Guide
Sri Lanka for the first time: tea, elephants and ocean in 10 days
An island where one trip takes in an ancient rock fortress, a train through the tea hills and whale watching. Here is how to fit it all in.
Sri Lanka packs a lot into a small island: ancient sites, tea-covered hills, national parks and long beaches.
The Cultural Triangle
- Sigiriya, a palace on top of a rock
- Dambulla, a cave temple with ancient paintings
- Kandy, with the Temple of the Tooth and a lake in the centre
Hills and tea
Take the train from Kandy to Ella, often called one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world, and walk to the Nine Arch Bridge.
Safari
Jeep safaris in Yala and Udawalawe almost always meet elephants, and with luck a leopard.
The ocean
On the south-west coast are Bentota, Unawatuna and Mirissa, where whale-watching boats usually run from November to April.
The west and south coasts are best from December to April, the east coast from May to September. Check entry rules with your TripMe manager.