Sri Lanka Announces Free Tourist Visas for Australians & New Zealanders – What You Need to Know (2026 Update)

Sri Lanka has just become even better value for Australian and New Zealand travellers.

In a significant move designed to boost international tourism, the Sri Lankan Government has announced that travellers from 40 selected countries – including Australia and New Zealand – are now eligible for a free tourist visa (Electronic Travel Authorisation – ETA) for stays of up to 30 days.

For travellers considering Sri Lanka in 2026 and beyond, this is excellent news and further strengthens Sri Lanka’s position as one of the best value mid-haul destinations for Australians seeking culture, wildlife, beaches, luxury experiences and unforgettable scenery.

At Sri Lanka & Beyond, we specialise in small group journeys and private chauffeur-guided tours throughout Sri Lanka. As destination specialists, we closely monitor all operational and entry requirement updates to ensure our guests have the latest information before they travel.

Sri Lanka Free Visa Scheme – Key Details

As of 25 May 2026, Australian and New Zealand passport holders qualify for Sri Lanka’s new free tourist visa initiative.

The Details

• Effective date: 25 May 2026
• Visa type: Tourist ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)
• Cost: Free of charge
• Validity: 30 days
• Eligible countries: 40 selected countries including Australia and New Zealand
• Extensions: Possible locally upon payment of the applicable visa extension fee

While the visa fee has been waived, travellers are still required to complete the ETA application process prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.

Do Australians Still Need a Visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes – Australian and New Zealand passport holders are still required to obtain a visa (ETA) prior to travelling to Sri Lanka.

However, under the new arrangement, the visa fee itself is currently waived.

This means travellers must still complete the online application and receive approval before departure, but there is currently no government visa charge for eligible travellers.

For information on Sri Lanka visa requirements for Australian and New Zealand travellers be sure to visit the official website here: Sri Lanka Visa Requirements

Sri Lanka Is Now Even Better Value

Sri Lanka was already considered one of the best value destinations for Australian and New Zealand travellers — and the new visa waiver makes it even more attractive.

Previously, Australian and New Zealand travellers paid approximately USD $50 per person for a Sri Lanka tourist visa. Under the new initiative, that fee is currently waived, representing a saving of approximately AUD $140 per couple, or several hundred dollars for families travelling together.

Combined with excellent value accommodation, affordable private touring, boutique hotels, wildlife safaris and favourable exchange rates, Sri Lanka continues to offer exceptional value compared with many other international destinations.

For couples, families and small groups alike, Sri Lanka delivers an extraordinary variety of experiences — often at a fraction of the cost of comparable destinations.

This latest visa initiative is another positive step in making Sri Lanka more accessible and affordable for Australian and New Zealand travellers.

How to Apply for a Sri Lanka ETA

The easiest and recommended option is to apply online before departure via the official Sri Lankan Government website.

IMPORTANT: Be cautious of third-party visa websites charging unnecessary fees.

Official Sri Lankan ETA website: Sri Lanka ETA Official Website

Before You Apply

We recommend having the following ready:

• Passport details
• Travel dates
• Accommodation details
• Return or onward flight information

Processing is typically very fast, often within 72 hours or less.

Sri Lanka Passport Requirements

Travellers entering Sri Lanka must hold:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival
• Proof of onward or return travel
• Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of stay if requested

As entry requirements can change without notice, travellers should always confirm the latest information directly with the official Sri Lankan Government website prior to departure.

For more detailed information on entry requirements for Australian and New Zealand travellers, including passport validity, ETA applications, travel insurance and important travel advice, visit our dedicated Sri Lanka Entry Requirements page here: SRI LANKA ENTRY REQUIREMENTS.

For up-to-date information on the Sri Lankan ETA and the apply for a Sri Lankan tourist visa be sure to use the official government website here: Sri Lanka ETA Information

Is Sri Lanka Safe to Travel To?

One of the most common questions we receive from travellers considering Sri Lanka is whether the destination is suitable and safe for tourism.

The short answer is yes.

Sri Lanka continues to welcome international visitors and tourism has rebounded strongly. The country offers an incredible combination of culture, wildlife, beaches, tea country scenery and warm hospitality.

In fact, Sri Lanka remains one of the best value destinations for Australian travellers seeking:

• Wildlife safaris
• Boutique hotels
• Luxury private tours
• Scenic train journeys
• Cultural experiences
• Small group touring
• Beach extensions
• Wellness and spa retreats

For many travellers, Sri Lanka offers a unique combination of experiences that is difficult to find elsewhere in one destination.

Our Recommended Sri Lanka Experiences

At Sri Lanka & Beyond, our most popular journeys include:

• Small group tours of Sri Lanka
  • 11 Day Best Of Sri Lanka small Group Sri Lanka Tour
  • 14 Day Sri Lankan Discovery small Group Sri Lanka Tour
• Private chauffeur-guided tours
  • 8 Day Journey to Sri Lanka private tour
  • 13 Day Sri Lanka Uncovered private tour
• Wildlife safaris in Yala and Wilpattu National Parks
  • 12 Day Wild About Sri Lanka private Safari Tour
• Scenic train journeys through Sri Lanka’s tea country
• Luxury beach stays on the south coast
• Cultural touring in Sigiriya, Kandy and the Cultural Triangle
• Boutique and luxury accommodation experiences

Many of our guests combine wildlife, culture, beaches and scenic highlands into one seamless itinerary.

Final Thoughts – Sri Lanka Is Easier Than Ever to Visit

With free tourist visas now available for Australians and New Zealanders, there has never been a better time to explore Sri Lanka.

Whether you are looking for a private chauffeur-guided holiday, a boutique small group experience, wildlife safaris or a luxury cultural journey, Sri Lanka offers extraordinary value and unforgettable experiences.

As specialists in Sri Lanka travel for Australian and New Zealand travellers, the team at Sri Lanka & Beyond can assist with:

• Small group tours
• Private tailor-made itineraries
• Wildlife safaris
• Luxury hotels and villas
• Train journeys
• Beach stays
• Honeymoons
• Family holidays
• Pre and post tour extensions

Important Disclaimer

The information above is intended as a general guide only and is subject to change without notice.

Entry requirements, visa regulations and government policies can change at any time. Travellers are responsible for ensuring they meet all immigration and entry requirements prior to departure.

For the latest official information, please visit the official Sri Lankan ETA website: Official Sri Lanka ETA Website

The visa fee and ETA information referenced above is based on the latest available update regarding Australian and New Zealand travellers and the current waiver initiative

Limited Time Sale | Save up to $1,200 per person

Sri Lanka is one of the most rewarding destinations in Asia — rich in culture, wildlife and natural beauty — and now is the perfect time to experience it.

For a limited time, our 8 Day Journey to Sri Lanka is on sale, with savings of up to $1,200 per person, and prices from just $1,695 per person (AUD).

This carefully curated itinerary offers an incredible introduction to Sri Lanka, combining iconic highlights with a relaxed pace, all in just eight unforgettable days.

Valid for travel during select months in 2026  – Book by 30 April 2026 to secure this exclusive offer.

For full sale dates please visit the tour page here; 8 Day Sri Lanka Private Tour | Chauffeur Guided Holiday

Discover the Highlights of Sri Lanka in 8 Days

This journey has been designed to capture the essence of Sri Lanka, making it ideal for travellers short on time but still wanting a meaningful and enriching experience.

Begin in Colombo, before travelling into the Cultural Triangle, where you’ll explore the extraordinary Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks.

Continue to the historic city of Kandy, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, before heading into the scenic highlands, where rolling tea plantations and cooler climates offer a refreshing change of pace.

A highlight of the journey is the scenic train ride through Sri Lanka’s hill country, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world.

The itinerary also includes a wildlife experience, giving you the opportunity to encounter elephants and other native species in their natural habitat.

Exceptional Value – What’s Included

This 8-day journey has been designed to deliver exceptional value, combining quality inclusions with a highly competitive price point.

Your tour includes:

• Return airport transfers
• 7 nights’ accommodation in quality hotels
• Daily breakfast and selected meals as per the itinerary
• All key sightseeing and entrance fees as outlined
• Scenic train journey through Sri Lanka’s hill country
• Wildlife experience in one of Sri Lanka’s national parks
• Experienced English-speaking guide throughout
• Air-conditioned transportation

With all key elements included, you can travel with confidence knowing there are no unexpected costs along the way.

Why Choose an 8 Day Sri Lanka Tour?

For many travellers, time is limited — and this itinerary has been specifically designed to maximise your experience without feeling rushed.

In just eight days, you’ll experience:

• Sri Lanka’s most iconic cultural highlights
• Scenic landscapes and tea country
• A memorable wildlife encounter
• A well-paced journey with minimal travel fatigue

It’s the perfect introduction to Sri Lanka, whether you’re travelling for the first time or looking for a shorter, high-impact itinerary.

Stay in Comfort Throughout Your Journey

Accommodation has been carefully selected to ensure comfort and convenience at every stage of the journey.

Stay in well-located hotels that provide easy access to Sri Lanka’s key attractions, while also offering a relaxing environment after each day of exploration.

In selected locations, upgraded room categories may be available, providing additional comfort and enhancing your overall experience.

Limited Time Offer – Save up to $1,200 per person

There has never been a better time to discover Sri Lanka.

With savings of up to AUD$1,200 per person and prices from just AUD$1,695 per person, this offer represents outstanding value for a fully guided Sri Lanka experience.

Valid for travel during select months in 2026  – Book by 30 April 2026 to secure this exclusive offer.

For full sale dates please visit the tour page here; 8 Day Sri Lanka Private Tour | Chauffeur Guided Holiday

Ready to Experience Sri Lanka?

train crossing the famous Nine Arch Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka.

With limited availability and strong demand expected, early booking is recommended.

If you’re looking for an affordable, well-paced and enriching way to discover Sri Lanka, our 8 Day Journey to Sri Lanka is the perfect choice.

If your looking for a longer tour or prefer a small group experience, please take a look at our 11 & 14 Day small group tours – our 11 Day Best of Sri Lanka Small Group Tour | Culture, Wildlife & Scenic Rail  and 14 Day 14 Day Sri Lanka Small Group Tour | Culture, Wildlife, Hill Country & Beaches maybe ideal! – Monthly guaranteed departures, with savings up to AUD$1,000 per couple currently available on all 2026 departures if booked and deposited by 30 April 2026.

Buddha Statues, Colombo

For travellers wanting to experience more than just the highlights, our 14 Day Sri Lankan Discovery Small Group Tour offers a more comprehensive and immersive journey through this remarkable island.

In addition to Sri Lanka’s iconic cultural sites, scenic highlands and wildlife encounters, this extended itinerary ventures further north, uncovering regions that remain largely untouched by mainstream tourism. The result is a richer, more authentic travel experience that showcases the full diversity of Sri Lanka.

Explore Sri Lanka Beyond the Highlights

This journey begins in Colombo, before travelling into the Cultural Triangle, where you will explore the extraordinary rock fortress of Sigiriya, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and the sacred caves of Dambulla.

Continue to Kandy, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, before heading into the cool, misty highlands of Nuwara Eliya, surrounded by lush tea plantations.

One of the standout experiences remains the scenic train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella, offering breathtaking views of Sri Lanka’s hill country.

From here, the journey takes a unique turn as you travel north, exploring Jaffna and the surrounding region. This area offers a completely different perspective of Sri Lanka, shaped by its own history, culture and traditions. Far less visited than the south, it provides a rare opportunity to experience a more authentic and less commercialised side of the island.

The itinerary also includes a safari in Yala National Park, where you may encounter elephants, sloth bears and the elusive leopard, before concluding with time to relax along Sri Lanka’s beautiful south coast.

Why Choose the 14 Day Discovery Tour?

While shorter itineraries capture the highlights, this extended journey allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper exploration.

With additional time, you’ll experience:

• Greater cultural depth, including the unique heritage of northern Sri Lanka
• A more balanced pace, with less time spent in transit
• A broader range of landscapes, from ancient cities to remote coastal regions
• More meaningful local interactions and experiences

Travelling in a small group ensures a personalised and engaging journey, with expert guidance throughout and the flexibility to fully appreciate each destination.

The Unique Appeal of Northern Sri Lanka

One of the defining features of this itinerary is its inclusion of Jaffna and the northern region, an area that remains largely undiscovered by international travellers.

Here, you’ll experience:

• Distinct cultural influences shaped by Tamil heritage
• Quiet coastal landscapes and remote islands
• Historic sites and local traditions rarely seen on standard itineraries

This addition transforms the journey from a classic highlights tour into a truly comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka.

What’s Included – Comfort, Value & Seamless Travel

This 14-day tour has been carefully designed to provide exceptional value while maintaining a high standard of comfort throughout.

Your journey includes:

• Return airport transfers
• 13 nights’ accommodation in quality 4 and 5-star hotels
• Daily breakfast, 1 lunch and 10 dinners
• All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary, including Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Cave Temple and Yala National Park
• Scenic train journey through Sri Lanka’s hill country
• Experienced English-speaking guide throughout
• Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation

Everything is arranged for you, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the experience.

Stay in Comfort – Carefully Selected Hotels Throughout

Throughout your journey, you’ll stay in a range of well-selected hotels that reflect the character of each region.

In the Cultural Triangle and Kandy, enjoy comfortable properties ideally located for sightseeing, while in the highlands, your accommodation offers cooler climates and scenic surroundings.

In more remote regions such as the north, hotels are selected for their quality and authenticity, providing a comfortable base while maintaining a sense of place.

At various points along the journey, upgraded room categories and unique accommodation styles may be available, including boutique properties and private villa-style options, enhancing your overall experience.

A More Complete Sri Lanka Experience

The 14 Day Sri Lankan Discovery Small Group Tour is ideal for travellers who want to go beyond the standard itinerary and experience Sri Lanka in greater depth.

By combining iconic highlights with lesser-known regions, this journey offers a more complete and rewarding travel experience, all delivered with the ease and comfort of a small group.

Ready to Discover More of Sri Lanka?

With limited group sizes and guaranteed departures, early booking is recommended.

If you’re looking for a journey that goes beyond the ordinary and reveals the true diversity of Sri Lanka, this extended small group tour is the perfect choice.

For those with less time to travel north to Jaffna, the 11-Day Best Of Sri Lanka is the ideal small group tour.

Traditional fishing – Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the most rewarding destinations in the world – compact, diverse and rich in culture, wildlife and natural beauty. Our 11 Day Best of Sri Lanka Small Group Tour has been carefully designed to showcase the very best of the island, combining iconic highlights with authentic local experiences, all delivered in a comfortable and seamless small group format.

Whether it’s your first visit or a long-awaited return, this journey offers the perfect balance of discovery, comfort and value.

Discover the Highlights of Sri Lanka in Just 11 Days

This thoughtfully curated itinerary takes you through Sri Lanka’s most iconic regions, offering a diverse mix of cultural landmarks, scenic landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Begin your journey in Colombo, before travelling into the Cultural Triangle, where you will explore the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Discover the historic city of Polonnaruwa, wander through the sacred caves of Dambulla, and experience authentic village life with a traditional rural excursion.

Continue to Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, home to the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, before heading into the cooler highlands of Nuwara Eliya. Here, rolling tea plantations and colonial charm create a completely different side of the island.

One of the journey’s highlights is the scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world.

From the highlands, travel south to Yala National Park for an exciting wildlife safari, where you may spot elephants, crocodiles and even the elusive leopard. The journey concludes with time to relax along Sri Lanka’s stunning south coast.

Why Choose a Small Group Tour in Sri Lanka?

Travelling on a small group tour offers a far more enjoyable and immersive experience compared to larger, more rigid group travel.

With limited group sizes, you’ll benefit from a more personalised journey, greater flexibility and a relaxed pace throughout. You’ll have more time to engage with your expert local guide, ask questions and gain deeper insight into Sri Lanka’s culture, history and daily life.

Small groups also allow access to more unique experiences – from village visits to boutique hotels – that simply aren’t possible with larger tours. Importantly, it creates a more social and enjoyable atmosphere, travelling with like-minded guests without ever feeling crowded.

What’s Included – Exceptional Value & Seamless Travel

This 11-day journey has been designed to offer outstanding value while ensuring a high level of comfort throughout.

Your tour includes:

• Return airport transfers for a seamless arrival and departure experience
• 10 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected 4 and 5-star hotels
• Daily breakfast, 1 lunch and 10 dinners
• All sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary, including Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla Cave Temple and Yala National Park
• A scenic train journey through Sri Lanka’s hill country
• An experienced English-speaking guide throughout
• Comfortable, air-conditioned transportation for the duration of the tour

With everything arranged for you, all you need to do is relax and enjoy the journey.

Stay in Comfort – Handpicked Hotels & Unique Experiences

Accommodation plays a key role in your overall travel experience, and this itinerary features a selection of quality hotels that reflect the character of each destination.

In the Cultural Triangle, enjoy peaceful surroundings close to Sri Lanka’s ancient sites, while in Kandy, stay within easy reach of the city’s cultural highlights.

In the hill country, your hotel in Nuwara Eliya offers a refreshing change of pace, surrounded by lush tea plantations and cool mountain air.

One of the standout experiences is your stay near Yala National Park, where wildlife and nature are right on your doorstep. Selected properties may also offer upgraded room categories or private villa-style accommodation, providing an added level of comfort and exclusivity.

The journey concludes with a relaxing stay along the south coast, the perfect way to unwind after an enriching inland adventure.

A Journey Designed for Comfort, Value & Discovery

Our 11 Day Best of Sri Lanka Small Group Tour has been created for travellers who want to experience the highlights of Sri Lanka in a well-paced, comfortable and enriching way.

With expert guidance, carefully selected hotels and a balance of cultural, scenic and wildlife experiences, this tour delivers an exceptional introduction to one of Asia’s most captivating destinations.

Ready to Experience Sri Lanka?

With guaranteed monthly departures and limited group sizes, early booking is recommended to secure your preferred travel dates.

If you’re looking for a journey that combines iconic highlights with authentic experiences, all delivered with ease and comfort, our Best Of Sri Lanka small group tour is the perfect choice.

Looking for something longer? – If you’re considering a longer journey, our 14 Day Sri Lanka Discovery Small Group Tour offers an extended itinerary travelling further north to Jaffna to explore Sri lanka’s Tamil culture. 

The Diwali festival is all about colour, lights, sweets and giving and to celebrate this annual event Sri Lanka & Beyond are giving some sweet deals to clients with savings of up to $500 per couple.

For those wanting a private tour, our best-selling ‘Temples, Taj and Tigers’ itinerary is now from $2345 per person twin share. Book by November 29, 2019 and receive $100 per couple in Discover More Travel Vouchers to use on any additional product.

The 13-day journey departs Delhi and travels to Varanasi, Khajuraho, Agra, and Ranthambore- for safaris in the Ranthambore National Park as well as the pink city of Jaipur before returning to Delhi. It includes travelling with various modes of transportation including private car and driver, plane and rail, with 12 nights four star accommodation and daily breakfast and comprehensive sightseeing with local guides.

If you prefer a small group tour, the five star Highlights of India is also on sale with $200 off per couple for 2019 tours in November and December (book by November 29, 2019) and $300 per couple for all 2020 guaranteed departures when booked by January 31, 2019.

Offering great value with prices starting from $1330 per person for this deluxe eight-day tour staying in five star properties and a jungle resort in the famous Rathambore National Park-famous for the Royal Bengal Tigers- the tour showcases the best of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur as well.

There is also a great offer for solo travellers, with a 50% discount on the single supplement on a selection of 2020 departures. These small group tours are great for solo clients wanting to experience India in comfort and security with like-minded travellers. However, single rooms are limited and sell-out early so book early for the best rates and to secure a room on your preferred departure.

For more details visit www.india-and-beyond.com.au or call 1300-363-554 to speak with a destination expert.

Our tour to Sri Lanka was unbelievable!

It was made even better by our excellent guide, DJ.

He is a real asset to your company.

– Eileen, Queensland

I have just returned from my holiday to Sri Lanka.

What a wonderful time we had.

At no time did I feel unsafe.

The staff were incredibly efficient and helpful.

Please pass on my thanks to Scope Travel in Sri Lanka and our guide, Bandu, who was the very best.

Thank you to Jennifer at Beyond Travel for her help with organising my holiday.

– Judy, Queensland

8 June 2018

SRI Lanka & Beyond is offering Australian travellers set on seeing the Indian Ocean’s tear-drop island in 2018 the chance to save over $3000 per couple – or $2,500 for solo travellers – on a visit.

The new Classic Sri Lanka is a hosted 10-day itinerary visiting Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Yala National Park, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya with the price slashed by over half to $1360 per person twin share on departures from June to December booked by June 30.

Travel by private car with your own driver-cum-guide and stay in historic hotels around the island including a two-night stop at the five-star Cinnamon Lodge Habarana and an overnight break at the four-star Cinnamon Wild Yala lodge in a jungle chalet where guests can watch the local wildlife while lounging beside the swimming pool or indulge in special bush dining experiences.

“In addition there are great private dining options by the lake that borders Cinnamon Wild Yala here you can dine above the water to get a great view of the surrounding landscape or barbecue close to the water’s edge which is home to many animals including crocodiles’’ explains Sri Lanka & Beyond general manager of sales and marketing Bryce Crampton.

“The new itinerary lets guests enjoy unique accommodation at the end of the day while experiencing Dambulla’s Rock Cave Temple, the ancient city at Polonnaruwa, a jeep safari through Yala National Park to see leopards and elephants, and fire dancing in Kandy.’’

(as published in Escape Travel)

Sadly, we are finishing our journey through Sri Lanka today. We’ve now reached Colombo, the bustling capital city which is known for its diversity, architecture and its impressive religious temples. But with the our time at an end and no more worries about carrying our luggage, we are hitting the bazaar!

From action-packed to laid-back – we are now in the station of Nuwara Eliya. This is a district whose heritage harks back to the days of old England, dotted with old bungalows and red telephone boxes. It’s lush and green and most well-known for being the home of tea in Sri Lanka. Our accommodation overlooks the beautiful fields, but if you want a closer look, there is also a train journey that goes right through.

Today we are in ‘Kolourful’ Kandy. Beyond the busy local streets and markets, iIt’s a spectacular city with the emphasis really on spectacle; a place that really comes to life in the evenings with the opportunity to witness offerings at the famed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (this is known as “pooja”) or admire fire-walkers in a Kandyan dance demonstration.

It only seems right on a Sunday to visit Dambulla Caves, one of the most famed places of worship in the country. It’s a well-preserved cave temple complex dating back to the 1st century, and houses some of the most sacred images of Buddha. Whilst the city itself is a commercial hub – Dambulla is the food-bowl of Sri Lanka with its fertile plains; the fact it is such an important holy place is what draws people to it. This should not be missed.

There’s a rumble in the jungle! The last 24 hours have been rather exciting – hopping on a jeep safari out to Minneriya national park to see elephants. Then journeying back through thick forest in the middle of night; the rare light from a house or a shop just piercing the darkness. The tranquillity of such a remote location is very much appreciated, but we’re looking forward to some colour and splendour in our next destinations – Dambulla and Kandy!

There was no time for a sleep in this morning – heading straight to Polonnaruwa, which is an ancient royal capital city in Sri Lanka. It’s the perfect place to go wandering or bike riding, as the location is so compact and there are so many ruins to explore in the archaeological park. It’s a much-needed peaceful place to be amongst the beautiful rock-cut Buddha statues. The time out is needed as over this weekend, we’ll be going wild through jungles and national parks.

After a picturesque drive through some chaotic city streets, small towns, and past a few roadside carts, we’ve reached our destination – Sigirya Rock. It’s better known as the Lion Rock, and for sure its going to take the courage of such an animal to scale up to it! Within its vertical walls it promises the remnants of a 5th century city. Hopefully, we will see you again tomorrow as we head to Polonnaruwa.

Touchdown! Today we are in the seaside town of Negombo, famous for its 17th century Dutch fort which is now a prison. We’re staying overnight near the Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts and fresh seafood markets. It’s a short visit as tomorrow we are off to Sigiriya.