Discover the diverse regions of Sri Lanka
The tropical island of Sri Lanka offers extraordinary variety for its compact size, making it an ideal holiday destination whether you want to loll on a beautiful beach, walk through stirring hill country or marvel at the ruins of ancient cities. Browse our guide to the different regions of Sri Lanka to discover how each one has its own special mood. Your journey can take you from wildlife-rich lowland jungles and mangrove-shrouded rivers to shimmering plains and tea-clad highlands, all encased by a near constant stretch of golden coastline. Ancient and modern exist in harmony. Truly, this is an island with a little bit of everything.
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Sri Lanka Regions
Colombo
Colombo is in an exciting phase in its history. Sri Lanka’s largest city possesses a sense of new ambition, but it remains a compact, manageable coastal city offering excellent value and an atmosphere all of its own.
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Cultural Triangle
Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle has enthralled millions of travellers. It covers the north-central towns of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla where extensive archaeological ruins provide a glimpse into the island’s history.
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East Coast
Sri Lanka’s picturesque East Coast is enjoying a renaissance. The sun-kissed beaches and marine life of Trincomalee; world-renowned surfing in Arugam Bay; and the wild elephants of Gal Oya National Park all make this a tourist heaven.
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Galle Coast
Galle is thriving. The fortified old town is enjoying an artistic renaissance and hosts an annual literary festival. To the south lies the Galle Coast, where beautiful beaches are dotted with luxurious villas and classy boutique hotels.
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Hill Country
Drive into the central highlands and discover Sri Lanka at its most dramatic. This land of tea-clad hills and rushing waterfalls now has its own award-winning walking trail to help bring it alive. Unmissable.
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Jaffna and the North
Situated at the northern tip of Sri Lanka, the Jaffna peninsula is steeped in history. Explore Jaffna town and surrounding areas, or visit one of seven inhabited remote islands, as this region recovers from years of civil war.
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Kandy
The bustling hill-country capital of Kandy lies amidst towering hills. Its temperate climate, scenic location and rich history has made it a favourite haunt for travellers. A gateway to the stirring peaks of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
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North-West Coast
Sri Lanka’s north-west coast begins with the popular beach resort of Negombo – close to the international airport - but venture further north for whale and dolphin spotting, game parks and lagoons in a region largely untouched by mass tourism.
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Sinharaja & Kitulgala
The tropical rainforest of Sinharaja and the village of Kitulgala, which is popular for white water rafting, are situated in the western foothills, sandwiched between the west coast and the central highlands.
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South Coast
Sri Lanka’s cove-like south coast is very much on trend with beach lovers since the coastal motorway cut journey times and consists of a diverse collection of delightful coral-protected bays and headlands.
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Uda Walawe, Tissa and Kataragama
Uda Walawe game park, where elephants abound, and the historical towns of Tissa and Kataragama are located in Sri Lanka's south east. This area of lotus-filled lakes and paddy has great religious and historical significance.
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West Coast
Sri Lanka's west coast covers the coastal belt just south of Colombo all the way down to Hikkaduwa. It has a proud and long-standing tourist tradition and offers broad tropical beaches for a mix of upmarket and budget travellers.
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Yala
Yala, situated in the south east corner of the island, is home to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Seek out sloth bear, elephants, buffalo, deer, crocodiles and the endangered Sri Lankan leopard in the country’s biggest game park.
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