Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka packs ancient cities, tea-covered highlands, tropical beaches and exceptional wildlife into a relatively compact island.

Country

At a glance

Useful facts for planning

Guide type Country

In this guide

Why go

Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Languages: Sinhala & Tamil

Best time: Dec–Apr for south/west; May–Sep for east

Weather: Tropical; warm year-round with monsoon seasons

Top attractions: Colombo • Sigiriya • Kandy • Galle • Yala National Park • Ella

Nature: tropical forests • beaches • mountains • tea country • wildlife reserves

Quick fact: Sri Lanka packs ancient cities, tea-covered highlands, tropical beaches and exceptional wildlife into a relatively compact island.