Colombo is Sri Lanka’s buzzing commercial capital and a city that perfectly blends the old with the new. Sitting along the island’s sunny west coast, it’s a lively mix of colonial charm, seaside vibes, and modern city energy. Spend your mornings exploring the historic National Museum or the serene Gangaramaya Temple, then grab a tuk-tuk and head to the colorful streets of Pettah Market for some local shopping.
Take a sunset stroll along Galle Face Green as kites fly above and street food vendors serve up crispy isso wade (prawn fritters). Explore the Dutch Hospital Precinct, now a chic shopping and dining hub, or catch the coastal breeze at Mount Lavinia Beach. Art lovers can stop by the Barefoot Gallery or the Lionel Wendt, while foodies won’t want to miss Colombo’s buzzing café culture, from rooftop restaurants to authentic curry houses.
Whether you're here for the history, the food, or just to soak up the local energy, Colombo is the perfect introduction to Sri Lanka’s warmth, color, and charm.
Sri Lanka’s Northwest is a region defined by cultural depth, scenic landscapes, and untamed beauty. With historic towns like Kurunegala, Puttalam, Chilaw, and Wennappuwa, this province offers a quieter, more authentic side of the island.
Kurunegala, surrounded by iconic rock formations and ancient temples, reflects the region’s royal past and spiritual traditions. Puttalam and Chilaw bring together vibrant fishing communities, centuries-old shrines, and coastal charm, while Wennappuwa is known for its blend of tradition and modern influence, rooted in a strong sense of local identity.
The landscape is dotted with lush coconut plantations, serene lakes, and vast stretches of farmland, making it one of the most agriculturally rich areas in the country. It’s also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts—Wilpattu National Park, the oldest and largest in Sri Lanka, offers remote safaris through thick forest and wetlands, home to leopards, sloth bears, and a wide variety of birds.
From cultural landmarks to natural sanctuaries, the Northwest stands out for its unspoiled character, offering an immersive connection to Sri Lanka’s heritage and environment.
Sri Lanka’s southwest coast is a sun-kissed ribbon of soft sands, swaying palms, and inviting ocean breeze. It’s the kind of coastline that effortlessly blends laid-back beach life with authentic local character—perfect for those chasing golden hours and saltwater days.
In Kalutara, wide beaches meet calm seas, offering a peaceful start to this scenic stretch. It’s a quieter destination, ideal for long morning walks, wellness retreats, and watching fishing boats glide along the horizon.
Beruwala and Bentota are known for their expansive shores and luxury beachfront resorts, with plenty of space for jet-skiing, paddleboarding, or simply basking in the sun. The Bentota River adds a lush, tropical contrast, with mangrove-lined boat safaris and riverfront dining adding to the experience.
Hikkaduwa brings a splash of youthful energy and vibrant coral life. It’s one of Sri Lanka’s original surf spots, famous for its reef breaks, beach bars, and sea turtle encounters just offshore. Snorkelers and divers are drawn to its marine sanctuary, while travelers seeking nightlife or boho boutiques find plenty to love.
The Galle District on Sri Lanka’s southern coast is where golden beaches meet centuries-old history and vibrant island culture. It’s a region that effortlessly blends laid-back luxury with coastal adventure.
At its heart is Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along its cobbled streets lined with colonial villas, art galleries, and chic cafés—all wrapped in centuries of Dutch and Portuguese heritage. The sunset views from the ramparts are unforgettable.
Just beyond the fort, the coastline unfolds into some of the island’s most stunning beaches. Unawatuna is a lively favorite, with its sheltered bay perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and beachfront dining. Dalawella is famous for its iconic palm swing and calm waters, while Thalpe offers a quieter, upscale escape with boutique villas right on the sand.
For those seeking a bit of buzz, the district’s nightlife doesn’t disappoint. From rooftop bars in Galle Fort to beach parties in Unawatuna, the evenings are filled with music, cocktails, and sea breeze.
Sri Lanka’s Deep South is a region of striking contrasts—where untouched beaches meet modern infrastructure, and serene coastlines give way to some of the island’s most thrilling wildlife experiences. Stretching across Tangalle, Hambantota, and Tissamaharama, this part of the island promises a quieter, more immersive escape.
Tangalle is known for its raw, unspoiled beauty. Long stretches of golden beach, swaying coconut palms, and turquoise waves create the perfect setting for relaxation. Whether you’re staying in a boutique villa or a luxury eco-retreat, Tangalle offers a tranquil base with a distinctly laid-back charm.
Further east, Hambantota represents the region’s growing modern face. With improved infrastructure, an international airport, and luxury resorts, it serves as both a gateway and a destination where business, leisure, and nature converge. Its windswept shores and salt pans attract migratory birds, offering unexpected moments of natural beauty.
Tissamaharama, or Tissa, is steeped in history and surrounded by lush landscapes and ancient stupas. It’s best known as the main access point to Yala National Park, home to leopards, elephants, and a rich variety of wildlife. Morning safaris through Yala’s dramatic terrain promise close encounters with nature at its most majestic.
The south coast of Sri Lanka is a stretch of golden beaches, hidden coves, and easygoing charm. It's a region where time slows down and coastal life takes center stage. From vibrant surf towns to tranquil bays, this coastline offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural wonder.
Mirissa is known for its postcard-worthy beach, lively atmosphere, and seasonal whale watching—one of the few places in the world where you can spot blue whales up close. Nearby, Polhena offers calm, shallow waters and coral reefs that make it a favorite for swimming and snorkeling, especially for spotting sea turtles.
Moving along the coast, Dickwella and Hiriketiya bring a more off-the-radar vibe. Dickwella remains quiet and unspoiled, while Hiriketiya Bay has become a laid-back hotspot, loved for its surf-friendly waves, boutique stays, and barefoot cafés tucked under palm trees.
Then there’s Weligama, a relaxed surf town with a long stretch of beach perfect for beginners, digital nomads, and anyone who loves a blend of beachside energy and chilled-out charm. It’s a place where you can surf at sunrise, sip a king coconut by noon, and enjoy fresh seafood by sunset.
Nestled in the lush hills of Sri Lanka’s central province, Kandy is a city steeped in tradition, spirituality, and timeless charm. As the last royal capital of the island, it remains one of the country’s most revered cultural and religious centers.
At its heart lies the sacred Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses a relic of the Buddha and draws thousands of pilgrims and visitors every year. Kandy comes alive each August during the spectacular Esala Perahera—a dazzling procession of elephants, dancers, drummers, and sacred rituals that fill the streets in celebration of faith and heritage.
Beyond its spiritual significance, Kandy offers plenty to explore. The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya showcase an incredible collection of tropical plants, orchids, and towering palms, while the city itself is dotted with colonial-era buildings, serene lakeside walks, and the remains of the Royal Palace of Kandy, echoing the legacy of the island’s last independent kingdom.
The Central Highlands offer a refreshing escape into Sri Lanka’s misty mountains, where rolling tea plantations, colonial towns, and scenic vistas create a landscape unlike any other.
Kandy is the cultural heart of the highlands, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth and surrounded by forested hills and a peaceful lake. Its blend of heritage, tradition, and local color makes it a vibrant starting point.
Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England,” charms with its cool climate, manicured gardens, and colonial architecture. Surrounded by endless tea estates, it’s the perfect place to slow down and take in the views with a warm cup of Ceylon tea.
Ella is a laid-back hill town with sweeping views, lush forests, and famous sights like Ella Rock and the Nine Arches Bridge. It’s ideal for hikers, wellness seekers, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature.
With crisp mountain air, panoramic train rides, and postcard-perfect scenery, Sri Lanka’s central highlands offer a serene contrast to the island’s coastal energy.
Sri Lanka’s ancient cities form the cultural core of the island—home to sacred temples, grand stone palaces, and architectural wonders that speak to a civilization over 2,000 years old. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites are not just ruins—they are living symbols of the island’s enduring spiritual and cultural legacy.
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first great capital, is a sacred city and a revered pilgrimage site. It is home to the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred tree grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The city is adorned with colossal stupas, monastic ruins, and ancient reservoirs.
Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital, showcases the height of ancient urban planning. From the iconic Gal Vihara stone Buddhas to royal palaces and intricate irrigation systems, it reflects the sophistication of a bygone golden age.
Sigiriya, often called the Lion Rock, rises dramatically from the plains. This fifth-century rock fortress is a masterpiece of ancient architecture and artistry, with frescoes, landscaped gardens, and panoramic views from the summit.
Dambulla is home to the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Inside its rock chambers are stunning murals and over a hundred statues of the Buddha, each telling stories of devotion carved in stone and paint.
Discover Sri Lanka through intimate stays and unforgettable experiences crafted just for you
