Sri Lanka is a captivating travel destination that offers a diverse range of attractions and activities. This stunning island, situated in the Indian Ocean off the coast of India, presents visitors with a wealth of natural wonders and cultural treasures to explore.
Despite its compact size, Sri Lanka has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase its rich history. Cities like Colombo and Kandy serve as gateways to delve into the island’s intriguing past, spanning ancient civilizations, colonial influences, and modern-day developments.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Sri Lanka’s expansive national parks, such as Yala, Minneriya, and Udawalawe, provide breathtaking landscapes and thrilling wildlife encounters, including majestic elephants and elusive leopards. As a paradise for beach lovers, Sri Lanka is adorned with pristine coastlines and offers an array of luxurious beach resorts to indulge in relaxation and serenity.
If you’re seeking a resort vacation or a family-friendly experience, the Hambantota area is highly recommended, as it boasts excellent resorts with comprehensive amenities and an abundance of activities within easy reach.
When planning your Sri Lankan adventure, take note that the country’s rainy season occurs from May to August, making December to April the ideal time to visit. The shoulder season, spanning September to November, also offers favorable conditions for exploration.
Read More: Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
Here is our list of 13 best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Colombo
The capital city seamlessly blends contemporary urban amenities with the vibrant indigenous and colonial history of the country. As a significant hub on the global spice trade routes, Sri Lanka has always held strategic importance for various European trading powers.
Having been colonized by Portugal, the Netherlands, and most recently, the British, Sri Lanka embodies a captivating fusion of cultures, blending indigenous traditions with colonial influences. This delightful amalgamation is evident in the cuisine, architecture, arts, and overall atmosphere of Colombo.
While many visitors use Colombo solely as an entry point through its international airport (CMB) before heading to coastal resorts, the city itself is well worth exploring for at least a few days. It offers a plethora of museums and cultural attractions that allow you to connect deeply with Sri Lankan heritage.
Colombo is situated along the coast, with a vast green space and a beach area at its heart, separating the district known as Fort from the Indian Ocean. This public playground serves as a lively gathering place and is particularly enjoyable to visit on Friday and Saturday nights.
For an impressive panoramic view of the city, a visit to the Colombo Lotus Tower is highly recommended. This magnificent mega-tower stands as the tallest freestanding tower in Southeast Asia, offering breathtaking vistas. Apart from its indoor and outdoor observation areas, the tower also boasts a fine dining restaurant at its pinnacle and a popular food court within the adjacent mall.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Colombo, where history, culture, and modernity intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.
Kandy
Kandy is the quintessential destination to delve into the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan history. Situated in central Sri Lanka, this city was once the capital of the Sri Lankan royal dynasty, serving as the primary seat of power prior to the colonial era.
During the “Kandian Era,” which flourished from the 15th to the 18th centuries, Kandy maintained its independence while European powers colonized much of the coastal regions.
A visit to the National Museum of Kandy is a must, as it vividly showcases the region’s captivating story and its people through engaging exhibits and precious artifacts. In close proximity, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic holds immense reverence as a significant Buddhist shrine, housed within the royal palace complex. If you happen to visit in August, you’ll witness a grand festival celebrating the temple and its sacred relics.
At the heart of the city lies the serene Kandy Lake, providing a tranquil haven from the bustling heat. Encircling the lake are scenic hiking trails adorned with temples and shrines. Just a short venture to the neighboring suburb of Peradeniya awaits the extraordinary Royal Botanical Gardens, a true botanical paradise.
Kandy is encompassed by majestic mountains that are home to sprawling tea plantations, some of which can be visited for guided tours and delightful tea tastings. The city is also embraced by lush rainforests, with the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary serving as a forest park nestled within its very limits. This nature reserve offers an extensive network of hiking trails and an informative nature center, providing valuable educational insights.
Immerse yourself in the allure of Kandy, where history, spirituality, and natural beauty converge to offer a truly captivating experience.
Udawalawe National Park
Located in the southern part of the country, just an hour’s drive from the resort area of Hambantota, lies this expansive wildlife park. Its unique position on the border of Sri Lanka’s wet and dry zones contributes to its diverse terrain and ecosystem.
Within the park, visitors are treated to sightings of majestic elephants, as the park boasts a large population of these magnificent creatures. Additionally, crocodiles, water buffalo, and various other wildlife species can be observed. In fact, Udawalawe is renowned as one of the best places in the world to witness elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat outside of Africa.
Although spotting leopards can be a challenging endeavor, they also inhabit the park. Monkeys, a wide array of deer species, and numerous small mammals further enrich the wildlife experience. Bird enthusiasts will find Udawalawe to be an exceptional destination for bird-watching, with its impressive avian diversity.
For those seeking accommodation, there are several small establishments and guesthouses available both in the vicinity and even within Udawalawe itself. Alternatively, visitors can opt for a day trip, with the best times to explore the park being either the early morning or late afternoon, when wildlife activity is at its peak.
Sigiriya
Similar to the awe-inspiring marvels of Machu Picchu or Masada, Sigiriya captivates visitors with its astounding architectural feat. This colossal rock formation, transformed into a grand palace, leaves a lasting impression. Situated near the town of Dambulla in the heart of the country, these ruins stand as a testament to ancient ingenuity.
Constructed approximately 1,500 years ago, the palace complex perches atop a towering rock, reaching a staggering height of 660 feet (220 meters) with sheer walls. Adorning these walls are ancient painted frescoes and intricate carvings, rendering the entire structure a masterpiece of artistry. Amidst the rock face, a majestic gateway in the form of a lion stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the era.
Beyond the palace above, the lower area reveals a meticulously designed city complex, featuring gardens, residential quarters, and commercial spaces. It serves as a remarkable example of early urban planning, showcasing the ingenuity of the time. Sigiriya stands as an important and well-preserved relic from this era, inviting visitors to delve into the rich history and architectural wonders it beholds.
Galle
Situated approximately two hours away from Colombo, the city of Galle is easily accessible via one of the country’s first modern superhighways. This historic trading port showcases its colonial heritage and revolves around a grand 17th-century seafront fortress.
Galle Fort stands as a meticulously preserved walled town, now brimming with charming boutique hotels, shops, and restaurants, all coexisting with the local community. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the entire area exudes an enchanting aura of the past.
Exploring Galle on foot is highly recommended, as the entire Fort area prohibits cars, ensuring a pedestrian-friendly experience. With the sea bordering three sides, losing your way becomes an unlikely scenario. Families will find Galle to be an ideal destination in Sri Lanka, thanks to its compact size and abundance of tourist-oriented establishments.
Beyond the fort, the city is encompassed by breathtaking beaches. Much like other coastal gems in the country, these sandy stretches lead to crystal-clear turquoise waters. Notably, a stunning beach lies right beneath the iconic Galle lighthouse, adding to the allure of the area.
View our Trusted Tour Operators in Galle
Hikkauda Beach
Merely 90 minutes away from Colombo, this beach is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, offering thrilling activities like surfing, bodyboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Conveniently, all the necessary equipment can be rented from the beachfront stands. Renowned as one of the country’s top surfing destinations, the most impressive waves roll in between November and March.
Spanning a vast stretch, the beach maintains a spacious feel, never overcrowded. Numerous beachfront stalls tempt visitors with delectable local street food, while a variety of small hotels and guesthouses cater to those seeking an overnight stay. Additionally, an increasing number of beach resorts have emerged, providing foreign visitors with an elevated level of luxury and amenities.
The beach is also renowned for its vibrant coral reefs. Adjacent to the shore lies the Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary, a protected marine area within Hikkaduwa National Park. Its establishment aims to safeguard the precious coral ecosystems and educate visitors about their significance. Exploring this sanctuary can be achieved through guided boat tours or even snorkeling adventures.
Anuradhapura
Embarking on a journey to Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals and a revered UNESCO World Heritage Site, transports visitors to a bygone era. What sets this area apart is the harmonious coexistence of a thriving modern town alongside the remnants of an ancient city—it’s not just a visit to mere ruins. With its uninterrupted habitation since the 4th century BCE, Anuradhapura boasts one of the oldest continuously inhabited populations on our planet.
The awe-inspiring ruins showcase a multitude of crumbling temples, statues, pools, and other magnificent structures. Amidst this historical tapestry, modern edifices can also be found, while the temple itself remains an active site of worship. At the heart of the complex stands a venerable tree—the Sri Maha Bodhi—a testament to being the world’s oldest living tree, believed to have been planted by a human.
Anuradhapura offers an enjoyable experience, with numerous small guesthouses, affordable dining options, and convenient amenities like bike rentals, guided tours, and other services tailored to cater to the needs of tourists.
Galle Face Green
Sri Lanka’s answer to LA’s Venice Beach and NYC’s Central Park offers a vibrant atmosphere where relaxation, people-watching, and shared enjoyment with fellow Sri Lankans take center stage, day and night.
In addition to the inviting beach, a spacious grassy area invites picnicking and games. For an energetic vibe, Friday or Saturday nights are particularly lively. Prepare your appetite, as each night unveils a bustling market brimming with incredible street food delights.
Embrace the beach and its waters or take to the skies with a kite, propelled by the ever-present wind. Engage in football (soccer) or cricket, as pick-up games are a constant sight. Along the beachfront, vendors and restaurants line the shore, while the area beyond boasts a range of hotels catering to every budget, from economical to luxurious.
Make a point to visit the esteemed Galle Face Hotel, an iconic colonial relic situated on the beachfront since its inauguration in 1864. Galle Face Green occupies a central location in downtown Colombo, directly adjacent to Fort. With the city skyline behind and the vast Indian Ocean before you, this vibrant space occupies the area flanked by Galle Road and the majestic oceanic expanse.
Yala National Park
Situated along Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast, this national park is renowned for its captivating leopard safaris. While leopards are elusive creatures, this park boasts a substantial population, making it possible to spot them even on a day excursion. Moreover, the park serves as a haven for a sizable Asian elephant population, exclusive to Sri Lanka.
Beyond its remarkable wildlife, the park encompasses diverse and stunning environments. You can traverse the coastal regions to experience the marine and beach landscapes, embark on thrilling journeys through expansive grasslands where leopards roam, or venture into the enchanting depths of tropical rainforests.
Adding to its allure, Yala is home to significant Buddhist temples and shrines, all within close proximity to the Hambantota resort area.
Polonnaruwa
Nestled among the notable ancient city ruins, Pollonnaruwa stands as another prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. Serving as the country’s second capital city, flourishing a millennium ago, it holds immense historical significance.
The meticulously preserved garden-city unveils a tapestry of gardens, palaces, and temples, even though many structures now lie in ruins. Despite its compact size, the best way to navigate this site is by bicycle, allowing you to immerse yourself in its charm. As an added delight, a thriving community of macaque monkeys, long-standing inhabitants of the area, can be spotted amidst the ruins. Fans of Duran Duran may even recognize the location from their iconic “Save a Prayer” music video, filmed here in the 1980s.
A short distance from the ruins, a modest modern town offers guesthouses, bike rentals, cafés, and a range of tourist services. Moreover, the town enjoys proximity to the magnificent Minneriya National Park, an ideal destination for witnessing captivating elephant encounters.
Bundala National Park
Situated along the southern Sri Lankan coastline, the Bundala National Park and wetland sanctuary offer a breathtaking tapestry of dunes, lagoons, and expansive freshwater bodies. Renowned as one of the world’s premier destinations for bird-watching, this sanctuary teems with a multitude of avian species, including several endemic to Sri Lanka. Many migratory birds grace its skies, venturing here from as far as Siberia during specific seasons.
In addition to the diverse birdlife, the park is home to a thriving population of crocodiles, drawn by the abundance of avian prey. Moreover, a sizable elephant population adds to the park’s allure. The pristine beaches within the vicinity serve as nesting grounds for four out of Sri Lanka’s five species of sea turtles, as they diligently lay their precious eggs.
Stretching between Kirinda and Hambantota, the Bundala park area offers an enchanting blend of natural wonders along the captivating southern Sri Lankan coastline.
Ella
Sometimes, the journey itself holds equal allure to the destination, and Ella epitomizes this notion. Nestled within Sri Lanka’s verdant tea plantations, this charming hill-country town offers a delightful retreat adorned with cozy guesthouses, tantalizing cuisine, and warm-hearted locals. Whether seeking an escape from the bustling city or indulging in leisurely hikes amidst picturesque countryside, Ella proves to be an idyllic haven.
A compelling reason for many to visit Ella is the iconic train ride from Kandy. Meandering at a leisurely pace, the train traverses hills, meanders through quaint towns, and traverses emerald tea fields, culminating in a scenic arrival at this quaint mountain town after approximately six hours. Renowned as one of the world’s most breathtaking train journeys, this experience captivates travelers with its sheer beauty. Alternatively, one can embark on the journey from Colombo, extending the enchanting expedition by an additional three hours.
