- CapitalSri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Colombo is the commercial capital)
- CurrencySri Lankan rupee (LKR)
- LanguageSinhala, Tamil
- Best timeDecember to March (west and south coasts)
- Plug typesD, G, M
Sri Lanka packs remarkable variety into a small island. The Cultural Triangle has Sigiriya, Dambulla and the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa; the hill country around Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella has tea estates and one of the world's most scenic train rides; and the coasts offer surf, whale watching and the Dutch fort of Galle.
Top destinations in Sri Lanka
Colombo
Sri Lanka's seaside commercial capital.
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Kandy
Hill-country city of the Temple of the Tooth.
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Galle
A Dutch colonial fort town on the south coast.
Explore →Landmarks & things to see
Sigiriya
A 5th-century palace on top of a 180-metre rock, with frescoes and lion paws.
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Temple of the Tooth
Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist shrine, housing a relic of the Buddha.
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Galle Fort
Dutch ramparts enclosing a lively old town on the Indian Ocean.
Discover →Map of Sri Lanka
Travel tips for Sri Lanka
- Apply for an ETA online before travel unless your nationality is exempt.
- The east coast is best from about May to September, when the southwest gets the monsoon.
- Reserve seats on the Kandy–Ella train well ahead.
Where to stay in Sri Lanka
Colombo
Colombo 3 (Kollupitiya): Seafront, Galle Face and dining; Colombo 7 (Cinnamon Gardens): Leafy and upmarket; Negombo: Beach town near the airport.
Kandy
Lakeside: Walk to the Temple of the Tooth; Hills above town: Views and cooler air; Peradeniya: Near the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Galle
Galle Fort: Boutique villas inside the ramparts; Unawatuna: Beach a short tuk-tuk away; Ahangama & Weligama: Surf beaches.
Getting there and around
Most international visitors arrive by air via Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte or the main city gateways. Compare fares early for peak season, then use trains, buses, ferries or domestic flights between destinations.
Sri Lanka FAQ
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is generally December to March (west and south coasts). Conditions vary by region, so check each destination.
What currency is used in Sri Lanka?
The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Cards are widely accepted in cities, but carry some cash for markets and rural areas.
Which plugs are used in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka uses plug types D, G, M. A universal travel adapter covers them.
What should I combine with Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka combines well with India, Maldives.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Entry rules depend on your nationality and change regularly. Check your government's travel advice and the official immigration website before you travel.
