Emerald Island, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's extraordinary island circuit, Colombo's colonial fort, Kandy's sacred tooth relic and tea highlands, Sigiriya's lion-rock fortress above the jungle, the Cultural Triangle's ancient kingdoms at Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and the pristine east coast beaches of Trincomalee. More history and nature per kilometre than almost anywhere on earth.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Colombo Fort
Colonial Fort district meets chaotic Pettah bazaar. Kite flyers on Galle Face Green at sunset set the scene.
- Kandy
Sri Lanka's cultural capital. The Temple of the Tooth enshrines Buddha's relic in a golden casket beside a royal lake.
- Nuwara Eliya
Colonial hill station at 1,868m ringed by tea estates. Misty mornings, manicured gardens, and the country's finest Ceylon teas.
- Ella
Tea-covered hills, the Nine Arch Bridge, and a gap in the mountains framing the southern plains far below.
- Galle Fort
Dutch colonial ramparts encircle a UNESCO-listed peninsula with the Indian Ocean on three sides and boutique hotels within.
- Sigiriya
A 200m granite outcrop topped by a 5th-century palace. Climb through a lion-paw gateway past ancient frescoes to the summit.
- Anuradhapura
Ancient capital of white dagobas rising from jungle and the world's oldest documented tree, a cutting from the Bodhi Tree itself.
- Polonnaruwa
The medieval royal capital with carved Buddha colossi at Gal Vihara and intact palace ruins in a compact UNESCO site.
- Trincomalee
One of the world's finest natural deep-water harbours with pristine east-coast beaches and coral reefs largely untouched by tourism.
Where to Eat
- Ministry of CrabSeafood
Renowned for its fresh crab dishes, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience in a colonial-era building.
- The Empire CaféSri Lankan
Located in Kandy, this café serves traditional Sri Lankan dishes in a charming, historic setting.
- Grand IndianIndian
A popular spot in Nuwara Eliya offering a variety of authentic Indian curries and tandoori dishes.
- Café ChillInternational
A relaxed eatery in Ella known for its diverse menu, including local and Western favorites.
- The Tuna & The CrabSeafood
A fusion restaurant in Galle Fort combining Japanese and Sri Lankan seafood delicacies.
Things to Do
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth RelicHistoric Site
A revered Buddhist temple in Kandy housing a relic of the tooth of the Buddha.
- Horton Plains National ParkNational Park
A protected area in Nuwara Eliya featuring diverse wildlife and the famous World's End cliff.
- Nine Arches BridgeScenic Viewpoint
An iconic colonial-era railway bridge in Ella offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
- Dutch Reformed ChurchHistoric Site
A 17th-century church in Galle Fort showcasing colonial architecture and historical artifacts.
- Pigeon Island National ParkNational Park
A marine national park near Trincomalee known for its coral reefs and snorkeling opportunities.