Sri Lanka holiday
Travel tips, best time to visit & highlights for your Sri Lanka holiday in Asia
The Tear Island offers an incredible variety in a small space: tea plantations in the highlands, wild elephants in national parks, golden temples, dream beaches in the south, and the legendary train ride through the mountains.
Capital
Colombo
Language
Sinhalese, Tamil
Currency
Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR)
Time zone
UTC+5:30
Flight time from DE
approx. 10–11 hours
Entry requirements
Passport, E-Visa (ETA)
Top hotels & accommodations in Sri Lanka
Selected hotels and holiday accommodations in Sri Lanka — with images, reviews, and direct booking links with our partners.
Ulagalla by Uga Escapes
Habarana, Sri Lanka
Anantara Kalutara Resort
Kalutara, Sri Lanka
The Grand Kandyan Hotel
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Sigiriya Village
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
The Blue Water
Wadduwa, Sri Lanka
Hilton Yala Resort
Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka
Uga Bay - Pasikuda
Passikudah, Sri Lanka
Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon
Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka
Top 5 highlights in Sri Lanka
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Sigiriya
The Lion Rock: A fortress on a 200m high rock – UNESCO World Heritage.
Ella
Tea plantations, Nine Arch Bridge, and the most beautiful train route in the world.
Yala National Park
The highest leopard density in the world plus elephants, crocodiles, and birds.
Galle
Dutch fortress by the sea, charming boutiques, and sunsets.
Mirissa
Whale watching, surf beaches, and a relaxed backpacker atmosphere.
Hotels in Sri Lanka
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für Sri Lanka
Prepaid-SIM mit Datenvolumen für Sri Lanka. Einfach einlegen und sofort lossurfen – keine Roaming-Gebühren.
* Weiterleitung zu travSIM.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reiseversicherung abschließen
Rundum-Schutz ab 9,90 € auf TravelSecure.de
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
Recommended travel time
December–March (South/West Coast)
Summer
28–32°C
Winter
26–30°C
How much does a holiday in Sri Lanka cost?
Average cost per person per day (excluding flight)
Budget
25–40€
Hostel, street food, public transport
Mid-range
40–80€
Hotel, restaurant, excursions
Luxury
80–200€
Boutique hotel, fine dining
5 travel tips for Sri Lanka
Insider knowledge to make your holiday better.
The train ride from Kandy to Ella is an absolute must-do
Agree on a fixed price for Tuk-Tuks before starting the ride
Ayurveda treatments are authentic and very cheap
Full moon days (Poya Days) – alcohol sales prohibited
Left-hand traffic – look right when crossing the street
Food & drink in Sri Lanka
These dishes you must try!
Discover Sri Lanka
12 regions, cities and highlights in Sri Lanka
Cities
Colombo
Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant mix of colonial past, Buddhist temples, and modern aspirations. The port city on the Indian Ocean combines Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, and colonial influences into a fascinating cultural blend. The Fort district with its British colonial architecture contrasts with the colorful Gangaramaya Temple, which combines light installations with Buddhist tradition. Pettah, the chaotic bazaar district, overwhelms with its intensity of spices, fabrics, and gold jewelry. The Galle Face Green promenade by the sea is the city's meeting point at sunset, where families fly kites and street food stalls offer Isso Vade (shrimp fritters). Colombo is the gateway to the cultural triangle, the tea plantations in the highlands, and the beaches of the south.
Ella
Ella is a sleepy mountain village in the highlands of Sri Lanka that has become a favorite among the backpacker scene — and rightly so. Nestled in emerald green tea plantations at an altitude of 1,000 meters, Ella offers a combination of spectacular hikes, colonial railway romance, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to linger. The Nine Arch Bridge is Ella's landmark and one of the most photogenic structures in Sri Lanka. The impressive colonial stone bridge spans a deep gorge amidst jungle and tea plantations. When the blue train rattles over the nine arches, it creates an image of such beauty that it has been shared millions of times on Instagram — but in reality, it is even more impressive. Little Adam's Peak is an easy hike (about 45 minutes) through tea plantations to a viewpoint with a 360-degree panorama over the Ella Gap — a deep gorge that opens the view all the way to the southern coast. Ella Rock is the more challenging alternative (2-3 hours) and offers even more spectacular views, especially at sunrise. The train ride to Ella is one of the most famous railway routes in the world. From Kandy or Nuwara Eliya, the train winds through endless tea plantations, over viaducts, and through tunnels, while Sri Lankan passengers sit in the open doors enjoying the view. The "Hanging out the Train" photo at the open door is THE quintessential Sri Lanka image. Ella's relaxed atmosphere invites you to stay. Cozy cafes with mountain views, affordable cooking classes for Sri Lankan cuisine, visits to tea factories, and Ayurveda massages fill the days between hikes. In the evenings, travelers gather in the restaurants on the main street, sharing stories and enjoying the cool mountain air — a welcome contrast to the tropical heat of the coast.
Galle
Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka is a gem of colonial history and tropical charm: The fort founded by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms a fascinating contrast with its massive fortress walls, lighthouse, and colonial buildings against the turquoise blue Indian Ocean. The fortified city is now a vibrant district with boutique hotels in restored colonial villas, independent galleries, design shops, and atmospheric cafes along the cobbled streets. A walk along the fortress walls at sunset, when cricket players play their last round in the inner fort and the sun sinks into the sea, is one of the most atmospheric experiences in Sri Lanka. The Dutch Reformed Church, Meera Mosque, and the Hindu-Buddhist temple stand peacefully side by side, reflecting Galle's multicultural history. The nearby Unawatuna Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka with excellent snorkeling. Whale watching tours from Mirissa, just 40 minutes away, offer encounters with blue whales, the largest animals on Earth. November to April is the best time to visit the southwest coast.
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is Sri Lanka's oldest and liveliest beach resort – a surfer town with coral reefs, sea turtles, and a touch of hippie nostalgia that has attracted travelers from around the world since the 1970s. The main road along the coast pulses with energy: surf shops, reggae bars, yoga studios, and restaurants with sea views line up, while the waves break on the beach and sea turtles swim right in the surf zone. The coral reef off Hikkaduwa is one of the most accessible in Sri Lanka and is protected as a Marine Sanctuary. Snorkelers can swim from the beach to the coral gardens and dive among colorful reef fish, sea turtles, and occasionally small reef sharks. The section in front of the Coral Gardens Hotel is particularly famous, where green sea turtles are so accustomed to humans that they swim up to arm's length. Although the reef has suffered from the 2004 tsunami and bleaching events, it is steadily regenerating. Hikkaduwa is divided into two zones: the north with Narigama Beach is a surfer paradise with larger waves and a relaxed backpacker scene, while the south with the protected reef area offers calmer waters for snorkeling. The nightlife is unusually lively for Sri Lanka – on weekends, locals from Colombo and Galle come to party, and the beach bars play reggae and electronic music late into the night. The town is located just 17 kilometers northwest of Galle along the famous coastal railway line, making it an ideal stop on the southwest coastal route. The turtle hatchery in Kosgoda, just 15 minutes away, offers insights into the protection of endangered sea turtles.
Kandy
Kandy is the cultural heart of Sri Lanka and the last royal city of the island. Nestled in green hills in the central highlands, surrounded by tea plantations and tropical gardens, this UNESCO World Heritage city combines over 2,000 years of Buddhist tradition with the charm of a vibrant modern city. The Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is the spiritual center of Buddhist Sri Lanka. In a golden shrine, the country's holiest relic is kept: a tooth of Buddha. The Puja ceremony takes place three times a day, during which the shrine is opened — accompanied by drum sounds, flower offerings, and the scent of incense. The Esala Perahera Festival in July/August, where the relic is paraded through the city on a decorated elephant, is Sri Lanka's most spectacular festival. Kandy Lake, artificially created by the last kings, forms the picturesque center of the city. A walk around the lake in the early morning, when the mist lies over the water and the temples on the shore are bathed in golden light, is one of the most peaceful moments Sri Lanka has to offer. The surrounding hills with the Upper Lake Drive provide panoramic views over the city and the lake. The Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, just 6 kilometers away, is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Asia. On 60 hectares, orchids of all colors grow, giant Java fig trees with sprawling crowns, a spice collection, and a palm house with 200 species. Flying foxes hang upside down in the trees — a quirky sight. Kandy is also the gateway to Sri Lanka's tea country. The train ride from Kandy to Ella — one of the most famous train routes in the world — passes through endless tea plantations, over spectacular viaducts, and through misty mountain landscapes. Along the way, you can visit tea factories and see how green leaves are turned into Ceylon tea.
Mirissa
Mirissa is Sri Lanka's dream bay on the southern coast – a golden crescent of sand lined with coconut palms, featuring a distinctive small rock called Parrot Rock at the eastern end, which is accessible on foot at low tide and provides the perfect sunset viewpoint. What sets Mirissa apart from other beach destinations in Sri Lanka is the unique combination: here you can watch blue whales in the morning, surf at noon, relax on the beach in the afternoon, and enjoy fresh fish right by the sea in the evening. Whale watching off Mirissa is the highlight of the southern coast and one of the best places in the world to see blue whales – the largest animals to have ever lived on Earth – in the wild. From November to April, these marine giants migrate through the deep trench just a few kilometers off the coast, with a sighting rate of over 90 percent. In addition to blue whales, sperm whales, pods of dolphins, and occasionally whale sharks can also be seen. Tours start at 6 AM from the Mirissa harbor and last about four to six hours. In recent years, Mirissa has transformed from a sleepy fishing village into a popular hotspot on the southern coast route, while still retaining its relaxed charm. The beach road offers an increasing selection of cafes, yoga studios, and boutique accommodations, without reaching the hustle and bustle of Unawatuna. For surfers, Mirissa provides a consistent left wave that is particularly suitable for beginners and intermediates. The fishing harbor at the eastern end of the beach is the scene of a lively fish market every morning, where the day's catch is sold directly. From Mirissa, Galle (40 minutes), Unawatuna (30 minutes), and Yala National Park (2 hours) are easily accessible for day trips.
Negombo
Negombo is Sri Lanka's gateway to the tropical island – the city is only seven kilometers from Bandaranaike International Airport, making it the natural first and last stop on any Sri Lanka trip. However, Negombo deserves much more than just an overnight stay before the return flight: The city on the west coast offers a kilometer-long, golden-brown sandy beach, a fascinating Dutch colonial heritage, the largest fish market in the country, and an extensive lagoon and canal system that has earned it the nickname Little Amsterdam. The Negombo fish market is an overwhelming spectacle and is one of the largest and most active fish markets in South Asia. Every morning from 5 AM, the fishing boats (Oruwa) return with the night’s catch, and the beach transforms into a chaotic, colorful spectacle: Tuna, swordfish, sharks, rays, shrimp, and crabs are auctioned, processed, and loaded onto trucks right on the beach. The smell is intense, and the experience is unforgettable. The adjacent covered market offers the freshest fish on the island at unbeatable prices. The Dutch canals, constructed in the 17th century for spice transportation, weave through the city and the surrounding lagoon landscape. Boat trips through the canals lined with mangroves and coconut palms reveal a rural Sri Lanka just minutes from the beach – monitor lizards bask on the banks, kingfishers dive for fish, and fishermen cast their nets from wooden piers. St. Mary's Church in the center is one of the most magnificent churches in Sri Lanka, adorned with colorful ceiling paintings, as Negombo is the Catholic heart of the predominantly Buddhist country. The long city beach is less photogenic than the southern coast but offers atmospheric sunsets and a growing selection of beach restaurants and boutique hotels.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka's 'Little England' — a colonial hill station at 1,868 meters, surrounded by emerald green tea plantations. The British created a retreat here in the 19th century with golf, horse racing, and Tudor houses, which today impresses with endless tea landscapes and a cool climate. The famous train ride from Kandy through the tea plantations is one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world.
Trincomalee
Trincomalee on Sri Lanka's east coast has one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world and dreamlike, largely untouched beaches. While the south and west coasts are touristy, 'Trinco' offers authentic Sri Lanka with Hindu temples, whale watching, and the turquoise Indian Ocean. Nilaveli and Uppuveli Beach north of the city are picture-perfect beaches with warm, crystal-clear water and few other tourists.
Complete guide for Sri Lanka
Regions, attractions, food, routes, costs & practical tips — all in one digital guide.
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Plan a holiday in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia, offering Nature, Temples, Beach and much more. The best time to visit Sri Lanka is December–March (South/West Coast), when the weather is ideal for exploration and relaxation. With a daily budget starting from 25–40€ (Budget) to 80–200€ (Luxury), Sri Lanka is suitable for various travel budgets.
From the capital Colombo, Sri Lanka can be excellently explored. The official language is Sinhalese, Tamil, and the currency is Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR). From Germany, you can reach Sri Lanka in approx. 10–11 hours. Whether you want to try culinary highlights like Rice and Curry, Hoppers, Kottu Roti, visit top attractions, or simply enjoy the atmosphere: Sri Lanka has something for every type of traveller.
Use our free travel tools to prepare your Sri Lanka holiday perfectly. With the holiday finder, you can discover if Sri Lanka is the right destination for you. The budget calculator helps you plan costs realistically, and with the packing list, you won't forget anything.
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