Best Places in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a perfect place to travel. It is small enough to cross in a week, yet diverse enough to feel like five countries stitched together. You get breathtaking beaches, world-class surf, cool mountain hikes, ancient temples and some of the best safari in Asia.

Below is a shortlist of the best places in Sri Lanka and exactly what to do in each one.

1. Weligama — learn to surf

Weligama is the easiest place in Sri Lanka to start surfing. The bay is wide, the water is warm year-round and the waves break gently over a sandy bottom, which is ideal for beginners. Dozens of surf schools line the beach and a group lesson with board rental costs around £15-20.

2. Ella — hiking and the nine arches

Ella is the highlight of the hill country. Spend a morning hiking Little Adam’s Peak (easy, 45 minutes up) or Ella Rock (harder, two hours), then walk down to the Nine Arches Bridge to catch the blue train rolling across at 2pm. Stay for the sunset at a cliff-edge cafe.

3. Sigiriya — the rock fortress

Climb the 5th-century Sigiriya rock at sunrise to beat the heat and the crowds. The view over the jungle is worth the 1,200 steps. Pair it with a visit to Pidurangala Rock opposite, which gives you the best photo of Sigiriya itself.

4. Yala National Park — leopard safari

Yala has one of the highest leopard densities in the world. Book a morning jeep safari (5am start), bring a zoom lens and be patient. You will also see elephants, crocodiles, peacocks and sloth bears.

5. Mirissa — whales and beach days

Mirissa is the place for blue whale watching between November and April. Boats leave at 6am and you are usually back by lunch. Afterwards, Coconut Tree Hill at sunset is the classic Mirissa postcard.

6. Kandy — the Temple of the Tooth

Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Time your visit for the evening puja at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The train ride from Kandy to Ella is one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world — grab a window seat on the right-hand side heading south.

7. Galle — the colonial fort

Galle Fort is a walled old town on the south coast, full of boutique hotels, cafes and art galleries. Walk the ramparts at sunset, then eat seafood curry at one of the Pedlar Street restaurants.

Practical tips

The best time to visit the south and west coasts is December to March. The east coast (Arugam Bay, Trincomalee) is better between May and September. A 30-day tourist visa is available online through the ETA system and most itineraries work best with a private driver, which is cheaper than you would expect at around £40-60 per day.