The beautiful island country of Sri Lanka is one of Asia's hidden gems, with its endless stretch of beaches, diverse culture and eight World Heritage-listed sites. As one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, there is an abundance of native flora and fauna to be discovered at the 24 wildlife reserves. The range of tour options makes exploring this country a breeze, whether you want to climb the rock face of the impressive Bambarakanda waterfall, or discover the vibrant marine life scuba diving out from Negombo.
Don’t miss these Sri Lanka attractions
- Safari tours
- Sigiriya
- Colombo and Galle Forte city tours
- Surfing at the remote Arugam Bay
Nature and adventure
Some of Sri Lanka’s most popular attractions are the many wildlife sanctuaries including the Yala and Udawalawe national parks. Take a jeep safari tour through each park to observe majestic elephants, buffalos, leopards and sloth bears roaming in their native habitat. You can also opt for specific wildlife sightseeing, from bird watching to leopard safaris.
Further to discovering the country’s wildlife, Sri Lanka presents breathtaking natural landscapes that are waiting to be explored. Cycling trips take you through the lush countryside and tea plantations, while trekking tours in the Central Highlands highlight the Knuckles Mountain Ranges, Adam’s Peak and Peak Wilderness Sanctuary.
Natural wonders
Sri Lanka is home to eight natural and cultural World Heritage-listed sites, which can all be visited on guided tours. The Central Highlands and Sinjaraja Forest Reserve can be discovered on trekking and camping tours, while most of the other cultural sites can be explored on foot including the ruins of the Ancient City of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa.
If you’re looking for a break from sightseeing, there are endless stretches of pristine beaches you can enjoy. Arugam Bay is the perfect surfing location, while the picturesque Mirissa beach is a great spot to embark on a whale-watching tour. With nearly 1600 kilometres of coastline, water sports and activities are plentiful, including snorkelling, windsurfing, cruising and kayaking.