TRAVELRAGS

Sri Lanka

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CitiesColombo4Haputale3Yala3Ella2Galle Fort2Hambantota2Jaffna2Kandy2
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See. Yala National Park Prime leopard country, also home to elephants, whales, and dolphins. Sigiriya Climb this ruin-topped rock for historical insights and views. Anuradhapura Explore the ancient Buddhist ruins of this historic city. Galle Fort Walk through heritage buildings, cafes, boutiques, and hotels.

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Stay. Uga Chena Huts Beachside thatched rooms in Yala National Park's buffer zone, with wildlife guides. Taru Villas Villu Wilpattu Stay near the lesser-used gate of Wilpattu National Park. Hilton Yala Sleep within the jungle on the opposite side of the island. Amba Yaalu Sri Lanka’s first hotel fully managed and staffed by women, on a mango plantation.

Lonely PlanetOct 12, 2026

The Best Historic Hotels in Asia

Asia

13 things in this story
  • Yasaka KaikanSightKyoto, JapanSet inside a former theatrical venue, built in 1936.
  • Raffles SingaporeHotelSingaporeBuilt in 1887, revamped into 115 luxury suites.
  • The Grand LobbyRestaurantSingaporeAfternoon tea offers glitz and glam of Raffles.
  • Long BarBarSingaporeStop by for a Singapore sling, invented here in 1915.
  • Metropole HanoiHotelHanoi, VietnamFrench-built hotel opened in 1901, rooms steeped in style.
  • Gion Kōbu KaburenjōTheatreKyoto, JapanTheater where geiko and maiko practice for spring dance.
  • Miyako OdoriTheatreKyoto, JapanCity's premier spring event, held every April.
  • AmangallaHotelGalle, Sri LankaOriginally built in 1684 by the Dutch East India Company.
  • Oberoi Rajgarh PalaceHotelMadhya Pradesh, IndiaFormer fortress turned palace, built over 350 years ago.
  • Panna Tiger ReserveSightMadhya Pradesh, IndiaOne of central India's most important tiger habitats.
  • KhajurahoSightMadhya Pradesh, IndiaUNESCO-listed temples.
  • The Langham, Custom HouseHotelBangkok, ThailandConstructed in 1888, a stately neo-classical building.
  • T'ang CourtRestaurantBangkok, ThailandTriple-Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant from Hong Kong.
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Lonely PlanetOct 11

A Nature Lover’s Itinerary to Sri Lanka

Explore the best of Sri Lanka

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Lonely PlanetOct 11

13 Top Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Beautiful beaches, culture-packed cities, lush mountains and more.

18 things in this story
  • Jami Ul Alfar MosquePlace of worshipColombo, Sri Lankared-and-white striped mosque in Colombo
  • Dutch HospitalAttractionColombo, Sri Lankalandmark building from the colonial era
  • Galle Face GreenParkColombo, Sri Lankamain seaside promenade for people-watching
  • Sri Maha Bodhi treeSightAnuradhapura, Sri Lankarevered tree believed grown from Buddha's enlightenment tree
  • Gal ViharayaPlace of worshipPolonnaruwa, Sri Lankatemple with a 14m reclining Buddha statue
  • Royal RuinsSightPolonnaruwa, Sri Lankaclosely grouped temples and stupas
  • Jaffna FortSightJaffna, Sri Lankahistoric fort in Jaffna
  • Nallur Kandaswamy KovilSightJaffna, Sri Lankaarchitecturally marvelous Hindu temple
  • KaytsNeighborhoodJaffna, Sri Lankaquiet island of fishing communities
  • DelftNeighborhoodJaffna, Sri Lankaisland with wild ponies
  • Jaffna Public LibrarySightJaffna, Sri Lankalibrary where going barefoot is a sign of respect
  • Kandasamy KovilSightTrincomalee, Sri Lankafamous Hindu temple with ornamental architecture
  • Rangiri Cave TempleMuseumDambulla, Sri Lankatemple with five caves containing Buddha statues
  • Minneriya National ParkSightMinneriya, Sri Lankapark with vast herds of wild elephants
  • Minneriya LakeSightMinneriya, Sri Lankascenic lake centered in Minneriya National Park
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth RelicPlace of worshipKandy, Sri Lankacontains a tooth said to come from the historical Buddha
  • Kandy LakeSightKandy, Sri Lankaessential attraction in Kandy
  • Kumana National ParkSightKumana, Sri Lankabirder's dream with vibrant birds and crocodiles
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Lonely PlanetSep 28

13 Hotels in Asia That We Can't Stop Recommending

From traditional Japanese ryokans to luxurious tented villas in Bhutan, these are the hotels in Asia we can’t stop recommending.

15 things in this story
  • Pemako PunakhaHotelPunakha Valley, BhutanSecluded resort with 21 luxe tented villas and a heated pool.
  • White LotusPlacePhuket, ThailandFilmed season three in these villas.
  • Jardin du MekongHotelMekong Delta, VietnamDreamy homestay with winding gardens and a cooking class.
  • Kimpton Tsim Sha TsuiHotelHong KongLargest Kimpton with Victoria Harbour views and a rooftop bar.
  • Swim ClubRestaurantHong KongPoolside rooftop bar with harbor views.
  • JIJARestaurantHong KongServes upscale Yunnan and Guizhou cuisine.
  • ThotalagalaHotelHaputale, Sri LankaRestored planter's bungalow from around 1870.
  • Upper HouseHotelChengdu, ChinaMix of renovated traditional Chinese facade and modern rooms.
  • Taikoo LiNeighborhoodChengdu, ChinaUpscale shopping district with buzzy shops and restaurants.
  • Hai Tien LoRestaurantSingaporeExtravagant vegetarian multi-course spread.
  • Budget-friendly accommodationHotelKyoto, JapanHot spring spa with pools of various temperatures.
  • Pink Pearl by Olivier E.RestaurantPhu Quoc, VietnamFine dining French restaurant.
  • Pobitora Wildlife SanctuarySightAssam, IndiaShort drive from the hotel, home to rhinos.
  • Nobu By the BeachRestaurantDubai, United Arab EmiratesHotel restaurant serving truffle, caviar, and gold leaf.
  • Akan Yuku no Sato TsurugaHotelHokkaido, Japan
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National GeographicSep 24

6 unusual wellness experiences in the Indian Ocean

In the Indian Ocean, wellness is shedding its old skin. The Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Lanka have always drawn travellers chasing restorative breaks, but the era of the treatment menu and ...

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Condé Nast TravelerSep 1

Asanas at Sea? The Best Places for Yoga Around the World Are Also the Most Unconventional

From a rocky mountainside to the middle of the ocean, explore these singular places to practice your suryanamaskars.

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Lonely PlanetAug 20

18 things to do in Sri Lanka and the best way to do them

See the best of Sri Lanka with our pick of the island

24 things in this story
  • Wilpattu National ParkSightNorthwest Sri Lanka, Sri LankaResponsible operator Leopard Trails offers conscientious safaris.
  • Leopard TrailsPlaceNorthwest Sri Lanka, Sri LankaResponsible operator for conscientious safaris in Wilpattu.
  • Mannar IslandSightMannar, Sri LankaFlamingo season attracts thousands of greater flamingos.
  • PidurangalaSightSigiriya, Sri LankaClimb at 5am for sunrise over Sigiriya rock fortress.
  • Kaudulla National ParkSightHabarana, Sri LankaIt was designated a national park on April 1, 2002, becoming the 15th such area on the island.
  • Minneriya National ParkSightHabarana, Sri LankaThe area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary…
  • Jetwing Vil UyanaHotelSigiriya, Sri LankaOffers nighttime jungle walks to spot slender loris.
  • Gan Duwa IslandSightKoggala, Sri LankaVisit to learn about Ceylon Cinnamon production.
  • Little Adam’s PeakTrailElla, Sri LankaShorter, popular hike for sunrise views.
  • Cafe ChillRestaurantElla, Sri LankaPopular cafe in Ella.
  • Flying RavanaPlaceElla, Sri LankaOffers zip-lining trips.
  • Pekoe TrailTrailElla, Sri LankaSri Lanka’s longest walking route through tea gardens.
  • Nine Arch BridgeSightElla, Sri LankaArchitectural marvel near Ella.
  • Palmyrah RestaurantRestaurantColombo, Sri LankaFine dining in Colombo serving savory and sweet hoppers.
  • Renuka HotelHotelColombo, Sri LankaHome to Palmyrah Restaurant.
  • Aunty Radhika's hopper stallRestaurantColombo, Sri LankaPopular stall for hoppers in Wellawatta.
  • Thevshi Kutty HoppersRestaurantJaffna, Sri LankaSmall spot for Jaffna-style appam.
  • Eco Lodge HaputaleHotelHaputale, Sri LankaFamily-operated campsite with tea garden walks.
  • Cliff LodgeHotelHaputale, Sri LankaOff-grid lodge with glass pods for stargazing.
  • Mint of the MistRestaurantHaputale, Sri LankaRestaurant run by sons and their mum.
  • Bundala National ParkSightHambantota, Sri LankaRamsar-recognized park, excellent for bird-watching.
  • Bundala Safari with SrimalPlaceHambantota, Sri LankaTour operator for 4WD safaris in Bundala National Park.
  • Kalametiya Bird SanctuarySightHambantota, Sri LankaBoat trip recommended in the evening.
  • Nanu OyaSightNuwara Eliya, Sri LankaTrain station for scenic journeys to Ella.
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Condé Nast TravelerAug 4

Birdwatching Is Only Getting More Popular—Here Are the 11 Best Places to Experience It

Spanning from the hills of Scotland to the jungles of Sri Lanka.

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Lonely PlanetJul 28

16 things to know before you head to Sri Lanka

Before visiting Sri Lanka, study up on navigating the heat, local phrases and dress codes, and move through the country with the ease of a local.

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Lonely PlanetJul 22

The best beaches in New Jersey

"Down the shore" is as much a feeling as it is a place: Bike rides to the bay and pizza and custard on the boardwalk.These are the best beaches on the Jersey Shore.

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Lonely PlanetJul 21

A guide to driving a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka

Start planning your tuk tuk-driving adventure in Sri Lanka. Here’s everything you need to know before setting off.

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Lonely PlanetJul 21

A walking tour of Galle Fort, Sri Lanka

A walk through heritage buildings repurposed into stylish cafes, boutiques and hotels.

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 15, 2025

The Best Hotels and Resorts in the World: The Gold List 2026

Our editors across the globe share their favorite places to stay.

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Condé Nast TravelerDec 15, 2025

17 Best Hotels and Resorts in Asia 2026 According to Our Editors

Our global editors across four continents share their favorite places to stay.

24 things in this story
  • Buahan, A Banyan Tree EscapeHotelTaro, IndonesiaOpen-air pool villas without walls or doors.
  • Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Pine N PeakHotelPahalgam, IndiaChalet-style hotel that grew out of the hillside.
  • Island Shangri-La, Hong KongHotelHong KongGrande dame with family floor, toy train, and slides.
  • Summer PalaceRestaurantHong KongCantonese mainstay doling out shrimp dumplings.
  • The Oberoi, MumbaiHotelMumbai, IndiaModernist building overlooking the Queen's Necklace bay.
  • Eau BarBarMumbai, IndiaArt Deco-inspired bar with views of the Arabian Sea.
  • The Ritz-Carlton, KyotoHotelKyoto, JapanLuxe sanctuary overlooking the Kamogawa River.
  • MizukiRestaurantKyoto, JapanOffers Japanese fare.
  • Chef's Table by Katsuhito InoueRestaurantKyoto, JapanDishes inspired by country's 72 micro-seasons.
  • La LocandaRestaurantKyoto, JapanLaid-back Italian specialties.
  • SUJÁN Sher BaghHotelRanthambore, IndiaTented pavilions with 1920s glamour amid the wild.
  • The Happy HouseHotelPhaplu, NepalHistoric family home in Nepalese Himalayan valley.
  • Cape WeligamaHotelWeligama, Sri LankaClifftop hotel with new beach club and family suites.
  • The AtlasRestaurantWeligama, Sri LankaAll-day dining with salt crusted barramundi fillet.
  • TableauRestaurantWeligama, Sri LankaLive cooking experience held on the cliff's edge.
  • The SocietyRestaurantWeligama, Sri LankaRevamped bar serving inspired tipples in candlelit nooks.
  • Nay Palad HideawayHotelGeneral Luna, PhilippinesAll-inclusive barefoot dream on Siargao island.
  • Cempedak IslandHotelBintan, IndonesiaAdults-only getaway with all-bamboo villas.
  • Capella SingaporeHotelSingaporeRainforest retreat with villas and private plunge pools.
  • ChiwongSightPhaplu, NepalSignificant and beautiful monastery at head of valley.
  • Zannier Hotels Bãi San HôHotelPhu Yen, VietnamBeachfront hotel on verdant hills and rice paddies.
  • Nhà ởRestaurantPhu Yen, VietnamAll-day dining with an impressive breakfast spread.
  • Sheesh MahalSightSamode, IndiaDazzles with 250-year-old Belgian glass mosaics.
  • Lidder ValleyNeighborhoodPahalgam, IndiaThe Lidder River flows down the valley.
Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

The GuardianSep 21, 2025

From the Gobi to Ghana: 10 of the best community tourism trips around the world

Make your next holiday more meaningful with an itinerary that supports local welfare projects, empowers women and showcases traditional customs Eternal Landscapes offers individual and small-group trips to Mongolia, with a focus on supporting local communities. On the five-day Erdenedalai Explorer trip, guests stay with a herding family in the vast steppes of the “Middle Gobi”, an area often by…

21 things in this storyRead the full piece at The Guardian →
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