- Two weeks covers the Cultural Triangle, hill country and a beach
- There is almost always a coast in season thanks to two monsoons
- Apply for the ETA online before you fly
- SriLankan Airlines flies direct from London in around 11 hours
- Airports
- Colombo Bandaranaike (CMB)
- Flight time
- about 11h direct from London to Colombo, or 13-15h with one stop
- Best time to go
- December-April for the west and south coasts and hill country; May-September for the east coast
- Currency
- Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
Few islands pack as much into a small space as Sri Lanka. In a fortnight you can climb an ancient rock fortress, ride one of the world's most scenic train lines through tea plantations, spot leopards and elephants on safari and finish on a palm-fringed beach. Distances are short on a map, though roads are slow, so a well-paced route matters more than ticking everything off.
It is warm all year, and because the island is hit by two different monsoons at different times, there is almost always somewhere in season. This guide, part of our Asia collection, covers where to go, when, and what it costs.
Where to go in Sri Lanka
The Cultural Triangle
The dry plains in the north-centre hold the island's ancient capitals. Sigiriya, a palace on top of a sheer rock, is the headline sight, and it is easy to combine with the painted cave temples of Dambulla, the ruins of Polonnaruwa and the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Stay around Sigiriya or Habarana and add an elephant safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park.
Kandy and the hill country
Kandy, the last royal capital, is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. From here the train climbs through tea estates to Nuwara Eliya and Ella, a slow, beautiful ride that is a highlight of most trips. Ella has easy hikes to Little Adam's Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge.
The south coast
Galle's 17th-century Dutch fort is full of boutique hotels, cafés and shops, and is a great base. Along the coast, Unawatuna, Mirissa (for whale watching from roughly December to April), Tangalle and Weligama have beaches to suit every taste, from surf schools to quiet coves.
Safaris
Yala National Park in the south-east has one of the world's highest densities of leopards, though jeeps can crowd sightings; Wilpattu in the north-west is quieter. Udawalawe is excellent for elephants.
The east coast
Trincomalee, Pasikudah and the surf town of Arugam Bay come into their own from roughly May to September, when the west is wet.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| December-April | Dry and sunny on the west and south coasts and in the hill country; peak season |
| May-September | South-west monsoon brings rain to the west and south; the east coast and Cultural Triangle are mostly dry |
| October-November | Inter-monsoon period with showers island-wide; quieter and cheaper |
Monsoon rain usually comes in heavy bursts rather than all day, so shoulder months can still work well.
Getting to Sri Lanka from the UK
SriLankan Airlines flies direct from London Heathrow to Colombo, taking around 11 hours. Otherwise, one-stop routes via Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul or an Indian hub take 13-15 hours and are often cheaper. Sri Lanka is four and a half hours ahead of the UK in summer and five and a half in winter. The airport is north of Colombo, so you can head straight to Negombo or the Cultural Triangle.
Entry requirements
British passport holders currently need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or visa before travelling for tourism, applied for online through the official Sri Lankan immigration website. Fees and procedures have changed several times in recent years, including periods when tourist visas for UK citizens were free, so check the current position. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. Always check the GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Sri Lanka before booking.
Getting around
Most visitors hire a car with a driver for a touring holiday, which is affordable and takes the stress out of narrow, busy roads. Trains are cheap and scenic; reserved seats on the Kandy to Ella line sell out, so book as early as tickets go on sale or use an agent. Tuk-tuks and ride-hailing apps cover short trips in towns. Allow longer than you think between places: 100km can easily take three hours.
Money and costs
The currency is the Sri Lankan rupee, available from ATMs on arrival. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash elsewhere. Budget travellers can manage on around £30-40 a day, a mid-range trip with a driver costs roughly £80-150 a day per couple, and boutique hotels in Galle and the hill country push that higher. Entry tickets to the major heritage sites are priced for foreigners in US dollars and add up. A 10% service charge is often added in restaurants; tipping drivers and guides is customary.
Top attractions in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Sri Lanka?
Two weeks is ideal for the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, the hill country train and a few days on the beach. Ten days works if you skip the safari or keep the beach stay short.
Is Sri Lanka good for a family holiday?
Yes. Safaris, elephants, easy beaches and friendly people make it a hit with children, and a private driver keeps travel days manageable.
When is whale watching in Sri Lanka?
Off Mirissa on the south coast, the season runs from roughly December to April. Off Trincomalee on the east coast, it is roughly May to October.
Do I need a driver in Sri Lanka?
It is not essential, but most visitors find it the easiest way to tour. Self-driving is possible with an international permit and a local permit, but roads are busy and driving standards vary.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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