This exciting five-day itinerary introduces you to some of Sri Lanka's most beloved cultural monuments and natural wonders. Starting at the sacred cave temples of Dambulla, you'll climb the great rock fortress of Sigiriya, observe elephant herds in Minneriya National Park, and relax on the golden beaches of Bentota. The journey ends up in the beautifully preserved fortified port city of Galle, home to a 17th-century Dutch port.
The misty mountains of Sri Lanka's Hill Country take center stage on this invigorating five-day itinerary. Start with touring temples in the historic city of Kandy, then head south on an unforgettable train journey through lush tea estates. After a night in the hilltop village of Nuwara Eliya, explore flora and fauna of Horton Plains National Park before traveling to the west coast for your final night in the laid-back beach town of Negombo.
Discover the culture, heritage, wildlife, and beaches on this Sri Lankan journey. To start, visit the esteemed Dambulla Rock Temple. Then, climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, followed by a trip to a local village, complete with a nature walk and an authentic meal on a working farm. Next, explore the temples and sights of Kandy and the scenic tea country of Ella. Stop for a safari at Yala National Park and then head to Weligama for an ancient fort tour, some whale watching, and four days of beach bliss.
October is the beginning of Sri Lanka’s off-season, so visitors can expect to benefit from lower prices and shorter lines at the attractions. At this point, the summer crowds are gone and the winter ones haven't yet arrived. The inter-monsoon season brings intermittent rain and thunderstorms throughout the island.
September is shoulder season in Sri Lanka. It’s a good opportunity to take advantage of thinner crowds and lower prices, before October brings in the rain and thunderstorms of the inter-monsoon period.
In August, the southwest monsoon is nearing its end in Sri Lanka. With lower rainfall than surrounding months and many tourists from the northern hemisphere on summer vacation, it’s a popular time to visit. Consider a trip to Trincomalee or Yala National Park for wildlife spotting, celebrate the Kandy Perahera, or witness one of the country's largest temple festivals in Jaffna.
Sri Lanka’s two distinct monsoon seasons truly make it a year-round destination. While July is a wet month in southwestern Sri Lanka, the island’s northeastern half will be dry. This is a good time to explore national parks, wander along deserted beaches, and enjoy July’s colorful festivals.
In June, the southwest monsoon rains are falling over Sri Lanka. Colombo is damp and humid, and the island’s southern beaches and mountainous center are experiencing intermittent rainfall. Sri Lanka’s northeastern half will be dry, however, making this a good time to explore the island’s less-touristed regions.
November is shoulder season in Sri Lanka. The rain and thunderstorms of the inter-monsoon season keep away the crowds, so visitors can enjoy lower prices and shorter lines. Consider traveling near the end of the month, when the weather in the southwest of the country starts to clear up.
December is the beginning of Sri Lanka’s high season. The main tourist areas in the southwest will be cool and dry, and Buddhist pilgrims start flocking to the summit of Sri Pada, or Adam’s Peak. This is a great month to visit Colombo, Kandy, and the island’s most developed beaches.
In May, the southwest monsoon will have started in Sri Lanka, and travelers can expect several hours of rain per day in Colombo and on the island’s southern beaches. On the other hand, the northeast monsoon will be over; this is a great month to check out northern and eastern Sri Lanka, the Cultural Triangle, and the hill country.
April is considered a shoulder season in Sri Lanka. The weather's generally good during this month, although the southwest starts to experience heavy evening thunderstorms during this “inter-monsoon” period. Visitors to Sri Lanka in April can enjoy reasonable weather in both the north and south of the island, with fewer crowds than at other times of year.
March is the last month for excellent beach weather in the southwest of the island, and the peak tourist season is winding down at this time along with the sunny skies. The Cultural Triangle is dry, and the north and east don’t receive too much rain this month, making it a great time to visit.
By February, peak tourist season is well underway in Sri Lanka. The beaches in the southwest are pleasant and dry, and the northeast monsoon is winding down. The Cultural Triangle also has good weather at this time.
January is part of the high season in Sri Lanka, when the main tourist areas in the southwest are cool and dry. While the monsoon season is still going on in the northeast of the country, the late autumn rains in the "Cultural Triangle" will have mostly finished by now, making it a good time to visit the island’s historic sites.
This two-week itinerary around Sri Lanka offers an ideal mix of activity and relaxation. You'll begin in Negombo and work your way around the island, stopping to visit ancient temple complexes, Buddhist shrines, and palaces carved into mountainsides. Along the journey, you'll spend two nights observing wildlife in Wilpattu National Park, enjoy the calm coastline in Pasikudah, explore charming colonial villages, and relax on breathtaking beaches with snorkeling and diving opportunities easily accessible offshore.
This 12-day honeymoon is perfect for couples who love exotic wildlife and natural scenery. Starting from the capital, you'll circle the island-nation exploring a boggling array of national parks, rainforests, ancient villages, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Buddhist relics. After each day of sightseeing with your private guide, you'll have quality time (alone) at your accommodations—a fun mix of resorts, beach hotels, and safari camps—for the ultimate romantic adventure.
This 9-day journey through Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) explores fascinating highlights in the Cultural Triangle—home of ancient cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Buddhist relics. With a private driver and guide, you'll take hikes in tea country, spot diverse wildlife in the rainforest, and relax (or surf) on picturesque beaches on the south coast for an adventure to remember.
This eight-day itinerary takes you to the heart of Sri Lanka for ancient history, Buddhist culture, and exciting adventures in nature. From Negombo (near the capital), you'll experience a slew of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, tour a tea plantation, meet elephants, and explore towns loaded with Portuguese and Dutch colonial history. End each day with an opportunity to catch an alluring sunset that only South Asia can offer.
Known as the "Jewel of the Indian Ocean," Sri Lanka is famed for its centuries of history and exotic tropical wildlife. Explore the island's top destinations through this introductory tour that will satisfy both nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
This is the quintessential Sri Lankan bike ride! On this two week trip, you will discover local tea plantations, small villages, and historically significant cities — along with some wonderfully diverse riding through a sizeable portion of the island. You'll cycle from the culturally rich north through tea country then down into the southern plains and Horton Plains National Park, finishing in Galle.
From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to tucked-away temples to bustling cities, this tour has a little something for every type of traveler. Spend your days exploring lively cities like Kandy and Negombo, snorkeling colorful reefs at Pasikudah, and wandering through ancient ruins in places like Polonnaruwa for a diverse experience in this beautiful, culturally rich country.
From elephants to leopards to whales, the wildlife of Sri Lanka awaits as you embark on this weeklong adventure around the country. You'll go on Jeep safaris in national parks, spotting magnificent animals and birds along the journey. Then you'll continue onward to the coast, where you'll see blue whales during a boat tour off the coast of Mirissa. Rounding out the itinerary are a handful of cultural experiences, including a cooking class at a safari camp and time for sightseeing in the capital city of Colombo.
Discover the best Sri Lanka has to offer, from pristine beaches to Buddhist temples. This extensive tour takes you across the island's eastern coast and inner highlands, where will encounter three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and countless natural and man-made wonders.
From sacred Buddhist temples to rugged mountains, this six-day tour will take you through the best Sri Lanka offers. Split your time between historic cities, ancient stone fortresses, and the Sri Lankan Highlands as you soak up this unique country's history, culture, and landscapes.
Perfect for active travelers and nature-lovers, this 10-day tour covers everything from sunny coastlines to national parks to tea plantations. Walk, swim, and drive your way through rainforests, across sandy beaches, and - if you're lucky - past some of the country's most exotic wildlife.
If you're looking to spend a little time laying out on any of Sri Lanka's waterfront shores, there are numerous beaches to choose from. Which one you end up at will likely depend on the time of year you travel and on the overall route of your tour.
From dreamy rice fields to sprawling tea plantations, rural villages to nature preserves teeming with wildlife, the range of Sri Lanka's geographical and cultural treasures is astounding—and there's no better way to see it all than on two wheels. Find out how to navigate the roads, weather, and more with this comprehensive guide to cycling in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is a compact country so domestic flights are limited. Newer highways are reducing travel times for those who take the bus. However, trains are the more comfortable way to get around. The best way to see Sri Lanks is on a bike and there is an excellent network of roads to get you around to every corner of the country.
This epic 14-day Sri Lanka adventure begins at the coast and heads through the central highlands before looping back to Colombo. You'll explore some of Sri Lanka's best sights, including ancient hilltop forts, wildlife-filled nature reserves, and gorgeous beaches. Sri Lanka's unique Buddhist culture and hospitality will be on display as you round every corner of the country.
An intact flora and fauna collection is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest assets and a couple of park visits are a great way to break up your tour. Horton Plains, Yala, and Udawalawe National Parks are often the highlights, but each park has its own unique way to avoid the crowds and have an amazing experience.
In Sri Lanka, warmth and good weather can be found year-round in different parts of the island. Thanks to the country's relatively small size, a getaway spent chasing pockets of favorable weather can be a great way to see the island's many highlights. Below is a guide for planning when to visit each region of Sri Lanka.
This cycling tour takes you to Sri Lanka's top cultural sites and also off the beaten path. Cycle along rice fields, tea plantations, and tranquil villages to reach ancient kingdoms rich in history and culture. You also have the chance to explore Sri Lanka's wildlife parks to see herds of elephants roam the wild country.
For travelers looking for an authentic cultural experience with tours of Sri Lanka’s ancient sites, this is a great itinerary. It starts in the relaxing colonial fishing village of Negombo and ends in the lively modern city of Colombo.
Looking for a great combination of Sri Lanka's best natural and cultural sights? During this 10-day tour, explore the world-famous cultural sights of Sigiriya, Kandy, and Galle. Experience the breathtaking beauty the Sri Lankan nature and wildlife with trekking, white water rafting, and a safari adventure!
