Cities and towns
Where to go in Sri Lanka, region by region. Each guide covers how long to stay, the best time to go, getting there and the mistakes locals see visitors make.
Hill country
Hill country
Kandy
The hill capital, its sacred temple and the start of the famous train ride.
2 nights · Best January to April
Hill country
Ella
Misty hills, short hikes and the most famous bridge in Sri Lanka.
2 to 3 nights · Best January to April
Hill country
Nuwara Eliya
Cool air, tea estates and Horton Plains.
1 to 2 nights · Best January to April
Cultural Triangle
Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya & Dambulla
Lion Rock, painted caves and elephants in the Cultural Triangle.
2 to 3 nights · Best January to September
Cultural Triangle
Anuradhapura
The first great capital, with giant stupas and the sacred Bodhi tree.
1 to 2 nights · Best January to September
Cultural Triangle
Polonnaruwa
Medieval ruins best explored by bicycle.
Day trip or 1 night · Best January to September
South coast
South coast
Galle
A walled colonial town by the sea, made for slow wandering.
1 to 2 nights · Best December to April
South coast
Mirissa
A curved bay, blue whales offshore and easy beach days.
2 to 4 nights · Best December to April
South coast
Unawatuna
A sheltered bay and easy beach base near Galle.
2 to 3 nights · Best December to April
South coast
Hiriketiya & Tangalle
A horseshoe surf bay and long empty beaches.
2 to 4 nights · Best December to April
West coast
Deep south
East coast
East coast
Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka's surf capital on the east coast.
3 to 5 nights · Best May to September
East coast
Trincomalee
Deep harbour, white beaches and snorkelling at Pigeon Island.
2 to 3 nights · Best May to September
East coast
Pasikudah
A shallow, calm bay made for families.
2 to 3 nights · Best May to September