Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island that packs an almost absurd amount of variety into a space the size of West Virginia. Ancient cities with ruins dating back over 2,000 years. Lush hill country covered in emerald tea plantations. National parks with leopards, elephants, and blue whales offshore. Golden beaches on both the west and east coasts. And a food culture built around rice, curry, and spice that will make you question why Sri Lankan food is not more famous worldwide.
The island sits just off the southern tip of India in the Indian Ocean, and its position on ancient trade routes has given it a cultural richness that belies its small size. Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils, colonial Dutch forts, and Portuguese churches coexist across the island, reflecting centuries of diverse influence.
Where to Go
The Cultural Triangle in the north central part of the island holds Sri Lanka’s ancient heritage. Sigiriya, a 5th century rock fortress rising 660 feet above the surrounding plains, is the country’s most iconic landmark. The climb to the top passes through frescoes, the Mirror Wall, and the Lion’s Paw gateway before opening to panoramic views from the summit. Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura are ancient capitals with extensive ruins, stupas, and Buddha statues spread across archaeological parks.
Kandy is the cultural capital of the Sinhalese, home to the Temple of the Tooth, which houses a relic of the Buddha’s tooth. The lake, the botanical gardens, and the surrounding hills make it one of the most pleasant cities in the country.
The train from Kandy to Ella is one of the great rail journeys in the world. The route winds through tea plantations, past waterfalls, over bridges spanning deep valleys, and through misty mountain scenery for roughly six hours. Ella itself is a small hill town with hiking trails to Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak, and the iconic Nine Arches Bridge is one of the most photographed spots in Sri Lanka.
Yala National Park on the southeast coast is the premier wildlife destination. Jeep safaris here offer strong chances of spotting leopards, as Yala has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species are also present.
The southern coast from Galle to Tangalle has beautiful beaches, excellent surf breaks, and the colonial fort city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a preserved Dutch fort perched on a headland above the Indian Ocean.
Where to Stay
Cape Weligama on the south coast is a luxury hilltop resort with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Amangalla inside the Galle Fort is a restored Dutch colonial building offering Aman’s signature understated luxury. Ceylon Tea Trails in the hill country is a collection of five colonial era tea planter’s bungalows set among working tea estates. Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Yala puts you on the edge of the national park in sculptural cocoon style tents.
Let Us Plan Your Sri Lanka Trip
Sri Lanka is one of the best value destinations in Asia and one of the most rewarding for travelers who enjoy variety. We will arrange a private driver, plan the route to balance culture, nature, and coast, and make sure you catch the Kandy to Ella train on the right day. It is a trip that surprises everyone who takes it.
