The Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka may be small in size, but this teardrop-shaped island is one of Asia’s most captivating travel destinations. Nestled in the Indian Ocean, this tropical paradise boasts a stunning mix of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking beaches that appeal to every traveller.
From ancient cities steeped in history to misty tea plantations covering the hills, Sri Lanka offers an incredible variety of experiences within its compact shape.
But what makes Sri Lanka truly special? It could be the thrill of spotting leopards in the morning and unwinding on a pristine beach by the afternoon. Or perhaps it’s the seamless blend of UNESCO-listed heritage sites and colonial-era tea estates. With eight UNESCO sites, close-up wildlife encounters, adventurous watersports, and some of the warmest hospitality you’ll ever experience, this island nation promises adventure at every turn.
This guide will take you through the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, from vibrant cities to tranquil coastlines, ensuring you make the most of your journey. No matter your travel style, you’re bound to find a destination that speaks to you.
Colombo
Colombo is Sri Lanka's vibrant capital, boasting a captivating fusion of colonial heritage and contemporary life. This dynamic city serves as both the gateway to the island and a destination worthy of exploration in its own right, with numerous things to do in Colombo that highlight its unique character.
Begin your journey at Galle Face Green, a scenic seaside promenade where locals gather to fly kites, enjoy street food, and watch sunsets over the Indian Ocean. For a glimpse into Sri Lanka's spiritual side, visit Gangaramaya Temple, one of the most iconic Buddhist temples in the capital.
No visit to Colombo is complete without experiencing the sensory overload of Pettah Market, where narrow streets burst ith vendors selling everything from fresh produce to electronics. History lovers should reserve time for the National Museum of Colombo, which houses a remarkable collection of artefacts that chronicle the island's rich cultural heritage from prehistoric times to the colonial era.
Galle
Just a few hours south of Colombo lies Galle, a famous place in Sri Lanka that perfectly captures the island's past. The centrepiece is the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort - a remarkably preserved Dutch fortress from the 17th century. Walking along the massive fort walls at sunset offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean crashing against the ramparts, creating a perfect photo opportunity and one of the most romantic experiences on the island.
Inside the fort, you can wander through charming streets lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and trendy cafes housed in restored buildings. Each corner reveals architectural gems that tell stories of European colonial powers that once ruled these shores.
Beyond the fort, the nearby beaches of Unawatuna and Jungle Beach offer stunning coastal landscapes where turquoise waters meet golden sands, offering perfect spots for swimming and snorkelling. At Mountain Kingdoms, our Definitive Cultural Tour of Sri Lanka includes a stop in Galle, where you can experience whale watching between November and April. Galle effortlessly combines historical exploration with coastal relaxation, making it one of the best places to travel in Sri Lanka.
Kandy
Nestled within mist-covered hills, Kandy proudly stands as the cultural heart of the country and is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. This sacred city - the last stronghold of the Sinhala kings - houses the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic, believed to contain a tooth of Buddha himself. Visiting during the spectacular Esala Perahera Festival (usually in July or August) to get a glimpse of one of Asia's most magnificent religious processions.
The things to do in Kandy extend beyond its religious significance. The serene Kandy Lake, created in 1807, offers a tranquil retreat in the middle of the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Nature enthusiasts should not miss the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, home to over 4,000 species of plants, including a spectacular orchid collection.
On an evening, visitors can immerse themselves in the island's cultural heritage by attending traditional Kandyan dance performances. These typically feature acrobatic moves, elaborate costumes, and fire-walking demonstrations that showcase centuries-old traditions that continue to thrive.
Sigiriya
Rising dramatically from the central plains, the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya ranks among the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka. This UNESCO World Heritage site, often referred to as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’, features the ruins of King Kasyapa's palace perched atop a massive rock column nearly 200 metres high. The breathtaking climb to the summit rewards visitors with astonishing views of the surrounding landscape and remarkable archaeological discoveries.
Along the way, you'll encounter the famous Sigiriya frescoes (ancient paintings that have retained their vibrant colours for over 1,500 years) and the Mirror Wall - a white plaster wall once polished so intensely that the king could see his reflection, but it’s now covered with graffiti from visitors.
For an alternative perspective of this iconic landmark, climb nearby Pidurangala Rock at sunrise. This less-visited vantage point offers panoramic views of Sigiriya Lion Rock jutting dramatically from the jungle floor, creating one of the most photographed landscapes in the country.
Dambulla
Just a short drive from Sigiriya lies another UNESCO treasure: the Dambulla Cave Temple. This Buddhist site is made up of five caves housing 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of gods and goddesses. The caves' walls and ceilings are covered with intricate Buddhist murals spanning 2,100 square metres, creating one of the most impressive temple complexes in South Asia.
The temple's entrance is marked by a massive golden Buddha statue that is actually a modern addition to this ancient site. Dating back to the 1st century, these caves have been continuously used as a place of worship for over 2000 years, making them an integral part of Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage.
The site's elevated position also provides splendid views of the surrounding countryside, adding to its appeal as both a spiritual and scenic destination. For visitors seeking the top places to visit in Sri Lanka to understand the country’s religious traditions, Dambulla is an essential stop on any itinerary.
Ella
Nestled in the misty highlands of Sri Lanka's Hill Country, Ella has transformed from a sleepy village into a tourist's dream destination. This charming mountain town offers a refreshing escape from the tropical heat of the lowlands and is one of the most special places in Sri Lanka to visit.
The iconic Nine Arches Bridge stands as Ella's most photographed attraction. This railway viaduct, also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky’, creates a stunning scene as trains rumble across its nine massive arches. For the most memorable experience, time your visit to catch the blue train crossing the bridge – a quintessential Sri Lankan image.
Adventure seekers can enjoy the hike up Little Adam's Peak - a relatively easy climb with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations and valleys at the top. For a more refreshing experience, visit Ravana Falls, a cascading waterfall steeped in legend as the hiding place of Princess Sita in the Hindu book Ramayana.
With its laid-back atmosphere, stunning natural scenery, and abundance of charming cafes serving locally grown coffee and tea, Ella highlights why the central highlands rank among the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Nuwara Eliya
High in the central mountains at an elevation of 1,868 metres, Nuwara Eliya offers a surreal experience of colonial Britain transported to tropical Sri Lanka. Often called ‘Little England’, this charming town features Tudor-style cottages, well-manicured gardens, and a distinctly British atmosphere.
The tea plantations surrounding the town represent the heart of Sri Lanka's world-famous tea industry. Visitors can tour tea factories to gain an insight into the process of transforming green leaves into the perfect cup of Ceylon tea, complete with tastings of different varieties. The undulating carpets of tea bushes create some of the most beautiful landscapes on the island.
Gregory Lake is a scenic spot for relaxation, offering boat rides and picnic opportunities against a backdrop of rolling hills. More adventurous travellers should venture to the nearby Horton Plains National Park. If you fancy it, you can embark on the exhilarating hike to World's End – a sheer cliff with a drop of about 880 metres that offers spectacular views on clear mornings before the mist rolls in. Highlights from our Pekoe Trail walking tour include a visit to this very spot!
With its cool climate, stunning scenery, and unique cultural blend, Nuwara Eliya stands as one of the most special places in Sri Lanka, particularly for those seeking respite from the tropical heat.
Yala National Park
For wildlife enthusiasts, Yala National Park represents the crown jewel of Sri Lanka's natural treasures. Spanning over 979 square kilometres, this park boasts the highest amount of leopards in the world, making it one of the best places on earth for spotting the big cats in their natural habitat.
Beyond the thrill of potential leopard sightings, Yala showcases Sri Lanka's remarkable biodiversity. Visitors commonly encounter elephants roaming in family herds, sloth bears foraging, and crocodiles basking along waterways. The park also houses over 215 bird species, so birdwatchers will be in for a treat with potential sightings of peacocks, painted storks, and more.
Early morning and late afternoon safaris offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities when animals are most active. While the park can become busy during peak season, its vast size ensures plenty of opportunities for memorable wildlife encounters that highlight why Sri Lanka is considered one of Asia's top destinations for nature lovers. If game drives are something you’re interested in experiencing, our Gentle Walking Tour of Sri Lanka features morning and afternoon drives of the park.
Mirissa
Along the southern coast lies Mirissa, a small town epitomising the laid-back beach atmosphere that makes Sri Lanka a tropical paradise. This crescent-shaped beach, with its golden sands and turquoise waters, offers the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure.
Mirissa is renowned as one of the world's best locations for whale watching. From November to April, the waters offshore become a playground for blue whales and several dolphin species. This once-in-a-lifetime marine experience draws nature lovers from around the globe.
Those in search of the perfect Instagram post usually flock to Secret Beach and Coconut Tree Hill, where palm trees leaning over dramatic clifftops create postcard-perfect scenes. As the sun sets, beachside cafes switch to vibrant bars where travellers can enjoy fresh seafood and tropical cocktails while listening to the rhythmic sounds of the Indian Ocean.
With its perfect balance of natural beauty and developed tourist infrastructure, Mirissa stands among the best tourist places in Sri Lanka for those seeking the quintessential tropical beach experience.
Jaffna
Jaffna, the capital of northern Sri Lanka, stands out as one of the most unique travel destinations in Sri Lanka. With its strong Tamil, Hindu, and Indian influences, it offers a cultural experience that feels distinctly different from the Sinhalese south. As such, it’s often considered one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for travellers looking to explore the island’s diverse heritage.
A highlight is the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, an awe-inspiring Hindu temple renowned for its elaborately carved towers and vibrant spiritual atmosphere. Jaffna also boasts some of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka, such as the serene Casuarina Beach, which is known for its calm, shallow waters and untouched beauty. A boat trip to Nainativu Island - home to both Hindu and Buddhist temple - adds further depth to the experience, and is a stop on days 6-7 of our Sri Lanka cultural tour. Jaffna may be off the typical tourist trail, but it's undoubtedly one of the most special places in Sri Lanka.
Summary
From the bustling streets of Colombo to the tranquil beaches of Mirissa, Sri Lanka offers an extraordinary range of experiences within its compact borders. This tropical paradise is home to ancient wonders like Sigiriya, Dambulla, and the sacred city of Kandy, while nature lovers can explore the misty tea plantations of Ella and Nuwara Eliya. Wildlife enthusiasts will find world-class leopard spotting in Yala National Park, while beachgoers can soak up the sun in Arugam Bay or Mirissa.
Beyond the well-known attractions, Sri Lanka is also filled with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Whether you seek history, adventure, wildlife, or relaxation, this island paradise has something for every traveller.
If you’re dreaming of a trip to Sri Lanka, Mountain Kingdoms has a variety of Sri Lankan holiday tours for you to choose from. Led by our expert guides, our tours promise to reveal to you the very best that this beautiful island has to offer.
If you have any queries, simply email our friendly team at info@mountainkingdoms.com, or call our travel experts on 01453 844400 who'll be very happy to answer your questions.
This blog article was written by Kirsty Parsons from the Mountain Kingdoms team. Kirsty is a keen walker and wildlife enthusiast. She has travelled extensively in the Americas, both on research trips for Mountain Kingdoms as well as on her personal adventures. She has also visited many other key destinations including Sri Lanka, Nepal and Costa Rica.