Sri Lanka Travel Guide
Visit the Tear Drop Isle well-prepared with our useful travel guide resources. Here you'll find lots of information on when to go and what to see with detailed guides to the popular Cultural Triangle and Sri Lanka's best beaches. Discover more about the wildlife and safari opportunities on the island, see what visa you'll need, and hear what our travellers have to say about our tours.
Best Places to Visit
Places on our must-see list for any visit to Sri Lanka from national parks to ancient ruins
Best Time to Visit
Time your visit with the best weather using our guide to the seasons and local climate
Top Travel Tips
Everything you need to know about money, shopping, food, health advice and more
Wildlife in Sri Lanka
Learn more about the island's most popular animals and where to find them
The Cultural Triangle
Our comprehensive guide to visiting Sri Lanka's famed Cultural Triangle
Sri Lanka's Best Beaches
Our choice of top beaches in Sri Lanka, when best to visit and recommended hotels
Where to go when
Plan your perfect holiday to Sri Lanka with our guide to best places to visit by month
Tourist Visas
Visa requirements for Sri Lanka and information on how to obtain your visa
Traveller Reviews
What are travellers think about Sri Lanka, our tours and our local guides
Sri Lanka Travel Updates
Stay abreast of the latest alerts on safety and security in Sri Lanka
Plan your trip to similar destinations!
Recommended Reading
- Running in the Family
by Michael Ondaatje - A Village in the Jungle
by Leonard Woolf - The Road From Elephant Pass
by Nihal de Silva
Facts about Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka was the first country in the world to have a democratically elected head of state who was a woman.
- The spice cinnamon originated in Sri Lanka but was actually discovered by the Egyptians.
- Although cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka, the national sport of the country is, in fact, volleyball.
Sri Lanka Travel Advice for South African Travellers
Safety of our travellers is paramount and we keep abreast of current travel guidance for Sri Lanka. We recommend that you check the latest travel advice from the consular in South Africa when planning your trip.
Flying to Sri Lanka from South Africa:
The tropical island nation of Sri Lanka is roughly a 14 hour flight from South Africa. Some of the best flight options are with the Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates via Dubai, Qatar via Doha and Etihad via Abu Dhabi with just one short transit stop from Johannesburg. South African Airways also fly the route but may change carriers after the transit stop and on to Sri Lanka. If flying from Cape Town the average flight time is around 16 hours with Emirates and Qatar offering routes with just one stop. Check out Travelstart for flight deals from South Africa to Sri Lanka.
Useful Online Resources:
The official Sri Lanka Tourist Organisation site and the latest Sri Lanka Weather Updates from the BBC.