The tropical island of Sri Lanka, formerly know as Ceylon, is rich in history and tradition. Old colonial powers have long since gone, but the Portuguese, Dutch and British influences still impact on the culture, religion, architecture and cuisine of this fascinating country. Picturesque beaches dot the coast, while majestic mountains, tea estates and rainforests cover the interior.
Top Highlights
For a small island, Sri Lanka has many nicknames: Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient. This colourful collection reveals its richness and beauty, and the intensity of the affection it evokes in its visitors. Head for the rolling hills, to escape the heat of the plains in the cool of tea plantations. The entire island is teeming with bird life and exotics like elephants and leopards are not uncommon.
Sri Lanka's blend of ethnicities has often produced friction and tragedy, but it makes for an interesting culture. Traditional art and architecture is predominantly Buddhist, and the country is dotted with stupas and sculptures of the Serene One. Traditional dance is all about agility and symbolism. Food is often fiery hot, with hoppers (pancakes) to wrap it up, and the tea is as marvellous as you would expect.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka's first capital, a potent symbol of Sinhalese power, and the most extensive and important of Sri Lanka's ancient cities. The Sacred Bo-Tree is the city's holiest site, and was grown from the tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. The Thuparama Dagoba, the oldest of the many temples in Anuradhapura, is believed to contain the right collar-bone of Buddha.
Colombo
Colombo, the island's largest city, is noisy, frenetic - and just a little crazy. Thankfully, the breakdowns, snarled traffic and power cuts are received with a shrug and a smile. While the city holds less obvious interest than many other parts of the island, it's still colourful and worth a look. Cinammon Gardens, further south, is the most fashionable neighbourhood, with mansions and tree-lined streets.
Kandy
The laidback 'capital' of the hill country, and the historical bastion of Buddhist power, is built around a peaceful lake and set in a picturesque bowl of hills. It has a distinctive architectural character and the town centre is a delightful compendium of old shops, buses, markets and hotels. Its standout attraction is the octagonal Dalada Maligawa, a temple which houses Sri Lanka's most important religious relic - the sacred tooth of Buddha. There are daily ceremonies of homage to the Tooth Relic, each attracting white-clad pilgrims carrying lotus blossoms and frangipani.
Aukana
According to tradition the magnificent 12m standing Aukana Buddha was sculpted during the reign of Dhatusena in the 5th century, though some sources date it to the 12th or 13th century. Aukana means 'sun-eating', and dawn, when the first rays light up the huge statue's finely-carved features, is the best time to see it.
Dimbulagala
Dimbulagala, or Gunners Quoin, stands out 545m above the surrounding scrub. There are hundreds of caves cut out of the rock in a Buddhist hermitage that has been occupied almost continuously since the 3rd century BC. The temple at the base is the first of 15 cave temples in the complex that can be explored on the way to the stupa at the top.
Uda Walawe National Park
Of all Sri Lanka's national parks, this best rivals the savanna reserves of Africa, with its elephants, buffalo, sambar deer and leopards. There are 30 varieties of snake and a wealth of birdlife.
Our Top Picks for Sri Lanka
- Ancient Cities
Visit Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya – the magnificent relics of Sri Lanka's golden age
- Yala National Park Take a wildlife safari – it's your best chance to spot the elusive leopard
- Kandy History and culture, delightful old shops, lush green hills and a touch of urban buzz – all this and the country's most spectacular annual festival
- Galle Join the locals in their sunset stroll around the old ramparts of this charming historic town
- Southern Beaches
From popular Unawatuna to sleepy Mirissa, you're sure to find a long stretch of white sand to suit you