sri lanka tourism instagram

• As Featured On
• Travel Blog
• Experiences

An Epic Instagram Guide to Sri Lanka: 27 of the Best Scenic Photo Spots

“And then there was Ceylon – the place where paradise is located.” – Anton Chekhov

Known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is full of many photogenic sceneries which include lush tea plantations, picturesque mountains, spectacular waterfalls, tropical jungles, palm trees by the ocean, sandy beaches, cultural landmarks and many more! Here’s our guide to the most Instagrammable places in Sri Lanka.

1. Sigiriya Lion Rock

Referred by the locals as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, this UNESCO world heritage site is an ancient palace and fortress complex (470-495CE) that has significance archeological importance. It is located in the heart of Sri Lanka between the towns of Dambulla and Habarana.

Sigiriya refuses to reveal its secrets easily. You need to climb a series of vertiginous staircases attached to the rock itself to reach the flat-topped summit which contains the ruins of an ancient civilization. On your way you will pass a series of beautiful frescoes and a pair of impressive colonial lion’s paws carved into the bedrock. The surrounding landscapes that includes moats, water gardens and lakes only add to the beauty of Sigiriya.

Tip : Make sure to start your climb around 7.00 am to avoid crowds as well as the heat.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BoX1jP-lbpe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

2. Pidurangala Rock

A massive rock formation almost opposite Sigiriya, Pidurangala rock offers stellar views of the Lion Rock and its surrounding vistas. You cannot find a better place to admire the beauty of Lion Rock especially at sunrise or sunset. The hike to the top would take around 30-40 minutes and is a little challenging than your climb up the Lion Rock.

Pidurangala Rock which translates to “offered piles of Gold” is an important place for Buddhists and was first used as a Buddhist monastery. It is believed to date back to the time of Sigiriya Kingdom.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Br9GbeuB5E2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

3. Train journey from Kandy to Ella

This seven-hour train ride from Kandy to Ella or the other way around is quite possibly one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. It takes you through stunning landscapes of lush green tea plantations and scenic mountains.

4. Royal Botanical Gardens Kandy

Not far from the city of Kandy, the Royal Botanical Gardens provide an oasis for visitors needing an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The rows of giant palm trees that line multiple walkways is such an eye pleaser. The orchid house will not disappoint you either. The gardens are ideal for a quiet and peaceful picnic during daytime.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BqUH5T5B8qH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

5. Anuradhapura Ancient city

Anuradhapura is only 1.5 hours away from Sigiriya and it is a must visit UNESCO World Heritage site in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka and was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. The pride of Anuradhapura is the ancient stupas and ancient reservoirs that were built thousands of years ago. You will marvel at the ancient civil engineering of Sri Lanka once you see these from your own eyes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CB0cXAFl_rz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

6. Polonnaruwa Ancient city

While you’re in Sigiriya, make sure to head to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa which is only an hour’s drive away. Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka for three centuries between the 11th and 13th century after the destruction of Anuradhapura Kingdom in 993. Due to its archeological prominence and the ancient technological superiority UNESCO declared Polonnaruwa as a World Heritage in 1982 under the of Ancient City of Polonnaruwa.

The ancient ruins are incredibly spread-out, hence getting around can be a tad difficult. We suggest you rent a bicycle and cycle around the grounds to see all the impressive ruins.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Br_2_MxBY6i/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

7. Nine Arch Bridge Ella

One of those incredibly insta-famous spots in Ella, Sri Lanka is the Nine Arch Bridge. It is a historic brick bridge set against rolling green hills. The giant structure with its massive arches poking up will truly captivate you. Try to time your visit to see the passing trains. https://www.instagram.com/p/BZhvzjXAeik/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

8. Little Adam’s Peak Ella

The best lookout spot in Ella, Sri Lanka is the Little Adam’s Peak. It isn’t much of a hike but the views from the top are incredible. Also, you will love the friendly pups you meet at the top. They are adorable.

Tip : We recommend you go during sunrise or sunset to catch the best views.

9. Castlereagh Reservoir Maskeliya

The Castlereagh reservoir in Maskeliya, is one of Sri Lanka’s best kept secrets; hidden in a valley and surrounded by soaring green peaks, the reservoir is perhaps the most serene location in the hill country. The whole image looks like something straight out of a fairytale. It is only a 30-minute drive from the town of Hatton. If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing getaway, there are some quaint bungalows along the reservoir’s banks which make the ultimate idyllic getaway.

Camellia Hills – Teardrop Hotels Tea Trails – Resplendent Ceylon

https://www.instagram.com/p/CApxT3AFdWh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

10. Haritha Kanda Bogawantalawe

Haritha Kanda, also known as “Green Mountain,” is a hiking spot and camping site which is situated between Agarapathana and Bogawantalawa plains in the central highlands. The mountain is surrounded by lush greenery and provides remarkable views as a result.

Premium Travelvlog has a post about how to get to Haritha Kanda on his blog. You can find it here https://premiumtravelog.com/hike-to-bopaththalawa-haritha-kanda-the-green-mountain/

11. Diyaluma Falls

Diyaluma Falls is the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and is the perfect spot for an outstanding photo with stellar views from the top of the waterfall. The crystal-clear water and the impressive natural pools will have you mesmerized at first glance.

Life of Brit and Journey Era have great posts about hiking the falls on their blogs. Please go through them if you’re planning to do this hike as it will help you greatly.

https://www.lifeofbrit.com/diyaluma-waterfall/ https://www.journeyera.com/diyaluma-falls-sri-lanka/

12. Safari – Yala National Park

A safari offers you the ultimate opportunity to capture Sri Lankan wildlife in their natural habitat. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing exotic animals where they truly belong – in their own homes. We recommend you organize a safari at Yala National Park which will allow you to see elephants, crocodiles, deer, native birds, bears and if you’re lucky even a few leopards.

13. Coconut tree hill in Mirissa

Having made its way to almost every traveller’s Instagram account when they visit Mirissa, the Coconut Tree Hill is a must-do when you’re in Mirissa. The Coconut Tree Hill is a private coconut estate set on a high cliff overlooking the glistening waters of the Indian Ocean and an untouched stretch of golden beach.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvQMBNHB35V/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This is a beautiful place to watch the sunset, so we recommend you head there during the evening. Or early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.

14. Happy peacock mural in Mirissa

The town of Mirissa has no shortage of colourful walls, vibrant murals, and spectacular street art too. The most popular piece of art to grab a picture in front of is the Palm Villa Peacock mural which requires dodging a bit of traffic on the main road hence make sure to be careful.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvQtQuiBbzR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

15. Galle Dutch Fort

The southern city of Galle is best known for its famous fort from Dutch colonial times. Galle fort is a 17th century fort, originally built by the Portuguese. The cobbled streets and Mediterranean style buildings will give you the European vibes while offering the views of a tropical island. Make sure to walk up to the Galle lighthouse which is situated inside the fort.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvWTkiyhaXq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

16. Jaffna Fort

Located in the northern tip of Sri Lanka, Jaffna is often left off of travelers’ itineraries as it is far away from other tourist attractions. But if you’ve got some extra time on your hands please make sure to visit this beautiful northern town of Sri Lanka.

The Jaffna fort was built in 1625 by the Portuguese and was named the Fortress of Our Lady of Miracles of Jafanapatão, due to the miraculous powers of the statue of the virgin Mary within the complex.

What makes this fortress unique is that it is built in the shape of a star and offers spectacular sunset views if you visit during the right times.

17. Tea plantations in the hill country

The tea covered hills of Sri Lanka offer jaw dropping views of the surrounding valleys and vistas. The lush green landscapes are quite soothing to the eyes and the fresh air is ever so refreshing. That means no trip is complete without checking out at least one of Sri Lanka’s tea plantation tours.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9g19vzBhFF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

18. Adam’s Peak (The Sacred Footprint)

Adam’s Peak Climb is the most sacred hike you can take part in Sri Lanka, and it is famous for reasons that are both cultural and spiritual. It is considered to be sacred to three religions at least: The Buddhists, Muslims and the Hindus. The mountain is signified by a large depression on the summit that resembles a “foot” to which all three religions draw significance.

The climb takes approximately three and a half hours and the trail is flanked by the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary – one of Sri Lanka’s highest protected forest reserves. Views from the top are stunning, especially early morning as the warmth of dawn lights up the country in an endless vista of forests, valleys, mountains and lakes.

The “season” to climb is from December to April where pilgrims begin their climb shortly after midnight in order to summit at sunrise.

19. Lipton’s Seat

Lipton’s seat is a viewpoint located in the towering hills of Poonagala, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding tea field from above. With an interesting history, scenic walks and the original Lipton tea factory still in operation on the estate, a day trip to Lipton’s seat should be something you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Sri Lanka.

Located an hour away from Ella, you can choose to take a tuk tuk to the top or make the hike up. Make sure to visit in the early hours to capture a clear view of the mountains and valleys before the mist rolls in.

20. Red Masjid (Red Mosque) in Colombo

Towering over the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of Pettah Colombo, the Red Mosque is one of the architectural wonders of the world.

It is believed that the Red mosque was used as a landmark for sailors approaching the port of Colombo ever since it was built in 1908. And once you see it from your very own eyes you can easily imagine that being true.

21. Lotus Tower in Colombo

The Lotus Tower is a landmark skyscraper that holds the title for the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia. Standing at 350 meters tall, the Lotus Tower is an absolute stunning structure that adds color to the ever-growing skyline of Colombo.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4j6GePBrol/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

22. The lush green rice paddy fields – Anywhere

Sri Lanka is an extremely green island and it’s the paddy fields where that green is at its most intense. The traditional paddy fields or ‘Kumbura’ in Sinhalese, an intricate collaboration between man and nature designed to produce rice, Sri Lanka’s staple food crop. Make a stop at one of these rice fields to discover the simple beauty of it. No doubt it will help to put your mind at ease whatever the situation is.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCnON2pluyJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

23. Dalawella Beach

Dalawella beach, tucked away in the village of Unawatuna which is not so far away from Galle, is perhaps one of the most talked about hot spots on the island – for its beauty, uniquely shaped rocks, soft sandy beach, the famous rope swing as well as Wijaya Beach that makes the most delicious pizzas.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Br6hGVjBcIY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

24. Pasikuda Beach

One of the most beautiful and pristine beaches situated in the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka. The Pasikuda Beach is famous for its shallow seafront framed by natural coral reefs, which enables you to walk for miles into the warm welcoming waters that come up only to knee level.

Pasikuda is a stunning beach resort with many wonderful places to stay. Pasikuda is a great place to relax, unwind and catch stunning sunrises. It is a beach lovers’ ideal paradise.

Uga Bay Anantaya Resort and Spa

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwd37pDhFHP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

25. Arugam Bay Beach

A popular surfing destination, Arugam Bay is a great place to beach, learn to surf, and kick back and relax. This long crescent of sand never fails to mesmerize all who see it for the first time.

26. Nilaveli Beach

Considered as one of Sri Lanka’s best beaches, Nilaveli certainly has that feeling of paradise-island remoteness with plenty of beautiful palm trees swaying over the golden sand. This coastal resort town is located about 16 km north west of Trincomalee, the administrative capital of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. It is about 4 km long with many resorts dotted along the shore. Pigeon island on the horizon is a short boat ride off the Nilaveli beach and makes an interesting trip.

27. Last but not least your plate of Rice and Curry

Rice and Curry can easily be called the national dish of Sri Lanka. Every meal that includes rice and curry is a hit to your senses and it can be different each time. It typically is made up of steamed rice, a protein curry (chicken, fish, pork, mutton or beef) and three or four vegetable curries, a fresh leafy or coconut sambol with dried chilies, dry fish or papadum as accompaniments. An image of your plate of traditional rice and curry is always worth a shot.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bt0C5LDlxVu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

What’s in this article

• Sigiriya Lion Rock
• Pidurangala Rock
• Train journey from Kandy to Ella
• Royal Botanical Gardens Kandy
• Anuradhapura Ancient city
• Polonnaruwa Ancient city
• Nine Arch Bridge Ella
• Little Adam’s Peak Ella
• Castlereagh Reservoir Maskeliya
• Haritha Kanda Bogawantalawe
• Diyaluma Falls
• Safari – Yala National Park
• Coconut tree hill in Mirissa
• Happy peacock mural in Mirissa
• Galle Dutch Fort
• Jaffna Fort
• Tea plantations in the hill country
• Adam’s Peak (The Sacred Footprint)
• Lipton’s Seat
• Red Masjid (Red Mosque) in Colombo
• Lotus Tower in Colombo
• The lush green rice paddy fields – Anywhere
• Dalawella Beach
• Pasikuda Beach
• Arugam Bay Beach
• Nilaveli Beach
• Last but not least your plate of Rice and Curry

Most Luxe Honeymoon Destinations in Sri Lanka

Recent from the travel blog.

Cape Weligama – “When the sky turns lavender, the breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.” – @Wandering Unicorns

Haritha Villas and Spa – “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist.” – Osca Wilde

Water Garden Sigiriya - “Peaceful Indulgence.”

• Destinations

Subscribe & Get Inspired

Join over 1,000+ readers and get Wandering Unicorn's packing guide, exclusive travel tips, giveaways and more!

We use Cookies on our website. Please see our Privacy Policy . By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of Cookies.

• Work with me
• Acolades + Awards
• Published Work
• Bucket List
• Privacy Policy
• Destinations List
• AUSTRALASIA
• WILD SWIMMING
• OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GIRLS
• Write for Me

15 Most Instagrammable Spots in Sri Lanka

There are some incredible Instagram spots in Sri Lanka, and on my trip to Sri Lanka back in February, we managed to see so many beautiful places.

10 Instagram Spots in Sri Lanka

• Hiking Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya
• Elephant safari in Sri Lanka at Minneriya National Park
• Visit Nine Arch Bridge in Ella
• Taking a train ride from Kandy to Ella
• Hiking Riverston Matale
• A visit to Galle Fort Lighthouse
• Trekking through a Tea Plantation in Nuwara Eliya
• Exploring Colombo
• Climbing Sigiriya Rock
• Sunset at the Famous Rope swing in Dalawella

For even more travel tips, check out my 15 Epic Things to do in Sri Lanka !

1. Hiking Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya Sri Lanka

One of my favourite things we did in Sri Lanka was climbing Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya. While Sigiriya Rock is the most famous, and also offers tourists an experience that is rich in history and access to the lion’s paw and the mirror wall, Pidurangala Rock for us, offered far more.

Hiking Pidurangala Rock was a more local experience, as we climbed early morning to get there for sunrise and we also visited the temple on the way up. 

READ MORE:  Hiking Pidurangala Rock in Sigiriya Sri Lanka

2. Elephants in Sri Lanka at Minneriya National Park

A bucket list experience is going on an  elephant safari in Sri Lanka  – I did this and it was the best decision we made, despite the long drive into the middle of the country. It is an unmissable experience to go on safari while in Sri Lanka and although there are lots of national parks to choose from, including the famous Yala National Park, I would suggest heading to Minneriya National Park if you are after herds of elephants in the wild. 

We jumped on a jeep at our stop off and our driver took us into the national park where we drove around for around four hours in total, stopping as and when we wanted and when the driver guide saw an elephant or got a tip-off from another guide. 

READ MORE:  Elephants in Sri Lanka at Minneriya National Park

Photo by Genine Alyssa Pedreno-Andrada from Pexels

3. Visit Nine Arch Bridge in Ella

The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella another bucket list experience anyone visiting Sri Lanka must visit. Spanning 91 meters at a height of 24m the bridge is one of the most iconic shots of Sri Lanka and only a short scroll on Instagram will show you millions of shots of this iconic bridge. 

It’s actual name is ‘Ahas Namaye Palam’ meaning nine skies bridge in Sinhalese and was built at Gotuwala between the Ella and Democrat stations during the British Colonial period and commissioned in 1941. The bridge was then set to be built, but then World War 1 broke out and therefore only rock, bricks and cement were available for use and the builders could not use the original material of steel they wanted to build it with. 

4. Beautiful Train Ride: Kandy to Ella Train

Following on from the train topic, another amazing experience to do in Sri Lanka is to take the Kandy to Ella train journey. Said to be one of the most epic train journeys in the world, it’s certainly an experience worth adding to your Sri Lanka itinerary. 

The train journey from Kandy to Ella can take around six hours, depending on the season, but you can also break up the trip with a stop off in nearby Nuwara Eliya – Nanu-Oya is the station you get out at – a colonial hill station 2,000 metres above sea level. In Nuwara Eliya, you can find more history on British colonialism and a much colder climate. It is also where a lot of the islands tea plantations are located due to its height above sea level and temperature.

READ MORE:  The World’s Most Beautiful Train from Kandy to Ella

5. Hiking Riverston Matale and ‘The Knuckles’

Something we hadn’t originally added to our list of things to do in Sri Lanka was hiking in Riverston but I am so glad we did. What an incredible region of the country and so far it’s barely touched by tourists. It ended up being an unexpected highlight of our journey in Sri Lanka and I would highly recommend getting a tour guide and heading out to explore this area.

Riverston is a region in the middle of the country, and quite a distance from most towns and cities. It is in the middle of nowhere so be prepared for a long drive early morning before arriving in the Matale, Knuckles and Riverston area.

READ MORE: Hiking Riverston Matale and ‘The Knuckles’ in Sri Lanka

6. A visit to Galle Fort Lighthouse

Another Instagram spot in Sri Lanka is the iconic Galle Fort Lighthouse. The Galle Lighthouse is an onshore Lighthouse in Galle, Sri Lanka and is operated and maintained by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. This is Sri Lanka’s oldest light station and has become synonymous with a ray of hope for Sri Lanka after the fort saved thousands during the tsunami in 2004.

The lighthouse is strategically located at the southern end of the promontory, built approximately 6 metres (20 ft) above the road level on the ramparts, at what is known as the Point Utrecht Bastion, giving it full view of any ships entering Galle Harbour.

7. Trek through a Tea Plantation in Nuwara Eliya

Tea is a staple in every home in England so I couldn’t not stop at Nuwara Eliya during our Sri Lanka itinerary.

Whilst most people take the train from Kandy to Ella, we actually jumped off the train at the hilltop town of Nuwara Eliya for a night, before heading on towards Ella and then Galle. It was definitely a great decision and I really loved exploring this different region of Sri Lanka.

If you love tea, you will know Ceylon tea, and Nuwara Eliya is where it’s produced. Because of the climate and soil, it is the perfect place to grow tea, meaning that there are multiple tea plantations and boutiques in Nuwara Eliya. It reminded me of a mix between the Swiss Alps and Scotland, offering a colder climate but stunning fields as far as the eye could see. 

READ MORE: Pedro Tea Factory Tour in Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka

Image by Mohammad afras from Pixabay 

8. Explore Colombo

Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and British. That heritage is reflected in its its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls. And there are some really interesting buildings dotted around the city.

The imposing Colombo National Museum, dedicated to Sri Lankan history, borders sprawling Viharamahadevi Park and its giant Buddha, and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon in Colombo. 

No trip is complete without a day in Colombo so I would suggest spending a day here, either at the start of end of your trip in Sri Lanka, before heading back to the airport. We spend a day here at the beginning of our trip, but it was enough time, and we were then ready to start our adventure in Sri Lanka. 

8. Climb Sigiriya Rock

Also known as Lion Rock, Sigiriya Rock is one of the most popular tourist landmarks to visit on any tourists top things to do in Sri Lanka. The rock, which is a natural phenomenon is a massive 250 m square rock and is also now a recognised as one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sights.

Although a natural happening, it is also an astonishing feat of architecture, where there is now a fortress at the top. This rock has seen many wars and invasions over the years, so the site now has a very important historical relevance in Sri Lanka’s history. It is thousands of years old and was the site of the Royal Palace of one Sri Lanka’s ancient Kings.

We also hiked nearby Pidurangala Rock which also offers the best viewing spot of Sigiriya Rock. We visited at sunrise and we experienced the most magical views I have ever seen as the sun rose in the background.  Pidurangala Rock is slightly smaller, so offers a great viewing platform of the entire area. You can see 360-degree views and see for miles and miles.

READ MORE:  Visiting Sigiriya Sri Lanka

Photo by Alexis Azabache from Pexels

10. Sunset at the Rope swing in Dalawella

Instagram has made many places famous around the world, but one which became an overnight sensation for one small hotel in Sri Lanka is the Famous Rope swing in Dalawella. And now it’s at the top of many tourists things to do in Sri Lanka bucket list. 

The palm tree rope swing at Dalawella Beach is stunning, and even more beautiful at sunset. We didn’t get chance to visit here during our trip as we ran out of time when we were exploring Galle, but if we had another day here we would have headed here for sunset with some beers and the iconic Instagram shot.

The location of the swing is on Dalawella Beach, on the south of the island of Sri Lanka in the popular town of Unawatuna, just outside Galle. Once you arrive at Dalawella Beach the exact location is actually in front of a guesthouse called Dream Cabana, who built the swing as something fun for guests to enjoy, but is now one of the most talked-about and most popular things to do in Sri Lanka.

Tours of Sri Lanka

Book |  sri lanka encompassed.

Explore tea plantations and rock fortresses on this 14-day tour, which is designed to please. This tour is about more than just beaches and stunning views; it’s about the inspiring people you’ll meet along the way. You will visit major cultural sights within Sri Lanka, including the most scenic train ride in the world from Kandy to Ella. All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price. Includes expert guides, meals and transport.

BOOK |  Sri Lanka and the Maldives Adventure

Fancy a trip to the Maldives following your adventure in Sri Lanka? This is the tour for you! This 14-day combo trip brings together the best of Sri Lanka’s cultural highlights and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail the islands of the Maldives aboard a dhoni boat. Experience a safari in Udawalawe National Park, discover cultural treasures of Negombo and Kandy, and then spend an entire week cruising from one tiny and perfect atoll island to another, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and stretching out on blazing white-sand beaches. From culture to paradise, this tour’s got it all.

Looking for more Sri Lanka travel tips?  CLICK HERE !

My travel tips and recommendations.

To book flights, I always use flight search engine, Skyscanner, I regularly use the Everywhere tool to find the cheapest places to travel. It’s how I get to travel so much all around the world. I find it the easiest way to compare flight prices across airlines and get the best deals. 

Accommodation

For accommodation, I usually book most of my hotels or hostels through Booking.com. I love using this platform as it provides me with some amazing deals for accommodation all around the world. Or if you prefer, I also recommend using Airbnb. If you haven’t signed up with Airbnb already, you can use this link to get £25 off your first visit!

Photography and Technology

Here is a list of the technology I always travel with:

• Canon G7X Mark II
• GoPro Hero Black 7
• DJI Mavic Pro
• RØDE VideoMic GO On Microphone

Travel Insurance

Picking travel insurance that covers you in all eventualities is an essential part of planning a trip for every single person. If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel. You never know what’s around the corner.

You can also find me on social media: Facebook , Twitter, YouTube and Instagram .

Sign up to AirBnB with this link and receive a £23 off your first booking.

To receive my articles and reviews straight to your inbox SUBSCRIBE HERE .

Did you know I also vlog my trips? Make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel so you get alerted when all my travel videos goes live… CHECK THEM OUT HERE

Thank you for reading and as always happy adventuring! If you have any questions about the destination please leave these in the comments below.

If you’ve enjoyed this post, please share it for me with all your friends and family!

You Might Also Like

Top 18 Destinations for Solo Female Travellers

Weekend in Belfast: 10 Things to do in Belfast Ireland

REVIEW: Sail The Whitsundays + snorkel the Great Barrier Reef with Cruise Whitsundays

Affiliate links are used in my website. i receive a small commission from products you purchase at no extra cost from you..

• TRAVEL RESOURCES
• FREE TRIP CHECKLIST

Select Page

10 BEST INSTAGRAM PLACES IN SRI LANKA (WITH MAP)

Posted by neha patnaik | INSTAGRAM , SRI LANKA

Looking for the most instagrammable places in Sri Lanka? You have come to the right place! This blog post on the 10 best instagram places in Sri Lanka provides all the deets along with the complete travel information and tips you need. Plus, special photography tips and google map location links for each place !

Before starting, here’s a link for all essential travel requirements you will need:

• FLIGHTS: I check flight prices using  GOOGLE FLIGHTS and   SKYSCANNER.
• VISA: Sri Lanka offers an ETA (Electronic travel authorisation) that can be easily applied online. Click HERE for more details.
• ACCOMODATION: My favourite site for the best hotel options in all budgets is  BOOKING.COM

If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, take a look at all my Sri Lanka posts to plan the perfect Sri Lanka vacation:

• THE BEST BEACHES IN SRI LANKA’S SOUTH COAST

20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MIRISSA

• THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN GALLE FORT
• 10 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN UNAWATUNA

10 BEST INSTAGRAM PLACES IN SRI LANKA (with map links)

Secret beach: the most beautiful beach in sri lanka.

  WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT SECRET BEACH: If you love  beaches , Secret beach in  Mirissa should be on top of your list ! It has 3 different beaches with their own specialties:

• Blue Lagoon: the small tidal blue rock pool right in front when you enter that’s perfect for swimming safely without worrying about the waves. There are day beds and hammocks on this strip to laze around with a drink.
• Palm Cove: Turn left from the blue lagoon to find palm trees lining the coastline. This little strip where jungle meets the sea is very pretty and presents that tropical beach image. It was my favourite area in Secret beach!
• Shelley Beach: Walk right from the Blue lagoon and keep walking till you come across crystal clear rock pools. This is Shelley beach. This part is more hidden and is perfect for getting away from people on the main strip.

Despite it’s name, Secret beach is actually not a secret anymore, though the number of tourists here is less than the main Mirissa beach, thereby making it a perfect place to escape from the crowds if you are visiting during peak season. If you come here early enough, its possible to have the whole place to yourself! This isolated and secluded beach truly feels like a little island paradise. Apart from this, Secret beach is also known as one of the best sunset spots in Mirissa.

HOW TO REACH SECRET BEACH: Look up ‘Secret beach bar’ on google maps as this is the landmark to visit the beach. Most tuk tuk drivers know the place and they will drop you off at a particular point. Since the road towards the end is bad, you gotta walk 10 mins from the drop point to reach the Secret beach bar. There are clear directions on the way so don’t worry about getting lost. Tuk tuk charges are around 500 LKR from Mirissa main beach. If you are coming via your own moped, make sure to try and park as close as possible.

TIMINGS: Sunrise to Sunset

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Early morning around 7-9 am to have less people; before sunset to take in the stunning views (though there will be more people at that time)

ENTRY FEES: Free. You have to pass through the ‘Secret beach bar’ to enter and they do not charge anything. You can order some drinks and snacks and rent a day bed instead.

WHAT TO WEAR: Bring your swimming clothes as you are definitely gonna get into the water. Don’t forget a towel to dry off, a change of clothes and reef safe sunscreen. There is a small changing room near the beach bar.

COLOUR THEORY: I thought Red look great and stood out in the photo spots mentioned below.

PHOTO TIPS: Photo spots in Secret Beach include

• The small landmass in front of the Blue lagoon with the water on either end is a beautiful spot (pic 1)
• The tropical end of the beach (in the left side-pic 2)
• The shallow rockpools of the Blue lagoon

MY RATING: 10/10

GOOGLE MAPS LINK

PRO TIP: Bring your Go pro and/or underwater phone case to get some water shots while snorkelling!

If you love Beaches, here are 2 of the best beaches I have visited along with their travel guides:

• Koh Lanta in Thailand
• Trang islands in Thailand

2. 9 ARCH BRIDGE ELLA: A COLONIAL REMNANT INSIDE A JUNGLE

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT 9 ARCH BRIDGE: The imposing 9 arch bridge in Ella is a beautiful engineering marvel from British colonial times that became famous in instagram thanks to it’s insanely scenic location amidst a lush vibrant jungle filled with tea planatations. The famous ‘Blue train’ shot made it even more famous. Go and witness this epic scenery yourself!

HOW TO REACH 9 ARCH BRIDGE: The easiest way to reach is by tuk tuk which will take 300 LKR and drop you off near the tunnel. You can also walk along the track from Ella town till you reach the tunnel. Walk through it and reach the other side.

TIMINGS: Open always

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit without crowds is during sunrise/ till 8am. But if you want to see the famous Blue train, look up the train timings for your date. The popular train timings are 9am and 10:30 am, but they are often late so stick around.

ENTRY FEES: Free

WHAT TO WEAR: Long pants in case you want to enter into the jungle below the bridge (which is a popular photo spot here) but beware of leeches that are found in abundance. A Good pair of shoes is a must to prevent any slippage. In addition, carry a light jacket as it may be quite cool early in the morning.

COLOUR THEORY: Wearing something in bright red, white or yellow will make you stand out amidst the lush vibrant greenery.

PHOTO TIPS: There are many photo spots here:

• In the jungle under the bridge
• In the surrounding forest area from where you can get an overhead shot
• In the train tracks itself (only if no trains are present, be careful)
• Take a right turn from the bridge towards the forest where a narrow path has a few view points

MY RATING: 9/10

PRO TIP: To save time, you can combine a sunrise hike to little Adam’s peak followed by a visit to 9 arch bridge as there is a clear walking route between them. Also, remember that drones are illegal here.

If beautiful nature is your travel dream, check out  Munroe Island in Kerala for the best backwaters and scenery.

3. JAPANESE PAGODA: PEACEFUL AND SERENE

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT THE JAPANESE PAGODA:   Built in 2005 by Japanese monks as part of a project building peace monuments in conflict zones, the stunning white pagoda has beautiful aerial views of the jungle and the ocean below. In fact, India too has a Japanese pagoda in  Darjeeling.

HOW TO REACH THE JAPANESE PAGODA: This impressive pagoda is located 2.5 kms from the main Unawatuna beach on its northern end, amidst the Russmala hills. Hop on a tuk tuk to take you there and ask him to wait for the return trip. It should cost 400-700 LKR for the whole thing.

TIMINGS: 7AM TO 9PM.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Morning at opening time itself.

WHAT TO WEAR: As the pagoda is an active religious site, make sure to wear modest clothes covering knees and shoulders and behave appropriately.

COLOUR THEORY: You can pretty much wear any bright colour here to stand out against the white background. AVOID White if you do not want to blend in.

PHOTO TIP: Photo spots in the Japanese Pagoda include

• In front of the pagoda itself
• Go up and go around to the side where you can capture an interesting angle
• Take shots of the aerial view from the stupa

MY RATING: 8/10

PRO TIP: Combine your visit to the pagoda with the jungle beach which is a 10-15 mins hike from there.

4. COCONUT TREE HILL: THE PRETTIEST INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT IN SRI LANKA

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT COCONUT TREE HILL: This small hill mound, filled with a clump of tall coconut trees is surrounded by the waters of the Indian ocean on all three sides and offers stunning views of the scenery especially during sunrise and sunset. This is a great place for photography thanks to it’s scenic location thereby making it the best instagram place in Sri Lanka.

HOW TO REACH COCONUT TREE HILL: Coconut tree hill is located around 15 mins walking distance fom Mirissa main beach on its far eastern end. Most tuk tuk drivers know the place and will leave you right outside the gates of the coconut farm. From here, it’s a narrow path to reach the hill. You can also get dropped off on the main road outside the Sunset bar and enter via that way. Walk up a dirt path to reach the top of the mound. Tuk tuk prices are around 200-300 LKR.

BEST TIME TO VISIT:  To avoid the crowds lined up for a shot, go at sunrise and click your photos in peace. From 9am, people start arriving and it becomes crowded. If you want to visit during sunset, go at 4.30pm to get your empty shots done before it becomes crowded by 5.30 pm.

WHAT TO WEAR: Girls, this is THE place to bring out those pretty flowy dresses that look oh-so-beautiful in instagram! Make sure to wear proper sandals to help you climb the small mound safely. You can also carry an umbrella in case of sudden tropical showers.

COLOUR THEORY: Bold vibrant colours like Blue, Magenta, Yellow, Red and also white will work well here.

PHOTO TIPS: Photo spots in Coconut tree hill include

• The best spot is right in the front with the coconut trees (pic 1)
• Turn right and take shots of the picturesque end of the beach (pic 2)
• Take shots of the hill itself from the beach shack

G oogle Maps Link

PRO TIP: Make sure to watch out for any coconut that can suddenly fall from a tree and cause injury. After getting your shots and watching the sunrise/sunset, make your way to the small beach shack located on the right and have some fresh coconut water or juices. Also, this particular area of the beach is known for turtles, so keep an eye out for them. You can even snorkel to improve your chances of a sighting!

5. LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK, ELLA: EPIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS ALL AROUND

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK: The best place to hike and see those beautiful mountain views in Sri Lanka is Ella. And Little Adam’s peak is one of the easier hikes to do in the country and see the scenic views!

HOW TO REACH LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK: Take a tuk tuk and ask them to drop you off at the point till which they are allowed. Alternately you can arrive at Flower Garden resort which is near the entry path. From there hike and make your way till the top. The hike is moderate and should take 30-40 mins.

TIMINGS: Open always but avoid after dark.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: For sunrise, aim to reach the top by 6am. For sunset, you should reach by 5-5.30pm.

WHAT TO WEAR: Proper hiking gear: tracks, tees, good climbing shoes and a jacket with cap to help with the chill. Ella sees rain throughout the year so carry a waterproof jacket or bring an umbrella.

COLOUR THEORY: Red, white and yellow jackets/tops will stand out beautifully against the greenery.

PHOTO TIPS: Walk around a bit to find more view points and photo angles. 

PRO TIP: To soak in the views from this epic spot alone, stick around for a bit till 7am. By then, the sunrise crowd has gone down and the sky clears up a bit more too. Also, carry a flashlight if you are doing a sunrise hike to help with the initial darkness.

6. SWINGING AT DALAWELLA BEACH: THE MOST FAMOUS INSTAGRAM SPOT IN SRI LANKA

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT DALAWELLA BEACH: It’s unbelievable how much a single Instagram shot can change a country’s fortunes but that’s what the iconic ‘coconut tree swing shot’ did for Sri Lankan tourism in today’s insta age. This is your chance to replicate that iconic shot for your gram!

HOW TO REACH DALAWELLA BEACH: Dalawella beach is located only 1.5 kms from the main Unawatuna beach and a tuk tuk costs around 300 LKR. After reaching, head to ‘Dream Cabanas’ , a beach shack which manages the swing.

TIMINGS: Open all day

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Best time: mid-morning for proper light or pre sunset for those colourful hues.

ENTRY FEES: Swing Cost: 500 LKR for 3 attempts.

WHAT TO WEAR: Wear a swim suit or shorts with a tee to hang onto the swing and take the shot comfortably.

COLOUR THEORY: Any colour works.

PHOTO TIPS:

• Swing shots during the day will go a clear picture
• Swing shots in harsh light/post sunset can be captured as a silhouette shot

PRO TIP: Order some nice cocktails at Dream cabanas and take in the stunning sunset after your insta worthy efforts!

7. MIRISSA LAKE SUNSET: THE MOST SCENIC BOAT RIDE IN SRI LANKA

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT MIRISSA LAKE: This was one of our best Mirissa experiences! The boating takes place through an extremely picturesque canal that ultimately opens into Mirissa lake. Along the way, we got to see mangroves, lush plantations, birds resting on trees and even a few monitor lizards crossing the water. It was nature at it’s very best and the beautiful colours at sunset made it surreal.

HOW TO DO THIS BOAT RIDE: We  organised our boat ride through D canal House, which was our stay in Mirissa. The property is beautiful and is located right beside the canal from where the boat tour begins.

TIMINGS: Boating takes place twice a day at sunrise (6-8am) and sunset (4-6pm)

BEST TIME TO VISIT: I honestly can’t choose as I feel both times would be extremely pretty and scenic experiences. Personally, we went for sunset and the sky was simply stunning as you can see from the shots.

BOAT FEES: 2000 LKR

WHAT TO WEAR: Wear comfortable clothes as you will be sitting on a small wooden open air boat. As the boat passes through a lot of lush vegetation, you will find mosquitoes to bother you. Slather on some mosquito repellant cream and better still, wear long pants or skirts to cover up your legs. Don’t forget Sandals, sunscreen and an umbrella in case there’s a light drizzle.

GOOGLE MAPS LINK (to the hotel from where boat can be booked)

PRO TIP: Keep an eye out for monitor lizards that live in these backwaters and are often found swimming. We spotted three!

Looking for more dreamy sunset boat rides? Check out these 2 for a surreal experience!

• Lake Pichola in Udaipur, India
• Munroe Island in India

8. TEA PLANTATIONS, HAPUTALE/ELLA

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT: The area in and around Ella is Sri Lanka’s tea country. The surrounding hills that are filled with tea plantations and shrouded with mist and fog provides an intensely moody and scenic picture. This is nature at it’s very best!

HOW TO REACH HAPUTALE: Hire a tuk tuk or taxi or rent a car to drive from Ella to Haputale. The distance between the two is 22 kms. Make pit stops once you start seeing some plantations on the roadside.

TIMINGS: Any time of the day.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Morning before the afternoon fog comes rolling in.

ENTRY FEES: None

WHAT TO WEAR: Bring along a jacket to deal with the chill. Plus proper shoes are a must.

COLOUR THEORY: Again, bold reds, white or yellow will look beautiful in the pictures here. So bring along a jacket with those hues.

PHOTO TIPS: Stop your vehicle roadside and go a bit further into the fields to get epic views and photos.

MY RATING: 9.5/10

PRO TIP: If you go to Haputale, make sure to visit Lipton’s seat, the highest point in Ella with amazing views all around. It is named after Sir Thomas Lipton who used to run his tea empire from here. It is better to go in the morning when the skies are clear rather than in the afternoon when fog is commonly occurs. The ticket fees to enter his estate costs 200 LKR pp.

9. GALLE FORT LIGHTHOUSE: PICTURE PERFECT POSTCARD MOMENT

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT GALLE LIGHTHOUSE: This iconic lighthouse is the BEST thing to see in Galle.  Surrounded by palm trees and the blue waves of the ocean crashing below, the lighthouse stands tall and the whole scene looks picture perfect. This is the image that has been used most often to represent Sri Lanka in their tourism campaigns and postcards since decades. Suffice to say, it’s a must visit place!

HOW TO REACH GALLE LIGHTHOUSE: From Unawatuna, it’s only 6 km AWAY and a tuktuk is the best option to reach in 15 mins. From Mirissa, Galle is 42 kms and it takes an hour by tuktuk/bus.

TIMINGS: Open 24 hours

BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to photograph it is during sunset.

WHAT TO WEAR: It’s gonna be HOT so comfort is the key. Loose comfortable cotton or linen clothes with good walking shoes is a must. Plus, remember the sunscreen and a hat to protect you from sun rays.

COLOUR THEORY: Bright colours will stand out more in the daytime.

PHOTO TIP: Go towards the lighthouse (keeping some distance) and get your shots with the full lighthouse in the background.

MY RATING: 8.5/10

PRO TIP: Climb up the walls and take a walk along the perimeter of the fort. You can get to see many different vantage points to get some good views and photos. The whole walk is around 2-3 kms and it’s a good way to get different perspectives of the Galle fort.

Also, don’t forget to try some delicious food in the amazing restaurants located in the fort like Poonie’s kitchen (with their insta famous thalis!), Sugar bistro, Peddler’s inn and Amangalla.

Asia has many colonial towns with a history of British past along with local cultures. These towns are a delight for culture lovers with interesting museums, architectural styles and fusion cuisines. If you love such places, i have 3 recommendations for you with the complete travel guides:

• Galle in Sri Lanka
• Fort Kochi in Kerala , India
• Georgetown in Penang, Malaysia

10. PARROT ROCK IN MIRISSA

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT PARROT ROCK: ‘Parrot Rock’ is the name given to a large red mound, sitting amidst the waves in the eastern part of Mirissa beach. The view from above is beautiful and it’s a popular place for viewing sunsets.

HOW TO REACH PARROT ROCK: Depending on the tidal conditions and water level, it Is possible to walk from the beach to the rock and then climb it via some rickety steps.

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Sunrise for a peaceful moment without too many people, sunset for a beautiful view.

WHAT TO WEAR: Wear proper shoes and not just flip flops to be able to climb the dodgy stairs properly and avoid cuts and injuries.

COLOUR THEORY: Anything works

• Photos on the beach with Parrot rock in the background.
• Aerial shots of the beach from Parrot rock itself

PIN THIS POST TO READ LATER

You have Successfully Subscribed!

we promise never to spam you

About The Author

Neha patnaik, related posts.

May 7, 2022

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

• 20 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MIRISSA - TWO FLASHPACKERS - […] 10 BEST INSTAGRAM PLACES IN SRI LANKA (WITH MAP) […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Plan your trip minus the pain.

Subscribe and get  our super helpful and foolproof trip planning checklist that will make planning your trip a breeze! Plus plenty of travel guides, tips and inspiration to fuel your wanderlust. Join our travel community and stay connected

Congratulations! You have now successfully joined the Two Flashpackers travel community.

We promise not to spam you

Pin It on Pinterest

18 of the best things to do in Sri Lanka

Oct 14, 2023 • 12 min read

Experience the best of the island nation of Sri Lanka with these top things to do © Nick Brundle Photography / Getty Images

Sri Lanka may only be small, but thanks to its jungle-clad mountains, golden sandy beaches , abundant wildlife in their natural habitats, and spice-laden cuisines, the island nation ensures visitors are never bored.

From remarkable train rides and fine dining across the capital Colombo to world-class surfing and chic beachside cafes in the south of the country, here are 18 of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.

1. Watch sunrise over Little Adam’s Peak 

Not to be confused with Adam’s Peak, the sacred mountain near Hatton that involves an arduous 5000-step climb, Little Adam’s Peak is a popular, easy-to-do hike for those visiting the tourist hub of Ella . Start your one-hour hike early in the morning when it’s dark outside so you don't miss the sunrise from the summit. Hikers wanting more can then trek Ella Rock and follow a path leading to Nine Arch Bridge.  

Ella itself is a laid-back place. Many stay outside the town, but travelers should immerse themselves in the cafe scene at Cafe Chill . Adventure buffs can go ziplining. While Ella deserves the hype, there are other quaint mountain towns that are also worth visiting: Ohiya, Idalgashinna, Haputale, and Wellawaya. 

2. Taste the world's best cinnamon on Ganduwa Island

Southern Sri Lanka produces some of the world's best cinnamon, a lighter, more sweeter variety than is found in Indonesia and Vietnam. Travelers can learn about the highly prized Ceylon cinnamon by visiting Ganduwa Island on Koggala Lake , just south of Galle , by boat.

Generational peelers spend their days here skillfully shaving thin layers of the tree’s inner bark to create quills of cinnamon. You can buy them alongside small packets of cinnamon powder and cinnamon oil at a cost of about US$2. The boat then takes passengers to some of the other islands. Grab a glass of fresh kirala (mangrove apple) juice from a local vendor on the jetty as you leave.

3. Bird-watch in Bundala National Park

Home to nearly 200 species of native and migratory birds, Bundala National Park is a Ramsar-recognized wetland in the south of the country. Bird-watching tours start at 6am and run for 3–4 hours as the park comes alive with brahminy kites, hundreds of storks, families of whistling wild ducks, Asian green bee-eaters, dancing peacocks, and resting crocodiles. Come the afternoon, wild Asian elephants, spotted deer and wild boar roam amongst the Weera, Neem and Palu trees.

Planning tip:  For the best chance of spotting wildlife, arrange a 4WD safari with a tour operator. Look for offices just outside the park in Bundala Junction.

4. Climb Pidurangala to see the sunrise over the jungle

No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without visiting the Sigiriya , a massive rock fortress with ruins of an ancient palace, water gardens, and frescos near the giant rock Pidurangala . Early birds should buckle up their hiking shoes and climb up Pidurangala at 5am for sunrise, but if you are not a morning person, head here for sunset before the ticket office closes at 6pm.

Planning tip:  The entrance fee is US$30 for this 45-minute climb. The summit overlooks the majestic lion-shaped Sigiriya rock surrounded by tropical jungles and artificial lakes. To reach the top you’ll pass through a Buddhist temple, so carry a shawl or a sarong to cover up.

5. Go kitesurfing on the remote Kalpitiya Peninsula

With numerous flatwater lagoons and plenty of steady wind, Sri Lanka’s northwestern coast offers some of the best kitesurfing in the world. A 3.5-hour drive north of Colombo is the lesser-explored Kalpitiya Peninsula, which is still relatively new to many overseas tourists. The region is home to sandy beaches and small fishing hamlets with droves of wild donkeys strolling around large grasslands.

Stop in Kappalady on the Indian Ocean for kitesurfing lessons with local instructors at Kite Center Sri Lanka . The kite school can arrange kitesurfing safaris (tours) to nearby spots such as Donkey Point, Dutch Bay and Vella Island for more experienced kiteboarders. Other activities in Kappalady include exploring the lagoons by kayak and ethical dolphin-watching tours where large pods of spinner dolphins swim in their hundreds. Good operators will only charter small boats, keep their distance from the pods, and avoid feeding the animals. There are also a few accommodation options by the beach in Kappalady.

6. Camp in the Haputale mountains

An hour by bus from Ella are the misty mountains of Haputale , a region dotted with tea plantations and icy-cold streams. Stay in a local family-run campsite, such as the Eco Lodge Haputale  run by the Dias family. After a few cups of sugary milk tea at their home, they will walk you through a tea garden to their campground made up of several tents with a small kitchen and a dining area that opens up to the Haputale mountains. Wake up to the sound of birdsong and enjoy the sunrise – it’s the highlight of a stay here.

7. Take a train ride from Colombo 

When it comes to experiences in Sri Lanka, taking a train journey is a must . For mountain views coupled with tea gardens, British colonial-era railway stations, and gushing water bodies, take the Colombo to Ella train journey, which also passes through the Instagram-famous Nine Arch Bridge. There are several trains that pass through the route, but since it’s quite popular among travelers, make sure you reserve your tickets beforehand.

But don't just stop there. Hop on a coastal train heading south towards Galle from Colombo for the views of the Indian Ocean and swaying palms. Next, board a train riding up north to Jaffna  – you will notice changing landscapes as you go past Anuradhapura when green rice fields and coconut trees are replaced by palmyra palms, shrubs, and barren soil. 

Planning tip:  Other than local families, travelers, and daily commuters, you'll find plenty of vendors on the trains selling cups of tea, instant coffee, chili-sprinkled fresh fruits, roasted peanuts, yogurt, and even mobile top-up cards. 

8. Feast on Sri Lankan crabs

Sri Lankan crabs sell fast in Singapore’s fine-dining restaurants, and rarely make it to the menu back home. But that’s starting to change: for an upmarket taster in Colombo, head to the Ministry of Crab inside the Dutch Hospital Complex . For something more local, you can’t beat the Mayura Hotel in Pettah Market . 

Planning tip:  If you’re in the north of the country, you must try the Jaffna crab curry from Cosy Restaurant near the Jaffna Railway Station, which comes with a punchy, spicy kick.

9. Look for the elusive Sri Lankan leopard at Wilpattu National Park

Most visitors to Yala National Park want to see the endangered Sri Lankan leopard. However, overcrowding is common and safari 4WDs have been known to scare the animals away.

For a better and more conscientious safari experience, head to Wilpattu National Park in the northwest of the island and book with a responsible operator like Leopard Trails . Their guides don't chase after possible sightings, but they do turn off their vehicle engines near animals. They will also whisper near any sighting so as not to disturb the animals. As well as leopards, the park is also home to Asian elephants, sloth bears, and bark deer all in their natural habitats.

Alternatively, Kumana National Park , in the eastern part of Yala, is a good place for bird-watchers. If luck prevails, you may just come across a leopard napping on a rugged boulder too.

10. Witness the largest wild Asian elephant gathering in the world

Sri Lanka is home to an estimated 4000 wild Asian elephants, best seen in their natural habitats, the country’s national parks . During the dry months from July to September, the large reservoirs in Kaudulla and Minneriya National Parks draw herds of wild Asian elephants where they graze on grass, bathe and play together. Hot days see elephants sheltering in the nearby jungles, but in the afternoon, around 4pm, they slowly emerge. This is your chance to see hundreds of the creatures hanging out by the lakes, the largest gathering of wild elephants in the world.

Planning tip:  Skip places where elephants are held in captivity – except for the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe . Run by the government wildlife department, with support from the Born Free Foundation , this halfway house takes in abandoned and injured elephant calves and returns them to the wild once they have recuperated. 

11. Eat traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry in Unawatuna

Sri Lankans enjoy curry and rice for at least one meal a day – sometimes for all three – and while there are plenty of great places to try the national dish, Mettha's Home Cooked Meals, sandwiched between the cafes and souvenir shops of Unawatuna, in the south of Sri Lanka is among the best. Freshly prepared onsite by Aunty Mettha herself (with a little support from her family), the creamy Sri Lankan dal in coconut milk is a must.

Planning tip:  If you fancy learning how to cook curry dishes, head over to the family-run Sea Waves Restaurant in Unawatuna , but don’t leave without trying the whole butterfish cooked in a secret umami-rich homemade sauce.

12. Learn the life of Sri Lanka's indigenous people

The Vedda are the indigenous people of Sri Lanka. Originally forest-dwellers, their numbers have dwindled over the years due to migration, habitat loss, and assimilation into the nation's dominant Sinhala-Buddhist culture. Now scattered across the island in small numbers, some Vedda families still preserve their native language, cuisines and rituals in places like Dambana, an indigenous village and museum in the southern part of Maduru Oya National Park.

Planning tip:  For a more immersive experience, head east to Gal Oya where you can take tours with the Vedda to see their ancient caves and hunting grounds. Wild Glamping Gal Oya works closely with the Vedda community to organize ethical encounters. 

13. Try  kottu roti  street food

No other meal captures Sri Lanka quite like kottu roti . This popular street food is a carb-heavy mishmash of fresh vegetables, leftover roti (flatbread), and eggs, plus a choice of meat or seafood. Thrown together onto a metal griddle and chopped into tiny slices using two metal blades, you can often hear the distinct clink-clink-clink of metal on metal from a few hundred feet away.  Kottu roti is available across the island, but try it in Colombo from Hotel de Pilawoos or Hotel de Plaza (note: Sri Lankan restaurants are often named "hotels").

Planning tip:  Don’t get deceived by any Pilawoos or Hotel de Plaza, though – there are numerous holes-in-the-wall with the same name – the originals are on Galle Road in Colombo 03. Order yours with a glass of iced Milo (a popular chocolate malt drink), which goes perfectly with a sizzling hot kottu .

14. Explore the quirky lanes of Galle Fort

Galle Fort is an eccentric mix of Portuguese, Dutch and British architectural influences surrounded by spas, luxury hotels, souvenir shops, ice cream parlors and gem boutiques. Come in the morning hours when the Fort lanes slowly open up. First, eat a hearty Sri Lankan breakfast at National Tea Rooms, which is the oldest existing cafe in Galle Fort run by a friendly Sri Lankan family since 1932. 

Shop for postcards and wall posters with funky Sri Lankan graphics, tuk-tuks and vintage maps at Stick No Bills . For lunch, don’t miss the peppery black pork curry at Church Street Social . The view from the ramparts is a must-see, especially during sunset. 

15. Chase the waves with Sri Lanka’s first local female-run surf club

Surfers of all levels head to Arugam Bay on the east coast. During the season from April to August, this curl of soft, ocher sand comes alive at night with parties, booze and live music. It also has a laid-back surf scene, including the Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club , the first all-women club in Sri Lanka, which holds swimming, surfing and yoga lessons for the community.

Planning tip:  The beach shacks that dot the shoreline serve delicious Sri Lankan roti stuffed with chocolate, banana, chicken, cheese and vegetables for a post-surf pick-me-up.

16. Cycle through the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa

Following the fall of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the second capital of Sri Lanka from 1070 to 1232, and the ruins of this ancient city are now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Don't miss the Vatadage, a circular relic house with a large Buddha statue. Beyond that, cycle through the ancient city and pay a visit to the ancient Royal Palace .

Other impressive archaeological relics, including the standing Buddha in Lankatilaka Vihara and a series of Buddha statues carved out of granite in Gal Vihara . You can see the South Indian influence in some of the remains – this is because the ancient kingdom faced several South Indian invasions back then.

Planning tip:  Arrive early in the morning to beat the sweltering sun and get the best of this wonderful archaeological park to yourself. The Polonnaruwa ruins are crowded during weekends, school holidays, and on the full moon.

17. Get close to nature with a stay in a treehouse

Nature lovers will enjoy the experience of sleeping in a treehouse. Surrounded by the nearby jungle, these houses are built on a wooden platform up the tree. Book one of the treehouses at Back of Beyond in Sigiriya if you don’t mind visiting lizards and monkeys. 

For those who are in the far south of Sri Lanka, Tangalle is a mix of rugged sandy beaches, lagoons and shrublands. Here, Jaywa Lanka has a treehouse next to the mangroves; you’ll only hear the faint hum of crashing waves and twittering of birds. Occasional visitors include wild peacocks trying to charm their peahens. 

18. Snack on hoppers

If there’s one thing to try before you leave Sri Lanka, it’s hoppers ( aappa in Sinhala; appam in Tamil), bowl-like pancakes made from rice flour batter. With crispy edges and fluffy centers, plain hoppers are eaten with curries or a spicy sambal (chili paste) called lunu miris made with onions and dried red chili. 

Walk into a street joint in the evenings and you’ll often find plain hoppers topped with an egg. If you are in Colombo, head to Palmyrah Restaurant  in Renuka Hotel for some Sri Lankan fine dining; the dinner menu includes both savory and sweet hoppers with milk or jaggery. Or, if you don’t mind long lines, try some hoppers from Aunty Radhika in the Wellawatta neighborhood. Walk past the bank on WA Silva Mawatha to find this small, but popular, hopper stall.

This article was first published Feb 6, 2022 and updated Oct 14, 2023.

Explore related stories

Jan 21, 2020 • 5 min read

River trips in Sri Lanka are a lesson in slow travel, and an unsung way to explore the island nation. Expect birds, monkeys, lizards and a dose of culture.

Sep 9, 2019 • 5 min read

Jun 29, 2019 • 4 min read

Sep 6, 2018 • 7 min read

Jun 8, 2018 • 6 min read

Jul 11, 2017 • 6 min read

Mar 6, 2017 • 5 min read

Mar 19, 2014 • 5 min read

Feb 14, 2024 • 8 min read

Oct 16, 2023 • 8 min read

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..

• Copy Link copied

From left: Ahangama Beach; a coconut water vendor.

Photos by Elise Hanna

Outside a tent in Haputale, 112 miles east of Sri Lanka’s largest city, Colombo, I sipped a cup of sugary tea, the morning sun warming my hands and feet. Mist blanketed the surrounding tea gardens. All was quiet except for the chattering of the birds, the faint hum of a nearby stream, and an occasional murmur from nearby hikers readying their packs for the day. I was at the Eco Lodge Haputale , a family-run campsite in the Haputale mountain range of Sri Lanka. Although the campsite also has a guesthouse, the appetite for it has shifted. “Since the pandemic began, our guests prefer the outdoors,” Viraj Dias, the eldest son of the family, told me.

The Dias family who owns it is part of a noticeable boom in interest in the outdoors in Sri Lanka. When the world went crabwise—after borders closed and international arrivals to Sri Lanka dwindled—the country’s tourism industry pivoted, courting residents like myself with new adventure offerings: kayaking trips, guided bush walks, and wildlife ranger programs for kids. After spending several months working from home in Colombo, I wanted to reconnect with nature. And I wasn’t alone. Across the country, Sri Lankans trekked through primary rain forests, snorkeled with sea turtles, strolled the island’s sprawling shores, and explored its dense mangrove forests. (Good news for international travelers: As I write this, Sri Lanka’s borders are fully open, and more than half its population is fully vaccinated.)

Weligama Beach is the perfect place for a sunset swim.

Photo by Elise Hanna

Born and raised in the fishing hamlet of Weligama, on the island’s south coast, Thilina Dananjaya is not new to tourism; his father opened the first guesthouse here in the 1980s. But Dananjaya, owner of Layback, a boutique hotel that focuses on surfing and yoga, says his perspective has changed in the last year. “Being confined to our homes made us more conscious about our health and the luxury of spending time outdoors,” he says.

Dananjaya and his team used the slower period to add a yoga deck, a concept store for women-made handicrafts, a new restaurant, and two spacious rooftop terraces that overlook the bay of Weligama. In November 2021, Dananjaya reopened Layback for retreats that incorporate surfing, yoga, traditional batik workshops, and Sri Lankan cooking classes. “I saw the demand and desire,” he says of the decision to increase his offerings. “People are longing for a ‘local experience,’ and more people want to retreat.”

From left: The view from the yoga deck at Layback, a boutique hotel focused on surfing and yoga; a local at Hiriketiya Beach.

Two hundred miles north, on the northwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Shirabdi De Silva owns the women-run boutique hotel Anawasal . It opened in 2017, but over the past 18 months, De Silva says she’s noticed a growing interest in small-scale accommodations—like hers—that allow visitors to experience the country on a more intimate level.

Set in Kalpitiya, a coastal region with 14 islands that make up the peninsula, Anawasal has three thatched-roof cabanas and two villa rooms set in a large one-acre palm garden. The ecofriendly accommodations overlook a vast lagoon with dense mangrove marshes that serve as feeding and nesting grounds to both native and migratory birds. Travelers can explore the lagoon by kayak or stand-up paddleboard. From November until April, just a few miles off the coast in Kalpitiya, visitors can see large pods of spinner dolphins twirl, riding the waves and leaping out of the ocean.

From left: Fishermen pull in nets at Weligama Beach; sun-dried fish at a stall along a beach road.

De Silva also conducts personalized yoga sessions, and nearby, the Rascals Kite Resort offers kitesurfing lessons with local and foreign instructors. (Kalpitiya is one of the top kitesurfing destinations in Asia.) De Silva and Rascals have teamed up on a new project called Lay Low, a yoga and kitesurfing retreat with new ecofriendly cabanas on a secluded island in Kalpitiya. It will open in the fall of 2022.

Water-based adventures and yoga aside, bushwalks and wildlife safaris are also on the rise. In the central inlands of Sri Lanka, the locally run ecotour outfit Bush Loft has set up wildlife campsites in some of the country’s most remote corners. Their experiences include fly camping in the grasslands of Buttala, a region frequented by elephants, as well as safaris in Yala National Park , where visitors can see Sri Lankan leopards and Asian elephants in the dry plains.

From left: A tuk-tuk in southern Sri Lanka that delivers bread; an elephant in Yala National Park.

Travelers can also go it alone and independently arrange four-wheel drive safaris in the national parks with a registered tour guide and driver. Recently, on an impromptu safari to Kaudulla National Park in the north of the country, I spotted a herd of Asian elephants protecting the youngest member of their group, trunks and limbs moving in tandem. Soon after, I paused to watch a dancing peacock and yellow weaverbirds flitting in and out of their intricate woven nests, which hung from branches all around me. This, I thought— is what Sri Lanka is all about.

>>Next: Singapore’s Geylang Neighborhood Is Developing a New Reputation as a Foodie Hot Spot

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Why Sri Lanka's south coast is the creative hotspot to know about for 2024

By Chandrahas Choudhury

We are on different planes, me and them, perhaps even different planets: Land and Sea, Stillness and Speed. On a grassy bluff at the southern tip of Sri Lanka , I clasp a Negroni, my feet pointing downhill towards the Indian Ocean. Snatches of jazz float into my ears from Cape Weligama’s Surf Bar. On the horizon, a cluster of roseate clouds echoes the amber of my drink.

Down in the ocean, there is traffic. Half a dozen surfers using the last light of day to glide balletically into a reef break created by a headland. They are rapt in their quest. Their histories and identities dissolved by the low light and the immensity of their stage, these stick figures remind me of fishermen in an old Japanese woodblock print.

But in truth, their appearance here on the south coast is of fairly recent vintage. In the past decade, between December and April , when the first of Sri Lanka’s two monsoons has spent itself and the weather is balmy, a long band of this coast – an arc of about 55 miles from Hikkaduwa in the west to Hiriketiya in the east – has become a cosmo­ politan revel centred around surf culture, with a side of yoga. Everywhere on the rim of the island – which I peregrinate with my companionable driver G Douglas Wijerathna, on an itinerary thoughtfully laid out by Ampersand Travel – I see scooters and tuk­tuks ferrying surfers to beaches and breaks, surf schools and camps.

At sunrise and sunset, the sea is speckled with every kind of surfer: paddling out to sea, queueing to catch a wave, clustering in groups around coaches or lying on loungers quaffing orange thambili – the water of the delicious “king coconut” native to the island. An alien making landfall in the new surf towns of Ahangama or Hiriketiya might easily conclude that earthlings are an amphibious, chilled­out species attached to two totems. Twice a day, they park their phones and head to sea with their boards.

This beeline to an undiscovered shore is a familiar arc in the surfing world. On Sri Lanka’s south coast, though, the surf revolution has also sparked great stores of home­grown creativity. It has drawn to this part of the island an artistic, culinary and entrepreneurial force not directly linked to the surf scene, opening out a new frontier crackling with a million­flowers­bloom energy not found in Colombo or along the Buddhist and tea trails. These include tea mogul Malik Fernando’s Resplendent Ceylon and Reverie, two lines of boutique resorts where I delight in highly worked­up visions of Sri Lankan beauty – from a deep­tissue massage soundtracked by the muffled boom of the sea at the sublime Kayaam House to a dreamlike stay in a retro­futuristic canvas cocoon on the edge of a nature reserve at the Wild Coast Tented Lodge. And the beach town of Ahangama, formerly best known for its 19th­century Buddhist temple and stilt fishing, is now also home to Palm, a modernist A­frame jungle fantasy where, in the words of its owner Miriam Haniffa, “ Shoreditch meets Sri Lanka”.

Sarah James

CNT Editors

Olivia Morelli

Meanwhile, the best cocktail bar and smokehouse in the region is not in Galle, the majestic Dutch colonial city that was historically the south’s biggest draw. At Smoke & Bitters, in the jungly open air in the tiny village of Hiriketiya, Lahiru Perera and Don Ranasinghe direct boozy evenings of Ceylon arrack, silvertip­tea vermouth and house­made bitters alongside playful locavore food: “calamari” ingen­iously concocted from coconut flesh, dragon­fruit ceviche and smoked jackfruit sandwiches. The region has, in one long breath, drawn a large, diverse cast of people who believe their best life is here.

Consider Raffael Kably. I meet Raff one warm morning in his own kingdom: Soul & Surf, an eight­room B&B he is managing at the time of my visit (he has since left). On the edge of a blue cove in Ahangama, it is ringed by coconut trees and has its own little strip of beach. I imag­ ined Raff would be Sri Lankan, but right away I place his Mumbai accent almost down to the exact postcode. We grew up, it turns out, only a few miles apart in the western suburbs of the megapolis. There the similar­ ities end. Sea­suave in blue shorts and a crisp white half­sleeve shirt showing off his tattooed forearms, this former DJ and film producer is the consummate insider. In concert with Soul & Surf’s founder Ed Templeton (also a former DJ), he’s watched the local scene burgeon and given it a distinctive accent.

Sri Lanka had always attracted a small pool of surfers focused on the waves of Arugam Bay, the highly rated spot in the east of the island. Indeed, these hardy souls, largely indifferent to political and economic turbulence, were the mainstay of the tourist economy during the civil war that besmirched the lives of an entire generation from the 1980s onwards. Then, as tourism began to take off again after the end of the war in 2009, the south started to acquire a growing reputation, especially as a place where surfing beginners and inter­ mediates could make progress. (“The waves are more forgiving here,” explains Raff, “because the reef is only about two metres deep.”) It also helped that surf season in the Sri Lankan south – unlike in Arugam Bay, where it starts in May – coincides with winter for so many potential visitors.

Around 2017, the scene really took off, sparked by reports on social media broadcasting the variety of breaks on offer: a lush sun­kissed landscape of swaying coconut trees, wild almond and pandanus; the charms of fresh seafood and thambilis on tap; and the growing number of establishments able to serve as one­stop portals to all the pleasures of this world. Soul & Surf, which started off as a pop­up surf camp, had already set down roots on its current site. And in 2018, Raff moved to Ahangama for good, both to ride and guide the wave. “After I surf in the morning, I find I just cruise through my day,” he says. “I love setting up the same pleasure for others. Although here we’re not just into surf surf surf. We’re after a more discriminating kind of surfer and traveller.”

To that kind of traveller, establishments such as Dots Bay House in Hiriketiya, Soul & Surf and The Jungalows in Dikwella offer a community of like­minded people, a full menu of activity, pleasure and self­discovery, and an authentic connection to place. Here, the shared values are aquaphilia, mindfulness and multiculturalism – a kind of carpe­diem cool with an eco­warrior edge. Participants (guests seems too passive) are as likely to gather for beach clean­ups as sundowners. Soul & Surf has even come up with a manifesto of surfing as a way of life, which means caring for the planet, living in the present and practising blue health (the idea that being near water is good for you). Almost a Dhammapada, or Buddhist scripture, for surfers, including the very meta idea of not taking surfing too seriously.

Not taking surfing too seriously, though, is not a notion that Shaggy can take seriously. Of all the people I meet here, no one embodies the new ethos of this world more completely than this local surfing eminence. Shaggy – he seems to have jettisoned his birth name entirely – is small­built, wiry and voluble, with a topknot (updos appear to be mandatory among young Sri Lankan surf coaches), a smile to light up a concert hall and an Instagram account (@shaggy2557) where he strafes the visiting smartphones with his best moves, sometimes in slow motion.

Shaggy received his first surfboard when he was seven years old, a present from a British tourist whose name, Gary Wills, he still remem­ bers. “In the 1990s we were 10 guys sharing a board, five waves each at a time,” he says, in the lilting, long­vowelled English of the island. “We’d go surfing, then climb a coconut tree, drink up and go surfing again.” Shaggy came of age perfectly in sync with the rising tides of the south, realising, even as many friends pondered emigration due to the island’s economic downturn, that the world had started flowing towards him. He now runs a small, thriving operation called Shaggy’s Surf School in the village of Midigama, close to five surf breaks with resonant names: Coconuts, Plantation, Ram’s, Lazy Left and Lazy Right. “Playing cricket is a waste of time,” he says with a scowl, demol- ishing the reigning passion of scores of his countrymen in one strike. “Me, I dream of the beach.”

Over the days I work out a way of shuttling between, even joining up, the bright new universe of the ocean rim and the older world that lies a few miles inland. (The border between the two is often very clear: the coastal railway line running south from Colombo to Beliatta). On the seaward side, behind the arcing silhouettes of coconut trees and the colourful rows of stacked surfboards in beach shacks, are shoals of surfers gliding on a shimmering blue. On the landward side are women with parasols and schoolchildren coasting on bicycles alongside emerald-green paddy fields that harbour a wealth of wetland birds: pond herons, darters, sunbirds.

The seaside is froth and laughter, bass beats and boot camps; faces from far lands flushed with excitement – delightful to contemplate in a country where pleasure and freedom have so often been shadowed by darkness and foreboding. Calling me inland are the undulating slopes of the Handunugoda Tea Estate; the giant statues of the Buddha in serene hilltop viharas, where the sun-baked stone scorches bare feet; and the conical towers of the Old Dutch Trade Centre in the market town of Matara. While the many seaside villas are surrounded by sculp- tural frangipani, the Buddhist monasteries inland often exist among thoughtful banyan trees with great rustling canopies.

And just like the low murmur of the sea is the gently coaxing voice of Douglas, conjuring up little nuggets of history as we coast, pointing suddenly to a shrine lit up in the sunshine or a bird hidden in a bower, the very embodiment of the goodness and grace that exists in so many people of this land. All they need is someone to listen.

Where to stay in Galle

The best places to stay are clustered in Galle Fort, the Unesco-listed 16th-century peninsula south of town. History, romance and colonial grandeur emanate from each of the 11 suites in the Galle Fort Hotel , a 300-year-old Dutch mansion recently restored by renowned Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte. The Admiral Cheng Ho Suite, named after the great Ming Chinese admiral and regular Sri Lanka visitor, is a highlight with its boxy antique opium bed and spiral staircase up to a sly loft level. Sumptuous breakfasts (hoppers, curry, sambol, fresh fruit) are served beneath fragrant frangipani trees in a colonnaded courtyard, while drinks are taken on the long veranda facing the street. Just up Church Street, Amangalla is every bit as imperious in a beautiful 17th-century sandstone corner building. Even if you don’t stay, it’s worth visiting for the three tiers of high tea on the blue and yellow Portuguese-era tiles of the veranda. On a hilltop inland from Galle, the five-bedroom Villa Mine sits in its own 9,000 square metres of undulating landscaped garden, with a hilltop dining pavilion, swimmable lake and pool among groves of mango, palm and rambutan.

Where to stay in Weligama and Ahangama

The south coast stretch with the widest portfolio of pleasure. At one end of Weligama Bay, Villa Suriyawatta offers a splendid private seaside revel for families and groups. Its five bedrooms sleep 12; seven staff members, including a chef, provide unobtrusive hospitality; the frangipani, fish poison and traveller’s palm trees are gorgeous botanical setpieces, and a sumptuous living-room overlooks a swimming pool that overlooks the ocean. It’s just one of the properties overseen by Eden Villas , run by longtime resident Jack Eden, who organises stays at some of the most beautiful properties in the country. Beside a turtle-friendly lagoon close to a surf break, the Ahangama outpost of the Soul & Surf brand (also in Kerala and the Algarve) hews to a well-grooved formula of sea-facing yoga, healthy communal meals and serious but beginner-friendly surf coaching with video analysis. Further inland at Malabar Hill, the arches and pillars of old Rajasthan have been audaciously reproduced amid 33 acres of hillside, with private pools and panoramic views in each high-ceilinged villa – and there are bird walks, nature trails and bike rides into the surrounding wetlands. In a former Ahangama coconut plantation given new life by ex-Shoreditch first-time hoteliers Laurie Spencer and Miriam Haniffa, Palm is equally serene, but more future-facing, with six black A-frame cabanas and two suites on stilts with butterfly chairs, outdoor showers and a prevailing sense of concrete-and-rattan tropical modernism.

Where to stay in Hiriketiya and Dikwella

Around these two surfing honeypots, the stays tend to be laid- back, surf-driven and eco-focused – from the thatched huts and solar-powered showers of The Jungalows in Dikwella , which has an almost boot-camp approach to its surf teaching, to Dots Bay House in Hiriketiya, where Dots Surf Cafe serves great locavore food and doubles as a workspace. The vibe is more secluded at Claughton House , a capacious five-bedroom seaside villa on a coconut plantation, with chef and private butler, overlooking the pristine and private Kudawella Bay. Designed by the late Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s pre-eminent modernist, the space flows like an Indian Ocean breeze, right down to the show-stopping infinity pool. With its little pavilions and undulating terraces, Hiriketiya’s alfresco Smoke & Bitters creates a flow state for wondrous Ceylon arrack and coconut-flesh calamari.

Where to stay in Tangalle and Yala

In Tangalle, more than an hour’s drive east of Galle, the recently opened Kayaam House is a minimalist, light-saturated villa in white, blue and brick tones. The sound of the waves and the gurgle of cascading water radiate a monastic serenity, and the spa has a fine selection of hot-stone and deep-tissue massages. Two hours east of Tangalle on the edge of Yala National Park lies Wild Coast Tented Lodge: 28 giant pods set down on the ocean’s edge with copper fittings, porthole windows, leather chairs and Bluetooth speakers to distract you from game drives in search of jaguars and elephants. Children have their own extension pods in the eight Family Cocoon Suites.

How to do it

Sri Lanka is a key destination for tour company Ampersand Travel, whose founder James Jayasundera is half Sri Lankan. The team can organise tailor-made itineraries along the island’s south coast, often including stays with Eden Villas ( edenvillas.com ) with suggested options including a 13-day ultimate beach holiday from £4,650 and a nine-day luxury surfing tour from £4,400.  ampersandtravel.com .

• Join the Alliance
• Tourism Advisory Group
• Member Directory
• Membership Categories
• Join the Alliance for Free
• Love Sri Lanka Jobs
• Agent Portal
• Sri Lanka Travel Expert Training Portal
• Sustainability Training Modules
• Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance Top 10 Sustainability Principles
• Sustainability Champions Program
• Resilience Action Plan
• Love Sri Lanka
• COVID-19 Response Plan
• Crisis Response Plan
• Emerging Leaders Program
• Grants for Tourism Resilience
• Responsible Tourism
• Alliance Updates
• Member Updates
• Opinion Pieces
• Media Centre
• Industry Research & Reports
• Destination Marketing Campaign Results
• Video Library
• Career Paths
• Tourism Career Inspo Videos
• Inclusivity in Tourism
• Niche Tourism Marketing Tool Kits

• News and Updates

“Fall In Love Again” The Destination Marketing Campaign reach it’s heights

The Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance (SLTA) launched its Destination Marketing campaign “ Fall in Love Again”   in October 2022. The campaign covered multiple platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Google Display advertisements.

The campaign targeted key markets  including India,Germany, Spain, UK, France and the US with the primary objective of promoting Sri Lanka as a safe and secure destination for travelers. With a strong focus on communicating the stability of Sri Lanka to the world, the campaign aimed to dispel any misconceptions surrounding the country’s safety and security.

The data to 10th April 2023 shows a staggering 31,408,795 impressions amongst UK, Europe and US travellers, translating to a 63.32% surge in campaign traffic, with an impressive 315,108 page views

Read Report

Alliance Membership Join Today

Join the Alliance and access a host of opportunities to grow your business

Recent Posts

• Balance Your Body And Mind At Santani, Sri Lanka’s Top Wellness Retreat 22nd April, 2024
• Women In Tourism Event Key Highlights 18th April, 2024
• Australia’s MDF study reveals factors influencing women’s participation in tourism industry 2nd April, 2024
• Santani, Sri Lanka spa review 18th March, 2024
• Wild Elephant Deaths in Sri Lanka 15th February, 2024
• Vacancies (2)
• Resilience Webinars (8)
• Member Updates (7)
• Alliance Updates (20)
• Conservation Webinars (2)
• Responsible Tourism Blogs (4)
• Opinion Pieces (30)
• Press Releases (10)
• The Alliance in the News (4)
• Uncategorized (1)
• February 2024
• January 2024
• December 2023
• January 2023
• December 2022
• October 2022
• February 2022
• January 2022
• December 2021
• November 2021
• October 2021
• September 2021
• August 2021
• February 2021
• January 2021
• December 2020
• November 2020
• October 2020
• September 2020
• August 2020
• October 2019

lovesrilanka_slta

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

Meet the locals:

• Tourism News
• Wildlife Streaming
• Board of Directors
• Tourism Publications
• Important Notices
• Tender Documents

Tourism Hotline: 1912

• Sri Lanka At A Glance

International Endorsements

• 10 Good Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka
• Marvels of Sri Lanka
• World Class Sri Lanka
• Sri Lankan Legends

12 Things to Do in Colombo

• Suggested Itineraries
• Lesser Known Attractions

Sri Lankan Heritage

Provincial Tourism

• Tourist Map of Sri Lanka
• Interactive Map
• Tourist Attractions
• Beach Holidays
• Wild Safaris
• Adventure Sports
• Adventure Tours
• Whale Watching
• Discover The Past
• Nature Trails
• Scenic Beauty
• Meetings & Conferences
• Colombo City Tour
• Eco Tourism
• Tourist Friendly Eating Places
• Spa & Wellness Centers
• Spice Gardens
• Tourist Shops
• Arts and Crafts
• Volunteer Tourism
• Research Tourism
• Things to See
• Buy Gemstone
• Upcoming Events
• Visa Requirements
• Plan Your Trip
• Visa Services
• Online Services
• Sri Lankan Embassies
• Travel Tips
• Travel Habits

Getting Around

• Distance Calculator
• Sri Lanka Weather
• Emergency Services
• Sri Lankan Public Holidays 2022
• Best Of Sri Lanka
• Tour Guides
• Authorized Tourist Drivers
• Authorized Tuk Tuk Drivers
• Buy E-Tickets for Attractions
• Travel Magazines and Directories
• Tourist Information System (Kiosks)
• Currency Converter
• Travel Apps
• Foreign Embassies
• Travel Agents
• Doing Business in Sri Lanka
• Online Booking
• Hotels & Other Accommodation
• Newly Registered Hotels & Other Accommodation
• Explore the Sri Lanka's Best
• National Holiday Resorts (Also Known as "Tourist Board Guest Houses")
• Travel Blog
• SLTPB Promotional KIT
• E-Brochures & Attraction Guides
• Management Team
• Supplier Registration 2018
• Plan a business event test
• Chinese New Year 2018
• What the world has to say
• Your Complaints

The 15 Best Islands in the World

  Meet the locals

Sun & Beach

This entire island gifted by shining blue water. Therefore, Sri Lanka is most popular for beaches among tourists.   Read More

In Sri Lanka, you can discover rich and enormous cultural heritage.  Read More

Adventure & Sports

In Sri Lanka, you can get experience in water base, air base, earth base and many kinds of activities.  Read More

•  Pilgrimage
•  Ayurveda
•  Nature Trails
•  Meetings & Conferences
•  Things to See
•  Eco Tourism
•  Shopping
•  Night Life
•  Buy Gemstone
•  Spa & Wellness Centers
•  Discover The Past
•  Dining
•  Tourist Shops
•  Spice Gardens
•  Tourist Friendly Eating Places

Events & Festivals

You can participate to Sri Lanka's cultural festivals and events, and it gives you to chance experience in unique cultural rituals. Read More

within this you can easily find out proper tour itineraries to explore the Sri Lanka. Read More

Mirissa Whale Watching

Blue whales are the biggest animal live on the earth and Mirissa is the one of most suitable spot to watch blue whales and other whales too.  Read More

Yala National Park

This is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka.Yala is home to Asian elephants, leopards and variety of beautiful endemic birds.  Read More

sigiriya popular as eighth wonder of the world among the tourists and it was the one of Asia's oldest landscaped garden.  Read More

•  Gall Fort
•  Hikkaduwa Beach
•  Dambulla Cave Temple
•  Wild Safaris
•  Colombo City Tour
•  See All Attractions

Colombo is the commercial and financial capital of the Sri Lanka. This city filled with luxurious hotels,restaurants and many variety of attractions.   Read More

Sri Lanka have divergent nine provincials.Select what you most prefer provincial in here and travel like your own way.   Read More

Southern Corridor

Many of gorgeous beaches are located in southern province of Sri Lanka and not at all, this city is home to ancient British and Dutch architectural buildings and many of ancient religious sites.  Read More

•  Northwest Province
•  Sabaragamuwa Province

Explore Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the treasure of island for all tourists. You can discover variety of natural, cultural and historical heritages within few hours.  Read More

Sri Lanka at a Glance

As a pearl of the Indian ocean Sri Lanka have unique cultural, geological features. Those things will help you to find out new experience to your life.  Read More

Weather in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has different weather conditions. Center of the country weather are balmy and other sides being hot. You can feel this different in a one day.  Read More

Public Holidays in Sri Lanka

Full moon Poya days and other religious festivals make the majority of the holidays in Sri Lanka. This will help you to plan a wonderful journey.  Read More

•  Marvels of Sri Lanka
•  International Endorsements
•  Tourist Map of Sri Lanka
•  Currency & converter
•  Sri Lankan Embassies
•  Foreign Embassies
•  Emergency Services
•  Tourism News

Apply for a Visa

General tips and tricks

•  Visa Requirements
•  Visa Services
•  Travel Tips
•  Tour Guides
•  Travel Agents
•  Authorized Tourist Drivers
•  Authorized Tuk Tuk Drivers
•  Transport
•  Travel Magazines and Directories
•  Travel Apps
•  For Business Travellers

Book Your Flights

Book Your Accommodation

You'll be spoilt for choice with the array of Sri Lankan accommodation options. We have star class hotels, home stays, heritage bungalows, boutique hotels to guest houses and rented apartments.  Read More

Book Your Trip

•  Submit Your Travel Inquiry
•  Online Services
•  Buy E-Tickets for Attractions
•  Hotels & Other Accommodation
•  Newly Registered Hotels & Other Accommodation
•  National Holiday Resorts (Also Known as "Tourist Board Guest Houses")

Hello Again Sri Lanka

Global Encouragement and Praise

Sri Lanka continues to emerge as one of the world’s best tourist destinations with accolades from various travel guides, travel magazines and travel web sites including Lonely Planet, Travel lemming web site and Bloomberg web site etc.

Sri Lanka was selected by travel influencers as top destination in Asia for 2019, and Sri Lanka was given the Emerging destination award in 2019. Sri Lanka also gained the travel lemming readers award 2019 among world’s top destinations by traveliing web site. Also, I scape web site UK ranked Sri Lanka as one of the 10 best places to visit in 2019. Subsequently, the BBC good food team named Sri Lankan Cuisine as the no:1 trending cuisine in 2019 on their list. Travel+Lesuire magazine and web site ranked Sri Lanka as one of the the best Islands in the world 2019. Sri Lanka has claimed the top spot in the world’s leading travel guide, the Lonely Planet, as the best travel destination in 2019. Sri Lanka was ranked as top destination for winter travel by USA today in 2019.

CNN travel’s ranked Sri Lanka as one of the 20 best places to visit in 2020. The destination was again featured as one of the Top Destinations to travel in February 2020 by conde Nast Traveler – Middle East. In 2021, Sigiriya became one of Bloomberg’s new 7 wonders of the world. Sri Lanka was ranked one of the top 25 islands voted by readers of travel + leisure magazine for 2021 with many UNESCO heritage sites, beaches, wildlife parks and hill country resorts bottled up in to a small space . Sri Lanka is undoubtedly one of the best holiday destinations waiting to be discovered and celebrated.

In 2021 , Sri Lanka won another accolade as one of the best countries to travel to by Conde Nast Traveller Readers choice awards , and in parallel to that , globally ranked as a wellness tourism destination.

Sri Lanka makes it to the Top 10 Most Instagrammable Places in the world for 2023 Discover the beauty and wonder of Sri Lanka, now ranked as one of the top 10 most Instagrammable places in the world by Big 7 Travel.

With over 13 million Instagram hashtags and 16.4 billion TikTok views, Big 7 Travel highlights that Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of cultural, natural, and historical attractions. From the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya to the stunning beaches of the south coast, every corner of Sri Lanka is a picture-perfect moment waiting to be captured. So pack your cameras and come explore the timeless beauty of Sri Lanka in 2023

Looking for that perfect, dreamy destination for your next romantic getaway or family vacation? The Independent's list of The best destinations to travel to in 2023 mentions Sri Lanka as one of the tourist hotspots this year.

Galle Fort, Tea Country Trail, and Uga Elephant Research Centre are a few highlights of the article.

The world's safest countries to travel to: top 13 destinations. Sri Lanka is one of the most amazing countries to visit and we have now made it into the list of safest countries to visit in the world!

With a large majority of the countries' culture being Buddhist, this makes it a pretty safe place to travel as their mannerisms tend to be calm and welcoming. Sigiriya is a must-visit when travelling Sri Lanka - an enigmatic summit with remains of an ancient palace at the top? Who wouldn't want to see that! Overall, there are some incredible top-destinations in Sri Lanka, but it's recommended to go off the beaten path and discover it for yourself.

Sri Lanka continues to be a favourite among travellers being listed in 17th place on the list of Top 20 Places to Travel by Readers’ Choice Awards 2022 by Conde Nast Traveler.

Europe dominated this year’s list of Reader's Choice Awards winners for the world's best countries to travel to, matching what we were hearing anecdotally (and seeing on Instagram) about where travelers have been choosing to go. Here are the best countries in the world, according to you.

Sri Lanka ranks among the top 10, Friendliest countries in the world: 2022 Readers' Choice Awards by Condé Nast traveler.

From children to the elderly, the people of Sri Lanka are known for their love of visitors, and genuine desire to help. On the south coast, set sail on a whale watching expedition in Mirissa, shop the colourful boutiques of the fort city of Galle or shack up at the uber-luxe Cape Weligama hotel, occupying a cliff next to the ocean.

Sri Lanka ranked #2 in Women Solo Travel Index - The safest cities for women traveling alone.

International Women's Day is approaching. For this reason, the colleagues at the holiday home search engine Holidu have taken on the topic of "women traveling alone" and created the "Women Solo Travel Index". To do this, they rated "relevant" cities around the world according to criteria such as perceived safety, the development of the crime rate, how the corona pandemic was dealt with, women's rights in the respective country, but also the prices of one-room apartments.

Best vegan travel destinations to visit in 2022

Best vegan travel destinations to visit in 2022. Sri Lanka might just be the ultimate vegan travel destination. As a primarily vegetarian culture, most local dishes are made naturally vegan from ingredients like lentils, jackfruit, coconut and aubergine. Not only is Sri Lankan food delicious and nutritious, it’s some of the most affordable food in the world. Most local meals in Sri Lanka won’t set you back more than £1. Yes, you heard that right!

Where to Travel in 2022 - CNN Endorsement

If you’re wondering which destination to visit this year, CNN’s “Where to Travel in 2022” has got you covered! Sri Lanka’s cosmopolitan commercial capital, Colombo, is featured on the list with much to explore and experience.

Sri Lanka is a hotspot for wellness Tourism - India's Best Awards 2021

Sri Lanka is proud to announce that Santani Wellness Resort & Spa has been recognised as the World’s Best Wellness Retreat by Travel+Leisure India.The concept of this beautiful resort in the hills revolves around ayurvedic spa treatments, yoga and makes for the perfect digital detox worth your trip!

Sri Lanka Ranked Wellness Tourism Destinations Globally

According to the Global Wellness Institute, Sri Lanka ranks at the top of the world's Wellness Tourism Destination for 2021! The island has long been a sought-after destination for those looking for inner healing and being close to nature. With a rich history of herbal medicine and Ayurvedic practice and home to some of the most luxurious spa treatments, Sri Lanka is just perfect for those travellers looking to restore their vitality and bring peace to their minds. Visit us soon!

Sri Lanka is One of the Best Countries to Travel to in Conde Nast Traveller 2021 Reader's Choice Awards!

The paradise island was ranked by 800,000 readers of Conde Nast Traveller. Wanderlust beckons and Sri Lanka awaits your arrival.

Explore the natural beauty, visit ancient cities, eat delicious food and embrace the rich culture of the island called Sri Lanka!

Sri Lanka is one of the top 25 islands voted by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine for 2021

Sri Lanka is one of the top 25 islands voted by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine for 2021. The island was picked for its breathtaking beaches, ample history and culture making it the ideal paradise destination that inspires wanderlust in travellers. The islands that made it to the top 25 were rated on their food, friendliness, natural attractions, beaches and sights.

Sigiriya is one of Bloomberg's New 7 Wonders of the World

In the reality of post-pandemic travel, it is no longer the former 7 wonders of the world that would attract a traveler's attention, but the new ones. Sigiriya is just one of those places with a tragic backstory and ancient feats of engineering that baffle the mind.

Sri Lanka featured as one of the Top Destinations to Travel in February 2020 by Condé Nast Traveller Middle East!

After a dip in tourism following the Easter 2019 attacks, Sri Lanka's tourism is slowly on the increase again. A four and a half hour flight from Dubai, the south and west coast of the island in the Indian Ocean is basking in sunshine during February, making it the perfect time to visit from the UAE. Beautiful beaches, friendly locals and famous tea trails - this is the place to head in February to switch off.

Sri Lanka ranked CNN Travel's 20 best places to visit in 2020

Sitting in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this island nation is more than a good beach spot. Sri Lanka also has a 2,000 Year history, and its former capital, Polonnaruwa, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

SL ranked as top destination for winter travel by USA Today

Ready to fly the frozen coop? Pack your bags for these sun-drenched spots across the globe. Jetsetters looking for something off the beaten tourist path should consider Sri Lanka. An overlooked gem, this exotic island in the Indian Ocean seduces everyone who steps foot with its stunning unspoiled wilderness, colorful history, and flavorful cuisine.

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2019

Sri Lanka has claimed the top spot in the world's leading travel guide, the Lonely Planet as the best travel destination in 2019.

Located just south of India, this roughly 25,000-square-mile island tempts travelers with a diversity of experiences. Along the stunning coastline, the marine national parks make this destination a surfer’s, snorkeler’s, and diver’s dream.

BBC Good Food team has named Sri Lankan cuisine as the No.1 trending cuisine in 2019 on their list.

Sri Lanka Voted Travel Lemming Reader Awards - 2019 World's Top Destinations

Sri Lanka Voted Emerging Destination Awards - 2019 6 Best in the World

I Escape Web Site UK ranked Sri Lanka 10 Best Places to Visit in 2019

Here’s a striking thought: Sri Lanka is smaller than Ireland but it contains golden beaches, gorgeous waterfalls, wild elephants, sacred temples, epic mountain ranges, modern cities and probably your last chance to spot a leopard in the wild. And that’s just scratching the surface. Take a stunning train ride, surf the southern coasts, or just relax with the best cup of tea of your life.

Sri Lanka voted by travel influencers as top destination in Asia for 2019

From dreamy surf coasts to quiet jungle retreats, to incredible wildlife and history, Sri Lanka has all the makings of one of the greatest travel destinations on the planet. And with two very distinct rainy seasons on each side of the island, there's always somewhere that's "in season," meaning there's no bad time to visit. Just hurry up and get there before everyone else does.

National Geographic Traveler - The cool list of 2018

Sri Lanka Selected Top Global Safety Destination For Women Travelers In 2018: Tops List Of 20 Countries

Best Spring Trips 2018

Sri Lanka’s East Coast is best explored by boat—whether SUP-boarding with dolphins, sailing beach to beach, or ferrying to Pigeon Island for prime-time snorkeling. (National Geographic)

Plan Your Visit

• Book Your Holiday Now
• Sri Lanka’s Best
• Accommodation
• Visitor's Say
• Attractions
• Submit Your Travel Inquiry
• Lesser Known Tourist Attractions

For site suggestions and errors, please contact    |   Please use Downloads page to get the required software for this site   

© 2024 All Rights Reserved by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.   Solution by : Fortunacreatives -->

Bombs to buzzing beaches: Sri Lanka sees tourism surge after long crisis

Hotel attacks, COVID-19 and an unmatched economic crisis devastated Sri Lanka’s feted tourism. Now, visitors are returning amid a promotion campaign. But industry insiders say more is needed.

Colombo, Sri Lanka –  Devmith Kaggodarachchi’s beachfront hotel in the southwestern coastal town of Hikkaduwa, a tourist hotspot 136km (85 miles) from the capital Colombo, is nearing full capacity.

The three-star hotel, with air-conditioned rooms and private balconies looking into the Indian Ocean, is busy serving tourists visiting for the Christmas season.

Keep reading

Dubai announces $35bn construction of world’s largest airport terminal, thousands protest against over-tourism in spain’s canary islands, how one mexican beach town saved itself from ‘death by tourism’, photos: tourist numbers up in post-war afghanistan.

That is not how it’s been for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry over the past four years. Tourist arrivals dropped drastically in 2019 after bombings in three luxury hotels and three churches on Easter killed more than 250 people. The COVID-19 pandemic hit before Sri Lanka had a chance to recover.

The country’s economic and political turmoil in 2022 – when its then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his family had to flee, and essential commodities like fuel became almost impossible for everyday people to secure – further pushed tourists away from Sri Lanka.

But a concerted promotional drive to attract foreign visitors, aided by geopolitical tensions unrelated to the country, appears to finally be bearing fruit, offering the nation an engine of revenue that could play a pivotal role in helping Sri Lanka’s economy recover.

In 2023, Sri Lanka recorded more than 1.3 million tourist arrivals by the second week of December, official data show. It is the first time arrivals have crossed the 1 million mark in four years. More than 150,000 tourists visited in November, the highest monthly tally since March 2020.

“Tourists are trusting us now. After going back to their country, they talk good about us. Business is good at the moment,” Kaggodarachchi told Al Jazeera. “Our hotel can serve about 150 tourists at a time. At the moment,  there are 130”.

Most tourists who have visited this year are from India, which hosted three roadshows promoting Sri Lanka’s tourism sector in April.

But the Russian war in Ukraine has helped Sri Lanka too. Russia is the second-highest source of tourists to the country this year, at a time Russian tourists are not welcome in many other nations.

“There were limitations on countries Russians could visit. They could visit Sri Lanka. We had that advantage,” Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Chairman Priantha Fernando told Al Jazeera.

Encouraging numbers, but higher revenue needed

Industry stakeholders say that while higher tourist arrivals are a positive sign, there is a need to attract high-spending tourists to generate more revenue for the economy.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has also urged the tourism sector to improve its products and services to cater to high-end tourists.

From January to November, tourism contributed $1.8bn in revenue – an increase of 78 percent compared with the same period last year. Tourism is Sri Lanka’s third-largest source of foreign exchange. On average, a tourist spends $181 daily, according to government data.

Suranga Silva, a professor in tourism economics at the University of Colombo, suggested that Sri Lanka could use its uninhabited islands to boost high-end tourism by offering exclusivity.

“If we can develop our islands as high-end tourist destinations, we can get tourists to spend more than $1000 daily. The service must be worth what they pay,” Silva told Al Jazeera.

Research published in 2018 identified at least 87 islands in Sri Lankan territory. Many are neglected and can be used to develop tourist resorts, bird sanctuaries and scenic attractions, the research found.

“Only luxury hotels aren’t enough. Tourists should be given a valuable tour package including domestic charter flights to take them to these locations,” Silva said.

In 2021, the World Economic Forum ranked Sri Lanka 74th among 117 countries on its Travel and Tourism Development Index, which measures factors and policies that enable the development of the travel and tourism sector.

“Right now, there is no advantage for any foreign investor to invest in Sri Lanka,” Fernando, the tourism authority chairperson, conceded. “These are the things we have to look at and come up with policies that will facilitate greater investment.”

“I feel it will be 2029 by the time we receive 5 million tourists, of which half at least spend $500 a day”.

‘Don’t kill the goose that lays golden eggs’

But even as Colombo promotes the country’s tourism internationally, many businesses in the sector fear that the government is at the same time weakening their ability to compete for global travellers.

From January 2024, the Sri Lankan government will lift an exemption on value-added tax (VAT), which it had extended to tourism operators in 2020.

“Our industry generates foreign exchange revenue quickly. So, our request is to exempt us from VAT,” Rohan Abeywickrama, the president of the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Tourism, told Al Jazeera.

Sri Lanka’s parliament recently voted to increase VAT from 15 to 18 percent, adding to the concerns of the sector.

That is to meet tax collection targets agreed with the International Monetary Fund which is offering the government a $2.9bn bailout package to tide over the country’s worst economic crisis since independence.

Businesses catering to tourists are already paying a Tourism Development Levy, Income Tax and Turnover Tax.

“When all these taxes are imposed on us, our production costs go up. So we become an expensive tourist destination,” Abeywickrama, an industry veteran who is also on the government’s tourism advisory committee, said.

“Tourism is driven by the private sector and is important to generate revenue. So the government must protect us and encourage us to remain in business. They shouldn’t kill the goose that lays golden eggs”.

The tourism sector is also asking the government to provide relief on their mounting debt and the multiple electricity and water tariff hikes imposed since last year.

Tour operators and safari four-wheel drive drivers say they have to put up with old vehicles as the government banned vehicle imports in early 2020 to control dollar outflows.

“The vehicle fleet is over 15 to 20 years old, which is a challenge with more breakdowns and high cost of repairs,” Nishad Wijetunga, the president of the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), told Al Jazeera.

“Vehicle imports have not been allowed for the sector in spite of making requests and having discussions with the authorities”.

Brain drain

The mass migration of Sri Lankans to other countries in search of jobs has also hurt the tourism industry.

More than 280,000 Sri Lankans, including 78,000 skilled workers and nearly 16,900 professionals, have migrated this year, according to figures obtained by Al Jazeera from the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.

Skilled workers make up less than 40 percent of the tourism sector, the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), the capacity-building arm of Sri Lanka Tourism, has said.

To create skilled staff and retain them, the institute is conducting training programmes that require participants to work in the local hospitality sector for a year to receive their certification.

“Since we are investing in the training, we are bringing in a payback component, which is they have to work in the country to receive the certification,” SLITHM Chairman Shirantha Peiris said last month.

‘Optimistic for 2024’

Still, a buoyant Sri Lankan tourism authority is targeting 2.3 million tourist arrivals and $4.6bn in revenue next year.

To achieve this, the country has launched its first global tourism marketing campaign in 16 years, under the tagline “You Will Come Back For More”.

“We have identified nine tourist markets in which our digital marketing campaigns will be strengthened next year. We will also be getting vloggers and influencers to visit our country and produce promotional content,” Fernando said.

In late October, the government announced it will issue free tourist visas to visitors from seven countries, including China, India and Russia. This initiative, launched as a pilot project, will run until March 31, 2024.

Many tourists are already convinced.

In Mount Lavinia, a suburb of Colombo, 29-year-old Spanish national Guillem Fox was strolling along the beach with his French partner Mathilde Flachot.

“We will be travelling around the country, visiting wildlife sanctuaries, the tea plantations and maybe try out surfing in the south,” Fox told Al Jazeera. The couple plan to stay for about a month. “From the moment we arrived, the people have been really helpful,” he said.

“That’s a really nice feeling.”

Sri Lanka approves free tourist visa for seven countries to boost tourism

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Uditha Jayasinghe; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

The Solomon Islands opposition party coalition has selected Matthew Wale as its candidate for this week's vote for prime minister, a day after former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said he had withdrawn from the race.

World Chevron

Turkish police fire tear gas and detain dozens of May Day protesters in Istanbul

Turkish riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse May Day demonstrators trying to reach Istanbul's main Taksim Square on Wednesday, and Turkish media said dozens of protesters were detained.

An unknown assailant hurled a bottle containing a flammable substance at a synagogue in Warsaw early on Wednesday, police said, prompting condemnation from Polish political leaders.

Daily Archives: April 30, 2024

Vacancy announcement of the saarc development fund (sdf).

Job Description-Director, Social Window Job Descriptions-Director, Economic & Infrastructure List of media houses publishing the Vacancy Advertisement SDF Employment Application Form_2024 (1) SDF Employme ...

Celebration of Sinhala and Tamil New Year in the United States

The staff of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington D.C, led by Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe celebrated Sinhala and Tamil New Year at the Embassy premises on 15 April 2024. The festivities began with customary rituals, ...

Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai Hosts Dinner Reception for Sri Lankan  Youth Athletic Team at Asian U20 Athletics Championship

The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and Northern Emirates hosted a dinner reception on 27 April 2024 for the Sri Lankan youth athletic team who participated in the recently concluded Asian U20 Athletics Champio ...

Ambassador Colombage  presents “Sri Lanka: Land of Opportunities” at IBSE 2024

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Indonesia and ASEAN, Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage, presented Sri Lanka's trade and investment potential at the International Business Solution Expo (IBSE 2024) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia wi ...

Sri Lanka Tourism Roadshow in Nanjing City

The Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) in collaboration with the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai organized a Sri Lanka tourism promotional roadshow in Westin Hotel, Nanjing City on 22 and 23 April 20 ...

Melco Announces Partnership with Sri Lanka’s John Keells Holdings and Introduces ‘City of Dreams Sri Lanka’

MACAU, April 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (“Melco”) is pleased to announce its partnership with John Keells Holdings PLC (“John Keells”), the largest listed conglomerate on the Colombo Stock Exchange, in their US$1 billion plus integrated resort development in central Colombo.

As part of the partnership, the integrated resort, which had previously been branded “Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort”, will be rebranded as “City of Dreams Sri Lanka”. City of Dreams Sri Lanka will be the first integrated resort in Sri Lanka and South Asia and is expected to revolutionize luxury hospitality, entertainment, and leisure in Sri Lanka, presenting an extraordinary architecture and design and a collection of iconic and unparalleled offerings including 800 hotel rooms, retail, food & beverage outlets, MICE facilities, and much more.

Additionally, a wholly-owned local subsidiary of Melco has been awarded a 20-year casino license by the Government of Sri Lanka. Melco will fit-out and operate the gaming area at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, and Melco will manage the top 5 floors of the hotel under its Nuwa brand of ultra high-end luxury rooms, which represents 113 of the 800 total hotel rooms at City of Dreams Sri Lanka.

Melco and John Keells have agreed all key commercial arrangements and expect fit-out of the casino area to begin shortly. The estimated initial investment in the casino is expected to be approximately US$125 million. The non-gaming facilities of the integrated resort, including the 687 key Cinnamon Life hotel managed by John Keells, is in the final stages of completion and is expected to commence operations in the third quarter of 2024, while we expect to commence casino operations in mid-2025. There is potential for further expansion of the gaming facilities, subject to performance and market conditions.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco , said, “We are thrilled to be part of this landmark development in Sri Lanka and to be in partnership with John Keells. We believe Sri Lanka has immense potential and this opportunity complements our existing portfolio of properties.

“Furthermore, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is expected to serve as a catalyst for stimulating tourism demand and promoting economic growth in Sri Lanka, drawing inspiration from the successful examples set by similar integrated resorts in other jurisdictions. We will continue to work closely with our esteemed partners and the Sri Lankan Government to ensure the success of this venture, and we expect to make a significant and positive impact on the local community and economy.”

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (the “Company”) may also make forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to, (i) the pace of recovery from the impact of COVID-19 on our business, our industry and the global economy, (ii) risks associated with the amended Macau gaming law and its implementation by the Macau government, (iii) changes in the gaming market and visitations in Macau, the Philippines and the Republic of Cyprus, (iv) capital and credit market volatility, (v) local and global economic conditions, (vi) our anticipated growth strategies, (vii) gaming authority and other governmental approvals and regulations, and (viii) our future business development, results of operations and financial condition. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “target”, “aim”, “estimate”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “potential”, “continue”, “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

About Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited

The Company, with its American depositary shares listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (Nasdaq: MLCO), is a developer, owner and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe. The Company currently operates Altira Macau ( www.altiramacau.com ), an integrated resort located at Taipa, Macau and City of Dreams ( www.cityofdreamsmacau.com ), an integrated resort located in Cotai, Macau. Its business also includes the Mocha Clubs ( www.mochaclubs.com ), which comprise the largest non-casino based operations of electronic gaming machines in Macau. The Company also majority owns and operates Studio City ( www.studiocity-macau.com ), a cinematically-themed integrated resort in Cotai, Macau. In the Philippines, a Philippine subsidiary of the Company currently operates and manages City of Dreams Manila ( www.cityofdreamsmanila.com ), an integrated resort in the Entertainment City complex in Manila. In Europe, the Company operates City of Dreams Mediterranean in Limassol in the Republic of Cyprus ( www.cityofdreamsmed.com.cy ). The Company also continues to operate three satellite casinos in other cities in Cyprus (the "Cyprus Casinos”). For more information about the Company, please visit www.melco-resorts.com .

The Company is majority owned by Melco International Development Limited, a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, which is in turn majority owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is the Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

For the investment community, please contact: Jeanny Kim Senior Vice President, Group Treasurer Tel: +852 2598 3698 Email:  [email protected]

For media enquiries, please contact: Chimmy Leung Executive Director, Corporate Communications Tel: +852 3151 3765 Email: [email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1f22b0ac-f0e1-413d-b830-b3a9821e9ecf

Related Stocks

More From Forbes

Hit and run tourism: what does it mean to ‘visit’ a country.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Mount Everest, Nepal which is suffering from overtourism—400 people have been to every ... [+] country/territory in the world

Hit and run tourism is everywhere on the news, with people bemoaning the bad behaviour of tourists converging on one picture or sculpture before rushing onto the next, or taking selfies in inappropriate locations and then moving on, leaving behind mounds of litter and noise. What's clear is that there are ways that tourists can be motivated to change their behavior and some traveler groups are trying to create consensus around what it actually means to visit a country.

More People Are Visiting Every Country In The World

There's a small group of people who have visited every country in the world—about 400 or so, as reported by CNN . In 2023, though, 50 people joined this group, more than ever before, and they can all say they have been to all 195 UN-recognized countries and territories.

There are more organizations welcoming these travelers too. The Travelers Century Club was the first to launch in 1954—its members need to have visited 100 or more countries and territories. Now there are also two others, Nomad Mania and Most Traveled People.

Most people in these clubs don't suddenly decide to travel to every country in the world. Many, such as Rauli Virtanen who is believed to be the first person to have traveled to every country in the world, are already incredibly well traveled before they decide to make it a mission.

Many, as Virtanen acknowledges, can only travel the world because they are fortunate to have the right passports coupled with enough wealth (or jobs that pay for travel expenses).

Travel, however, has always been a competitive sport—whether that be Ernest Shackleton getting to the Antarctic, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay climbing Mount Everest or Amelia Earhart crossing the Atlantic. Today's equivalent is probably to visit every country. Ugandan-American travel influencer Jessica Nabongo became the first Black woman to document her travels to every country in 2019 and Gunnar Garfors is the first person to visit every country in the world twice.

Amazon Prime Video s Best New Show Arrives With A Perfect 100 Critic Score

Apple s iphone 16 pro design revealed in new leak, charlotte shooting 4 officers killed while serving warrant, more and more people are complaining of 'hit and run' tourism.

Now that visitor numbers are springing back to pre-pandemic levels, some of the old travel nuisances have also returned. Gion district in Kyoto, Japan, is reporting that tourists are causing a nuisance when trying to take photographs of the women Geishas and that while on-the-spot fines exist, they are unenforceable.

Milan's mayor wants to ban gelato and alcohol sales after midnight to preserve the city's tranquility and Japanese authorities are to build a big wall blocking the view of Mount Fuji from a gas station because of badly-behaved tourists stopping for a selfie and leaving litter everywhere.

The same kind of tourism is happening because of Netflix's Emily in Paris. The show portrays a side of Paris that critics say is stereotypical, and simply untrue (could 'Emily' afford the apartment she has on her salary?) but more insidiously for critics, it has encouraged a form of Parisian tourism that is only interested in a form of collection, identical to the character. The photo eating the same pain au chocolat in the same boulangerie. Tick. The photo drinking the same chocolat chaud in the same 18th century tearoom. Check. For some travelers, the only way to live an experience is by taking a picture and then posting it.

So, What Does It Really Mean To Travel To A Country?

So maybe the real question is, what does it mean to 'visit' a country? Is it spending time there, even if we never speak a word of the language? Never speak to a local? Nomad Mania members suggest that 'a visit' should normally constitute things such as passing through immigration, staying a night, and traveling in a moving vehicle.

The Director of the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence, best known for housing Michelangelo’s David, notes that there are also different ways that people can be encouraged to pass through some of the world's most famous—and most Instagrammable—locations. Writing in The Guardian , Cecilie Hollberg suggests several things that have worked to reduce such 'hit and run' tourism in her museum—holding exhibitions in winter, extending opening hours, getting the local residents involved, changing signage and museum trajectories so that visitors don't all head straight for selfies with David, as well as reducing the numbers in tour groups.

In the age of the climate crisis, it might also depend on how we travel. Torbjørn “Thor” Pedersen set off from Denmark in 2013 to visit every country without flying and he finally arrived in his final country, the Maldives, in May 2023 after 9 years and 203 countries/territories and returned to Denmark by ship. Some travel challenges it seems can be slow burn and meet current Instagram trends.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

Iran’s Raisi says Israel must be brought to justice for ‘usurpation’ of Palestinian territories

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, left is received by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena as he arrives at the Mattala International airport in Mattala, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. (Sri Lanka President’s Office via AP)

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, center left is received by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, in white as he arrives at the Mattala International airport in Mattala, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. (Sri Lanka President’s Office via AP)

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, disembarks from a plane as he arrives in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Raisi is the first Iranian leader to visit Sri Lanka since former President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad visited the country in 2008. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, waves to the media after disembarking from a plane in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Raisi is the first Iranian leader to visit Sri Lanka since former President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad visited the country in 2008. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, second right, and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in a grey suit, inaugurate the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project in Uma Oya , about 180km (112miles) east of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The project was scheduled for completion in 2015 but was delayed by the sanctions, technical issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sri Lankan government said. (Sri Lanka President’s Office via AP)

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, left, and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe shake hands at the inauguration of the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project in Uma Oya, about 180km (112miles) east of Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, April 24, 2024. The project was scheduled for completion in 2015 but was delayed by the sanctions, technical issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sri Lankan government said. (Sri Lanka President’s Office via AP)

FILE- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi places his hands on his heart as a gesture of respect to the crowd during the funeral ceremony of the victims of Wednesday’s bomb explosion in the city of Kerman about 510 miles (820 kms) southeast of the capital Tehran, Iran, Jan. 5, 2024. Raisi arrived in Sri Lanka on Wednesday to inaugurate a hydro-power irrigation scheme that had long been delayed due to international sanctions. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)

• Copy Link copied

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said Israel must be brought to justice for “usurpation and oppression” of the Palestinian territories, if not there won’t be a guarantee that others would not do the same in other lands.

Raisi was delivering a statement during his one-day visit to Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

“When it come to the oppressor, when it come to the usurper, the Zionist Israeli regime has been committing oppression against the people of Palestine for 75 years, they have been usurping their territory,” Raisi said.

“First of all we have to expel the usurpers secondly we should make them pay the cost for all the damages they have created and thirdly we have to bring to justice the oppressor and usurper,” he said.

Earlier on Wednesday Raisi inaugurated a hydropower and irrigation project in Sri Lanka and said his country has proven the West doesn’t have a monopoly on technology.

Raisi is the first Iranian leader to visit Sri Lanka since former President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad visited the country in 2008.

“The Western countries tried to convince all others that knowledge and technology is exclusive to those countries,” Raisi said, addressing Sri Lanka’s President Ranil Wickremesinghe and other top officials. He said the “idea” was rooted in “colonialism and arrogance” and that Iran was now able to share its knowledge with others, currently having projects in 20 countries.

The Uma Oya project, in the central Badulla district, was constructed with Iranian technical assistance. Valued at $514 million, it was started in 2010 by Iran’s FARAB engineering group and Iran initially provided $50 million. But in 2013, funding could not be continued because of international sanctions against Iran. The Sri Lankan government then decided to complete the project with its own funds using the same Iranian contractor.

The project was scheduled for completion in 2015 but was delayed by international sanctions against Iran, technical issues and the COVID-19 pandemic, the government said in a statement ahead of Raisi’s visit.

The project will add 290 GWh of electricity annually to the national grid and irrigate 4,500 hectares (11,100 acres) of new land and 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres) of existing agricultural land.

Raisi and Wickremesinghe later Wednesday witnessed the signing of five memoranda of understanding covering areas including tourism, science, technical media, films and sports.

Raisi arrived in Sri Lanka from Pakistan, where the two countries agreed to strengthen economic and security cooperation.