This South Asian island is brimming with rich history, diverse culture, spectacular wildlife, stunning landscapes and unparalleled experiences. Here you can go on thrilling safaris, taste incredible cuisine, enjoy beautiful weather and so much more. No matter what you’re looking for, Sri Lanka has something for you. Sri Lanka is home to all kinds of fascinating animals, making it one of the world’s best places to go on safari outside Africa. Visit Yala National Park to spot elusive leopards, or head to the remote Gal Oya National Park to see Asian elephants swimming and socialising. ​ A Sri Lankan safari might also include sightings of wild boar, buffalos, langurs, toque macaques, sloth bears, crocodiles, whales, dolphins and the countless other species that reside here.

In Sri Lanka, as with much of the parts of the Indian Subcontinent, you’ll find that most locals welcome visitors with open arms. The general atmosphere is very laid-back, offering a refreshingly slow pace and serene environment for travellers to discover its charms. The people of Sri Lanka have many ways to make visitors feel at home. Known for their generosity and vibrant spirit that’s demonstrated through dance, food, art and festivals (there are around 25 national holidays a year in Sri Lanka) it seems there is always an open invitation to celebrate something. 

Over the centuries, traders from across the globe have been drawn to this island. For many millennia it was divided into ancient kingdoms. The Portuguese arrived in 1505, and Sri Lanka was then colonised by the Dutch and the British before gaining independence in 1948. This history has created a rich and diverse culture, where ancient traditions coexist with more modern heritage. You can see evidence of Sri Lanka’s eclectic influences in the juxtaposition of ornate ancient temples and grand colonial buildings, particularly in its coastal cities and the capital Colombo.

Sri Lanka is the land of cinnamon and spices, so you can imagine how delicious its food is. The local cuisine is distinctive and flavourful, with influences from neighbouring countries and the various other cultures that have left their mark here. Sri Lankan dishes often highlight locally sourced ingredients like fish, rice, fruits and vegetables. Seafood is a particularly important element of its cuisine; imagine savouring freshly caught prawns, squid, cuttlefish and lobster as you gaze out at the sparkling sea.

One of the best ways to explore Sri Lanka is by train. The country has several fantastic rail routes that will carry you through bustling cities, dense forests, deep valleys and surf towns, promising unbelievable views along the way.
If you only have time for one train journey, make it the one from Colombo to Kandy. This historic route will take you from Sri Lanka’s largest and busiest city to its tranquil cultural capital, passing through tropical paddies and picturesque villages as you go.