gokanna Temple, all located in Trincomalee.

Natives

— Dabana—

The indigenous people of Sri Lanka are the Veddhas, who continue to live in the jungles of Sri Lanka to this day. The word "Veddha" means "people of the forest." Archaeological evidence suggests that the Neolithic ancestors of the modern Veddhas have inhabited this island since as early as 10,000 BC.

The Veddhas are primarily hunters and gatherers, and their way of life has remained largely unchanged from the Stone Age to the present. They speak an ancient dialect of Sinhalese and worship spirits rather than gods. More specifically, they practice animism, the belief that all objects, beings, and natural phenomena possess a soul and spiritual essence.