‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ seems an apt nickname for Sri Lanka once you have witnessed its pristine beaches and thrilling ancient ruins. This evergreen destination blesses travellers with pleasant sunshine, calming breeze and cooling rain, making them never want to leave. So, if you ever plan on vacationing here, these are the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Despite its tumultuous past, Sri Lanka thrives as a popular tourist attraction, with travellers coming from around the globe because of its natural beauty, rich history, and soft currency (HKD 1 is equivalent to approximately LKR 39). This travel guide will help you plan your itinerary to the island nation or inspire you to add it to your bucket list.
Best places to visit in Sri Lanka
Colombo
The largest city by population, Colombo is often perceived as just the executive and judicial capital of Sri Lanka, but the truth is the city is etched with history and culture that every traveller should explore.
The architecture and layout of Colombo carry remnants of its Dutch, Portuguese and British heritage. Experience the unique metropolitan lifestyle of this coastal city, with its noisy roads lined up with sky scrappers, bustling markets, ancient temples, five-star hotels and local eateries.
Best places to see in Colombo
Learn about Sri Lanka’s colonial past at Dutch Museum and Independence Square. In the vicinity lies another museum, Colombo National Museum. Here enrich yourself with the island country’s natural history and heritage.
To see the country’s religious diversity, make a shrine run to Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Gangaramaya Temple, a Buddhist temple and Hindu temple Sri Manika Vinayagar Kovil.
Head to the iconic Dutch Hospital, a chic shopping and dining precinct in the Fort Colombo area. If you are hungry, indulge in authentic delicacies at the Ministry of Crab or savour traditional Sri Lankan delicacies at Hilton’s Curry Leaf, The Lagoon, at a 3 km distance from the Dutch Hospital. For a more local experience, you can visit Pettah Market.
Before leaving the city, don’t forget to check out the tallest skyscraper in Sri Lanka — Colombo Lotus Tower (350 m tall) to enjoy panoramic views of Colombo. And if you can, walk across the urban park, Galle Face Green, and witness the flag ceremony during sunset at the beach promenade. You can also take a scenic boat ride on Beira Lake or take a look at the oldest and largest park in Colombo, Viharamahadevi Park.
How to reach Colombo
By air: Colombo International Airport Ratmalana is roughly 17 km from the city centre, and Bandaranaike International Airport is about 32 km away.
By train: Fort Station is the main railway station in the city.
By road: Southern Expressway, Outer Circular Expressway, and Colombo-Katunayake Expressway make Colombo well-connected with the rest of the country.
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Kandy
Right in the heart of the island nation is Kandy, seated on a plateau surrounded by rugged mountains and full of tea plantations. The capital of the Central Province of Sri Lanka, it was once the seat of the Sinhala Kings.
You will encounter landmarks that are a melting pot of cultures and histories, with Sri Dalada Maligawa at its centre. Also known as the Temple of the Tooth, it houses the relic of Buddha’s tooth, making it an auspicious site for Buddhists.
Furthermore, the most vibrant festival in Sri Lanka, Esala Perahera, takes place in Kandy in August. Relish Kandy’s food at Kandyan Muslim Hotel, the Kandy House, and Balaji Dosai.
Best places to see in Kandy
Start your tour by visiting the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site Sri Dalada Maligawa and Sri Maha Bodhi Maha Viharaya for its giant Buddha statue.
While in the vicinity, travellers can also visit two museums, Kandy National Museum and Kandy Royal Palace, to learn about the Kandyan monarchs of Sri Lanka. British Garrison Cemetery and Commonwealth War Cemetery Kandy are also popular attractions here if one is interested in knowing the colonial past.
Also, since Kandy is located in Central Highlands, it is blessed with natural beauty. To witness it, visit Udawattakelle Sanctuary. Royal Botanical Gardens, located just over 5 km to the west of the city, should also be on your list.
During the stay, tourists can also explore the Ceylon Tea Museum and learn about the tea industry’s history in Sri Lanka.
How to reach Kandy
By air: Bandaranaike International Airport is the nearest airport, 114 km away.
By train: Kandy Station is located in the city.
By road: Colombo is 122 km away.
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Sigiriya
This ancient fortress near Dambulla town was once the acclaimed capital of Sri Lankan King Kasyapa but now stands as a remnant of Sri Lanka’s past. This archaeological site is perched on top of a 180-metre-tall massive rock.
Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins of the city are filled with beautiful frescoes and expansive water gardens. A series of staircases lead people to the top of the mountain, the entrance used to have an enormous carved lion, but the head has collapsed, and only the lion’s claw remains at the beginning of the stairs.
Hike to Sigiriya, embrace the verdant greenery of the hill and explore the neighbouring Dambulla.
Best places to see in Sigiriya
Tour the Sigirya, or as some like to call it, the ‘palace in the clouds’. It can take some time as the hike up and down itself can be time-consuming. After that, check out Pidurangala Royal Cave Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple built on the massive Pidurangala rock and Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the locality. To see wild Asian elephants, opt for a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park.
How to reach Sigiriya
By air: The closest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport, 128 km away.
By rail: Habarana Station is the nearest railway station, 17 km away.
By road: Dambulla is 17 km away, and Kandy is 90 km away.
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Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is an old city in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka that is bound to surprise and enchant anybody with its ancient and modern character.
Its history goes back to the third century BC, as stories convey that the city was established around a cutting from the Bodhi Tree, the tree under which Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment. It remained the political and religious capital for over 1,300 years, only to be abandoned after an invasion in 993.
The Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts devoted pilgrims and curious tourists with its Buddhist temples and giant dome-shaped stupas.
Best places to see in Anuradhapura
The old city of Anuradhapura is an architectural and archaeological wonder with its dagobas (brick stupas), archaic pools and temples, making it one of the most exciting sights to explore.
Here, in this historical city, you will also find the Sri Maha Bodhi tree. This tree originated from the Bodhi Tree in India. There are other sacred Buddhist sites here as well. Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Abhayagiri Vihara, Thuparamaya and Jetavanaramaya are some of the iconic dagobas you must visit.
For wildlife enthusiasts, there is something for them as well. Sixty kilometres outside the city, there is Wilpattu National Park — keep your eyes and camera open for the island’s top predator, Sri Lankan Leopard.
How to reach Anuradhapura
By air: Bandaranaike International Airport is the nearest airport, 172 km away.
By rail: Anuradhapura Station is located in the city limits.
By road: Jaffna and Colombo are 196 km and 203 km away, respectively.
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Galle
Located on the Southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, Galle was one of the first cities in the country that experienced colonial rule. With Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, at its heart, you can see an amalgamation of European and native architecture thrive in the area.
Founded by the Portuguese, Galle went through a series of power changes over the years, with Dutch and British rule taking over. The port city stands as the capital of the Southern Province in Sri Lanka, with vibrant cafes, unique boutiques, restored heritage hotels and quirky art stores.
Some local haunts where travellers can enjoy a taste of Galle are Hoppa, A Minute By Tuk Tuk, Tequila Mockingbird, Sugar Bistro and The Tuna & The Crab.
Best places to see in Galle
Explore the Galle Dutch Fort and see the iconic Galle Lighthouse right by the sea. Check out the Maritime Museum within the fort and see the archaeological exhibits on display. Walk around the coast of Galle and spot the Flag Rock Bastion.
How to reach Galle
By air: Colombo International Airport Ratmalana is the nearest airport, 111 km away
By rail: The city has Galle Railway Station
By road: Colombo is 125 km away.
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Nuwara Eliya
Locally known as ‘Little England’, Nuwara Eliya is a tranquil hill station in the Central Province renowned for its breathtaking landscape and pleasant weather.
Perched at 6,128 ft, this quaint city resides next to Pidurutalagala, offering stunning views of the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. It serves as the hub for tea production in the country, with rolling hills covered with tea gardens. You can indulge in Sri Lankan-colonial cuisine and culture at the Hill Club.
For those familiar with Hindu mythology, Ramayana, Nuwara Eliya holds great significance and should be a top destination on your itinerary as it is where Sita, wife of Lord Rama, was held captive by Ravana in Sri Lanka.
Best places to see in Nuwara Eliya
The city is a natural paradise, with places like the Horton Plains National Park, Pedro Tea Estate, Moon Plains, Gregory Lake, Galway’s Land National Park, Aberdeen Waterfalls and Hakgala Botanic Gardens.
If you are intrigued about where Ravana kept Lord Rama’s wife, then visit Seetha Amman Kovil. Now a temple stands here, the place where Sita spent her days waiting for Lord Rama to save her.
How to reach Nuwara Eliya
By air: Colombo International Airport Ratmalana and Bandaranaike International Airport are the closest, about 160 km away.
By rail: Nanu Oya Railway Station, about 9 km away, is the nearest railway station to the city,
By road: Kandy is 76 km away.
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Mirissa
A small coastal town in Southern Province, Mirissa is where travellers head to relax on the pristine and secluded beaches. From whale and dolphin watching to surfing, you can have an exciting variety of water adventures in Mirissa. While the town doesn’t have any remarkable monuments, it is the beaches that make this a hotspot for tourists.
Best places to see in Mirissa
Mirissa Beach is a treasure trove of coastal landmarks. Swim with turtles at Turtle Point, climb Parrot Rock for a fabulous view of the island and just around the corner, there is the Secret Beach, which has three further small beaches. At the eastern end of Mirissa Beach is another tourist spot, Coconut Tree Hill.
After looking at wave after wave, you might want to ride some with a surfboard. You can do that too at a popular surfing destination nearby, Weligama Bay.
How to reach Mirissa
By air: Located 92 km away, Mattala Rajapaksa International is the nearest airport to Mirissa
By rail: Mirissa Railway Station is a railhead located in the city
By road: Galle is 35 km away
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Jaffna
Once the capital of the ancient Tamil Kingdom, Jaffna is the northernmost region of Sri Lanka and also the capital of the Northern Province. The coastline is lined with coconut palms and palmyra trees, along with pristine beaches.
You can witness a blend of Tamil and Sri Lankan cultures and heritages that makes it stand out. Despite its troubled past, Jaffna thrives as a popular tourist destination with colourful temples and colonial architecture adding to its beauty and glory. Embrace Tamilian culture through its cuisine at Nallur Bhavan Vegetarian and Malayan Cafe.
Best places to see in Jaffna
For a mix of Portuguese and Dutch colonial history, check out Fort Jaffna. It was initially built by the Portuguese in 1619 and then reconstructed and expanded by the Dutch 40 years later. If this site intrigues you, then Jaffna Kingdom Ruines is the spot worth visiting to learn a bit about the dynasty ruling before Europeans arrived.
In case the history buff in you wants to know more, then Jaffna Public Library and the Jaffna Archeological Museum deserve a visit.
In Jaffna, there are a lot of ancient temples worth visiting, such as Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, Keerimalai Naguleswaram Kovil, Nagadeepa Temple and Nagapooshani Amman Temple.
Don’t forget to check out the northernmost point of Sri Lanka, Point Pedro and unwind at Kankesanthurai Beach, a perfect spot for a morning or an evening walk. If turquoise water and golden sandy beaches are your thing, then visiting Casuarina Beach will be an unforgettable experience.
How to reach Jaffna
By air: Jaffna International Airport is within the city, which is 20 km away
By rail: Jaffna Railway Station is a railway station serving the city
By road: Anuradhapura is 214 km away
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Polonnaruwa
Sri Lanka has had several kingdoms that now only exist as historical monuments, and Polonnaruwa is another one on this list. The ancient city, while still having the ruins of Polonnaruwa Kingdom in its old portion, has now transformed into a vibrant one.
While Polonnaruwa is not as vast as Anuradhapura, this UNESCO World Heritage site is enriched with history, culture and stories that make it a thrilling destination for archaeological buffs.
Best places to see in Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa has some remarkable monuments. One of them is the Palace of King Parakramabahu, built in the 12th century and said to be a multi-storeyed palace with 1,000 chambers in the whole complex. The other is Gal Viharaya, a Buddhist temple where you can find Buddha images carved on a single granite rock. Overlooking Parakrama Samudra Reservoir in the city is King Parakramabahu’s carved statue, standing more than 11 ft tall.
How to reach Polonnaruwa
By air: Batticaloa International Airport is 95 km away
By rail: Polonnaruwa Railway Station is located in the city
By road: Sigiriya is 59 km away
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Ella
From majestic trees lining the undulating mountains to enchanting caves and cascading waterfalls, Ella’s natural wonders have mesmerised travellers for ages.
This captivating hill town is in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka, and its natural wonders, lush tea gardens and breathtaking landscapes have made it a top destination for exploration and outdoor activities like trekking and hiking.
Best places to see in Ella
Check out the engineering marvel Nine Bridge Arch, a train bridge made of stones between Ella and Demodera railway stations. To view this, you can catch a train or take a ride from the town to the parking spot and hike for 5-10 minutes.
For natural wonders, visit Ella Rock, Bambaragala Peak, Diyaluma Falls and Little Adam’s Peak. Ella also has sites related to Ramayana: Nil Diya Pokuna, Ravana Cave and Ravana Falls.
How to reach Ella
By air: Located 84 km away, Mattala Rajapaksa International is the closest airport to the city
By rail: Ella Railway Station is situated within the city
By road: Galle is 199 km away.
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Sri Lanka’s weather and best time to visit
The island nation’s geographical location near the equator ensures the country remains pleasantly warm, with rain showers and coastal winds keeping excessive heat at bay. Coastal lowlands experience an average annual temperature of 27 degrees Celsius and higher altitudes of 16. There are no winters and summers in Sri Lanka, just two distinct monsoon seasons — Maha and Yala.
When the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter, Sri Lanka is packed with tourists attempting to escape the frigid cold by vacationing on the island country. Hence December to April is considered peak season here. It coincides with the Maha monsoon, from September to March, when North and East Sri Lanka is wet. The Yala monsoon is from May to August in South and East Sri Lanka and this period is often considered a ‘summer vacation’. You will not experience heavy crowds, and the weather remains enjoyable too.
(Hero and feature image credit: Shutterstock)
All currency conversions were done at the time of writing
Related: This Is The Safest Country For Solo Travellers In 2023, According To A Study
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Answer: Yes, Sri Lanka has several hill stations like Ella, Nuwara Eliya and Kandy.
Answer: Every nation holds a different kind of visa agreement with Sri Lanka. You will have to check with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in your country to know whether a visa is required on your passport.
Answer: It depends on what kind of vacation you have in mind. If you plan to cover the entire country, then it may take some time as it can’t be done in two-three days.
Answer: The currency is Sri Lankan Rupee.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. ..Read More
