Looking for an island escape that is more than just lounging by the pool? Sri Lanka has been crowned the Pearl of the Indian Ocean—and rightfully so. While the nickname comes from the island's rounded shape, the picturesque beaches, expansive mountains, and thriving rainforest only seem to back it up.  

Don't be deterred by Sri Lanka's island status, it has it all. Explore the diverse terrain and hike to the top of Bambarakanda Waterfall to see Sri Lanka from a different point of view. Immerse yourself in the May Full Moon Poya Day, or celebrate the Sinhala-Tamil New Year festival in April. Lovers of fresh herbs and spices will rejoice as they venture through this country. The staple spice, cinnamon, was discovered in Sri Lanka, and its signature flavor can be found in many of the local dishes. Or spend your day sampling locally grown tea, one of Sri Lanka's biggest exports. Leaves so fresh even the biggest tea snob of the bunch will be at a loss for words. Come let Sri Lanka be your beach-lined oasis. P.S.: Our little insider tip when exploring all Sri Lanka has to offer, is when a resident shakes their head at you, they really mean yes, not no.

Buffeted by the spice-scented trade winds of the Indian Ocean, but scarred by civil war, Sri Lanka is slowly rebuilding its reputation as the southern gateway to South Asia. While investigations continue into the bloody final years of conflict between Buddhist Sinhalese and Hindu Tamils, Sri Lankans are looking to a new future of peace and prosperity, with returning tourists playing a major role. Even the terrorist attacks of April 2019 failed to deter visitors from Sri Lanka’s beaches, surf breaks, national parks and temples for long. Those who come find endless sweeps of golden sand, grasslands teeming with leopards and wild elephants, tea plantations painting the hills in emerald swirls and the towering ruins of ancient Buddhist kingdoms, all easily accessible from the resorts and colonial-era cities dotted around the shoreline.

The southern gateway to South Asia

Sri Lanka has been crowned the Pearl of the Indian Ocean—and rightfully so. While the nickname comes from the island's rounded shape, the picturesque beaches, expansive mountains, and thriving rainforest only seem to back it up.

Customized travel to Sri Lanka. Climb Sigiriya's sacred peak, site elephants in Udawalawe National Park, and visit a tea empire in Nuwara Eliya. Local travel. Responsible travel.

Elsewhere | Expertly Crafted Travel to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Don't be deterred by Sri Lanka's island status, it has it all. Explore the diverse terrain and hike to the top of Bambarakanda Waterfall to see Sri Lanka from a different point of view. Immerse yourself in the May Full Moon Poya Day, or celebrate the Sinhala-Tamil New Year festival in April.