South Asia
Tea hills, ancient temples, wild elephants and golden beaches.
Sri Lanka packs an extraordinary amount into one teardrop island — golden beaches and surf breaks, misty tea plantations and hill-country train rides, ancient Buddhist cities and rock fortresses, national parks full of leopards and elephants, and some of the friendliest people and best food in Asia. Its commercial capital Colombo, on the west coast, is a fast-changing, cosmopolitan gateway of colonial architecture, buzzing markets, seafront promenades and a growing café and rooftop scene.
What things cost: Sri Lanka is excellent value — rooms, tuk-tuks, curries and the famous trains all cost little, and even smart hotels are affordable. Park fees for safaris and the odd tourist-priced site are the exceptions. When a zone below says 'low', that means genuinely low.
Sometimes the event picks the city for you.
Colombo's grandest festival — a spectacular Buddhist procession from the Gangaramaya temple, with dozens of caparisoned elephants, drummers, dancers, fire-twirlers, whip-crackers and torch-bearers parading through the streets around Beira Lake by night. A dazzling, only-in-Sri-Lanka spectacle of colour, sound and pageantry; arrive early for a good spot along the route. One of the most exciting times to be in the capital.
Colombo · Gangaramaya Temple & Beira Lake
The island's biggest cultural holiday, marking the traditional new year celebrated by both Sinhalese and Tamil communities — a time of family gatherings, rituals performed at auspicious times, special sweets and oil-cakes, and traditional games. The usually frantic city falls quiet as people head home (many shops close), but the festive traditions, food and hospitality are wonderful; a fascinating, if slower, time to experience Sri Lankan culture.
Colombo · Across the city
The holiest Buddhist festival, marking the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha — Colombo glows with millions of colourful paper lanterns and elaborate illuminated 'pandal' displays, and free food stalls (dansala) hand out meals to all. Magical, generous and deeply atmospheric, especially after dark when the lanterns light up the city; a beautiful, joyful time to witness Sri Lankan Buddhism at its most radiant.
Colombo · Across the city
