Welcome to
Sri Lankathe pearl of the Indian Ocean
Ancient sacred cities, tea-covered mountains, endless beaches and breathtaking nature. Discover the island we come from.
An island just a fifth the size of Italy, where in a few hours you go from tropical beaches to tea mountains, from leopard jungles to temples built 2,000 years ago.
Places to see
The journey starts here
From the rock of Sigiriya to the southern beaches: the stops you can’t miss.
Sigiriya
Cultural TriangleKing Kashyapa’s fortress, built in the 5th century on top of a rock almost 200 metres high. You climb past frescoes, the Lion Gate and some of the oldest water gardens in the world.
Tip: Climb at dawn to beat the heat, or watch the sunset from nearby Pidurangala.
Kandy
Central highlandsThe last capital of the Sinhalese kings, set around a lake. Here the Temple of the Tooth guards the most sacred relic of Sri Lankan Buddhism.
Tip: Attend the evening puja at the temple, with drums and flower offerings.
Jaffna
The Tamil northA culture waiting to be discovered: the great Nallur Kandaswamy temple, the spicy cooking of the north and islands linked by long causeways.
Tip: Try Jaffna crab curry, the city’s signature dish.
Ella
Tea mountainsA village in the hills, famous for the Nine Arches Bridge, the trails to Little Adam’s Peak and the island’s most scenic train ride.
Tip: Arrive by train from Kandy: seven hours of unforgettable views.
Galle
South coastA 17th-century fort by the sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with colonial lanes, cafés, shops and the white lighthouse on the ramparts.
Tip: Walk along the walls at sunset, when the light turns golden.
Nuwara Eliya
Tea countryAt almost 1,900 metres, “Little England” is surrounded by bright green plantations, waterfalls and a cool climate all year round.
Tip: Visit a tea factory and taste the freshly processed harvest.
Mirissa and the south coast
BeachesGolden sandy bays, palm trees leaning over the sea and small fishing villages, from Unawatuna to Tangalle.
Tip: From November to April, boats head out to see the whales.
Yala National Park
Wild natureThe island’s most famous park, with one of the highest leopard densities in the world, plus elephants, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species.
Tip: Book a dawn safari, the best time to see the animals.
Anuradhapura
Sacred cityThe island’s first great capital, with huge white stupas such as Ruwanweli Seya and the Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred tree planted over 2,000 years ago.
Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the ruins.
Moments
Sri Lanka in pictures
Drag or use the arrows to scroll.
Made in Sri Lanka
Treasures of the island
Products that made Sri Lanka famous around the world.
Ceylon tea
The plantations of the central hills produce one of the world’s most famous teas: black, fragrant and grown at over 2,000 metres.
Cinnamon
Sri Lanka is the home of true cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), sweeter and more delicate than cassia, and produces most of the world’s supply.
Spices
Black pepper, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg: for centuries the island was a precious stop for traders from all over the world.
Gemstones
Ratnapura, the “city of gems”, is famous for blue sapphires, as well as rubies, topaz and moonstones.
King coconut
The orange coconut, sweet and refreshing, is drunk fresh on every street corner. The palm also gives milk, oil and sweets.
Masks and batik
Hand-painted wooden masks from Ambalangoda and brightly coloured batik fabrics are the most loved souvenirs.
Experiences
Things to experience at least once
The train from Kandy to Ella
Seven slow hours through plantations, waterfalls and villages, with the doors open onto the landscape.
All year roundSafaris with elephants and leopards
Yala for leopards, Minneriya for the great gathering of elephants around the lake.
Gathering: August-SeptemberThe whales of Mirissa
Dawn boat trips to spot blue whales and dolphins.
November-AprilSurfing at Arugam Bay
One of the most famous waves in Asia, on the east coast.
May-SeptemberEsala Perahera
In Kandy, nights of processions with decorated elephants, dancers and drummers.
July-AugustAyurveda
The island’s traditional medicine: treatments, herbal oils and healthy cooking.
All year roundAt the table
Flavours to try
Spicy, colourful, generous: Sri Lankan cuisine is a journey in itself. These dishes are just a small taste: the island offers hundreds of different recipes, from region to region.
Rice & curry
Rice with many small curries of vegetables, lentils, fish or meat: the everyday lunch.
Hoppers
Crispy bowl-shaped pancakes made with rice flour and coconut milk, often with an egg in the middle.
Kottu roti
Chopped roti stir-fried on the griddle with vegetables, eggs and spices, to the rhythm of the blades.
String hoppers
Nests of thin steamed rice noodles, served with curry and sambol.
Pol sambol
Grated coconut with chilli, onion and lime: the condiment that is never missing.
Wattalappam
A pudding of coconut milk, palm sugar and cardamom, the festive dessert.
When to go
Two monsoons, an island open all year
When it rains on one coast, the sun shines on the other: Sri Lanka can be visited all year round.
West and south coast
December-AprilCalm sea and sunshine: the best time for Colombo, Galle and Mirissa.
East and north coast
May-SeptemberThe time for Trincomalee, Arugam Bay and Jaffna.
The central hills (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella) are pleasant all year round.
Our commitment
From our community to the island’s schools
Projects made possible by the donations of Umbria Api members.
20 volleyball kits
Full equipment for the Komana Vidyalaya team that had won two titles playing barefoot.
Read the story →A sound system for Komana Vidyalaya
Donated with the first salary of two young members to a disadvantaged school in Ampara district.
Read the story →All projects
Discover our other charity projects and community events.
See all →