The pearl of the Indian Ocean
Sri Lanka packs extraordinary diversity into a compact island — ancient civilizations, misty mountain tea estates, leopard-stalked national parks, and sun-kissed beaches all within a few hours of each other.
The Cultural Triangle in the north holds some of Asia's most extraordinary ancient sites — the rock fortress of Sigiriya, the cave temples of Dambulla, the sacred city of Anuradhapura, and the royal ruins of Polonnaruwa. Meanwhile the hill country around Kandy and Nuwara Eliya offers lush green tea terraces, colonial-era hotels, and cool mountain air.
The south coast delivers world-class surfing at Arugam Bay, whale watching off Mirissa, and laid-back beach towns like Unawatuna and Tangalle. Yala National Park boasts one of the world's highest densities of leopards. Somehow, it all fits into an island smaller than Scotland — making Sri Lanka one of the world's most rewarding travel destinations.
Climb the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya — a UNESCO World Heritage Site rising 200m above jungle