Sigiriya, Sri LankaPhoto: V. Epiney, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Find your Bliss in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, made simple: ancient cities, tea hills and golden beaches at your own pace
Sri Lanka packs a whole continent's worth of variety into one island: the busy streets of Colombo, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, the rock fortress of Sigiriya, the slow train through the tea hills to Ella, leopards in Yala and the palm lined bays of the south coast. Two monsoons, an online entry system and trains that sell out can feel confusing. This guide takes the guesswork out so you travel with confidence.
Your trip, step by step
- Before you flyEntry rules, seasons, health and what to pack, answered
- LandingBandaranaike airport, SIM cards, money and the road to Colombo, explained
- Your days in Sri LankaTemples, trains, safaris, beaches and food, planned with care
- Home againAirport timing, tea to take home and customs tips for a calm last day
Where to go, eat and stay
- Plain answersClear, honest guidance on the questions first-timers actually ask.
- Official sourcesEntry, health and safety facts point you to the official pages to confirm.
- No price surprisesWe explain site tickets, park fees, tipping and transport costs in plain words so nothing catches you off guard.
- Free to useEvery guide and the trip planner are free.
Our promise
Sri Lanka should feel like wonder, not worry. We answer the questions about entry, monsoons, trains, money, temple etiquette and safety before they start, so you arrive confident and ready to find your Bliss.
Planning a first trip to Asia, a family holiday, a surf and yoga escape, or a visit home to relatives? This guide was written with you in mind.
How to use this guide
Four steps from first idea to a trip that feels easy.
- Choose your Sri LankaAncient cities, tea country, wildlife or beaches: start with the destinations that fit you.
- Sort the essentialsEntry, season, health and money, checked against official sources.
- Pick your placesUse our places to visit list for temples, cafés, hikes, markets and stays in each region.
- Plan your routeUse the free trip planner to fit trains, drives and safaris into the days you have.
Everything your Sri Lanka trip needs
Free tools and guides for every stage of the journey.
Destinations
Colombo, Kandy, the Cultural Triangle, Ella and Galle, each explained in depth.
Explore destinationsPlaces to visit
More than a hundred temples, beaches, cafés, hikes and stays, from classics to hidden corners.
See places to visitFlights and stays
Search flights into Colombo and stays across the island.
Plan travelPlaces finder
Restaurants, sights and stays mapped around each base.
Find placesFree trip planner
Tell us your dates and interests and build a route that fits.
Plan your trip
The classic Sri Lanka loop
Ancient cities, the hill country train and the south coast
Most first trips follow a loop from the airport: north to the Cultural Triangle for Sigiriya and Dambulla, south to Kandy for the Temple of the Tooth, the scenic train through the tea estates to Ella, down to Yala or Udawalawe for a safari, then west along the beaches to Galle and back to Colombo. Two weeks lets you do it without rushing.
- Sunrise from Pidurangala with Sigiriya in view
- The evening puja at the Temple of the Tooth
- The blue train across Nine Arch Bridge
- Sunset on the ramparts of Galle Fort
Plan with confidence
Your island, without the worry
Sri Lanka rewards a little preparation: the right coast for your month, train seats booked before they sell out, realistic drive times on winding roads and a clear idea of temple dress rules. Our free planner helps you shape it.
- Which coast is dry in which month
- Realistic travel times by train and road
- Where to base yourself in each region
Where to go in Sri Lanka
From the bazaars of Colombo and the sacred city of Kandy to the rock fortress of Sigiriya, the tea hills around Ella and the fort town of Galle.
Western Province
Colombo
Sri Lanka's busy commercial capital of colonial streets, bazaars, sea breezes and the island's best restaurants.
Read the guidePhoto: Phil Whitehouse, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Central Province
Kandy
The last royal capital, home to the Temple of the Tooth, a lakeside old town and the island's greatest festival.
Read the guidePhoto: AntanO, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
North Central and Central Provinces
The Cultural Triangle
Rock fortresses, cave temples and ruined royal cities on the dry plains, with elephant safaris close by.
Read the guidePhoto: Philip Nalangan, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Uva Province
Ella
A relaxed village in the tea hills, reached on one of the world's most beautiful train rides.
Read the guidePhoto: Malake100, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Southern Province
Galle and the south coast
A walled colonial fort town and a string of beaches for surf, whales, turtles and slow days.
Read the guidePhoto: Rehman Abubakr, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A note from our founder
A note from our founder
My first time visiting Kenya, I was genuinely surprised with how fast it began feeling like home. The people are so friendly, the food is delicious and familiar, and the accommodations are modern and upscale.
During my travels throughout the continent, I commonly hear tourists share stories about being scammed or taken advantage of, which is both frustrating and disheartening.
Living in Kenya for the last 2 years, I have had the great fortune to meet a network of wonderful Kenyans who have continuously help guide my family's journey. Their shared knowledge has not only greatly enhanced our overall experience here, but it has also saved us tons of time, energy, and resources.
With BlissPoint Travel, my hope is to build a global community that is willing to share useful, uncommon knowledge so that we can all blissfully enjoy the wonders our world has to offer.
Questions we hear most
Is Sri Lanka safe to visit?
Yes, for most visitors. The main risks are road accidents, strong sea currents, petty theft and scams. Read your own government's travel advice before you go and check it again close to departure.
What is the capital of Sri Lanka?
The official capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, where Parliament sits. Colombo, right next to it, is the commercial capital and the largest city.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation or visa arranged before travel, and some nationalities have been given free or visa-free entry under changing schemes. Rules depend on your passport, so check the official ETA site before you book.
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
December to April suits the west and south coasts and the hill country. May to September suits the east coast around Trincomalee and Arugam Bay. The Cultural Triangle is good most of the year.
What money is used in Sri Lanka?
The Sri Lankan rupee. Cards work in hotels and larger restaurants, but carry rupees for tuk tuks, small shops, temples and markets. ATMs are common in towns.
Can BlissPoint Travel book my trip?
We are a free travel guide, not a tour operator. Use our trip planner to shape your route, and our partner links to compare flights and stays.
Ready to find your Bliss in Sri Lanka?
Use the free trip planner to shape your days, or send us a question through the contact page.