Sigiriya Rock Fortress
A fifth-century palace on a 200-metre column of rock, reached by a staircase between two carved lion’s paws.
A small island, an enormous variety
Eleven places
we know well.
These are the destinations we are asked for most — six of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The island holds a great deal more, and every itinerary we build is made to order, so if what you want isn't here, just ask.
Cultural Triangle
The ancient kingdoms, within an hour or two of each other
Dambulla Cave Temple
Five caves cut into a rock face, holding over 150 Buddha statues beneath two thousand years of painted ceilings.
Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka’s first capital for over 1,300 years, and home to the oldest recorded tree in the world.
Temple of the Tooth
The shrine that houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, and the heart of the Esala Perahera.
Hill Country
Tea estates, cool air and the scenic railway
Horton Plains
High montane grassland ending abruptly at World’s End, a sheer drop with views to the Indian Ocean.
Ella
Tea country, waterfalls and the Nine Arches Bridge, at the end of one of the world’s great train journeys.
Wildlife
Leopards, elephants and the Gathering
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
A sanctuary on the Maha Oya river caring for over 80 rescued elephants, and their daily river bath.
Minneriya National Park
Home to "The Gathering" — the largest congregation of Asian elephants in the world, from July to September.
Yala National Park
The highest concentration of leopards in the world, across nearly 1,000 square kilometres of jungle and lagoon.
Coast
The southern shoreline and its colonial fort
Galle Ancient Dutch Fort
A 17th-century fortress of ramparts, cobbled streets and a working lighthouse, above the Indian Ocean.
Mirissa Beach
Golden sand, palms and calm turquoise water — and some of the best whale watching in the world.
100+ destinations covered
Somewhere else in mind?
Tell us where you want to go and how long you have. A local specialist will send back a free, no-obligation itinerary within 24 hours.