15 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Cities like Colombo and Kandy allow tourists to explore the island's interesting history, which spans from prehistoric times through the colonial era to the present. There are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this very small island where such past is still present.

Large national parks including Yala, Minneriya, and Udawalawe, which are home to many elephants and leopards, provide breathtaking outdoor scenery and safari adventures. A variety of opulent beach resorts can be found in Sri Lanka, which is also a beach lover's heaven and is bordered by some of the most stunning beaches in the world.

Remember that the rainy season in Sri Lanka, which lasts from May through August, makes December through April often the ideal time to travel there while planning your journey. Visitation is also recommended during the shoulder season in September, October, and November.

With this list of Sri Lanka's top tourist destinations, you can plan your vacation schedule.

1. Colombo

The nation's capital city blends the vibrant indigenous and colonial histories of the nation with contemporary metropolitan comforts. Sri Lanka has always retained strategic significance for European commercial powers as a significant stop on the global spice trade routes. Portugal, the Netherlands, and most recently the British all colonized the nation, and all of these civilizations converge with indigenous culture to create a fascinating mix. These influences may be tasted in the cuisine, seen in the architecture and the arts, and felt in Colombo.

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.

2. Kandy

You may study and enjoy Sri Lankan history at Kandy. The city, which lies in the center of Sri Lanka, served as the country's primary capital prior to colonialism and was the previous seat of the Sri Lankan royal family. The "Kandian Era" reached its zenith between the 15th and 18th centuries, during which time the region maintained its independence while the majority of the coastal districts were conquered by European forces.

Visit the city's National Museum of Kandy, which uses exhibits and artifacts to tell the history of the area and its inhabitants. A extremely revered Buddhist temple that is close by and a component of the royal palace complex is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. At the center of the city, Kandy Lake provides a tranquil haven from the heat. The lake is surrounded by hiking trails that are filled with temples and shrines.

Mountains all around Kandy are the location of several tea plantations. Some are open for tours and samples of tea. It is encircled by rainforests as well. Within the boundaries of the city lies the woodland park known as the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary. The forest reserve features a great nature center with informative displays and miles of hiking routes.

3. Udawalawe National Park

About an hour's drive from the Hambantota tourist area, this substantial wildlife park is located in the southern region of the nation. Due to the park's location on the country's wet and dry borders, the topography and ecology are diverse.

Elephants are abundant in the park, and visitors may also view crocodiles, water buffalo, and other animals there. In fact, it's one of the greatest locations outside of Africa to watch elephants in the wild.

There are also leopards there, although they can be quite difficult to find or follow. In addition, there are a variety of deer and other animals, as well as monkeys. Additionally, it's a great location for observing birds.

There are a few modest lodgings and guesthouses both outside of and within of Udawalawe. The finest times to visit are very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon. You may also go as a day excursion.

4. Galle

One of the nation's first contemporary superhighways connects Colombo with the city of Galle in around two hours of travel time. This historic commercial harbor is centered on a sizable seaside fort from the 17th century and recalls its colonial past.

Galle Fort is a whole walled town that has been restored; it is currently populated with upscale hotels, stores, and restaurants (along with real residents). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety.

Since there are no cars everywhere in the Fort area, it's a terrific spot to explore on foot. You can't get lost since the sea is on three sides of you.

In addition to the fort, the city is encircled by several spectacular beaches. The expansive sand beach extends into blue, clear water like others seen around the nation. Even a beach may be found directly below the well-known lighthouse in Galle.

5. Hikkaduwa Beach

This beach is all about water activities, including surfing, bodyboarding, snorkeling, and scuba diving, and it's only 90 minutes from Colombo. From one of the beachside booths, you can simply hire all the necessary equipment. The greatest waves are found there between November and March, making it one of the most well-liked surfing spots in the nation.

Due to the size of the beach, it never seems overcrowded. If you choose to spend the night, there are several seaside stalls providing a variety of delectable local street cuisine, as well as many modest hotels and guesthouses.

It is renowned for its coral as well. Just offshore lies the Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary, a marine preserve that is a component of the larger Hikkaduwa National Park. It was built to save the region's coral reefs and instruct tourists about coral.

6. Galle Face Green

It's not the place to get away from it all, but Sri Lanka's equivalent of Venice Beach is where locals go to unwind, people watch, and have fun whether it's day or night. There is a sizable grassy area away from the shore where people eat and play games. Visit on a Friday or Saturday night for the finest vibe.

You may take advantage of the beach and the ocean or even sail a kite in the constant breeze. There are usually pick-up games for cricket and football (soccer), so you may play one of those. The beach is surrounded by shops and restaurants, and the region beyond it is teeming with hotels of all different price points.

The Galle Face Green is located just in front of the Fort in the center of Colombo. The water is in front of you, and the skyline is behind you. It is the region bounded by the Indian Ocean and Galle Road.

7. Yala National Park

This national park, which located on the southeast coast of the island, is well-known for its leopard safaris. Although they are extremely uncommon, leopards are abundant in the park, making it feasible to see one even on a day trip. Asian elephants, a species native to Sri Lanka, have a sizable population in the park.

The park is home to several amazing, diverse landscapes and ecosystems in addition to the fauna. You may explore tropical rainforests, follow leopards over wide grasslands, and see the sea and beach environments of coastal regions.

Yala, a city close to Hambantota, contains numerous significant Buddhist temples and shrines as well.

8. Anuradhapura

Visitors may catch a glimpse of the past by traveling to Anuradhapura, one of the nation's historic capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You're not only touring ruins in this location; there is a bustling, contemporary community right next to an old one. It is one of the oldest continually inhabited settlements on earth, according to the present population (starting in the 4th century, BCE).

The ruins are spectacular, with several sculptures, ponds, temples, and other buildings in disrepair. There are also more contemporary buildings, and the temple is still a bustling center of devotion. A very ancient tree serves as the complex's focal point. According to some estimates, the Sri Maha Bodhi is the oldest alive tree ever planted by a person.

A nice place to visit is Anuradhapura since it offers many of little guesthouses, cheap eateries, bike rentals, tour guides, and other tourist-oriented businesses.

9. Pollonnaruwa

Another of the nation's World Heritage Sites, this significant ancient city ruin is a popular tourist destination. After Anuradhapura, Pollonnaruwa served as Sri Lanka's second capital city and was prosperous around a thousand years ago.

The majority of the buildings are in ruins, but the garden-city has been totally maintained. Although it's very small, cycling is the greatest way to see the gardens, palaces, and temples that are present. A bonus is that a sizable population of macaque monkeys, who have lived in the region since ancient times, call the remains home. Fans of Duran Duran will be familiar with the location because Save a Prayer was filmed here in the 1980s.

A few kilometres from the ruins, there is a tiny, contemporary village with guesthouses, bike rentals, cafés, and other tourist amenities. The settlement is near Minneriya National Park, a fantastic location to see elephants.

10. Tangalle

Since Sri Lanka is an island, it has beaches all around it, so there is truly something for everyone. Go to the Tangalle region for a variety of beach experiences. It is a well-liked resort area located in the middle of the island's southern shore.

You may choose from a broad variety of beaches, including huge, windswept expanses of open sand and tropical coves. Along with secluded beaches where you're nearly assured to be alone, there are also beaches with amenities, shops, and beachside kiosks.

A significant sea turtle nesting place and conservation facility are located at Rekawa Beach, which is to the east of the town.

11. Bundala National Park

With its dunes, lagoons, and sizable freshwater bodies of water, this national park and wetland refuge is among the greatest in the world for bird viewing. There are several bird species in this area, some of which are unique to Sri Lanka. Seasonal migration of many birds from as far away as Siberia brings them here.

In addition to the birds, there are several elephants and crocodiles, both of which like eating birds. Four of Sri Lanka's five species of sea turtles frequently deposit their eggs on the country's beaches.

Between Kirinda and Hambantota on the southern coast of Sri Lanka is the Bundala Park region.

12. Ella

In certain cases, the trip itself matters just as much as the final goal. Ella, a little hilltown located within Sri Lanka's verdant tea plantations, serves as an illustration of this. Small guesthouses abound, the food is delectable, and the locals are kind and welcoming. It's a nice option to escape the city or spend a few days relaxingly trekking in the countryside.

Taking the train from Kandy to Ella is a major reason why tourists go there. It takes around six hours to make its way slowly through little villages, up and down hills, over green tea fields, and into the small mountain town. The trip is regarded as one of the most picturesque by train enthusiasts worldwide. The trip may also be started in Colombo, however it would add three hours to the travel time.

13. Adam's Peak

Adam's Peak is another another fantastic destination in Sri Lanka that emphasizes the importance of the journey. It is customary for pilgrims to ascend this mountain at night so they may see the dawn since it is capped by a holy rock formation.

There are rest spots and snack stands along the route of the well-liked climb, which is excellent for families and kids as well. You'll be rewarded for your walk when you come to a rock that has an indentation in the shape of Adam's first footprint. Some people think it was formed by the Hindu god Shiva, while others think it is the footprint of the Buddha.

In the hamlet of Nallathanniya in central Sri Lanka, the Adam's Peak walk starts. The months of December through May are ideal for the ascent.

14. Sigiriya

Sigiriya amazes tourists just by virtue of the folly of its construction, much like Machu Picchu or Masada. It is a huge rock structure that has been sculpted into a castle. In the country's center, the remains lie close to the town of Dambulla.

The palace complex is perched on a 660-foot (220-meter) cliff with high walls and dates back around 1,500 years. Ancient painted paintings and sculptures on the walls turn the entire building into a piece of art. A huge doorway in the form of a lion is cut out of the center of one rock wall.

In addition to the palace above, the region below includes a sophisticated city complex with gardens, neighborhoods, and commercial spaces. It is a crucial surviving example of this time period's early city planning.

15. Minneriya National Park

The Minneriya National Park, which is close to the town of Polonnaruwa, is the place to go if you want to view elephants in their natural habitat. The park serves as an elephant feeding location during the dry season (May through September), because to the area's lush, protected topography. The park is located in Sri Lanka's Dry Zone, which receives significantly less precipitation than the rest 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.