Best places in Sri Lanka to visit
From icons to hidden treasures


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Discover what makes Sri Lankaunforgettable





From the golden beaches of Mirissa to the calm shores of Unawatuna, Sri Lanka’s coastlines are a dream. Whether you’re snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, surfing world-class waves, or simply lounging under swaying palms, the island's tropical beauty offers the perfect escape for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike.


Sri Lanka is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Embark on a safari in Yala National Park, where you can spot leopards, elephants, and a variety of exotic birds in their natural habitat. For a more serene experience, visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can get up close to these gentle giants as they bathe in the river.


Sri Lanka is home to some of the most awe-inspiring ancient sites in the world. Visit Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress that rises 600 feet above the jungle, or explore the ruins of Anuradhapura, a city over 2,000 years old. These historical gems offer a unique blend of ancient architecture, mythology, and breathtaking views that make you feel like you've traveled back in time.


Sri Lanka's rich spice history is woven into its culture. Visit the lush spice gardens in Kandy, where you’ll discover the secrets behind the island’s famous cinnamon, cardamom, and pepper. Don’t miss the chance to savor Sri Lankan cuisine, from flavorful curries to street food delights, all bursting with the fresh spices that define the island’s unique flavor profile.

Plan with confidence
Meet the experts who make your journey special






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27/02/2026
“What a an amazing trip that was organised. They listen to us and plan a trip catered towards our needs. With a few very pleasant surprises. Our Driver Amile was very informative and entertaining. The selection of accommodations to the unique experiences they organised were above and beyond expected. Would highly recommend.”
31/01/2026
“Abdul planned and delivered an excellent 18 day tour of Sri Lanka for us.”
10/12/2025
“We had one week to see and do as much as we could and also have a bit of relaxation and keep within our budget. Our travel advisor Hashini and our driver/guide Rajitha delivered this and more. Our flight was delayed so our itinerary had to be altered a little but we still got to do all that was on the list. Rajitha also gave us different options that suited as alternatives. We especially enjoyed the National park jeep safari to see the elephants and the village experiences with cookery class. The local authentic food that Rajintha brought us to enjoy was fabulous. Ending our week with a relaxing stay at Buckingham Place in Tangelle was perfect. The staff there were just so helful and friendly and the accommodation was great. Actually all our accommodation on this teip was very good. Even after the country suffered from severe floods and lindslides following the storm in late November, the Sri Lankan welcome and courtesy was in abundance everywhere we went. We saw some of the devastation and take our hats off to the tourist industry who still managed to maintain their high standards. I would use Rough Guides and definitely recommend them for a tailored experience.”
05/09/2025
“We recently got back from a two week holiday in Sri Lanka after contacting Rough Guides for help / inspiration. They put us in touch with a local company, who went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience during our time on the Island. We genuinely couldn't have had a better holiday. After asking about the type of experiences we enjoyed, and asking if there were any particular places we wanted to visit or things we wanted to do, Hashini put together an itinerary for us that was absolutely perfect. She recommended a family stay (something we hadn't done before) and we stayed with a local family for a couple of nights which was really lovely (thanks to Sandrine for organising). Ladha and her family were so welcoming and in spite of the fact we couldn't speak one another's languages we had a great time and laughed a lot (fabulous food too!). They were also really helpful and organised a great day with a local guide in Batticaloa which we can't recommend highly enough. We also had the best tour guide you could wish for during our stay. There was nothing Sumudu couldn't do! He was a great guide, wildlife expert (often stopping on the roadside to show us animals he'd seen), facilitator - offering ideas for new things to see or do on the Island we hadn't thought of, translator and of course, provided the best customer service we have ever had. Wherever we went he ensured we got there safely (e.g. always waiting until we had checked into hotels before he left - whatever time of night we got there) and he turned up with a clean car - inside and out - every morning! There were so many other things he did for us; thank you Sumudu, you were amazing. The people of Sri Lanka were so welcoming and it is a truly wonderful country. We were so sad to leave and will definitely go back - next time for longer. Two weeks simply isn't enough to experience everything the country has to offer. Thank you Hashini, Sandrine and especially Sumudu, who made our stay so special. We'd like to keep the island to ourselves but it's way too good. Please go and enjoy (and we recommend Rough Guides)”
02/02/2025
“The guide is knowledgeable, kind and very helpful. I do wish his English would be a little better. Sometimes it’s difficult to convey to him or understand what he is trying to tell us. But otherwise he is a great guide and eventually we do communicate after repeating ourselves. The trip has been wonderful and everything we have seen has been very interesting. However a few days we were done at 12-1pm and back to the hotel to essentially do nothing. Tomorrow nothing is planned and we are just spending the entire day at the hotel. We could have shortened the trip by a couple days had we known that. But overall we have enjoyed the trip and all we have seen and the guide has been very good.”
From icons to hidden treasures


Discover Sri Lanka's most captivating stories
Sri Lanka can be visited year-round, but the best time for a trip to Sri Lanka depends on which coast you plan to explore. The west and south coasts, along with the hill country, are at their best from December to April. The east coast enjoys sunny, dry weather from May to September. Make sure to read all about the best time to visit Sri Lanka.