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Sri Lanka

Imagine being able to surf in tropical beaches to sipping tea in misty hills… in just a few hours. From hiking ancient rock fortresses to eating fish curry and rice near the ocean…. That’s Sri Lanka.

It’s got everything for someone…

Sri Lanka is a small island nation sitting just below the southern tip of India — like a teardrop in the Indian Ocean. It’s often called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” and once you’re here, you’ll see why.

The country packs in beaches, mountains, forests, wildlife, ancient ruins, cultural stories and friendly people — all within a few hours’ travel from each other.

The country is small… but don’t let that fool you as Sri Lanka is incredibly diverse and you will find something different in every nook and corner. 

Here’s a snapshot:

Geographical Location: South Asia, just southeast of India

Capital: Colombo 

Population: Around 22 million people

National Languages:

  • Sinhala (spoken by the majority)
  • Tamil (spoken mostly in the north and east)
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⁠Best Time to Visit Sri lanka

Sri Lanka is a country that can be visited anytime of the year. Here are the best places to visit in these seasons:

SouthWest Belt of Sri Lanka: From October to April (Especially between December to March. Places like Colombo, Galle, Weligama, Mirrisa and the entire belt is a charming tropical paradise during this season. 

North and Eastern Coastal belt of Sri Lanka: The best time to visit is between May and September, when it is raining in the west. July to September is particular excellent for the east coast towns like Arugam Bay and Trincomalee. 

Sri Lankan Highlands: Places like Ella, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya are beautiful throughout the year. December to April is dry season and June to September is wet season. Both times witness tourists coming and visiting these stunning hilly cities. 

North West Sri Lanka: This part of the country is prominent for Kitesurfing and places like Kalpitiya and the Lagoon regions. Visit during the dry season which is December to April, to make the most out of the clear skies. 

Must-Visit places in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a small but diverse country with several places to go to and different cities to visit. 

Here are our top picks. Do not miss these areas in Sri Lanka.

Galle

Galle (pronounced ‘Gaul’) is the biggest city in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful coastal city with vibrant big city feel. The Galle fort, a place built by the Portuguese and Dutch, will transport you to Europe. 

Anahgama, Weligama, Mirrisa

We’ve bucketed the three highly westernised and happening beach town as all three are very close to each other – just a 5 minute bike ride. As you head South first comes Anahgama, then Weligama and then Mirrisa. With a thriving night life, cafe culture, surfing schools, and a stunning coastline, Southwest Sri Lanka is becoming a top digital nomad destination. 

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a great place to witness the magical corals and marine life in Sri Lanka. Sit on a glass bottom boat and go looking for turtles and colorful corals. 

Hirekitiya

This destination in the Southern part of Sri Lanka, as we move East, Hirekitiya, is another beach town where foreigners flock for secret jungle parties, cafe culture and calm ocean. This is also a great place for surfing. 

Arugam Bay

A surfers paradise Arugam Bay is a little known, totally underground beach town in Sri Lanka, which is on its peak season, when the rest of the beach towns are off! 

Tourists come here to stay for the entire season to surf, chill and party. The waves in Arugam Bay are designed to suit surfing and are incredible. 

Discover everything you need to know about traveling smart in Arugam Bay — from surf spots to saving tips.
👉 Read the Full Budget Travel Guide to Arugam Bay

Not sure what to expect? This short video will convince you why Arugam Bay is worth every mile.
📺 Watch Now on YouTube

Trincomalee & Uppaveli

In the North West of Sri Lanka lies this little know beach town which is not yet fully developed with the cafe culture. It has pristine blue waters and shockingly beautiful coastline, as it is still very new to tourists. 

Visit the Pigeon Island, with clear blue water…absolutely pristine and untouched.  

The place is also a great destination for cultural enthusiasts, as it hosts one of the historical Shiva temples. 

Nuwara Eliya

Known as the ‘Little England of Sri Lanka’, the city is a quaint hill station famous for its victorian architecture and gorgeous landscapes, backed by tea gardens. 

Ella

Think of a blend between a boho beach town and a hipster hill station… that’s Ella. With cool pubs, cafes, and restaurants lining its streets Ella is a dream destination for people who love nature, outdoors and partying. 

Horton Plains

Horton Plains National Park is a one-hour ride from Nuwara Eliya. It is a huge scenic park, which is also Sri Lanka’s most important catchment area of almost all major rivers. Horton Plains is declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kandy

The second largest city in Sri Lanka, Kandy is a hilly city that is a must-visit for tourists. It is also a very important touch point as some of the most beautiful train rides in the country cross Kandy.

📍Kandy to Ella by Train

The ultimate scenic route—here’s how to make the most of it.
🔗 Read the Guide

Sigiria, Dambolla, Anuradhapuram

Sri Lanka’s golden trio or the cultural triangle includes these three must-visit places. These places hold high cultural and historical significance, showcasing ancient cities, temples, and fortresses, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. This region in central Sri Lanka is where ancient Sinhala kings built advanced civilizations, with Anuradhapura as the first capital. 

kalpitiya

A very little known, but very unique coastal town in North West Sri Lanka. This place gets missed by most tourists, but is definitely on our list. From kitesurfing, diving and dolphin watching, there is much to do in Kalpitiya. 

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Hello, we are Sam and Aman, Local Backpackers! Welcome to our world of wanderlust and exploration! We are a travel-loving couple who share a passion for discovering new places, experiencing different cultures, and creating unforgettable memories.

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