Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean and lies southeast of India. The country is known for its vast plains and impressive mountain tops, tea plantations, and beautiful temples.
Located 100 miles north of the equator, the country is a tropical paradise that’s home to swoon-worthy beaches, incredible wildlife, and enthralling culture.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is affected by two separate monsoons, making the weather quite complicated for such a small country. The weather can vary dramatically, but in a nutshell, the best time to visit the west and south coasts is December to March. For trips to the east coast, book your flights between April and September.
If you visit Sri Lanka in April, you’ll be around for the Sinhala & Tamil Nadu “New Year” festival. The event lasts a week, and it’s an incredible experience for foodies!

Best places to visit Sri Lanka

Galle: The city of Galle is about a two-hour drive from Colombo via one of the country's first modern superhighways. This ancient trading port reflects its colonial history and is focused around a large, 17^th-century seafront fort.

Colombo: The capital city combines modern urban amenities with the country's colorful indigenous and colonial history. As a key stop on the world spice trade routes, Sri Lanka has long held strategic importance for European trading powers.

Kandy: Kandy is where you go to learn about and experience Sri Lankan history. Located in central Sri Lanka, the city is the former capital city of the Sri Lankan royal dynasty, the country's main capital before the colonial period. The high point of what's called the "Kandian Era" was between the 15^th and 18^th centuries, when the area remained independent while most of the coastal regions were colonized by European powers.

Udawalawe National Park: This large wildlife park is in the southern part of the country, about an hour's drive from the resort area of Hambantota. The terrain and environment vary, as the park is on the border of the country's wet and dry zones.

Hikkaduwa Beach: Only 90 minutes from Colombo, this beach is all about water sports, surfing, bodyboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. All the gear is easily available for rent from one of the beachfront stands. It's one of the country's most popular surfing areas, with the best waves between November and March.

Yala National Park: Located on the island's southeast coast, this national park is known for leopard safaris. Leopards are very rare, but the park has a large population and it's possible to spot them even on a day trip. The park is also home to a large population of Asian elephants, which are endemic to Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura: A visit to Anuradhapura, one of the country's ancient capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rewards visitors with a glimpse into the past. The area is unique, as there's a thriving, modern town adjacent to an ancient one – you're not just visiting ruins. The current population makes it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth (starting in the 4th century, BCE).

Tangalle: As an island, Sri Lanka is surrounded by beaches, and there really is something for everyone. For a diverse range of beach experiences, head to the Tangalle area. It's in the center of the southern coast of the island and a popular resort destination. At Rekawa Beach, just east of the town, there's a big sea turtle nesting area and conservation center.