Places To Visit in Sri Lanka

1 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 72
Tourist attractions

Known For : Viharamahadevi Park Gangaramaya Temple Galle Face Green

Discovered initially by traders two millennia ago, Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest economic corridor and tourist destination. As the island nation's capital city, Colombo is a cosmopolitan gateway to the wonders of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial heritage, splendid tropical landscapes and dele...

Best Time: December to March

2 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 51
Tourist attractions

Known For : Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) Kandy Lake Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Settled on a plateau encircled by lush mountains, Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka with biodiverse rainforests and tea plantations. Around 4 hours by road from Colombo, the city is famed for the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Buddhist pla...

Best Time: December to April

3 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 14
Tourist attractions

Known For : Sigiriya Rock Fortress Sigiriya Museum Pidurangala Rock

Sigiriya, often referred to as the "Lion Rock," is an ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka. It is located between Dambulla and Habarane and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Rising dramatically ...

Best Time: February to April

4 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 31
Tourist attractions

Known For : Ravana Falls Ella Rock Little Adam's Peak

Tucked into Badulla District, Ella is a charming laidback town drawing travelers to Sri Lanka's highlands with tea plantations, mountain jungles, and a cool climate. At an elevation of 1,041 meters, this wildlife-rich town has ancient caves, centuries-old secluded temples, and the famous Ella Gap - ...

Best Time: December - March

5 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 34
Tourist attractions

Known For : Galle Fort Galle Lighthouse Dutch Reformed Church

Tucked into the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, Galle is a major city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient churches and mosques, blond beaches, mansions and museums, quirky boutiques, and a convivial seaside promenade, Galle attracts locals, foreign t...

Best Time: February

6 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 33
Tourist attractions

Known For : Victoria Park Nuwara Eliya Lovers Leap Waterfall Seeta Amman Temple

Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka's hill station famed for its tea production. With a multitude of gorgeous attractions ranging from waterfalls and tea plantations to gardens and lakes, Nuwara Eliya is the epitome of scenic beauty. Add to that the colonial-style buildings dotting the area, a golf course and...

Best Time: February - April

7 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Sprawled over 979 square kilometres, Yala National Park in southeast Sri Lanka is the nation’s largest and most-visited wildlife conservation zone. As Sri Lanka’s oldest wildlife sanctuary, Yala shelters a vast area of unspoiled jungles, grassland, and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean. It is home ...

Best Time: February - July

8 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 28
Tourist attractions

Known For : Bentota Beach (Ventura Beach) Bentota River Safari Ayurvedic Spa at Bentota Ayurveda Center

Bentota is a picturesque coastal town on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, around 62 kms from the capital city, Colombo. Blessed with natural beauty and a laid-back ambiance, Bentota is known for its pristine beaches, lush greenery, and tranquil waterways. It is a popular destination fo...

Best Time: November - April

9 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 20
Tourist attractions

Known For : Sunset Walk at Coconut Tree Hill Whale Watching in Mirissa Sunset Cruise in Mirissa

Mirissa, nestled along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a picturesque and laid-back beach town that attracts travelers seeking sun, sand, and serenity. What was a faint old beach town has now risen to be one of the most popular surfing and whale-watching destinations in Sri Lanka. The beach ...

Best Time: December - March

10 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 29
Tourist attractions

Known For : Ruwanweli Maha Seya Sri Maha Bodhi Thuparamaya

Anuradhapura, an ancient city nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's North Central Province, stands as a living testament to the island's rich cultural and historical legacy. Revered as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Anuradhapura served as the capital of Sri Lanka for ove...

Best Time: April and September

11 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 17
Tourist attractions

Known For : Hikkaduwa Beach Spot Turtles at Turtle Beach Narigama Beach

Hikkaduwa finds itself nuzzled in the Galle district of South Western Sri Lanka, 2 hours away from Colombo. The beaches of Hikkaduwa have been visited since the 1970s for their vibrant nightlife and cuisine. The beaches are a surfer's delight and have a large coral reef, the Hikkaduwa Cora...

Best Time: November - April

12 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 11
Tourist attractions

Known For : Dambulla Cave Temple Dambulla Golden Temple & Museum Sigiriya

Dambulla, situated in central Sri Lanka, is a historic town renowned for its ancient cave temples and rich cultural heritage. It is approximately 148 kilometers northeast of Colombo and is easily accessible by road or rail. The centerpiece of Dambulla is the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as ...

Best Time: January to May

13 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 22
Tourist attractions

Known For : Koneswaram Temple Fort Frederick Shri Badrakali Amman Hindu Temple

The quaint city of Trincomalee, also famously known as ‘Gokarna’, is nestled on the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka. It is a city steeped in history, blessed with natural beauty, and vibrant with cultural diversity. Whether looking to relax on the beach, explore cultural sites or swim with Turtles o...

Best Time: May - October

14 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 19
Tourist attractions

Known For : Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam Jaffna Fort Jaffna Library

Jaffna is probably Sri Lanka's most historical city located at the northern tip on the country and the city from time to time had been passed under the rule of various kingdoms, governments and the armies. Unlike the country’s southern parts which are more influenced and in a way controlled by the B...

Best Time: January to September

15 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 6
Tourist attractions

Known For : World’s End (Horton Plains) Gommolli Kanda Ohiya

Horton Plains National Park, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and iconic attractions. Spanning over 31 square kilometers, the park is characterized by rolling grasslands, misty forests, and ...

Best Time: January to March

16 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 10
Tourist attractions

Known For : Surfing in Weligama Diving at Weligama Weligama Bay Handunugoda Tea Estate

Weligama, located along Sri Lanka's southern coast, is a charming coastal town renowned for its picturesque beaches, vibrant surfing scene, and rich cultural heritage. The name "Weligama" translates to "sandy village," which perfectly reflects the town's idyllic setting along a stretch of golden san...

Best Time: November - April

17 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka

As one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the Indian subcontinent, Adam’s Peak is a 7,359 feet tall mountain in Sri Lanka, frequently visited by people of almost all major religions. It is widely known for Sri Pada, a foot-shaped indentation at the summit of the pyramid-like mountain. Also calle...

Best Time: December to May

18 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Udawalawe National Park is a stunning sanctuary renowned for its diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes, located in the southern part of Sri Lanka. Covering an area of over 30,000 hectares, Udawalawe is best known for its large population of Asian elephants. The park provides a natural habitat ...

Best Time: December to March

19 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 15
Tourist attractions

Known For : Tangalle Beach Bundala National Park Hiriketiya Beach

Tangalle or also known as Tangalla, is one of the less explored places in the beautiful country of Sri Lanka. At a distance of around 250 km south of the gorgeous capital city Colombo, lies the unexplored beach havens of Tangalle. The beautiful beaches of the town are glimmering with the crysta...

Best Time: April to July

20 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 15
Tourist attractions

Known For : Unawatuna Beach Jungle Beach Japanese Peace Pagoda

Unawatuna, located about 5 km south of Galle, is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beach destinations, known for its golden sands, turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere. The main reason to visit Unawatuna is for its pristine beach, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The protected bay...

Best Time: October to April

21 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Bundala National Park is situated off the Sri Lankan coast, around 12 km away from the port town of Hambantota. Harbouring 197 colourful species of birds each year, the park is an internationally eminent, UNESCO-listed wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. Bundala is undoubtedly t...

Best Time: October to March

22 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 10
Tourist attractions

Known For : Crocodile Rock, Arugam Bay Arugam Bay Beach Elephant Rock, Arugam Bay

The Sri Lankan coastal town of Arugam Bay lies on the Indian Ocean, 320 kilometres from the capital city Colombo. With several surfing spots scattered across the area, for both beginners as well as skilled surfers, Arugam Bay is often called a surfer’s paradise. The famous surfing points here are Ma...

Best Time: April to September

23 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 16
Tourist attractions

Known For : The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu Gal Vihara  Dalada Maluva Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, located in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the island's most significant historical and cultural destinations. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, royal palaces, temples, monasteries, and othe...

Best Time: November to March

24 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Batticaloa also is known as 'Batti' for short, is a small town located on the East coast of Sri Lanka which has a very mellow and calm vibe to it. The calming city is surrounded by beautiful lagoons and palm trees. This town is in the east of Sri Lanka is also easy to reach due to its connectivity t...

Best Time: April to September

25 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 15
Tourist attractions

Known For : Negombo Beach Negombo Dutch Fort Negombo Lagoon

Negombo is a quiet town on the west coast of Sri Lanka located 10 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. Deriving its name from the Negombo lagoon, the modest village is known for its white sandy beaches and turquoise-blue waters. Popular for being a beach resort town, it is also one of th...

Best Time: February to April

26 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 3
Tourist attractions

Known For : Polhena Beach Dickwella Beach Weligama Beach

In the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, lies the beach city of Matara. Located 160 km from Colombo, Matara has a stronghold in the teardrop island – in terms of scenic shores, Buddhist temples, a frolicking local life and authentic food.

Best Time: December to April

27 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka

The Minneriya National Park is in the Northern province of Sri Lanka, four hours away from Colombo, and 30 minutes away from Sigiriya. The national park is famous for its herds of elephants migrating for food, water and shelter, and forming a 'gathering' that can be witnessed by the visitors. The dr...

Best Time: December - March

28 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Midigama is known to be the perfect Sri Lankan surfing turf. It is located at a distance of 140 kms from Colombo in the south coast region. Midigama is a small beach, so small in fact that you can cover both ends in just 10 minutes! The beach is a stretch of land. While one side consists of small sh...

Best Time: October to January

29 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Ahangama is a very calm and peaceful beach town with majestic palm trees all around. There is no sound apart from the waves hitting the shore and swaying of the trees making it ideal for a relaxing vacation.

Best Time: January to April & October to December

30 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 2
Tourist attractions

Known For : Pigeon Island National Park Nilaveli Beach

Nilaveli seaside town is 16 km from Trincomalee District in Eastern Sri Lanka. The town boasts of beautiful waters that are ideal for water sports, snorkelling and scuba diving. The Nilaveli beach road doubles as a boulevard lined up with palm trees called the Nilaveli Beach Road. The seas here are ...

Best Time: November to May

31 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Kaudulla National Park, located about 190 km northeast of Colombo, is a key destination for wildlife enthusiasts, especially those interested in elephants. The park is renowned for the "Elephant Gathering," an annual spectacle from August to October when hundreds of elephants migrate to Kaudulla's w...

Best Time: July to December

32 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 5
Tourist attractions

Known For : Diyaluma Falls Diyatalawa Adisham Hall

Haputale is a small town in Sri Lanka that is quaint and nestled away from the main cities and towns. Apart from escaping the city’s hustle, Haputale is where one can surround themselves with rolling hills covered in tea plantations, and indulge themselves in the tranquil and the sere...

Best Time: May to July

33 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is one of the very few virgin rainforests in the world, which is why it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage! The unique relation of flora and fauna in this forest makes it one of the hotspots in the world. The forest is only 13 km in the stretch and around 7 to 8 km from nor...

Best Time: January to March; August to September

34 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 4
Tourist attractions

Known For : Kataragama Temple Kebiliththa Dewalaya Kiri Vehera

Kataragama, nestled in the lush landscapes of southeastern Sri Lanka, is a pilgrimage town. It is one of the few places in the world that holds religious significance for Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims alike. The town's focal point is the Kataragama Temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity Ska...

Best Time: December - March

35 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 8
Tourist attractions

Known For : Maha Saman Dewalaya Kalthota Doowili Ella Falls

Famous for its gemstone industry, Ratnapura is a populous city in southwestern Sri Lanka. It is also known for serving as the start point of a trail that leads to the sacred Adam's Peak. A flourishing centre for gem trade for local and foreign traders alike, Ratnapura is home to numerous gem mines a...

Best Time: January to March

36 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Koggala is a coastal town in the southern region of Sri Lanka. A relatively offbeat destination which is famous for its namesake Koggala Beach and Koggala Lake. Surfing is a favourite activity amongst visitors to Koggala Beach. The lake, a freshwater lagoon, is dotted with small but scenic islands. ...

Best Time: December to March

37 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Nestled among forested hills, Kitulgala is a small Sri Lankan town in the western region of the country. Best known for being the most popular location in Sri Lanka for white water rafting, a visit to Kitulgala is a terrific combination of nature and thrill. It is also one of the wettest places in S...

Best Time: December - March

38 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Kumana National Park, located approximately 391 km east of Colombo and adjacent to Yala National Park, is renowned for its rich birdlife and diverse wildlife. The park’s key attraction is the Kumana Bird Sanctuary, where thousands of migratory birds, including painted storks, pelicans, and egrets, g...

Best Time: February to July

39 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Located in the suburbs of Sambalativu, Uppuveli captures the earthy beachside of Sri Lanka, and in this belt lies the Uppuveli beach, 6 km northwest of the city of Trincomalee. Uppuveli in Sri Lanka is iconic due to its golden sands that shimmer in the sunlight. The warm sun enthrones the blue ...

Best Time: December to March

40 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 13
Tourist attractions

Known For : Tissa Wewa Sithulpawwa Rock Temple

Tissamaharama is a town in the southern province of Sri Lanka, located 270 km from Colombo. The city is an interface for tourist expeditions as it is the starting point for visits to Yala National Park and Kataragama.The town holds artefacts from the past and has historical icons which include three...

Best Time: December to April

41 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 5
Tourist attractions

Known For : Tissa Wewa, Kirinda Great Basses Reef Kirinda Beach

The Kirinda village is yet another developing tourist spot within Sri Lanka. A small coastal town, Kirinda is in the southern province of Sri Lanka. The southern region is first level administrative division in the country, inhabited by around 2.5 million people; it is the 3rd largest province in th...

Best Time: January to March

42 out of 67
Places to visit in Sri Lanka 14
Tourist attractions

Known For : The Bar Reef Kalpitiya Lagoon, Kalpitiya Kalpitiya Beach

 Kalpitiya is a town surrounded by natural spaces and beaches. Kalpitiya covers a total area of 16.73 km²; the city has 14 islands with the main ones being Battalangunduwa, Palliyawatta, Uchchamunai, Periya Arichchalai, and Kakativu etc. Kalpitiya is one of the upcoming tourist destinations wit...

Best Time: April to October