Sri Lanka, the jewel of the Indian Ocean, shares its borders with India and Maldives and is globally recognized for its array of iconic landmarks and rich cultural heritage. Due to its unique geographic shape and proximity to India, this island nation is also referred to as the ‘Teardrop of India’. Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise that boasts a plethora of stunning architectural marvels and compelling spiritual significance, enticing travelers from around the world. If you have been planning to explore this mesmerizing island nation, we advise you to explore our well-curated list of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, which promises adventures and discovery at every turn.
From exploring Anuradhapura’s island’s tropical past to marveling at the stunning wildlife of Kumana National Park, let the island captivate you with its wondrous mix of experiences. So, what awaits you? Read more to learn about Sri Lanka’s treasure trove of experiences, helping you create a perfect itinerary based on what excites you the most! Let’s get started!
10 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an irrefutable, beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean. It is home to several spectacular destinations that captivate travelers with their unique charm. Offering a fascinating variety of experiences, ranging from beach time bliss to discovering Asia’s most revered shrines, this island nation is all you need for an extraordinary experience. Get ready to be captivated by the 10 best places to visit in Sri Lanka, combining a mix of famous cities, grand national parks, iconic sightseeing places, and panoramic beaches.
Colombo
A City that Beautifully Blends Modernity with Tradition.
Colombo is known as the executive and judicial capital of Sri Lanka, offering interesting insights into the country’s daily life and culture. This place is located towards the west coast of the island and is the most sought-after tourist destination due to its vibrant streets and city vibes. The oldest districts of the city, also called pettah (derived from the Tamil word pettai, meaning the town outside the fort), are worth exploring for their local shops, sidewalk stalls, and markets.
The famous places to go in Colombo, Sri Lanka, especially for history buffs, include the Beira Lake, Colombo Town Hall, The New Kathiresan Kovil, The Gangarama Buddhist Temple, Kaleniya Royal Temple, and the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque. Visitors can enjoy a variety of Sri Lankan cuisine, including Jaffna dishes, fusion dishes, and Sinhala dishes along with various International cuisines, such as Chinese, German, Italian, or Japanese, available at the restaurants and eateries. For nightlife seekers, Colombo boasts a series of casinos, nightclubs, late-night theatres, and watering holes for a fun-filled experience.
Travel Tip: Take a tuk-tuk to roam around the city as it is inexpensive and convenient. Please ensure your tuk-tuk has a working meter to avoid paying extra money.
Anuradhapura
The First Capital of Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura, located north of Sri Lanka, is home to several astonishing wonders. This ancient wonderland was established in the 4th Century BCE by King Pandukabhaya, the first king of Sri Lanka. The city’s famous ruins include grand dagobas or dagabas (brick stupas), weathered temples, and ancient pools, offering a sneak peek into the country’s rich history and grandeur. The must-see attractions in Anuradhapura include Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, Abhayagiri Dagoba, the Archaeological Museum, Jetavanarama Dagoba, Isurumuniya Vihara, Ratnaprasada, Kuttam Pokuna, and Anuradhapura World Heritage Site. Each attraction is nothing short of discoveries and the spiritual significance of the island’s historical legacy, reflecting the grandeur of the bygone era.
Anuradhapura is one of the famous tourist places to visit in Sri Lanka; it is also the renowned hub for Buddhists, featuring a grand chain of Buddhist temples, monasteries, and sacred places to worship, and it is spread over 40 sq km. Visitors can enjoy exploring the city’s ancient sites via a Bicycle tour of Anuradhapura for an adventurous twist.
Travel Tip: Please check the opening and closing hours of the Dagobas or stupas to avoid last-minute inconvenience. Wear comfortable shoes to walk freely between the stupas and temples. Please adhere to the dressing norms and cover your legs and shoulders appropriately.
Sigiriya
A Fifth-century Fortress in Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, often regarded as the eighth wonder of the world and among the great places to visit in Sri Lanka. It is a fortress situated 600 meters above the forests (below) and regarded as the palace of the mighty King Kasyapa. It is said that Sigiriya has been carved out of an inselberg–a hill of hard volcanic rock, encompassing a colossal stone staircase containing 1270 steps. The base of the Sigiriya features a fascinating series of gardens and plush forests, allowing visitors to enjoy the panoramic landscape of great historical value. While climbing the steps, close to the top, you will explore Lion’s Gate, a dramatic staircase with two huge Lion’s claws on both sides, perfect for capturing aesthetic shots. On the top, you will discover beautiful palace gardens and an incredible view of the surrounding jungle and the skyline.
Travel Tip: Visiting early, around 7 a.m., is advisable for more leisurely and easier exploration. This will help beat the crowd and intolerable heated stones (of the stairs) during the afternoon.
Jaffna
The Cultural Town of Tamil People.
Jaffna is a famous place ranked among the top Sri Lanka attractions for witnessing untouched Tamil culture. This place is different from the rest of the country, allowing visitors to soak in the true cultural spirit of the country’s magnificent past. All the spiritual seekers can explore the revered Hindu temples, each exhibiting glorious architecture, intricate carvings, and a deep sense of sacred ancient eras. Jaffna also boasts golden beaches, impeccable museums, and stunning salt plains, allowing immersive opportunities for each soul. Please note Casuarina Beach and Nallur Kandaswany Temple are among the top places to visit in Jaffna.
Travel Tip: Adhere to local customs, such as removing footwear while entering the Jaffna Public Library and other places.
Polonnaruwa
The Second Ancient Capital of Sri Lanka.
Polonnaruwa is among the great places to visit in Sri Lanka for travelers seeking a deeper connection to the Island’s rich history. This place is situated in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province and is highly famous for its intricately carved temples, famous ancient ruins, and rich Buddhist heritage. The well-preserved temples, statues, and grand palaces speak volumes of the breathtaking bygone era, including the mighty Kings of the Polonnaruwa. Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakramabahu), Siva Shrine (Sibva Devale No. 1), The Thuparama, The Vatadage, The Satmahal Prasada, Nissanka Lata Mandapaya, Royal Palace and Council Chambers, are some of the most famous tourist attractions in Polonnaruwa, that every traveler must visit for an all-encompassing adventure.
Travel Tip: Polonnaruwa is a great midpoint for a leisurely stay while traveling from North Colombo to Jaffna.
Trincomalee
A Haven of Sapphire-blue Waters.
Trincomalee is among the famous Sri Lanka attractions that offer hypnotizing views of the sapphire-blue harbor. Situated on the island’s northeastern coast, this place is of great historical value. Adventure lovers can revel in numerous watersports, including diving and snorkeling, to spot the incredible underwater marine life. History enthusiasts can explore the ancient tales and culture of Konneswaram Temple and Fort Frederick to experience life, profoundly characterized by the Tamil Hindu Culture. The best part about visiting Trincomalee is grabbing the chance to swim with the turtles on Pigeon Island, once in a lifetime opportunity, for a truly magical experience. Try the delicious seafood at the beachfront bars to make your laidback adventure more flavorful.
Travel Tip: It is advisable to go snorkeling with a guide and be cautious while swimming as the public beaches do not have safety guards.
Kumana National Park
A Majestic Kumana Bird Reserve.
Ready to witness Sri Lanka’s rich variety of birds? If yes, visit Kumana National Park, one of the most famous tourist areas in Sri Lanka. It offers an incredible opportunity to stand and appreciate the breathtaking species of birds, including pelicans, spoonbills, white ibis, egrets, herons, and little cormorants. ‘Kumana Villu– is one of the famous aspects of this place, featuring a 200-hectare natural swamp lake fed by the ‘Kumbukkan Oya’ via a half-mile-long narrow channel. This is where you’ll spot a wide variety of birds during May and June. Visitors can climb the watchtowers, which are perfect vantage points to capture the best views of this exotic birdlife and the surrounding panoramas.
Travel Tip: Prearrange a guided jeep safari for a seamless national park exploration.
Kandy
A cosmopolitan city in the central province of Sri Lanka.
Kandy is one of the famous Sri Lanka places to go to, renowned for its profound cultural heritage. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Often regarded as the country’s last glorious kingdom, Kandy features densely forested areas and cobalt blue skies. Some of the best tourist attractions of this place include Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, World Buddhism Museum, Ceylon Tea Museum, Bahirawakanda Temple, National Museum, Spice Garden, Whale’s Park, Kandy Viewpoint, and Udawatta Kele Sanctuary. You can make your visit to Kandy worthwhile by indulging in experiences such as Birdwatching, Hiking, Trekking, Cycling, Day Tours, the Kandy to Ella Train Ride, the Cultural Dancing Show, exploring the Hanthana Mountain Range, and much more!
Travel Tip: It is advisable to wear appropriate clothing covering the legs, shoulders, and arms, especially while visiting the temples.
Adam’s Peak
The footprint of Lord Buddha.
Adam Peak is one of the famous Sri Lanka tourism places, renowned for its adventurous hike. It is a holy mountain, which is 2,243 meters high, and is equally honored by all religions with the following spiritual beliefs:
- According to Buddhas- the mountain bears the footprint of Lord Buddha
- According to Hindus- the mountain bears the footprint of Lord Rama.
- According to Christians and Muslims- the mountain bears the footprint of Prophet Adams.
Adam’s Peak is adorned with several sparkling waterfalls and is a hub for mind-blowing flora and fauna. Visitors can easily spot different species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity. It is recommended to visit this place from January to May, as the region has less rainfall, making it ideal for trekking activities.
Travel Tip: Remember to rest while climbing Adam’s Peak. For the shortest route, choose Hatton while ascending and Ratnapura while descending.
Kalpitiya
The stunning Coastal Town of 14 Islands.
Do you wish to discover Sri Lanka’s coastal magic? Come to Kalpitiya — A hotspot for history, culture and natural wonders! Adorned with paradisiacal beaches and an incredible skyline, this well-known tourist place is perfect for leisurely hours soaking up the sun, exploring dramatic marine life, and enjoying watersports. Kitesurfing, a thrilling lagoon expedition, is among the most popular things to do in Kalpitiya, attracting tourists from around the world. Other famous aspects include participating in Lagoon boat tours of the bay, Whale & Dolphin watching, Wildlife safaris, Kayaking, and Mangrove Forest Boat tours in Kalpitiya. The best places to visit in Kalpitiya include exploring the ancient ruins in the Dutch Fort, St. Sebastian’s Church, The fish market, Bar Reef, Sethawadiya Stupa, Kudawa Beach, and Kudawa Saltern for an immersive experience. Well, the best time to visit Kalpitiya is from October to May, which marks the dry season and is ideal for water sports and other meaningful explorations.
Travel Tip: You can learn Kitesurfing from nearby schools for a completely enjoyable experience.
Best time to visit: It is recommended to visit Sri Lanka during the winter season, from December to mid-April. The weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities and explorations.
Ready for an extravagant trip to Sri Lanka?
FAQs
Which part of Sri Lanka is the most beautiful?
Sri Lanka is globally renowned for its verdant landscapes, gigantic forts, revered shrines, and surreal vistas. The five cities, Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Anuradhapura, are regarded as the country’s most famous yet best parts of the country. Every traveler should add these cities to their bucket list to explore the country fully while indulging in diverse experiences.
Do Indians need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes, Indians need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka. They can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online, a simple and quick process that allows short stays for business and travel purposes. Once the ETA is approved, it automatically links to the traveler’s passport, allowing hassle-free entry into Sri Lanka.
What is the cheapest month to travel to Sri Lanka?
Traveling to Sri Lanka during the off-peak season, the summer months (May to August), is relatively cheaper. During these months, the southwest monsoon season coincides, bringing rain to popular tourist destinations, including Galle, Colombo, and other cities. This time often results in lower tourist demands and off-peak season discounts, making travel flexible and cheaper.
Are temples in Sri Lanka worth visiting?
Sri Lanka is home to Asia’s most revered and iconic Hindu temples. Each shrine boasts intricate architecture, spiritual significance, and a rich history. Some famous temples include Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Sri Muthumariamman Kovil, Koneswaram Kovil, Munneswaram Temple, and Thirukoneswaram Kovil.
What are the best things to buy in Sri Lanka?
The best things to buy in Sri Lanka include:
- Ceylon Tea: A famous Sri Lankan tea with intense flavor and unique taste.
- Traditional wooden masks: Vibrant colored masks that are carefully hand-crafted to perfection.
- Elephant and Buddha Figurines: Shop beautiful figurines of elephants and Buddha made from ebony, wood, or stone.
- Gems: Shop gems available in different styles, colors, and designs.
- Sarongs and Saris: Traditional Sri Lankan sarees and sarongs, available in vibrant colors and designs.
- Porcelain Tableware: Choose from pots, bowls, plates, and teacups in various designs and patterns.
Travel Beyond: Sri Lanka Tour packages