Known as the Teardrop of India, Sri Lanka enchants visitors with its palm-fringed beaches, lush tea plantations and heart-warming hospitality. The country is surprisingly compact, making it easy to hop between national parks, barefoot beach towns and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Things to do

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka produces some of the finest tea in the world. Wandering through the emerald green tea plantations of Ella and Nuwara Eliya, you’ll be retracing the footsteps of pioneers such as Thomas Lipton.

Sri Lanka is home to a cast of tooth-and-claw wildlife, including its very own subspecies of leopard. Yala National Park promises some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities in the country, with the chance to spot elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears and of course, big cats. Sri Lanka is also one of the only places in the world you can spot blue whales.

If you’re dreaming of golden sand and palm-fringed beaches, you’ve come to the right place. Learn to surf in Unawatuna, sip cocktails in Mirissa and head north for laid-back vibes in Trincomalee. Don’t forget to stay hydrated with a freshly cut coconut.

The food in Sri Lanka is incredible, with locals taking immense pride in their local dishes. From homemade roti bread loaded with coconut sambol, Sri Lanka is guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds.

Sri Lanka packs more than 2,000 years of history into its tiny footprint. There are multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites to discover, including the ancient city of Sigiriya and the charm-soaked colonial fortress of Galle.

Getting around

Colombo International Airport is the first point of call for most travellers visiting Sri Lanka. In the city, tuk-tuks are generally the fastest and cheapest way to get around, while taxis, rideshare services and private drivers are also available. Trains are a quintessential way to travel in Sri Lanka, including world-renowned routes such as Ella to Kandy.