Flights from Beijing (BJS) to Sri Lanka

Discover Sri Lanka

Discover Sri Lanka

Why visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka offers golden beaches, misty tea country, and ancient cities in a compact island you can explore at your own pace. You find rich history, wildlife encounters, and warm hospitality wherever you go.

What to expect
Most journeys start in Colombo, a lively coastal city that links you to hill country towns like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, and to heritage hubs such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya. Down south, beach escapes in Galle, Mirissa, and beyond blend relaxation with culture.

Plan your trip
With its size and strong domestic connections, Sri Lanka works well for both short breaks and longer routes through South Asia. Colombo also serves as a regional gateway, making it easy to combine your stay with onward travel in the Indian Ocean region.

Top experiences in Sri Lanka

Explore Colombo's seaside promenades

Stroll along Galle Face Green and the coastal districts of Colombo for sunset views, colonial-era architecture, and lively local street life.

Climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya

Ascend Sigiriya's ancient rock citadel to see remarkable frescoes, landscaped water gardens, and sweeping views over the forested plains.

Ride the hill country railway

Take the scenic train between Kandy and Ella for tea-clad hillsides, misty valleys, and one of the most memorable rail journeys in Asia.

Discover Galle Fort

Wander the cobbled lanes of Galle Fort, a UNESCO-listed enclave with ramparts, ocean views, and restored townhouses filled with boutiques and cafes.

Relax on the south-coast beaches

Unwind on the palm-fringed shores of Mirissa, Unawatuna, or Bentota, where calm bays and warm waters invite slow days by the sea.

Search for wildlife in national parks

Join a safari in Yala, Udawalawe, or Minneriya to spot elephants, abundant birdlife, and, with luck, elusive leopards in the wild.

Visit the Sacred City of Kandy

Explore lakeside Kandy with its leafy hills, colonial streets, and significant temples that form the cultural heart of Sri Lanka.

Tour tea estates in Nuwara Eliya and Ella

Walk through emerald tea plantations, visit working factories, and enjoy cool-climate views with a freshly brewed cup of Ceylon tea.

Experience Sri Lanka's way of life

Getting around
From Colombo, you can travel across Sri Lanka by intercity train, private car with driver, or long-distance bus, depending on your pace and budget. Scenic rail routes link the capital to Kandy, Ella, and the coastal south, while highways shorten journeys between key cities.

Local life & culture
In Colombo and Kandy, you feel the blend of colonial-era streets, bustling markets, and lively neighbourhoods where daily life spills onto the pavements. Smaller towns move at a slower rhythm, with village lanes, local festivals, and strong traditions of arts and craftsmanship.

Where to unwind
You can escape to cool hill towns surrounded by tea gardens, or choose quiet bays on the south and east coasts for days by the water. National parks, forested reserves, and lakeside settings around the island offer calm spaces to walk, watch wildlife, or simply pause between journeys.

A taste of Sri Lanka

National dishes & specialties
You can savour fragrant rice and curry spreads, hoppers, and string hoppers, often accompanied by spiced sambols and coastal seafood. Colombo and the hill country show how local ingredients, coconut, and spices shape distinct regional flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Across Colombo, you find everything from small family-run eateries to contemporary cafes and rooftop spots with city views. Beach towns like Galle and Mirissa offer relaxed dining, where Sri Lankan dishes sit alongside international favourites.

Signature & scenic dining
In Colombo, historic buildings and waterfront terraces create memorable settings for evening meals. In the hills and along the coast, plantation bungalows and ocean-facing restaurants turn simple dishes into special occasions with their views and atmosphere.

Retail therapy in Sri Lanka

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Colombo offers modern malls and lifestyle centres where you can browse international brands, local fashion labels, and homeware under one roof. Many complexes also feature cinemas and dining, giving you easy breaks between shops.

Markets & local crafts
In Colombo, Kandy, and Galle, you can look for handicraft shops and markets selling textiles, batik, wood carving, and handloom products. Tea-growing regions add speciality tea outlets where you can buy single-estate and blended Ceylon teas to take home.

Evening retail scene
After dark, Colombo's main shopping streets and selected malls stay lively with illuminated storefronts and late-opening outlets. In coastal towns, small boutiques and craft stalls add a relaxed, holiday feel to your evening stroll.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka

Peak season
December to March is peak season for the west and south coasts, with Colombo averaging around 27–30°C (81–86°F) and plenty of sunshine. This is when many visitors head for beaches and outdoor sightseeing.

Shoulder season
April, May, and November are shoulder season months, with warm temperatures of 26–30°C (79–86°F) and more variable showers. These periods can offer fewer crowds, especially in Colombo and the hill country.

Low season
June to October is generally low season along the southwest, with higher rainfall and temperatures around 25–29°C (77–84°F), though the east coast can be drier. Cooler hill country areas such as Nuwara Eliya often dip to 15–20°C (59–68°F) in the evenings year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions