Sri Lanka

Ancient rock fortresses, tea hills and leopards.

US travel advisory: Level 2 · checked 2026-11-02
Photo: Wrobell · CC BY-SA 3.0
This is a first draft of the Sri Lanka list. The full region guide is being written, and tiers may still change.

The Short List

Must-See

Must-See
Cities · UNESCO

Kandy and the Hill Country

The Temple of the Tooth, and the Ella train through tea hills.

Guide Coming Soon
Must-See
Mountains · Mountain towns

Ella and Nuwara Eliya

Tea hills and the Nine Arch Bridge, on one of the world's most beautiful train rides.

Guide Coming Soon

Worth a Detour

Worth a Detour
Nature · Leopards

Yala National Park

Among the world's highest leopard densities.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Spiritual · Pilgrimage

Adam's Peak

A dawn pilgrimage climb to a sacred footprint.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Heritage · UNESCO

Anuradhapura

Huge ancient stupas.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Heritage · UNESCO

Polonnaruwa

A medieval royal city, with great stone Buddhas.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Spiritual · UNESCO

Dambulla Cave Temple

Painted caves full of Buddhas.

Guide Coming Soon

If You're Nearby

If You're Nearby
Festivals & Seasons · Elephants

Esala Perahera

A great parade of elephants and dancers in Kandy.

Guide Coming Soon
If You're Nearby
Cities · Colonial

Colombo

Sri Lanka's seaside commercial capital.

Guide Coming Soon

On the Map

Grey pins: guides still being written.