Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for adventure, especially on a road trip! Here are some of the options to consider for fun escapades with family or friends.
South Coast Beaches
The island is famed for its beaches and a road trip along the sun-kissed south coast is not to be missed. Popular beaches to visit include those in Bentota which is a water sports hub and Hikkaduwa home to a marine national park. Continue to Galle and visit the historical Dutch Fort before enjoying more beachside bliss in Unawatuna.
The Cultural Triangle
The Cultural Triangle offers insights into the rich heritage of Sri Lanka; car rental options can be found for a road trip with or without a driver. On your journey, you can visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa with ancient temples and palace ruins, Dambulla Cave Temple and the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress.
Misty Mountains
You can also drive up amidst the nation’s enchanting mountains. Stopover at the hill capital, Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, explore Nuwara Eliya with its tea plantations and colonial charm and trek amidst Horton Plains National Park; also head to Ella and enjoy driving to idyllic waterfalls like the Ravana Falls.
Nature & Wildlife
Best visited in a 4WD vehicle, Sri Lanka’s forests and national parks are ideal for road trips too. Drive to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and trek amidst a UNESCO World Heritage Site; for animal encounters, head to the Udawalawe National Park known for its many elephants and Yala National Park home to the majestic Sri Lankan Leopard!