Central Province
Nuwara Eliya
Mist-kissed tea country escape
Cool highland town framed by tea estates, colonial cottages, and mirror-still lakes perfect for morning walks.
5 hrs from Colombo16°CFebruary - April
Tea loversNature loversFamilies
EXPLORE SRI LANKA
Discover the island of wonders.
From ancient ruins to pristine beaches, explore the destinations that make Sri Lanka a traveler's dream.
Discover our featured destinations
Curated highlights pulled from our district map dataset - find the perfect blend of culture, coast, and hill country escapes.
Central Province
Kandy
Sacred heart of Buddhism
Home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, surrounded by misty hills and serene lakes. The cultural capital of Sri Lanka.
2.5 hrs from Colombo24°CYear-round
Spiritual journeysCulture loversTea enthusiasts
Uva Province
Ella
Where mountains meet the clouds
A picturesque hill town famous for the Nine Arch Bridge, tea plantations, and breathtaking hiking trails.
6 hrs from Colombo20°CJanuary - March
HikersNature loversInstagrammers
Southern Province
Galle
Colonial charm meets ocean breeze
A UNESCO World Heritage fort city with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and stunning sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
2 hrs from Colombo29°CDecember - April
History loversFoodiesCouples
Southern Province
Hambantota
Wild coast and open skies
Salt pans, birdlife-rich lagoons, and easy access to Yala and Bundala keep Hambantota quietly wild and wide open.
4 hrs from Colombo32°CNovember - April
Wildlife enthusiastsBirdersBeach lovers
Western Province
Colombo
Vibrant heart of the island
Modern skyscrapers meet colonial architecture, bustling markets, and world-class dining in Sri Lanka's capital.
Gateway city31°CYear-round
City explorersShoppersBusiness travelers
Eastern Province
Arugam Bay
Surf capital of the island
A legendary surf destination with world-class point breaks, relaxed beach culture, and a strong international surf community.
7 hrs from Colombo30°CMay – September
SurfersBackpackersAdventure seekers
North Western Province
Kalpitiya
Lagoon wildlife and flamingo trails
A peaceful lagoon destination known for seasonal flamingos, dolphin watching, kitesurfing, and untouched coastal landscapes.
4 hrs from Colombo28°CNovember – April
Nature loversEco travelersBird watchers
Central Province
Sigiriya
Iconic sky fortress of Sri Lanka
An ancient rock fortress rising dramatically above the surrounding plains, offering panoramic views, landscaped gardens, and a deep glimpse into Sri Lanka’s royal past.
4.5 hrs from Colombo28°CJanuary – April
History loversPhotographersFirst-time visitors
Southern Province
Mirissa
Whales, waves, and golden sunsets
A laid-back southern beach town known for whale watching, calm turquoise waters, palm-lined shores, and relaxed beach cafés ideal for slow island living.
2.5 hrs from Colombo28°CDecember – April
Beach loversCouplesSolo travelers
Sabaragamuwa Province
Maskeliya
Gateway to the sacred Adam’s Peak
A misty hill town nestled among tea estates and reservoirs, serving as the main base for pilgrims climbing Adam’s Peak and a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
4.5 hrs from Colombo18°CDecember – May
Spiritual travelersHikersNature lovers
North Central Province
Anuradhapura
Sacred city of ancient kings
One of the world’s oldest living cities, home to ancient stupas, monasteries, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, forming the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka.
5 hrs from Colombo29°CYear-round
PilgrimsHistory loversCulture seekers