Sri Lanka Regions

Colombo

Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, Colombo, is a dynamic city that pulses with life while also preserving an old world charm.


Amidst this metropolis you will find everything from colonial buildings to temples and pristine beaches to recreational parks. Add exciting shopping, delectable dining and happening nightlife into the mix and it is easy to see why Colombo is such a popular tourist destination.

Anuradhapura

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura for many centuries served as the country’s capital and today showcases a wealth of cultural sites.


Famous attractions include the Ruwanweliseya dagoba and the Samadhi Buddha statue that shows Lord Buddha in a state of deep meditation. One’s tour would not be complete without visiting the Sri Maha Bodhi which is the world’s oldest documented tree.

Polonnaruwa

Established during the 11th and 12th centuries AD, Polonnaruwa was the country’s 2nd capital and is seen as a popular stopover for those wanting to enjoy a cultural trip or two.


From remnants of ancient temples and dagobas such as the Gal Vihara to the beautifully adorned royal palace of King Parakramabahu, one certainly will be spoilt for choice.

Sigiriya

Constructed in the 5th Century AD during the reign of King Kashyapa, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is recognised as one of the most important cities of the Cultural Triangle and has an array of fascinating and ingenious features.


Be awed by its composition of water gardens, ramparts, a mirror wall and of course the frescoes which provide a valuable insight into the artistic heritage of the country.

Dambulla

A hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today an icon in the face of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in five magnificently constructed cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla.


As you enter the retreat look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting. Inside bserve the exquisite cave paintings along walls that shelter 150 further statues of Lord Buddha.

Matale

An agricultural zone in the Central Province, Matale seldom drops off the maps due to its remarkable contribution of flagship crops extending from tea, rubber & vegetables to spices. Spearheading the Rebellion back in 1848, Matale today takes immense pride in its story woven around spices.


Stop by the side of a spice garden - into which you will be most welcome for a eye-opening tour - and learn the therapeutic values of spices & processes over a refreshing cup of herbal tea. Or take a wander through the town streets, filled with voices and colours.

Kandy

Kandy was the Island’s last ancient capital and remains a prominent cultural and tourist destination. Home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha - a UNESCO World Heritage site – and Kandy lake, the city comes alive every year in July or August during the Kandy Esala Perahera festival.


Ten days of festivities mark one of the oldest Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka, which includes processions of elephants, flutes, drummers and dancers.

Nuwara Eliya

Boasting a rich historical and cultural heritage, Nuwara Eliya – also known as ‘Little England’ – is admired for its immense natural splendour in the midst of tea plantations, coupled with unique architecture.

Ella

Nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, Ella is a famed destination in the scenic Hill Country. The views through the “Ella Gap” across the Southern plains of Sri Lanka are particularly memorable, and this is a beautiful little town to serve as a base for countryside trekking.

Kithulgala

Strap yourself up and be prepared to be taken across the rapids of Kithulgala, location of the award-winning film "The Bridge On The River Kwai", which caters to the diverse interests of the white water rafting aficionado. Begin your journey upstream, taking in the sceneries of a jungle habitat as you indulge in an action-packed experience designed for the adventurer at heart.

Kataragama

A popular pilgrimage site, Kataragama is home to the well-known shrine, Maha Devale, dedicated to Murugan (Skanda) or Kataragama Deviyo. The city offers visitors a chance to experience the country’s religious diversity and the Kirivehara Dagoba, the Hindu Sivam Kovil and the insightful Kataragama Museum are among the other sites of interest here. In July/August Kataragama plays host to the colourful Perarhera Festival, featuring dance, fire-walkers, music, acrobatics and of course elephants!

Galle

Located in the Deep South, the city of Galle stands testament to the island’s rich colonial heritage. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iconic Dutch Fort with its historic ramparts encloses the city while within, charming cobblestone streets lead to colonial buildings, museums, old churches and charming cafes. Nearby are the beaches of Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna where fun in the sun & sand abound.

Bentota

Nestled along sun-drenched shores, the peaceful fishing village of Bentota is today a true beach lover’s paradise. This coastal locale is also a hotspot for water sports be it jet-skiing, windsurfing, waterskiing or banana boat rides, all of which let you feel the rush of skimming the waves in total freedom. For more outdoor fun take a Bentota River cruise, ideal for bird watching enthusiasts.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa has one of the best beaches along the South Coast and is home to the Coral Gardens, which are a major highlight. While snorkelling & diving amidst clear blue waters and abundant marine life offer plenty of underwater adventure, Hikkaduwa is also known for its happening nightlife and hosts the island’s largest beach festival, Hikka Fest, which attracts local and foreign revellers alike.

Kalpitiya

A whale watcher’s paradise, Kalpitiya offers an idyllic coastal getaway for the entire family. From bar reefs to sandy beaches and azure ocean waters to mangrove swamps, this sanctuary by the sea is an ideal place to kickback, soak up the sun and enjoy a laidback island lifestyle. Kalpitiya also has the country’s most popular kite surfing school, providing adrenaline pumping action at sea.

Jaffna

Jaffna in the North of the country offers a fascinating insight into a rich local culture. The popular Nallur Kovil which features Hindu deities is one of the city’s most spectacular attractions and is the site of the famed Nallur Festival. Be it taking a boat ride to the Nagadeepa Vihara or lazing on the sands of Casuarina Beach, Jaffna provides many new experiences to be enjoyed.

Trincomalee

Trincomalee is Sri Lanka’s major eastern hub and, despite a tumultuous military history is now a vibrant, up-and-coming tourist destination as well as one of the finest deep water ports in the world. The eastern capital boasts a rich ancient and colonial history, meaning the city has plenty to offer culture vultures of all varieties. For those wishing to ‘fly and flop’ however, Trincomalee is also ideally located for access to Uppuveli and Nilaveli beaches. The harbour is also notable for its whale watching opportunities and ‘Swami Rock’ provides the perfect vantage point to do so. Oceanographers attest this point to be one of the greatest in the world to observe Blue Whales, the largest mammals on Earth, and also Sperm Whales.

Passekudah

The tourist development in Passekudah was famously destroyed in the 1980s by the Rebel insurgents in Sri Lanka’s civil war. Now tourism in this beachside locale is set to rising from the ashes. Famous for its powdery, golden sands, Passekudah has been designated as a ‘Special Economic Zone’ to drive development. This idyllic stretch of Eastern coastline is prepped for the construction of numerous resorts hoping to take advantage of sublime ocean views and temperate bathing waters. Expect to see large-scale future developments of some of the most opulent resorts in Sri Lanka.