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.
Quick Facts
- The "Cultural Triangle" is an area spanning the best places for exploring Sri Lanka's history and culture, taking in Kandy, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa.
- For incredible views, it is hard to beat Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
- For those wanting to go off the beaten track, Jaffna is the best choice.
- For untouched beaches, head to Bentota.
- Spot the largest sea mammal, the blue whale, off the coasts of Trincomalee and Mirissa.
1. Kandy: A Sacred City of Sri Lankan Buddhism
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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Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy
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Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive.
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Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand
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Tracy,
Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable!
I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze.
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Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
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Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast
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Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism.
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Richard,
Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans.
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Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again.
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CL,
Jul 2023
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I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience.
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Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional.
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Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot
I recommend asiahilights 150%
The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding
From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ????
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SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia.
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Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life.
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Customer,
Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience!
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Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay!
Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle!
I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!!
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Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
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Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough.
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Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure!
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Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
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Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights!
-Alex
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Alex,
May 2023
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions.
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orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods
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Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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2. Colombo: The Commercial Heart of Sri Lanka
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.
3. Galle: A Magnificent Fort City
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.
4. Nuwara Eliya: "Little England" with a Blend of Tea Culture
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.
Experience Graceful India and Lovely Sri Lanka
5. Ella: A Beautiful Hill County
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.
6. Anuradhapura: The Oldest Capital of Sri Lanka
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.
7. Dambulla: The Sacred Buddhist Site
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.
8. Sigiriya: The Eighth Wonder of the World
Recommended visiting time: 1–3 days
Ancient Rock Fortress of Sigiriya
The 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.
9. Trincomalee: A Great Natural Harbor for Marine Life
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.
10. Jaffna: Sri Lanka's Hidden Treasures
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.
11. Bentota: A Beautiful Resort Town
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.
12. Negombo: Best Place for a Short Stop
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.
Visit Sri Lanka with Asia Highlights
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.