Explore Sri Lanka

Travel guides, insider tips, and inspiration for your journey across the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

The lit pilgrimage stairway winding up Adam's Peak at dusk, seen across the tea plantations below
Experiences

Climbing Adam's Peak: The Complete Guide to Sri Pada

How to climb Adam's Peak in Sri Lanka — the pilgrimage season, which route to take, when to start for sunrise, how hard it is, and what to bring.

11 min read
Palm-lined hotel terrace on the Sri Lankan west coast at dusk
Experiences

Christmas and New Year in Sri Lanka: What to Expect

Spending Christmas and New Year in Sri Lanka — the weather, where to base yourself, what actually happens on the day, and how far ahead to book.

9 min read
Sigiriya rock fortress rising above the surrounding jungle plain
Destinations

Sigiriya Rock Fortress: The Complete Visitor's Guide

How to visit Sigiriya — the climb, the frescoes, the best time of day, whether to do Pidurangala instead, and how to combine it with Dambulla.

11 min read
Tea-covered hills and morning mist in Sri Lanka's hill country near Ella
Destinations

The Perfect 10-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary

A day-by-day 10-day Sri Lanka itinerary covering the Cultural Triangle, Kandy, hill country, a safari and the south coast — with realistic travel times.

12 min read
Clear shallow water and headland on Sri Lanka's northeast coast near Trincomalee
Destinations

14 Days in Sri Lanka: The Complete Itinerary

A day-by-day 14-day Sri Lanka itinerary covering the ancient cities, hill country, Adam's Peak, safari and both coasts — with three route variations.

12 min read
Private villa terrace overlooking palms and the Indian Ocean in southern Sri Lanka
Travel Tips

Sri Lanka Honeymoon Guide: Where to Go and When

Planning a Sri Lanka honeymoon — the best months, how to combine hill country and coast, where to stay for privacy, and how long to give each stop.

10 min read
Calm turquoise water and palm trees on a Sri Lankan beach in the dry season
Travel Tips

Sri Lanka in December: Weather, Where to Go and What to Book

What to expect from Sri Lanka in December — weather by region, which coast is in season, what opens this month, and how far ahead to book.

9 min read
Palm-fringed bay on the south coast of Sri Lanka at golden hour
Destinations

The Best Beaches on Sri Lanka's South Coast

A beach-by-beach guide to Sri Lanka's south coast, from Bentota to Tangalle. Which to choose for swimming, surfing, families or quiet, and when to go.

11 min read
Blue whale surfacing off the southern coast of Sri Lanka
Experiences

Whale Watching in Sri Lanka: Mirissa, Trincomalee and When to Go

Where and when to see blue whales in Sri Lanka. Mirissa and Trincomalee seasons, what a morning at sea involves, and how to choose a responsible operator.

10 min read
beautiful beach
Destinations

Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka: A Complete Destination Guide

Discover the best places to visit in Sri Lanka — from ancient rock fortresses and colonial forts to wildlife parks, hill country, and stunning beaches.

11 min read
Scenic Sri Lanka train travelling through lush green tea plantations in the hill country between Ella and Kandy
Experiences

Ella to Kandy Train Journey: The Complete Guide for 2026

Everything you need to know about the Ella to Kandy train journey — tickets, classes, scenery, best seats, and tips for the most scenic train ride in Asia.

10 min read
a girl near the seaside
Travel Tips

Sri Lanka Travel Guide for First Timers: Everything You Need to Know

Planning your first trip to Sri Lanka? This complete guide covers visas, best time to visit, top destinations, transport, food, and essential tips for first-time visitors.

12 min read
Sri Lankan leopard resting on a rock in Yala National Park surrounded by dry scrub jungle
Experiences

Sri Lanka Safari Guide 2026: Best Parks, Wildlife & Tips

Complete safari guide for Sri Lanka 2026. Discover the best national parks, what wildlife to expect, when to go, and how to plan the perfect Sri Lanka safari.

11 min read
street food vendor
Food

Sri Lanka Street Food Guide: What to Eat and Where to Find It

Your complete guide to Sri Lanka street food — from kottu roti and hoppers to pol sambol and wade. What to eat, where to find it, and what to avoid.

9 min read
Crowded viewing area along the Kandy Esala Perahera procession route at night
Kandy Perahera

Best Seats & Viewing Spots for the Kandy Perahera 2026

Find the best seats and free viewing spots for the Kandy Esala Perahera 2026. Includes grandstand options, street spots, and booking tips.

8 min read
Kandy Perahera Elephants — the starting point for most travellers heading to Kandy for the Perahera
Transport

Colombo to Kandy: Complete Travel Guide for Perahera 2026

How to travel from Colombo to Kandy for the 2026 Perahera. Train times, bus routes, private transfers and journey durations compared.

8 min read
Kandy Esela Perahera Fire Balls
Transport

How to Get to Kandy for the Perahera 2026

Complete transport guide for reaching Kandy for the 2026 Perahera. Train, bus, and private transfer options from Colombo and other cities.

8 min read
Elaborately decorated elephants and drummers in the Kandy Esala Perahera night procession
Kandy Perahera

Kandy Esala Perahera 2026: The Complete Guide

Your complete guide to the 2026 Kandy Esala Perahera — dates, schedule, best seats, transport, hotels and essential tips for first-time visitors.

12 min read
Kandy Esala Perahera night procession with drummers and fire performers under street lights
Kandy Perahera

Kandy Esala Perahera 2026: Dates, Schedule & Procession Times

Official dates and nightly schedule for the 2026 Kandy Esala Perahera. Plan your visit around the biggest nights including the Final Randoli on Aug 27.

7 min read
Sri Dalada Maligawa — the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, centrepiece of the Esala Perahera
Kandy Perahera

Kandy Perahera 2026: Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about the 2026 Kandy Esala Perahera — seating, dress code, elephants, safety, children, and more.

9 min read
Traditional Kandyan dancer in elaborate costume performing during the Kandy Esala Perahera
Kandy Perahera

Kandy Perahera First Timer's Guide: What to Expect in 2026

First time at the Kandy Perahera? This guide covers everything — what you'll see, what to bring, how to behave, and how to make the most of your visit.

10 min read
Kandy Lake view
Accommodation

Where to Stay for the Kandy Perahera 2026: Best Hotels & Guesthouses

Best hotels and guesthouses in Kandy for the 2026 Perahera. Includes options for every budget level, proximity to the procession route, and booking advice.

9 min read
Kandy dancer in full ceremonial costume — one of the most photographed subjects at the Perahera
Kandy Perahera

Best Package Tours for the Kandy Perahera 2026

Top package tours for the 2026 Kandy Esala Perahera. Includes what's covered, departure cities, and how to choose the right tour.

8 min read
Kandy Temple of the Tooth at night
Experiences

Photography Tips for the Kandy Perahera 2026

How to photograph the Kandy Esala Perahera at night. Camera settings, best positions, gear advice, and etiquette tips for stunning shots.

7 min read
Travel Blog | Ceylon Jay Travels — Sri Lanka Guides & Tips