The breathtaking island of Sri Lanka nestled in the Indian Ocean

Everything about the country, its people, and its remarkable nature and culture

Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, separated from India by just 54.8 km of sea. Thanks to this strategic location, the island has served as a maritime crossroads between South and Southeast Asia since ancient times. The south and the region around Anuradhapura were once centers of ancient Buddhism, while Hindu temple complexes flourished in the north and east. Today, Sri Lanka is a vibrant, multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation, where Buddhism and Hinduism are joined by Christianity and Islam as major faiths.

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Discover Sri Lanka's Highlights

Majestic reminders of a rich history, not to be missed.

Dambulla is home to around 80 cave temples, five of which are especially grand. Spanning 2,100 m², it's the largest temple complex in the country, with many caves adorned with historic paintings and statues.

Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is Sri Lanka's most revered Buddhist temple, set within the royal palace of the former Kingdom of Kandy. It houses one of Buddhism's most sacred treasures, the tooth relic of the Buddha.

Sigiriya Lion Rock is a striking monolith in Sri Lanka, crowned by the ruins of an ancient rock fortress. Its name comes from 'Siha Giri', meaning Lion Rock.

This sacred mountain draws pilgrims of all faiths, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike. At its summit stands an inhabited monastery, home to a 1.8 m footprint known as "Sri Pada," believed by Buddhists to be that of the Buddha himself.

Dating back to the 1st century BC and the Anuradhapura era, the Buddhist temple in Bogoda sits beside the famous Bogoda wooden bridge. Its painted walls were crafted from a unique blend of clay, cotton, and honey.

This beautifully preserved archaeological park in Sri Lanka's northern province is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to stupas and temples adorned with countless Buddha statues, alongside sprawling gardens, parklands, and palace ruins.

Here's everything your personalized tour can include

  • Ella Rock and Ella Village

  • Horton Plains

  • World's End

  • Bambarakanda Waterfall

  • Tea plantations

  • Adam’s Peak

  • Udawalawe National Park

  • Kaudulla National Park

  • Misty Mountains

  • Dambulla Cave Temple

  • Gal Vihara / Polonnaruwa

  • Bogoda Temple and Bridge

  • Sigiriya Lion Rock

  • Kandi / Toothtemple

  • Royal Botanical Garden

  • Anuradhapura

  • Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

  • Yapahuwa

  • Wandern / Trekking

  • Camping

  • Jeep Safari

  • Cookery class

  • Ayurveda

  • Beach Escape

  • Whale watching

  • Cycling trips

  • Diving and snorkelling

Entry Requirements

All international travelers need an Electronic Travel Authorization, or ETA, to enter Sri Lanka. The only exceptions are nationals of the Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore, who can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, Maldivians even get 90 days. Everyone else must apply for the ETA online before travel, or get it on arrival at the airport for a higher fee. Please note: your passport must remain valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Sri Lanka.

Since May 25, 2026, nationals of 40 countries receive the tourist ETA free of charge for stays of up to 30 days. Other SAARC nationals, such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Afghanistan, pay 20 USD. All other nationalities pay 50 USD. Transit passengers pay nothing regardless of nationality, and children under 12 are also exempt from the fee.

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FAQ – Helpful Questions

Everything else to know before your trip to Sri Lanka — entry requirements, what to wear, footwear, luggage tips, currency exchange, and more
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