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Tea highlands, ancient kingdoms, leopards and surf — all in one island the size of Ireland.
Sri Lanka packs a continent's variety into an island the size of Ireland. The ancient Cultural Triangle in the north has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a day's drive. The hill country around Ella is draped in tea plantations and threaded with the most scenic train journey in Asia. The southern coast has excellent surf and Yala National Park has the world's highest density of leopards.
The classic two-week circuit runs Colombo → Cultural Triangle → Kandy → Ella → southern coast, and works perfectly without a car. Sri Lanka is one of the most complete travel destinations in Asia.
Yala National Park has the world's highest density of wild leopards. Udawalawe for elephant herds. Both accessible from the south coast.
Arugam Bay on the east coast is one of Asia's best point breaks (May–September). Hikkaduwa and Midigama on the south coast are excellent November–April.
Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla — three UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a day's drive of each other in the Cultural Triangle.
Stay in Sigiriya village for easy access to all three UNESCO sites. Allow 3 days.
Hill country — Kandy is the cultural capital, Ella the backpacker hub. The train between them is unmissable.
Best beaches and blue whale watching (Jan–Apr) from Mirissa. Galle Fort nearby.
Sri Lanka's ETA ($50) must be applied for online before arrival at eta.gov.lk — do not use third-party sites
Use PickMe app in cities — the Sri Lankan Uber equivalent, eliminates all tuk-tuk fare negotiation
The Cultural Triangle sites have significant entry fees (Sigiriya £25) — budget for these properly
The Kandy to Ella train window seats book out — reserve at a booking office or through your guesthouse
Cinnamon from rural roadside stalls is dramatically better quality and cheaper than tourist shops
Tell us your dates, budget and travel style — we'll handle every detail.
Curated activities worth booking in advance — via GetYourGuide.
The 5th-century cliff fortress in the afternoon light.
Dawn game drive for leopards, elephants and sloth bears.
Reserved window seat on Asia's most beautiful railway.
Blue and sperm whales off the southern coast — January to April.
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Daily budgets, hostel picks, transport tips and no-fluff advice.