Sri Lanka vacations

Take time to explore Sri Lanka’s capital. In this diverse metropolis, towering skyscrapers sit alongside historic Buddhist temples, and aromatic spices float through open-air markets.

Looking for a tranquil paradise? Welcome to Trincomalee, where palm-fringed golden sand meets the Indian Ocean. And it’s all backdropped by colorful temples and historic villas.

Sri Lanka’s teeming wildlife awaits you in Hambantota. This charming coastal town is surrounded by nature reserves, hot springs, dense jungles and stunning beaches.

You can learn a lot about Sri Lanka’s history from its fortresses. Climb Sigiriya, a 5th-century fortified city and palace carved from a 590-foot-high granite column. Or venture south to Galle to see its iconic sea ramparts, built by the Portuguese. Like the northern Jaffna Fort, Galle was captured by the Dutch before falling to the British over a century later.

Observing local spiritual rituals is one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. At Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), pilgrims and tourists alike line up for a glimpse of the relic that’s said to come from the Buddha himself. Join a tour of the Dambulla Cave Temples, or join worshipers heading up Adam’s Peak, a mountain sacred to all the island’s religions.

An overland journey to the city of Kandy takes hours, but it’s worth it to reach the country’s emerald-green heart. Take in the breathtaking hill country of forest ravines, lush tea plantations and plunging waterfalls from a winding train. Or carve out a day of mountain hiking or river rafting. In the national parks, you’ll see everything from elephants to giant squirrels.

The beaches in Sri Lanka are a year-round treat, home to soft sand, azure waters and passing turtles. West coast resorts combine family-friendly amenities with a weekend party scene and some of the world’s best kitesurfing. Head south to spot blue whales or seek out surf breaks. The port city of Trincomalee on the northeast coast offers more secluded beauty and amazing snorkeling.

Sri Lanka’s tropical landscape is full of wildlife, from sloths and crocodiles to wild boar and buffalo. Guides at the national parks help facilitate safe viewing, including rare leopards at Yala and Wilpattu and the annual gathering of elephants at Minneriya. Sleep in a treehouse to be woken up by monkeys, or spy eagles, peacocks and hundreds of other bird species in the wetlands.

From aromatic curries to the tongue-tingling ‘sambal’ (chili chutney) that can be added to just about everything, spices rule here. You’ll also find plenty of plant- and seafood-based dishes at restaurants in Sri Lanka. Popular street eats include rice-flour roti and ‘hoppers,’ crispy bowl-shaped pancakes filled with curry and topped with egg.

Many of Sri Lanka’s historical highlights are found outdoors, whether it’s temple ruins and rock carvings or sacred trees thousands of years old. Exploring the ancient wonders at Polonnaruwa, the country’s former religious and commercial center, is a must. One Sri Lankan museum not to miss is Dambana, the Indigenous village in Maduru Oya National Park, which preserves the language and rituals of the forest-dwelling Vedda people.

Sri Lanka has two separate monsoon seasons: May to August in the southwest and October to January in the northeast. December to March tend to be the busiest months for west coast resort towns. If you’re on a budget or want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Sri Lanka can be May to September, when the east remains dry.

For a cheap trip to Sri Lanka, consider how you travel around the island. A short taxi ride can cost 500 Sri Lankan rupees (Rs), and tuk-tuk prices add up. Buses and trains, which run regularly to many destinations, are an economical alternative. You can get a good meal here for Rs925.