While you're here for the conference, explore an island brimming with ancient temples, misty mountains, golden beaches, and unforgettable wildlife encounters — all within reach.
A vibrant, modern metropolis blending colonial charm with cutting-edge architecture — right at your doorstep.
One of Colombo's most iconic Buddhist temples, Gangaramaya is an eclectic wonder that houses a museum of vintage cars, ancient relics, and artefacts gifted from Buddhist nations worldwide — all within a vibrant, living spiritual space in the heart of the city.
Designed by the legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa, this serene temple appears to float on the calm waters of Beira Lake. It is primarily used for meditation rather than worship, making it one of the most peaceful and photogenic spots in the entire city — especially at sunset.
The island's largest museum is housed in a stunning white Italianate building from 1877. Inside you'll find the crown jewels of the Kandyan monarchs, ancient swords, thrones, and a sweeping journey through millennia of Sri Lankan civilization — from prehistoric cave dwellers to colonial rulers.
This open-air national monument was built in 1948 to commemorate independence from British rule. Modelled after the traditional Kandyan audience hall, it sits surrounded by lush gardens and reflecting pools — a calm, regal escape from the city's bustle.
The oldest building in Colombo Fort has been lovingly restored into the city's most atmospheric dining destination. Walk through 17th-century Dutch arches to find world-famous restaurants like Ministry of Crab, upscale bars, and artisan boutiques within these historic stone walls.
Colombo's beloved oceanfront promenade stretches half a kilometre along the coast. Every evening, thousands gather to fly kites, feast on crispy Isso Wade from street vendors, and watch the sun melt into the Indian Ocean — a quintessential Sri Lankan experience you simply cannot miss.
Rising 350 metres into the sky, this lotus-shaped marvel is the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia. Inside you'll find a revolving restaurant, an observation deck with breathtaking 360-degree views, and a futuristic technology exhibition — a symbol of Sri Lanka's bold modern ambitions.
Standing in the heart of Colombo's bustling Pettah bazaar district, this 1909 mosque is instantly recognizable for its mesmerizing red-and-white candy-striped brickwork. Its unique Indo-Islamic architecture, inspired by Indian Mughal and Gothic styles, makes it one of the most photographed buildings in all of Sri Lanka.
Follow the legendary Ramayana Trail and discover temples of immense spiritual significance that draw pilgrims from across India and beyond.
One of the five ancient Pancha Ishwarams of Sri Lanka, this storied temple complex predates the Ramayana itself. Legend holds that Lord Rama prayed to Lord Shiva here after defeating Ravana, seeking to absolve himself of the sin of slaying a Brahmin king. It remains a powerful pilgrimage for Hindus worldwide.
Nestled in the misty highlands, this is believed to be the very spot where Sita was held captive in Ravana's Ashoka Vatika. It is the only Hindu temple in the world dedicated to Princess Sita, and the nearby stream still bears circular impressions said to be Ravana's giant footprints.
Perched dramatically on the edge of Swami Rock — a 130-metre cliff plunging into the Indian Ocean — this classical Hindu temple complex is often called the "Temple of a Thousand Pillars." It is one of the holiest Shaivite pilgrimage centres in Asia and has been rebuilt and revered for over two millennia.
Walk through the ruins of ancient kingdoms and explore living monuments that have stood for over two thousand years.
Set within the royal palace complex of the last Kandyan kingdom, this temple houses the sacred relic of the tooth of the Buddha — one of Buddhism's holiest objects. Twice daily, centuries-old rituals accompanied by rhythmic drumming allow devotees to venerate the golden casket holding the relic.
First built by the Portuguese in 1588 and extensively fortified by the Dutch, this UNESCO-listed fort is a beautifully preserved living city. Stroll cobblestone streets lined with boutique hotels, artisan galleries, and charming cafés — all framed by the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean against ancient ramparts.
Sri Lanka's first capital thrived for over 1,300 years and is home to some of the largest ancient stupas on earth — rivalling the pyramids in scale. Here you'll find the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest historically documented human-planted tree in the world, grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.
The medieval capital of Sri Lanka offers remarkably well-preserved 12th-century ruins that are compact enough to explore by bicycle. The crown jewel is Gal Vihara — four colossal Buddha statues carved from a single granite rock face — widely considered the finest rock-carved sculpture in all of South Asia.
Climb up to five ancient caves carved into a massive rock outcrop to discover over 150 exquisite Buddha statues and 2,100 square metres of ceiling murals — the largest collection of its kind in the world. These caves have served as a place of worship for over 22 centuries, and the painted ceilings remain remarkably vivid.
Often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," this 200-metre rock column rises dramatically from the jungle canopy. A 5th-century king built an entire palace complex on its summit, complete with gravity-defying gardens, mirror walls, and the famous cloud maiden frescoes. The climb to the top through a gateway carved as an enormous lion is utterly unforgettable.
From leopards and elephants to exotic birds and crocodiles — Sri Lanka's national parks offer intimate encounters with incredible wildlife.
Sri Lanka's most famous national park boasts one of the highest leopard densities on the planet. Beyond the big cats, you'll find elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species — all set against a dramatic landscape where dense jungle meets the crashing Indian Ocean coastline.
Sri Lanka's largest and oldest national park is a wilderness lover's dream. It is defined by its unique "Willus" — natural sand-rimmed lakes scattered through dense forest — which attract leopards, sloth bears, and wild elephants. Far fewer tourists visit here, so the safari experience feels truly wild and personal.
If you want a guaranteed encounter with wild elephants, this is the place. The park's wide-open grasslands make it incredibly easy to spot herds of elephants roaming, bathing, and feeding throughout the day. Many visitors compare it favourably to the African savanna — but at a fraction of the cost.
Home to "The Gathering" — the largest congregation of wild Asian elephants anywhere on Earth. During the dry months, up to 300 elephants converge around the ancient Minneriya reservoir to drink, bathe, and socialise. Witnessing this spectacle from a safari jeep is an experience unlike anything else on the planet.
Escape into Sri Lanka's misty highlands for world-class hikes through tea plantations, cloud forests, and dramatic cliff edges.
Sri Lanka's first world-class long-distance walking trail stretches 300 km through the stunning Central Highlands. Each stage winds through emerald tea plantations, past cascading waterfalls, through remote villages, and along colonial-era railway paths — offering a deeply immersive taste of hill-country life.
The adventurous trek to Ella Rock takes you along active train tracks, through local tea estates, and up a jungle trail to a summit offering jaw-dropping panoramic views across the Ella Gap valley. It's challenging, a bit wild, and completely rewarding — the kind of hike that becomes a favourite travel story.
At 2,100 metres above sea level, this UNESCO World Heritage site feels like a different planet — cold, misty, and covered in montane cloud forest and grassland. The 9 km circular trail leads to "World's End," a sheer cliff that plunges 880 metres into the abyss, revealing an astonishing panorama stretching to the southern coast on clear mornings.
Named for its jagged peaks that resemble a clenched fist, this UNESCO-designated wilderness is a biodiversity hotspot largely untouched by mass tourism. Hidden waterfalls tumble through thick cloud forests, isolated villages dot the valleys, and the air is cool and crisp — offering the most rugged and authentic hiking experience in Sri Lanka.
An island surrounded by warm waters, golden sands, and turquoise reefs — each coastline has its own distinct personality and charm.
The closest luxury beach resort town to Colombo, Bentota offers long golden stretches of sand backed by swaying palms. The adjoining lagoon is a hotspot for water sports — jet-skiing, windsurfing, and river safaris — making it perfect for both relaxation and adventure seekers.
This crescent-shaped bay is one of Sri Lanka's most beloved beach destinations. Protected by a coral reef that keeps the water calm and crystal clear, it's ideal for swimming and snorkelling. After dark, the beachfront transforms into a vibrant strip of seafood restaurants and cocktail bars right on the sand.
Mirissa has earned a global reputation as one of the best places on Earth for whale and dolphin watching. Blue whales, sperm whales, and pods of spinner dolphins frequent these waters from November to April. Back on land, its laid-back crescent beach offers dreamy palm-shaded sunsets and excellent seafood.
Translating to "Sandy Village," Weligama is a wide, gentle bay with perfectly consistent waves that make it the undisputed beginner surfing capital of Sri Lanka. Dozens of surf schools line the beach, and the friendly, laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to spend days learning to ride the waves and savouring fresh coconut water.
This bohemian surf town on the dry East Coast is home to world-class point breaks that regularly host international competitions. The vibe here is refreshingly raw and unpretentious — bamboo cafés, barefoot beach bars, and surfers from around the globe chasing perfect waves from May to September.
A seemingly endless ribbon of pristine white sand, Nilaveli remains one of the least developed and most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. It serves as the gateway to Pigeon Island National Park, where some of the island's finest coral reef snorkelling awaits — vivid tropical fish, reef sharks, and sea turtles in crystal-clear turquoise waters.
Home to one of the longest and shallowest reef-protected coastlines in the world, Pasikudah is a place where you can wade hundreds of metres into the warm ocean without the water ever reaching your waist. Luxury resorts dot the shoreline, and the calm, clear lagoon makes it the ultimate destination for families and those seeking serene beauty.