Sri Lanka

The Jewel of the Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka is a lush, tropical island paradise, known to Arab traders as Serendib - hence "serendipity", meaning discovery by happy accident - and famously described by Marco Polo as "undoubtedly the finest island of its size in the world".

Culturally rich and environmentally diverse, Sri Lanka boasts eight World Heritage Sites (the oldest dating back to the 3rd Century BCE), 86 species of mammals (including elephants and leopards), more than 500 bird species (including 33 endemics), a colourful array of flowering plants and trees, a Hill Country famous for tea and trekking, 14 National Parks out of 100 areas protected by the government, and 1600 km of Indian Ocean coastline offering palm-fringed and sun-drenched tropical beaches.

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Explore Sri Lanka

Explore Sri Lanka

Each region of Sri Lanka has something unique to offer. Get a better understanding of this beautiful island paradise by exploring each region, and the major sites and cities within them.

Find out which activities each region has on offer, whether it's exploring ancient temples, spotting exotic wildlife or simply relaxing on a palm-fringed tropical beach.

Explore Sri Lanka