A unique history

Sri Lanka has long been a crossroads of civilisation. Strategically located for trade, it has absorbed cultural influences from Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic powers over the course of its history, as well as Portugal and Britain. Sigiriya in the north is a UNESCO World Heritage site – a complex of ancient forts and temples atop a soaring rock outcrop, some over 2000 years old.

Nearby, you can experience the ancient city complex of Anurapadha, once Sri Lanka’s Royal Capital. Abandoned after its destruction in the 11th century, 19th century excavations revealed a vast complex of temples and palaces. The rebuilt modern city of Anurapadha bustles nearby, and visitors can hop off the train and travel by bicycle or tuk-tuk to the site.  

World-famous cuisine

Once known as the Spice Island, Sri Lankan food is beloved for its aromatic quality. In Colombo, and across the country, you’ll find street vendors selling the Kottu roti, one of Sri Lanka’s national dishes. Affordable and delicious, this flatbread filled with spices, meat or vegetables, is an authentic taste of the country.

Surrounded by sea, and with almost 30 smaller islands clustered off its shores, Sri Lanka is rightly known for its seafood. Foodies should try Ambulthiyal, a local hot and sour fish curry. The blend of spices, which once preserved the fish as well as flavouring it, blackens the flesh – making it look as delicious as it tastes.  

Unrivalled beaches

Famed for its pristine coastline, Sri Lanka has an abundance of unspoiled sandy beaches with swaying palm trees and glistening waters. Unawatuna on the south coast is a favourite for families. An offshore reef ensures the waters are calm as well as clear, while those wanting to stay closer to Colombo should head to Bentota, where visitors can water-ski, jet-ski, and parasail.  

Breezes from the ocean not only keep Sri Lanka cooler than the nearby Indian mainland, with temperatures in the high 20s and low 30s most of the year, but also make Sri Lanka one of the surf capitals of the world. Head to Arugam Bay or Uppuveli on the western coast for the island’s best surf and pristine waters.  

Astonishing wildlife

Sri Lanka is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Off its coasts, visitors can see dolphins and whales, while turtles can be found in its coral reefs. Its deep rainforests are home to hundreds of species of birds, 4000 different types of flowering plants, 233 types of lizards and amphibians, as well as sloth bears, leopards, and elephants.

Head to Bundala National Park for birdwatching tours which run in the morning, while nature-lovers can see wild boar and elephants in the afternoon. At Wilpattu and Yala National Parks, you might be lucky enough to see the rare Sri Lankan leopard. In Sigiriya, you can even check in to treehouse hotels, offering you the best chance to see unique species.  

Explore Sri Lanka with us

Qatar Airways offers frequent flights to Colombo, with one stop en-route at Hamad International Airport in Doha, voted the World’s Best by Skytrax this year. With Qatar Airways, you can ensure you’ll arrive in Sri Lanka relaxed and ready for an adventure.