Destination overview

Sri Lanka is an island country located off the southern coast of India. Sri Lanka is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Mannar, the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the Maldives.

Popular destinations include Colombo, Galle, Kandy and Yala National Park. Wildlife sanctuaries are a popular place to see water buffaloes, leopard and elephant populations.

Few places have as many Unesco World Heritage Sites (eight) packed into such a small area. Sri Lanka's 2000-plus years of culture can be discovered at ancient sites where legendary temples boast beautiful details even as they shelter in caves or perch on prominent peaks. More recent are colonial fortresses, from Galle to Trincomalee.

Sri Lankan food is cheap and very delicious. Local foods such as a dish made of chapatti and pancakes will only set you back a few dollars. Different cuts of meat, eggs, vegetables, or rice will cost a little more. Outside the key cities such as Kandy and Colombo, you will find non-Indian and Sri Lankan foods. Nevertheless, go for the local food, as it is super delicious.

Distances are short. You can see the sacred home of the world’s oldest living human-planted tree in the morning (Anuradhapura) and stand awestruck by the sight of hundreds of elephants gathering in the afternoon (Minneriya). Discover a favourite beach, meditate in a 2000-year-old temple, exchange smiles while strolling a mellow village, marvel at birds and wildflowers, try to keep count of the little dishes that come with your rice and curry. Wander past colonial architecture in Colombo, then hit some epic surf. The best way to get around is by train for longer trips and Tuk-Tuk for everything else. They are very cheap.

Sri Lanka is spectacular, affordable and still often uncrowded. What are you waiting for?