Sri Lanka

Super useful and totally free travel guides to Sri Lanka

View of the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple from the outside
Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple

Why We Love Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka is a country of the cusp of something big in the tourism scene. It has already cemented its status as a popular destination for backpackers, but with growing international press around its beautiful beaches, rich history, and incredible historical sites, Sri Lanka is poised for a breakout decade. Visit and you’ll learn why many think Sri Lanka marries the best of Bali, Thailand, and India – but without all the tourists! 

Best of Sri Lanka

🏙️ Places to Visit

View of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic from the inside
Inside the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

From lush mountains to gorgeous beaches to bustling cities, there are so many fascinating places to visit in Sri Lanka. Some of the top Sri Lanka destinations include:

  • Colombo
  • Unawatuna
  • Ella
  • Kandy
  • Anuradhapura

See our full guide to the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for more info!

✨ Things to Do

Outdoors, culture, history – Sri Lanka has so many interesting things to do. Some of the most popular attractions and activities in Sri Lanka include:

  • Galle Fort
  • Colombo National Museum
  • Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress
  • Weligama Bay
  • Yala National Park
Aerial view of the Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress
Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress

Sri Lanka Travel Advice

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

As a tropical island with a varied climate, the best time to visit Sri Lanka really depends on what is on your Sri Lanka itinerary. For the West and South Coasts (Galle and Colombo), choose to go between December to March. If your target destination is the Ancient Cities and the East Coast however, you should opt visit between April to September.

⚠️ Safety

Sri Lanka is generally a safe country to travel. However, as always when visiting somewhere unfamiliar ensure you take all the proper precautions. Theft does occur in major cities but the rates are much lower than in many other countries in Asia. Additionally, violence against foreigners is extremely rare in Sri Lanka, despite the much-publicized 2019 terrorist attacks. Still, it is a good idea to check the latest US State Department travel advisories for your destination.

🤓 Facts & Info

  • Population – 23 million
  • Capital – Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
  • Currency – Sri Lankan Rupee ($1 = ~186.09 rupee)
  • Language – Sinhala and Tamil
  • Plugs – Type D or G, 230V / 50Hz.

💵 Budgeting & Money

Major establishments accept credit and debit cards, even in the smaller towns. But it’s always good to have enough cash on hand just in case. ATMs widely available. 

📰 Sri Lanka Travel Guides

Getting planning your trip to Sri Lanka with all our Sri Lanka travel guides: