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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a vibrant mix of ancient temples, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, all set against a backdrop of rich culture and welcoming locals. Whether you’re exploring the misty highlands of Ella, lounging on golden beaches in Mirissa, or wandering through the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka is a place travelers will want to get to know.

Sri Lanka.jpg

Photo by Drew Farwell

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to Sri Lanka.

READ BEFORE YOU GO
Rock formations at a beach, with turquoise and dark blue water in the foreground
Islands
10 Tropical Island Getaways Worldwide for People Who Are Tired of Being Cold
Ditch your parka for sunscreen and a beach read and warm up on one of these sunny islands.
December 22, 2025 12:16 PM
 · 
Paul Rubio
RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
Hotels We Love
These Are the 22 Best Historic Hotels Around the World
These remarkable hotel makeovers of historic buildings are bringing the past to life again.
April 21, 2026 07:10 PM
 · 
Mary Holland
Where to Travel Next
13 Great Beaches for Winter Sun
Warm up this winter on some of the world’s best stretches of sand, from close-to-home shores to more exotic beach destinations around the globe.
December 13, 2023 11:42 AM
 · 
Lottie Gross
In the Magazine
Sri Lanka Has Come Into Its Own as a Nature Lover’s Paradise
Sri Lanka’s tourism industry found a creative way to adapt to the pandemic: It embraced the outdoors.
December 1, 2021 02:30 PM
 · 
Zinara Rathnayake
COVID + Travel
Sri Lanka Reopens to International Travelers After 10 Months Shut
Are Americans on the list? That part is unclear. Regardless, three rounds of COVID tests will be required.
January 21, 2021 12:28 PM
 · 
Associated Press (AP)
Tips + News
Sri Lanka Announces Free Visas to Boost Tourism
To help revive its tourism industry after the April bombings, Sri Lanka is waiving visa fees for citizens of 48 countries for the next 6 months.
July 31, 2019 05:15 PM
 · 
Bharatha Mallawarchi
Trending News
Is Sri Lanka Safe for Travelers to Visit Now?
After a bombing at several churches and hotels killed more than 300 on Easter Sunday, travelers may wonder if they should cancel plans to visit Sri Lanka. Here’s what the experts are saying.
April 24, 2019 11:33 AM
 · 
Lyndsey Matthews
Hotels
These Are The Showstopping Hotels Redefining Modern Hospitality
Whether you’re looking for seaside getaways, reinvented spaces, classics reborn, urban sanctuaries, or adventure retreats, these hotels make being on the road feel like home. This is hospitality in the 21st century.
March 26, 2018 09:09 PM
 · 
Jennifer Flowers
Epic Trips
Why Sri Lanka Is Paradise for Travel Photographers
It’s not just because of the beautiful beaches—this multifaceted country has much more on offer than you think.
October 4, 2017 05:48 PM
 · 
Sarah Buder
Hotels
This Historic Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka Just Got a Major Upgrade
The Galle Face Hotel is reborn.
June 6, 2016 02:23 PM
 · 
Sandra Ramani
Festivals + Events
6 Ways Southeast Asia is Celebrating the New Year
Better bring a waterproof camera if you want to be a part of some of these crazy fun holidays
April 14, 2016 09:06 PM
 · 
Sarah Buder
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