Check the weather city by city, starting with Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Colombo).
Sri Lanka, the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', packs extraordinary diversity onto a small island: rock temples (Sigiriya), elephant safaris (Yala), south coast beaches, the tea hills of Nuwara Eliya and UNESCO sites. A complete destination that fits into a 2-week trip.
The Sigiriya rock fortress (5th century), a UNESCO World Heritage site, is reached via a spectacular staircase amid frescoes and water gardens. Nearby, Dambulla (cave temple), Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura make up Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle.
Highlights : Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, Polonnaruwa (ruins), Anuradhapura (former capital).
Kandy, Sri Lanka's last royal capital, is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kandy's artificial lake, Kandyan dances and the Peradeniya botanical gardens round out this holy city.
Highlights : Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada), Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens, Kandy Lake.
Yala is one of the best places in the world to spot wild leopards, boasting the highest leopard density on Earth. Elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears and migratory birds populate this 979 km² park.
Highlights : Sri Lankan leopard, Block 1 (main area), Asian elephants, Bundala (birds).
Galle Fort, a 17th-century Dutch fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the best-preserved colonial forts in Asia. The south coast offers beautiful beaches (Mirissa for whales), fishing villages and a relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights : Galle Fort (ramparts), Mirissa (whale watching), Hikkaduwa (snorkelling), Unawatuna (beach).
Sri Lanka offers excellent value for money. Since the 2022 economic crisis, prices have risen but remain affordable. The situation has stabilised.