In 2018, the South African cricket team toured Sri Lanka for a series of Test and limited-overs matches, bringing thousands of travelling supporters along with them. For many, the tour was as much about discovering the island as it was about following the cricket. Sri Lanka, compact yet extraordinarily diverse, offers a travel experience that moves from ancient cities and hill-country tea gardens to coastal wetlands and elephant sanctuaries — often within the span of a few days.
This page serves as an editorial reference for the tour and, more practically, as a guide for anyone inspired by the South Africa–Sri Lanka cricketing connection to plan their own visit to the island.
What makes Sri Lanka worth visiting beyond the cricket grounds?
Sri Lanka's appeal lies in the sheer variety packed into a relatively small geography. The island measures roughly 430 km from north to south, yet it contains eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of the world's highest concentrations of endemic wildlife, a coastline stretching over 1,300 km, and a culinary tradition shaped by centuries of spice trade. A visitor can realistically move between a 5th-century rock fortress, a working tea estate, and a beach resort within a single itinerary.
Which cricket venues did South Africa play at during the 2018 tour?
The 2018 South Africa tour of Sri Lanka included matches at some of the country's most storied cricketing venues. Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium and the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground hosted matches in the capital, while the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium near Kandy offered a dramatic hill-country backdrop. The Galle International Stadium, set within sight of the 17th-century Dutch fort, remains one of the most scenic cricket grounds in the world. Each of these host cities offers substantial sightseeing opportunities beyond the boundary rope.
How do I plan a trip to Sri Lanka inspired by the South Africa tour?
The four main match venues — Colombo, Kandy, Pallekele, and Galle — trace a natural travel circuit around the island's most visited regions. A practical approach is to begin in Colombo, move inland through the Cultural Triangle and hill country, then descend to the southern coast.
- Colombo: The commercial capital rewards a half-day city tour, covering colonial-era architecture, Pettah market, and the harbour district.
- Kandy: Sri Lanka's last royal capital hosts the Temple of the Tooth Relic and a well-organised city tour covering the lake, local craft workshops, and the botanical gardens at Peradeniya.
- Hill Country: The road from Kandy to Ella passes through some of the island's finest tea-growing terrain. Ceylon tea estates welcome visitors for guided factory tours and tastings.
- Galle: The UNESCO-listed Galle Fort and surrounding coastline anchor the southern leg of any itinerary. A structured Galle city tour covers the fort ramparts, Dutch Reformed Church, and the old town's boutique lanes.
What wildlife can visitors see in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has a well-developed network of national parks and wildlife reserves accessible from most touring circuits. Udawalawe National Park, situated between the hill country and the southern coast, is one of the most reliable places in Asia to observe wild elephants at close range. The park is also home to the Elephant Transit Home, a rehabilitation centre that releases orphaned calves back into the wild.
Along the southern and western coasts, the Madu River Safari through the Madu Ganga wetland system offers boat-based exploration through mangrove channels, with opportunities to see monitor lizards, water birds, and — on occasion — crocodiles. For visitors with a longer itinerary, Sinharaja Forest Reserve in the southwest lowlands is a UNESCO-listed rainforest and one of Sri Lanka's most important biodiversity hotspots.
What is the best time of year to visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka's weather is governed by two monsoon systems, which means different parts of the island are in good condition at different times of year. The southwest — including Colombo, Galle, and the hill country — is generally at its driest between December and April, which coincides with the northern winter. The north, east, and Cultural Triangle (including sites such as Polonnaruwa) tend to be drier between May and September. The 2018 South Africa tour took place across July and August, placing it squarely in the drier season for the central and eastern regions.
How do I get around Sri Lanka?
Private car hire with a driver-guide is the most flexible and comfortable option for touring the island, particularly for groups or families. Lakpura arranges fully chauffeured transfers and multi-day itineraries with English-speaking guides. The hill-country train route — notably the Kandy-to-Ella line — is widely regarded as one of the most scenic rail journeys in South Asia and is worth incorporating into an itinerary even if a private vehicle handles the bulk of transfers. Taxis and private drivers are readily available in all major cities for shorter point-to-point journeys.
What should visitors know before arriving in Sri Lanka?
- Citizens of most countries, including South Africa, require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival. Applications are made online through the official Sri Lanka ETA portal.
- The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). ATMs are widely available in cities and major tourist areas.
- Sri Lanka drives on the left, which will feel familiar to South African visitors.
- The national language is Sinhala, with Tamil spoken in the north and east. English is widely understood in tourist areas, hotels, and airports.
- Modest dress is required when visiting temples and religious sites — shoulders and knees should be covered, and shoes removed before entering most sacred spaces.
Are there tours of Sri Lanka suited to cricket fans and sports travellers?
A dedicated sports or photography itinerary can be shaped around Sri Lanka's match venues, combining stadium visits with sightseeing in each host city. Lakpura specialises in customised itineraries that balance specific interests — whether cricket, wildlife, culture, or cuisine — with the logistical efficiency of a full destination management company. Multi-day tours covering the island's highlights can be arranged as private, guided experiences with flexible routing.
