Destinations

Sri Lanka

Aromatic cuisine, lush national parks and welcoming locals have put Sri Lanka on the map as a vibrant travel destination for travellers of all kinds. Ancient architecture abounds, from cave temples to rock fortresses, while colonial influences create a melange of historic structures and cultural influences from coastal Galle to central Nuwara Eliya in the country’s renowned tea country. No matter how you choose to experience Sri Lanka, the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ is sure to delight with its colourful and captivating landscapes.

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A ride across the iconic Nine Arches Bridge forms part of one of Sri Lanka's most scenic rail journeys – from Nuwara Eliya to Badulla.

The best way to travel Sri Lanka

For a small island country, the scope of Sri Lanka’s cultural offerings can be daunting. From bustling Colombo to the golden depths of Dambulla and the wilderness of Yala and Minneriya National Parks, there’s a lot of ground to cover and numerous options depending on your travel style. The country is famous for its warmly welcoming community and easy-going atmosphere, so the more time you can spend soaking up the vibes, the better. Coach tours are a great way to take the stress out of travel days, while a rail journey to Nuwara Eliya in the central highlands is a safe and scenic route through the rolling green hills of Sri Lanka’s renowned tea country. Hiring a private driver is also a popular option for travelling around Sri Lanka.

Elephants crossing a river in Sri Lanka - Luxury Escapes

Where are Sri Lanka’s best destinations?

No matter your Sri Lankan itinerary, you’ll be flying in and out of the capital, Colombo. Overflowing with historic architecture and sensational food, this busy coastal hub is a perfect introduction to Sri Lankan culture. Further east lies Dambulla, one of the must-see spots in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where ancient cave temples glitter with golden statues. Nearby, the climb to Sigiriya Rock Fortress offers panoramic views high above the jungle. Kandy presents culture-lovers with a plethora of experiences, from temples to lake cruises, and Nuwara Eliya’s verdant tea fields capture colonial history in the central highlands. En route to the beachy south coast lies Yala National Park, famed for its population of elusive leopards.

An array of delicious plates with rice, chicken and seafood on a table at A Minute by Tuk-Tuk, Galle, one of Sri Lanka's top 6 best restaurants with must try dishes - Luxury Escapes

Sri Lanka’s top foodie experiences

If you’ve got your eyes on a Sri Lanka holiday, it’s highly likely that you’re a bit of a foodie fanatic. From world-renowned Ministry of Crab in cosmopolitan Colombo to the masterful drinks of Smoke & Bitters on the south coast, top-tier high tea at The Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya to the aromatic street foods of coastal Galle, the list of tantalising cuisines on offer is endless. Visitors will want to try the fermented coconut specialty known as ‘arrack’, and the thin pancake bowls of egg hoppers make for the perfect snack.