The Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is very popularly known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka is a small island surrounded by sea all four sides.

Its geographical location is naturally gifted.

The island is full of beauty of nature, golden sandy beaches, ancient culture, mountains, tree palms, and tea plantation. 

While you are travelling the island, you will still see the architecture of the invaders who ruled the country during 18 and 19 centuries.

The country is still maintaining and protecting its ancient sculpture, temples, and buildings.

Apart from the cultural values, you will see a lot of species living in jungles and national parks.

Without any delay, let’s see the list of 10 best places you should visit when you go to Sri Lanka.

Number 10: Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is in the North of Galle, Southwestern part of Sri Lanka.

The place is famous for the Hikkaduwa Beach and the national park.

The national park is a home for marine species and turtles. You can take a boat and see the coral life.

Many tourists love to visit Hikkaduwa, because of the cheap guest houses, tourist spots, cafes, bars and a lot of restaurants to try the taste of Sri Lanka.

There are plenty of shops to buy gift items and handmade items made by natives.

If you visit Hikkaduwa, stay there for a night to enjoy the beach view on the sandy shore.

Number 9: Ella

Ella is a town in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka.

You will see huge hills, valleys, long bridges, and tea plantations if you visit Ella.

If you get a chance, travel to Ella from Kandy by train. You can nicely watch the hills and the view from the train.

There a lot to adventure in Ella.

Do not go back without hiking the nearby waterfalls and temples.

The top of Ella Rock will take you to another world.

Number 8: Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is one of the ancient cities in Sri Lanka and the capital city of North Central Province.

It protects and stands out for the ruins of the ancient of the Sri Lankan civilization.

The city was flourished with Buddhist temples and monuments but abandoned by the invaders.

You can still see the remaining ancient pieces.

The public is allowed to visit and enjoy.

Number 7: Colombo

Colombo is the commercial city Sri Lanka with most of the top companies, malls, and city centres.

The natural harbour in Colombo did use for ancient trades from western countries.

The harbour still used for commercial purposes.

Visit Colombo on the last couple of days before your flight, because you can buy an enormous lot of products and items in Colombo.

You see a lot of malls, theatres, plazas and pubs and clubs in Colombo.

Even the city is modern, can still see the colonial building built during the Dutch period.

Number 6: Yala National Park.

Yala National Park is a wildlife sanctuary.

If you visit the park, you can see the leopards live, because different species of leopards in the world are living there.

You can also closely see elephants, sloths, bears, and crocodiles.

The park divided into five areas and some of which zoned for hunting.

Before you start travelling into the park, make sure you go to the visitor centre at the entrance to get a clear idea about the Yala National Park.

Number 5: Jaffna

Jaffna has located in the northern part of Sri Lanka.

The place is with a lot of Tamil people living in the area and represents the Tamil Culture.

You can see a lot of temples in Jaffna.

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is a popular one, do not forget to go there and worship god Muruga.

Another historical place to visit in Jaffna Fort, the fort was built Portuguese in the 17th century.

Make sure you visit the Jaffna National Library is one of the largest libraries in Asia, and also the Jaffna Archeological museum.

The museum protects the Dutch canons and pre-colonial artefacts.

Number 4: Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is one of the oldest kingdoms in Sri Lanka.

Every part of the Polonnaruwa remains as royal and ancient cities while Kaduruwela stands as the new town.

The place is best preserved the 12th-century ruins and start your visit at the Polonnaruwa museum and then go to the Royal Palace.

The Sacred Quadrangle is another must-see here.

Number 3: Kandy.

Kandy is the second-largest city in Sri Lanka and surrounded by mountains.

Kandy is home to rainforest and tropical plantations like tea and rubber.

If you visit Kandy from Colombo, you will see the tea and rubber estates on the way.

The city’s heart is known as Kandy Lake, so do not miss to visit there once.

The last kingdom of Sri Lanka is the Kandyan. The Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world.

The biggest festival in the town is known as Esala Perera continues to happen for nine days in July.

So, if you visit Sri Lanka for your summary vacation, do not miss the chance to book tickets for Esela Perera.

Number 2: Galle

Galle is most famous for Galle Fort built by Dutch during the 17th century.

The fort is known for its architectural style.

Most tourists love to visit Galle and spend their time for a couple of days, because of the natural beauty.

You can see many hotels and restaurants with all the facilities to spend your vacation.

There are plenty of places to visit in Galle other than the Fort.

A natural harbour, The oldest lighthouse of Sri Lanka, the maritime museum,

the Shiva Temple, and St. Mary’s Cathedral are the places you must see when you go to Galle.

Number 1: Sigiriya

Sigiriya is a must-see place in Sri Lanka.

It is an ancient rock fortress located in Matala.

The rock is almost 600 feet high and is known as Lion’s Rock.

The rock fortress built by King Kashyapa during the 5th century is a piece of royal evidence.

You have to climb up the staircases to reach Lion’s mouth, will also see the ponds and fountains built by Kashyapa.

Do not forget to see the paintings on the rock which are drawn by the king and the paints used made naturally.

Sigiriya is listed in the world heritage site and known as the eighth wonder of the world.