World Explorer🇱🇰 Sri Lanka travel guide
Pearl of the Indian Ocean — tea plantations, elephant orphanages, ancient rock fortress Sigiriya.
Explore Sri Lanka on the 3D globe- Capital
- Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Colombo)
- Continent
- Asia
- Population
- 22M
- Languages
- Sinhala, Tamil
- Currency
- Sri Lankan Rupee Rs
- Time zone
- UTC+5:30 (SLST)
- Area
- 65,610 km²
Top places to visit in Sri Lanka
- 🦁 Sigiriya Lion Rock
- 🐘 Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- 🌿 Tea plantations (Nuwara Eliya)
- 🕍 Temple of the Tooth, Kandy
- 🏖️ Mirissa Beach (whale watching)
- ⛰️ Ella Nine Arch Bridge
5-day Sri Lanka itinerary
Day 1: Negombo/Colombo arrival
Galle Face, markets.
Day 2: Sigiriya & Dambulla
Lion Rock, cave temples.
Day 3: Kandy
Tooth relic, Peradeniya gardens.
Day 4: Ella & tea country
Train ride, Little Adam's Peak.
Day 5: Departure
Last kottu roti, tea souvenir.
How much does it cost to travel in Sri Lanka?
| Travel style | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Budget | $25/day |
| Mid-range | $65/day |
| Luxury | $180/day |
| Round-trip flight | $700 |
Rough estimates in US dollars. Prices vary by season and departure city.
Useful phrases for Sri Lanka
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Ayubowan (Sinhala) | |
| Thank you | Istuti | |
| Goodbye | Nawatha hamuwemu | |
| How much? | Kiya ada? |
What Sri Lanka is known for
A strong choice if you enjoy food, nature, culture, history and water activities.
Sri Lanka travel FAQ
How much does a trip to Sri Lanka cost per day?
Our estimate is around $25/day on a budget, $65/day mid-range and $180/day for luxury travel, not including international flights.
How many days do you need in Sri Lanka?
This guide's route covers 5 days: Negombo/Colombo arrival, Sigiriya & Dambulla, Kandy, Ella & tea country and Departure.
What are the top things to see in Sri Lanka?
Highlights include Sigiriya Lion Rock, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Tea plantations (Nuwara Eliya) and Temple of the Tooth, Kandy.
What language and currency are used in Sri Lanka?
Languages: Sinhala, Tamil. Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee Rs.
Check your government's travel advice and entry requirements before you book.