15 of The Most Amazing Destinations in Sri Lanka To Visit

Amazing travel opportunities may be found in Sri Lanka, which features a diverse choice of locations to explore. This island can be found in the middle of the Indian Ocean, not far from the coast of India. It offers tourists an astonishing variety of ecosystems and sightseeing opportunities for them to appreciate and explore throughout their time there.

Cities like as Colombo and Kandy offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the island’s unique history, which spans from ancient times through the colonial period and into the modern day. 

This very small island is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are places that are dedicated to the preservation of history.

Incredible opportunities to explore the great outdoors and go on safari. This may be seen in the country’s big national parks such as Yala, Minneriya, and Udawalawe, which are home to significant populations of elephants and leopards.

Beachgoers will find themselves in paradise in Sri Lanka, as the country is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. In addition to that, it is the location of a number of opulent beach resorts.

It is important to keep in mind that the rainy season in Sri Lanka lasts from May all the way through August when you are making travel plans for the country. 

You are attempting to make the months of December through April the greatest months to visit on average. The months of September through November fall into the shoulder season and are also a fantastic time to travel.

Use this list of the greatest locations to visit in Sri Lanka to help you create an itinerary for your vacation.

1. Colombo.

The city that serves as the nation’s capital is a fascinating blend of the country’s vibrant indigenous culture and its colorful colonial past. 

Sri Lanka has been of significant strategic importance to European commercial powers for a very long time since it is a crucial stop on the world spice trade routes. 

The Portuguese, the Dutch, and, most recently, the British all had sway over the territory while it was a colony. And as a result, a great hybrid culture is formed when the indigenous culture is combined with the other civilizations. 

These various influences are recognizable in the food. And you can feel them in the city of Colombo, as well as see them reflected in the architecture and the arts.

In addition, there are a lot of interesting museums and other things to do in the city. This can make you feel more connected to the culture of Sri Lanka. 

Colombo is located on the coast, and there is a considerable amount of open land here. And the stretch of beach that is located smack dab in the middle of the city and is the only thing that stands between the Fort and the Indian Ocean. 

It is the public playground for the city, and going there is a lot of fun. Particularly, Friday and Saturday nights are the best times to go.

The Colombo Lotus Tower, one of the city’s newest mega-towers, is an excellent destination that is also the tallest building in the city. Amazing views of the city may be had from this structure, which is the tallest free-standing tower in Southeast Asia.

 At the very peak, in addition to inside and outdoor observation decks, there is also an exclusive dining establishment. In addition, the mall that is located at the base of the skyscraper has a well-liked food court.

2. Kandy.

You should go to Kandy if you want to learn about and experience the history of Sri Lanka. The city, which can be found in the middle of Sri Lanka, served as the capital of the Sri Lankan royal dynasty in the past. 

It serves as the primary capital of the nation before the advent of colonial rule. The so-called “Kandia Era” reached its pinnacle between the 15th and 18th centuries, when it was at its most prosperous. 

However, the region maintained its independence even while the majority of the surrounding coastal areas were colonized by European forces.

Make it a point to check out the National Museum of Kandy while you’re in the area. As a result of the fact that it uses exhibits and artifacts to tell the story of the area and the people who live there. 

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a very important Buddhist temple that is a component of the complex that makes up the royal palace. It is located nearby. 

The location of Kandy Lake is central to the city. In addition to that, it provides a tranquil escape from the oppressive heat. 

There are hiking trails that go all the way around the lake, and along those trails are shrines and temples.

Kandy is encircled by mountains, and these highlands are home to a large number of tea plantations. 

Some of them are open to the public and provide tours along with tea sampling. In addition to that, it is encircled by rainforests. 

The Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is a woodland park that may be found inside the boundaries of the city. 

There are hiking trails in the forest reserve that go for kilometres. In addition to that, there is a wonderful nature center there that provides informative exhibits.

3. Udawalawe National Park.

The southern region of the United States is home to this huge wildlife preserve. From the resort region of Hambantota, it is around an hour’s drive. 

The park is located on the dividing line between the wet and dry zones of the country, therefore the topography and atmosphere are both rather diverse.

Visitors to the park have a good chance of seeing elephants due to the park’s high elephant population. Crocodiles, water buffalo, and a variety of other animals are just some of the sights that await you. 

In point of fact, it is among the very greatest spots in the world, outside of Africa, to view elephants in their natural habitat.

There are leopards in that area as well, although it can be quite challenging to hunt them down or find them. Additionally, there are a wide variety of deer and other small mammals, as well as monkeys. In addition to that, it’s a great location for watching birds.

There are a few modest hotels and guesthouses located on the opposite side of Udawalawe, as well as within its boundaries. 

There is also the option of visiting for the day. However, the extremely early hours of the morning or the very late hours of the day are the optimum times to pay a visit.

4. Galle.

One of the country’s first modern superhighways will get you to the city of Galle from the capital city of Colombo in around two hours’ time. 

This once-bustling trading port bears the hallmarks of its colonial past. In addition to this, it revolves on a sizable fort that was built on the waterfront in the 17th century.

Galle Fort is a full walled town that has been preserved. Now you’ll find everything from boutique hotels to stores and restaurants there (along with real residents). UNESCO has designated the entire region as a World Heritage Site.

Because cars are not permitted within the Fort area, this is an excellent site to discover on foot. Because you are hemmed in on three sides by the ocean, it is extremely difficult to become disoriented.

Beaches of exceptional quality may be found everywhere around the city, both inside and outside of the walls of the fort. 

The expansive sand beach, similar to others found everywhere in the country, descends into water that is crystal clear and turquoise in color. Even closer to the famous Galle lighthouse is a beach that you may access directly from there.

5. Hikkaduwa Beach.

This beach is ideal for water activities and is located around 90 minutes outside of Colombo. They are participating in activities such as bodyboarding, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. One of the stands along the seaside offers convenient rental services for all of the necessary equipment. It is widely considered to be one of the best surfing spots in the country. Between the months of November and March, the waves are at their peak.

Because the beach is expansive, there is seldom a sense that it is overly crowded. There are numerous kiosks along the coastline that offer a wide variety of mouthwatering regional street food. 

If you choose to stay the night, there are also a good number of modest hotels and guesthouses for you to choose from.

In addition to that, its coral is well-known. A portion of Hikkaduwa National Park, the Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary is a protected marine region that may be found there. 

It is situated a short distance from the water’s edge. It was established with the goals of preserving the region’s coral reefs and educating tourists about coral.

6. Galle Face Green.

The Sri Lankan equivalent of Venice Beach in Los Angeles is not the place you go to get away from it all. 

No of the time of day or night, here is the spot to kick back, people watch, and have a good time with other locals who are also from Sri Lanka. 

People gather to have picnics and play games on the expansive grassy area that is located just inland from the shore. If you want to experience the most energy, your best bet is to go on a Friday or Saturday night.

You can take use of the beach and the ocean, or you could try flying a kite in the constant wind. There is always a game of football (also known as soccer) or cricket going on, so you can participate in one of those instead. 

In front of the beach are a number of eateries and stalls selling various goods. And the neighborhood beyond it is teeming with hotels that run the gamut in terms of price, from inexpensive to opulent.

The Galle Face Green may be seen right in front of Fort, at the very center of the city area of Colombo. You are positioned so that the water is to your front and the city skyline is behind you. It is the land that extends from Galle Road all the way out to the ocean.

7. Yala National Park.

Located on the coast to the southeast of the island. Safaris in search of leopards are a popular activity in this national park. Although leopards are extremely uncommon, there is a sizable population in the park. 

In addition, seeing one of these creatures during a day trip is not impossible. In addition, there is a sizable population of Asian elephants that call this park their home. These are native to the island of Sri Lanka only.

In addition to its animal inhabitants, the park is home to an astounding array of distinct ecosystems and conditions. You get the opportunity to experience the coastal areas’ marine and beach environments. 

You can also go on an adventure through the tropical jungles or pursue leopards over huge pastures.

Yala, which is located close to the city of Hambantota, is home to a number of significant Buddhist temples and shrines.

8. Anuradhapura.

A trip to Anuradhapura, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the country’s ancient capitals. Visitors are rewarded with a look into the past when they explore this site. 

This region is one of a kind place. You are not simply going to be looking at ruins because there is a lively, modern town right next to the ancient one. Because of its current population, it is one of the oldest places on earth that has been continually inhabited (starting in the 4th century, BCE).

The ruins are an impressive sight. There are numerous temples, statues, ponds, and other monuments there that are falling apart. There are also constructions from more recent times. In addition, the temple is still used on a regular basis as a place of worship. 

The complex revolves around an extremely ancient tree at its center. It is thought that the Sri Maha Bodhi is the oldest living tree that was planted by a human being anywhere in the globe.

Anuradhapura is a fun destination to visit. because there are a great number of cozy bed & breakfasts and reasonably priced restaurants. In addition, there are enterprises that offer guided tours, bike rentals, and other services geared toward the needs of tourists

9. Pollonnaruwa.

This is another of the country’s World Heritage Sites, and it consists of the ruins of an important ancient city. After Anuradhapura, Pollonnaruwa served as the capital of Sri Lanka for a brief period of time. Around a thousand years ago, it is at its peak of prosperity.

Even though the majority of the buildings have been destroyed, the garden city has been meticulously preserved in its entirety.

 Gardens, palaces, and temples can all be found here. However, despite its relative small size, the area is best navigated via bicycle. 

The fact that the ruins are home to a large group of macaque monkeys is an added bonus. In addition to this, they have lived in this region since prehistoric times.

A contemporary village of modest size can be found a few kilometres away from the archaeological site. This includes cafés, bike rentals, and guesthouses, amongst other tourist-oriented businesses. 

The Minneriya National Park is located in close proximity to the town. It is also a wonderful site to observe elephants in their natural habitat.

10. Tangalle.

Sri Lanka is an island, hence it is encircled by beaches on all sides. And there really is something that caters to each and every person. Go to the Tangalle region if you want to experience a wide variety of beach activities. The location lies directly in the middle of the island’s southern coast. In addition to that, it is a well-known vacation spot.

You can choose from a diverse selection of beaches, ranging from secluded bays in the tropics to expansive, open stretches of sand that appear to go on forever. 

You can also locate beaches that provide amenities and have vendors and stands right on the coastline. In addition to that, there are secluded beaches where you will almost certainly be the only person there.

The beach known as At Rekawa may be found to the east of the town. In addition to that, there is a substantial sea turtle nesting area in addition to a conservation center.

11. Bundala National Park.

This area is both a national park and a sanctuary for wetlands. It is characterized by its sand dunes, saltwater lagoons, and enormous quantities of freshwater. It is widely considered to be one of the top spots in the world to go bird viewing.

 This area is home to a diverse collection of avian species. There are several species that can only be found in Sri Lanka. A significant portion of the avian population here undergoes seasonal migration from as far away as Siberia.

In addition to the birds that live here, there are a great number of crocodiles. These crocodiles enjoy their meal of feathered prey very much. In addition to this, there are a significant number of elephants living there.

The beaches are frequented by four of Sri Lanka’s five species of sea turtles, each of which lays its eggs in a different location on the island.

Between Kirinda and Hambantota, on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, is where you’ll find the Bundala national park region.

12. Ella.

There are instances when the journey itself is just as important as the goal that you’re trying to reach. An illustration of this is the town of Ella, which is located in the hill highlands of Sri Lanka and is surrounded by verdant tea plantations.

 Small guesthouses abound, and the locals are known for their warm hospitality and excellent cuisine. It’s a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a few days hiking in the countryside at your own pace.

The journey on the train from Kandy to Ella is a significant draw for tourists. It gradually ascends and descends hills while passing through a number of tiny towns. 

In addition to this, it travels through lush tea plantations. After traveling for around six hours, it has at long last arrived in the quaint mountain village. 

The trip is often regarded as one of the world’s most scenic train rides due to its breathtaking scenery. There is also the option to begin the voyage in Colombo, which will extend the total travel time by three hours.

13. SriPadaya (Adam’s Peak).

Another fantastic location to check out while you’re in Sri Lanka. That is also everything there is to know about the journey to SriPadaya, popularly known as Adam’s Peak. 

At the peak of this mountain lies a rock formation that is considered holy. In addition, many pilgrims follow the custom of ascending to pray at the peak of Sripada at night so that they can witness the dawn in the morning to see the sunrise

The well-known trek, which is also an excellent option for families with young children, typically takes around three hours to complete. In addition, there are places to sit down and eat as well as rest stops along the way. 

After completing the hike, you will be rewarded with witnessing a rock that has an indentation in the shape of a footprint, which is believed to be Lord Buddha’s footprint. However, there are many who believe that the god Shiva was the one who created it.

The town of Nallathanniya, located in the middle of Sri Lanka, is where the SriPadaya walk starts. Between the months of December and May is when you should attempt the ascent for the ideal conditions.

14. Sigiriya.

Sigiriya, like Machu Picchu and Masada, is a tourist attraction simply due of the incredible feat of engineering that went into building it. It’s a massive rock formation that’s been sculpted and turned into a palace, and it’s in the middle of nowhere. The remains can be found in the vicinity of Dambulla, which is located in the middle of the country.

The palace complex was constructed approximately 1,500 years ago, and it is located on top of a rock with sheer walls that is 660 feet tall and 220 meters long.

 Ancient painted paintings and carvings adorn those walls, so making the entire building into a beautiful piece of art. A massive entrance in the form of a lion has been carved into the rock that serves as the wall’s focal point.

In addition to the palace located above, the land below is an extensive city complex consisting of gardens, residential neighborhoods, and commercial districts. It is a very important example of early city planning from this time period that has been preserved.

15. Minneriya National Park.

Minneriya National Park, which is located close to the town of Polonnaruwa, is the best spot to visit if you want to see elephants in the natural setting in which they live. 

The park is characterized by dry weather due to its verdant and protected nature (May through September). It serves as a feeding ground for the elephants that reside in the forests in the region. 

The park is located in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka, which receives a significantly lower average annual rainfall than the rest of the island.

If you want to view elephants, going to Minneriya is a much better choice than going to one of the country’s elephant orphanages or sanctuaries. This can include tourist traps in which the animals are treated in an inhumane manner. 

There are a variety of tour companies that offer half-day and full-day jeep safaris so that you can explore the expansive area. It is also possible to visit the park as a day excursion from Colombo; the drive there will take approximately three hours.