An island of national parks, venerated temples, tea plantations and rose-gold beaches: Sri Lanka packs in plenty of experiences. Our country specialists can help you plan a Sri Lanka vacation that encompasses your interests and shows you lesser-visited corners of the island.
The Cultural Triangle is Sri Lanka’s historic heartland, a concentration of extravagant ancient cities and cave frescoes with the rock fortress of Sigiriya in its middle. To the south is the pilgrimage city of Kandy, built around the Temple of the Tooth. From here you can ride the train up into the cooler climes of the central highlands, where neatly tended tea estates sit between colonial cottages and swathes of forest. The hills drop sharply down to the national parks and rainforest below, which shelter elephants, sloth bears and, more elusively, leopards. Along the coast you find the Dutch fortress of Galle and palm-fringed coves.
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Suggested tours for Sri Lanka
Soft-sand beaches, convivial culture, and wildlife-spotting opportunities: these are just some of the things we can include on your trip to Sri Lanka. We can help you explore the world-famous Cultural Triangle, or combine your time with a stay on a secluded island in the Maldives.
Suggested activities for Sri Lanka
Take in the picturesque railway journey to Nuwara Eliya, search for leopards in Yala National Park , or marvel at the intricate costumes during a traditional Kandyan dance performance. Whatever inspires your trip to Sri Lanka, we can recommend experiences that will show you the country in a new light.
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Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa ![Sigiriya Rock Fortress]()
Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa
SigiriyaSigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa
You will start your day by visiting the mighty Sigiriya Rock Fortress which dominates the surrounding landscape. For many visitors, this is the most impressive site in Sri Lanka with stunning views from the top.
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Kandyan Dance Performance & Temple of the Tooth ![Temple of the Tooth]()
Kandyan Dance Performance & Temple of the Tooth
KandyKandyan Dance Performance & Temple of the Tooth
Traditional Kandyan dances include the cobra dance, mask dance, the Ginisisila, showing power over fire. The entire frenetic and colorful spectacle climaxes with the amazing fire-walking act.
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Visit to the Elephant Transit Home ![Wild elephants, Uda Walawe National Park]()
Visit to the Elephant Transit Home
Udawalawe National ParkVisit to the Elephant Transit Home
The Elephant Transit Home takes orphaned or sick elephants which are then fed and cared for until they are strong enough to be returned to the wild.
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Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
- Fully protected travel
- Established for over 25 years
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Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit Sri Lanka, including information about climate, events and festivals.
Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to Sri Lanka, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest Government of Canada travel advice.
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Sri Lanka in pictures
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![Views of Sigiriya Rock Fortress]()
Enjoy the views from Sigiriya Rock Fort -
![Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka]()
Explore the historical sights of The Cultural Triangle -
![Beach near Dondra Lighthouse]()
Relax on Sri Lanka's idyllic beaches -
![Galle Fort Lighthouse, Sri Lanka]()
Visit Galle Fort on foot -
![Prayer Flags, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka]()
Experience the temples and festivals -
![Tamil tea picker, Pedro tea plantation, near Nuwara Eliya]()
Spend time in Sri Lanka's beautiful tea country -
![Red-vented bulbul in Sinharaja Biosphere]()
Spot rare and beautiful birds in the Sinharaja Biosphere -
![Leopard in Yala National Park]()
Experience Sri Lanka's best game drives
Our expert guides to traveling in Sri Lanka
Written by our specialists from the viewpoint of their own travels, these guides will help you decide on the shape of your own trip to Sri Lanka. Aiming to inspire and inform, we share our recommendations for how to appreciate Sri Lanka at its best.
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![My travels in Kerala and Sri Lanka]()
My travels in Kerala and Sri Lanka
Visiting Kerala and Sri Lanka, Indian Subcontinent specialist Matt captured this video footage on his trip.
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Sri Lanka’s wildlife: safaris, jungles and plains ![Mother and baby elephants in the wild]()
Sri Lanka’s wildlife: safaris, jungles and plains
Sri Lanka’s wildlife: safaris, jungles and plains
An avid wildlife enthusiast, Sri Lanka specialist Seamus explains where to spot Sri Lanka’s leopards, sloth bears and elephants. He also shares his recommended experiences away from the usual parks, such as walking through primary rainforest and taking boat rides across secluded lakes.
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Luxury Sri Lanka vacations: from colonial grandeur to palm-fringed shores ![Summer house at Norwood Bungalow]()
Luxury Sri Lanka vacations: from colonial grandeur to palm-fringed shores
Luxury Sri Lanka vacations: from colonial grandeur to palm-fringed shores
Luxury in Sri Lanka can take the form of a palatial beach-front suite, secluded colonial cottage or a safari tent. Sri Lanka specialist Sophie shares her suggestions for the most comfortable stays and exclusive experiences, including tea tasting with a master tea specialist or a chartered flight across the coastline.
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Slow down in Sri Lanka: a leisurely tour of the north ![Jaffna, Sri Lanka]()
Slow down in Sri Lanka: a leisurely tour of the north
Slow down in Sri Lanka: a leisurely tour of the north
Trips to Sri Lanka can often be rushed, but it pays to slow down the pace, says Sri Lanka specialist Chloe. On an unhurried tour of Sri Lanka’s little-visited north, there’s time to really get to know a region that, although marred with the scars of war, welcomes visitors warmly.
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Honeymoons in Sri Lanka ![Ceylon Tea Trails, Castlereagh Bungalow, Hatton]()
Honeymoons in Sri Lanka
Honeymoons in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a small island, yet for its size it offers a remarkable array of attractions from ancient temples and grand colonial cities to diverse national parks and powder-soft beaches. For honeymooners, that means lots to see and do as well as plenty of time to relax between destinations.
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What to do in Sri Lanka: our highlights guide ![Buddha statues in the Dambulla Cave Temples]()
What to do in Sri Lanka: our highlights guide
What to do in Sri Lanka: our highlights guide
With impressive cultural sites, delightful beaches and wildlife viewing opportunities within its many parks, Sri Lanka offers a diverse mix of experiences, which can easily be combined in a two-week trip.
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Family vacations to Sri Lanka ![Macaques are a regular sighting throughout Sri Lanka]()
Family vacations to Sri Lanka
Family vacations to Sri Lanka
A family vacation to Sri Lanka will get you close to wild elephants, crocodiles and possibly even the elusive leopard. Sri Lanka specialist Alison picks some of her highlights including Yala and Minneriya national parks, the cultural triangle and tea region.
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5 ways to try Sri Lankan food ![Freshly produced prawns just outside Jaffna]()
5 ways to try Sri Lankan food
5 ways to try Sri Lankan food
Sri Lanka specialist Alison explains how a recent culinary tour to Sri Lanka reignited her passion for its food. She shares her most memorable food experiences, from cooking beetroot curry in a rural homestay to stripping cinnamon bark in a plantation.
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