Discover 
Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka packs an astonishing variety into one teardrop-shaped island

In a single trip you can climb an ancient rock fortress, ride a blue train through emerald tea plantations, spot leopards and elephants on safari, and finish on a golden beach with a fresh king coconut.

It's a country of warm hospitality, fiery curries and centuries of history, from sacred Buddhist temples to the Dutch-built walls of Galle Fort. Distances are short, so you can see a lot in a week or two.

For Australians it's an easy, direct flight away, and it delivers exceptional value.

Exclusive Holiday Getaways members could be exploring Sri Lanka's tea country through our weekly holiday giveaways, while enjoying member rewards and supporting our charity partners.

How to Get There from Australia

SriLankan Airlines flies direct to Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), and connections are easy through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and the Middle East.

  • Melbourne and Sydney: about 10 to 11 hours direct

  • Perth: about 7 to 8 hours with a connection, or direct when seasonal services run

  • Brisbane and Adelaide: one connection

Sri Lanka is four and a half to five and a half hours behind Australian eastern time.

Editor's note: confirm current direct routes before planning.

Getting Around Sri Lanka

  • Private driver: the most popular choice. A car and driver for your whole trip is affordable and lets you travel at your own pace.

  • Trains: the Kandy to Ella line is one of the world's great train journeys. Book reserved seats well ahead.

  • Tuk-tuks: perfect for short trips in towns. Use the PickMe or Uber apps for fair fares.

  • Domestic flights and seaplanes: handy for saving time on longer journeys.

Best Time to Visit

Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so there's always somewhere with good weather.

December to March: the best time for the west and south coasts (Galle, Mirissa, Bentota), the Cultural Triangle and the hill country.

May to September: the east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) is at its best, while the south-west gets the monsoon.

April and October to November: transition months, with showers across the island but fewer crowds and lower prices.

Things to Do

The Cultural Triangle

  • Sigiriya: climb the 1,200 steps of the Lion Rock fortress for incredible views. Go at dawn.

  • Dambulla Cave Temple: cave shrines filled with ancient Buddha statues and murals.

  • Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura: the ruins of Sri Lanka's ancient royal capitals, best explored by bicycle.

  • Minneriya National Park: see huge gatherings of wild elephants, especially from July to October.

Kandy and the Hill Country

  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist temple, in Kandy.

  • Kandy to Ella train: a slow, spectacular ride through tea plantations and mountains.

  • Nuwara Eliya: colonial-era bungalows, tea factory tours and cool mountain air.

  • Ella: hike Little Adam's Peak and see the Nine Arch Bridge.

Wildlife

  • Yala National Park: one of the world's best places to see leopards in the wild.

  • Udawalawe: reliable elephant sightings and an elephant transit home for orphans.

  • Whale watching: blue whales off Mirissa from December to April.

The South Coast

  • Galle Fort: a UNESCO-listed walled town of boutiques, cafés and sunset ramparts.

  • Beaches: Mirissa, Unawatuna, Tangalle and Hiriketiya for swimming, surfing and seafood.

  • Stilt fishermen: see the traditional fishermen at Koggala.

 

Where to Stay

Cultural Triangle: jungle lodges and eco-resorts near Sigiriya, many with views of the rock.

Kandy and the hill country: colonial tea-estate bungalows and boutique hotels among the plantations.

Galle and the south coast: boutique hotels inside Galle Fort and beachfront villas from Unawatuna to Tangalle.

Yala: luxury tented safari camps on the edge of the national park.

Budget Guide

Sri Lanka is excellent value, especially for mid-range travellers. As a rough guide per person, per day, excluding flights:

  • Budget: around A$50–80 for guesthouses, local food and trains

  • Mid-range: around A$150–250 for boutique hotels, a private driver and safaris

  • Luxury: A$400+ for luxury resorts, tea-estate bungalows and private guides

A car and driver for the whole trip is one of the best-value luxuries in Asia.

Past Giveaways

Imagine waking up in tea country. Browse our current holiday giveaways for your chance to win.

Past Giveaways

FAQs

Australians are eligible for a free 30-day tourist visa, but you still need to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you fly. Apply only through the official ETA website. Your passport needs at least six months' validity. Visa rules have changed several times recently, so check before you travel.

Sri Lanka is generally safe and very welcoming to tourists. Take normal precautions, use reputable drivers and tour operators, and check Smartraveller for the latest advice.

Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes and hat before entering. Never pose for photos with your back to a Buddha statue.

The Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for tuk-tuks, markets, tips and entrance fees.

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