Places To Visit in Sri Lanka

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Located on the southwestern tip, Galle is one of the most important cities of Sri Lanka. It is located at a distance of 119km from Colombo, the capital and happens to be the fifth largest city in Sri Lanka.

Best Time: February

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Declared a world heritage site by the UNESCO, this place serves as a fine example of ancient urban planning. It happens to be the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka.

Best Time: February to April

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Ella, a beautiful town located in the Badulla district of the Uva Province in Sri Lanka.

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Places To Visit in Sri Lanka

Yala National Park was originally a hunters arena during British colonial rule but now has the highest population of leopards on earth. Not only animals but it also provide a quaint environment for birds as well. It is Sri Lanka’s largest national park with a total area of 900 Sq Km. 

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A city of both historical as well as religious importance, Kandy is renowned for being the site of the Temple Of The Sacred Tooth Relic, unarguably the most famous among all the temples of Sri Lanka. Kandy is also home to numerous remarkable museums and scenic attractions.

Best Time: December to April

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Mirissa has the beautiful view along by the million things to do over here – Whale watching, Snorkelling, Surfing, Bodyboarding. The city presents the right balance between the calm days and live-music nights. 

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Bentota is a coastal town known for its pristine waters and lush green landscapes, with the dominance of tall palm trees. Interestingly, the name ‘Bentota’ is derived from Ben, a demon who once ruled the Tota or river bank.

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Colombo is Sri Lanka's prime city. The official capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, is also within the urban area of Colombo, so Colombo is often called the capital of Sri Lanka as well. The city has a rich colonial heritage, and also some very scenic and popular attractions.

Best Time: December to March

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Located at a height of 1868 m. This city happens to be the most important site for tea production in Sri Lanka and indeed the world.

Best Time: February to April

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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. 

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Anuradhapura is a historical paradise as it houses several heritage monasteries, palaces and monuments. It is known for its vast dagobas or brick stupas, ancient ponds and pools and magnificent temples. The city was established as the first capital of Sri Lanka in 377 BC.

Best Time: April and September

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Horton Plains National Park is a government protected area which is surrounded by cloud forest and montane grassland. Horton Plains National Park is a popular destination for tourists as it is inhabited by many tourist attractions including the ‘World’s End Cliff’.

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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.

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When in Sri Lanka be sure to pay a visit to Unawatuna which is in the southern part of the country. Known for its beautiful beaches, hip cafes, trendy restaurants and plenty of sightseeing make Unawatuna an attraction for tourists as well as the locals who are looking for a weekend getaway.

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The shallow waters by the shore give a dose of adrenaline as you swim in them. There are hotels and resorts scattered across that are stunningly designed to provide you with the comforts of a luxury stay right across the bay!

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Hikkaduwa finds itself nuzzled in the Galle district of Sri Lanka. The beaches of this South Western town are long and strides along the clear shores. Known as "Sword of Knowledge" Hikkaduwa is located 98 km from the heart of Colombo.

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Jaffna is probably the city in Sri Lanka where one can have the most historical experience. Due to its prime location at the northern tip on the country, the city from time to time had been passed under the rule of various kingdoms, governments and the armies.

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Places To Visit in Sri Lanka

Udawalawe National Park gets its name from Udawalawe reservoir that was built on Walawe river. Animals that were displaced due to the development were shifted to the national park. It is one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka that was established in the year 1972.

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Places To Visit in Sri Lanka

If you are someone who is a nature lover and an animal lover, be sure to make it a trip to the Minneriya National Park, which is in the northern part of Sri Lanka. The park is home to thousands of species of wildlife especially elephants.

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Dambulla is the city of the ancient. Along with being a major tourist destination, it is also a major commercial joint in the country of Sri Lanka due to its location. It is the centre of the vegetable distribution in the city.

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At a distance of around 250 km from the gorgeous capital city Colombo, lies the unexplored beach havens of Tangalle. The beautiful beaches of the town are glimmering with the crystal ocean, and glittery sand is a paradise for every beach lover out there.

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Negombo is a quiet town on the west coast of Sri Lanka home to the country's international airport. Deriving its name from the Negombo lagoon, the modest village is known for its white sandy beaches and refreshing blue waters. The town is also one of the commercial hubs of the country of Sri Lank

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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. Designated as a national park in 1993, Bundala is immensely popular for its migratory aquatic birds.

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Polonnaruwa, a marvel of a place, is in Northern Sri Lanka. The entire town has two sections - the development and infrastructure part called the Polonnaruwa new town and the Old Site with ancient remains and monarchical structures.

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The city of Trincomalee also famously known as ‘Gokarna’ is an essential fragment of the country, contributing towards the betterment and development of the district and in a nutshell, Sri Lanka. Trincomalee is often known as a port city because of its famous and most beautiful harbours.

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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!

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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. If you are looking to get away from the noise of the daily routine and have calming detox, Batticaloa is the place to be.

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Places To Visit in Sri Lanka

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.

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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.

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Places To Visit in Sri Lanka

The Kumana National Park is an amalgamation of both flora and fauna. The national park is known to be the home of diverse and rare species of birds along with other mammals, and the park is a perfect example for eco-tourism.

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Places To Visit in Sri Lanka

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, Ratnapura is home to numerous gem mines and a fascinating Gem Museum.

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From mountain hikes to temple visits, Sri Lanka provides a wholesome experience. In addition to this adventurous trip, the town of Kalpitiya which is within the Puttalam district of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

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Places To Visit in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka and its wildlife go hand in hand. It is home to 25 different national parks, and Kaudulla is one of them. Located about 200 km away from Colombo, and nestled between Dambulla and the coastal city of Trincomalee, Kaudulla is an often understated wildlife retreat.

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The forest is only 13 km in the stretch and around 7 to 8 km from north to south. The entire forest has remained untouched till date due to its inaccessibility.

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Places To Visit in Sri Lanka

Gal Oya National Park is near the town of Ampara, at the Senanayake Samudra reservoir. The highlight of a visit to Gal Oya National Park is unquestionably the boat safari across the reservoir; soak in the scenery amidst the waters and spot plenty of wildlife.

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Secularism is a popular notion in Sri Lanka with the constitution assuring the freedom of religion. Such diverse ethnicity within the country can be seen prominently in the sacred town of Kataragama.

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Places To Visit in Sri Lanka

Kalmunai is bestowed with beautiful beaches and aesthetic landscapes that historically it was considered the King’s Royal farm and resort town. There are lush green trees and paddy fields across the side of the roads, and the narrow streams have small river birds that nestle there.

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Places To Visit in Sri Lanka

Vavuniya is a transport hub in the Northern province of Sri Lanka. Located almost 250 km from Colombo, Vavuniya has everything that it takes to be a humble town comprising of Earthy and homely elements of Sri Lanka.

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A small coastal town, Kirinda is in the southern province of Sri Lanka. The major cities and towns in this province are the holy beach town of Kataragama and the cities of ancient lineages like Kirinda and Tissamaharama.

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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.

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Places To Visit in Sri Lanka

Wilpattu National Park is situated on the western coast of Sri Lanka, approximately an hour away from the ancient city of Anuradhapura. This national park has the enviable distinction of being the oldest and the largest national park in the country. 

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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 as a terrific combination of nature and thrill.