It’s not possible to see everything that Sri Lanka has to offer in one trip – and we don’t suggest you try. What follows, in no particular order, is a selective taste of the country’s highlights, including astonishing religious and historic sites, unforgettable wildlife, scenery and beaches, and vibrant festivals. All highlights have a page reference to take you straight into the Guide, where you can find out more; the coloured numbers refer to chapters in the Guide section.
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1 CRICKET
Join the crowds of cricket-crazy spectators for a Test match in Colombo or Kandy.
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One of Sri Lanka’s foremost pilgrimage sites, this summit bears the revered impression of the Buddha’s footprint, and offers one of the island’s most magical views.
Gavin Thomas/Rough Guides
The Buddha’s superhuman attributes are captured in the statues dotting the island, from the ancient figures of Aukana, Sasseruwa and Polonnaruwa’s Gal Vihara to the contemporary colossi at Dambulla and Wehurukannala.
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4 GALLE
Sri Lanka’s most perfectly preserved colonial townscape, with sedate streets of personable Dutch-era villas enclosed by a chain of imposing ramparts.
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The most popular national park, home to elephants and the island’s largest population of leopards.
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Marking the point at which the hill country’s southern escarpment plunges sheer for almost 1km to the plains below, these dramatic cliffs offer one of the finest views in the hill country.
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Eat your way through this classic Sri Lankan feast, with its mouthwatering selection of dishes and flavours.
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8 BIRDS
Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s classic birdwatching destinations, with species ranging from bee-eaters and blue magpies to colourful kingfishers and majestic hornbills.
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Join the crowds thronging to the nightly temple ceremonies at this pilgrimage town, held sacred by Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike.
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10 ANURADHAPURA
This vast, mysterious ruined city bears witness to the great Sinhalese civilization that flourished here for some two thousand years.
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11 BAWA HOTELS
With their blend of modern chic and superb natural settings, the hotels of architect Geoffrey Bawa exemplify contemporary Sri Lankan style.
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12 SIGIRIYA
Climb the towering rock outcrop of Sigiriya, home to the fascinating remains of one of the island’s former capitals, complete with ancient graffiti and elaborate water gardens.
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13 ELLA
One of the island’s most popular destinations, with marvellous views and walks among the surrounding tea plantations and hills.
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14 THE PETTAH
Colombo’s colourful, chaotic bazaar district offers an exhilarating slice of Asian life.
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15 WHALE- AND DOLPHIN-WATCHING
Take to the waves in search of blue and sperm whales, or pods of spinner dolphins.
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16 POLONNARUWA
Quite simply the island’s finest collection of ancient Sinhalese art and architecture.
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17 BENTOTA
The unspoiled southern end of Bentota beach is home to a fine selection of luxury beachside hotels.
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One of Asia’s most spectacular festivals, with huge processions of magnificently caparisoned elephants, ear-splitting troupes of Kandyan drummers and assorted dancers and acrobats.
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19 SINHARAJA
Unique region of pristine rainforest, home to towering trees, opulent orchids and rare endemic birds, lizards and amphibians.
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20 AYURVEDA
Sri Lanka’s ancient system of healthcare uses herbal medicines and traditional techniques to promote holistic well-being.
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21 ARUGAM BAY
This remote east coast village has great sand and surf, lots of local wildlife and an appealingly chilled-out atmosphere.
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22 KANDYAN DANCING AND DRUMMING
Traditional Sinhalese culture at its most exuberant, with brilliantly costumed dancers performing stylized dances to an accompaniment of explosively energetic drumming.
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23 DAMBULLA
These five magical cave temples are a treasure box of Sri Lankan Buddhist art, sumptuously decorated with a fascinating array of statues, shrines and the country’s finest collection of murals.
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24 MIRISSA
Laidback beachside village with a fine stretch of sand and world-class whale-watching.
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25 KANDY
Beautifully situated amid the central highlands, this historic city remains the island’s most important repository of traditional Sinhalese culture, exemplified by the great Esala Perahera festival and the Temple of the Tooth.