Pearl of the Indian Ocean

# Discover Sri Lanka

From ancient kingdoms to pristine beaches, misty mountains to wild safaris, an island of wonder awaits.

Heritage Sacred Places Nature Beaches Wildlife
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Welcome to Paradise

## An Island Like No Other

Sri Lanka is a compact island — smaller than West Virginia — yet it contains eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and landscapes ranging from tropical beaches to misty mountains. Here, ancient cities neighbor bustling metropolises, and wild elephants roam within sight of luxury resorts.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, wildlife lover, beach seeker, or cultural explorer, Sri Lanka offers experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime. The following guide organizes the island's treasures by theme, helping you plan your journey with confidence.

UNESCO & Ancient Wonders

## Heritage & Historical Sites

Journey through 2,500 years of civilization — ancient capitals, rock fortresses, and colonial forts.

### Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Ancient rock fortress and palace ruins with stunning frescoes and lion's paw entrance.

📍 Central Province 📅 Best: January-April

### Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Sacred Buddhist temple housing the tooth relic of Lord Buddha.

📍 Kandy 📅 Best: July-August (Esala Perahera)

### Galle Fort

Historic Dutch colonial fort with charming streets and ocean views.

📍 Galle 📅 Best: November-April

### Anuradhapura

Ancient capital with well-preserved ruins of stupas, monasteries, and palaces.

📍 North Central Province 📅 Best: February-October

### Polonnaruwa

Medieval capital with spectacular stone carvings and Gal Vihara Buddha statues.

📍 North Central Province 📅 Best: May-September

### Dambulla Cave Temple

Five caves transformed into magnificent Buddhist temple with over 150 Buddha statues.

📍 Matale District 📅 Best: Year-round
Sacred & Spiritual

## Religious & Pilgrimage Sites

Where Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity converge — a land of spiritual harmony.

### Kandy - Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

The holiest site in Theravada Buddhism, housing the sacred tooth of the Buddha.

📍 Kandy 📅 Year-round

### Anuradhapura Ancient City

Ancient Buddhist capital with massive stupas and sacred Bodhi tree.

📍 Anuradhapura 📅 Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep

### Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Medieval Buddhist capital with magnificent stone carvings.

📍 Polonnaruwa 📅 Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep

### Dambulla Cave Temple

A UNESCO site with five caves filled with Buddha statues and intricate murals.

📍 Dambulla 📅 Year-round

### Jaffna & Nallur Temple

A vibrant Hindu temple complex reflecting Tamil culture and architecture.

📍 Jaffna 📅 Jan–Mar, Jul–Sep

### Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)

Sacred mountain pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims.

📍 Central Province 📅 Dec–Apr

### Kataragama

Multi-faith pilgrimage town sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims.

📍 Southern Province 📅 Year-round

### Colombo (temples, mosques, churches)

Urban mix of religious sites reflecting Sri Lanka's diversity.

📍 Colombo 📅 Year-round
Hill Country & Waterfalls

## Nature & Scenic Landscapes

Misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, cloud forests, and breathtaking viewpoints.

### Ella

Scenic mountain town with stunning views, waterfalls, and the famous Nine Arch Bridge.

📍 Badulla District 📅 Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep

### Nuwara Eliya

Tea country with cool climate, colonial architecture, and lush green hills.

📍 Central Province 📅 Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep

### Horton Plains & World's End

Plateau with dramatic cliff drop and unique cloud forest ecosystem.

📍 Central Province 📅 Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep

### Knuckles Mountain Range

UNESCO site with diverse biodiversity, hiking trails, and stunning landscapes.

📍 Central Province 📅 Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep

### Sinharaja Forest Reserve

UNESCO World Heritage rainforest with endemic flora and fauna.

📍 Southern Province 📅 Jan–Mar, Aug–Sep

### Diyaluma Falls

Second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka (220m) with natural infinity pools.

📍 Badulla District 📅 Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep

### Bambarakanda Falls

The highest waterfall in Sri Lanka (263m) surrounded by pine forests.

📍 Badulla District 📅 Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep

### Victoria Dam & Rantembe area

Scenic reservoir and hydroelectric dam with surrounding wildlife sanctuary.

📍 Kandy District 📅 Year-round
Sun, Sand & Sea

## Beach & Coastal Destinations

From surfing hotspots to serene bays, whale watching to coral reefs — discover Sri Lanka's coastline.

### Mirissa

Whale watching hub with beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere.

📍 Southern Province 📅 Nov–Apr

### Unawatuna

Popular swimming beach with coral reefs, restaurants, and nightlife.

📍 Southern Province 📅 Nov–Apr

### Hikkaduwa

Famous for coral reefs, surfing, and vibrant nightlife.

📍 Southern Province 📅 Nov–Apr

### Bentota

Luxury beach resort area with water sports and river safaris.

📍 Southern Province 📅 Nov–Apr

### Pasikuda

Calm, shallow turquoise waters perfect for swimming and families.

📍 Eastern Province 📅 Apr–Sep

### Trincomalee & Nilaveli

Pristine east coast beaches with excellent snorkeling and diving.

📍 Eastern Province 📅 Apr–Sep

### Arugam Bay

World-class surfing destination with laid-back vibe and lagoons.

📍 Eastern Province 📅 Apr–Sep

### Negombo

Beach close to the airport, ideal for first or last night.

📍 Western Province 📅 Nov–Apr

### Kalpitiya

Kite surfing destination with dolphin watching opportunities.

📍 North Western Province 📅 May–Oct

### Mannar Beach

Secluded beaches with historical significance and wildlife.

📍 Northern Province 📅 Jan–Mar, Jun–Sep
Wild Encounters

## Wildlife & Safari Destinations

Spot leopards, elephants, whales, and birds in their natural habitats across national parks and sanctuaries.

### Yala National Park

Highest leopard density in the world, elephants, sloth bears, and birdlife.

📍 Southern Province 📅 Feb–Jul

### Wilpattu National Park

Largest national park with leopards, elephants, and unique natural lakes.

📍 North Western Province 📅 Feb–Oct

### Minneriya National Park

Famous for 'The Gathering' — hundreds of elephants congregating at the reservoir.

📍 North Central Province 📅 Jul–Oct

### Kaudulla National Park

Elephant gathering site and wildlife migration corridor.

📍 North Central Province 📅 Jul–Oct

### Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Conservation center for orphaned elephants with daily river bathing.

📍 Kegalle District 📅 Year-round

### Bundala National Park

Ramsar wetland site with migratory birds and crocodiles.

📍 Southern Province 📅 Nov–Mar

### Kumana National Park

Wetlands and bird sanctuary with diverse avian species.

📍 Eastern Province 📅 Apr–Jul
🐘

### The Gathering — Minneriya

Between July and October, over 300 elephants gather at the Minneriya Tank — one of the largest wild elephant gatherings in the world. A truly unforgettable wildlife spectacle.

## Sri Lankan Safaris

Sri Lanka is one of the world’s most exciting wildlife destinations. From the world’s densest leopard population to the largest elephant gathering in Asia, the island offers safari experiences that rival Africa – all in a compact, accessible package.

100+

Mammal Species

400+

Bird Species

26

National Parks

#1

Leopard Density

### Best Time to Visit

Plan your safari around the dry season for the best wildlife viewing

Month | Yala | Udawalawe | Wilpattu | Minneriya
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jan–Mar | 🌿 Good | 👍 Best | 🌿 Good | 🌦️ Fair
Apr–Jun | 🐆 Best | 👍 Best | 👍 Best | 🌦️ Fair
Jul–Sep | 🐆 Best | 👍 Best | 👍 Best | 🐘 Peak
Oct–Dec | 🌿 Good | 👍 Best | 🌿 Good | 🌦️ Fair

🐆 Best — Peak leopard/big game viewing
👍 Best — Ideal conditions
🌿 Good — Still rewarding
🌦️ Fair — Possible rain, fewer animals

### 🚙 Safari Options

Shared Jeep Safari

per person – budget‑friendly, social experience

Private Jeep Safari

per vehicle – flexible timing, personal guide

Full Day Safari

per vehicle – most comprehensive exploration

### 🎟️ Entrance Fees (Foreign Adults)

Yala National Park $15–$25
Wilpattu National Park ≈ $40
Udawalawe National Park $15–$25
Minneriya National Park $15–$25

*Fees subject to change. Children 6–12 usually pay half price; under 6 free.

### Pro Tips for an Unforgettable Safari

⏰

Go Early or Late

Morning (5:30–10:00 AM) and late afternoon (3:00–6:00 PM) offer the best wildlife activity.

👕

Dress Neutrally

Wear earthy colours like khaki, brown, or green. Avoid bright clothing that may startle animals.

🔭

Bring Binoculars

Essential for spotting animals at a distance. Also carry a good camera with zoom.

🧴

Sun Protection

Safaris can be dusty and sunny – wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A mask helps with dust.

🤫

Stay Quiet

Keep noise low and do not use flash photography. Follow your guide's instructions at all times.

🚫

Do Not Feed Animals

Feeding wildlife is illegal and harmful. Keep all trash inside the vehicle.

🌿

### Safari with Heart

Choose licensed jeep drivers, stay on designated tracks, never feed or disturb wildlife, and avoid elephant‑riding or captive animal experiences. Your responsible choices help preserve these habitats for future generations.

Beyond the Beaten Path

## Cultural & Urban Experiences

Tea estates, university campuses, forest sanctuaries, and the rich tapestry of urban life.

### University of Peradeniya

Prestigious university set in a botanical paradise with colonial architecture.

📍 Kandy 📅 Year-round

### Tea factories

Working tea estates offering tours and tastings of world-famous Ceylon tea.

📍 Hill Country 📅 Year-round

### Golf club/ground

Royal Colombo Golf Club — one of Asia's oldest golf courses.

📍 Colombo 📅 Year-round
Sri Lankan Cuisine & Street Food

## Food that carries five centuries of history.

Sri Lankan cuisine is defined by the spices that grew in the Sri Lanka — cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and pepper — and by a royal court tradition that elevated everyday ingredients into something ceremonial.

### Rice and Curry

The central meal of Kandyan life. A mound of red or white rice surrounded by five to twelve small portions of curry — dhal, jackfruit, green leaves, fish, chicken, and elaborate sambols.

### Ambul Thiyal

The signature fish curry, made with tuna cooked in goraka (Garcinia cambogia) — a sour dark fruit that gives the dish its distinctive tangy-smoky depth.

### Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, cooked in a small wok until crisp at the edges and soft in the centre. Eaten plain, with an egg, or with honey and coconut cream.

### Kottu Roti

Sri Lanka's most beloved street food. Flatbread chopped and stir-fried on a hot griddle with vegetables, egg, and your choice of chicken, beef, or seafood.

### Watalappam

A rich Sri Lankan-Malay custard pudding made from coconut milk, jaggery, eggs, cardamom, nutmeg, and vanilla. Steamed rather than baked, it has a silky, yielding texture.

### Kavum & Kokis

Traditional Kandyan sweets made for the Sinhala New Year in April. Kavum are deep-fried rice flour and treacle cakes; Kokis are crisp, lacy deep-fried rosette cookies.

### Polos Curry

Young jackfruit cooked in a rich spiced coconut milk gravy until the flesh becomes tender and pulls apart like braised meat. A uniquely Sri Lankan preparation.

### Lamprais

A uniquely Sri Lankan dish with Dutch Burgher origins: rice cooked in stock with meat curry, eggplant moju, and blachan sambol, wrapped in a banana leaf and baked.

Plan Your Journey

## Travel Tips for Sri Lanka

### Best Time to Visit

West & south coast: Dec–Mar · East coast: Apr–Sep · Hill country: Year-round

### Getting Around

Trains: Kandy–Ella is world-famous · Buses: extensive network · Private drivers available

### Visa & Entry

ETA required for most nationalities. Apply online at eta.gov.lk before arrival.

### Currency & Costs

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Very affordable — budget approx $40–80/day for comfortable travel.

Experience Sri Lanka, Support AFT

## Visit. Explore. Give Back.

As you discover the wonders of Sri Lanka, know that your journey can make a difference. AFT Kids & Elders works in the communities you'll visit — supporting children's education and caring for forgotten elders. Consider adding a day of volunteering to your itinerary.

Volunteer in Sri Lanka → Support Our Work