Where we'll take you in Sri Lanka
17 places we drive to regularly, from the arrivals hall at Colombo Airport to the far side of the east coast. Each page covers what the place is actually like and how the drive there works — the transfer itself is always a private cab at a fixed price.
Katunayake, Western Province
Western Province
Central Province
Kandy
The hill capital and the sacred Temple of the Tooth beside the lake.
Sigiriya
The ancient Lion Rock fortress rising above the central plains.
Dambulla
The golden cave temple — centuries of murals and Buddha statues.
Nuwara Eliya
Tea country at altitude — cool air, colonial bungalows and endless green terraces.
Southern Province
Bentota
Wide resort beach where the river meets the sea — watersports, spas and turtle hatcheries.
Hikkaduwa
Surf breaks, a coral sanctuary and the liveliest nightlife on the south-west coast.
Galle
The Dutch fort city — ramparts, lighthouse and boutique lanes by the sea.
Mirissa
Crescent bay, palm-topped headland and Sri Lanka's main whale-watching harbour.
Matara
Southern coast town with wild surf, golden beaches and rocky headlands.
Yala
Sri Lanka's most famous national park, and one of the best places on earth to see a wild leopard.
