Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is an island that everyone loves at some level inside themselves. A very special island that travellers, from Sinbad to Marco Polo, dreamed about. A place where the contours of the land itself forms a kind of sinewy poetry.
- Romesh Gunesekera
Welcome to Sri Lanka: Bite-Sized Utopia
It was the scent of Sri Lanka we noticed first. Nose-tickling and exotic; the spicy curries and flavourful Kottu Roti, sweet burning incense and fruity tropical air.
Then the other senses, bubbling together in a heady mix. The colours; deep ocean blues, lush tea greens. A silky pink Sari flashing past as we whizz along in a rainbow tuk tuk. The sounds; waves lapping, a thick jungle breeze, a Buddhist prayer, the clacking of train carriages and vendors spruiking their wares. The warmth; of long hot days, of welcoming smiles, a sweet milk tea.
Five trips to Sri Lanka have firmly cemented this island nation on our best-loved travel list. Where else could you enjoy a surf lesson one day, and hike in tea plantations the next? Or explore ancient ruins in the morning and sit in the doorway of the world’s most scenic train ride in the afternoon?
From Jaffna and the north, only just opening to tourism after a decades-long civil war, to the sunny shores of the south, with Ancient World Heritage sites and safari plains in between; Sri Lanka leaves us wanting more every. single. time.
Plan Your Sri Lanka trip with our 35+ travel guides here
Our in-depth Sri Lanka itinerary includes everything you need to see, know and do to help enjoy the best of this island paradise.
Here's everything you need to know about visiting Sri Lanka, including our essential travel (and food!) tips, visa requirements, health and safety, and history.
Culturally diverse, a little offbeat, and full of intrigue, Jaffna is a must-see on any Sri Lankan itinerary. From its troubled history to current safety advice, how to visit respectfully and where to eat, these are the things to know before you visit Jaffna.
To help you make the most of your holiday, here's our complete Sri Lanka travel guide - full of all the practical information you need to make your trip brilliant.
How safe is Sri Lanka for tourists? This comprehensive guide contains absolutely everything you need to know about safety in Sri Lanka, including the historical context, common travel scams, safety on roads, advice for solo and female travellers, and much more.
Discover the best of Sri Lanka in just 7 days with our ultimate itinerary. From the bustling markets of Colombo to the mist-covered mountains of Ella and the tranquil beaches of Hiriketiya, this journey through Sri Lanka will ignite your senses and leave you yearning for more.
Discover the best things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka with our comprehensive guide. From the historic Fort area to the bustling markets of Pettah, and the city’s stunning temples, our guide covers the top attractions and hidden gems of this vibrant city.
Easily travel from Colombo to Kandy with our detailed guide. Learn about the different modes of transportation including train, bus, and taxi, and choose the best option for you and start exploring the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
It’s super easy to get from Colombo to Galle, with a range of transport options to suit all budgets, from the super cheap local buses and scenic train rides, through to the more luxurious private transfer options.
After two months spent exploring all corners of this Island, these are a collection of our best Sri Lanka photos.
Stunning, friendly, and full of adventure: Sri Lanka really is a bite-sized Utopia! Here are the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, plus our travel guide & top travel tips
Tips & itineraries
The world's most scenic train ride is still running in 2026, but the route has changed since Cyclone Ditwah. Here's our freshly updated guide, including a station-verified timetable, current ticket prices, and everything you need to make the most of it.
Ella has changed since we first visited in 2016, louder, busier, and considerably more photogenic. But the rock, the ridge, and the mist over Ella Gap are unchanged. Here's our honest guide to the best things to do in Ella, updated for 2026.
Discover how to plan the perfect Yala National Park safari, from the best time to visit and updated 2025 costs, to where to stay, responsible guides, and avoiding the infamous jeep jams.
Looking for where to stay in the Kandy? From luxury hotels to family-run guesthouses, our guide to the best places to stay in the Kandy has your accommodation well and truly sorted.
If you haven't climbed the to the top of Pidurangala to take in the epic views, have you even been to Sri Lanka?! From what to know before you visit, whether sunrise or sunset is better, and how to get to the top, this guide has you covered.
A guide to Sri Lanka’s 2nd tallest waterfall, Diyaluma falls. Includes detailed instructions on how to get there, what to do, and what to be careful of!
Our Kandy guide features the very best places to visit in Kandy, including where to stay, our top tips, and how to get around.
Looking for where to stay in Ella, Sri Lanka? Whether you’re looking for hostels or hotels, boutique stays, eco-luxury, or the perfect Airbnb, our guide to Ella accommodation has you covered!
Discover the best of Sri Lanka in just 7 days with our ultimate itinerary. From the bustling markets of Colombo to the mist-covered mountains of Ella and the tranquil beaches of Hiriketiya, this journey through Sri Lanka will ignite your senses and leave you yearning for more.
Discover the beauty of Udawalawe National Park with our guide on how to visit. Plan your safari adventure with our detailed overview of the park, including the park's history, wildlife, where to stay and the best time to visit. Start planning your safari adventure now!
Here’s everything you need to know for before visiting Sri Lanka’s stunning Nine Arch Bridge, located in the lush hill country of Ella.
Explore Sri Lanka’s sacred city of Polonnaruwa with our in-depth guide, including how to get there, when to visit, what to see within the complex, and a little historical overview.
Sri Lanka City Guides
Our updated guide to Galle Fort, including what to see, where to eat, current train times and fares from Colombo, and how the Fort has changed this year.
Headed to Galle, Sri Lanka? Check out our best hotels in Galle guide, featuring the best luxury hotels, mid-range and boutique hotels, and homestays in this coastal gem.
From the sun-kissed coast to the lush inland jungles, this where to stay in Ahangama, including recommendations on the best hotels, hostels, villas and family-friendly options.
Looking for the ultimate guide to Hiriketiya Beach, Sri Lanka? From the best things to do, where to stay, how to get there, and where to eat - we’ve got you covered!
A palm-tree-lined beach treasure along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline, Ahangama has exploded onto the travel scene in recent years. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your visit, including where to stay, eat, and play, how to get there, and plenty more.
Looking for where to stay in Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka? Whether you’re looking for hostels or hotels, boutique stays, or eco-luxury, our guide to Ella accommodation has you covered!
Our insider's guide to Sri Lanka’s most popular beach, Unawatuna. Our guide features all the best things to see and do in Unawatuna, including the famous Dalawella rope swing, and surfing.
Is Tri the best eco-hotel in Sri Lanka? Our review of this luxurious, environmentally-friendly oasis on the shores of Koggala Lake, in southern Sri Lanka.
Discover the best of Sri Lanka in just 7 days with our ultimate itinerary. From the bustling markets of Colombo to the mist-covered mountains of Ella and the tranquil beaches of Hiriketiya, this journey through Sri Lanka will ignite your senses and leave you yearning for more.
Discover the top things to do in Mirissa Beach, Sri Lanka, including lazing on the idyllic golden sands, watching the best sunset you'll ever see, learning to surf, and taking a whale-watching expedition. Explore this quintessential beachside town, and where to stay, eat, and drink, plus the best time to visit.
Southern Coast & beaches
Our updated guide to Galle Fort, including what to see, where to eat, current train times and fares from Colombo, and how the Fort has changed this year.
Headed to Galle, Sri Lanka? Check out our best hotels in Galle guide, featuring the best luxury hotels, mid-range and boutique hotels, and homestays in this coastal gem.
Ella has changed since we first visited in 2016, louder, busier, and considerably more photogenic. But the rock, the ridge, and the mist over Ella Gap are unchanged. Here's our honest guide to the best things to do in Ella, updated for 2026.
A must-see on any Sri Lankan itinerary: these are the best things to do in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, plus a short city guide to where to stay, eat, and how to get around!
Our Kandy guide features the very best places to visit in Kandy, including where to stay, our top tips, and how to get around.
Discover the best things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka with our comprehensive guide. From the historic Fort area to the bustling markets of Pettah, and the city’s stunning temples, our guide covers the top attractions and hidden gems of this vibrant city.
Easily travel from Colombo to Kandy with our detailed guide. Learn about the different modes of transportation including train, bus, and taxi, and choose the best option for you and start exploring the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
It’s super easy to get from Colombo to Galle, with a range of transport options to suit all budgets, from the super cheap local buses and scenic train rides, through to the more luxurious private transfer options.
Central & Highlands
A must-see on any Sri Lankan itinerary: these are the best things to do in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, plus a short city guide to where to stay, eat, and how to get around!
Culturally diverse, a little offbeat, and full of intrigue, Jaffna is a must-see on any Sri Lankan itinerary. From its troubled history to current safety advice, how to visit respectfully and where to eat, these are the things to know before you visit Jaffna.
A day trip guide to Delft Island, off the coast of Jaffna, Sri Lanka. This guide includes things to do, essential travel information and travel tips.
Jaffna & the North
MOND in Hiriketiya is one of Sri Lanka’s original design hotels; architecturally significant, beautifully considered, and still one of our favourite stays on the south coast. This is our full review, including the rooms, food, location, and what to know before you book.
Headed to Galle, Sri Lanka? Check out our best hotels in Galle guide, featuring the best luxury hotels, mid-range and boutique hotels, and homestays in this coastal gem.
Our insider guide on where to stay in Yala - from design-led safari lodges to barefoot bush camps built for slow mornings and wild nights.
Discover the best family-friendly hotels in Sri Lanka, from design villas in Ahangama to luxury beach resorts and jungle lodges. Our guide covers 20 hand-picked family hotels on the Sri Lankan coast and beyond, perfect for every kind of adventure.
Once a laid-back surf stop, Mirissa has grown into a lively coastal town with a great mix of stays. From small boutique villas and beachside hotels to friendly family-run guesthouses, this insider guide shares the best places to stay in Mirissa.
Looking for where to stay in the Kandy? From luxury hotels to family-run guesthouses, our guide to the best places to stay in the Kandy has your accommodation well and truly sorted.
Looking for where to stay in Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka? Whether you’re looking for hostels or hotels, boutique stays, or eco-luxury, our guide to Ella accommodation has you covered!
Is Tri the best eco-hotel in Sri Lanka? Our review of this luxurious, environmentally-friendly oasis on the shores of Koggala Lake, in southern Sri Lanka.
Looking for where to stay in Ella, Sri Lanka? Whether you’re looking for hostels or hotels, boutique stays, eco-luxury, or the perfect Airbnb, our guide to Ella accommodation has you covered!
Sri Lanka Accommodation
The world's most scenic train ride is still running in 2026, but the route has changed since Cyclone Ditwah. Here's our freshly updated guide, including a station-verified timetable, current ticket prices, and everything you need to make the most of it.
Easily travel from Colombo to Kandy with our detailed guide. Learn about the different modes of transportation including train, bus, and taxi, and choose the best option for you and start exploring the cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
Here’s everything you need to know for before visiting Sri Lanka’s stunning Nine Arch Bridge, located in the lush hill country of Ella.
It’s super easy to get from Colombo to Galle, with a range of transport options to suit all budgets, from the super cheap local buses and scenic train rides, through to the more luxurious private transfer options.
Sri Lanka Transport Guides
Transform your Sri Lanka Photos
Transform your Sri Lanka Photos
Our Tropical Dreams photo presets are inspired by our travels in stunning Sri Lanka, from the white sandy beaches of the South to the lush jungles of Ella, and the colourful cities and vibrant food found throughout the country.
Check out our full preset range here.
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka with kids? Our 14-day family-friendly Sri Lanka itinerary blends culture, wildlife, beaches, and slow travel, with tips on transport, safety, and where to stay.