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Buddha statue at a temple complex in Colombo

Sri Lanka Cruises & Tours

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Take a trip to Sri Lanka. Its rich history is showcased through ancient ruins and temples that stand as a testament to a vibrant culture spanning over two millennia. The warmth and hospitality of its people add to the island's charm, making visitors feel at home. Sri Lanka is also renowned for its exquisite cuisine, which is a flavorful blend of local spices and cooking traditions, offering a unique gastronomic experience. Adventure seekers, history enthusiasts, and beach lovers alike will find something to cherish in Sri Lanka, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the wonders of the Indian Ocean. Contact one of our Trip Advisors for help planning your adventure to Sri Lanka.

Top Destinations in Sri Lanka

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Buddha figures line the Seema Malaka temple in Colombo

Colombo
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A tranquil moment overlooking Galle

Galle
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Look for elephants and other wildlife in Wilpattu

Wilpattu National Park
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Sri Lanka Travel Guide

An elephant crosses the plains of Minneriya National Park

11 Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka - Top Attractions & Experiences

Discover the top 11 best things to do and see in Sri Lanka for an unforgettable travel experience.
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Top 10 Sri-Lanka Fun Facts
  • Historically, Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon, which is the pronunciation of Ceilao.
  • Sri Lanka exports the most black, green, and white tea in the world.
  • Around 7500 wild Asian elephants live in Sri Lanka
  • There are more than 100 waterfalls in Sri Lanka, and many are swimmable!
  • Sri Lanka boasts the oldest tree planted by humans. Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura has been conserved for almost 2,000 years.
  • Sri Lanka's 92% literacy rate is the highest in South Asia and one of the highest in Asia.
  • Sri Lanka is called the 'Teardrop of India' because of its unique shape and southern location.
  • Cinnamon is from Sri Lanka and was discovered by the Egyptians about 2000BC, originally used as spices, and embalming perfume.
  • Sri Lanka had the world's first female Prime Minister.
  • Volleyball is the national sport of Sri Lanka, even though cricket is by far the most popular sport there.
Sri Lanka Geography
Located in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a pear-shaped island with a total length of 438 km and a width of 225 km. Nearly 645 kilometers (400 miles) north of the Equator, Sri Lanka is surrounded by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, which separate it from India. Most of Sri Lanka's islands lie to the west of the Jaffna Peninsula, with the most notable ones being the islets of the southern Indian Ocean. At the end of 2021, the country's population was 21,497,310.

Sri Lanka's geography divides the island into three zones: the central highlands, the plains, and the coastal strip.

Regions in Sri Lanka
  • Colombo and the West Coast: Bentota, Colombo,  Negombo, Kalpitiya
  • East Coast: Trincomalee, Passekudah, Arugam Bay, Batticaloa, Nilaveli, Kuchchaveli
  • South Coast: Galle, Mirissa, Weligama, Tangalle, Yala National Park
  • Cultural Triangle: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Mihintale
  • Kandy and Tea Country
    Kandy, Adam's Peak, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, Hatton
Look for elephants and other wildlife in Wilpattu

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

Even though Sri Lanka is a very small island, it is essential to plan your trip based on the region you plan to visit. As a general rule, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December through April for the west and south coastlines and the cultural triangle, and from September through November for the east coast.
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How much do Sri Lanka tours cost?
Adventure Life's 10- to 12-day Sri Lanka land tour package prices range from $2,598 to $3,442. As a tourist destination, Sri Lanka has historically been an affordable option for couples and families.

Quick Facts Before You Go: ​
  • Peak Season: Dec to April (summer)
  • Low Season: May to August (rainy season)
  • Inter Monsoon Season: Oct to Nov (spring) 
  • Sri Lanka has two distinct monsoon seasons: the Maha (October to January) and the Yala (May to August) monsoons. The northern and eastern areas of Sri Lanka are affected by the Maha monsoon, whereas the south and western regions are affected by the Yala monsoon.
  • Best months to visit the beaches of Sri Lanka: Jan-April and Mid-July to Sept ( South), and May-Sept (East)
  • When to go to Sri Lanka for wildlife viewing: Yala or Wilpattu National Park (Jan-Oct), Bundala National Park (Dec-April), Minneriya (July-Sept), and Kalpitiya (Nov-April)


 

Sri Lanka Travel FAQs

Do I need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?

A visa on arrival with an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is required by most countries in order to enter Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan visas can be obtained online.

U.S. citizens can get a Sri Lanka visa on arrival. 

Is tipping common in Sri Lanka?

Tipping is customary in Sri Lanka. Most restaurants charge 10% service. If you're paying by credit card and want to tip the waitress, give cash. With modest wages compared to the West, a tip can go a long way, which explains the high level of service.

What is internet access like in Sri Lanka?

Wi-Fi is prevalent in Sri Lanka's tourist areas' hotels, hostels, restaurants, and cafes. If they prefer to remain connected throughout their Sri Lanka trip, tourists can also acquire a tourist SIM card.

Is Sri Lanka worth visiting?

Absolutely yes! Located in Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful countries. A 14-day trip to Sri Lanka offers a wide range of activities and sights to see, all at a reasonable cost to the traveler.

How many days do I need to visit Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka vacations typically last 14 days or less for the majority of visitors. If you have that much time, you'll be able to see everything you want to see in Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka's cultural capital Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have a short amount of time, this place should be on your itinerary. Downtown is surrounded by wildlife-filled tropical rain forests.

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