Sri Lanka is a destination that has it all. This teardrop-shaped island off the coast of India has seen its share of difficulties, but in the past two years it has emerged as one of the most vibrant and exciting countries for travel. Tourist arrivals in the first half of 2025 are up 60% compared to the same period in 2024, a promising sign for this resilient nation.

With awe-inspiring cultural attractions, sacred pilgrimage sites, tea plantations and laid-back beach towns, Sri Lanka is a thrilling country that appeals to all kinds of travelers—from families and honeymooners to foodies and surfers. Time Out even ranked Sri Lanka the #1 best place to visit for solo female travelers. Have we piqued your interest? Here’s everything you need to know to plan a perfect trip to Sri Lanka.

Seasons

Located south of India and east of the Maldives, Sri Lanka is a tropical country close to the equator. It has two monsoon seasons: the Southwest Monsoon from May to September and the Northeast Monsoon from December to February.

Logistics

Cinnamon Air, Sri Lanka’s largest domestic air carrier, makes traveling throughout Sri Lanka a breeze. The airline offers daily scheduled flights to popular destinations (a 30-minute flight from Colombo to Sigiriya will save you a 5-hour drive) and exclusive charters at competitive prices. Cinnamon Air has three aircraft, including two seaplanes, ensuring flexibility in landing in different terrains, such as Castlereagh’s natural reservoir or Koggala Lake in the south.

If you prefer to travel by land, there are many taxi services available throughout Sri Lanka and the roads are surprisingly well-maintained. In Colombo, you can use Uber, the PickMe app or tuk tuks to move around. For longer rides, companies like TinyCabs and BlueSky Galle Taxis are available for ground transfers and tours throughout the country.

Sri Lanka is also famous for its trains but be sure to book your tickets early — the famous Kandy to Ella train ride books out a month in advance. You can reserve tickets directly on 12Go or use a booking service like Visit Sri Lanka Tours which can purchase tickets on your behalf (with a mark-up). In both cases, you’ll need to stop by one of Sri Lanka’s train stations with your reservation in hand in order to print out your original tickets. Tip: second class reserved seats are ideal because you can keep the windows down for the best views!

Sri Lanka is unique for a myriad of boutique, locally-owned hotels dotted throughout the country. If you need help choosing where to stay, We Stay Ceylon has a handpicked collection of unique properties throughout the island and can help design a personalized itinerary as well.

Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle

Although many people will flock to Sri Lanka for its surf scene, it is worth spending time exploring the island’s cultural triangle as well. Located in the fertile center of the country, this area is a testament to Sri Lanka’s longstanding heritage and boasts five UNESCO Sites, each worth visiting.

Sigiriya is Sri Lanka’s uncontested jewel. An ancient rock fortress that rises 600 ft above a canopy of thick jungle, it served as Prince Kashyapa’s 5th century royal palace before being used as a Buddhist monastery. If you have time, it’s also worth climbing Pidurangala Rock which lies directly in front of Sigiriya: this other mountain is a nature reserve and best suited for intrepid travelers.

To the north of Sigiriya lies Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital founded in the 4th century which flourished for over 1,000 years. With large stupas and a sacred fig tree (a descendent of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment), it remains an important pilgrimage site.

You can also visit Sri Lanka’s second capital, Polonnaruwa, which features monumental ruins built between the 11th to 13th centuries. The ruins are spread over 1,100 sq miles and include intricately carved palaces, city council buildings and evocative shrines. Nearby, art lovers shouldn’t miss Dambulla’s five painted caves featuring over 150 statues of the Buddha.

On the southern end of the Cultural Triangle is Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings and today the second-largest city after Colombo, the capital. Kandy is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is believed to shelter one of the Buddha’s teeth. Three ceremonies are performed here each day and travelers are welcome to join to experience this unique tradition.

Hill Country

As you depart south from Kandy, you’ll come across Sri Lanka’s verdant Hill Country. While the island may be known for its tropical temperatures, it is also the fourth largest producer of tea in the world — a feat for a relatively small territory. This is thanks to its cool, misty mountains around cities like Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Hatton.

Introduced by the British in the 19th century, after a coffee rust fungus devastated the country’s coffee plantations, tea remains a ubiquitous part of Sri Lankan culture. Referred to as Ceylon Tea, the country’s colonial name, black tea is dominant in Sri Lanka’s over 400 tea plantations. Tea is still plucked by hand by a highly skilled workforce of primarily Tamil women whom you will see hard at work throughout the country’s technicolor, undulating plantations.

In Nuwara Eliya, pay a visit to Pedro Tea Estate, while in Ella, it’s worth taking a short tuk-tuk ride to Uva Halpewatte for an educational factory tour. Trains were developed to help transport goods, including tea, from the inland regions to coastal ports, so be sure to take a train ride while you’re in the area. The Kandy-Ella line is the most famous and sells out quickly so look into alternative options like Nuwara Eliya to Hatton where you can relax by the spectacular Castlereagh Reservoir, a truly otherworldly scene.

The Coast

Sri Lanka’s coastline covers 800 miles so sunbathers and surfers will be spoiled for choice. Where you go will depend on the season. If you visit between December and April, head south and west where Sri Lanka’s tourism is most developed. Stretching from Colombo down to Tangalle, there are dozens of beach towns worth visiting so you’ll need to make some choices.

Bentota, home to landscaped garden villas Lunuganga and Brief Garden, will delight architects and culture hunters. Hikkaduwa is popular for its turtle hatchery and Tsunami Museum which commemorates those lost during the deadly tsunami which killed over 30,000 people in Sri Lanka in 2004.

Galle, a fortified Dutch-Portugese town is a must-see for its colonial architecture and many boutique hotels while Ahangama is the newest hip locale with lively bars, concept shops and cool hotels. Weligama and Mirissa have been popular surf destinations for the past decade and many whale watching excursions leave from here. Further east, Hiriketiya is another small surf paradise with beach clubs and cool cocktail lounges where you can hang out until the early hours.

For unique nature and culture excursions along the southern coast, reach out to Donga. Founded by four friends, this small, sustainable tour company offers immersive tours of Koggala Lake’s mangroves, rainforest treks through Sinharaja, pottery experiences, walking tours and more.

If you visit between May and November, you’ll have better chances of sunshine along the northern and eastern coasts. Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Arugam Bay are the most popular resort towns in this area.

Safari

Sri Lanka has the highest biodiversity in Asia which you can enjoy viewing across its 25 National Parks dotted throughout the island. Yala National Park is the most famous, with the highest density of leopards in the world, though its popularity also means it’s quite crowded. Other options include Minneriya, located close to Sigiriya (perfect for a half-day tour) and Udawalawe, known for its large population of Asian elephants.

Other animals you can see throughout national parks are sloth bears, water buffalo, spotted deer, jackals and monitor lizards. Sri Lanka is also a great place for birding — peacocks are ubiquitous and you’re likely to see the Sri Lankan Junglefowl alongside migratory birds like flamingos and herons.

Colombo

Most trips to Sri Lanka will begin or end in Colombo, and it’s worth spending a couple of nights in the capital to soak in its buzzing energy. Highlights include the iconic red-and-white striped Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct located in a colonial-era hospital, and the Colombo National Museum which provides a historical and cultural introduction to the country.

To learn more about Sri Lanka’s more contemporary history, visit Geoffrey Bawa’s Residence Number 11, Sri Lanka’s most renowned architect celebrated for his “tropical modernist” style, and shop for artisanal crafts at boutiques like Barefoot Gallery and Urban Island.

Debunking travel health myths, experts advise against assuming safety based on location, like upscale resorts guaranteeing potable tap water. Prioritize well-being by resting adequately, practicing hygiene, and being cautious about food and water sources. Countering the myth of effective airplane ventilation, masks are recommended, especially during boarding.

Travel, as we all know, opens doors to adventure, but most also tend to follow myths about staying healthy on the road, which can at times derail their trip before it even starts. If you have also been there, let’s debunk five persistent myths and what we can actually try to do.

You always get sick on vacation

Many blame Murphy’s Law when they fall ill, but there are clear reasons for frequent sickness on trips. Fatigue, disrupted routines, indulgent food, and more exposure to pathogens significantly raise risk levels, especially in areas with poor sanitation. What you can do instead is rest well, avoid overindulgence, practice frequent hand-washing, wear a quality mask in crowded spaces, drink bottled water, and opt for cooked or peelable foods.

Airplane ventilation is so effective that masks aren’t necessary

It’s a common belief that cabin air purifiers do all the work, eliminating the need for masks. While ventilation systems are better than most indoor environments, they aren’t operating at full strength during boarding or disembarkation. Close proximity to others can still elevate risks. What you can do instead is wear a mask, especially during boarding and deboarding, and if somebody seated near you is not well.

Tap water at upscale resorts is always safe

Just because you’re in a luxury resort doesn’t mean the tap water is potable. There have been cases where venues used filtered water for guests, but served untreated tap water in rooms. What you can do instead is stick to that bottled or properly purified water. Only drink water or ice when you’re certain of its source, and verify that any bottled beverages are unsealed in your presence.

Traveler’s diarrhea only affects a small few

Traveller’s diarrhea affects roughly 30–70% of travelers on two-week trips, with bacteria like E. coli being the most common cause, as per the reports from Wikipedia. What you can do instead is adopt preventive steps like eating only thoroughly cooked or peeled foods, using safe water for drinking and brushing teeth, and washing hands regularly. Bring oral rehydration solutions, probiotics, fiber supplements, anti-diarrheal meds, and consult your physician if you have chronic GI conditions.

Carry-on luggage only

While appealing, this travel hack can backfire in terms of health: trying to pack everything into a carry-on may leave you without essential items like medications or hygiene supplies. Plus, the stress of underpacking can undercut your focus on health. What you can do instead is balance convenience with preparedness. Pack health essentials like medications, hygiene kits, and electrolyte solutions. If checked luggage is necessary to include these, it’s worth the cost.

Asia Pacific dominated global air travel in 2024, with South Korea’s Jeju–Seoul (CJU–GMP) corridor ranked the world’s busiest route, carrying 13.2 million passengers last year, as per the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) report.

Out of the top 10 busiest airport pairs worldwide, nine were within the Asia Pacific region. Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah–Riyadh (JED–RUH) was the only route outside Asia Pacific to make it to the global top 10.

IATA’s WATS report, based on data from over 240 airlines, provides detailed information on global air traffic trends, including passenger volumes, cargo capacity, aircraft utilisation, airline staffing, and financial performance.

• Jeju – Seoul (CJU–GMP), South Korea – 13.2 million passengers
• Sapporo – Tokyo Haneda (CTS–HND), Japan
• Fukuoka – Tokyo Haneda (FUK–HND), Japan
• Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City (HAN–SGN), Vietnam
• Shanghai Hongqiao – Beijing Capital (SHA–PEK), China
• Jakarta – Denpasar Bali (CGK–DPS), Indonesia
• Osaka – Tokyo Haneda (ITM–HND), Japan
• Manila – Cebu (MNL–CEB), Philippines
• Jeddah – Riyadh (JED–RUH), Saudi Arabia
• Bangkok – Chiang Mai (BKK–CNX), Thailand

Regional Leaders in Air Traffic

• Latin America: Bogotá–Medellín (BOG–MDE) topped with 3.8 million passengers
• Africa: Cape Town–Johannesburg (CPT–JNB) led with 3.3 million flyers
• North America: New York JFK–Los Angeles (JFK–LAX) was highest with 2.2 million passengers
• Europe: Barcelona–Palma de Mallorca (BCN–PMI) carried 2 million passengers

The WATS report also includes data on cargo traffic, operating costs, airline profitability, and employee numbers. IATA noted that this annual statistical review helps stakeholders track changes in demand and capacity planning across global air routes.

For Indian travellers and airlines, the dominance of intra-Asia Pacific routes signals sustained demand for regional connectivity, which may guide network planning and route development in the coming years.

Thailand’s beaches are more than just pretty – they offer a chance to slow down, explore and connect with nature. Plan a visit soon and enjoy!

Thailand’s beaches are truly amazing and it’s easy to see why. With soft sand, clear water and warm weather all year, it’s perfect for a dream vacation. Whether you like relaxing, water sports or fun beach activities, Thailand has something for everyone. Each beach is special in its own way – some are quiet and hidden, while others are famous worldwide. You can swim, sunbathe or just enjoy the sunset. If you’re visiting Thailand soon, here are eight of the best beaches you shouldn’t miss on your trip.

Here Are 8 Of The Best Beaches To Visit In Thailand:

1. Railay Beach, Krabi

Surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush greenery, Railay Beach feels like a private island even though it’s just a short boat ride from the mainland. It’s perfect for a quiet day under the sun or for trying out rock climbing if you’re feeling adventurous. The views are breathtaking, especially at sunset.

2. Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Leh

If this beach looks familiar, it’s because it starred in the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio. Maya Bay recently reopened after years of conservation and is now more beautiful and peaceful than ever. You’ll need to go early in the day as visitor numbers are limited but it’s totally worth it.

3. White Sand Beach, Koh Chang

This one’s great for families and first-time beachgoers. White Sand Beach has plenty of places to eat, sleep and shop, all within walking distance of the shore. The vibe is relaxed and the water is calm- perfect for kids or lazy afternoon swims.

4. Freedom Beach, Phuket

Tucked away from Phuket’s busy tourist spots, Freedom Beach is a quiet escape. You can reach it either by boat or a bit of a steep hike but once you get there, the crystal-clear water makes it worth the effort. It’s a great place if you want a peaceful afternoon without crowds.

5. Bottle Beach, Koh Phangan

Looking to get away from everything? Bottle Beach is one of Koh Phangan’s most peaceful corners. You won’t find loud music or party scenes here – just the sound of the ocean, a few beach huts and the occasional hammock calling your name.

6. Ao Nang Beach, Krabi

This beach is all about convenience. It’s a popular base for tourists because of its easy access to island tours, restaurants and shops. Ao Nang is also known for its sunset views, so grab a seat on the sand and watch the sky turn orange and pink.

7. Sairee Beach, Koh Tao

Home to one of Thailand’s best diving scenes, Sairee Beach is perfect for underwater lovers. It’s also got a lively atmosphere with beach bars, fire shows and laid-back cafes. Whether you’re diving or just relaxing, there’s always something happening here.

8. Sunrise Beach, Koh Lipe

This beach is perfect for early risers, with beautiful sunrises every morning. The water is calm and great for snorkelling or just floating around. It’s a lovely spot for couples or anyone looking for a relaxing break.

Thailand’s beaches are more than just pretty – they offer a chance to slow down, explore and connect with nature. Plan a visit soon and enjoy!