15 Best Tourist Places in Sri Lanka, it possesses an undeniable charm that caters to the preferences of every traveler. This captivating island nation offers a plethora of thrilling activities such as surfing and trekking for adventure enthusiasts. Moreover, it boasts numerous sacred sites for the devoutly religious and remarkable historical attractions for history aficionados. Nevertheless, the awe-inspiring natural beauty of Sri Lanka remains unparalleled. Whether embarking on a journey to catch the perfect wave, exploring a historical landmark, or embarking on a spiritual pilgrimage, one is always surrounded by lush green landscapes and fascinating wildlife.
Gal Viharaya is one of the 15 Best Tourist Places in Sri Lanka
Gal Viharaya, located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, is a renowned Buddhist site that captivates visitors with its numerous caves and magnificent sculptures of Buddha, skillfully carved into the rock faces. Despite being crafted in the 12th century, these sculptures have remarkably stood the test of time and remain remarkably well-preserved.
Adjacent to one of the statues, there is an inscription of a code of conduct. This code, designed to purify Buddhist monks and foster unity among them, was formulated by the esteemed King Parakramabahu the first. Today, Gal Viharaya stands as one of Sri Lanka’s most revered pilgrimage destinations, attracting countless pilgrims from far and wide.
Kataragama Festival[SEE MAP]
The Kataragama Festival, which is dedicated to a Hindu deity, is a highly sought-after tourist destination in Sri Lanka. It is held annually in July or August and lasts for two weeks, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. The festival is characterized by vibrant parades of elephants and performers adorned in colorful attire. Additionally, there are numerous traditional dances, accompanied by the music of skilled musicians, acrobats, and fire-breathers, all contributing to the festival’s electrifying atmosphere.
Udawalawe National Park[SEE MAP]
It’s hard to find another location where you can spot elephants as often as in Udawalawe National Park. Nevertheless, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including peacocks, jackals, water buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys, and deer. The best time to go on a safari is in the early morning when the animals are most active. The park owes its rich biodiversity to its diverse terrain, which includes grasslands and forests at the base of mountain ranges to the north, as well as wetlands and rivers.
Ravana Falls[SEE MAP]
The Ravana Falls, known for their beauty, serve as a popular bathing spot during the scorching summer months. During the rainy season, the water flow becomes exceptionally forceful, creating a breathtaking spectacle. These falls are situated within the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, and the adjacent cave complex is steeped in local folklore.
Conveniently positioned along the main road en route to Ella town, the caves attract numerous visitors who make it a customary stop during their journey. The lush trees surrounding the area are home to mischievous monkeys, often spotted feasting on fruits by the roadside. However, it is advisable to maintain a safe distance from them, as they can sometimes become overly friendly with tourists.
Dambulla Cave Temple[SEE MAP]
The Dambulla Cave Temple holds great importance as a sacred Buddhist site. On full-moon days, visitors can enter the temple without paying an entry fee, but it is important to note that these days are particularly busy due to the religious significance of the lunar phase. People from all around the world come to this place for pilgrimage.
The area has over 80 caves, with the most famous five adorned with remarkable statues and paintings. Some of these caves date back to 1000 BC, when prehistoric Sri Lankans resided in them, which explains why they built temples inside. If you plan to visit, please remember that visitors must dress modestly by covering their shoulders and legs, and remove their shoes before entering the temple.
Mirissa[SEE MAP]
Mirissa is renowned as the ultimate beach destination in Sri Lanka. Its picturesque long beach is adorned with towering palm trees and accompanied by contemporary restaurants and hotels. These restaurants serve delectable Western cuisine at affordable Sri Lankan prices. Adjacent to the beach lies Parrot Rock, which can be reached via a small staircase and offers breathtaking views of the ocean and coastline.
In addition to its stunning beach, Mirissa also offers exciting day trips such as whale watching, snorkeling, and surfing. Just a short distance away from Mirissa, Weligama boasts one of the finest surfing beaches in Sri Lanka, making it an ideal spot for beginners to learn. As the day progresses into happy hour and the evening, many of the restaurants transform into vibrant beach clubs, serving refreshing drinks and playing lively tunes.
Arugam Bay[SEE MAP]
Surfers hold Arugam Bay in high regard. This small coastal town in Sri Lanka’s east coast perfectly embodies the relaxed and carefree surf lifestyle. While the Main Point surf break is conveniently located within walking distance from the town center, it is advisable for experienced or intermediate surfers.
On the other hand, Whiskey Point and Peanut Farm are excellent surf beaches for beginners and those with intermediate skills. A short tuk-tuk ride will transport you to these spots. As you travel, keep an eye out for elephants and peacocks often seen near the road just outside of town. Arugam Bay’s main strip is lined with a variety of restaurants and hotels, offering a wide range of culinary options from traditional Sri Lankan curry to hearty English breakfasts.
Temple of the Tooth[SEE MAP]
The Temple of the Tooth holds immense significance as it houses one of Buddha’s teeth. According to legend, the tooth was taken from Buddha during his final moments and was then smuggled from India to Sri Lanka in the hair of a princess whose father’s kingdom was under siege. Since then, the tooth has been revered and has been the subject of numerous attempts to steal or destroy it. The relic is celebrated twice daily through pujas, which also provide visitors and devotees with the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the tooth within its casing.
Adam’s Peak[SEE MAP]
The summit of Adam’s Peak boasts a stone-cast footprint that holds great spiritual significance for various religions. Presently, a Buddhist monastery stands at the summit, where Buddhists believe the footprint belongs to Buddha, Christians associate it with Adam, and Hindus attribute it to Shiva.
This site serves as a popular destination for pilgrims, particularly on nights of the full moon. To reach the summit and witness the footprint, one must embark on a challenging trek up a steep staircase comprising more than 5000 steps. Along the trail, numerous tea stalls and food shops offer weary travelers a place to rest. Most individuals commence their hike at 2:30 am to ensure they reach the summit in time to witness the breathtaking sunrise.
Galle Fort[SEE MAP]
Navigating through the narrow cobblestone streets and alleys of Galle Fort can be quite a challenge. The area has undergone a transformation and is now home to a plethora of contemporary restaurants, hotels, clothing, and souvenir shops. Despite the modernization, the seawall still attracts snake charmers and buskers.
Galle Fort’s history is a testament to its evolution. The Portuguese built a rudimentary fort when they first arrived on the island in 1505. The Dutch later took over and made significant improvements, including the impressive sea wall that still stands today. The fort is a remarkable example of the fusion between European and Asian architecture.
Yala National Park[SEE MAP]
The Yala National Park boasts breathtaking landscapes and an impressive array of Sri Lankan fauna. With the world’s highest concentration of leopards, spotting these majestic creatures is almost guaranteed. However, the park is also home to other fascinating animals such as elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles. Divided into five blocks, some of which were previously designated for hunting, Yala became a national park in 1938. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the informative visitor center at the park’s entrance, which offers fascinating displays about the area.
Sigiriya Rock Fort[SEE MAP]
The Sigiriya Rock Fort is truly awe-inspiring. The towering rock walls ascend a staggering 200 meters from the ground, eventually revealing a level plateau at its peak. To reach the summit, one must navigate steep stairwells while being captivated by the numerous frescos adorning the walls. At the pinnacle, remnants of an ancient civilization await discovery, including the remnants of a palace and monastery.
Constructing a structure at such a lofty height during ancient times would have required remarkable engineering prowess. Surrounding the rock fort, one can explore a multitude of significant caves and gardens, notable for being among the earliest landscaped gardens in existence.
Nine Arch Bridge[SEE MAP]
The Nine Arch Bridge in the charming mountain town of Ella is undeniably one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned landmarks. From this vantage point, visitors are treated to breathtaking vistas of the lush greenery and tea plantations that envelop the area.
A unique feature of this bridge is the opportunity it provides to witness trains gracefully traversing the Demodara Loop. What sets this architectural marvel apart is its construction, which eschews steel entirely and instead showcases the skillful use of cement, stone, and brick. This absence of steel only adds to the bridge’s awe-inspiring allure, harkening back to the early days of Sri Lanka’s railway expansion.
Mihintale[SEE MAP]
Mihintale, located near the town of Anuradhapura, is a mountain that holds great spiritual significance for the Buddhist community. At its summit, a momentous meeting took place between Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, which marked the introduction of Buddhism to the country.
The peacefulness and serene nature of Monk Mahinda, along with the teachings of the Buddhist doctrine, deeply impressed the King. As a result, the King renounced war and dedicated himself to spreading peace throughout the nation. Mihintale Mountain and its surroundings boast numerous remarkable religious and historical structures, attracting hundreds of pilgrims to the site each year.
Unawatuna[SEE MAP]
This small coastal town of Unawatuna boasts a serene white sand beach, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating. The town is home to several snorkeling and diving operators who make the most of the vibrant coral reefs located just off the shoreline.
These waters are teeming with an array of vibrant fish and abundant turtles, creating a captivating underwater world. Additionally, the beach offers a variety of excellent dining choices, where visitors can indulge in delicious meals while enjoying the comfort of sun loungers and savoring a refreshing beverage.
