9 Most Beautiful Provinces in Sri Lanka, which is located south of India in the Indian Ocean, showcases a diverse range of landscapes that are truly breathtaking. Its highlands are adorned with mountains and hills that create a stunning contrast with the picturesque beaches that run along its coast. Additionally, visitors can enjoy the beauty of sparkling waterfalls, glimmering lagoons, and gushing rivers. Despite being plagued by a civil war that lasted for decades, Sri Lanka has now become a popular tourist destination due to its impressive historical sights, cultural landmarks, and archaeological sites that are scattered throughout its scenic landscapes.
Exploring cities like Anuradhapura, Galle, and Kandy is truly captivating due to the country’s rich history spanning over 2,500 years.
North Western Province
The North Western Province, situated along the Gulf of Mannar, offers a diverse range of attractions for visitors to enjoy. In addition to its stunning golden beaches, the province boasts a rich historical heritage with colonial-era landmarks and remarkable archaeological sites that showcase an impressive collection of ruins.
Exploring this region is truly a delightful experience, especially for history enthusiasts. The ancient rock temples at Kurunegala and Wayamba are a treasure trove for those interested in the past, featuring exquisite frescoes and sculptures that date back centuries. Furthermore, as the province was once home to four of Sri Lanka’s medieval kingdoms, the archaeological sites of Dambadeniya, Kurunegala, Panduwasnuwara, and Yapahuwa offer a captivating glimpse into the past, with their remarkable citadels, palaces, temples, and more.
While the Dutch Fort at Kalpitiya is certainly worth a visit, the North Western Province’s coastline is the main highlight. It is adorned with picturesque beaches and charming fishing villages, with Marawila, Talwila, and Waikkal being among the finest examples. Whether you are seeking historical wonders or serene coastal beauty, the North Western Province has it all.
Sabaragamuwa is one of the 9 Most Beautiful Provinces in Sri Lanka
Sabaragamuwa, located in the southwest of Sri Lanka, is renowned for its stunning gems. Despite being overlooked by many visitors to the country, it is an ideal destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in local culture and traditions. While it may not have a picturesque coastline or historical landmarks, Sabaragamuwa offers plenty of entertainment options.
The Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Udawalawe National Park are two beautiful areas to explore, with an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking waterfalls to discover. Ratnapura, the capital of the region, is known as the ‘City of Gems’ and is a bustling market town with interesting temples to visit. Visitors can also admire the alluring gems in the showrooms. Additionally, Ratnapura is an excellent base for trekking, with Adam’s Peak being a highly recommended destination.
Southern Province
The Southern Province of Sri Lanka is renowned for its breathtaking beaches that stretch along the southern coast. Among them, Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna stand out as particularly stunning. The glistening waters and sandy shores offer a plethora of water activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. The historic city of Galle is another must-visit destination, with its captivating colonial-era landmarks that are sure to transport you back in time. Matara and Tissamaharama are also worth exploring, as they boast picturesque landscapes that are sure to leave you in awe.
Aside from its stunning coastline, the Southern Province is also home to Yala National Park, the most popular national park in the country. Here, you can marvel at a diverse range of plant life and fascinating animals, such as elephants, leopards, monkeys, and crocodiles. A safari trip to this park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that nature enthusiasts won’t want to miss.
Uva[SEE MAP]
Uva, situated in the southeast of the country, is predominantly mountainous with the Haputale and Namunukula ranges running through it. The landscape is dotted with various rivers and reservoirs, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a break from Sri Lanka’s sun-kissed coast.
The highlands offer a picturesque getaway with tea plantations covering the mountainsides and charming towns like Badulla and Ella nestled in romantic settings. Uva is also a popular destination for trekking due to the abundance of sparkling waterfalls hidden away in the stunning scenery. The Maduru Oya and Udawalawe national parks are home to amazing wildlife, with the former also housing the Veddas tribes. Visiting the aboriginal people’s villages provides a fascinating insight into their rich culture and heritage.
Western Province
The Western Province, known for being the most densely populated province in the country, is home to both Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the capital of Sri Lanka, and Colombo, the largest city and commercial center of the island.
Although the province is predominantly urban with satellite towns, it also boasts a stunning coastline that is waiting to be explored. Negombo, with its picturesque beaches, captivating canal network, and colonial-era landmarks, is a highly sought-after tourist destination in the region.
While the capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, may not offer many attractions, Colombo is definitely worth a visit. It is renowned for its numerous temples and museums, offering a plethora of interesting historical sights to discover.
Central Province
Central Province, situated in the heart of the country, is predominantly mountainous and boasts a diverse landscape of hills, rainforests, and wet-zones. The region is a hiker’s paradise, with the Knuckles Mountain Range and Horton Plains National Park being popular destinations. The Devon Falls, with its sparkling waters, is also a must-visit spot.
The Central Highlands are not just about natural beauty, but also offer a rich cultural experience. Kandy, a city full of historical and cultural landmarks, is home to the Temple of the Tooth and the Royal Palace, both of which are awe-inspiring sights. Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England,’ is famous for its Victorian architecture and scenic tea plantations.
Central Province is also steeped in history, with the Dambulla cave temple and the Ancient City of Sigirya being two of its most fascinating attractions. The latter boasts a stunning red stone fortress and palace, while the former is a centuries-old temple complex that is a must-visit for history buffs.
Northern Province
The Northern Province of Sri Lanka has been plagued by war for a long time, leaving behind scars that are still visible today. The cities are dotted with bullet-riddled and bombed-out buildings, and the jungles are still hiding land mines. However, despite this, the Tamil-dominated region is slowly opening up to tourists, thanks to its stunning beaches, lagoons, and forests, as well as its temples, forts, and rich cultural heritage.
Now that it’s safe again, there are plenty of great sights to see in the Northern Province. Jaffna, the main city in the region, and Mannar, located near Adam’s Bridge, are both worth a visit. They are home to many interesting historical sights and proudly showcase Tamil’s rich culture and customs. Additionally, the beautiful islands of Velanai and Neduntheevu are delightful to explore, with plenty of idyllic beaches to enjoy.
North Central Province
North Central Province, home to two of Sri Lanka’s oldest kingdoms, boasts an impressive history spanning over 2,500 years. It is rightfully referred to as the cultural triangle due to its rich heritage.
Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are both remarkable destinations that offer a glimpse into the past. These cities are adorned with captivating archaeological sites, where remnants of palaces and temples can be found at every turn. Among the notable attractions are the Bodhi Tree Temple in Anuradhapura and the King Parakramabahu I Statue in Polonnaruwa.
While the province’s historical sites often take center stage in visitors’ plans, it also offers an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife to be cherished. Kaudulla and Minneriya National Parks are home to Sri Lanka’s majestic elephants, which gracefully roam amidst breathtaking landscapes. Witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is an experience that will leave an indelible mark.
Eastern Province
Encompassing a significant portion of Sri Lanka’s eastern coastline, this exquisite region boasts some of the country’s finest beaches, including the renowned Nilaveli, Passikudah, and Uppuveli. With its extensive and picturesque shoreline, the Eastern Province is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, particularly Arugam Bay, which is famous for its exceptional surf spots. Additionally, Arugam Bay serves as an ideal base for exploring the southern part of the region, as it is surrounded by captivating swamps and forests teeming with diverse wildlife. In close proximity lies Kumana National Park, offering further opportunities for exploration.
Moving further north, you will encounter the captivating cities of Batticaloa and Trincomalee, both situated in breathtaking coastal settings. These cities are not only adorned with historical landmarks such as Batticaloa Fort and Fort Frederick but also boast stunning beaches and a rich cultural heritage, making them well worth a visit. For those interested in observing the abundant marine life, snorkeling or embarking on a whale-watching excursion offshore are highly recommended activities.
