Sri Lanka is one of the most biodiverse islands in the world, boasting a wide variety of different environments ranging from the high peaks and lush green hills of the tea country to the dry scrubland in the island’s deep south. As Marco Polo described it, Sri Lanka is ‘better circumstanced than any other island in the world’. Considering its size, the variety of destinations is incredible. Within hours you can move from lying on a beautiful tropical beach to trekking through thick rainforest, exploring a remote forest wilderness, or drive out of a major city straight into the island’s rolling tea hills.

This variety of landscapes not only makes Sri Lanka highly diverse as a travel location – ideal for beach getaways, adventure holidays and walking tours – but also makes it one of the best destinations in the world for a specialized wildlife holiday. Sri Lanka is home to a wide range of animals and plants, including both the largest creature on land and sea – you can spend the morning seeing blue whales in Mirissa, and the afternoon spotting elephants at Uda Walawe National Park. Visited by over 400 species of bird, Sri Lanka is also a paradise for birdwatching.

Each location has its own self-contained character, culture and beauty, whether it is the white sands and clear, turquoise water at Trincomalee or the unique traditions of Jaffna, which is heavily influenced by its closeness to southern India. There is such a wide choice of places to visit. Click on the drop-down selection box below to discover more about the different holiday locations in Sri Lanka.