The hilltop where Buddhism is said to have come to Sri Lanka, with stupas, ancient steps and sweeping views.
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Tours, hikes, culture and day trips worth your time, picked by people who know the island.
The hilltop where Buddhism is said to have come to Sri Lanka, with stupas, ancient steps and sweeping views.
A star-shaped Dutch-era fort on the Jaffna lagoon, with ramparts to walk at sunset.
Jeep safaris to see wild elephants at Minneriya, famous for “The Gathering” of herds in the dry season.
Kandy’s spectacular annual procession of dancers, drummers and decorated elephants, held over ten nights in July or August.
Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist temple, home of the relic of the Buddha’s tooth, beside Kandy Lake.
A high, misty plateau with a dramatic cliff edge, World’s End, and Baker’s Falls on a scenic loop walk.
Ella’s easiest big-view hike, a gentle climb through tea plantations to a ridge with views across the valley.
Ella’s famous colonial-era railway bridge, curving through the jungle and tea, best seen as a train crosses.
A tall, tiered waterfall right beside the road below Ella, linked to the legend of King Ravana.
An hour of traditional Kandyan dance, drumming and fire walking, held every evening in central Kandy.
The rock next to Sigiriya, with the best view of the Lion Rock itself, best climbed at sunrise.
Sri Lanka’s first great capital, with giant stupas and the Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest documented human-planted tree.
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