Sri Lanka
Colombo is a modern city, while Kandy and Anuradhapura are steeped in Buddhist heritage and ancient-city atmosphere. Crossing the highlands by train is itself part of the fun.
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Sri Lanka currency guide — today's rate & payment tips
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Average temperature by month
Based on Colombo · 5-year average
Choose a city
Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Colombo
Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest city, its name meaning "harbor of mango trees." As the country's administrative and judicial center, it offers a lively downtown well worth exploring.
45 sights 9 guides Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Kandy
Kandy is the leading tourist city of central Sri Lanka, once the capital of an ancient kingdom. Its royal palace, temples, and traditional dance carry on a rich cultural heritage.
21 sights 9 guides Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is a historic ancient city that flourished as Sri Lanka's capital for nearly a thousand years. Ancient temples and stupas such as Mihintale and Jetavanaramaya remain throughout the city, offering a glimpse into its distant past.
12 sights 9 guides SLAF China Bay (TRR)
Galle
Galle is a Sri Lankan city where you can visit the Galle Lighthouse, St. Mary's Cathedral, and the National Maritime Museum. Old churches and mosques blend together to create a distinctive atmosphere.
10 sights 9 guides Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI)
Jaffna
Jaffna is Sri Lanka's northernmost city, once a rebel stronghold during the civil war. Follow the traces of that era to discover the city's story.
15 sights 9 guides SLAF Palaly (JAF)
Top sights in Sri Lanka
Temples & religious sites
Temple of the Tooth
A Buddhist temple on the site of the former Kandy royal palace, enshrining a tooth relic of the Buddha. Its historical and religious significance is such that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Museums & galleries
National Museum of Colombo
A museum in Colombo, also known as the National Museum of Sri Lanka. It's a pleasant, easy stop to make while exploring the city.
Views & landmarks
Lotus Tower
A landmark tower symbolizing Colombo, Sri Lanka. At 351 meters, it's the tallest self-supporting structure in South Asia and a visible reference point from almost anywhere in the city.
Nature
Mihintale
A mountain near Anuradhapura believed to be where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. It's now a pilgrimage site with numerous Buddhist ruins, explored by climbing its stone steps.
Temples & religious sites
Jetavanaramaya
A massive stupa within the ruins of Jetavana Monastery in the World Heritage city of Anuradhapura. It was the tallest stupa in the world at the time of its completion, and its scale remains impressive.
Zoos & aquariums
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
A botanical garden a short distance west of central Kandy, near the Mahaweli River. It's home to some 4,000 plant species, including orchids, spice plants, medicinal plants, and palms.
Parks & gardens
Galle Face Green
A broad seaside park stretching along the coast in central Colombo, pleasant for a walk in the sea breeze. Once used as a racecourse and golf course, it is now a popular spot for sports and relaxation.
Temples & religious sites
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
A historic mosque in Colombo's Pettah district, it is one of the city's oldest mosques. Its distinctive facade makes it a popular attraction for locals and travelers alike.
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