10 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka, despite being a small island in the Indian Ocean, is far from being small in terms of its offerings. This country, previously known as Ceylon, proudly showcases its rich ancient civilization, stunning sandy beaches adorned with graceful coconut palms, majestic mountains, and flourishing rubber and tea plantations.
During your visit to this enchanting island, you will be captivated by the remnants of colonial architecture that harken back to the days when the Portuguese, Dutch, and English held sway. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to witness numerous elephants, some of which actively participate in local festivities, and if luck favors you, you might even catch a glimpse of a leopard or two at a wildlife sanctuary.
To provide you with an overview of the finest destinations to explore in Sri Lanka:
Colombo is one of the 10 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
For over 2,000 years, Colombo has served as the commercial hub of Sri Lanka due to its expansive natural harbor that attracted traders from Italy to China in ancient times. Despite not being the legislative capital, it is often referred to as the country’s capital. Having been under the rule of Portuguese and British colonizers, Colombo has become a favored tourist destination. Among the top attractions are Galle Face Green, a scenic park along the Indian Ocean, and Gangaramaya Temple, renowned for its blend of ethnic architectural styles.
Yala National Park[SEE MAP]
Yala National Park, located approximately 240 km (150 miles) from Colombo, is a haven for animals that dominate the land, sky, and surroundings. This wildlife sanctuary offers a wide range of activities to engage in. Embark on an exhilarating safari to witness the diverse array of creatures, including elephants, water buffalo, and leopards, which thrive here in greater numbers than anywhere else in the world. It is important to note that the park temporarily closes during September’s leopard breeding season.
In addition to its remarkable wildlife, Yala National Park is also a sanctuary for avian species, boasting a total of 215 bird varieties, with seven of them being exclusive to the park. Apart from the captivating wildlife, visitors can explore notable attractions such as Sithulpauwwa, an ancient rock temple that once accommodated 12,000 monks, and Magul Maha Viharaya, a site that witnessed a royal marriage in the past.
Mirissa[SEE MAP]
Mirissa could be the perfect destination for those seeking a tropical getaway. With its picturesque coconut palm trees, pristine golden sand beaches, and the opportunity to relax in a hammock all day, it offers an idyllic paradise. The highlight of this crescent-shaped haven is undoubtedly its breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, which are renowned throughout Sri Lanka. Unlike other tourist destinations, Mirissa remains untouched by luxury resorts, allowing you to enjoy the beach and tranquility undisturbed during the day. However, as night falls, the atmosphere becomes livelier. As the largest fishing port on the south coast, Mirissa offers exciting opportunities for dolphin and whale watching.
Polonnaruwa[SEE MAP]
At Polonnaruwa, the terms “beauty” and “beast” do not align as they usually do. Instead, beauty finds its perfect match in the form of “ruins.” Polonnaruwa, the second oldest kingdom in Sri Lanka, is renowned for its ancient garden city that is now in ruins.
These ruins from the 12th century are remarkably well-preserved, making them some of the finest in the entire country. In Polonnaruwa, traders of exotic goods once mingled with devout worshippers in the numerous temples that adorned the city.
To begin your exploration of Polonnaruwa, a visit to the Archaeological Museum is highly recommended. From there, you can proceed to the grand Royal Palace, boasting an impressive 50 buildings, including a remarkably intact audience hall. Another captivating sight is the beautifully adorned Sacred Quadrangle, which is an absolute must-see during your visit to Polonnaruwa.
Kandy[SEE MAP]
Kandy, the second largest city in Sri Lanka, serves as the entrance to the Central Highlands, where lush plantations of tea and rubber thrive. If you happen to be traveling from Colombo, you will traverse a picturesque road adorned with rubber plantations, renowned as one of the most scenic routes in the country.
As the former capital of ancient kingdoms, Kandy boasts the esteemed Temple of the Tooth Relic, a profoundly sacred Buddhist temple revered worldwide. The city also hosts a vibrant and colorful festival that involves parading the revered tooth relic throughout its streets. Additionally, movie enthusiasts might find it intriguing that Kandy played a prominent role as a filming location in the renowned movie, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
Galle[SEE MAP]
Galle’s most renowned landmark is the 17th century fort constructed by Dutch settlers, which stands proudly on a promontory overlooking the vast Indian Ocean. This fort is celebrated for its distinctive architectural style and is often regarded as a remarkable example of a fortified city.
However, the fort is not merely a visually appealing site; it now serves as a hub for courts and businesses. Galle is gradually gaining recognition as an arts colony, attracting an expatriate community. Interestingly, foreigners own approximately one-third of the city’s residences.
In addition to the fort, other notable attractions in Galle include a picturesque natural harbor, Sri Lanka’s oldest lighthouse, a maritime museum, a significant Shiva temple, and the splendid St. Mary’s Cathedral, constructed by the Jesuits.
Sigiriya[SEE MAP]
Wannabe archaeologists need to put Sigiriya on their list of must-see places to visit in Sri Lanka. This ancient city is built on a steep slope, topped by a plateau almost 180 meters (600 feet) high.
This plateau is known as Lion’s Rock as it oversees the jungles below. Access to the site is through staircases and rooms emanating from the lion’s mouth. You’ll also see ponds, gardens and fountains. Pretty cool!
Locals consider the site the eighth wonder of the world. This ancient rock fortress dates back to the third century BC when it was a monastery. It was later turned into a royal residence.
Bentota[SEE MAP]
Bentota, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a versatile tourist destination with coconut palms swaying in the gentle breeze. As one of the most sought-after beaches in Sri Lanka, Bentota offers a plethora of water activities, including surfing, sailing, and snorkeling. For a change of pace, visitors can explore a sea turtle hatchery and conservation center that monitors five of the world’s seven sea turtle species. Additionally, tourists can visit a 17th-century fortress, lush gardens, and an ancient Buddhist temple dating back to medieval times.
Nuwara Eliya[SEE MAP]
Sri Lanka is renowned worldwide for its tea production, and there is no better place to delve deeper into the art of tea-making than Nuwara Eliya itself. Situated at an elevation of 1,900 meters (6,100 feet) and blessed with a temperate climate, Nuwara Eliya stands as the epicenter of tea production in the country.
A visit to a tea plantation in this picturesque town allows you to witness firsthand the intricate process of tea production. With its establishment dating back to the 19th century, Nuwara Eliya quickly became a favored retreat for British colonists, earning the affectionate moniker of “Little England.”
The month of April holds special significance for tourists, as it is the ideal time to witness the blooming of flowers and partake in the festivities of Sri Lanka New Year. Additionally, other notable attractions in the area include the enchanting Lake Gregory and the majestic Laxapana, which is hailed as Sri Lanka’s most renowned waterfall.
Anuradhapura[SEE MAP]
Anuradhapura, an ancient holy city, was founded around a piece of Buddha’s fig tree. It was established in the third century BC by the founder of a Buddhist nuns’ order. This remarkable city, filled with palaces, temples, and monuments, thrived for 1,300 years before being abandoned due to an invasion in the late 10th century. Similar to Machu Picchu in Peru, Anuradhapura remained known to locals but remained undiscovered by Europeans until many centuries later. These extraordinary ruins have now been excavated and are open to the public for their enjoyment.
