Sri Lanka Travel Guide
Visit the Tear Drop Isle well-prepared with our useful travel guide resources. Here you'll find lots of information on when to go and what to see with detailed guides to the popular Cultural Triangle and Sri Lanka's best beaches. Discover more about the wildlife and safari opportunities on the island, see what visa you'll need, and hear what our travelers have to say about our tours.
Best Places to Visit
Places on our must-see list for any visit to Sri Lanka from national parks to ancient ruins
Best Time to Visit
Time your visit with the best weather using our guide to the seasons and local climate
Top Travel Tips
Everything you need to know about money, shopping, food, health advice and more
Wildlife in Sri Lanka
Learn more about the island's most popular animals and where to find them
The Cultural Triangle
Our comprehensive guide to visiting Sri Lanka's famed Cultural Triangle
Sri Lanka's Best Beaches
Our choice of top beaches in Sri Lanka, when best to visit and recommended hotels
Where to go when
Plan your perfect holiday to Sri Lanka with our guide to best places to visit by month
Tourist Visas
Visa requirements for Sri Lanka and information on how to obtain your visa
Traveller Reviews
What are travellers think about Sri Lanka, our tours and our local guides
Sri Lanka Travel Updates
Stay abreast of the latest alerts on safety and security in Sri Lanka
Recommended Reading
- Running in the Family
by Michael Ondaatje - A Village in the Jungle
by Leonard Woolf - The Road From Elephant Pass
by Nihal de Silva
Facts about Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka was the first country in the world to have a democratically elected head of state who was a woman.
- The spice cinnamon originated in Sri Lanka but was actually discovered by the Egyptians.
- Although cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka, the national sport of the country is, in fact, volleyball.
Sri Lanka Travel Advice for American Travelers
The safety of our travelers is paramount and we closely monitor current travel guidance on Sri Lanka. We recommend that you check the latest travel updates from the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs when planning your trip.
Flying to Sri Lanka from the USA:
Sri Lanka is between a 19-23 hour flight from the States depending on whether you're flying from the east or west coast of the country. If departing from New York then Qatar Airways via Doha is a great option with a short transit time. Lufthansa also operate the route via Frankfurt on a codeshare with United. From Los Angeles the average flight time is around 23 hours with Etihad Airways operating one of the fastest routes via Abu Dhabi. Air France via Paris is another good option.
Useful Online Resources:
The official Sri Lanka Tourist Organisation site and the latest Sri Lanka Weather Updates from the BBC.