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15 Top Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on March 4, 2024

Sri Lanka is truly spellbinding and will suit any traveler’s interests with its top tourist attractions. The small island nation is chock-full of adventure activities like surfing and trekking.

There are several highly religious sites for the religious devotee, and unbelievable historical tourist attractions for history buffs in Sri Lanka . However, no one can dispute Sri Lanka’s incredible natural beauty. Whether it be en-route to a perfect surf break, visiting a historical site or on a pilgrimage, lush greenery and exotic animals are never far away.

15. Nine Arch Bridge [SEE MAP]

One of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights is the Nine Arch Bridge in the small mountain town of Ella. This viewpoint offers spectacular panoramas of the surrounding area, which is made up of verdant greenery and tea fields.

Visitors can watch trains roll over the bridge as they make their way along the Demodara Loop. Constructed in the early days of the railway expansion in Sri Lanka, the bridge is particularly impressive because it is made of cement, stone and brick, without the use of any steel.

14. Mihintale [SEE MAP]

Mihintale is a mountain near the town of Anuradhapura. Its summit has much spiritual significance to the Buddhist community. It’s believed that on this mountain top a Buddhist monk named Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa and together this meeting introduced Buddhism to the country.

Monk Mahinda impressed the King with the peacefulness of the Buddhist doctrine and his contented, serene nature. The King subsequently renounced war, and went on to spread peace throughout the nation. There are several impressive religious and historical structures on and around Mihintale Mountain. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the site each year.

13. Unawatuna [SEE MAP]

This white sand beach in the small seaside town of Unawatuna is a great place to relax. There are a number of snorkeling and diving operators in town who take advantage of the abundance of coral reefs just off the beach.

Colorful fish and plentiful turtles are the norm in these waters. There are a number of great dining options along the beach, which welcome visitors to use their sun loungers and relax the day away with a drink in hand.

12. Gal Viharaya [SEE MAP]

Visitors can find Gal Viharaya in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Gal Viharaya is a famous Buddhist site and is celebrated for its many caves and large sculptures of Buddha which are carved into the rock faces. They are extremely well preserved, even though they were crafted in the 12th century.

To the side of one of the statues, a code of conduct is inscribed. The code, when followed, was meant to purify the Buddhist monks and bring them together under one order. It was created by a very famous king: King Parakramabahu the first. Today, Gal Viharaya is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular sites of pilgrimage.

11. Kataragama Festival [SEE MAP]

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, the Kataragama Festival takes place every year in July or August and is dedicated to one of the Hindu gods. It takes place over a two-week period and people from all over the world come to join in.

The festival is jam-packed with parades of elephants and colorfully dressed performers. There are countless traditional dances that take place; with musicians, acrobats, and fire-breathers feeding into the festival’s contagious energy.

10. Udawalawe National Park [SEE MAP]

There are few places in the world where elephant sightings are so frequent. However, elephants are not the only animals to see within Udawalawe National Park; peacocks, jackals, water buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys and deer also roam the area.

Safaris are most popular in the early morning hours when animals are at their most active. The biodiversity of the park can be attributed to its varied landscape; it is flanked by mountain ranges to the north with wetlands and rivers hugging the grasslands and forests at the base of the mountains.

9. Ravana Falls [SEE MAP]

The beautiful Ravana Falls are used for bathing in the hot summer months. In the rainy season, the water flow is exceptionally strong and is an impressive sight. The falls are part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, and the nearby cave complex is rich in local legend.

Conveniently located on the main road on the way to Ella town, the caves are a common stop off point for visitors during their journey. Many cheeky monkeys live in the surrounding trees and they are often seen on the roadside dining on fruit. However, don’t let them get too close, as sometimes they can get over-friendly with visitors.

8. Dambulla Cave Temple [SEE MAP]

The Dambulla Cave Temple is a sacred Buddhist site. There is no entry fee to get into the temple on full-moon days; however, these days are especially busy because of the religious significance of this lunar phase. Devotees from all over the world make pilgrimage to this place.

There are over 80 caves documented in the area, but the most famous five are outfitted with impressive statues and paintings. Some of the caves date back to 1000 BC, when prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived within them, so it is unsurprising that they would have created temples inside at that time. If you do plan to visit, please be aware that visitors must cover their shoulders and legs and remove shoes before entering the temple.

7. Mirissa [SEE MAP]

Mirissa is the ultimate Sri Lankan beach getaway. The beautiful long beach is flanked by tall overhanging palm trees and lined with modern restaurants and hotels. The restaurants have western style food at Sri Lankan prices. Just off the beach is Parrot Rock. It has a small staircase leading to the top that offers great views of the ocean and coastline.

Day trips from Mirissa include whale watching, snorkeling and surfing. Weligama, just a few kilometers from Mirissa, is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka to learn surfing. Come happy hour and into the evening, many the restaurants turn their venues into beach clubs and pump out drinks and tunes.

6. Arugam Bay [SEE MAP]

Arugam Bay is revered by surfers. This small town on the east coast of Sri Lanka embodies the quintessential laid-back surf lifestyle. The Main Point surf break is within walking distance from the town center, but is only recommended for advanced or intermediate surfers.

Otherwise, Whiskey Point or Peanut Farm are two great surf beaches for beginner and intermediate surfers; a short tuk-tuk ride will take you there. Often elephants and peacocks can be spotted beside the road, just outside of town. The main strip in Arugam Bay town is lined with restaurants and hotels where you can dine on anything from traditional Sri Lankan curry to full English breakfasts.

5. Temple of the Tooth [SEE MAP]

The Temple of the Tooth is a highly sacred place. The temple contains one of Buddha’s teeth. Legend has it that the tooth was taken from the Buddha on his deathbed, then smuggled to Sri Lanka from India. It was smuggled in the hair of a princess, after her father’s kingdom had been besieged.

It immediately became an object of great importance and has been celebrated and paraded throughout history. However, many attempts have also been made to steal or destroy the tooth. Twice daily, pujas are held to celebrate the relic and offer visitors and devotees the chance to get a glimpse of the tooth within its casing.

4. Adam's Peak [SEE MAP]

At the summit of Adam’s Peak is a footprint cast in stone. It has spiritual significance to a number of different religions, however, there is currently a Buddhist monastery at the summit. To the Buddhists, the footprint is that of Buddha’s; to Christians, the footprint is Adam’s; and to Hindus, the footprint is attributed to Shiva.

The site is a popular place of pilgrimage, especially on full moon nights. The trek to the top of the mountain to see the footprint is via a steep staircase containing over 5000 steps. The trail is lined with many tea stalls and food shops which act as places of rest. Most people begin their hike at 2:30 am to reach the summit in time for sunrise.

3. Galle Fort [SEE MAP]

It is easy to get lost in the cobblestoned alleyways and streets within Galle Fort. Today the area is full of modern restaurants, hotels, clothing, and souvenir shops. Meanwhile, snake charmers and buskers line the seawall.

However, the fort was not always such a cosmopolitan spot. A basic fort was constructed by the Portuguese when they made their first landing to the island in 1505. When the Dutch eventually seized control of Galle , they made a number of improvements; including the enormous sea wall that still lines the fort. Galle Fort is an excellent example of what the synthesis between European and Asian architecture looks like.

2. Yala National Park [SEE MAP]

Yala National Park is made up of spellbinding vistas and a true abundance of Sri Lankan wildlife. It has the highest density of leopards in the world, so chances of seeing them are very high.

Although leopards are the main attraction here, they are followed closely by elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles. The park is divided into five blocks; some of which were zoned to hunters until Yala became a national park in 1938. Ensure you make time to visit the very informative visitor center at the entrance of the park for insightful displays about the area.

1. Sigiriya Rock Fort [SEE MAP]

Sigiriya Rock Fort is utterly impressive. The rock walls rise up 200 meters from the ground, only to give way to a flat plateau at their summit. There are steep stairwells to reach the top and many frescos to marvel at on the way up. At the top, you can find the remains of an ancient civilization, including relics of a palace and monastery.

It would have taken true engineering ingenuity to build a structure at this height so many centuries ago. Around the rock fort are many important caves and gardens; impressively, they are some of the first landscaped gardens in the world.

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15 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Written by Freddy Sherman Updated May 3, 2023

Writer Freddy Sherman visited Sri Lanka and spent time exploring Colombo, the Hambantota area, and Udawalawe National Park.

Sri Lanka is an amazing travel destination offering a wide range of places to visit and things to do. This island, located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of India, presents visitors with an incredible array of environments and tourist attractions to enjoy and experience.

This relatively compact island boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites where that history is preserved. The best places travelers can trace the island's fascinating history, from ancient times through the colonial period to the present, are in cities like Colombo and Kandy .

Incredible outdoor landscapes and safari experiences can be found in the country's large elephant- and leopard-filled national parks, like Yala, Minneriya, and Udawalawe. Sri Lanka is also a beach-lover's paradise , ringed by some of the world's most beautiful beaches, and home to a number of luxury beach resorts.

The Hambantota area is the best place to visit for a resort vacation experience. This is also one of the best places to visit for families, as many of the resorts are all-inclusive and there is a lot to see and do without having to leave the property.

When planning a Sri Lankan adventure, keep in mind that the country experiences its rainy season from May through August, making December through April usually the best time to visit. The shoulder season, September, October, and November, is a good time to visit as well.

Plan your travel itinerary with our list of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.

3. Udawalawe National Park

5. hikkaduwa beach, 6. galle face green, 7. yala national park, 8. anuradhapura, 9. pollonnaruwa, 10. tangalle, 11. bundala national park, 13. adam's peak, 14. sigiriya, 15. minneriya national park, map of places to visit in sri lanka.

The capital city combines modern urban amenities with the country's colorful indigenous and colonial history. As a key stop on the world spice trade routes, Sri Lanka has long held strategic importance for European trading powers.

The country has been a colony of Portugal, the Netherlands, and most recently the British, and all these cultures blend with the Indigenous culture to form a wonderful hybrid. You can taste these influences in the food, see them in the architecture and the arts, and you can really feel them in Colombo.

Too many visitors simply use Columbo for its international airport (CMB) and immediately head out to the resort areas on the coast. The city is well worth a visit of at least a few days, even if you plan to head to a beach resort.

The city is also filled with museums and other things to do that can help connect you with Sri Lankan culture. Colombo sits on the coast, and there's a large green space and beach area right in the heart of the city separating an area called Fort from the Indian Ocean. It's the city's public playground and a fun place to visit, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

The city's new mega-tower, the Colombo Lotus Tower , is a great place to visit. The tallest free-standing tower in Southeast Asia, it provides amazing views of the city. Aside from indoor and outdoor observation areas, there's a fancy restaurant at the top and a popular food court in the mall at the tower base.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka

Kandy is where you go to learn about and experience Sri Lankan history. Located in central Sri Lanka, the city is the former capital city of the Sri Lankan royal dynasty, the country's main capital before the colonial period.

The high point of what's called the "Kandian Era" was between the 15 th and 18 th centuries, when the area remained independent while most of the coastal regions were colonized by European powers.

Be sure to visit the city's National Museum of Kandy , as it illustrates the story of the region and its people via exhibits and artifacts. Nearby, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a very holy Buddhist shrine, part of the royal palace complex. If you visit in August, there is a huge festival celebrating the temple and relics.

Kandy Lake is at the heart of the city and offers a peaceful refuge from the heat. There are hiking paths that circle the lake, dotted with temples and shrines. Venture out to the nearby suburb of Peradeniya and its amazing Royal Botanical Gardens.

Kandy is surrounded by mountains, which are home to many tea plantations. Some can be visited and offer tours and tea tastings. It's also surrounded by rainforests. The Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is a forest park located within the city limits. The forest reserve has miles of hiking trails, as well as an excellent nature center with educational information.

This large wildlife park is in the southern part of the country, about an hour's drive from the resort area of Hambantota. The terrain and environment vary, as the park is on the border of the country's wet and dry zones.

Visitors to the park can see elephants, as there's a large population of them, along with crocodiles, water buffalo, and more. In fact, it's one of the best places in the world to see elephants in the wild outside of Africa .

There are leopards there, too, but they can be very hard to track or spot. There are also monkeys and a large assortment of deer and small mammals. It's also an excellent place for bird-watching.

There are some small accommodations and guesthouses across from and even inside Udawalawe. You can also visit as a day trip, the best times to visit are very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon.

The city of Galle is about a two-hour drive from Colombo via one of the country's first modern superhighways. This ancient trading port reflects its colonial history and is focused around a large, 17 th -century seafront fort.

Galle Fort is an entire preserved walled town, now filled with boutique hotels, shops, and restaurants (along with real residents). The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is a great place to explore on foot – the entire Fort area is car-free. It's hard to get lost, as you're surrounded on three sides by the sea. It's one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for families, as the area is compact and filled with tourist-centric businesses.

Aside from and outside the fort, the city is surrounded by some amazing beaches . Like others in the country, the wide sand beach leads into clear, turquoise water. There's even a beach right beneath the iconic Galle lighthouse.

Only 90 minutes from Colombo, this beach is all about water sports, surfing, bodyboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. All the gear is easily available for rent from one of the beachfront stands. It's one of the country's most popular surfing areas , with the best waves between November and March.

The beach is large, so it never feels too crowded. There are a lot of beachfront stands selling all kinds of delicious local street food and a good number of small hotels and guesthouses if you want to stay overnight. It's also becoming home to more beach resorts, catering to foreign visitors with appropriate levels of luxury and amenities.

It's also known for its coral. The Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary is a preserved marine area and part of Hikkaduwa National Park , located just off the shoreline. It was created to protect the area's coral reefs and educate visitors about coral. It can be explored on a guided boat tour or even by snorkeling.

• Read More: Top-Rated Beaches in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's version of LA's Venice Beach and NYC's Central Park isn't the place to get away from it all, but it is the place to relax, people watch, and have some fun with other Sri Lankans, whether it's day or night.

Aside from the beach, there's a large grass area where people picnic and play games. For the best energy, visit on a Friday or Saturday night. Come hungry, as every night there is a market with incredible street food to enjoy.

You can enjoy the beach and water or maybe fly a kite in the ever-present wind. You can play some football (soccer) or cricket as there are always pick-up games going on. The beach is fronted by vendors and restaurants, and the area beyond it is filled with hotels ranging in price from budget to luxury.

Be sure to visit the historic Galle Face Hotel, a beachfront colonial remnant that first opened in 1864. Galle Face Green is in the heart of downtown Colombo, just in front of Fort. You have the skyline behind you and the sea in front of you. It's the area between Galle Road and the Indian Ocean.

Located on the island's southeast coast, this national park is known for leopard safaris . Leopards are very rare, but the park has a large population and it's possible to spot them even on a day trip. The park is also home to a large population of Asian elephants, which are endemic to Sri Lanka.

Aside from the fauna, the park is home to some incredible, varied environments and ecosystems. You can visit the marine and beach environment of the coastal areas, follow leopards across vast grasslands, or explore tropical rainforests.

There are also some important Buddhist temples and shrines within Yala, which is not far from the resort area of Hambantota.

A visit to Anuradhapura, one of the country's ancient capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rewards visitors with a glimpse into the past. The area is unique, as there's a thriving, modern town adjacent to an ancient one — you're not just visiting ruins. The current population makes it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on earth (starting in the 4th century BCE).

The ruins are awesome, with many crumbling temples, statues, pools, and other structures. There are modern structures, too, and the temple remains an active place of worship. The core of the complex is a very old tree. The Sri Maha Bodhi is believed to be the world's oldest living tree planted by a human.

Anuradhapura is a fun place to visit, as there are a lot of small guesthouses and cheap places to eat, along with bike rental, tour guides, and other businesses catering to tourists.

This is an important ancient city ruin site, another one of the country's World Heritage Sites . Pollonnaruwa was Sri Lanka's second capital city, after Anuradhapura, thriving about a thousand years ago.

The garden-city is completely preserved, although most of the structures are in ruins. There are gardens, palaces, and temples, and while it's rather compact, it's best explored by bicycle. A bonus, the ruins are inhabited by a large troop of macaque monkeys, also residents of the area since ancient times. Duran Duran fans will recognize the site, as their Save a Prayer video was filmed here in the 1980s.

There's a small, modern town a few miles from the ruins, with guesthouses, bike rentals, cafés, and other tourist services. The town is close to Minneriya National Park, a great place to elephant-watch.

As an island, Sri Lanka is surrounded by beaches, and there really is something for everyone. For a diverse range of beach experiences, head to the Tangalle area. It's in the center of the southern coast of the island and is a popular resort destination.

You''ll find a wide range of beaches, from tropical coves to wide, windswept, seemingly endless stretches of open sand. You can also find beaches with services, vendors, and beachfront stands, as well as remote beaches where you're almost certain to find yourself alone.

At Rekawa Beach , just east of the town, there's a big sea turtle nesting area and conservation center.

This national park and wetland sanctuary, with its dunes, lagoons, and large freshwater bodies of water, is one of the world's best places to visit for bird-watching . There are many species of birds here; some are endemic to Sri Lanka. Many of the birds migrate here seasonally from as far away as Siberia.

Aside from the birds there are many crocodiles, which like to eat the birds, as well as a large population of elephants. The beaches are a popular place for four of Sri Lanka's five species of sea turtles to lay their eggs.

The Bundala park area is along the southern Sri Lankan coastline between Kirinda and Hambantota.

Sometimes it's as much about the journey as it is about the destination. An example of this is Ella, a small, hill-country town set among Sri Lanka's lush tea plantations. It's filled with small guesthouses, amazing food, and very friendly people. It's a fun getaway from the city or a way to enjoy a few days of leisurely hiking in the countryside.

A big reason people visit Ella is to ride the train from Kandy. Slowly, it winds its way up and down hills, through small towns, across green tea fields, until finally arriving in the small mountain town after about six hours. The ride is considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world . You can also start the journey in Colombo, which adds three hours to the trip.

Another one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka that's also all about the journey is Adam's Peak. This mountain is topped by a sacred rock formation, and pilgrims traditionally climb to the summit at night in time to watch the sunrise.

The popular hike (which is great for families and children, too) generally takes about three hours, and there are rest stops and food vendors along the path. After the hike, you'll be rewarded by seeing a rock with a footprint-shaped indentation where some believe Adam made his first step. Others believe it's the footprint of Buddha, and some believe it was made by the deity Shiva.

The Adam's Peak hike begins in the village of Nallathanniya in central Sri Lanka. The best times to make the climb are between December and May when the weather is somewhat mild.

Like Machu Picchu or Masada, Sigiriya impresses visitors just with the absurdity of its construction. It's a huge rock formation that's been carved and transformed into a palace. The ruins are near the town of Dambulla in the central part of the country.

Built about 1,500 years ago, the palace complex sits atop a 660-foot (220-meter) rock with sheer walls. Those walls have ancient painted frescoes and carvings transforming the whole structure into a work of art. In the middle of one rock wall, there's a giant gateway carved in the shape of a lion.

Aside from the palace above, the area below is an intricate city complex with gardens and residential and commercial areas. It's a very important surviving example of early city planning from this era.

If you're looking to see elephants in their natural environment, Minneriya National Park near the town of Polonnaruwa , is the best place to go. The lush, protected landscape means the park is a dry-season (May through September) feeding area for the elephants who live in the region's forests. The park is in Sri Lanka's Dry Zone, which sees far less rainfall than the other parts of the island.

Minneriya is a much better option to see elephants than some of the country's elephant orphanages and sanctuaries, which can be tourist traps that mistreat the animals. Various operators offer full- and half-day jeep safaris where you can explore the vast space. You could also visit the park on a day trip from Colombo; it's about three hours away by car.

Sri Lanka Travel Guide: a 3-week travel itinerary

Sri Lanka has to be one of the greatest travel destinations of all time, a beautiful tropical island in the middle of the warm Indian ocean waters. Three weeks is an ideal length for a Sri Lanka route, as you cross through the jungle, mountains, tea plantations, and paradise coastline. Start in big metropolitan cities and end your time relaxing on beautiful beaches with a coconut in hand. Everything you could possibly dream of is in this beautiful country with the perfect Sri Lanka route. 

Sri Lanka Route Guide

This 3-week itinerary through Sri Lanka is a day-by-day Sri Lanka route. The island is easy to travel through and can be done by bus, tuk-tuk, motorbike, taxi, or private driver. One of the more popular options is to travel by traditional Sri Lankan train , gaining a wonderful insight into Sri Lankan culture as you fly through beautiful landscapes. 

Use this 3-week route to cover the top things to do in Sri Lanka, and if you have more time, we’ve added some additional options. 

Day 1 – 2: Relaxing in Negombo or Colombo

Start your trip in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city. Here you’ll discover a unique mixture of modern and traditional, where towering skyscrapers and luxurious rooftop bars sit next to stunning mosques, traditional houses, and bustling street markets.

After a busy day of sightseeing, head to one of the beautiful parks to relax and see unique tropical plants, trees, and flowers. Alternatively, take a wander down to the city beach, where you can watch locals flying their kites in the coastal breeze or cheering as they score points playing cricket. 

However, Colombo is not the closest city to the airport. For more convenience, head to Negombo, a laid-back town that’s right next to the airport.

Where to Stay in Negombo

Negombo is a great place to stay for cheaper accommodation with swimming pools where you can relax and unwind after the flight.

Hotels in Negombo 😴

The beaches are also far more picturesque in this city, so if you’re looking to enjoy coastal relaxation, it’s a better choice to begin your trip.

Day 3: Sightseeing in Kandy

Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second-largest city and one of the most beautiful you’ll find in all of Sri Lanka . Discover the old colonial buildings that line the edges of a vast lake in the center, keeping an eye out for exciting wildlife and unique plants. Plus, the buzzing streets filled with coconut sellers and stalls are just a stone’s throw away from this fantastic nature. 

To get from Colombo or Negombo to Kandy you have three options, the bus, train, or a taxi. Looking for a Sri Lankan driver? Contact our friend Indi on Whatsapp (+94777644144) .

Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens, a fantastic tranquil wilderness in the city full of a diverse range of plants, trees, and flowers. As you look around, you’ll notice that the mountains and tropical rainforests are never far away! It’s this proximity that makes Kandy a great jumping-off point for day trips.

Read : 9 Things to do in Kandy

Where to Stay in Kandy

Kandy offers a good selection of affordable hostels and hotels to suit every kind of traveler.

Hostels in Kandy 😴

We recommend staying in the city center to explore everything easily. Alternatively, choose to stay up in the hills for ultimate tranquility.

Day 4: Sigiriya

Lion Rock in Sigiriya is one of the country’s most famous landmarks. The enormous natural formation sticks out of the flat landscape, towering above forests and grasslands filled with elephants. On top of the 200-meter square-shaped rock, you’ll find the remains of an ancient palace and gardens and many rock drawings along the way. Additionally, Lion Rock is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka, which is another reason to add it to your Sri Lanka route!

Alternatively, visit Pidurangula Rock , Lion Rock’s nearby little sibling. This rock may be smaller, but it provides a better view as it looks directly onto Lion Rock. There’s also a cheaper entrance fee too! 

If you have time to stay a few nights in Sigiriya, we recommend relaxing in one of the many beautiful hotels in nature, hiking the rocks, or going on an elephant safari in the flat valley. To get there, hire a driver or look for a shuttle bus (a 3-hour drive from Kandy).

Read: Climb the World-Famous Sigiriya Lion Rock

Where to Stay in Sigiriya

Most of the accommodation in Sigiriya is a bit higher in price. However, it does allow you to enjoy and make the most of the incredible scenery in this area.

Hotels in Sigiriya 😴

Tip: Some hotels even have direct views from the rooms of the rocks themselves!

Day 5: Kandy to Ella Train Ride

Head back to Kandy to catch the most beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka . This long train ride is one of the top things to do on any Sri Lanka route, taking you through stunning rolling hilltops, rainforest, and luscious green tea plantations. Hang out the door with the wind in your hair and feel the weather get cooler as you move higher up into the mist and the clouds of the Sri Lanka highlands. Get Kandy Train Tickets here .

Read: Kandy to Ella Train

Day 6 – 7: Nuwara Eliya

The train from Kandy goes all the way to Ella , making a few stops on the way. Get off a little earlier and spend a night in the natural beauty of Nuwara Eliya, an area famous for tea plantations.

Here are all your hotel options in Nuwara Eliya.

It’s especially well known as being home to the Lipton plantation, one of the world’s most famous tea growers and exporters! In fact, the history of colonization here by the English has even affected the architecture, with lots of English-style bungalows dotted through the fields, giving Nuwara Eliya the nickname ‘Little England’.

Read: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Day 8 – 10: Ella

Visit one of the most blissful and natural places in Sri Lanka : Ella. The small town has a laid-back hippy vibe, complemented by the great mountains and hills that tower over the town. Stay in a hilltop guesthouse with incredible views, and use it as a base to climb to Adams Peak, Ella Rock, or the mesmerizing Nine Arch Bridge . When you’re done hiking, head for one of the many picturesque waterfall pools for a refreshing dip.

Ella is one of the most beautiful places in the country and an absolute must-do in Sri Lanka !

Read: Best Things To Do in Ella, Sri Lanka

Where to Stay in Ella

Ella is full of fantastic accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts with swimming pools and beautiful views.

Hotels in Ella 😴

It can be fun to stay in the hillside guesthouses outside of town, where you’ll have great views and easy access to hiking trails.

Day 11 – 13: Arugam Bay

Ready to catch some waves? Arugam Bay is the most famous surfing spot in Sri Lanka . It’s so popular that many surfers make this their home between April and October when the days are sunny and warm, and the waves are great. It’s easy to see why people spend so much time here, with the relaxed way of life, living in a wooden beach hut, surfing, and sunbathing by day, and enjoying all the fantastic bars and restaurants by night. This is where you’ll truly find hammock-swinging and coconut-sipping vibes! 

Read: Things To Do in Arugam Bay

Where to Stay in Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is all about the beach! As such, most of the accommodations are located along the coastline. Choose from charming beach huts, mid-range guesthouses, or upscale beach resorts.

Hotels in Arugam Bay 😴

Day 14: Go on Safari in Sri Lanka

From Arugam Bay, it’s super easy to take a day trip to Yala National Park for a safari amongst nature. You might even be lucky enough to spot the elusive leopard!

See availability for a safari tour to Yala

Join a tour, jump in a jeep, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. As you cross over bumpy dirt roads, around lakes, and through bushland, you’ll see vast groups of wild elephants and other animals. There are plenty of national parks to choose from in Sri Lanka , some of the most popular being Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park . 

Read : Best national parks in Sri Lanka

Day 15 – 16: Mirissa

Head south to the paradise beach town of Mirissa. Take off your shoes and say goodbye to regular life as you slow down and feel the sand between your toes and the waves against your feet. Mirissa isn’t just about the beach, though; there are beautiful coconut tree forests to explore, fascinating tidal islands, and endless great restaurants.

Read: Best Things to do in Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Mirissa is also one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see Whales, which migrate here between November and March. You’ll find the most spectacular sunsets in this part of the country, a winning combination with a sunset whale-watching trip.

Tip: Are you someone always looking for a secret beach? Find your perfect beach on the list of 10 x Best Beaches in Sri Lanka .

Where to Stay in Mirissa

Mirissa is relatively small, so most guesthouses and hotels will be within walking distance of the beach.

Hotels in Mirissa 😴

As with most areas in Sri Lanka , prices are low for accommodation, and you can find beautiful beachside hotels, with views of the ocean, for a lot less than you might expect!

Day 17 – 19: Unawatuna

The Unawatuna area has the most famous beaches in Sri Lanka , known for the white sand, great surfing, lively beach bars, and Instagram-famous palm-tree swings. The town is small, but it has excellent shopping, guesthouses, and trendy restaurants.

It’s also a great jumping-off point to local sights nearby, like Galle Fort , Koggala Lake, or even the bright lights of Colombo! You could quickly lose track of time in this beautiful little beach town, and it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind at the end of your Sri Lanka route.

Read: Awesome Things To Do in Unawatuna

Where to Stay in Unawatuna

Unawatuna is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations in the country. Because of this, expect to pay slightly higher prices for hotels and guesthouses.

Hotels in Sri Lanka 😴

Tip: Hotel Tri is a beautiful hideaway near Unawatuna around Kogalla Lake. The sunrise and sunsets here are one of a kind overlooking the lake and cinnamon plantations.

Day 20+21: Back to Colombo

Finish your trip and stay close to the airport in Colombo.

Here are all your hotel options in Negombo.

If you have a little extra time before your flight, visit Barefoot Handicraft and its fantastic restaurant or tick off some of the sights you may have missed at the beginning of your trip.

Optional Places

Sri Lanka is an absolute heart-stealer, and the likelihood is that you may want to stay for longer than three weeks. If you’re extending your route, there are many more amazing places to visit, especially in the northern part of Sri Lanka (where you’ll find some real hidden gems!). Some of the most popular places to visit on a Sri Lanka route are:

• Trincomalee
• Polonnaruwa

How to Visit Sri Lanka

International flights arrive at Colombo airport (actually closer to Negombo than Colombo).

From here, it’s straightforward to take public transport to your next destination or arrange for a driver to collect you. 

Getting Around in Sri Lanka

Hiring a driver in Sri Lanka is a very popular choice as it’s so reasonably priced. To do so will usually cost about $50 per day, which allows you a lot more flexibility with your itinerary. It also helps you get to the more remote places, which otherwise might be quite tricky. 

We recommend to rent a car in Sri Lanka through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Contact our friend Indi on Whatsapp (+94777644144) . Make sure to tell him you came via ‘Salt in our Hair’ so you’ll get the best price possible. 

Buses are a very cheap option; it’s just a few dollars for a full day of traveling by bus! Be aware that buses are usually packed full of people, and you will have to stand. Don’t expect air conditioning, but you’ll have the perks of enjoying local TV with Sri Lankan music videos! 

Purchase any transport tickets online here

Taking the train is a must-do in Sri Lanka . The country is home to some of the most beautiful train rides globally and has become renowned worldwide for the experience of hanging out the train door as tea plantations and rolling hills fly by. 

The price for a second-class cabin varies from $1.50 to $4. Sometimes they run out of seats, meaning you have to stand or sit on the floor. But do as the locals do and enjoy this beautiful experience!

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination. There isn’t a perfect period to visit because each side of the island has its own “best time to visit.” which means the sun will always be shining somewhere! ☀️

The dry seasons by month and destination are:

• North – May to September
• Center  – January to April
• South  – December – March

If you choose to visit these areas in the rainy season, you can still have a really enjoyable time. Prices will be lower, there will be fewer people, and nature will be particularly luscious. However, be aware that the rains can bring rough waves to the coast, causing the beaches to get pretty dirty and unusable at this time.

Sri Lanka Visa

You need a Sri Lanka visa to be allowed into the country. Luckily, arranging a visa isn’t difficult at all. All you need to do is make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. You can select several options for your visa for Sri Lanka , depending on how long you are planning to stay and for what reason you are visiting the country.

Online Visa, Sri Lanka

The first option is to apply for your Sri Lanka visa online . It’s wise to apply at least a few days before your arrival. Usually, the applications are approved within a few hours, and you will receive your ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). The 30-day tourist visa will cost you $35.

Order online: Get your visa easily here!

Visa on Arrival

Even if you have not applied for ETA can get a Visa on Arrival on arrival for Sri Lanka . There is a counter at the airport in Colombo where you can go. However, you will pay $5 extra, and there are generally long queues. For this reason, we recommend applying for your visa online ahead of time.

How Much Does Sri Lanka Cost?

In Sri Lanka , payment is made in the Sri Lankan Rupee (not the same as the Indian Rupee). Currently, $1 is equal to 2 Sri Lanka Rupees. Generally, Sri Lanka is a cheap place to travel in, especially in the more remote locations like the North or the center.

A variety of accommodations is on offer, from budget guesthouses to the more luxurious beachside hotels. Plus, wherever you go, you can always find cheap and delicious food, either sold on the street or in small restaurants (a bowl of local rice and curry typically costs about $1-3 USD!).

Costs of Traveling in Sri Lanka

Travel on a budget in Sri Lanka, from $190 − $410 USD weekly per person, mid-range $530 − $960 USD, and high-end from $920 − $1250 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $10 − $30 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $10 − $20 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $2 − $50 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $50 − $80 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $10 − $30 USD
• Activities: $2 − $30 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Vaccinations Sri Lanka

Whatever the length of your trip is, it’s recommended to get two vaccines:

• DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio)
• Hepatitis A

Staying away for several months? Then you probably should get vaccinations against Hepatitis B and rabies. There is no Malaria risk in Sri Lanka.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Sri Lanka trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

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• Find Flights to Sri Lanka via Skyscanner
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9 Unmissable Things To Do in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

Arugam bay: 7 best things to do, 9 great things to do in kandy, sri lanka.

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• 43 Most Beautiful Places In Sri Lanka In 2024 You Must Visit

23 Mar 2023

Full of romantic landscapes, stirring mountains, lush green tea gardens and golden beaches, the island nation of Sri Lanka is nothing short of magnificent. The country has no shortage of beautiful awe-inspiring spots, natural, historic and cultural, each more picture-perfect than the next. From soulful Buddhist monasteries and temples to exotic and impeccable spots rarely explored, Sri Lanka offers everything that makes your escape a memorable one! Whether travelling with your significant other or planning a vacation with your family, Sri Lanka won’t disappoint you! Take a trip to these most beautiful places in Sri Lanka and you will find it difficult to leave back home. Read on to know the most beautiful experiences of Sri Lanka including astounding places and popular attractions. 

43 Most Beautiful Places In Sri Lanka In 2024

While you’re planning your next vacation to this serene country, scroll down to know where all you can head for an amazing trip with your friends and family. The following are the best travelling places in Sri Lanka that you can include in your itinerary.

• Ella – Witness The Countryside Charm
• Nuwara Eliya – Covered With Lush-Greenery
• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – See The Giant Beasts
• Polonnaruwa – The Ancient Ruins
• Adams Peak – The UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Mirissa – Go Whale Watching
• Yala National Park – Amidst The Wildlife
• Colombo – Visit The Bustling City
• Jaffna – Explore The Historical Architectures
• Ulpotha – Land Of Ayurveda
• Trincomalee – The Temple City
• Kandalama – The Surreal Village
• Tissamaharama – Picture Worthy Place
• Anuradhapura – See The Bodhi Tree
• Horton Plains National Park – Of Lakes And Greenery
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve – Tropical Beauty
• Udawalawe National Park – With Wild Animals
• Tawalantenne – Ideal Road Trip Location
• Arugam Bay – Pristine Beaches
• Commonwealth War Cemetery – For The Warriors
• Unawatuna Beach – Beautiful Beaches
• Sigiriya Museum – Visit The Historical Place
• Perandeniya Botanical Gardens – See The Flowers Blooming
• Dondra Lighthouse – Instagram Worthy
• Dambulla Cave Temple – Witness The Murals
• Old Dutch Fort At Galle – Picturesque Beauty
• Sigiriya Rock Fortress – The Historical Beauty
• Beira Lake – The Surreal Lake
• Temple Of The Tooth Relic – One Of A Kind Temple
• Bentota Beach – Beautiful Sunrise And Blue Waters
• National Museum Of Colombo – Know The History
• Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue – Gigantic Architecture
• Nine Arch Bridge – Ride Amidst The Greenery
• Gal Viharaya – Know The Ancient History
• Ravana Falls – Explore The Surreal Beauty
• Spice Garden – Add Some Spice To Your Vacation
• Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara – For Serenity
• Ruwanwelisaya – A Sacred Buddhist Site
• St. Anthony’s Church – Explore The Masterpiece
• International Buddhist Museum – Experience The Spirituality
• Mahiyanganaya Sorabora Lake, Uva Province – Explore The Greenery
• Dehiwala Zoo – Experience The Wilderness
• Bambarakanda Falls, Ohiya – A Treat For The Eyes

1. Ella – Witness The Countryside Charm

Image Source

Looking for the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in December? Get enamored by the stunning views through Ella Gap overlooking a spectacular gap in the southern mountain wall. Situated in the middle of beautiful countryside, with small vegetable plots, tea plantations on the hill slopes and forests on the tops this hill station is nothing less than breathtaking. Ella undoubtedly, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Location: Town in Sri Lanka Famous for: Hikes, mountain views, train rides Best time to visit: January to March is the best time to visit Ella as the chances of rainfall are low and you can also enjoy hiking How to reach: Ella is 235 km from Colombo. You can take a direct train to Ella from Colombo Fort Train Station Where to stay:  Blue Ribbon Homestay, Ella Tree houses and Cabanas Tourist attractions:  Ravana’s Cave, Nine Arches Bridge, Ravana Falls

Must Read: 15 Things To Do In Ella

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2. Nuwara Eliya – Covered With Lush-Greenery

One of the most beautiful Sri Lanka tourist places, this 19th-century hill station Nuwara Eliya retains its colonial ambiance with its golf course, gentlemen’s clubs and mock Tudor buildings. It is one of the most beautiful locations in Sri Lanka for a scenic rail ride. Experience the stunning views of the surrounding tea plantations, waterfalls and dramatic mountains the train takes you from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. You wouldn’t want the ride to end! You can enjoy trekking in Kandy and explore the beauty of nature. It is one of the safest places to visiting Sri Lanka during Covid. If you are looking for the best places to visit in Rishikesh in 2 days , Nuwara Eliya should be on your itinerary.

Location: Nuwara Eliya District, Central Sri Lanka Famous for: Stunning views of the surrounding tea plantations Best time to visit:  February to May is the best time to visit Nuwara Eliya as the chances of rainfall are low and so is the temperature. How to reach: There are frequent buses from Colombo and Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. However, the bus journey between Colombo and Nuwara Eliya takes a lot of time. Where to stay:  King Fern Cottage, Paradise Cottage, Haven Backpackers Tourist attractions:  Lake Gregory, Victoria Park, Pedro Tea Factory

3. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – See The Giant Beasts

Image Credit: Bernard Gagnon for wikipedia

Can you imagine anything as heartwarming as staring at baby elephants as they enjoy a river soak?  The Pinnawalla Elephant Orphanage has many reasons to be called one of the best things to see in Sri Lanka! It won’t be hard to believe if you don’t want to leave this paradise.

This place is 13 km away from the town of Kegalle and one can come by any public transport. This is a very popular tourist destination and gives visitors a very different kind of experience. Watching the baby elephants doing mischief and moving here and there is a lifetime experience. One cannot get to see all this anywhere else.

When you will come to this place, you will get many small reasons that you will definitely love this place. Therefore, whenever you come to Sri Lanka sightseeing do visit this place as it’s one of the best places to see in Sri Lanka.

Location: B199, Rambukkana 71100, Sri Lanka Famous for: Having the largest herd of captive elephants Timings: 9 AM -1 PM is when elephants proceed with their daily activities. The park remains open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM How to reach: Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage is just 37 km from Kandy. You could take a train towards Kandy and get down at Kegalle, the nearest village to the orphanage. You can take an auto or tuk-tuk from here to the park. Where to stay:  Hotel Lagone Tourist attractions:  Pinnawala Zoo

Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In Badulla

4. Polonnaruwa – The Ancient Ruins

The next place in the list is again a city that is popular for the temples, and this has to be one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka with family. You could easily spend your day imagining the ancient city life at the ruins of Polonnaruwa. Well-preserved and full of archaeological treasures with hundreds of ancient structures like tombs and temples, statues and stupas it is difficult to not be amazed by the ruins here.

This is known to everyone that Sri Lanka is a country of temples and also it has many monuments and heritages that depict its history and culture, it is one of the best Sri Lanka tourist places. Polonnaruwa is one such place that is very popular among tourists and one will get to experience the real life of Sri Lanka here.

So, if you are a spiritual person and also you have an interest in knowing the history, culture, and traditions of different countries, then you must visit this place. This place will give you the exact glimpses of Sri Lanka’s history and culture.

One would wonder what are the things here, which will give the sneak peek of Sri Lankan history. The answer to this question is that there are the remains of the old buildings and monuments that were once standing here.

Location: Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka Famous for: Its green environment and attractive tourist hotels Best time to visit: July, August, and January are the best months to visit Polonnaruwa. Avoid May-June as these are the hottest months in Polonnaruwaa. How to reach: There are no direct trains to Polonnaruwa but what you can do is take a train from Colombo to Habarana and then cover the onward journey by bus or taxi. Where to stay:  EKHO Lake House, Wildescape Polonnaruwa, Binara Home Stays Tourist attractions:  Sigiriya, Gal Vihara, Prakrama Samudra

5. Adams Peak – The UNESCO World Heritage Site

The next destination is one of the most mesmerizing Sri Lanka tourist places and is known as Adam’s Peak. Adam’s Peak is amongst the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka. Climb the slopes at night to watch a breathtaking sunrise at dawn that would be hard to forget.

A biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is difficult to match the spectacular views from Adams Peaks in the whole of Sri Lanka, making it one of the best Sri Lanka tourist places. The name itself of this place is unique and so is the destination. This place is situated in middle Sri Lanka and that one thing for which it is known is called Sri Pada. Sri Pada is basically considered as the footprints of Buddha.

This is in the form of a rock creation at the mountain above. Apart from this spiritual and religious importance, this place is known for the beauty that the vivid greenery provides it. Along with that, if you go to the top of the peak, then you will witness some really amazing views of the surroundings. So, the little difficulties that you will have to bear are worth the kind of experience that the place gives you.

Location: Central Sri Lanka Famous for: Its rock formation Best time to visit: Weathe-wise, January and May are the best months. However, avoid full moon days and Sri Lankan holidays if you don’t want to wait in long queues. How to reach: Though you will have to climb the steps, you can take a train from Colombo to reach the base of the peak. Take a direct train to Hatton from Colombo, Kandy, and other cities. Then take a bus or an auto to Dalhousie which is the closest town to Adama’s Peak Where to stay:  Slightly chilled hotel, Grand Adams Peak Hotel Tourist attractions:  Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, Laxapana Falls

Suggested Read: 19 Reasons To Love Sri Lanka

6. Mirissa – Go Whale Watching

Spend your days, soaking in the sun on a hammock and whale-watching at the little village of Mirissa, one of the most appealing beach hideaways and places to see in Sri Lanka. The real world will be forgotten as soon as you enter this beachy paradise. Mirissa has to be on your list of beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka for an amazing holiday.

Not everyone is fond of the rush and crowd of the city. Many of us want to spend our holidays in peace and in some quiet places. So, if you too are one such person and you are in Sri Lanka, then you should visit this beautiful village called Mirissa.

This is the village where most of the citizens living are fishermen; therefore you will get a very close view of the life of the local people. You can even go fishing with the fishermen and have a look at the whales and other big fish. Some of the very popular and tastier fishes are found here, like tuna. When you are in this village, do not forget to eat the very tasty local cuisine.

Location: South coast of Sri Lanka Famous for: Tuna, mullet, snapper and butterfish Best time to visit: Mirissa is a windy place. So, avoid May-July. The best months would be December, October, and August in that order. How to reach: Weligama is the nearest train station to Mirissa (7 km). You could take a direct train from Colombo or Bentota to Weligama, and then a tuk-tuk or bus ahead. Where to stay:  Mirissa Hills, Glamour Hotel, Paradise Beach Club Tourist attractions:  Mirissa Beach, Coconut Tree Hill, Parrot Rock Bridge

7. Yala National Park – Amidst The Wildlife

Get dazzled by the leopards at Yala National Park , home to one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. Full of grassy plains, forest, lagoons, and coastline, this National Park is no less than a big cat paradise. A complete package of natural beauty and heritage, Sri Lankan beautiful places will capture your heart and make it one of the must-visit places in Sri Lanka. A visit to all these gorgeous spots will make a trip an unforgettable experience. This place again comes in the list of the most visited places in Sri Lanka. It is somewhat 200 km away from the town of Bentota.

This is one of the most popular wildlife sanctuaries not just in that particular area, but among all the sanctuaries of Sri Lanka. One should hire a jeep to have a ride across the jungles of the Sanctuary. This ride of yours will be full of fun and adventure. One can even spot many elephants and leopards while the jeep rides in the jungle. By just reading this article one can imagine how adventurous it would be to have such a ride. Therefore, Yala National Park is one such place that one cannot miss at any cost if they are in Sri Lanka.

Location: Yala, Sri Lanka Famous for: Being home to large number of animals Best time to visit: February to June is a dry season when the chances of spotting wildlife are high. How to reach: The drive to Yala National Park from Haputale is only one hour. There are direct trains from Colombo, Ella, Kandy, etc to Haputale. Where to stay:  Kulu Safaris, Elephant Lake Yala, Ceylon Wild Safaris Tourist attractions:  Kumana National Park, Ruhunu Maha Katagrama

Suggested Read: Hikkaduwa In April

8. Colombo – Visit The Bustling City

Image Source Next place on the list is the city of Colombo which is certainly amongst the best travel places in Sri Lanka. This will be completely unfair and your trip will not be complete if you do not visit the city of Colombo, which is the capital of Sri Lanka. There are several places in this city that you can visit and that will attract you definitely.

The city is beautiful overall and the beauty of it cannot be described in words. To visit the whole city one can book a cab or tuk-tuk and can make a list of places that can be visited. It is sure that one will be able to visit the whole city in one day. This lively capital city is surely among the best places to see in Sri Lanka.

Location: Colombo District, Sri Lanka Famous for: Its national museum and temples Best time to visit: January to March is the best time to visit Colombo as it is the dry season. The chances of rainfall are low. How to reach: Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and has a well-established network of rail, road, and air transport. Where to stay: Mandarina Colombo, C1 Colombo Fort Tourist attractions:  Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Memorial Park, Viharadevi Park

9. Jaffna – Explore The Historical Architecture

Looking for religious tourist places in Sri Lanka? This place is also called the city of temples in Sri Lanka, as it has some of the most beautiful temples of Sri Lanka and one of the best Sri Lanka attractions for spiritual retreats. The most visited temple of all in this place are the temple of Nallur Kovil. This temple has the most visitors always and this is the most crowded of all temples. Other temples nearby too are visited by the people who come to visit this one. Apart from these temples, the other centre of attraction of this place is the Jaffna Fort. This fort is not just a beautiful monument to see but is also a symbol of the history of Sri Lanka.

So, the city of Jaffna is not just for the spiritual kind of people, but those who are a little bit interested in history and culture can also visit this place. With these main spots, another point of attraction in Jaffna is the Nagadeepa Vihara Purana temple. This temple too is known for its glory and beauty and is a must-visit. One can easily reach this temple through waterways, thus you can hire a boat and they can come to this place. The area surrounding provides you with the most peaceful environment and one can go for meditation and all.

Location: Northern Province of Sri Lanka Famous for: Its historical architectures Best time to visit: January-September and December are the best months to visit Jaffna as the rainfall is mediocre and temperatures is warm. How to reach: There are no direct trains or buses to Jaffna. However, Kandy is the nearest city to Jaffna. So, if you are in Kandy, you could take a small detour by car or taxi. Where to stay:  Jaffna Guest House, Jaffna Heritage Hotel Tourist attractions:  Fort Jaffna, Nallur Kandaswamy

Suggested Read: 12 Temples In Sri Lanka

10. Ulpotha – Land Of Ayurveda

One thing more for which Sri Lanka is popular is the studies in Ayurveda and Yoga. The village of Ulpotha has some really good centers, where you can practice yoga and that too in the midst of nature. This place looks like next to heaven and spending time here is very pleasurable.

There are many yoga as well as Ayurveda retreat centres. So, even if you are least interested in these things, you should come here to gain more interest. This is believed to be one of the most serene tourist places in Sri Lanka!

Location: Ulpotha, Sri Lanka Famous for: Ayurveda Retreat Centres Best time to visit: It is only open 7 months a year How to reach: If you book a stay with Ulpotha, then you don’t have ti worry about the accommodation. You will be picked up by the staff at the airport Where to stay:  Ayurveda Paradise Maho, Hotel Yapahuwa Paradise Tourist attractions:  Sigiriya Rocks, Yapahuwa Rock Fort

11. Trincomalee – The Temple City

Do you want to explore a few uncommon places to visit in Sri Lanka? People who love water sports and want to live underwater life, he or she can visit this place. This beach is one of the ideal beaches of Sri Lanka. This has everything that a beach should ideally provide to its visitors. The best part about this beach is that it has some really amazing scuba diving instructors. Therefore, one can go and have a real underwater experience there in the nicest of the ways. Apart from this, there are a few temples around, so you can go and see them too.

If you are wondering why you are not much interested in spirituality and all, then why should go to visit a temple? The reason why it is suggestive to visit temples in Sri Lanka is that they are not merely the home for God, but also a beautiful creation of man. The architecture of the temples is marvelous. So, when in Sri Lanka you should not skip visiting any of the temples, especially the one that comes in your way.

Location: Northeast coast of Sri Lanka Famous for: Historical monuments and temples Best time to visit: February to April is the best time to indulge in water activities. How to reach: Sigirya is the nearest aiport to Trincomalee. A taxi ride from the airport will cost you about INR 700-900. Where to stay:  Amaranthe Bay Resort & Spa, JKAB Beach Resort Tourist attractions:  Koneswaram Temple, Fort Fedrick

Suggested Read: 15 Romantic Beach Resorts In Sri Lanka

12. Kandalama – The Surreal Village

Image Source Again, we are talking about a beautiful yet calm and pious destination of Sri Lanka. This is again a village and the name of this village is Kandalama. This is a guarantee that the experience that you will get here cannot be achieved anywhere else in the world. This is a place, where you can go for a ride to the skies. Yes, you read it right! There is a hot balloon service here, which will take you up above the skies. This is undoubtedly among the best places in Sri Lanka.

This is merely a village, but the arrangement, it has is not less than a city. If you want to spend your night there in the village, you can book a room for yourself in any of the hotels nearby.

There are many 5-star hotels here and one need not worry about the luxury and comfort that is provided by it. Along with the luxuries, the surroundings that this place has is very soothing and thus it could be counted as must visit place.

Location: Central Province, Sri Lanka Famous for: Lake views and natural setting Best time to visit: May-June, October-November is the time when the region receives excess rainfall. Except for these months, you can travel any time of the year. How to reach: Dambulla is the closest town to Kandalama. You can take a bus to Dambulla from Colombo or Kandy. Where to stay:  Eco Hotel, Heritage Kandalama Tourist attractions:  Kandalama Reservoir, Spice Garden

13. Tissamaharama – Picture Worthy Place

This place is considered one of the places to go in Sri Lanka for those who are keenly interested in photography and stuff. Photography enthusiasts are really passionate about their work and what not they do for getting that perfect shot as this is one of the best Sri lanka tourist spots. If you too belong to the same category, then you should come to the town of Tissamaharama. This place has most scenic surroundings and you can get that perfect shot of flying birds here at this place.

Also, if we talk about the beauty of this place, then there is an artificial, but magnificently beautiful lake here. The name of this lake is Tissa Wewa Lake. Also, this place has some important and amazingly beautiful stupas like Yatala Vehera Stupa and many more. One must know that the people in Sri Lanka are the followers of Buddhism; therefore these stupas are very common in various places.

Location: Hambantota District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka Famous for: Ancient stupas and the irrigation reservoirs Best time to visit: Winter (December-February) is the best time to visit this place as the weather is warm. How to reach: It is only 88 km from Ella. There are buses from Ella, Matara, galle to Tissa. Where to stay:  Tissamaharama resort, Hotel Tamarind Tree Tourist attractions:  Tissa Lake, Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihar

Suggested Read: 4 Things To Do In Kolonnawa, Sri Lanka

14. Anuradhapura – See The Bodhi Tree

Another of the most beautiful travel destinations in Sri Lanka is Anuradhapura. It is one of the ancient capitals in Sri Lanka and is famously known for its Bodhi Tree and is a must-see beautiful place in Sri Lanka. It is the same tree under which Lord Buddha achieved his enlightenment. Hence, the tree is also called the Tree of Enlightenment. The tree was not always there. Sanghamitra brought the cutting of the tree to the town.

Apart from Bodhi Tree, Anuradhapura has a number of evocative temples and religious sites. If you are in Sri Lanka in search of spirituality, then you should definitely come to this place. The brick stupas of dagobas are another thing you cannot afford to miss.

Location: Capital city of North Central Province, Sri Lanka Famous for: Bodhi tree, beautifully carved stone structures Best time to visit: September and April How to reach: It takes 4 hours from both Kandy and Colombo to reach Anuradhapura. You will find frequent buses from Kandy and Colombo to Anuradhapura Where to stay:  Olivia Homestay, Bevary Holiday Home Tourist attractions:  Singiriya, Mihintale

15. Horton Plains National Park – Of Lakes And Greenery

The list of the top 10 places to visit in Sri Lanka is incomplete without the mention of Horton Plains National Park. Those who enjoy being in nature and love hiking should definitely make a trip down to the Horton Plains. The terminal point of the hike is the world’s end from where you will get to enjoy the ethereal views. You will also find misty waterfalls, enchanting lakes, and a variety of flora-fauna in the park

You will need at least a day in the park. The hike to the world’s end is 4 km long and it takes about 4 hours to complete the whole circuit. Do not miss the Far Inn Hunting Lodge that act as a cafe and a visitor centre.

Location: ‎Central Province, Sri Lanka Famous for: Gorgeous waterfall, pool Best time to visit: January to March is the best time to enjoy the scenery in the park. How to reach: You will find direct train services from Ella, Nanu Oya, ad Haputale Where to stay:  Hill Safari Eco Lodge, The Plains Green Tourist attractions:  Hakgala Botanical Gardens, Bambarakanda Falls

Suggested Read: Horton Plains National Park

16. Sinharaja Forest Reserve – Tropical Beauty

The list of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka is incomplete without mentioning Sinharaja Forest Reserve. If there is one thing in abundance in Sri Lanka, it is flora-fauna. The home of lions, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers making it one of the top places to visit in Sri Lanka. The reason why you should visit this place is that you will find a variety of endemic birds and mammals.

SInharaja is also the last viable area of tropical rainforests in Sri Lanka and hence an important biodiversity hotspot. No wonder it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also bordered by the rivers on both sides.

Location: Sinharaja Rainforest, Deniyaya 81500, Sri Lanka Famous for: Rare flora and fauna Best time to visit: January to March. The rest of the months experience heavy rainfall. You could also try in August till October but the precipitation is high. How to reach: There are three entrances to the park; Kudawa, Pitadeniya, and Morning side entrance. Vehicles are not allowed inside. Where to stay:  The Rainforest EcoLodge Sinharaja, 360 Rainforest Tourist attractions:  Maduwanwela Walawwa, Kudawa Research Center

17. Udawalawe National Park – With Wild Animals

If you want to get a sight of elephants in Sri Lanka, then put Udawalawe National Park on your list because it is hard not to notice an elephant here. Located on the border of the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva, the national park was formed to provide a home to the wild animals that were displaced during the construction of Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River.

The enchanting scenery and lush greenery of the area will make your jaw drop. Spot a variety of birds and wild animals like leopards and other mammals. There is even a transit home that houses baby elephants who have lost their parents.

Location: Udawalawa, Sri Lanka Famous for:  Spotting a variety of birds and wild animals Best time to visit: October and January are the best months to spot Asian elephant herd. September is the mating time. How to reach: Dickwella Airport is the nearest airport. It takes about an hour to reach the national park from the airport. You can get direct flights from Colombo. Where to stay:  Elephant Trail, Hotel Udawalawe Tourist attractions:  Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home, Udawalawe Reservoir

Suggested Read: 4 Amazing Places To Visit In Udawalawa

18. Tawalantenne – Ideal Road Trip Location

A village in the central province of Sri Lanka, Tawalantenne is best known for St. Clair Falls. The mighty fall is one of the widest in Sri Lanka, and hence, known as Little Niagra of Sri Lanka. The breathtaking beauty of the waterfall will make your heart burst with joy when you lay your eyes on it.

The enchanting beauty of the waterfall surrounded by lush greenery lures locals and tourists to take a road trip down to Tawalantenne is this is why you should too. If you are spending a good amount of days in Nuwara Eliya, then you should put this on your itinerary.

Location: Tawalantenne, Sri Lanka Famous for: Scenic waterfall Best time to visit: Avoid going during monsoons. How to reach: You will have to walk down to the waterfall. However, to reach Tawalantenne, you can hire a car to reach the spot. Ask the staff at your hotel or accommodation to arrange a drive for you. Where to stay:  Ramboda Villa, Tea Bush Ramboda Tourist attractions:  Ramboda Falls, Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple

19. Arugam Bay – Pristine Beaches

Image Source Apart from all other beautiful natural features, Sri Lanka is best known for its beaches. There are many popular beaches in this country and it is said that they come in one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia.

The beaches here are not just for the sake of enjoyment along the side of the sea, but one can even enjoy going in the water. One can get such an amazing experience after visiting Arugam Bay. It is said that this beach is the most enjoyable of all and one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. One can easily dress up in their swimwear and can go into the water if they want.

Apart from this, the beach offers a lot of water activities too, to its visitors. These activities include diving, speed boating, and many others. What makes this beach beautiful of all the beaches in Sri Lanka is the blue water that it has and the coconut trees that are there on the beach.

Location: Sri Lanka’s southeast coast Famous for: Beaches Best time to visit: May-September is the best time to visit Arugam Bay when the monsoon has retreated. How to reach: Ella is the nearest train station with a good frequency of trains from the rest of the country. You can aslo get buses from Colombo to Potuvill (4 km from the bay). Where to stay:  Arugam Bay Roccos,  Beach View Tourist attractions:  The Surf City, Mahudu Maha Viharya

Suggested Read: 6 Day Trips From Kandy

20. Commonwealth War Cemetery – For The Warriors

This place is not regarded as one of the typical tourist places in Sri Lanka but still it is visited by people. There is nothing fancy about this place, yet you should come here to pay your homage to the soldiers who quit their lives for the sake of their country. It is not necessary that the man who has sacrificed his life should belong to your country only.

Be it any country and be it any person, if someone is doing a noble job, then this is our duty to appreciate them. So, when visiting Sri Lanka and especially to Kandy, do come and visit the Commonwealth War Cemetery. Here, you will find that there are people who are paying their tributes to the martyrs.

Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka Famous for: Pay homage to soldiers Best time to visit: December to April Tourist attractions:  Temple Of Sacred Tooth Relics, Royal Botanical Garden, Kandy Lake

21. Unawatuna Beach – Beautiful Beaches

As mentioned earlier, Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful beaches, not just among its neighbouring countries, but in the whole of Asia. Not just beautiful, the Srilankan beaches offer awesome nightlife and many water activities to the people that come.

One such awesome beach is the Unawatuna Beach which is one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka to visit. This beach is very popular but is a bit different from the other beaches of Sri Lanka. While every other beach is known for the happening life that it gives to its tourists, this beach is known for the kind of calmness that it provides to the visitors there.

If you want to spend a good light afternoon, then you can simply come to this best beach in Sri Lanka to relax. The water and the sand here provide a very good environment overall, thus making it again a must-visit place.

This place is the least crowded, but you will get everything that you require. One should not understand that since this is a quiet place, they cannot have fun here. If you want to have fun, then you can dive in the water or even go to the nearby restaurants and cafes and can chill.

Location: Unawatuna Beach, Sri Lanka Famous for: A good place to relax Best time to visit: October to April Tourist attractions: Japanese Peace Pagoda, Rumassala South Beach

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka In March

22. Sigiriya Museum – Visit The Historical Place

In this article, there is a mention of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Here we are discussing about the Sigiriya Museum. This museum will become the favorite of the person who is even least interested in history. The museum has such things preserved that clearly depict the tradition and history of Sri Lanka and Sigiriya. Apart from this, the museum is beautiful also, which gives you one more reason for paying a visit.

Location: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka Famous for: Beautiful museum Best time to visit: January to April when the climate is moderate Tourist attractions: Minneriya National Park

23. Perandeniya Botanical Gardens – See The Flowers Blooming

If we are talking about the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka, then why leave Peradeniya Botanical Gardens in Kandy out of the list? The sprawling 147-acre garden has 4,000 species of plants and 10,000 varieties of trees on display which is also one of the most wonderful places in Sri Lanka.

The lush greenery of the garden is invigorating making it a perfect spot for having a picnic with your family. There is even a cafeteria in the park where you can enjoy local and Western cuisine.

Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka Famous for: The lush greenery and a picnic spot Best time to visit: Usually in the evening from 4 pm to 6 pm Tourist attractions: Temple Of Sacred Tooth Relics, Royal Botanical Garden, Kandy Lake

Suggested Read: 19 Photos that will make you wish you were in Sri Lanka Right Now

24. Dondra Lighthouse – Instagram Worthy

Dondra Lighthouse was made in the era when Sri Lanka was a colony. This could be understood by the way of its construction. This building is very tall and you will get a very good view of the nearby surrounding areas when you stand on the top of it. This looks beautiful because of the rows of palm trees that are there across the building and also because it seems as if the top of this building is meeting the sky.

One can come to visit this place along with his whole family. This is the place where families come and hang out together. You can click as many photographs as you want and can enjoy the scenic sunset that can be easily seen from the top of this lighthouse. The place is situated almost 165 km away from Colombo and therefore one can come here easily by any transportation from Colombo.

Location: Port Access Road, Dondra, Sri Lanka Famous for: Good views of surrounding areas Best time to visit: Early in the morning or evening to enjoy the sunset Tourist attractions: Polhena Beach

25. Dambulla Cave Temple – Witness The Murals

Image Credit: Lankapic for wikipedia

It is hard to not be stunned by the beautiful murals and statues in this beautifully preserved cave with over 150 statues of Buddha. The Dambulla cave temple is one of the finest temples in Sri Lanka which is known for its unique architecture. Experience the peace and silence in this stunning cave temple that bears testimony to the extraordinary cultural artifacts in ancient Sri Lanka.

Location: Kandy – Jaffna Hwy, Dambulla, Sri Lank Famous for: Beautiful murals and statues Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowd Tourist attractions: Habarana Lake, Hurulu Eco Park

Suggested Read: Ramayana Tour In Sri Lanka

26. Old Dutch Fort At Galle – Picturesque Beauty

In the most beautiful city in Sri Lanka, experience a peaceful afternoon, staring at the endless sea from the charming Galle Old Dutch Fort, the best-preserved sea fort in South Asia. Nothing is going to make you want to turn back! This place is for those who are deeply interested in history. It is said that the establishment of this fort dates back to the 16th century. The maintenance is not perfect, but one can see history peeping through the fort. There is a sea nearby and you can get that perfect view from the top of the fort. One can even walk on the shore too.

Location: Church St, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka Famous for: Scenic view from the top of the fort Best time to visit: December to March Tourist attractions: Galle Dutch Fort, Galle Lighthouse

27. Sigiriya Rock Fortress – The Historical Beauty

Perhaps one of the most beautiful natural places in Sri Lanka, get lost amongst the ancient remains, remarkable frescoes and water gardens at the astonishing Sigiriya Rock Fortress . Don’t miss the magnificent view from the top, with jungle and rolling hills in every direction. Who would want to leave? Sigiriya is a place that is one of the world heritage sites. This place has uncountable reasons that will make you fall in love with this place. The first thing is its beauty, which is par excellence because of the mesmerizing vegetation it has all around.

Due to many other reasons including the beautiful greenery, it is said that if you do not pay a visit to this place, then your Sri Lanka trip will remain incomplete. The monument here is a fortress that is built in the middle of the greenery. The fortress is fully made up of rocks. So, if you will climb and go up, you will get a 360-degree view of the surrounding areas. This would be a brilliantly amazing view to watch. However, the way to reach this place is not that difficult, but even if you face a little problem then it is worth it.

Location: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka Famous for: Its water gardens, beautiful views Best time to visit: January to April Tourist attractions: Minneriya National Park

Suggested Read: 25 Best Places To Visit In Kandy

28. Beira Lake – The Surreal Lake

Sri Lanka is undoubtedly a beautiful city, but commercialization has made its place in the country. This, results in overcrowded places and markets, but if you want to spend a really peaceful time in Sri Lanka, then Beira Lake is the place for you. After that long and tiring shopping and travel if you want to sit calmly and relax your mind, then come to Beira Lake and have a boat ride there. You will feel as if all your tiredness and tension have gone.

The lake is very beautiful as it has green water and also because of the lots of Ducks that remain in the water and appear in front of the visitors during the boat ride. One can even go with a paddle boat as they too are available for rent. This lake offers an overall peaceful experience to the visitors.

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka Famous for: Peaceful visit and boat ride Best time to visit: Early morning is the preferable time to enjoy fresh atmosphere Tourist attractions: Seema Malakaya, Gangaramaya Temple

29. Temple Of The Tooth Relic – One Of A Kind Temple

One of the most interesting places in Sri Lanka, the next place in this is the one that is very unique and beautiful in every way. We are here talking about the Temple of Tooth Relic. This temple is very popular and most of the tourists coming to Sri Lanka come here definitely because of its uniqueness. Like many other popular places of Sri Lanka, this too comes in the world heritage sites and is marked so by UNESCO. The temple is spiritual and historical.

So, people who come here are interested in both subjects. It is said that the tooth relic that the temple has is of Buddha. Also, there is this saying that one who will hold that tooth relic will be the governor of the kingdom. This temple is located in the city of Kandy.

Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka Famous for: Spiritual and historical significance Best time to visit: During the evening from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tourist attractions: Royal Botanical Garden, Kandy Lake

Suggested Read: Street Food In Colombo

30. Bentota Beach – Beautiful Sunrise And Blue Waters

If you’re looking for the most relaxing places in Sri Lanka, this beach lies at a distance of 65 km from the city of Colombo a beautiful beach named Bentota. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka and a must-visit spot on your trip there.

Unwind and relax on the golden sand of the Bentota beach and enjoy the beautiful sea views. One can also enjoy a boat cruise on the Bentota River and those who are looking for some adventure can enjoy some exciting water activities at the Bentota beach. Don’t forget to explore the best places to visit in Bentota while wandering here!

Location: Bentota 80500,  Sri Lanka Famous for: Golden sand beaches and sea views Best time to visit: October to April Tourist attractions: Turtle hatching centre, Game park

31. National Museum Of Colombo – Know The History 

Do you like sneaking in the past of the place you are exploring on your vacation? To know the present, one must surely dig into the past, so why don’t you explore this illuminating National Museum of Colombo which was established in the year 1877 and offers an enormous collection of significant artefacts that fore-says the story of this lush green country and makes one of the famous places in Sri Lanka! It is certainly one of the best places to visit in Colombo on a Sri Lankan holiday.

Location: Center of the Colombo city Famous for: Significant artifacts Best time to visit: Throughout the year Tourist attractions:  Galle Face Green, Gangaramaya Temple, Viharamahadevi Park

Suggested Read: 5 Best Places To Visit In Sri Lanka In October

32. Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue – Gigantic Architecture 

If you have added Kandy to the itinerary on your next vacation to Sri Lanka then you must surely head to this magnificent statue of Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha, located on the top of Devil’s hill (Bahirava Kanda). The place is known for offering stunning views of the entire Kandy town and is called as paradise by nature lovers making it one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in November . You can also plan a visit to this place during night when the statue is lit up by lamps.

Location: Peradeniya, Kandy Famous for: Magnificent statue Best time to visit: Early morning or after sunset Nearby Tourist Attractions: Temple Of Sacred Tooth Relics, Royal Botanical Garden, Kandy Lake

33. Nine Arch Bridge – Ride Amidst The Greenery

This is one of the iconic and famous places in Sri Lanka which is known for being surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic views. Located at the small mountain town of Ella, the Nine Arch Bridge was built in the early days of the railway expansion in Sri Lanka. The unique thing about the bridge is that it is made of sheer cement, stone and brick, without the use of any steel. The most beautiful view that the visitors can admire is the train rolling over the bridge while they make their move towards the Demodara Loop.

Location: Sri Lanka Famous for: Lush greenery  and panoramic views Best time to visit: January to March Tourist Attractions: Ravana’s Cave, Ravana Falls

Suggested Read: 22 Places To Visit In Nuwara Eliya

34. Gal Viharaya – Know The Ancient History

Located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, the Gal Viharaya is a famous Buddhist site. This place is adorned by a vast number of caves and gigantic sculptures of Buddha. Carved and crafted in the 12th century, these statues are preserved extremely safely. Just beside the statues, the code of conduct is also inscribed which was to be followed to purify the Buddhist Monks. Due to its unique beauty, this is considered one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

Location: Nissankamallapura, Sri Lanka Famous for: Gigantic sculptures of Buddha Best time to visit: July, August, and January Tourist Attractions: Sigiriya, Prakrama Samudra

35. Ravana Falls – Explore The Surreal Beauty

The Ravana Falls are famous for its surreal location which becomes the hot spot during the summer months. This fall is a part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary and also the nearby cave complex is known for its rich local legend. Situated at the main road which falls on the way to Ella Town, the caves come as a common halt point for visitors. It is one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

Location: Sri Lanka Famous for: Surreal location Best time to visit: January to March Tourist Attractions: Little Adam’s Peak, Ravana’s Cave

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka In June

36. Spice Garden – Add Some Spice To Your Vacay

Famous for its rare collection of herbs and spices, the spice garden has always been a major attraction in Sri Lanka to explore the rarest herbs and witness their process of being sown. You can also find some of the common herbs that are often used by people like turmeric, peppercorns, cloves, nutmeg, cocoa and cinnamon.

You can gain an insight into the actual process of these herbs and their importance or benefits along with enjoying the natural beauty of this garden making it one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka. If you’re looking for couple things to do in Sri Lanka, then you can have a look at the Sri Lanka honeymoon guide and plan a romantic getaway in this tropical paradise.

Location: No 99, Kawudupelella 21000, Sri Lanka Famous for: Rare collection of herbs and spices Best Time To Visit: March to July Tourist attractions: Rawana Falls

37. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara – For Serenity

Also known as Kelaniya Temple, this is a Buddhist temple which is famous for being one of the most sacred sites in Sri Lanka and one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka. The temple is known for its magnificent art, the intriguing sculptors and the glorious history attached to it. Kelaniya Temple was built on the bank of Kelaniya River and offers serene surroundings.

Location: Peliyagoda, Sri Lanka Famous for: Magnificent art Best Time To Visit: October – January How To Reach : Kelaniya Temple is located at the city of Kelaniya, 12km east of the city of Colombo. Kelaniya Temple can be reached by A1 main motor road running from Colombo to Kandy and railway. Tourist attractions: St. Anthony’s Church

Suggested Read: 10 Best Places To Visit Near Colombo Airport

38. Ruwanwelisaya – A Sacred Buddhist Site

Ruwanwelisaya is a famous stupa that is sacred to the Buddhist across the globe, and it was built by the King Dutugemunu. It is one of the world’s tallest monuments, one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka and reflects a certain irresistible charm. The intriguing architecture is a sight to behold. An interesting fact about this stupa is that it took almost 33 years to build this.

Location: Abhayawewa Rd, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka Famous for: Intriguing architecture Best Time To Visit: December to March Tourist attractions: Sri Maha Boodhi Temple, Ranmasu Uyana

39. St. Anthony’s Church – Explore The Masterpiece

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.

One of the most Sri Lanka famous places is St. Anthony’s Church which is a great place for devotees who come from all across the globe. There are various masses which are conducted all through the weekdays as well as on weekends.

Location: Kochchikade, St. Anthony’s Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka Famous For: Statue of St. Anthony, which was brought from Goa Best Time To Visit: Anytime of the year How To Reach: You can reach by bus or car from the airport. Where To Stay: St. Anthony’s hotel, Hotel John Mary Tourists Attractions: Special masses and benediction services in Tamil, English, and Sinhala every Tuesday.

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Travel Tips

40. International Buddhist Museum – Experience The Spirituality

If you are a religious enthusiast and looking out for some of the Sri Lanka places to visit, then you must surely visit the International Buddhist Museum. Check out post COVID travel guide to Sri Lanka for a refreshing vacation.

Location: Close to Temple of Tooth, Kandy Famous For: Complete knowledge about Buddhism Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year How To Reach: By cab or local bus Where To Stay: OZO Kandy, King of Kandy Hotel, Ceylon City Hotel Tourists Attractions: photographs, models and gigantic statues

41. Mahiyanganaya Sorabora Lake, Uva Province – Explore The Greenery

For all adventure lovers, Mahiyanganaya Sorabora Lake is the best place to visit in Sri Lanka, where you will witness lush greenery, a tropical climate and you can also do camping. You can experience sunrise and sunset which is a completely breathtaking view.

Location: Uva Province, Sri Lanka Famous For: Fish viewing and bird watching Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year How To Reach: You can hire a cab or local bus Where To Stay: GMT Sorabora Village Hotel Tourists Attractions: Beautiful sluice gate

Suggested Read: International Flights To Resume In Sri Lanka

42. Dehiwala Zoo – Experience The Wilderness

Dehiwala Zoo provides shelter to endangered species like wild animals and birds and you will also spot elephants, chimpanzees and sea lions. This is one of the amazing places in Sri Lanka. Explore the best places to visit in Colombo.

Location: Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Dehiwala. Famous For: breeding, animal exchange programs Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year How To Reach: Through local bus Where To Stay: Concord Grand Hotel, Royal Mount Hotel, Villa 2 Residence Tourists Attractions: The place is one of the members of WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums)

43. Bambarakanda Falls, Ohiya – A Treat For The Eyes

Image Credit: Author Name for Wikimedia Commons Disclaimer: The image is for representation purposes only.

One of the most tranquil places to explore in Sri Lanka is Bambarakanda Falls. The waterfall is at a height of 263 meters and is regarded as the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

Location: Kalupahana – Ohiya Rd, Sri Lanka Famous For: Uduweriya Haputale Mountain and Kuda Oya, a tributary of Walawe River Best Time To Visit: It is recommended that you must visit the waterfalls early in the morning as the waterfall gets busy from 11 AM. How To Reach: you can drive up to 6 kms to reach the fall. Where To Stay: Melheim Resort and Spa, Nilowin Holiday Resort, Olympus Plaza Hotel Tourists Attractions: evergreen forest in the Kalupahana Area.

Further Read: Sri Lanka A Must Visit Holiday Destination

A complete package of natural beauty and heritage, these most beautiful places in Sri Lanka will capture your heart. A visit to all these gorgeous spots will make a trip an unforgettable experience. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Sri Lanka for the holidays of 2024 right away!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Most Beautiful Places In Sri Lanka

How many days are enough to visit Sri Lanka?

You can visit Sri Lanka for 4 to 5 days as there are many places that you can explore there.

What is there to do in Sri Lanka in May?

You can go surfing, visit Yala National Park and more places in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s sandy beaches, timeless ruins, tea gardens, and prominent peaks have attracted travelers from around the world for centuries. Watch our Sri Lanka travel video to get an up-close look at the undeniably alluring attractions in this region.

Where is the best area to stay in Sri Lanka?

There are a number of places to visit in Sri Lanka that have some of the best staying options, from hotels and resorts to homestays and hostels. Some of them are: Colombo, Arugam Bay, Galle and Matara, Kandy, Dambulla Area, and Anuradhapura.

What is Sri Lanka known for?

The country of Sri Lanka is known for various factors, including the religious aspects. The rich Buddhist culture is quite prominent here. Apart from Buddhism, there are other religions too that are well known in Sri Lanka. The country is also renowned for its historical richness, attracting tourists from different countries of the world.

What should I buy in Sri Lanka?

When you are exploring the different markets in the country of Sri Lanka, you must keep some of the stuff in mind for a great shopping experience! Some of the best souvenirs that you can find in Sri Lankan markets are: tea, spices, moonstone carvings, handwoven accessories jewellery and gems, Buddha statuettes, elephant figurines, Ayurvedic cosmetics, etc.

Is Sri Lanka expensive?

Like most countries, Sri Lanka can be seen on a backpacker budget, or one can spend a small fortune there. The biggest kicker was the price of activities, such as safaris, and admission into the UNESCO World Heritage sites. With each running about $40-$50 per ticket, this made Sri Lanka more expensive to fully explore.

Is there Uber in Sri Lanka?

A few days back, Uber announced that its Intercity service would now be available for all cities in Sri Lanka. So you can now take an Uber to Ella, Riverston, or the Great Western. However, Uber isn’t the first ride-hailing app to offer trips out of Colombo.

Which are some of the famous romantic places to visit in Sri Lanka?

Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya and Mirissa Beach are some of the popular romantic places to visit in Sri Lanka.

What are the tourist places in Sri Lanka near the airport?

Pettah Bazaar, Gangaramaya Temple, and Mount Lavinia are the famous tourist places in Sri Lanka located near the airport.

Which are the best hotels in Colombo?

Some of the best hotels where you can enjoy amazing services in Colombo are Mandirina, Taj Samudra, Hotel Galadari, and Shangri-La.

Which are the most famous restaurants in Colombo?

The London Grill and Graze Kitchen are the most popular restaurants in Colombo that serve delectable meals.

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Places To Visit in Sri Lanka

Here are the top 66 tourist places and attractions in sri lanka.

1 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 31 Tourist attractions

Tucked into Badulla District, Ella is a charming laidback town drawing travelers to Sri Lanka's highlands with tea plantations, mountain jungles, and a cool climate. At an elevation of 1,041 meters, this wildlife-rich town has ancient caves, centuries-old secluded temples, and the famous Ella Gap - ...

Best Time: December - March

2 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 33 Tourist attractions

Tucked into the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, Galle is a major city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient churches and mosques, blond beaches, mansions and museums, quirky boutiques, and a convivial seaside promenade, Galle attracts locals, foreign t...

Best Time: February

3. Sigiriya

3 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 14 Tourist attractions

Sigiriya, often referred to as the "Lion Rock," is an ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka. It is located between Dambulla and Habarane and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Rising dramatically ...

Best Time: February to April

4 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 68 Tourist attractions

Discovered initially by traders two millennia ago, Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest economic corridor and tourist destination. As the island nation's capital city, Colombo is a cosmopolitan gateway to the wonders of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial heritage, splendid tropical landscapes and dele...

Best Time: December to March

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Best of Sri Lanka in 5 Nights: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Included

7 nights sri lanka family holiday package with wildlife safari, sri lanka budget tour package: climb sigiriya rock fortress, sri lanka ramayana trail tour package, quick sri lanka 4 nights tour package, soulmate special sri lanka honeymoon package, 5. hikkaduwa.

5 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 15 Tourist attractions

Hikkaduwa finds itself nuzzled in the Galle district of South Western Sri Lanka, 2 hours away from Colombo. The beaches of Hikkaduwa have been visited since the 1970s for their vibrant nightlife and cuisine. The beaches are a surfer's delight and have a large coral reef, the Hikkaduwa Cora...

Best Time: November - April

6 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 47 Tourist attractions

Settled on a plateau encircled by lush mountains, Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka with biodiverse rainforests and tea plantations. Around 4 hours by road from Colombo, the city is famed for the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Buddhist pla...

Best Time: December to April

7. Dambulla

7 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 11 Tourist attractions

Dambulla, situated in central Sri Lanka, is a historic town renowned for its ancient cave temples and rich cultural heritage. It is approximately 148 kilometers northeast of Colombo and is easily accessible by road or rail. The centerpiece of Dambulla is the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as ...

Best Time: January to May

8 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 15 Tourist attractions

Mirissa, nestled along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a picturesque and laid-back beach town that attracts travelers seeking sun, sand, and serenity. What was a faint old beach town has now risen to be one of the most popular surfing and whale-watching destinations in Sri Lanka. The beach ...

9. Yala National Park

9 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Sprawled over 979 square kilometres, Yala National Park in southeast Sri Lanka is the nation’s largest and most-visited wildlife conservation zone. As Lanka’s oldest wildlife sanctuary, Yala shelters a vast area of unspoilt jungles, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, home to the highe...

Best Time: February to June

10. Bentota

10 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 25 Tourist attractions

Bentota is a rural, beach and resort town located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, around 62 kms from the capital city, Colombo. Bentota is famously known for the Bentota Beach, which is loved by tourists and locals alike. The town known for its pristine waters and lush green landscapes, with...

Best Time: November to April

Best tourist destinations in Sri Lanka

Beaches in Sri Lanka

National Parks in Sri Lanka

Waterfalls in Sri Lanka

Historical Places in Sri Lanka

Beautiful Places in Sri Lanka

Religious Places in Sri Lanka

11. Trincomalee

11 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 20 Tourist attractions

The quaint city of Trincomalee also famously known as ‘Gokarna’ is an essential fragment of the country, contributing towards the betterment and development of the district and in a nutshell, Sri Lanka. Trincomalee is a port city famous for its white sand beaches and most beautiful harbours. The loc...

Best Time: May to June

12 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 13 Tourist attractions

Jaffna is probably Sri Lanka's most historical city located at the northern tip on the country and the city from time to time had been passed under the rule of various kingdoms, governments and the armies. Unlike the country’s southern parts which are more influenced and in a way controlled by the B...

Best Time: January to September

13. Anuradhapura

13 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 20 Tourist attractions

Anuradhapura, an ancient city nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's North Central Province, stands as a living testament to the island's rich cultural and historical legacy. Revered as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Anuradhapura served as the capital of Sri Lanka for ove...

Best Time: April and September

14. Horton Plains National Park

14 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 6 Tourist attractions

Horton Plains National Park, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and iconic attractions. Spanning over 31 square kilometers, the park is characterized by rolling grasslands, misty forests, and ...

Best Time: January to March

15. Weligama

15 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 10 Tourist attractions

Weligama, located along Sri Lanka's southern coast, is a charming coastal town renowned for its picturesque beaches, vibrant surfing scene, and rich cultural heritage. The name "Weligama" translates to "sandy village," which perfectly reflects the town's idyllic setting along a stretch of golden san...

16. Adam's Peak

16 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

As one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the Indian subcontinent, Adam’s Peak is a 7,359 feet tall mountain in Sri Lanka, frequently visited by people of almost all major religions. It is widely known for Sri Pada, a foot-shaped indentation at the summit of the pyramid-like mountain. Also calle...

Best Time: December to May

17. Udawalawe National Park

17 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Udawalawe National Park is a stunning sanctuary renowned for its diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes, located in the southern part of Sri Lanka. Covering an area of over 30,000 hectares, Udawalawe is best known for its large population of Asian elephants. The park provides a natural habitat ...

18. Nuwara Eliya

18 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 30 Tourist attractions

Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka's hill station famed for its tea production. With a multitude of gorgeous attractions ranging from waterfalls and tea plantations to gardens and lakes, Nuwara Eliya is the epitome of scenic beauty. Add to that the colonial-style buildings dotting the area, a golf course and...

Best Time: February - April

19. Tangalle

19 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 15 Tourist attractions

Tangalle or also known as Tangalla, is one of the less explored places in the beautiful country of Sri Lanka. At a distance of around 250 km south of the gorgeous capital city Colombo, lies the unexplored beach havens of Tangalle. The beautiful beaches of the town are glimmering with the crysta...

Best Time: April to July

20. Unawatuna

20 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 15 Tourist attractions

When in Sri Lanka be sure to pay a visit to Unawatuna which is in the southern part of Sri Lanka, 6 km from Galle. Known for its beautiful beaches, hip cafes, trendy restaurants and plenty of sightseeing make Unawatuna an attraction for tourists as well as the locals who are looking for a weekend ge...

Best Time: October to April

Best Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka

Sigirya Rock

Temple of the Tooth

Yala National Park

Whale Watching in Mirissa

Dambulla Cave Temple

Diving in Hikkaduwa

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Nine Arches Bridge

Horton Plains Worlds End

Tea Gardens of Nuwara Eliya

Ruwanweliseya Stupa

Climb The Sacred Adams Peak

21. Bundala National Park

21 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Bundala National Park is situated off the Sri Lankan coast, around 12 km away from the port town of Hambantota. Harbouring 197 colourful species of birds each year, the park is an internationally eminent, UNESCO-listed wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. Bundala is undoubtedly t...

Best Time: October to March

22. Arugam Bay

22 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 10 Tourist attractions

The Sri Lankan coastal town of Arugam Bay lies on the Indian Ocean, 320 kilometres from the capital city Colombo. With several surfing spots scattered across the area, for both beginners as well as skilled surfers, Arugam Bay is often called a surfer’s paradise. The famous surfing points here are Ma...

Best Time: April to September

23. Polonnaruwa

23 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 16 Tourist attractions

Polonnaruwa, a marvel of a place, is in Northern Sri Lanka. The city once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa under the Chola Empire in the 10th century. This makes it the second most historic kingdom in Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura. The entire town has two sections - the d...

Best Time: November to March

24. Batticaloa

24 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Batticaloa also is known as 'Batti' for short, is a small town located on the East coast of Sri Lanka which has a very mellow and calm vibe to it. The calming city is surrounded by beautiful lagoons and palm trees. This town is in the east of Sri Lanka is also easy to reach due to its connectivity t...

25. Negombo

25 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 15 Tourist attractions

Negombo is a quiet town on the west coast of Sri Lanka located 10 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. Deriving its name from the Negombo lagoon, the modest village is known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise-blue waters. Popular for being a beach resort town, it is also one of th...

26 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 3 Tourist attractions

In the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, lies the beach city of Matara. Located 160 km from Colombo, Matara has a stronghold in the teardrop island – in terms of scenic shores, Buddhist temples, a frolicking local life and authentic food.

27. Minneriya National Park

27 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

The Minneriya National Park is in the Northern province of Sri Lanka, four hours away from Colombo, and 30 minutes away from Sigiriya. The national park is famous for its herds of elephants migrating for food, water and shelter, and forming a 'gathering' that can be witnessed by the visitors. The dr...

28. Midigama

28 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Midigama is known to be the perfect Sri Lankan surfing turf. It is located at a distance of 140 kms from Colombo in the south coast region. Midigama is a small beach, so small in fact that you can cover both ends in just 10 minutes! The beach is a stretch of land. While one side consists of small sh...

Best Time: October to January

29. Ahangama

29 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Ahangama is a very calm and peaceful beach town with majestic palm trees all around. There is no sound apart from the waves hitting the shore and swaying of the trees making it ideal for a relaxing vacation.

Best Time: January to April & October to December

30. Nilaveli

30 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 2 Tourist attractions

Nilaveli seaside town is 16 km from Trincomalee District in Eastern Sri Lanka. The town boasts of beautiful waters that are ideal for water sports, snorkelling and scuba diving. The Nilaveli beach road doubles as a boulevard lined up with palm trees called the Nilaveli Beach Road. The seas here are ...

Best Time: November to May

31. Kaudulla National Park

31 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

It has been in existence for many years now, but it was given the recognition of a national park only in April 2002. The park spreads over 6656 hectares, and it is connected to the Somawathie Chaitiya Park and the Minneriya Wildlife Park. A reserve turned national park, Kaudulla sees herds of elepha...

Best Time: July to December

32. Haputale

32 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 5 Tourist attractions

Haputale is a small town in Sri Lanka that is quaint and nestled away from the main cities and towns. Apart from escaping the city’s hustle, Haputale is where one can surround themselves with rolling hills covered in tea plantations, and indulge themselves in the tranquil and the sere...

Best Time: May to July

33. Sinharaja Forest Reserve

33 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is one of the very few virgin rainforests in the world, which is why it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage! The unique relation of flora and fauna in this forest makes it one of the hotspots in the world. The forest is only 13 km in the stretch and around 7 to 8 km from nor...

Best Time: January to March; August to September

34. Kataragama

34 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 4 Tourist attractions

Kataragama is in the Monaragala District of the Uva province. It is about 228 kms away from Colombo. Kataragama is well known for its temples dedicated to various lords and often receives a right amount of tourists and pilgrims visiting to witness the grandiose of the beautiful architecture carved w...

35. Ratnapura

35 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 8 Tourist attractions

Famous for its gemstone industry, Ratnapura is a populous city in southwestern Sri Lanka. It is also known for serving as the start point of a trail that leads to the sacred Adam's Peak. A flourishing centre for gem trade for local and foreign traders alike, Ratnapura is home to numerous gem mines a...

36. Koggala

36 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Koggala is a coastal town in the southern region of Sri Lanka. A relatively offbeat destination which is famous for its namesake Koggala Beach and Koggala Lake. Surfing is a favourite activity amongst visitors to Koggala Beach. The lake, a freshwater lagoon, is dotted with small but scenic islands. ...

37. Kitulgala

37 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Nestled among forested hills, Kitulgala is a small Sri Lankan town in the western region of the country. Best known for being the most popular location in Sri Lanka for white water rafting, a visit to Kitulgala is a terrific combination of nature and thrill. It is also one of the wettest places in S...

38. Kumana National Park

38 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Apart from that the 18,149 hectare of national park also encompasses of a 200-hectare natural lake swamp, visited by various species of migratory birds. The national park does not only secure the species of birds but also breeds and roosts them. Some of the regular birds that can easily be spotted a...

Best Time: February to July

39. Uppuveli

39 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Located in the suburbs of Sambalativu, Uppuveli captures the earthy beachside of Sri Lanka, and in this belt lies the Uppuveli beach, 6 km northwest of the city of Trincomalee. Uppuveli in Sri Lanka is iconic due to its golden sands that shimmer in the sunlight. The warm sun enthrones the blue ...

40. Tissamaharama

40 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 13 Tourist attractions

Tissamaharama is a town in the southern province of Sri Lanka, located 270 km from Colombo. The city is an interface for tourist expeditions as it is the starting point for visits to Yala National Park and Kataragama.The town holds artefacts from the past and has historical icons which include three...

41. Kirinda

41 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 5 Tourist attractions

The Kirinda village is yet another developing tourist spot within Sri Lanka. A small coastal town, Kirinda is in the southern province of Sri Lanka. The southern region is first level administrative division in the country, inhabited by around 2.5 million people; it is the 3rd largest province in th...

42. Kalpitiya

42 out of 67 Places to visit in Sri Lanka 14 Tourist attractions

 Kalpitiya is a town surrounded by natural spaces and beaches. Kalpitiya covers a total area of 16.73 km²; the city has 14 islands with the main ones being Battalangunduwa, Palliyawatta, Uchchamunai, Periya Arichchalai, and Kakativu etc. Kalpitiya is one of the upcoming tourist destinations wit...

Best Time: April to October

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Places to Visit Travel Guide

33 most popular tourist places in sri lanka.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. It is home to a variety of tourist attractions, from ancient ruins to stunning beaches. Whether you are interested in history, nature, or simply relaxation, you are sure to find something to enjoy in Sri Lanka.

Here is a list of some of the 33 most popular Sri Lanka tourist places, along with brief descriptions of attractions, how to reach these places, the best time to visit them, and where to stay.

Quick Links To Explore

1. Adams Peak – The UNESCO World Heritage Site

Adam’s Peak is one of the most popular Sri Lanka tourist places. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its stunning views, its religious significance, and its challenging climb.

The peak is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is 2,243 meters (7,359 feet) tall. It is believed by Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims to be the place where Adam first set foot on Earth. The summit of the peak is marked by a large footprint, which is said to be the footprint of Buddha.

The climb to the summit of Adam’s Peak is a challenging one, but it is also a rewarding one. The views from the top are simply breathtaking. You can see for miles in every direction, and on a clear day, you can even see the Indian Ocean.

Best time to visit Adam’s Peak

The best time to climb Adam’s Peak is during the months of January and May. The weather is cooler during these months, and there are fewer crowds.

How to reach Adam’s Peak

To reach the base of Adam’s Peak, You can take a train from Colombo to Hatton, then a bus or auto to Dalhousie.

Where to stay

There are a few different places to stay near Adam’s Peak. The closest town is Dalhousie, which has a number of hotels and guesthouses. There are also a few campsites in the area.

Tourist attractions near Adam’s Peak

In addition to the summit, there are a few other tourist attractions near Adam’s Peak. The Peak Wilderness Sanctuary is a beautiful area of rainforest and mountains. Laxapana Falls is a 60-meter (200-foot) waterfall that is located near the base of the mountain.

Whether you are interested in its religious significance, its challenging climb, or its stunning views, Adam’s Peak, one of the most popular Sri Lanka tourist places, is a must-visit destination for any visitor to Sri Lanka.

2. Ella – A Picturesque Hill Town in Sri Lanka

Looking for the best Sri Lanka tourist places to visit? Ella is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning scenery, its laid-back atmosphere, and its many hiking trails.

It is situated at an elevation of 1,041 meters (3,415 feet) above sea level. Some of the most popular hiking trails in Ella include the Nine Arch Bridge Hike, the Little Adam’s Peak Hike, and the Ravana Ella Falls Hike.

In addition to hiking, there are many other things to do in Ella. You can visit the Ravana Cave, go white water rafting, or take a train ride on the Ella-Kandy Railway.

Ella is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka. The town has a number of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants to choose from.

Best time to visit Ella

The best time to visit Ella is during the months of March to September, when the weather is dry and sunny.

How to reach Ella

Ella is located about 200 kilometers (120 miles) east of Colombo. You can reach Ella by train, bus, or car.

Where to stay in Ella

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in Ella to choose from. Some popular options include the Ella Rock Hotel, the Nine Arch Bridge Hotel, and the Chill Out Inn.

Tourist attractions in Ella

Nine Arch Bridge

Relates reading : Nine Arches Bridge in Ella

Little Adam’s Peak

Related reading : Little Adam’s Peak Mountain Trekking

Ravana Ella Falls

Related reading: Ravana Falls

Ravana Cave

Ella-Kandy Railway

Realated reading: Kandy to Ella Train Journey

3. Dambulla Cave Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Matale District of Sri Lanka. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, and is home to over 1,500 statues of Buddha, as well as paintings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha.

The caves were originally created by natural forces, but were later converted into a temple complex by King Valagamba in the 1st century BC. The temple complex is spread over five caves, which are interconnected by a series of walkways.

The caves are decorated with beautiful murals and statues, dating from the 1st to 18th centuries. The most famous statue in the cave complex is the 14-meter-tall (46 ft) reclining Buddha, which is located in the largest cave.

Dambulla Cave Temple is a one of the popular tourist destination, and is one of the most visited religious sites in Sri Lanka tourist places list. The temple is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the entrance fee is 1,500 Sri Lankan rupees (about $5 USD).

Best time to visit Dambulla Cave Temple

The best time to visit Dambulla Cave Temple is during the months of March to September, when the weather is dry and sunny.

How to reach Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple is located about 160 kilometers (100 miles) north of Kandy. You can reach the temple by bus, train, or car.

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in Dambulla to choose from. Some popular options include Dambulla Golden Temple Hotel, Dambulla Village Inn, and Dambulla Rest House.

Tourist attractions in Dambulla

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Knuckles Mountain Range
• Minneriya National Park

Related reading: Dambulla Cave Temple Sri Lanka

4. Arugam Bay – A Surfer’s Paradise in Sri Lanka

The list of the best Sri Lanka tourist places is incomplete without the mention of Arugam Bay. It is a small town on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches, its laid-back atmosphere, and its world-class surfing. It is one of the popular Sri Lanka tourist places.

The bay is located in a sheltered area, which makes it a great place to surf, even during the monsoon season. The waves are known for being consistent and powerful, making Arugam Bay a popular destination for both experienced and beginner surfers.

In addition to surfing, there are many other things to do in Arugam Bay. You can go for a hike in the surrounding hills, visit the local temples, or relax on one of the many beautiful beaches.

Arugam Bay is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, making it a sought-after destination among Sri Lanka tourist places. The town has a number of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants to choose from.

Best time to visit Arugam Bay

The best time to visit Arugam Bay is during the months of May to September , when the weather is dry and sunny.

How to reach Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is located about 320 kilometers (200 miles) east of Colombo. You can reach Arugam Bay by bus, train, or car.

Where to stay Arugam Bay

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in Arugam Bay to choose from. Some popular options include the Arugam Bay Beach Inn, the Happy Turtle Inn, and the Arugam Bay Surf Resort.

Tourist attractions in Arugam Bay

• Arugam Bay Beach
• Peanut Farm Beach
• Elephant Point
• Kumana National Park

Related reading: Arugam Bay Travel Guide: A Paradise for Beach Lovers

5. Galle – A UNESCO World Heritage City in Sri Lanka

Galle is a city on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, known for its well-preserved 16th-century Dutch fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the popular Sri Lanka tourist places.

The fort was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and was later expanded by the Dutch. The fort is surrounded by a moat and is home to a number of churches, mosques, and temples.

Inside the fort, you can find narrow streets, old colonial buildings, and a number of shops and restaurants. There are also a number of forts and museums to visit, including the National Museum of Galle and the Maritime Museum.

Galle is a great place to relax and explore, making it a sought-after destination among Sri Lanka tourist places. The city has a number of beaches, including the Galle Lighthouse Beach and the Dutch Bay Beach. You can also go for a walk along the Galle Fort ramparts or take a boat trip to see the surrounding islands.

Best time to visit Galle

The best time to visit Galle is during the months of March to September, when the weather is dry and sunny.

How to reach Galle

Galle is located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Colombo. You can reach Galle by train, bus, or car.

Where to stay in Galle

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in Galle to choose from. Some popular options include the Amangalla Hotel, the Galle Fort Hotel, and the The Lighthouse Hotel.

Tourist attractions in Galle

National Museum of Galle

Maritime Museum

Galle Lighthouse Beach

Dutch Bay Beach

6. Nuwara Eliya – A Hill Station in Sri Lanka

The next destination is one of the most beautiful Sri Lanka tourist places and is known as Nuwara Eliya. Nuwara Eliya is a hill station in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is known for its cool temperatures, its scenic beauty, and its tea plantations.

Nuwara Eliya was founded by the British in the 19th century as a summer retreat. The town is surrounded by mountains, and is at an altitude of 1,868 meters (6,128 feet) above sea level.

Nuwara Eliya is one of the popular Sri Lanka tourist places and is known for its many attractions, including:

The Blue Mountain Railway

This scenic train journey takes you from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The Gregory Lake

This beautiful lake is located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, and is a popular spot for boating and fishing.

The Hakgala Botanical Gardens

These gardens are home to a wide variety of tropical plants, and are a great place to go for a walk or a picnic.

The Lovers’ Leap

This viewpoint offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and is a popular spot for couples.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya is during the months of December to March, when the weather is cool and dry.

How to reach Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is located about 190 kilometers (118 miles) northeast of Colombo. You can reach Nuwara Eliya by train, bus, or car.

Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in Nuwara Eliya to choose from. Some popular options include the Hill Club, the Queensberry Hotel, and the Grand Hotel.

Related reading: The 12 Best Hotels in Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka Tour Packages

Our Sri Lanka tour packages offer the perfect way to explore this beautiful island. We have a variety of packages to choose from, so you can find one that fits your interests and budget. We can also create a custom itinerary for you.

7. Anuradhapura – A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka

Another one of the most popular Sri Lanka tourist places is Anuradhapura. It was the capital of Sri Lanka for over 1,000 years, from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD.

Anuradhapura is one of the most important archaeological sites in Sri Lanka, and is home to a number of well-preserved ruins, including:

Jaya Sri Mahabodhi Temple

This is the oldest Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka, and is said to have been built by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd century BC.

The Ruwanwelisaya

This is the largest stupa in Sri Lanka, and was built by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC.

Read more: Tour to Ruwanweliseya Stupa

The Jetavana Monastery

This was once the largest monastery in the world, and is now home to a number of ruins, including a large pond and a number of caves.

Read more: Jetavanaramaya Stupa: The Wonder of Ancient Sri Lanka

The Thuparama

This is the oldest stupa in Anuradhapura, and was built by King Asoka in the 3rd century BC.

Anuradhapura is a popular tourist destination, and is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Sri Lanka. The city is also home to a number of temples, monasteries, and museums.

Best time to visit Anuradhapura

The best time to visit Anuradhapura is during the months of January to March, when the weather is cool and dry.

How to reach Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is located about 212 kilometers (132 miles) north of Colombo. You can reach Anuradhapura by train, bus, or car.

Where to stay in ANuradhapura

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in Anuradhapura to choose from. Some popular options include the Anuradhapura Hotel, the Jetwing Hotel, and the Tamarind Tree Hotel.

8. Tissamaharama: A Photographer’s Paradise

Tissamaharama is a town in the Hambantota District of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. It is located on the east coast of the island, about 88 kilometers (55 miles) from Ella. The town has a population of about 100,000 people.

It is one of the popular Sri Lanka tourist places on our list, known for its beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and numerous historical sites. The town is also home to several temples, mosques, and churches.

For Photography Enthusiasts

Tissamaharama is a great place for photography enthusiasts. The town has stunning scenery, including the Tissa Wewa Lake, a large artificial lake that is home to a variety of birds.

There are also a number of stupas in the area, including the Yatala Vehera Stupa, which is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Sri Lanka.

Best Time to Visit Tissamaharama

The best time to visit Tissamaharama is during the winter (December-February), when the weather is warm and sunny. The monsoon season runs from May to September, so it is best to avoid visiting during this time.

How to reach Tissamaharama

Tissamaharama is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. There are buses from Ella, Matara, and Galle to Tissa. The town is also served by a train station and an airport.

Where to stay in Tissamaharama

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts in Tissamaharama to choose from. Some popular options include the Tissamaharama Resort, the Hotel Tamarind Tree, and the Yatala Lakeside Resort.

Tourist Attractions in Tissamaharama

In addition to the Tissa Wewa Lake and the Yatala Vehera Stupa, other popular tourist attractions in Tissamaharama include:

• The Yala National Park, a wildlife sanctuary home to a variety of animals, including elephants, water buffalo, and crocodiles.
• The Kataragama Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Kataragama.
• The Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihar, a Buddhist temple complex that is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka.

9. Yala National Park: A Safari Destination with a Variety of Wildlife and Birds

Yala National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Sri Lanka. It is located in the southeastern part of the country, in the Hambantota District. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, water buffalo, crocodiles, and over 200 species of birds.

Yala National Park is a one of the best tourist places in Sri Lanka , and is open to visitors year-round. However, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from December to April.

There are a number of things to do in Yala National Park, including:

Game drives

Game drives are the most popular way to see the wildlife in Yala National Park. You can go on a game drive by jeep, van, or even on foot.

Bird watching

Yala National Park is home to over 200 species of birds, making it a great place for bird watching.

There are a number of hiking trails in Yala National Park, ranging from easy to challenging.

You can also camp in Yala National Park, if you want to experience the park overnight.

Yala National Park is a great place to see the wildlife of Sri Lanka. If you are a nature lover or a wildlife enthusiast, you should definitely visit Yala National Park.

Here are some tips for visiting Yala National Park:

• Book your game drive in advance: Game drives are very popular in Yala National Park, so it is important to book yours in advance. You can book your game drive through a tour operator or directly with the park.
• Dress appropriately: Make sure to dress appropriately for a game drive, which means wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a hat. You may also want to bring insect repellent.
• Bring water and snacks: It is important to bring water and snacks with you on your game drive, as there are no restaurants or shops inside the park.
• Be respectful of the wildlife: Remember that you are visiting the animals’ home, so be respectful of them and their space. Do not get too close to the animals, and do not feed them.

10. Horton Plains National Park – A Natural Wonder of Sri Lanka

Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The park is known for its stunning scenery, including the World’s End, a sheer cliff that drops over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) to the plains below.

The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, water buffalo, and over 200 species of birds. Horton Plains is one of the best Sri Lanka tourist places.

A Hike to Remember

The most popular activity in Horton Plains National Park is hiking. The most popular hike is to the World’s End, which is a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) round-trip hike that takes about 4 hours to complete. The hike is challenging but rewarding, and the views from the top of the World’s End are simply stunning.

Other Attractions

In addition to the World’s End, there are a number of other attractions in Horton Plains National Park, including:

• Baker’s Falls, a beautiful waterfall that plunges over 200 meters (660 feet)
• The Knuckles Mountain Range, a stunning mountain range that is home to a variety of wildlife
• The Far Inn Hunting Lodge, a former hunting lodge that now serves as a cafe and visitor center
• The Horton Plains Visitor Centre, which has exhibits on the park’s history and ecology

Best Time to Visit Horton Plains

The best time to visit Horton Plains National Park is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. However, the park is open year-round.

How to Reach Horton Plains

Horton Plains National Park is easily accessible by road from Nuwara Eliya. There are also buses and jeeps that can take you to the park.

Where to Stay near Horton Plains

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and campsites in Nuwara Eliya that offer easy access to Horton Plains National Park.

Tourist Attractions in Horton Plains

In addition to the World’s End, other popular tourist attractions in the area include:

• Hakgala Botanical Gardens, a beautiful garden with a wide variety of plants
• Bambarakanda Falls, the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka
• Ohiya, a charming town with a colonial past

Related reading: Horton Plains National Park

11. Sinharaja Forest Reserve: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the south-west of Sri Lanka. It is one of the last remaining areas of lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka, and is home to a wide variety of plants and animals.

The forest is a popular Sri Lankan tourist destination for eco-tourism, and offers a variety of activities, including hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing.

The Rainforest

The Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a lowland rainforest, which means that it is located at a low altitude and receives a lot of rainfall. The forest is home to a wide variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, and ferns. Some of the most common trees in the forest include the jak tree, the teak tree, and the ebony tree.

The forest is also home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, monkeys, and birds. Some of the most common birds in the forest include the blue magpie, the Sri Lanka junglefowl, and the purple-faced langur.

Eco-Tourism

There are a number of different ways to experience the forest, including hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the forest. There are a number of different trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. Bird watching is another popular activity in the forest.

There are over 400 species of birds in the forest, making it a great place to see a variety of birds. Wildlife viewing is also possible in the forest. Elephants, leopards and monkeys are all commonly seen in the forest.

Best Time to Visit Sinharaja

The best time to visit Sinharaja Forest Reserve is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. However, the forest is open year-round.

How to Reach SInharaja

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is located in the south-west of Sri Lanka. The nearest town is Ratnapura, which is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the reserve. There are buses and jeeps that can take you to the reserve from Ratnapura.

Where to Stay in Sinharaja

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and campsites in Ratnapura and the surrounding area that offer easy access to Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

12. Unawatuna Beach: A Tropical Paradise

Unawatuna Beach is a beautiful beach located in the south-west of Sri Lanka. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its white sand, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere.

The beach, one of the Sri Lanka tourist places, is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. There are also a number of activities available, such as swimming, surfing, and snorkeling.

Unawatuna Beach is a long, sandy beach with clear, blue waters. The beach is lined with palm trees and casuarina trees, which provide shade and a relaxing atmosphere.

The water is calm and shallow, making it a great place for swimming and snorkeling. There are also a number of surf schools in the area that offer lessons for all levels.

Related reading: Unawatuna Beach, Galle, Sri Lanka

The Surrounding Area

Unawatuna Beach is located in a beautiful area. The surrounding area is dotted with fishing villages, temples, and coconut groves. There are also a number of hills and cliffs that offer stunning views of the beach and the surrounding area.

Things to Do in Unawatuna

In addition to swimming and snorkeling, there are a number of other things to do in Unawatuna Beach. These include:

• Surfing: There are a number of surf schools in the area that offer lessons for all levels.
• Stand-up paddleboarding: Stand-up paddleboarding is a great way to explore the beach and the surrounding area.
• Boat tours: There are a number of boat tours that offer the opportunity to see dolphins, whales, and other marine life.
• Visit the local villages: There are a number of fishing villages in the area that are worth visiting.
• Hike to the top of the cliffs: The cliffs that surround Unawatuna Beach offer stunning views of the beach and the surrounding area.

Best Time to Visit Unawatuna

The best time to visit Unawatuna Beach is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. However, the beach is open year-round.

How to Reach Unawatuna

Unawatuna Beach is located in the south-west of Sri Lanka. The nearest town is Galle, which is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the beach. There are buses and trains that can take you to Galle from Colombo. From Galle, you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Unawatuna Beach.

Related reading: Galle Dutch Fort Tour

Where to Stay Unawatuna

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts in Unawatuna Beach to choose from. Some popular options include the Unawatuna Bay Hotel, the Jetwing Sea Breeze, and the Amaya Beach.

Pro tip: 12 Budget Hotels in Unawatuna, Galle

13. Temple of the Tooth: A Sacred Buddhist Shrine

The Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the world, as it houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.

The temple was built in the 15th century by King Parakramabahu VI. The tooth relic is believed to have been brought to Sri Lanka from India in the 4th century by Princess Hemamala and Prince Dantha, the children of King Ashoka.

The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. The relic is only displayed to the public on special occasions, such as on Vesak Day, the Buddha’s birthday.

The temple is a beautiful example of Sri Lankan architecture. It is a complex of buildings, including the main shrine, a library, and a museum. The main shrine is a large, gold-plated dagoba (stupa) that houses the tooth relic.

The temple, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka tourist places, is a must-visit for anyone interested in Buddhism or Sri Lankan culture.

Best Time to Visit Temple of the Tooth

The best time to visit the Temple of the Tooth is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. However, the temple is open year-round.

How to Reach Temple of the Tooth

The Temple of the Tooth is located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. The nearest airport is the Bandaranaike International Airport, which is about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Kandy. There are buses and trains that can take you to Kandy from Colombo. From Kandy, you can walk to the temple or take a tuk-tuk.

Where to Stay

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts in Kandy to choose from. Some popular options include the Kandy Lake Hotel, the Jetwing Lakeside, and the Amangalla.

More information : Temple of Tooth Kandy

14. Gal Viharaya: A Rock Temple of Stunning Sculpture

Gal Viharaya is a rock temple located in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Sri Lanka , and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The temple was built in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu I. It is made up of four large statues of Buddha, carved out of a single granite rock. The statues are seated in the bhumisparsha mudra, which is a gesture of touching the earth.

The Largest Statue

The largest statue is 18 meters (60 feet) tall, and is the largest standing Buddha statue in Sri Lanka. It is known as the Mahachaitya. The statue is carved in a very realistic style, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of Sri Lankan sculpture.

The Other Statues

The other three statues are 12 meters (40 feet), 10 meters (33 feet), and 8 meters (26 feet) tall. They are known as the Gal Viharaya Buddhas. The statues are carved in a variety of poses, including seated, reclining, and standing.

The Setting

The temple is located in a beautiful setting, surrounded by lush vegetation. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, and it is a great place to relax and meditate.

How to Visit Gal Viharaya

Gal Viharaya is open to the public, and there is no admission fee. The temple is located in Polonnaruwa, which is about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Colombo. There are buses and trains that can take you to Polonnaruwa from Colombo. From Polonnaruwa, you can walk to the temple or take a tuk-tuk.

Read more >> Gal Vihara in Polonnaruwa

15. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage: A Home for the Needy

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a 25-acre (10-hectare) wildlife sanctuary located in Kegalle District, Sri Lanka. It is home to over 60 elephants, including orphaned baby elephants, injured elephants, and those who have been rescued from the wild.

The orphanage was founded in 1975 by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation. The goal of the orphanage is to provide a safe and loving home for elephants who cannot survive in the wild.

The elephants at Pinnawala are cared for by a dedicated team of mahouts (elephant keepers). The mahouts feed the elephants, bathe them, and train them. They also provide the elephants with medical care.

The elephants at Pinnawala, one of the popular Sri Lanka tourist places, are a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can watch the elephants being fed and bathed, and they can also take a ride on an elephant. The proceeds from tourism help to support the orphanage.

How to Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is open to the public from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm daily. The entrance fee is 1,500 Sri Lankan rupees (about $5 USD) for adults and 750 Sri Lankan rupees (about $2.5 USD) for children.

The orphanage is located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Colombo. There are buses and trains that can take you to Pinnawala from Colombo. From Pinnawala, you can walk to the orphanage or take a tuk-tuk.

Read more about: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

16. Mirissa Whale Watching: A Chance to See the Giants of the Ocean

Mirissa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka, which is one of the popular Sri Lanka tourist places, famous for whale watching.

The best time to go whale watching in Mirissa , one of the popular Sri Lanka tourist places, is during the months of December to April when the waters are calm and the whales are more active.

The most common whales seen in Mirissa are the blue whale, the sperm whale, and the humpback whale. Blue whales are the largest animals on Earth, and they can grow up to 100 feet long.

Sperm whales are the largest predators on Earth, and they can grow up to 60 feet long. Humpback whales are known for their acrobatic displays, and they can breach the water up to 40 feet high.

Whale watching tours in Mirissa typically depart in the morning and last for about 3 hours. The boats travel out to sea where the whales are most likely to be found.

Once a whale is spotted, the boat will slowly approach it so that you can get a good view.

Whale watching is a great way to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. It is also a great way to learn about whales and their importance to the ocean ecosystem.

Here are some tips for whale watching in Mirissa:

• Go during the months of December to April when the waters are calm and the whales are more active.
• Choose a reputable tour operator that has a good safety record.
• Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens so you can get a better view of the whales.
• Be respectful of the whales and do not get too close to them.

17. Trincomalee: A Historical and Religious City

Trincomalee is a city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka, which is one of the most beautiful Sri Lanka tourist places. It is a major port city and a popular tourist destination, boasting a long and rich history. Trincomalee was once an important port for the ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka and also served as a significant center during the Portuguese and Dutch colonial rule.

Trincomalee is home to a number of important religious sites, including the Koneswaram Temple, one of the five Iswarams (temples dedicated to Shiva) in Sri Lanka. The Koneswaram Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Trincomalee is also a popular destination for whale watching and other water sports. The city is located on a beautiful bay, and the surrounding waters are home to a variety of marine life.

Comprehensive Guide to the Best Water Sports in Sri Lanka

Things to Do in Trincomalee

• Visit the Koneswaram Temple: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important religious sites in Sri Lanka.
• Go whale watching: Trincomalee is a great place to go whale watching. The best time to go is during the months of December to April.
• Visit the Dutch Fort: This 17th-century fort is a popular tourist destination. It offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area.
• Relax on the beach: Trincomalee has a number of beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxing and swimming.
• Visit the National Museum: This museum houses a collection of artifacts from Sri Lanka’s history.

How to Get to Trincomalee

Trincomalee is located about 250 kilometers (155 miles) from Colombo. There are buses and trains that can take you to Trincomalee from Colombo. There is also an airport in Trincomalee, but it only serves a limited number of flights.

Where to Stay in Trincomalee

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts in Trincomalee to choose from. Some popular options include the Trincomalee Bay Hotel, the Hotel Lighthouse, and the Amaya Lake.

Related reading: Nilaveli Beach, Trincomalee

18. Colombo: The Commercial Capital of Sri Lanka

Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka and is the country’s commercial capital. It is located on the west coast of the island, and is a major port city.

Colombo has a long and rich history. It was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kotte, and was later ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.

Today, Colombo is a modern city with a mix of old and new. The city is home to a number of historical landmarks, including the Galle Face Green , the Old Fort, and the National Museum.

Colombo is also a major shopping destination. The city has a number of malls, boutiques, and markets. Colombo is also a one of the most popular Sri Lankan tourist places, and is home to a number of hotels, restaurants, and bars.

Things to Do in Colombo

• Visit the Galle Face Green: This waterfront park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
• Explore the Old Fort: This 16th-century fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Go shopping: Colombo has a number of malls, boutiques, and markets.
• Visit the Vihara Maha Devi Temple: This Buddhist temple is one of the oldest in Colombo.
• Take a walk through Pettah: This bustling market is a great place to experience the local culture.
• Relax on the beach: Colombo has a number of beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxing and swimming.

Read more : Exploring the 16 Best Tourist Places in Colombo

How to Reach Colombo

Colombo is the main international gateway to Sri Lanka. There are a number of airlines that fly to Colombo, including SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.

Where to Stay in Colombo

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts in Colombo to choose from. Some popular options include the Shangri-La Hotel, the Cinnamon Grand, and the Taj Samudra.

19. Udawalawe National Park: A Home to Elephants

Udawalawe National Park is a national park in Sri Lanka. It is located in the Central Province, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Colombo. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, water buffalo, deer, monkeys, and crocodiles.

Udawalawe National Park was established in 1972. The park is named after the Udawalawe Reservoir, which is located in the park. The reservoir is a major source of water for the park and for the surrounding area.

The park is a on of the popular Sri Lankan tourist places, and is especially popular for elephant watching. Elephants are the most common animal in the park, and there are over 500 elephants that live in the park.

Things to Do in Udawalawe National Park

• Elephant watching: This is the most popular activity in Udawalawe National Park. Elephants are the most common animal in the park, and there are over 500 elephants that live in the park.
• Bird watching: Udawalawe National Park is home to over 200 species of birds. Some of the most common birds in the park include storks, eagles, and pelicans.
• Boating: You can take a boat ride on the Udawalawe Reservoir. This is a great way to see the wildlife in the park, including elephants, crocodiles, and birds.
• Hiking: There are a number of hiking trails in Udawalawe National Park. These trails offer stunning views of the park and the surrounding area.

How to Get to Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is located about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Colombo. There are buses and trains that can take you to Udawalawe National Park from Colombo.

Where to Stay in Udawalawe National Park

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts in Udawalawe National Park to choose from. Some popular options include the Udawalawe Safari Lodge, the Udawalawe Elephant Camp, and the Udawalawe Lake Hotel.

Read more: Udawalawe National Park

20. Peradeniya Botanical Garden: A Tropical Haven

Peradeniya Botanical Garden is a botanical garden in Sri Lanka. It is located in the Kandy district, about 6 kilometers (4 miles) from the city of Kandy.

The garden is one of the most popular tourist places in Sri Lanka, and is known for its beautiful gardens, its large collection of plants, and its historical significance.

Peradeniya Botanical Garden was founded in 1821 by the British colonial government. The garden was originally used as a research station for the study of tropical plants. However, it was soon opened to the public and became a popular tourist destination.

The garden is home to a large collection of plants from all over the world. There are over 10,000 different species of plants in the garden, including orchids, cacti, ferns, and trees. The garden also has a number of historical buildings, including the Queen’s Cottage, which was built in 1867 for Queen Victoria’s visit to Sri Lanka.

Things to Do in Peradeniya Botanical Garden

• Explore the gardens: The gardens are a beautiful place to walk around and explore. There are a number of different paths to choose from, and you can easily spend a few hours wandering around the gardens.
• Visit the orchid house: The orchid house is home to a large collection of orchids. There are over 1,000 different species of orchids in the house, and it is a great place to see these beautiful flowers.
• Visit the cacti and succulent garden: The cacti and succulent garden is home to a large collection of cacti and succulents. There are over 1,000 different species of cacti and succulents in the garden, and it is a great place to see these unique plants.
• Visit the Palm Grove: The Palm Grove is home to a large collection of palm trees. There are over 100 different species of palm trees in the grove, and it is a great place to see these majestic trees.

How to Reach Peradeniya Botanical Garden

Peradeniya Botanical Garden is located about 6 kilometers (4 miles) from the city of Kandy. There are buses and trains that can take you to Peradeniya Botanical Garden from Kandy.

Where to Stay in Peradeniya Botanical Garden

Suggested reading: Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden

21. Bentota Beach: A Serene Coastal Escape

Bentota Beach is a beach located in Sri Lanka. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere.

The beach is located in the south-west of Sri Lanka, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) from Colombo. It is a long, sandy beach with clear, blue waters. The beach is backed by palm trees and casuarina trees, which provide shade and a relaxing atmosphere.

Bentota Beach is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. There are a number of hotels, resorts, and restaurants located along the beach, making it a great place to stay.

Things to Do in Bentota Beach

• Swimming: The clear waters of Bentota Beach are perfect for swimming. The beach is also a great place to go for a swim early in the morning or late in the evening, when the sun is not as hot.
• Sunbathing: The white sand of Bentota Beach is perfect for sunbathing. You can relax on the beach and soak up the sun, or you can rent a beach chair and umbrella.
• Water sports: There are a number of water sports that you can enjoy in Bentota Beach, including surfing, windsurfing, and jet skiing. There are also a number of boat tours that you can take, which will allow you to explore the surrounding area.
• Visit the Bentota River: The Bentota River is located near Bentota Beach. You can take a boat ride on the river, or you can go for a walk along the riverbank. The river is a great place to see wildlife, including monkeys, crocodiles, and birds.
• Visit the Bentota Lighthouse: The Bentota Lighthouse is located at the southern end of Bentota Beach. It is a short walk from the beach, and it offers stunning views of the beach and the surrounding area.

How to Reach Bentota

Bentota Beach is located about 65 kilometers (40 miles) from Colombo. There are buses and trains that can take you to Bentota Beach from Colombo. There are also a number of taxis and tuk-tuks that can take you to the beach.

Where to Stay in Bentota

There are a number of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses located in Bentota Beach. Some popular options include the Cinnamon Bentota Beach, the Jetwing Sea Breeze, and the The Amangalla.

22. Jaffna: A Cultural and Historical Gem

Jaffna is a city in northern Sri Lanka. It is the capital of the Northern Province and is the largest city in the north of the country. Jaffna is a major cultural and historical center, and is home to a number of important temples, mosques, and churches.

The city was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century and was later ruled by the Dutch and the British. Jaffna has a rich history and culture, and is a popular tourist destination.

Things to Do in Jaffna

Visit the Jaffna Fort

The Jaffna Fort is a 16th-century fort that is one of the most important historical sites in Sri Lanka. The fort is located in the heart of Jaffna and is a popular tourist destination.

Explore the Jaffna temples

Jaffna is home to a number of important temples, including the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, the Thiruketheeswaram Temple, and the Vallipuram Sivan Temple. These temples are all worth visiting and offer a glimpse into the rich Hindu culture of Jaffna.

Visit the Jaffna mosques

Jaffna is also home to a number of important mosques, including the Grand Mosque of Jaffna and the Keerimalai Mosque. These mosques are all worth visiting and offer a glimpse into the rich Muslim culture of Jaffna.

Visit the Jaffna churches

Jaffna is also home to a number of important churches, including the St. Mary’s Cathedral and the Church of Our Lady of Madhu. These churches are all worth visiting and offer a glimpse into the rich Christian culture of Jaffna.

Learn about Jaffna’s history

There are a number of museums in Jaffna that offer insights into the city’s rich history. These museums include the Jaffna Museum, the Jaffna Public Library, and the Jaffna Kachcheri.

Enjoy the local food

Jaffna is home to a number of delicious restaurants that serve traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Be sure to try some of the local favorites, such as string hoppers, kottu roti, and lamprais.

How to Reach Jaffna

Jaffna is located about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Colombo. There are buses and trains that can take you to Jaffna from Colombo. There are also a number of flights that operate from Colombo to Jaffna.

Where to Stay in Jaffna

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts located in Jaffna. Some popular options include the Jaffna Fort Hotel, the Lighthouse Hotel, and the Jetwing Jaffna.

23. Hiriketiya Beach: A Hidden Gem in Sri Lanka

Hiriketiya Beach is a beach located in Sri Lanka. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful white sand, clear waters, and relaxed atmosphere.

The beach is located in the south-west of Sri Lanka, about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Colombo. It is a long, sandy beach with clear, blue waters. The beach is backed by palm trees and casuarina trees, which provide shade and a relaxing atmosphere.

Hiriketiya Beach is a popular destination for surfing, as it is known for its consistent waves. The beach is also a great place to go for a swim, sunbathe, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.

Things to Do in Hiriketiya Beach

Surfing : Hiriketiya Beach is a popular destination for surfing, as it is known for its consistent waves. There are a number of surf schools and camps located in Hiriketiya Beach, which offer lessons for all levels of surfers.

Swimming: The clear waters of Hiriketiya Beach are perfect for swimming. The beach is also a great place to go for a swim early in the morning or late in the evening, when the sun is not as hot.

Sunbathing: The white sand of Hiriketiya Beach is perfect for sunbathing. You can relax on the beach and soak up the sun, or you can rent a beach chair and umbrella.

Visit the Hiriketiya Lighthouse: The Hiriketiya Lighthouse is located at the southern end of Hiriketiya Beach. It is a short walk from the beach, and it offers stunning views of the beach and the surrounding area.

Go on a boat tour: There are a number of boat tours that you can take from Hiriketiya Beach. These tours will allow you to explore the surrounding area, including the mangroves, the lagoon, and the nearby islands.

How to Reach Hiriketiya Beach

Hiriketiya Beach is located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) from Colombo. There are buses and trains that can take you to Hiriketiya Beach from Colombo. There are also a number of taxis and tuk-tuks that can take you to the beach.

Where to Stay in Hiriketiya

There are a number of hotels, resorts, and guesthouses located in Hiriketiya Beach. Some popular options include the Hiriketiya Beach Resort, the Hiriketiya Bay Hotel, and the Hiriketiya Surf Inn.

24. Sigiriya Lion Rock: A Majestic Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Lion Rock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Sri Lanka. It is a massive rock that rises 200 meters (660 feet) above the surrounding plains. The rock is topped by the ruins of a palace and a fortress that were built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD.

The rock is named after the lion’s head that was carved into the side of the rock. The lion’s head was destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th century, but the ruins of the palace and the fortress remain.

Sigiriya Lion Rock is a one of the popular tourist places in Sri Lanka. Visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the rock and explore the ruins of the palace and the fortress. The views from the top of the rock are spectacular.

Things to Do in Sigiriya

Climb the Lion’s Rock: This is the most popular activity in Sigiriya. The climb is challenging, but the views from the top are worth it.

Explore the ruins of the palace and the fortress: The ruins of the palace and the fortress are fascinating. You can wander around the ruins and imagine what life was like in the 5th century AD.

Visit the Mirror Wall: The Mirror Wall is a polished slab of rock that was used by the king to admire himself. The wall is still in good condition and is a popular spot for taking photos.

Visit the gardens: The gardens at Sigiriya are beautiful. There are fountains, ponds, and walkways that wind through the gardens.

How to Get to Sigiriya Lion Rock

Sigiriya Lion Rock is located about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Colombo. There are buses and trains that can take you to Sigiriya Lion Rock from Colombo. There are also a number of taxis and tuk-tuks that can take you to the rock.

Where to Stay in Sigiriya

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts located in Sigiriya. Some popular options include the Sigiriya Hotel, the Kandalama Hotel, and the Heritance Kandalama.

Suggested reading: Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress

25. Pigeon Island National Park: A Marine Park in Sri Lanka

Pigeon Island National Park is a marine park located in Sri Lanka. It is a small island off the coast of Nilaveli, in the Eastern Province. The park is home to a variety of marine life, including coral reefs, fish, and turtles.

The island is named after the large number of pigeons that live there. The pigeons are a popular tourist attraction, and you can often see them flying around the island.

Pigeon Island National Park is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. The clear waters and the abundance of marine life make it a great place to explore the underwater world.

Things to Do in Pigeon Island National Park

Snorkeling and diving : The clear waters and the abundance of marine life make Pigeon Island National Park a great place to snorkel and dive.

Visit the pigeon colony: The island is home to a large colony of pigeons. You can often see them flying around the island or perched on the trees.

Go for a walk on the beach: The beach at Pigeon Island National Park is beautiful. You can go for a walk on the beach, swim in the sea, or sunbathe.

Visit the lighthouse: There is a lighthouse on the island. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of the surrounding area.

How to Reach Pigeon Island

Pigeon Island National Park is located about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Nilaveli. There are boats that can take you to the island from Nilaveli.

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts located in Nilaveli. Some popular options include the Jetwing Sea Breeze, the Nilaveli Beach Hotel, and the Pigeon Island Beach Resort.

26. Nine Arch Bridge: A Beautiful Railway Bridge in Sri Lanka

Nine Arch Bridge is a railway bridge located in Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful viaduct that spans the Kelani River. The bridge was built in 1921 and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka.

The bridge is made of concrete and is 91 meters (300 feet) long. It has nine arches that are supported by pillars. The bridge is located in the Knuckles Mountain Range and is a popular tourist destination.

The bridge is a popular spot for photographers. The bridge is especially beautiful when it is lit up at night.

Things to Do near Nine Arch Bridge

Visit the Demodara Railway Station: The Demodara Railway Station is located near the Nine Arch Bridge. The station is a beautiful old station that is worth visiting.

Go for a walk on the bridge: You can walk on the bridge and enjoy the views of the Kelani River.

Take a train ride: You can take a train ride across the bridge. This is a great way to see the bridge and the surrounding area.

Visit the Knuckles Mountain Range: The Knuckles Mountain Range is a beautiful mountain range that is located near the Nine Arch Bridge. You can go for hikes in the mountains or visit the waterfalls.

How to Get to Nine Arch Bridge

Nine Arch Bridge is located about 160 kilometers (100 miles) from Colombo. There are buses and trains that can take you to Nine Arch Bridge from Colombo. There are also a number of taxis and tuk-tuks that can take you to the bridge.

Where to Stay near Nine Arch Bridge

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts located near Nine Arch Bridge. Some popular options include the Ella Flower Garden Hotel, the Nine Arch Bridge Hotel, and the Ella Rock Hotel.

27. Spice Garden: A Tropical Paradise of Flavor

A spice garden is a garden where spices are grown. Spices are the dried fruits, seeds, bark, or roots of plants that are used to flavor food.

Sri Lanka is known for its spices, and there are many spice gardens located in the country. These gardens are a great place to learn about spices and how they are grown.

Things to Do in a Spice Garden

Learn about spices: You can learn about the different types of spices, how they are grown, and how they are used.

See how spices are processed: You can see how spices are harvested, dried, and processed.

Taste spices: You can taste different spices and learn about their flavors.

Buy spices: You can buy spices to take home with you.

How to Get to a Spice Garden

There are many spice gardens located in Sri Lanka. Some of the most popular spice gardens include the Spice Garden in Matale, the New Ranweli Spice Garden in Kandy, and the Spice Garden in Galle.

Where to Stay near a Spice Garden

There are many hotels, guesthouses, and resorts located near spice gardens. Some popular options include the Matale Hotel, the Kandy Lake Hotel, and the Galle Fort Hotel.

Related reading: Herbs and Spices of Sri Lanka

28. Turtle Hatchery: A Place to Help Protect Sea Turtles

A turtle hatchery is a place where sea turtle eggs are protected and hatched. Sea turtles are an important part of the marine ecosystem, but they are also threatened by many factors, including habitat loss, pollution, and poaching. Turtle hatcheries play an important role in helping to protect sea turtles by providing a safe place for their eggs to hatch and hatchlings to grow.

There are many turtle hatcheries located in Sri Lanka. These hatcheries help to protect a variety of sea turtle species, including the green sea turtle, the hawksbill turtle, and the olive ridley turtle.

Things to Do at a Turtle Hatchery

Learn about sea turtles: You can learn about the different species of sea turtles, their life cycles, and the threats they face.

See sea turtle eggs: You can see sea turtle eggs in their nests and learn about the hatching process.

Help release hatchlings: You can help to release hatchlings into the ocean. This is a great way to give back to the environment and help to protect sea turtles.

How to Get to a Turtle Hatchery

There are many turtle hatcheries located in Sri Lanka. Some of the most popular hatcheries include the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, the Hikkaduwa Turtle Hatchery, and the Pinnawela Turtle Hatchery.

Where to Stay near a Turtle Hatchery

There are many hotels, guesthouses, and resorts located near turtle hatcheries. Some popular options include the Kosgoda Beach Hotel, the Hikkaduwa Beach Hotel, and the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.

29. St. Anthony’s Church: A Shrine of Miracles

St. Anthony’s Church is a Catholic church located in Kochchikade, Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics from all over the world.

The church was built in 1889 by the Portuguese. It is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, who is known for his miracles. The church is said to be a place of miracles, and many people come to pray for Saint Anthony’s intercession.

The church is a beautiful building, with a large dome and a bell tower. The interior of the church is decorated with beautiful stained glass windows and paintings.

Things to Do at St. Anthony’s Church

Pray for Saint Anthony’s intercession

Many people come to St. Anthony’s Church to pray for Saint Anthony’s intercession. There is a statue of Saint Anthony in the church, and people often touch the statue or leave offerings.

Visit the shrine

There is a shrine dedicated to Saint Anthony in the church. The shrine is a place where people can pray and leave offerings.

Attend a mass

There are masses held at St. Anthony’s Church every day. These masses are a great way to experience the Catholic faith and to pray for Saint Anthony’s intercession.

Take a tour of the church

There are tours of St. Anthony’s Church available. These tours are a great way to learn about the history of the church and to see the beautiful architecture. How to Get to St. Anthony’s Church

St. Anthony’s Church is located in Kochchikade, Colombo. It is a short walk from the Fort Station. There are also buses and tuk-tuks that can take you to the church.

Where to Stay near St. Anthony’s Church

There are many hotels, guesthouses, and resorts located near St. Anthony’s Church. Some popular options include the Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, the Jetwing Hotel Colombo, and the St. Regis Colombo.

30. Wilpattu National Park: The Land of the Leopards

Wilpattu National Park, located in Sri Lanka, is one of the popular Sri Lanka tourist places. It is the largest national park in the country and is renowned for its rich biodiversity.

Wilpattu National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and water buffalo.

The park is named after the “willus” or tanks that are found in the park. The willus are natural lakes that are filled with rainwater. The park is also home to a variety of vegetation, including grasslands, forests, and swamps.

Things to Do in Wilpattu National Park

Spotting leopards

Wilpattu National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to spot leopards. The park has a high density of leopards and you have a good chance of seeing them on a safari.

The best way to see the wildlife in Wilpattu National Park is to go on a safari. There are a number of safari companies that operate in the park and they will take you to the best spots to see the animals.

Birdwatching

Wilpattu National Park is also a great place for birdwatching. The park is home to over 200 species of birds, including eagles, hawks, owls, and kingfishers.

There are a number of hiking trails in Wilpattu National Park. These trails offer stunning views of the park and the surrounding area.

How to Get to Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is located in the north-west of Sri Lanka. It is about 300 kilometers from Colombo. There are buses and trains that can take you to the park. There are also a number of taxis and tuk-tuks that can take you to the park.

Where to Stay near Wilpattu National Park

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts located near Wilpattu National Park. Some popular options include the Wilpattu Eco Camp, the Wilpattu Safari Camp, and the Wilpattu Village Resort.

31. Pidurangala Rock Hike: A Breathtaking View of Sigiriya

Pidurangala Rock is a rock located near Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka. It is a one of the popular Sri Lanka tourist places, as it offers stunning views of Sigiriya Rock and the surrounding area.

The rock is about 1,500 feet (457 meters) high and can be reached by a 500-step staircase. The climb is challenging, but the views from the top are worth it.

At the top of the rock, there are ruins of a Buddhist monastery that was built in the 5th century AD. There are also caves that were used by monks as meditation chambers.

Things to Do in Pidurangala

Climb the rock: The most popular activity in Pidurangala Rock is to climb the rock. The climb is challenging, but the views from the top are worth it.

Visit the ruins of the Buddhist monastery: At the top of the rock, there are ruins of a Buddhist monastery that was built in the 5th century AD. These ruins are a great place to learn about the history of the rock and the Buddhist religion.

Visit the caves: There are also caves at the top of the rock that were used by monks as meditation chambers. These caves are a great place to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Watch the sunrise or sunset: The views from the top of Pidurangala Rock are especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset. This is a great time to visit the rock if you want to see the stunning views and capture some amazing photos.

How to Get to Pidurangala Rock

Pidurangala Rock is located about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) from Sigiriya Rock. There are buses and tuk-tuks that can take you to Pidurangala Rock from Sigiriya.

Where to Stay near Pidurangala Rock

There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts located near Pidurangala Rock. Some popular options include the Sigiriya Hotel, the Kandalama Hotel, and the Heritance Kandalama.

32. Bambarakanda Falls, Ohiya: A Majestic Waterfall in Sri Lanka

Bambarakanda Falls is a waterfall located near Ohiya in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, with a height of 240 meters (790 feet).

Bambarakanda Falls is formed by the Bambarakanda River. The Bambarakanda River flows down from the mountains of the Central Highlands and becomes a waterfall at Bambarakanda Falls, before flowing into the Bay of Matara.

Bambarakanda Falls is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. However, it is especially beautiful during the monsoon season, from July to September, when the water levels are highest and the falls are at their most majestic.

To reach Bambarakanda Falls, you can drive from Ohiya for about 30 minutes. There is a car park near the falls, as well as restaurants and souvenir shops.

Bambarakanda Falls is a must-see for any visitor to Sri Lanka. The sheer scale of the falls is awe-inspiring, and the beauty of the surrounding scenery is simply stunning.

Here are some tips for visiting Bambarakanda Falls:

• The best time to visit is during the monsoon season, from July to September. However, this is also the wettest time of year, so be prepared for rain.
• The falls are located at a high altitude, so be sure to dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes.
• The falls can be crowded, especially during peak tourist season. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

33. Polonnaruwa Sacred City: Unveiling Sri Lanka’s Glorious Past

Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura. It was founded in the 11th century by King Vijayabahu I, and it remained the capital of Sri Lanka until the 13th century.

Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka . The ruins of the ancient city are spread out over a large area, and they include palaces, temples, and monasteries.

Some of the most popular attractions in Polonnaruwa include:

The Lion’s Gate

The Lion’s Gate is the entrance to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. It is a beautiful archway that is decorated with sculptures of lions.

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace was the home of the kings of Polonnaruwa. It is a large complex of ruins that includes palaces, temples, and gardens.

The Lankatilaka Temple

The Lankatilaka Temple is a Buddhist temple that was built in the 12th century. It is one of the most important temples in Sri Lanka, and it is known for its beautiful architecture.

The Gal Vihara

The Gal Vihara is a complex of three rock temples that were carved out of a single rock. It is one of the most impressive monuments in Polonnaruwa, and it is a must-see for any visitor to the city.

Polonnaruwa is a fascinating place to visit, and it is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Sri Lanka. The ruins of the ancient city are a testament to the power and wealth of the Sinhalese kings, and they are a reminder of the rich history of Sri Lanka.

Here are some tips for visiting Polonnaruwa:

• The best time to visit Polonnaruwa is during the dry season, from December to April.
• The ruins of Polonnaruwa are spread out over a large area, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• There are many different things to see in Polonnaruwa, so be sure to plan your time accordingly.
• There are a number of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants in Polonnaruwa, so you will be able to find accommodation to suit your budget.

Related reading: Polonnaruwa Ancient City

33 Most Popular Sri Lanka Tourist Places

These places offer a wide variety of experiences, from exploring ancient ruins to hiking in the mountains to relaxing on the beach. Whether you are a first-time visitor to Sri Lanka or a returning traveler, these places are sure to amaze and inspire you.

What is the visa requirement for visiting Sri Lanka?

Citizens of most countries need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. You can apply for a visa online or at the Sri Lankan embassy or consulate in your home country.

What is the best time of year to visit Sri Lanka?

The best time of year to visit Sri Lanka is during the dry season, which is from December to April. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and there is less chance of rain.

Suggested reading: Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka – A Comprehensive Guide

What are some other activities that can be enjoyed in Sri Lanka besides the popular tourist places?

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a lot to offer visitors. In addition to the popular tourist places, some other popular activities in Sri Lanka include:

* Hiking and biking * Snorkeling and diving * Cultural experiences * Beaches * Shopping * Food and wine

What Languages Are Spoken In Sri Lanka?

The official language of Sri Lanka is Sinhala, but English is widely spoken.

What is the Currency in Sri Lanka?

The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan rupee.

Is Sri Lanka Safe to Travel Now ?

Sri Lanka is a safe country to travel.

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Anuradhapura

Bundala Nation Park

Hambanthota.

Horton Plains

Knuckles Range

Nuwara Eliy

Trincomalee

Yala National Park

Polonnaruwa

Wilpattu National Park

Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. From the 4th century BC, it was the capital of Sri Lanka until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km²). Anuradhapura is also significant in Hindu legend as the fabled capital of the Asura King Ravana in the Ramayana.

Arugam Bay is a bay situated on the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's southeast coast. The bay is located 320 km due east of Colombo. It is a popular surfing and tourist destination. Due to its popularity among low budget tourists, the area has managed a slow recovery. By private initiatives only. The main road through town has still not been repaved. Work is in progress to improve road access to the area. But in Arugam Bay itself, little has changed. As late as May, 2009 no help has been received from any official source or international organizations. An exception is uncoordinated support for fishing folk as well as many school rebuilding programs, resulting in a continuation to provide only separatist schools for each community.

Adam's Peak

Adam's Peak is a 2,243 metres (7,359 ft) tall conical mountain located in central Sri Lanka. It is well-known for the Sri Pada "sacred footprint", a 1.8 m rock formation near the summit, in Buddhist tradition held to be the footprint of Buddha, in Hindu tradition that of Shiva and in Muslim tradition that of Adam.

Batticaloa is a city in the Eastern province of Sri Lanka. It is the seat of the Eastern University of Sri Lanka. It is on the east coast, 69 miles south by south east of Trincomalee, and is situated on an island.

A Sri Lankan coastal city famous for golden beaches, Bentota is situated on the southern coastal tip of the Galle District of the Southern Province . The town is a popular tourist attraction. It is especially famous among the foreign tourists. The name comes from a mythical story which dates back to kings time saying a demon called Bem ruled this river ( tota = river bank. Bentota hosts a handful of world proclaimed hotels. It is the hosting land for the famous Sri Lankan Jeweler Aida. Bentota also delivers an ancient art of healing called Ayurveda . Bentota is also famous for its production in Toddy. An alcoholic beverage made out of cocunut nectar. The city's population is estimated to be between 25,000-50,000.

Beruwela, is a small resort town in the south western coastal belt of Sri Lanka. The name Beruwela is derived from the Sinhalese word Beruwela (the place where the sail is lowered). It marks the spot for the first Muslim settlement on the island, established by Arab traders around the 8th century AD. A large population of Sri Lankan Moors, many of them are gem merchants, still live in the town-- particularly in the "China Fort". Msjid-ul-Abrar , a landmark of Beruwela and Sri Lanka's oldest mosque, was built by Arab traders on a rocky peninsula overlooking the town.

Bundala National Park

Located about fifteen kilometers east of Hambantota Bundala National Park is one of Sri Lanka's foremost destinations for birdwatchers, protecting an important area of coastal wetland famous for its abundant aquatic (and other) birdlife. The park is also home to significant populations of elephants, Marsh & estuarine crocodiles, turtles & other fauna, including the leopard. Stretching along the coast east of Hambantota, Bundala National Park is ideal for instant gratification: in a four hour jeep ride, we can see elephants, 8ft crocs, giant squirrels & flamingoes. Afternoon safaris in the dry season (December - May) provide visitors with the best chance of seeing the wildlife.

The name "Colombo", first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505, is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name Kolon thota, meaning "port on the river Kelani". It has also been suggested that the name may be derived from the Sinhalese name Kola-amba-thota which means "Harbour with leafy mango trees". Due to its large harbour and its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. However it was only made the capital of the island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815, and its status as capital was retained when the nation became independent in 1948. In 1978, when administrative functions were moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.

Major attractions of the city include the largest and best preserved cave temple complex of Sri Lanka, and the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, famous for being built in just 167 days. The city also boasts to have the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia, and the Iron wood forest, or Namal Uyana. Ibbankatuwa prehistoric burial site near Dhambulla cave temple complexes is the latest archaeological site of significant historical importance found in Dambulla, which is located within 3 kilometers of the cave temples providing evidence on presence of indigenous civilisations long before the arrival of Indian influence on the Island nation.

Ella is blessed with some of the most beautiful views, you could find in Sri Lanka. Only 8 km from Bandarawela, this small town is used as a base for plenty of trekking expeditions to the surrounding countryside. A taste of the breathtaking scenery of Ella could be had, if you just walk into the Garden of the Grand Ella Motel (Formerly Ella Rest House), where you seem to be standing at the edge of the world, and everything around you seems to disappear at your feet. Another fine view is from the Ambiente Hotel, where the wide doorway, opens out to the mountains, creating a dramatic cinematic like experience, on entry. Some of the places you could see in Ella are the Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam's Peak and Bambaragala Peak among the other many varied pleasant walks with stunning scenery.

Galle"Gaul", and in Sinhalese IPA: [ɡaːlːə]) is a town situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. The major river is Gin River Gin Ganga which starts from Gongala Kanda and passing villages such as Neluwa, Nagoda, Baddegama, Thelikada, Wakwella and kisses the sea at Ginthota. In Wakwella over the river there is Wakwella Bridge which is the longest bridge in Sri Lanka.

Hambantota is a rural town in southeastern coastal area of Sri Lanka. It is also the capital of the Hambantota District in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka.

Hikkaduwa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It is located in the Southern Province, about 20 km north-west of Galle. Hikkaduwa is famous for its beach and corals. Villages affected were Telwatta, Paraliya, Dodanduwa, Kahawa, Rathgama. The place is on the way from Colombo to Galle on the famous Galle road. It is primarily a tourist destination, and serves as a great beach with options to surf, snorkel and enjoy the sun.

Horton Plains National Park "Maha-Eliya" in Sinhala, is a national park in the highlands of Sri Lanka. It lies at a height of more than 2,000 m in the central highlands, and its altitude means that it has a much cooler and more windy climate than the lowlands of Sri Lanka, with a mean annual temperature of 16 °C rather than the 26 °C of the coasts. The area was named in 1834 after Lady Anne Horton, wife of Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, then-governor of Ceylon.

Jaffna or Yazhpanam is the capital city of the Northern Province, Sri Lanka. Most of the residents of Jaffna are Sri Lankan Tamils with a presence of Sri Lankan Moors and Portuguese Burghers . Almost all Sri Lankan Muslims were driven off from Jaffna by the LTTE in the 1990s, as a result of the ethnic conflict which started in the 1970s [1] which leaves Jaffna exclusively Tamil, apart from the military personnel.

Kalkudah or Kalkuda (Pronounced Kal-Kuda, Tamil translation rock-bay) is a coastal resort town located about 35 kilometers northwest of Batticaloa, Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka. It used to be a popular tourist destination. Pasikudah and Kalkudah are located few kilometers apart

Despite its natural beauty, the western peninsular area of KALPITIYA in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka is remarkably untouched by tourism. But for those lucky enough to visit, there's a plethora of things to see and do! With the small close-knit fishing community dominating the lives of the local people, visitors can get a real insight into working life away from the city. After watching the night fishing boats return in the morning, a visit to one of the fish markets offers the opportunity to choose the evening meal direct from the fresh catch! The Dutch Fort and St Peter's Kerk church in the town itself are interesting examples of Sri Lanka's rich history and colonial past. Leisurely boat rides up the lagoon and canoe trips down the river are a pleasant way of exploring the coastline, whilst 4WD jeep rides along the deserted sand dunes between the ocean and the lagoon offer a unique way of watching the colourful evening sunsets.

Kandy in Sinhala, pronounced is the English name for the city of Maha Nuvara (Senkadagalapura) in the centre of Sri Lanka. It is the capital of the Central Province and Kandy District. It lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy Valley which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka. Kandy is of both an administrative and religious city. It is the capital of the Central Province and also of the administrative district of Kandy.

Katunayake a town is situated on the west coast of the island of Sri Lanka near Negombo and close to the commercial capital of Colombo. It is the site of Bandaranaike International Airport, the primary international air gateway to Sri Lanka. With the change of government in 1977 and the introduction of the open economy policy a large area was allocated to create a free trade zone. This created a large amount of job opportunities for the local youth and has contributed substantially towards the country's economy.

Kitulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka. It is in the wet zone rainforest, which gets two monsoons each year, and is one of the wettest places in the country. Nevertheless, it comes alive in the first three months of the year, especially in February, the driest month. The Academy Award-winning "The Bridge on the River Kwai" was filmed on the Kelani River near Kitulgala, although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations for the bridge Kitulgala is also a base for white-water rafting, which starts a few kilometres upstream.

The Knuckles Mountain Range lies in central Sri Lanka, north-east of the city of Kandy. The range takes its name from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif which resemble the knuckles of clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District. Whilst this name was assigned by early British surveyors, the Sinhalese residents have traditionally referred to the area as Dumbara Kanduvetiya meaning mist-laden mountain range (Cooray, 1984). The entire area is characterised by its striking landscapes often robed in thick layers of cloud but in addition to its aesthetic value the range is of great scientific interest. It is a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka.

Mannar Island is part of Mannar District, Sri Lanka. It is linked to the rest of Sri Lanka by a causeway.

Matara historically belongs to the area called Ruhana, one of the three kingdoms in Sri Lanka (Thun Sinhalaya). First Indians who arrived to the island country according to the Mahawansa settled in the area, along the banks of Nilwala river. Matara was ruled by Sinhala kings for thousands of years and this is evident by the ancient temples and shrines built by them such as temples in Dondra (Devinuwara) and Weherahena. The temple in the middle of the town is also built by ancient kings and now it is a very popular sacred place among the Buddhists in the area. In 16th and 18th centuries Matara was ruled by Portuguese and Dutch respectively.

Minneriya is a small town in Sri Lanka, and is famous for two things , for the great Minneriya lake build by King Mahasen and for the Minneriya wildlife sanctuary which is a hot spot for safari lovers because of the abandons of Elephants. Furthermore it is situated near Habarana which have some high class hotels for tourists and some famous world heritage sites like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya which are relatively close to Minneriya.

Negombo is a town of about 65,000, approximately 37 km north of Colombo, in Sri Lanka. It is located at the mouth of the Negombo lagoon, about 7 km from the Bandaranaike International Airport. Negombo has a small port, and its economy is mainly based on tourism and its centuries-old fishing industry, though it also produces cinnamon, ceramics, and brass ware.

Nilaveli is a coastal resort town located about 20 km North-West of Trincomalee, Trincomalee District, Sri Lanka. It used to be a popular tourist destination.

Nuwara Eliya meaning "city on the plain (table land)" or "city of light", is a town in Sri Lanka. It is located at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft) in the central highlands and is considered one of the most important locations for Tea production in Sri Lanka. The town is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka.

Pasikudah or Pasikuda is a coastal resort town located about 35 kilometers northwest of Batticaloa, Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka. It used to be a popular tourist destination, Pasikudah and Kalkudah are located few km apart.

The Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle, halfway between the present capital Colombo and the ancient royal residence Kandy in the hills of central Sri Lanka. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka wildlife department in a 25-acre coconut property near the Maha Oya river. The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned elephants found in the jungle. As of 2008, there are about 84 elephants.

The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country once more under a local leader.

The history of this dry zone district goes back to the arrival of North Indian Prince Vijaya, 2500 years ago in Tammanna in the coastal belt above Puttalam. This happened when his vessel was washed ashore. Thonigala the homeland of Kuweni is deep in the district. The name "Puttalam" may be a modification of in Tamil Uppuththalam , i.e, Uppu means Salt and Thalam means the place where salt production. So finally the name came Puttalam.

Ratnapura is the name of the provincial capital of Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka and the Ratnapura District in which the town is situated. Some say the modern name is derived from the Portuguese name Rapadura for jaggery, the palm candy produced traditionally in this region, but the more common explanation in Sri Lanka is that it comes from the Sinhala "ratna" meaning gems and "pura" meaning city. Ratnapura is also spelled as Rathnapura. Located some 101 km south east of Colombo, it is the centre of a long-established industry of precious stone mining including rubies, sapphires, and other gems. Apart from gem mining, the town is known for rice and fruit cultivations.

Sigiriya (Lion's rock) is an ancient rock fortress and castle/palace ruin situated in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures. It is a popular tourist destination, also known for its ancient paintings (frescos), very similar to those in the Ajanta Caves of India. The Sigiraya was built during the reign of King Kassapa I (AD 477 – 495), and it is one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a national park in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The hilly virgin rainforest, part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests ecoregion, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility, and was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988. The reserve's name translates as Kingdom of the Lion.

Trincomalee is a port city on the east coast of Sri Lanka, about 110 miles northeast of Kandy. The city is built on a peninsula, which divides the inner and outer harbours. It is one of the main centers of Tamil speaking culture on the island. Historically referred to as Gokanna, or Gokarna it has been a sea port that has played a major role in maritime and international trading history of Sri Lanka.

Unawatuna is a beach resort, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Described as most wonderful beach location by the nature, Unawatuna is one of the best Scuba Diving Locations in Sri Lanka. You can enjoy the beach, Scuba Diving, Surfing and Sea Food in Sri Lankan Style. The Jungle Beach, Roomassagla Hills, Kathaluwa Temple, Galle Fort are interesting places to visit.

Weligama is a fishing town in Matara district on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The term Weligama literally means `Sandy Village' which refers to the area's sandy sweep bay. Situated at a distance of 143 km from Colombo, Weligama is a popular tourist destination and hosts several boutique hotels. It is most famous for its distinct stilt fishermen and an off shore islet known as Taprobane, where a dream house of French Count de Maunay was built.

Wilpattu National Park is a park located on the island of Sri Lanka. The unique feature of this park is the existence of “Willus” (Natural lakes) - Natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. Located in the Northwest coast lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka. The park is located 30km west Anuradhapura and located 26 km north of Puttalam (approximately 180 km north of Colombo). The park is 131, 693 hectares and ranges from 0 to 152 meters above sea level. Nearly sixty lakes (Willu) and tanks are found spread throughout Wilpattu. Wilpattu is one of the largest and oldest National Parks in Sri Lanka. Wilpattu is among the top national parks world renowned for its Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya) population. The Leopard population in Wilpattu is still not yet known.

Yala National Park is a national park in Sri Lanka. The reserve covers 979 km², although only the original 141 km² are open to the public. It was established in 1894 as a Game Sanctuary. Much of the reserve is parkland, but it also contains jungle, beaches, freshwater lakes and rivers and scrubland. The latter zone is punctuated with enormous rocky outcrops. The range of habitats give rise to a good range of wildlife.

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23 things you need to know before going to Sri Lanka

Oct 14, 2023 • 11 min read

Get to grips with Sri Lanka's complex culture with these top tips on health, safety and etiquette © Cavan Images / Getty Images

Floating in tropical waters off the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka is defined by its gentle Buddhist culture, friendly people and laid-back way of life despite its troubled recent history.

A little knowledge goes a long way when it comes to having an easy trip to this Indian Ocean island. For such a small nation, Sri Lanka is hugely diverse. Surf-pounded coastlines rise to forested national parks , temple-studded plains and jungle-covered highlands - with the added perk that nowhere is that far from a  beach .

Most visitors start on the coast and duck inland to tea gardens, ancient cities and national parks, but navigating Sri Lanka 's frenetic public transport system and cultural sensitivities can be confusing for new arrivals. To help you out, here are some of the things you need to know before traveling to Sri Lanka.

1. Apply for a visa in advance

As a first step, check the latest visa requirements for Sri Lanka. Most nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance of travel, but fortunately, they're not hard to get.

2. Check your travel vaccinations

Sri Lanka is a tropical destination, so check with your doctor to make sure you're up to date with your travel vaccinations. Recommended vaccinations for Sri Lanka include diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and polio. Long stayers might also consider getting vaccinated against typhoid and rabies (although rare, rabies can be fatal, and it's carried by dogs, cats and monkeys in Sri Lanka).

3. Plan your trip according to the monsoons

Between May and September , the south coast and west coast of Sri Lanka are lashed by the southwest monsoon, which brings plenty of rainfall and choppy seas, while northern and eastern parts of the island are fine and dry. When the northeast monsoon hits Sri Lanka between November and March, the south and west are at their best, and it's the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka that see the showers.

In fact, monsoon rainfall in Sri Lanka is quite sporadic – expect short, sharp downpours interspersed with long, hot sunny spells. Traveling to different parts of Sri Lanka during their rainy "off-seasons" has its rewards – visitor numbers fall and hotel rates drop quite significantly.

4. There's no alcohol for sale on full moon days and religious events

Sri Lanka has a huge number of bank holidays, and almost half of these are poya days, marking the arrival of the full moon, an auspicious event in Sri Lankan Buddhism. All poya days are dry days – alcohol is not sold in shops, restaurants or bars (though you can still access your hotel room’s minibar). The ban on alcohol also extends to other religious events such as the Buddhist festival of Vesak in May.

5. Carry cash: the currency is the Sri Lankan rupee

Stock up on rupees on arrival in Sri Lanka, not before, and don't change more than you need. Sri Lankan rupees are hard to exchange outside of Sri Lanka. ATMs are widespread all over the country – stick to Bank of Ceylon ATMs where possible as they don't charge a fee. Card machines are common in larger hotels, restaurants and tourist-oriented shops.

Try to build up a stash of lower denomination notes wherever possible (for example, withdraw LKR5900 rather than LKR6000). You'll need small bills to pay for tuk-tuks and buy things from local shops and markets and for tipping. Carrying some cash in dollars, euros or pounds sterling is also useful – all are widely accepted in tourist areas.

6. Be realistic about how much ground you can cover

It takes a surprising amount of time to travel around Sri Lanka thanks to winding routes and the limited number of roads crossing the interior of the island. Traffic also has to navigate a variety of hazards including badly surfaced roads and roaming wildlife (buffaloes, cows, feral dogs and even elephants). To do the island justice, don’t rush. You’ll need at least a month for a circuit of the island with detours to national parks, ancient cities and tea plantations inland.

Thanks to Sri Lanka’s improving expressway network, road travel from Colombo to southern towns such as Galle ,  Matara and  Tangalla is fairly rapid. With its twisting, congested roads, the  Hill Country is the most time-consuming region to navigate (consider taking trains to explore instead).

7. Pack the right gear for Sri Lanka’s hills and religious sites

Sri Lanka’s mountains reach elevations of over 2,000m (6,560ft) and temperatures are lower in the highlands than on the coast. Pack a light jumper for cooler nights and early morning starts (particularly between December and March). Also bring a sarong – you can use it as a beach blanket or towel, as a shawl or skirt to cover your shoulders or knees when visiting temples, and as a warm layer when traveling on air-conditioned buses or for pre-dawn safari jeep drives.

8. Plan ahead for the hill country trains

Sri Lanka Railways runs the nation's trains, including services on the spectacular Main Line, which slices east from Colombo  through the island’s highest mountains, cloud forests and tea estates. It’s a stunning journey and hugely popular with tourists and locals alike, particularly the section between Kandy and Ella .

Book tickets in air-conditioned first class or fan-cooled second class well ahead to guarantee a seat, either in person at stations or online via booking sights such as 12GoAsia . Tickets are released 10 days prior and sell out quickly.

9. Swimwear is for the beach only

For the most part, Sri Lankans are socially conservative and deeply religious. Swimwear is fine for the beach, but not when wandering about town. Going nude or topless is not permitted on any Sri Lankan beaches.

10. Avoid public affection and disruptive behavior

Public displays of affection are frowned on, as is loud or brash behavior, and losing your temper in public (keep this in mind when haggling – this should never be an angry process).

11. Dress respectfully when visiting temples

When making trips to religious sites, wear clothing that covers the legs and upper arms and shoulders. Remove your shoes and headwear before entering any Buddhist or Hindu temple or mosque, even if the site is a historic ruin. Socks are allowed (and you'll need them on scorching hot sunny days).

Tourists are less common in  Jaffna and the north where a distinct Sri Lankan Tamil Hindu culture predominates. Respect local etiquette when visiting Hindu temples – ask for permission before entering as non-Hindus are barred from entering some shrines. Some temples also require men to remove shirts and enter bare-chested (for example, Jaffna’s vast Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil ).

12. Show respect to Buddha images

Sri Lankan Buddhists take depictions of the Buddha very seriously and these should always be treated with respect. People have been deported from Sri Lanka for displaying "disrespectful" Buddha images, so avoid wearing clothing with Buddha images and if you have tattoos of Buddhist iconography, keep these covered. The same rules apply to statues – posing for selfies with a Buddha statue is a definite no-no, as is turning your back toward a Buddha image.

13. Be considerate when taking photographs

When photographing people, always ask for permission first. Note that if you photograph the famous stilt fishers at Koggala, you may be asked for payment (genuine stilt fishers are a rare breed nowadays). Flash photography isn’t allowed in temples (nor in the vicinity of military sites) and taking photos may be banned entirely at some Hindu sites. If you are photographing temples, be careful not to stand with your back toward a Buddha statue while you are snapping.

14. Use your right hand to eat

Traditionally, Sri Lankans eat with their right hand, using the tips of their fingers to mix rice and curry into little balls, and their thumb to gently push the food into their mouths. You may be encouraged to try this if you are invited into a local home for a meal, but always wash your hands first for hygiene reasons. Avoid eating (or shaking hands) with your left hand as it is used for less sanitary tasks such as personal ablutions.

15. Tipping is customary

Tipping is a way of life in Sri Lanka and many restaurant workers rely on the extra income this practice brings. Most larger hotels and restaurants add a 10% tip as standard; use this as a guide for how much to tip in places that don’t. 

16. Give wildlife space

In 2017, a British journalist died after being snatched by a crocodile at a lagoon near  Arugam Bay . Such attacks are rare, but they happen so be vigilant in rivers and lagoons. Dangerous sharks are not a problem in Sri Lanka, but poisonous snakes are found in waterlogged areas on land such as paddy fields. 

Keep a keen lookout for elephants on roads leading to national parks or when walking or driving in the hills. If you see one, keep your distance and be ready to back away. Never feed a wild elephant – this habituates elephants to associate humans with food and act aggressively.

17. Take standard safety precautions

Sri Lanka is one of the safest countries in Asia when it comes to petty crime. Violence against tourists is very rare, and theft and robberies are uncommon, though they do happen occasionally. As a precaution, wear a money belt and use your hotel safe.

Female travelers should avoid traveling alone at night, particularly on public transport, and take care walking alone on empty beaches. Given Sri Lanka’s conservative culture, long sleeves and dresses are culturally appropriate and will reduce the chance of being harassed.

18. Do not drink the tap water

Sri Lanka's tap water could theoretically be used for brushing your teeth but we don't recommend it, and it's certainly not safe for drinking. Bottled water is plentiful and better hotels provide clean drinking water for guests. If you do buy bottled water, check that the seal is intact and look for the Sri Lanka standards certification mark. Always dispose of empty bottles responsibly – filling your own drinking water bottle from a large bottle is better than buying lots of small plastic bottles.

19. Beware of scams and pickpockets

Scammers are active in  Galle Fort , Kandy and Colombo’s Galle Face Green , looking for tourists to cheat or charm out of money. Never buy gems hawked on the street – they will almost certainly be convincing fakes made from colored glass – and be dubious of any shop trying to sell you gems to "sell at a profit back home." Seek out information from official tourist offices and directly from operators rather than trusting agents, particularly if they seek you out first.   

Keep your money and valuables out of sight when on busy trains and buses, and when exploring crowded areas streets such as Colombo’s Pettah market district . Tuk-tuks have a habit of overcharging tourists – ask drivers to use the meter (and take another tuk-tuk if they refuse), or order a ride via Uber or local app,  PickMe .

20. Protect yourself against mosquitoes

Mosquito bites are one of the biggest health concerns in Sri Lanka. Although malaria has been eliminated, mosquitoes can carry debilitating dengue fever, a painful illness that can have serious side effects. No vaccinations are available for dengue and treatment can only reduce symptoms. Protect yourself by covering up at dawn and dusk, sleeping under a mosquito net and wearing strong repellent containing high levels of DEET ( diethyltoluamide ).

21. Be road-safe in Sri Lanka

Traffic is one of the biggest dangers facing visitors to Sri Lanka. Accidents involving motorcycles and lorries are common, and bus collisions – often involving pedestrians – are also a problem. Common causes of accidents include dangerous overtaking, overloading and pulling in suddenly to pick up passengers on the roadside.

Private bus company drivers tend to drive more recklessly than their government-run, SLTB counterparts. Don’t expect vehicles to stop at pedestrian crossings and keep your wits about you when walking beside any roads (sidewalks are rare in Sri Lanka).

22. Never underestimate the ocean

Sri Lanka's beaches may be idyllic, but there are few lifeguards and strong currents are a danger (particularly during the monsoon seasons). Many beaches shelve steeply and drowning is the second most common cause of death among tourists after road accidents. Seek local advice before swimming in unfamiliar water.

23. Natural disasters are a risk

Sri Lanka was one of the countries worst affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which swept away more than 35,000 people and devastated many coastal areas. Following the disaster, early warning systems have been put in place in major towns and resorts, but not in rural, isolated areas, so be alert to signs of earthquakes and tsunamis.

The most common natural disaster in Sri Lanka is localized flooding during the southwest and northeast monsoons, which can cause landslides in highland areas. Sri Lanka is also vulnerable to tropical cyclones and periods of drought. For up-to-date weather warnings and situation reports, bookmark the country’s Disaster Management Center website .

This article was first published Mar 7, 2022 and updated Oct 14, 2023.

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Blue whales are the biggest animal live on the earth and Mirissa is the one of most suitable spot to watch blue whales and other whales too.  Read More

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Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is also a land of staggering contrast and spectacular beauty due to its compactness.Along the coast, visitors can explore amazing beaches, safari tours, guided walks through ancient cities, experience the culture and bit of modern Sri Lanka.We welcome you to find your unique Sri Lankan travel experience.

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Bahirawa Kanda

Travel approximately 3 kms via Pushpadana Road in Kandy, in the ascending direction passing Pushpadana Balika Vidyalaya to reach Bahirawa Kanda.

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7 Things To Do In Sigiriya Sri Lanka

T here are many things to do in Sigiriya Sri Lanka – this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Most people travel here to visit the famous Rock of Sigiriya, but if you give it enough time you’ll discover a beautiful region, with lush nature and hidden gems that all deserved to be explored.

In this post, I highlight all the unmissable things to do in Sigiriya and share some practical information to organize your visit.

7 Great Things To Do In Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Climb sigiriya rock .

One of the top things to do in Sigiriya is climbing/hiking the giant Sigiriya Rock. Upon seeing it, you will completely understand why this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . It’s simply unique! If you decide to see just one of all the ancient cities and holy sites, make it this one.

Why is Sigiriya so special? This is a massive column of rock, around 200 meters tall , where a fortress was built right on top. Frescoes were painted around the fortress, as well as a huge mirror wall – though this actually is “just” a highly polished rock where apparently the kind could see his reflected image any time he walked by.

The Rock is located at the center of a beautiful garden which is very pleasant to visit, and from where you can reach the lion staircase that goes all the way up the fortress.

TIP: I wholeheartedly recommend hiring a guide or joining a guided tour to visit Sigiriya, so that you can make sense of all there is to see and get useful information that will help you put everything in context.

These are some good guided tours :

• Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rock day trip
• Sigiriya Rock, Sigiriya village and Dambulla Cave Temple tour from Sigiriya

Practical information for visiting Sigiriya Rock

Opening hours.

The site is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

It costs $30 USD to enter. The price includes a ticket to visit Sigiriya Museum.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit is in the early morning, before the heat becomes unbearable and to lower the chances of being caught by the rain which will inevitably start dropping around midday (I only know too well!). Or else, try to go in the late afternoon, around 4:00 PM when it is a bit cooler.

Climbing the rock

It takes around one hour to climb Sigiriya Rock, longer if you stop along the way. Climbing is not hard – it’s just a series of steps. It may take you longer when it is crowded, as a line will inevitably form and this will move much more slowly.

Climb Pidurangala 

Right in front of Sigiriya, Pidurangala is a smaller, less visited. and significantly cheaper site to visit (it costs less than $3 USD to get in). If the views from Sigiriya are beautiful, the ones from Pidurangala are breathtaking to say the least, especially if you can see Sigiriya from up there. Make sure to climb in time for sunset for a fabulous experience.

To be completely honest, much like other off-the-beaten-path sites of Sri Lanka, Pidurangala is actually way more fascinating than its mainstream equivalent . If you have limited time and if you are traveling on a smaller budget, just go straight to Pidurangala.

TIP: While there are stairs leading up to Sigiriya, the path that leads to Pidurangala is much rougher and I recommend wearing a pair of good shoes to walk up there. You may also need a jacket as it gets very windy in the late afternoon.

Go on a day trip to Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla cave complex and the Golden Temple have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites and are a place of pilgrimage. They are very well preserved – in fact, one of the best-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka . Since they are located at just a 20-minute drive, visiting is one of the things to do in Sigiriya.

In fact, depending on where you are coming from, you can visit en route on your way to Sigiriya Sri Lanka, as I did – I just left my bags in storage in the bookstore by the main gate.

I must admit it that Dambulla was hardly my favorite place of all the ones I visited in Sri Lanka, and found the $10 USD entry fee a bit overpriced, but I guess that if you are in the area, you should visit. I recommend actually hiring a guide to make a bit more sense of what there is to see – I think that’s the mistake I made, actually!

You can book your tour of Dambulla (including a visit to Sigiriya) here .

And on one to Polannaruwa 

Polannaruwa is one of the nicest sites to visit in Sri Lanka. It’s a lovely place to spend a few hours exploring the site – another UNESCO World Heritage Site, in fact! This used to be the royal capital of the Sinhalese and Chola kingdoms, a bustling commercial center, and a religious site around 800 years ago, and nowadays you can see what is left of its splendor in the many ruins of temples and religious buildings.

The site is about one hour drive from Sigiriya, so an easy day trip. The entry fee is $25 USD, but considering that it’s much better to actually have a guide to take you around, I recommend joining a guided tour.

Visit Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is actually a little bit further from Sigiriya compared to Polannaruwa and Dambulla, but it can still be seen on a day trip. It’s an interesting site to visit, with lots of temples and ruins, and locals are often spotted praying.

You can visit independently if you go there by bus and then rent a bike, but I honestly recommend a guided tour or at least hire a guide once there to avoid getting lost (the site is actually very big) and to make a bit more sense of what you are seeing.

Make sure to read my post “ A Great Guide To Anuradhapura Sri Lanka.”

Visit Minneriya National Park  

Minneriya National Park is the site of the largest Asian elephant gathering that occurs every year between July and September. You may not visit Sri Lanka at that time of year, but if you want to see elephants in all their glory, one of the things to do in Sigiriya Sri Lanka, is visiting Minneriya. It’s at less than 30 minutes drive, and you’ll be able to see many of them, as well as lots of other wildlife (especially birds).

Once you get to the park, you have to hire a jeep to take you around. I wholeheartedly recommend doing some research beforehand to hire a responsible company, as too many are sadly known for driving recklessly around national parks or getting too close to the elephants causing them discomfort.

Traditional Village in Sri Lanka

Visit Sigiriya Village

Villages in Sri Lanka are usually very rural, but people are so welcoming and the culture so interesting that it’s nice to visit some of them. One of the things to do in Sigiriya is exploring the village. If you manage to arrange a guide you will have higher chances of conversing with the locals, who at times speak little to no English. In some cases, for a small fee, you can even have lunch with a local family.

Practical Information To Organize Your Trip

Where to stay in sigiriya sri lanka .

You won’t really find many good places to stay in Sigiriya village, but the surroundings have some excellent accommodation options with boutique hotels, resorts, and some fantastic eco-lodges where you can completely immerse yourself in nature and disconnect from the rest of the world. Picture places with lush vegetation, no wifi or phone reception, good food, animals roaming about, and just the right amount of pampering.

This is a selection of excellent places to stay in Sigiriya: 

• Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela is a fantastic eco-lodge where beautiful, comfortable rooms are built on trees or around boulders. It is completely immersed in nature and runs in a sustainable way.
• Aliya Resort and Spa is a fabulous hotel at about 5 km from the site, featuring beautiful rooms and a magnificent outdoor pool.
• Sigiri Rock Side Homestay is an excellent middle-range option, with plain but comfortable and clean rooms.

Since a lot of people visit Sigiriya from Dambulla, I thought I’d also select a few good places to stay in Dambulla:

• Dambulla Rock Arch is a nice hotel close to the center of Dambulla. All rooms have a balcony.

Jetwing Lake Sri Lanka

How to get to Sigiriya 

Sigiriya is only a small village so the only buses you’ll find will be those to Dambulla, which is well-connected to Kandy, Jaffna. and Trincomalee.

There are direct buses to Sigiriya from Dambulla that run between 6:30 AM and 6:00 PM. The bus ride is very cheap and should take you around 30 minutes. The bus will drop you off on the main street and from there you’ll have to take a tuk-tuk or walk to your accommodation.

Alternatively, you can take a tuk-tuk directly at Dambulla – the ride should cost you around 1000 rupees, depending on where you asked to be dropped off. Make sure to bargain the prices and triple-check that the driver actually knows where to take you. Oftentimes, tuk-tuk drivers are very keen on offering you a ride but they don’t actually know the address of your hotel and you may be stuck for a while before they find the way there!

How to move around Sigiriya

Chances are you will be staying in one of the many marvelous hotels around Sigiriya rather than in the village itself, which doesn’t have much to offer. If this is the case, you will have to rely on the transportation offered by the hotel in the form of tuk-tuk or private car services to take you around to the best places to visit.

When to visit Sigiriya Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons , and you can break your head trying to plan your trip to avoid them but to make a long story short you won’t be able to. December to March are good months to go, with higher chances of dry weather and sun, but the other side of the coin is that places may be more crowded and prices higher than you had hoped for.

Having said that, just go ahead and do your best trying to avoid the rain, but by all means, go. In any case, keep in mind that it usually starts raining in the early afternoon around 12:00 or 1:00 PM, so if you plan to leave early in the morning for your visits, you will be done when it starts raining!

Other useful information 

Please beware that you need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. You can easily apply for your visa online here .

As for any other trip, I recommend also getting good travel insurance. Get yours here .

Check out my post “ Why You Need Good Travel Insurance.”

Further Readings

Make sure to read my other posts about Sri Lanka

• A Complete Guide to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
• A Complete Guide To Kandy, Sri Lanka
• A Guide To What To See And Do In Trincomalee Sri Lanka
• A Very Useful Guide To Ella Sri Lanka
• Soak up the Sun at the Best Sri Lanka Beach Resorts
• Sri Lanka Bucket List for Families
• 10 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary
• 10 Places To Visit In Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

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5 boutique luxury hotels you can’t miss in sri lanka.

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Sri Lanka may conjure ideas of tropical coastlines flanked with palm-trees but this island is more than just a paradise for beaches. With 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sacred cities and tea plantations, there’s a lot to experience in Sri Lanka’s interior during your trip. The “Cultural Triangle” — which includes Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Kandy — showcases the glory of Sri Lanka’s ancient empires, while its hill towns speak to its modern history as a British colony and are ideal for hiking, relaxing and immersing yourself in the country’s lush landscapes.

Here are the best luxury hotels to stay in to explore the many marvels of Sri Lanka’s vast interior. And if you’re looking for beachside accommodations, check out the best boutique hotels along Sri Lanka’s southern coast .

Uga Ulagalla

Effusively elegant and refined, Uga Ulagalla is the flagship property of Uga Escapes, a locally owned, sustainable luxury hospitality brand that boasts six hotels throughout the country. Opened in 2010, this sumptuous estate captures the country’s Dutch colonial flair: the hotel has 25 villas with pools dotted throughout the vast property with tasteful furnishings like chaise lounges, four-poster beds and stand-alone bathtubs. You can pick between views of the green paddy field, jungle fauna or tranquil lakes.

An expansive estate that sits on 58 acres, Sri Lanka's lush vegetation is on your doorstep, whether you opt to go kayaking or horseback riding in lakes with flowering lily pads or cycling through to nearby villages. The property can also arrange guided tours of cultural attractions including the Sacred City of Anuradphaura, with its many Buddhist temples and stupas, and Mihintale, an important pilgrimage site set upon three peaks. If you’re after the local fauna, book a scenic game drive that takes you off-the-beaten-path to Nachchaduwa Lake, a popular spot that attracts a myriad of birds, buffalos and elephants.

Uga Ulagalla’s 150-year-old mansion is the focal point of the property where you can enjoy your breakfast al fresco on the upper deck of Liyawela restaurant or sunbathe at the main swimming pool. In the evening, don’t miss the property’s signature “Kamatha” dining experience which serves an endless array of traditional Sri Lankan curries in a typical village home surrounded by paddy fields. A veritable epicurean feast, the spread features seasonal vegetables from the property's organic farm — like luffa gourd and starfruit — along with lake fish and free-range meats sourced from local farmers. A multi sensory experience for the palate.

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Water Garden Sigiriya

Just a short drive from Sigiriya, a 5 th -century AD royal palace located on top of a towering rock that dominates the skyline, Water Garden Sigiriya is an ideal base to visit Sri Lanka’s leading attraction. Set upon dozens of shimmering ponds and streams, the resort’s landscaping pays homage to the landscape designs atop Sigiriya’s citadel where Prince Kashyapa implemented advanced water irrigation techniques 2,000 years ago.

Water Garden Sigiriya is home to abundant wildlife, including 200 peacocks that roam freely around 30 spacious villas set upon the manicured property. Deluxe Villas are partially submerged on a natural lake, while Superior Deluxe Villas offer exclusive views of Sigiriya and boast spacious sundecks with private pools. At the center of the property, Twin Level Bar overlooks Water Garden Sigiriya's scenic outdoor swimming pool which is particularly enticing at sunset. Each evening, the Main Restaurant provides a curated tasting menu for guests alongside an à la carte menu with an extensive range of local and international dishes.

From Sigiriya, culture enthusiasts can easily reach the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa in 1-hour and the incredible painted Cave Temples of Dambulla in 30-minutes, two other must-see sites in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. Nature lovers can enjoy outdoor activities which include archery, nature walks and a jeep safari of nearby Minneriya National Park, which boasts the world’s largest gathering of Asian elephants.

98 Acres Resort & Spa

What began as a thriving tea business has expanded into 98 Acres Resort & Spa : a fully-fledged hospitality and lifestyle brand. Owned by the same family that founded Halpé Tea, one of the largest tea factories in Sri Lanka, 98 Acres has 36 woodsy chalets suspended in the hillside. Designed with natural materials for an upscale, rustic feel, accommodations feature hard-wood floors, rubble stone bathrooms and furniture made with upcycled railway sleepers. The Royal Deluxe room features a roll-out bed where you can enjoy breakfast in bed while admiring views of Little Adam's Peak, while the Grand Executive Suites feature private plunge pools.

Set along the hiking route to Little Adam’s Peak, visible in the distance from your private balcony, 98 Acres offers a luxurious nature immersion in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. The colorful town of Ella, lined with bohemian cafes and small boutiques, is just a short tuk tuk ride away, and it’s a leisurely walk to the famous Nine Arches Bridge from here. Restaurant 98, spread out within a large hut at the top of the resort, serves a buffet breakfast and daily-changing set menu for lunch and dinner each day. Offering international and local dishes, the cuisine is a stand-out and will make it difficult to leave the property.

In addition to the 98 Acres fabulous spa and resort activities, which include bird watching and private cooking classes, guests can enjoy a more social atmosphere at the Ravana Pool Club or go zip-lining on the Flying Ravana Adventure through the hills. And don’t miss exploring the Halpé Tea plantation on a factory tour, which offers a unique insight into Sri Lanka’s longstanding tea heritage.

Camellia Hills

A stylish bungalow overlooking the picturesque Castlereagh Reservoir, Camellia Hills is an intimate retreat from the world surrounded by undulating tea plantations. Part of the Teardrop Hotels collection, it is one of the group’s seven boutique properties around Sri Lanka which promise exceptional service and amenities in unique locations throughout the island.

With only five bedrooms, the property operates more like a home than a hotel, and the staff’s warm and relaxed demeanor will make you feel like you’re visiting your chic friend’s countryside estate. At Camellia Hills, everything is highly personalized, and no request is too small. You can enjoy farm-to-table fresh meals at any time of the day, borrow books from the bungalow’s vast collection and enjoy leisurely strolls in the naturally manicured estate that surrounds you.

The home’s inviting open-air plan, with vaulted living room and outdoor patio, will surely coax you away from the comforts of your bedroom. Spend afternoons luxuriating by the infinity pool, sipping cocktails on the terrace or relaxing with a pot of tea by the fireplace. Despite its small size, Camellia Hills has designed an enticing menu with an array of creative dishes, from seafood pumpkin gnocchi and hoisin glazed pork skewers to wok-fried rice noodles with tamarind tofu. Dishes are made expressly for guests, guaranteeing fresh, seasonal flavors at every meal.

An ideal escape for couples or families eager to spend a few days unwinding between sightseeing, you can enjoy a number of curated activities in the area. Explore Castelreagh’s bright turquoise hues up close with an excursion on a fisherman’s canoe or enjoy picnics in scenic locations including nearby waterfalls and secret viewpoints in the tea plantation. Or experience a once-in-a-lifetime hike up to Adam’s Peak, a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians.

A petite boutique hotel in the fishing village of Negombo, Uga Riva is the newest member of Uga Escapes just opened last November 2024. Set within a 180-year-old manor house — the former residence of the prominent Colombo Chetty family — this 6th-generation family home has welcomed many notable figures throughout the decades. In 1927, Mahatma Gandhi visited the property during his visit to Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) and planted a tree in the garden.

This 5-acre coconut plantation is the perfect place to kick-off, or end your trip, through Sri Lanka thanks to its proximity to the airport. Colombo International Airport is just 30-minute drive away, making Negombo a more strategic base compared to Colombo. But when you step inside, you’ll realize this is much more than a traditional “airport” hotel.

With only seven bedrooms and exclusive access for guests, this tranquil resort offers privacy and seclusion from the world. The central swimming pool is a peaceful place to unwind after enjoying a meal at Uga Riva’s restaurant, which serves Sri Lankan and international specialties with a spin. Beneath the verandas, period furnishings are juxtaposed with contemporary illustrations and watercolors by Sri Lankan artists.

No matter what time you arrive, the staff will be on hand to welcome you with a warm smile and a refreshing drink. For an airport that receives visitors at all hours of the day and night, this kind of service is priceless. Uga Riva is a great place to rest, recharge and continue your onwards journey.

See More : The Best Hotels Along Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast

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