8
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Cultural and natural places recognised for their outstanding universal value.
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From misty mountains and ancient kingdoms to wild national parks and golden coastlines, explore the places that make Sri Lanka so wonderfully diverse.
Sri Lanka is an island of remarkable contrasts. Ancient kingdoms, sacred cities, tropical forests, mist-covered mountains and long golden coastlines all exist within a remarkably compact landscape.
Formerly known as Ceylon, the island has a history stretching back more than 2,500 years. Today, Sri Lanka offers an extraordinary meeting of culture, nature, wildlife, food and warm hospitality.
From the cultural heartlands of the north-central plains to the tea-covered mountains and the beaches of the south and east, every region has its own rhythm, traditions and character.
A few figures that reveal just how much diversity exists within Sri Lanka's compact landscape.
Cultural and natural places recognised for their outstanding universal value.
Protected landscapes offering encounters with elephants, leopards, sloth bears and endemic birds.
From dramatic mountain cascades to hidden rainforest falls across the island.
Tropical beaches, fishing villages, surf breaks, lagoons and oceanfront towns.
Pidurutalagala rises above Sri Lanka's central highlands.
Bambarakanda Falls is the island's highest waterfall.
Ancient tanks, reservoirs, lakes and other water bodies shape the island's landscape.
A living cultural landscape shaped by ancient kingdoms, religions and traditions.
Endemic to Sri Lanka, the colourful Sri Lanka Junglefowl is officially recognised as the country's national bird.
Known locally as Nil Mahanel, the blue water lily was declared Sri Lanka's national flower in 1986.
Sri Lanka does not officially designate a national animal. The Sri Lankan elephant, however, is one of the island's most recognised natural and cultural symbols.
The Na tree, or Mesua ferrea, is recognised as Sri Lanka's national tree and is closely associated with the island's natural heritage.
Sri Lanka has eight properties inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List — six cultural sites and two natural sites.
Sri Lanka is compact, but mountain roads, coastal routes and rural journeys can take longer than the distance on a map suggests.
Weather varies by region and season. The south and west, east coast and central highlands can experience different conditions at the same time.
Dress respectfully at religious sites. Shoulders and knees should generally be covered, and shoes and hats are usually removed before entering sacred areas.
Always follow your guide and park regulations. Keep a respectful distance from animals and never feed wildlife.
The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Cards are widely accepted in established hotels and businesses, while cash remains useful elsewhere.
Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes and light clothing suitable for tropical conditions.
Mobile coverage is generally good around towns and major routes, although coverage can become limited in remote mountain and wildlife areas.
Visa and entry requirements can change. Always check the current official Sri Lankan immigration and tourism guidance before travelling.
Keep these numbers accessible during your stay. Emergency access numbers can generally be reached through Sri Lankan telephone and mobile networks.
If your passport is lost, you need emergency documentation or you require consular assistance, contact your country's embassy or high commission in Sri Lanka.
Embassy and consular details can change, so we recommend using official government directories rather than relying on an old contact list.
From ancient kingdoms and mist-covered mountains to golden beaches and vibrant coastal towns, explore the places that give Sri Lanka its extraordinary character.
Select a destination on the map to discover more about each place.
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