Kandy and the Tooth Temple
A sacred city of Sri Lankan Buddhism, home to one of the island's most revered relics amid green hills.
Sri Lanka
Between golden beaches, lush tea plantations and ancient temples, Sri Lanka captivates with the richness of its landscapes and culture. From the hills of Kandy to the shores of the Indian Ocean, this island offers a rare diversity of nature, spirituality and living traditions to explore.
Why visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka combines tropical beaches, UNESCO-listed sites and exceptional biodiversity within a compact territory. The highland tea plantations, ancient Buddhist temples and national parks home to elephants and leopards make it a complete destination for travelers seeking nature and culture.
What to discover in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka offers a mosaic of landscapes across a small area: beaches along the south and west coasts, tropical forests, highland tea plantations and archaeological sites such as the carved rock fortresses of the central region. The city of Kandy, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, reflects the central role of Buddhism in island life.
Travelers can also explore national parks where elephants, leopards and rich birdlife live, or wander the bustling markets of Colombo, the country's economic capital. Spicy cuisine, blending rice, curry and tropical fruit, rounds out a dense cultural experience. Between coast and interior, Sri Lanka suits both a beach getaway and a fuller cultural and natural itinerary.
Cities to visit in Sri Lanka
Featured destinations appear first.
Coming soon.
Sri Lanka in pictures
Not to be missed
A few highlights to discover the diversity of Sri Lanka.
Tea plantations
The highlands around Nuwara Eliya offer sweeping tea plantation landscapes open to visitors.
National parks
Yala and other reserves are home to elephants, leopards and varied wildlife across savanna and forest landscapes.
Coastal beaches
The south and west coasts offer fine sandy beaches, ideal for relaxation and water activities alike.
Archaeological sites
The Cultural Triangle gathers ancient temples, royal cities and sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage.
Colombo, economic capital
A blend of colonial architecture and modernity, with markets, temples and lively shopping districts.
Practical information
- Capital
- Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
- Area
- About 65,600 km²
- Population
- About 22 million
- Languages
- Sinhala, Tamil
- Currency
- Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
- Time zone
- UTC+5:30
- Climate
- Tropical, varies by region
- Best season
- December to March (west and south coasts)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
The dry season from December to March suits the west and south coasts, while the east coast is best visited between April and September, depending on the monsoons.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Most visitors must obtain an electronic travel authorization before departure, applied for online through the relevant authorities.
What language is spoken in Sri Lanka?
Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages; English is widely understood in tourist areas and major cities.
Is Sri Lanka suitable for a family trip?
Yes, the island offers accessible beaches, wildlife parks and cultural sites suited to all ages, over relatively short distances.
What currency is used in Sri Lanka?
The Sri Lankan rupee is the official currency; cards are accepted in tourist areas, while cash remains useful elsewhere.
How much time should I plan for Sri Lanka?
One to two weeks allow travelers to combine beaches, highlands and cultural sites without rushing across the island.
Plan your trip to Sri Lanka
Day-by-day itinerary, budget, bookings and packing in a single app.
