Sigiriya and Kandy
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Sigiriya rock | A fortress on top of a towering rock in the jungle, with water gardens and ancient paintings, on the World Heritage list. | Central Sri Lanka, about 4 hours from Colombo |
| The Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya | One of Asia's finest botanic gardens, with giant trees and an orchid house. | Near Kandy |
| Kandy Lake | A calm lake in the heart of the mountain city, for a sunset walk. | Kandy |
The mountains and tea country
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The train from Kandy to Ella | One of the world's most beautiful train journeys, through tea estates and past waterfalls. | About 6 to 7 hours |
| The Nine Arch Bridge | A stone bridge in the forest with the train crossing it in a famous scene. | Ella |
| Ravana Falls | A waterfall beside the mountain road, easy to reach. | Near Ella |
| Nuwara Eliya | Green tea estates, cool weather and visits to the tea factories. | In the mountains |
Safaris and beaches
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Yala National Park | Safaris to see leopards, elephants and birds, one of Asia's best-known reserves. | South-east Sri Lanka; parts close in the dry season |
| Galle Fort | A fortified town on the sea with its walls and old houses, on the World Heritage list. | South coast |
| Mirissa and whale watching | A lovely beach and boat trips to see blue whales. | Season roughly November to April |
| Bentota | Resorts on a golden beach beside a calm river. | South-west coast |
Tips before you go
- The tourist visa has been free for Saudis since 25 May 2026, but apply for the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before you travel.
- The best time for the west and south coasts and the mountains is December to April.
- Getting between cities is easier and more comfortable by car with a driver.
Hotels in Sri Lanka
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Sri Lanka?
Sigiriya rock, the Ella train and the Nine Arch Bridge, the Peradeniya gardens in Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Galle Fort and Mirissa beach.
Do Saudis need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes, but it has been free for Saudis since 25 May 2026, through an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) applied for before arrival.
When is whale-watching season in Sri Lanka?
Roughly from November to April at Mirissa on the south coast.
Planning your trip to Sri Lanka? Read Travel to Sri Lanka from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.