Author picks

Our much-travelled authors have visited every corner of Sri Lanka in order to uncover the very best the island has to offer. Here are some of their personal highlights.

Classic journeys Ride the hill-country train through tea plantations to Badulla or drive the A9 north to Jaffna.

Multi-faith island Make a pilgrimage to one of Sri Lanka’s myriad religious destinations, including Adam’s Peak, the church of Madhu, or the spiritual melting-pot of Kataragama, held sacred by Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike.

Colonial Ceylon Step back in time amid the colonial streetscapes of Galle, Colombo Fort or at the old British tea-town of Nuwara Eliya.

Once more unto the beach Escape the crowds at the unspoiled southern beaches of Talalla or Kalametiya.

Wildlife on land and at sea Experience Sri Lanka’s wonderful range of fauna with highlights including whales at Mirissa, turtles at Rekawa, dolphins at Kalpitiya, birds in Sinharaja, elephants at Minneriya and leopards at Yala.

Boutique bliss Crash out in style at one of the island’s boutique hotels, ranging from modern beachside villas like Rock Villa in Bentota to atmospheric colonial-era lodgings like Ferncliff in Nuwara Eliya.

Flavours of Sri Lanka Dive into a hopper, unpack a lamprais, crunch some chilli crab or feast on a classic rice and curryNuga Gama in Colombo is a great place to get your taste buds oriented.

Rugged rambling Take a walk on the wild side through the spectacular hill country at Adam’s Peak, Horton Plains or the Knuckles Range – Sri Lanka at its most scenically dramatic.

Our author recommendations don’t end here. We’ve flagged up our favourite places – a perfectly sited hotel, an atmospheric café, a special restaurant – throughout the Guide, highlighted with the symbol.

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NUWARA ELIYA

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YALA NATIONAL PARK

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