Travel Guide
Pick your travel season
MOST POPULAR December - March
(West to South Coast season)
This is the best time to hit the beach. The south coast will be the popular during this time. Beaches from Hikkaduwa to Mirissa will soar with tourist while the waves will make it the best for surfing.
Wildlife season is all year-round season in Sri Lanka. But, the best time to spot rarest of the animals will be November through April.
QUIET SEASON May - August
(East to North Coast season)
Best time to visit Jaffna in the North and the coastal beach attractions in the East which attracts surfers in areas like Arugam-Bay.
CANNOT-MISS attractions during this time;
The Vesak Poya Day which lights up all parts of the country as a part of the religious week for Buddhists.
The most vibrant Esala Perahera held in Kandy, known for it's majestic and legendary display of dancers, drummers, stilt walkers with elegantly dressed elephants parade through the city streets. This is one of the holiest and most prestigious occasions in the country which welcomes tourists from all over the world to witness the traditions that date back centuries of years through history.
Know your Sri Lanka
Location: At the heart of the Indian Ocean separated by the South-East coast of India by the Gulf of Munnar and Palk Strait.
Language: Native languages are Sinhala and Tamil whilst most of the population speaks fluent English.
(One of the highest literacy rates in South Asia)
Currency: Sri Lanka Rupees
Capital: Colombo
You will land in the Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo. (Code: CMB)
ATMs are widely available with many currency exchange locations in populated areas
Hottest spots in Sri Lanka
Colombo
The commercial capital, a lively mix of modern city life and colonial charm. Tourists can enjoy its bustling markets, seaside promenade (Galle Face Green), historic temples, colonial architecture, and a growing scene of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife—all making it the perfect gateway to the island.
Cultural Triangle
This covers 5 prominent cities - Anuradhapura - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya - Dambulla - Kandy
This is the heart of the island’s ancient heritage. It’s home to sacred cities, thousand-year-old temples, royal palaces, and the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, offering travelers a journey through history, spirituality, and timeless culture.
Down South Coast
Galle – A UNESCO World Heritage city with its Dutch Fort, boutique shops, and seaside cafés.
Hikkaduwa – Famous for coral reefs, snorkeling, and a lively beach scene.
Unawatuna – A vibrant beach town ideal for swimming, diving, and nightlife.
Mirissa – Renowned for whale watching, surfing, and breathtaking sunsets.
Matara – A historic town mixing culture, temples, and beachside life.
Tangalle – A serene coastal retreat with untouched beaches and luxury resorts.
East Coast
Trincomalee – Stunning beaches, Pigeon Island snorkeling, and rich cultural heritage.
Arugam Bay – World-renowned surfing spot with a chilled-out vibe.
Pasikudah – Shallow turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and luxury resorts.
Hill Country & Tea Region
Nuwara Eliya – Known as “Little England,” with tea plantations, waterfalls, and cool mountain air.
Ella – Famous for the Nine Arches Bridge, tea gardens, and breathtaking hiking trails.
Haputale – A quieter hill station with sweeping tea country views.
Wildlife & Nature
Yala National Park – Best place to spot leopards, elephants, and diverse wildlife.
Udawalawe National Park – Famous for large herds of elephants.
Wilpattu National Park – Known for leopards, lakes, and untouched wilderness.
Sinharaja Rainforest – A UNESCO World Heritage site rich in biodiversity.
North & Jaffna Peninsula
Jaffna
A cultural hub with Hindu temples, colonial forts, and unique cuisine.
Mannar Island
Off-the-beaten-track, known for birdwatching and history.
Getting Around Sri Lanka
Buses - Trains - Taxis
Trains
Sri Lanka’s railways offer some of the most beautiful travel experiences, especially through the hills and along the coast. Popular routes include Colombo–Badulla, Kandy–Ella, and coastal trains to Matara or Galle.
Finding Schedules & Booking Tickets
Use the Sri Lanka Railways official schedule service—you enter start and end stations, date, and optionally time, to view train times, classes, fares, and availability
Official website for ticketing - https://www.railway.gov.lk/web/ or
Search Trains - https://eservices.railway.gov.lk/schedule/searchTrain.action?lang=en
Always check your trains as popular scenic routes (like Kandy–Ella) need early planning
Buses
Sri Lanka’s extensive bus network is cheap and reaches even remote areas.
Public buses (SLTB/CTB) – basic but regulated, often red-and-white
Private buses – colorful, frequent, and lively—but can be crowded
Luxury/Express buses – air-conditioned, faster via highways, ideal for longer routes
Finding Schedules & Booking Tickets
National Transport Commission (NTC) offers inter-provincial timetables for both normal and expressway buses NTC.
https://www.ntc.gov.lk/Bus_info/time_table.php
SLTB eSeat: Book online, track your bus, reserve seats ~1 month ahead, via website or hotline (1315)
Public/Private buses - Expect it to be chaotic and not the most comfortable
Taxis
Multiple traditional taxi services operate across Sri Lanka offering bikes, tuk tuks, small cabs and all the way to SUVs
We recommend you download either UBER or PickMe ride hailing apps for ease.
Notable Trains
Udarata Menike: Daytime express from Colombo Fort to Badulla (~10–12 hr) through scenic hill country
Colombo–Badulla Night Mail: Overnight service (~11 hr), with sleeping berths
Ruhunu Kumari: Coastal train between Matara and Colombo (~3.5 hr) with 3 classes
Samudra Devi: Daily commuter train from Galle to Colombo Maradana with ocean views
Rajarata Rejini: Daytime express linking Anuradhapura, Colombo, and Beliatta (~10 hr)
