Sri Lanka, often referred to as the teardrop island, is an excellent destination for a winter sun getaway. With its palm-fringed beaches, ancient temples, lush tea estates, elephants, and abundant wildlife, it offers a diverse range of experiences. We spent three weeks touring the island, traveling by tuk-tuk, train, and car to see as much as possible. Here are some of the highlights from our trip, covering heritage, art, wildlife, and beaches.

Sri Lanka has a unique charm that stays with you – from the friendly and relaxed locals to the sunny weather and affordable prices. This was our second visit, and we’re already looking forward to returning to explore even more.

Colombo, the capital, is a mix of dynamic city life, green residential areas, colonial charm, and sea views. While some travelers head straight to the beach at Negombo from the airport, we enjoyed spending a couple of days in Colombo.

From Colombo, we explored the Cultural Triangle, an area north of Kandy known for its temples and historic sites. This region, once the center of power for ancient Singhalese kings, includes five UNESCO World Heritage sites. Sigiriya, a rock fortress rising 200 meters from the jungle, is a must-visit for its historical significance, exhilarating climb, and stunning views. Despite the 1200 steps, there are plenty of rest stops along the way.

For the best views of Sigiriya, climb the nearby Pidurangala Rock. The climb, which costs 1000 Rupees, takes you past a small temple and meditation center. The final ascent involves scrambling over boulders, but the views from the top are worth it. Many travelers visit at sunrise, but we opted for a morning climb and still enjoyed fantastic views.

The Dambulla cave temples, dating back to the 1st century, are another highlight. These five caves are filled with Buddha statues and colorful frescoes. The first four caves feature a 14-meter reclining Buddha carved from solid rock, while the fifth cave is newer and smaller. Be sure to buy tickets before climbing the steps to the temples, and allow around 1-1.5 hours for your visit.

Mihintale, with its stunning views, was one of my favorite temples. It’s a good site to combine with Anuradhapura, as they are only 30 minutes apart. Mihintale is where Mahinda, son of an Indian king, converted the Sri Lankan king to Buddhism in the 3rd century BC. The site involves several climbs, including to a white Buddha statue and the Mahaseya Dagoba, offering wonderful views over the countryside.

Anuradhapura, founded in the 5th century BC, was the capital of Sri Lanka until the 10th century. The city is known for its three enormous dagobas, which house holy relics. The Ruwanelisaya Dagoba, the busiest for visitors, is surrounded by shrines and devotees. The Jetavanaramaya Dagoba, made from 90 million bricks, is thought to be the largest brick structure in the world. Allow 2-3 hours for your visit.

Polonnaruwa, the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom in the 13th century, is another UNESCO World Heritage site. The main sites are spread out, so you can hire a driver, tuk-tuk, or bicycle to explore. A guided tour is recommended to fully appreciate the history. Allow 2-3 hours for your visit.

Kandy, located in the center of the country, is an ideal first stop from Colombo. It’s a jumping-off point for tours of the Cultural Triangle or the Hill Country and tea estates. South of Kandy, the Ambulawawe Biodiversity Complex offers stunning views from its 48-meter high tower. The climb becomes narrow and challenging, so visit early in the morning when it’s less crowded.

Horton Plains, reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands, is a national park set on a plateau at 2000 meters elevation. It’s a fantastic spot for hiking, with the World’s End viewpoint offering breathtaking views. Arrive before 10 am to avoid the clouds that obscure the view. The circular walking route also includes Baker’s Falls.

The Hill Country, with its rolling hills and tea estates, is cooler than the rest of the country. Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England,” is the center of the tea industry. The train journey from Kandy to Ella is considered one of the most scenic in the world. We took the shorter section from Nanuoya to Ella, which still offered beautiful views of the tea plantations.

Ella, a popular backpacker destination, is known for its picturesque scenery, including Little Adam’s Peak and Demodara bridge. The surrounding area features tea estates, waterfalls, and jungle-covered peaks.

Sri Lanka’s national parks, such as Minneriya, Udawalawe, and Yala, offer opportunities to see elephants and other wildlife. We took a safari in Udawalawe and saw many elephants, birds, iguanas, crocodiles, water buffalo, monkeys, and peacocks. Arrange a jeep tour with your accommodation for the best experience.

Mirissa, on the south coast, is a great place to relax with its palm-fringed beaches. It’s known for whale and dolphin spotting, and we enjoyed snorkeling and seeing turtles close to the beach. Weligama, nearby, is popular with surfers and offers fresh seafood dining on the beach.

Galle, with its old colonial fort area, was one of our favorite stops. The narrow streets are filled with guest houses, hotels, restaurants, and shops. The fort area is popular with both local and overseas visitors.

Bentota, our final stop, offers a fantastic beach and a range of accommodations. The Geoffrey Bawa country estate of Lunuganga, with its beautiful gardens, is worth a visit. Bentota also has a saltwater lagoon popular for boat trips and water sports.

Sri Lankan food, especially Rice and Curry, is a must-try. This dish is typically served at lunchtime and includes a selection of different curries with rice or rotti. It’s a serve-yourself, all-you-can-eat system in many local cafes.

Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s leading architect, has left a significant mark on the country. His elegant style combines traditional Sri Lankan materials with modernist influences. You can follow a Geoffrey Bawa trail around Sri Lanka, visiting his houses and staying in the hotels he designed.

Most visitors to Sri Lanka cover the central, west, and southern regions, making a loop of the Cultural Triangle, Hill Country, southern beaches, and west coast. The east coast, best visited from May to October, and the north around Jaffna, are less developed for tourism but worth exploring on future trips.