Sri Lanka Overview

Once known as Ceylon, this small island packs a lot of attractions and diverse culture into its territory. The Indians, Dutch, Portuguese and British have all left indelible marks on the country, resulting in a fascinating blend of South Asian antiquity and European colonialism. Few other nations in the world boast such a range of eclectic influences. more...

Sri Lanka Activities

Dehiwala Zoo While you are in Colombo, one of the best distractions for kids is to take them to the zoo. Sri Lanka’s only official zoo has all the usual wildlife attractions, but also a special highlight involving elephants. The zoo’s elephant show is a classic display of the agility and talents of these big, beautiful creatures, and rarely fails to delight children. more...

Sri Lanka Events and Festivals

Duruthu Perahera: this important Buddhist event celebrates the day the Buddha made a visit to Sri Lanka. Colombo is the best place to witness the rituals at the Buddhist temples connected with this significant day. more...

Sri Lanka Sightseeing

Anuradhapura Sri Lanka’s first capital is truly ancient, having ruled the island for more than 1,000 years beginning in 380 BC. The majestic remains are a major highlight of Sri Lanka, with beautiful stupas, temples, and palaces that demonstrate just how advanced the early Sinhalese were. Visitors can sit under the Bo tree where the Buddha gained enlightenment and wander the vast Jetavanarama Dagoba building which once housed more than 1,000 monks. Within this complex are a dozen equally amazing sites. Visitors can easily spend a day or more exploring the area. more...

Sri Lanka Transport

The most common way to get to Sri Lanka is to fly, and Colombo provides the main gateway to this island nation. Direct flights arrive daily at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, 19 miles north of the city, from major cities across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia. A number of inexpensive and frequent flights arrive from India’s main cities such as Chennai and Mumbai. more...

Sri Lanka Travel Tips

The biggest health risk in Sri Lanka comes from consuming contaminated food and water. Although most restaurants in the main cities and resort towns should be up to international standards of hygiene, be careful at smaller food shops or roadside stalls. Ensure that any meat or seafood has been thoroughly cooked, and avoid raw vegetables or unpeeled fruit. Water should be considered unsafe to drink everywhere on the island. Bottled water is readily available, so stick to that for everything from drinking to brushing your teeth. more...