Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is easily the most multi-cultural beach resort which situated on the east coast of the island. Mainstream tourism developments have been kept largely at bay so it’s a great place to enjoy a beach without the brashness of other more established resorts.
Mirissa
Mirissa is located in the South Coast of Sri Lanka, only about 200km away from the Equator. The sandy beach with its golden sand and undeniably warming atmosphere with chilled breezes..
Hikkaduwa
For those who are more adventurous can go for diving to the Black Coral Gardens, beyond the Coral Reef in deep waters, only deep divers could see and admire or they could go for wreck diving to several shipwrecks close to Hikkaduwa.
Negombo
This famous fishing town located 35 km north of Colombo and it is an ideal place to enjoy the traditional fishing methods of Sri Lanka.
Kalpitiya
Kalpitya is located in the North Western Province and the city consists of a total of 14 islands. It affords the opportunity to view large pods of Dolphins, often numbers running to hundreds is becoming a celebrated location in Sri Lanka of the lovers of Spinner Dolphins and Whales are regularly seen around the Kalpitiya Peninsula.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a coastal town in the Galle district of Sri Lanka. Unawatuna is a major tourist attraction in Sri Lanka and known for its beaches and corals. It is still home to the endangered and endemic purple-faced langur, a usually shy monkey species that can only be found in Sri Lanka’s forests.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park, situated in the south-east corner of the island, is home to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. This is one of the most popular and most visited National Parks in Sri Lanka due to its high Leopard density. Yala National Park is bustling with excitement, inviting wildlife enthusiasts.
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park is a park located approximately 180 km north of Colombo. Despite being Sri Lanka’s largest national park, visitor numbers remain low and give the park a true sense of wilderness. There are many types of vegetation to be found in Wilpattu, including littoral vegetation and 31 species of mammals.
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park lies on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, in Sri Lanka. It is quite possibly the best place in Sri Lanka to see elephants throughout the year as there are a few hundred elephants within the park, and you can sometimes witness a herd of females moving or bathing together in the wild.
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Here, you can see the view of the famous Gathering of the wild elephant herds and that documented as the largest meeting place of Asian Elephants in the world. During the dry season, herds up to 300 elephants are seen within a few square kilometers.
Wasgamuwa National Park
Wasgamuwa National Park is a natural park in Sri Lanka situated in the Matale and Polonnaruwa Districts. Wasgamuwa is one of the protected areas where Sri Lankan Elephants can be seen in large herds. It is also one of the Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka and the park is situated 225 km away from Colombo.
Sinharaja Rain Forest
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a national park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are about 3 elephants and 15 or so leopards. The most common larger mammal is the endemic purple-faced langur. The reserve’s name translates as the Lion Kingdom.
Kandy
Kandy in Sinhala, pronounced is the English name for the city of Maha Nuvara in the center of Sri Lanka. It’s set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. Kandy is famed for sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth shrine, celebrated with the grand Esala Perahera annual procession.
Dambulla
Dambulla is situated 148 km north-east of Colombo and 72 km (45 mi) north of Kandy. Major attractions of the area include the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex of Sri Lanka, and the area also boasts the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia. Despite its slightly commercial air, this remains an important holy place and should not be missed.
Polonnaruwa
The second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site. Polonnaruwa was the thriving commercial and religious center of Sri Lanka some 800 years ago. It consists of a lot of temples and religious buildings. For three centuries it was the royal capital, of both the Chola and Sinhalese kingdoms.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. The city, now a World Heritage site, was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. Anuradhapura is also significant in Hindu legend as the fabled capital of the Asura King Ravana in the Ramayana.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya also known as the Lion’s Rock is a rock fortress and the best-preserved city center in Asia. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters high and surrounded by gardens, ponds and other structures.
Katharagama
Kataragama is a pilgrimage town sacred to Buddhist, Hindu and indigenous Vedda people of Sri Lanka. The town has the Kataragama temple, a shrine dedicated to Skanda Kumara. Although Kataragama was a small village in medieval times, today it is a fast-developing township surrounded by jungle in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka.
Ella
Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka. The area has a rich biodiversity, dense with numerous varieties of flora and fauna. Ella is surrounded by hills covered with cloud forests and tea plantations. This small village is filled with tea estates, mountains, waterfalls and of course with some good air to breath .
Little Adam’s Peak
Little Adam’s Peak is 1141 m in height and it attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adam’s Peak, you can consummation a worth panoramic view. You have to walk through green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries.
Kithulgala
Kitulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by low wooded hills, Kitulgala is a village of lush vegetation. Inside the jungles of Kitulgala, there are plenty of camping opportunities which can be coupled with White Water Rafting, Bird Watching, Jungle Walks, River bathing and many adventure activities.
Nuwaraeliya
Nuwara Eliya is a city in the tea country hills of central Sri Lanka. Dubbed “Little England” due to its cool climate and colonial-era bungalows, it boasts a landscape far more dramatic than Britain’s. Nearby Seetha Amman Temple, a colorful Hindu shrine, is decorated with religious figures. Densely forested Galway’s Land National Park is a sanctuary for endemic and migratory bird species.
Haputhale
Haputale is surrounded by hills covered with cloud forests and tea plantations. You will be standing on a Mountain top being able to see Landscapes of North, South West and East. The area has a rich bio-diversity dense with numerous varieties of flora and fauna. The train trip to or from Haputale is one of best experiences you will make in Sri Lanka.
Horton Plains
Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. This plateau at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 metres is rich in biodiversity and many species found here. The Horton Plains are the headwaters of three major Sri Lankan rivers.
Trincomalee
Trinco is a natural harbor, one of the best one's in the world, Also famous for snorkeling, and swimming. There are great places to swim and the locals love this beach, as it is very safe and beautiful.
Nilaveli Beach
Nilaveli (Open-land of the moon-shine) is located north-west of the Island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka renowned for its soft white sand and breath-taking bays. Nilaveli is famous for recreational water sports such as scuba diving.
Colombo Lotus Tower
One of the best tourist attractions in Sri Lanka is also one of the country's newest. The Colombo Lotus Tower opened in the fall of 2019 as South Asia's tallest, free-standing structure. There's a shopping mall in the base of the tower, then you can take super fast elevators up to both indoor and outdoor observation areas. There's also a revolving restaurant at the top, which is a very popular spot for romantic dinners.
Sri Lanka National Museum
This large museum is also called the National Museum of Colombo, and it tells the fascinating story of the Sri Lankan people and their culture. The museum collection includes various kinds of things, from artifacts to artwork along with jewelry, coins, money, arms, and crafts.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, is an orphanage, nursery and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants located at Pinnawala village, 13 km northeast of Kegalle town in Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world.
Dehiwala Zoological Garden
National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka is a zoological garden in Dehiwala, Sri Lanka, founded in 1936. Its sprawling areas are host to a variety of animals and birds. The zoo exhibits animals but also places an emphasis on animal conservation and welfare, and education.
Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. Located on the Beira Lake, it was completed in the late 19th century
Red Mosque
Inside, the mosque showcases typical religious artwork and design, but it's the outside that really makes it extra special. The exterior red and white bricks are arranged in sometimes eye-fooling designs of spirals, swirls, and alternating patterns.
Galle Dutch Fort
Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards.
Pedro Tea Estate
We recommend booking Pedro Tea Factory tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund.
National Museum of Kandy
The National Museum of Kandy in Kandy, Sri Lanka is located next to the Temple of the Tooth in part of the former Royal Palace of Kandy. The primary exhibits are housed in the Palle Vahala building, which was the former home of the King's harem. A secondary exhibition is located in the main palace building.
Blue Whale Watching
As if Sri Lanka didn’t ooze magic from every pore already, blue whales are jumping out of the ocean to upstage the other natural wonders for a few weeks between February and mid March. This is krill feeding time when blue whales are king. The southern coast around Galle and Mirissa are the places to go in search of responsible blue whale watching in Sri Lanka during these times. Be prepared for magic.