Sri Lanka, this teardrop-shaped island country, now reopens to travelers. From March 1, 2022, you don't need to do the COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen tests before departure as long as you're fully vaccinated.
Is an ideal holiday destination where a rich cultural heritage shines through its many sights. There you can find beautiful beaches, forest-clad hills, and expansive national parks – nature is never far away.
First-time visitors to Sri Lanka on a 7-day trip cannot miss the major cities of Colombo, Kandy, and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and the Dambulla Cave Temple.
Travelers with a few more days can easily visit cities, such as Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Yala Park where you can find lustrous tea gardens, extensive plains, unbeatable mountain views, waterfalls, and mischievous animals. Bentota, Trincomalee, and Arugam Bay are good choices for those seeking rest and relaxation. For a glimpse of Sri Lanka's colonial past, Galle is the best.
Visitors to Sri Lanka will find themselves spoilt for choice. To make things easier, we have compiled a list of the country's top 12 highlights.
Recommended visiting time: 2–4 days
Kandy is considered one of Sri Lanka's most fascinating cities, rich in culture and history. As the former capital of the country's ancient kings, it has a wealth of historical and colonial architecture. It is also a picturesque city with brightly colored houses dotting the forested hills. In the city center, majestic buildings border sparkling lakes.
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is one of the most important shrines of Sri Lanka. This temple is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world and exhibits some beautiful Kandyan architecture that dates back to the 16th century.
Located close to the temple, inside the royal palace complex, the International Buddhist Museum provides a complete knowledge base and showcase of the spread of Buddhism throughout Asia.
One of the greatest attractions is Kandy Lake. Visitors are recommended to take a walking tour around the lake, which dominates the heavenly location with its cascading beauty.
Udawattakele Forest Reserve is the perfect spot for those seeking walking/hiking and adventure. This is a historic forest reserve and can be found nestled close to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
A special shoutout to our last guide in Bangkok - Ms. Ka-Noon who spoiled us with her kindness and then got us through check in and security for our flight home in record time at that huge Bangkok airport. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Three weeks encompassing Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. Albee Ning arranged everything perfectly. Not a flaw in the whole 3 weeks. Guides, flights (7 in total), hotels, private tours…everything was excellent. Travelling on a private tour gave us so much freedom to change our day if we chose to rest or go somewhere else. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
Asia Highlights is the way to go without any question. Next overseas trip will be booked with them for sure. Thank you for a wonderful and stress free vacation experience. MoreDeby, Feb 2023
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Over the last 5 years we've used Asia…
Over the last 5 years we've used Asia highlights twice. And both times we've had fantastic vacations. Would not want to do it any different when we travel to Asia from now on. Sharon was fantastic. She was a wonderful agent who helped us nail down our trip and make everything go as smooth as possible. MoreTodd Atwell, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
Our trip to Thailand comprised three generations of the family , ten people and an age range of 4 to 70 so a potentially difficult brief.Our itinerary over two weeks involved four locations, and a number of different trips and tours.From out arrival at an extremely busy Bangkok airport Asia Highlights were terrific.In each location we were met by a smiling , knowledgeable and professional guide who simply made everything easy and stress free for everyone.Our transportation was clean and comfortable . Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. The floating houses , railway market and elephant sanctuary were particular favourites.We had one minor glitch with the accommodation in Phuket which was immediately dealt with by Tip. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. MoreRoger Pyle, Feb 2023
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Trip of a lifetime from Asia Highlights!
I recommend highly Asia Highlights as a travel company. Our travel consultant Albee took the time to connect with us during the planning process to make sure we were comfortable with our itinerary. When we arrived, we were met by our guide and all the details were attended to. They picked great hotels and tours. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia MoreNancy Parker, Feb 2023
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Asia Highlights and Albee - highly recommended
Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. From the moment when we contacted her until our departure, the whole support we received was 6* level. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. During the trip she was again flexible to add new activities/transfers and this went on the smoothest possible way. Thank you, Albee and Asia Highlights. Definitely we will approach you again for our next Asian trip MoreAZ, Feb 2023
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Recommended visiting time: 1–2 days
Colombo is the largest city, once known as the "garden city of the East." Despite its rapid expansion, it retains many boulevards and landscaped gardens.
The commercial center of Sri Lanka seamlessly mixes modern malls and skyscrapers with beautiful colonial buildings.
The city's main attractions can easily be seen in one day if you make an early start. The Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most venerable temples in Colombo, decorated with wonderful brass work, stone carvings, and other Buddhist arts.
The other must-see attraction in the city is Galle Face Green, a vast urban park with a lively selection of food and merchandise stalls. A stone's throw from Colombo Harbor, it is the perfect place for a promenade with views out toward the Indian Ocean.
Recommended visiting time: 1–3 days
Galle is a great place to enjoy a few days of sunshine and sauntering. Amidst the historic sites and cultural landmarks, you will find atmospheric cafes, trendy boutiques, and quaint art galleries.The highlight is the 17th-century Galle Fort, which lies on a peninsula jutting out into the ocean. Particularly spectacular at sunset, the fort is a living monument; its interior houses souvenir stands and cozy bars.
There are plenty of large hotel chains in the area, but the best base from which to explore Galle, the fort, and the beaches is one of the many boutique hotels. Our favorite include Amangalla, Taru Villas, and Galle Fort Hotel.
Recommended visiting time: 2–3 days
Nuwara Eliya lies in the scenic hill country, with beautiful gardens, colonial-era architecture, and a mild climate. It is known as "Little England," as this is the place where the British colonizers built their holiday homes in typical Victorian style. This small town is a great place to spend a few days enjoying the unique scenery and escape the sweltering heat.There are a lot of things to do in the town, such as a relaxing boat ride on Gregory Lake, a fresh nature walk in Victoria Park, or a visit to the "Pink Post Office," which was built in 1894.
Well worth a day trip, Horton Plains National Park is situated about 30 km (20 miles) from Nuwara Eliya. There you will find an abundance of hiking trails, including the famous trail to the World's End, a massive cliff at the end of a plateau.
A visit to a tea factory is a must in this tea capital of Sri Lanka. Highly recommended is the Pedro Tea Factory (built in 1815). Witness the entire tea-production process, from the leaf to the cup.
Recommended visiting time: 1–3 days
Ella is a popular Hill Country village about 1,000 meters above sea level. The train ride from Kandy to Ella is a sight in itself. The destination is a lovely spot for relaxing in cafes, but it is also the perfect starting point for many Sri Lankan Hill Country adventures.
Most visitors to Ella come for the hiking trails, the most well-known being the hikes to Little Adam's Peak and Ella Rock. Both destinations will give you spectacular views of the Sri Lankan countryside.
If you want a little more adventure, hike up to the Diyaluma Falls and witness the epic views and natural infinity pools. During the summer months when the water levels have dropped, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the falls' various natural pools, including those right on the edge of the main waterfall.
Recommended visiting time: 1–2 days
Sri Lanka is famous for the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Almost all travel itineraries include a visit to the old capital, but Anuradhapura also has a "new town" on the outskirts of the ancient city.
The ancient city of Anuradhapura was first inhabited around 900 BC and was a major center of Sri Lankan civilization. The fascinating ancient ruins include the sacred Bodhi tree, eight major palaces, monasteries, and monuments.
The city itself has a laidback vibe, with a couple of local markets to check out. The Archaeology Museum is well worth a visit for its interesting collection of local artifacts.
The ancient Sri Lankans' architectural skills, culture, and prosperity as typified in Anuradhapura is best explored by bike. As you ride along the streets, byways, and green lawns, you will get a picture of what this city would have been like during its glory days.
Recommended visiting time: 1–2 days
Located in the center of Sri Lanka, the humble town of Dambulla is a treasure trove of historical monuments that are definitely worth a visit.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex is the largest and best-preserved of its kind in Sri Lanka. The five major caves are decorated with over 150 stunning Buddha statues, as well as imposing cave paintings and murals, making the complex one of the must-see Dambulla tourist destinations.
Another interesting place to visit is the bustling agricultural market in the center of town, the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Centre. It is the largest wholesale market for fruit and vegetables in Sri Lanka. There you will find many kinds of local products that are distributed all over the island.
Only 50 minutes by car from Dambulla, the Minneriya National Park makes for a fascinating day trip. Jeep safaris offer a thrilling ride through the dense forest opening up near a watering hole where herds of wild elephants gather to cool down and drink.
Recommended visiting time: 1–3 days
Ancient Rock Fortress of SigiriyaThe ancient citadel once sat at the top of the rock, and remnants of a glorious past are still visible today. The buildings' foundations, spread over 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres), remain intact, as do the terraces, pools, and gardens. The view is breathtaking and is fully worth the climb.
For an even more special experience of Sigiriya, take a hot air balloon ride (trips run from November through April). If you make it on a clear, sunny day, then the views of the sun rising up over the jungle canopies are truly incredible!
Only about an hour's drive from Sigiriya is Polonnaruwa, the capital of the Indian Chola Dynasty after Anuradhapura. It consists of a lot of temples and religious buildings. The most popular places to see in Polonnaruwa include Parakrama Samudra, Gal Vihara, and the Thivanka Image House.
Recommended visiting time: 2–4 days
Located on a peninsula, Trincomalee's spectacular natural harbor and glorious bays have long made it a tourist hot spot.
Dutch Bay is popular with the locals on the weekends. This means, that during the weekdays the beach is almost empty and the perfect place to cool off after visiting the colonial-era Fort Fredrick, the temples, or the Maritime Museum, all of which paint an enchanting picture of Trincomalee's 2,500-year-long history.
Additionally, Trincomalee is recognized as one of the best vantage points by oceanographers for whale and dolphin watching. March, April, August, and September are the best months during which to spot whales. From May through August, while the whales are away, the dolphins visit the bay.
Recommended visiting time: 2–3 days
Jaffna is the northern-most city of Sri Lanka. Home to the majority of the Tamil population, this area is still largely un-modernized and recovering after nearly three decades of civil war. Jaffna is full of ornamented Kovils (Hindu temples) and ancient Buddhist temples. The destruction left by the war is still evident, but travelers will see how the community is bouncing back and rebuilding.
Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and Kadurugoda Temple in Kandarodai are the most important temples in Jaffna.
Nainativu is a small but interesting island off the coast of Jaffna Peninsula, you can take a ferry to this island from Jaffna. Nainativu is home to the Naga People, a living ancient culture of snake worshippers. The main Kovil in Nainativu is extremely colorful and a delight for photographers.
Recommended visiting time: 2–3 days
Bentota is a laid-back coastal town on Sri Lanka's south coast. It's a holiday-maker's paradise, embodying everything you imagine Sri Lanka to be.
Travelers who love adventure can experience a variety of water activities there, such as jet-skiing, diving, wakeboarding, windsurfing, mono-skiing, banana boat rides, river safaris, and canyoning.
You also can skip the line and visit the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project. It's an animal protection venture that helps support the conservation of endemic sea turtles. You can see the adorable turtles up close and learn about local efforts to protect them.
Recommended visiting time: 1–2 days
Negombo is a charming beach town in Sri Lanka, just one hour's drive from the capital city Colombo. Due to its proximity to the international airport, many travelers will choose to stay there on arrival, relax, and acclimatize before heading off to explore Sri Lanka. Although mainly a transit destination, Negombo offers some beautiful architecture and a charming ambiance that is worth discovering.
The town's heritage is still visible throughout, including the remains of a 17th century Dutch fort that lines the waterfront, the pastel-colored Portuguese Catholic St Mary's Church, and the impressive Angurukaramulla Temple.
Negombo is also home to a lush large lagoon framed by mangroves, coconut groves, and paddy fields. It is an important fishing town that feeds the Negombo fish market, one of Sri Lanka's largest.
Negombo Beach is another highlight; stroll along the shore, barter in the artisan souvenir shops, and relax on the golden sands. Come evening, enjoy the spectacular sunsets and discover the myriad beachfront restaurants and live music bars.
Want to explore the ancient ruins and beautiful culture of Sri Lanka? At Asia Highlights we can plan your dream Sri Lanka trip complete with a tailor-made itinerary, private guide, and 24-hour customer service.
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
1-to-1 Expert PlanningYour tour will be tailor-made to suit you by a destination expert. Your personal travel advisor will always reply within 24 hours. |
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