Regions at a Glance

Colombo

Sunsets

Built right up to the shores of the Indian Ocean, Colombo faces west into the setting sun. Many evenings begin with an explosion of magenta and purple on the horizon that you can share with others at a hotel bar or with the real people along the shore.

Urban Life

The first time you almost get run down by a madman with a cart full of goods in the markets of Pettah, you may regret your decision to come. But soon you'll be in the chaotic thick of things and on the ride away, you'll be urging your threewheeler driver to go faster.

shopping

From artworks to tea you can find unique and desirable goods and gifts in Colombo especially along the leafy streets of Cinnamon Gardens.

West Coast

Beaches

From all inclusive package tour resorts to former hippy hangouts and little visited sands, the beaches of the west coast span all the spectrums  and keep everyone happy.

Activities

Ride the waves and dive the reefs of Hikkaduwa bird watch on the marshes explore the back blocks and see the dolphins in the north and get pampered in a spa and take a boat safari around Bentota.

Accommodation

The beaches around Bentota are home to some breathtaking boutique hotels that rank among the finest in the country. Cheerful Negombo alo contains some memorable accommodation.

The South

Beaches

There are beaches here with lots going on and a real traveller vibe or there are beaches with barely another person in sight but the uniting factor is that there're almost all stunning.

Activities

In these parts it's all about surfing and diving. The area between Galle and Matara is arguably the finest slice of surf country in South Asia for divers there's everything from wrecks to reefs to big fish.

Wildlife

Monkeys crash trough the trees, whales splash trough the seas, leopards slink through the night birds flap through the skies, turtles  emerge on the beach and naturalists can't stop smiling.

The Hill Country

Walking

Hack through jungles, shiver over high plateaus, traipse to vertigo inspiring view points, tip toe through tea plantations and walk in the footsteps of gods.

Wildlife

No other part of Sri Lanka offers such varied wildlife habitats. There's steamy rainforests filled with noisy birds, grassland savannahs ruled by elephants and highland forests covered in delicate lichens and moss.

Eating 

Eating in Sri Lanka is rarely anything but a pleasure but it's in the Hill Country where the preparation and consumption of food becomes an art form and the best food comes from your guest house kitchen.

The Ancient Cities

Ancient Monuments

The Polonnaruwa Quadrangle the ancient quarter of Anuradhapura the jaw dropping sight of the rock monastery at Sigiriya just some of the remarkable ruins ready for exploration.

Temples

Amid the leaf shrouded ruins of Anuradhapura is Sri Maha Bodhi a tree that has seen history and devotion for 2500 years. Old temples, such as the one up over 1800 steps in Mihintale, will inspire your own devotion.

Cycling

The ruins of the Ancient Cities are sited within much larger parks and reserves.You can pedal between the wonders along palm shaded paths and never see a car. Guesthouses have bikes for hire.

The East

Beaches

Most of the east coast's miles upon miles of beaches are untouched but even those that are developed are sandy wonderlands, with just the right amounts of palm trees white sands and low key scenes.

Activities

The east generously provides activities to alternate with napping on beach hammocks. The ocean here isn't just calm and gorgeous but it has the reefs and wrecks for great snorkelling and diving and the right waves for surfing.

Wildlife

Kumana National Park doesn't have the size (or the leopard population) of its neighbour Yala. However it also lacks Yala's tourist population, which means the leopards, elephants and birds here are all yours.

Jaffna & The North

Off the Beaten Path

All but shut down to travel for years, the North is now ready to be explored.The going is rough and rocky but seeing glimpses of war history is powerfully moving.

Temples

Hindu gods and goddesses painted in exquisite riots of colours animate towering temple gateways all over the North. Even better through are the friendly priests and devotees who will welcome you to puja (prayer)

Islands & Seashores

Seemingly endless coastlines curl around the Jaffna region's mainland and islands. Coast roads causeways and wooden boat rides to isolated islands are only second to the islands sublime beauty.