Top 10 Best Places in Sri Lanka

St. Clair's Falls - Sri LankaSt. Clair's Falls - Sri Lanka. Image by Dunstan from Flickr

You are thinking to pass your next holiday time with your friends or family. So, you can decide to go to the land of Sri Lanka as your next tourist destination. Sri Lanka tour is not only to see the glorious pearl of the Indian Ocean, but it also has the opportunity to visit the various temples and feel the charming weather and nature-urban parks and beaches. There are many tourist places in Colombo. So, choose the best tourist places in Sri Lanka as you may not get enough time to travel to all tourist attractions during your visit.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the oldest island country in the world and called the land of Serendipity. Sri Lanka, originally called Ceylon, is famous for its coconut, tea, natural beauty, and cannabis. But, the country is also known for its high-quality education, friendly security, and love for elephants. Moreover, the main city of the country is Colombo. Sri Lanka is also famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, coconut, and rubber.

The Sinhalese community, living 31 km away from the south coast of India, is the major population in the country. Sri Lanka has the highest literacy rate among developing countries. Primary education for children has been made compulsory for 9 years. There are about 16 public universities in the country. Before 1972, the island was also known as Ceylon.

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The official administrative capital of Sri Lanka is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, commonly known as Kotte. Sirimavo Bandaranaike, who was the world’s first female prime minister, became Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in 1960. However, Sri Lanka is the highest per capita income country in South Asia.

People from different countries of the world visit the island country, Sri Lanka. The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Kelaniya Temple is a Buddhist temple that is one of the best tourist sights of Sri Lanka. Another place of interest in Sri Lanka is Anuradhapura, which is located 208 km from Colombo. The UNESCO declared Anuradhapura, the oldest city in Sri Lanka, as World Heritage Site. But Sri Lanka is famous for MICE tourism. There are many convention centers here. However, beaches with natural beauty, landscapes, and rich cultural heritage have made Sri Lanka very attractive to tourists coming from all over the world. So, you should not miss visiting beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

When should you go to Sri Lanka?

Although you can visit the country throughout the year, the best time to travel to Sri Lanka is December to March. The weather in Sri Lanka is very nice due to the geographical location. Its climate is temperate due to having sea surrounding the country. In addition, huge rainfalls occur in October and November in the country. So, it is better for tourists not to choose this time to visit Sri Lanka’s famous places.

What places you will visit in Sri Lanka?

It is known to all that Sri Lanka is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists since ancient times. However, you can start your Sri Lanka tour right after landing at Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo. But, the west coast of Sri Lanka is more popular for tourists as there is the largest number of hotels and resorts there. Moreover, beautiful and historical places in the country will fascinate the tourists. The places include Colombo, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Adam Mountain, National Museum of Sri Lanka, etc. You should not forget to visit Kandy, one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Moreover, Kandy is called the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. However, there are ‘The Temple of Tooth’, The Old Well Palace Compound, Lankatilka Temple, and Ambika Temple in Kandy.

  • Colombo
  • Colombo, Sri LankaColombo, Sri Lanka

    Colombo, the best tourist place in Sri Lanka, has provided many modern urban facilities. The amenities of the city are combined with indigenous and colonial history. Sri Lanka has gained a lot of reputation as a major stop on the world spice trade route. So, the country has long been of strategic importance to the European trade power. The country was once a colony of Portugal, the Netherlands, and the British. As a result, the culture of those countries has merged with the native culture of Sri Lanka. Travelers can appreciate the influences of culture by tasting the food and seeing those in architecture and fine arts. While traveling to Colombo, you can see the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara or Kelaniya Temple. The religious program ‘perahera’ is held in the temple in January every year.

    The beach at Galle Face beach is another enjoyable place for tourists to see the beauty of the sea. In addition to the attractiveness of the sea. there are various water sports in Colombo. Mount Lavinia Beach is another beautiful place in Colombo which is only 12 kilometers away from Colombo city. However, you can also see the governor house in the beach area. In Colombo, Dehiwala zoo, one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, is the most attractive place as you can watch elephant show in the zoo.

    What are the other most important places to visit in Colombo?

    You can also visit Royal Colombo Golf Course, Paradise Road for Shopping, Colombo Port Maritime Museum, a short history walk, World Trade Centre, Laksala, best souvenir shop, Khan Clock Tower, a Colombo landmark, National Art Gallery, Colombo Dutch Museum, and Traditional Puppet Art Museum. So, Colombo is one of the beautiful places in Sri Lanka for traveling in the country.

    What is the best time to visit Colombo?

    January to March is the best time to visit Colombo as the season remains dry. The met office gets only 23 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius temperature at this time. You can chance to celebrate various festivals including Sri Lanka’s Independence Day in Colombo during these first three months of the year. But, you should not travel to Colombo during the rainy seasonâ€" May to October.

    How will you reach Colombo?

    It will be better for you to visit Colombo if you start your journey via India. So, there are many direct flights between Colombo and south India’s cities including Bengaluru and Chennai. On the other hand, you can also go to Colombo from Mumbai and New Delhi.

  • Anuradhapura
  • Anuradhapura, Sri LankaAnuradhapura, Sri Lanka

    Anuradhapura, one of the best tourist places in Sri Lanka, is famous for the foundations of ancient civilization and archeological sites of Sri Lanka. Moreover, UNESCO has declared it as a World Heritage Site. The town is located on the bank of the Malvathu River and 205 km north of Colombo. Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. The area of the town is about 16 square kilometers. Buddhists considered the ancient town as the sacred land.

    The town developed in Anaradhapura between 500 and 250 BC. According to Sri Lanka’s historical book Mahavamsa, king Pandukabhaya had planned to build this town. The king built different infrastructures including common cemeteries, slaughterhouses, and temples of the queen. But, Buddhism preached in Sri Lanka from 250 to 210 BC during the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa. With the preaching of Buddhism, the importance of Anuradhapura increased as an urban.

    All the famous infrastructures started developing from this period. There are eight important places in Anuradhapura, which fascinate the tourists. The eight places are Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Mirisaweti Stupa, Abhayagiri Stupa, Jetavanaramaya, and Lankaramaya.

    Currently, there are nearly 57,632 people of different classes including Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Indian Tamils and Sri Lankan Moors. Huge tourists visit this ancient city every day.

    When should you visit Anuradhapura?

    As one of Sri Lanka’s famous places, you can visit Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka in two times â€" July-September and December-January. The weather remains dry and comfortable for trips during these periods. Tourists should avoid visiting Anuradhapura in March as the weather is too hot and damp during this time.

    How to Reach Anuradhapura?

    Traveling persons can reach Anuradhapura by bus, train, and road. You can go easily Anuradhapura by bus and most buses will take the A9 highway. Any can reach Anuradhapura by train as there are two major stations near the city. Unfortunately, you cannot fly directly to Anuradhapura as the city has no airports. If you would like to go to the place from India, you will get flights from Banglaore, Tirupati and Tiruchirappalli to go to Colombo, from where you will have to go to Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s famous places.

  • Kandy
  • Kandy, Sri LankaKandy, Sri Lanka

    Kandy, one of the best places of Sri Lanka, is a cultural centre of the country. The city is important pilgrimage for Buddhist due to the famous Temple of Tooth. The sacred tooth of Buddha has been kept in the golden stupa. During prayer you can see the tooth which has been kept in a room. You can also see hundreds of Buddhists including monks, who are sacrificing themselves. There are several museums and important debris of Buddhists in the temple complex. Besides, you can visit many places including, botanical gardens, picturesque lake and wood and precious stone workshops in Kandy.  

    What are the most exciting places to visit in Kandy?

    There are many important places, which will attract tourists in Kandy. They are Kandy Lake, Hulu River Waterfall, Knuckles Mountain Range, Bahirawakanda Temple, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Wales Park, Pallekele Cricket Stadium, Riverton Gap, Tour to the Highlands, Mountains, Galmaduwa Temple and Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Vihara.

    How will you to reach Kandy?

    You can get available flights from Banglaore, Tirupati and Tiruchirappalli of India to go to Colombo if you want to go to Kandy by air as Kandy has no airports. To reach Kandy by road, there are plenty of tourists’ book taxis to drive them to the city. Intercity express trains are also another way to reach Kandy. Besides, you will get available intercity air-conditioned buses and normal city buses.

    What is the best time to visit Kandy?

    January to March is the best time to visit Kandy as the weather always remains dry in these three months. The visitors get better facilitates to earn sightseeing experience due to the clear weather. But you should remember it these times are peak season for visiting Sri Lanka and you will have to count higher expenses for travel and accommodation.

  • Sigiriya Rock
  • Sigiriya Rock, Sri LankaSigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka

    Sigiriya, one of the beautiful places of Sri Lanka, is a cave temple located in the northern Matale District near Dambulla town in the Central Province of the country. A king built an impregnable palace cutting a 600 feet high stone. The palace is like a beehive. This stone is world-famous as Sigiriya Rock, which another name is Lion Rock. It was used as a Buddhist temple till the fourteenth century. The entrance of the Sigiriya fort is like a big lion statue. A part of the lion statue still survives. This cave was used as a monastery of saints since the 500th century BC.

    UNESCO declared it as World Heritage Site in 1982. The fort consists of a citadel and has ruins of palaces, the Lion Gate, gardens, moats, the Mirror Wall, and many beautiful paintings made in wet plaster on walls. The site opens at 7:00 AM from Monday to Saturday.

    How to reach Sigiriya Rock?

    The tourists can reach Sri Lanka’s famous place Sigiriya rock by bus or by train from Dambulla. Cars and taxis are also another choice to reach the destination but traffic will be very slow. You can go to Sigiriya from Colombo by train.

    What is the best time to visit Sigiriya?

    You should choose these four months â€"January to April â€" to visit Sigiriya as you get a moderate and suitable climate for day trips. May to August is the dry season in Sigiriya while October to December is the rainiest season. So, you should avoid the Sigiriya tour during these three months. So, don’t miss seeing the rock while visiting Sri Lanka as your trip to Sri Lanka would not be complete without the visit of Sigiriya, one of the beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

  • Adam’s Peak
  • Adam’s Peak in Sri LankaAdam’s Peak in Sri Lanka

    Adam’s Peak is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the Indian subcontinent. Adam’s Peak is located in the Ratnapura district of Sri pada province in Sri Lanka. It is 2,243 meters or 7, 358 feet high and looks like an angle. It is a sacred peak for not only Muslims, but also for the followers of these three religions â€"Hindus, Christians, and Buddhists. According to the beliefs of the Muslims, Hazrat Adam (AS) came or fell directly on the mountain of Adam from heaven. The mountain is surrounded by a vast area of greenery and some hilly slopes. There are numerous small rivers and mountain dharnas around the hilltops. The Adam’s peak, one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, is widely known for Sri Pada.

    There is a big rock in the peak and its height is eight feet. There is a footprint above the rock, and it is believed to be the footprint of Adam (Pbuh). the Hindus believe that it is the footprint of Shiva while Buddhists as that of Lord Buddha and the Christians as that of St. Thomas the Apostle.

    The footprint measures about five feet seven inches and its length and width are two feet and six inches respectively. According to Buddhism, the footprints were discovered in 300 BC. The footprint has been fenced off since it was discovered. Hundreds of tourists have traveled to the peak. Not only Sri Lankans, Muslims of many countries believe that Hazrat Adam (AS) first kept foot on this mountain in Sri Lanka after he was sent to earth. This is why it is called Adam’s Peak. It is a very risky adventure to reach this footprint of the mountain. After completing the ascent, pilgrims offer prayers at a shrine that sits atop the mountain.

    However, there is a metal staircase near the peak and it has about 5,000 steps. Not every step of it is safe. It takes at least five to seven hours if you want to reach the peak above the unsafe steps with the risk. The adventures can climb the mountain for only three to four months in a year. But, it becomes impossible to climb the peak in other times of the year. Besides, there are Bhagava cave, the World Peace Pagoda and the sunrise to see there.

    What is the best time to visit Adam’s Peak?

    December to May is the best time to visit Adam’s Peak. During these times, the weather remain dry and no rains it doesn’t hamper the ascent up the mountain. Most pilgrims prefer to climb the mountain during the early hoursâ€"around 1:30am to 2:00am to take photos of the mesmerizing sunrise and avoid the heat and humidity.

    How to reach Adam’s Peak?

    As one of the best tourist places in Sri Lanka, the travelers can go to Adam’s Peak from Kandy, Colombo, Ella and Hatton. It is the best way to reach Adams peak from Colombo by train.

  • Ella
  • Ella, Sri LankaElla, Sri Lanka

    Many travelers fall in hesitant to choose the best places to travel Ella, best tourist places in Sri Lanka. Actually, Ella of Sri Lanka is a very charming place. The hills with waterfalls and luxurious forests will enchant you. You will see the pasture like grass. The cool air of the mountains and the tranquility of nature will surround you. Besides, there are opportunities for adventure and mountaineering enthusiasts. There are opportunists of trekking that can be completed in one day and there are some that will take a long time. Ela has interesting vantage points and tourist spots from where you can enjoy sunrise and sunset views. There are many ancient temples, monasteries and churches there. The visitors will also see old fashioned bridges and infrastructures of the World War-I era.

    Here are some top attractive places in Ella for visiting:

  • Demodara Nine Arch Bridge
  • Ceylon Tea Factory
  • Little Adams Peak
  • Ella Rock
  • Diyaluma Falls
  • Ravana Waterfall
  • Liptons Seat
  • Kandy
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • What is the best time to visit Ella?

    January to March is the best time to visit Ella as the weather remains dry in this time and there are low chances of rainfall.

    How to reach?

    The town is 235 km away from Colombo. You will take a direct train to Ella from Colombo.  

  • Mirissa
  • Mirissa, Sri LankaMirissa, Sri Lanka

    Mirissa is an attractive resort located on the shore of the Indian Ocean. The place is considered to be the best vacation spot in Sri Lanka. Mirissa, beautiful places in Sri Lanka, is located in the southwest of Sri Lanka. This resort is famous for its sandy beaches. The main attractions of Mirissa are surfing, diving and blue whale watching. The development of tourism infrastructure began in Mirissa snice the first hotel was opened in the village in the 1980s. Everything is focused for tourists. People come here to enjoy the quiet and the beauty of nature. The comfortable weather of the place fascinates tourists. There are many restaurants on the coast. Travelers are served traditional island foods but European foods are also got.

    The longest beach in Mirissa, one of Sri Lanka’s famous places, is to the right of Tota Rock. The coast is covered with fine and clear sand. There are showers, sun loungers and umbrellas, many cafes and surfboard rental points there. But quiet swimming is not always possible due to strong waves. The advantage of Mirissa Beach is that the tables are set right on the beach. So, you can have lunch or dinner with enjoying the sound of the surf.

    There is beautiful coconut hill, which is the east site of the beach. In the evening many people gather there to watch the sunset. The place is famous for Tuna, mullet, snapper and butterfish. Tourist attractions are Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa Beach and Parrot Rock Bridge. Another beautiful beach in Mirissa is Secret Beach, which is located just outside the small Mirissa beach.

    How can you reach Mirissa?

    If you want to go to Mirissa, you will reach Weligama, the nearest train station to Mirissa. You could take direct train from Colombo to Weligama. Later, you will get bus for ahead.

    What is the best time to visit?

    The best time to visit Mirissa is October to December. You must avoid these three months from May to July to visit Mirissa as it is a windy place. So, don’t miss visit Mirissa, one of the best tourist places in Sri Lanka.

  • Jaffna
  • Jaffna Sri LankaJaffna, Sri Lanka

    Jaffna, a town of Sri Lanka, is located on the island of Jaffna in the northern part of the country. Jaffna town is about 15 to 16 feet above from sea level. The city, which is under Jaffna district of Uttar Pradesh, is located on the shores of the Gulf of Mannan. Most of the residents of this town are Tamil speaking people. It is about 300 kilometers away from capital Colombo, according to Wikipedia. 

    The nearest city to Jaffna, one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, is Anuradhapura. Once upon a time, Jaffna was the capital of the state of Vallipuram. Jaffna went under various states, governments and armies in different times. In 1980, Tamil speaking people of this city and its adjoining areas made an attempt to form an independent Jaffna. It was the center of the LTTE power to capture the city in 1995 which led to the devastating Battle of Jaffna. In 2009, local people of the city started a struggle with the country’s army. Later, the Tamil language people gradually retreated. Jaffna is now completely under the control of the Sri Lankan Army. The city returns to normalcy slowly.

    Today, Jaffna, beautiful places in Sri Lanka, has developed into one of the industrial cities of Sri Lanka. The main earning source in Jaffna is from tourism and port business. There are several monuments for visitors as the city was under different states and governments.

    What are the best places to visit in Jaffna?
  • Jaffna port
  • Jaffna Library
  • Casuarina beach
  • Dutch Fort
  • Akkarai Beach
  • Delft Island, locally known as Neduntheevu
  • Charty Beach
  • Dambakola Patuna
  • Hammenhiel fort
  • What is the best time to visit Jaffna?

    January to September is the best time to visit Jaffna as the rainfall is mediocre and temperatures is warm. The tourists should carry umbrellas with them in these times to visit the Sri Lanka’s famous places.

    How will you reach Jaffna?

    If you want to go to Jaffna, you will have to go to Kandy, the nearest city to Jaffna, as there are no direct trains or buses to Jaffna.

  • Tissamaharama
  • Tissamaharama Sri LankaTissamaharama, Sri Lanka

    For those who are deeply interested in photography and staff, Tissamaharama is considered one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Photography enthusiasts will get their perfect shot as it is one of the best tourist spots in Sri Lanka. Tissamaharama, one of the best tourist places in Sri Lanka, is a city in the southern state of Sri Lanka. The city is located 260 kilometers from the capital Colombo. It is an interface for tourist expeditions as tourists start visiting Yala National Park and Kataragama from this point.

    There are past artifacts and historical signs, including three ancient stupas, old reservoirs, and five major lakes, in the town. The lakes are Tissa Wewa, Yoda Wewa, Weerawila Wewa, Pannegamuwa Wewa and Debarawewa Wewa. There are many sightseeing places in the town such as  Tissawewa and the Sithulpawwa rock temple, Tissa Dagoba, Yatala Wehera, Debarawewa clock tower, and the Bundala birds paradise.

    What is the best time to visit Tissamaharama?

    It will be the best time to visit Tissamaharama if you can reach the town from December to April. You should avoid visiting the town from April to June as the weather remains hot during this time. Huge rainfalls occur in October and November but December to early March sustain cold weather.

    How to reach Tissamaharama?

    The town is only 88 kilometers away from Ella, another town of Sri Lanka. The bus services are available from Matara, Galle and Ella to Tissamaharama, one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.

  • Sinharaja Forest Reserve
  • Sinharaja Forest Reserve Sri LankaSinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka

    Sinharaja Forest Reserve, one of beautiful places in Sri Lanka, is famous for the home of lions. It is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Variety of native birds and mammals are seen in the forest due to the density of the forest. The UNESCO recognized it as world heritage site as it is one of the very few virgin rainforests in the world. Sinharaja is also the famous for tropical rainforests in Sri Lanka and a vital biodiversity hotspot for the unique relation of flora and fauna. The forest, 13 km in the stretch and around 7 to 8 km from north to south, is also surrounded by the rivers on both sides.

    What is the best time to visit Sinharaja Forest Reserve?

    January and March and August and September are the best time to visit Sinharaja forest reserve as it remains moist most of the year due to a rainforest. It is will be better to evade visiting the forest from November to December as huge rainfall occurs during these periods.

    How to reach Sinharaja Forest Reserve?

    You will get three entrances to the parkâ€" Kudawa, Pitadeniya, and Morning side entrance while visiting the forest reserve, one Sri Lanka’s famous places.

    Finally, Sri Lanka is one of the best tourist destinations in Asia. The country is a remarkable travel destination where visitors will get scope of a wide range of places to visit. This island belongs good environments to enjoy and experience. Besides, tourists can visit temples, historic cities, tea plantations, safari, bounty beaches, surf bays, valleys and mountains. So, don’t miss the 10 best sights in Sri Lanka.

    Apart from this, if you are interested to know about the best places to visit in Thailand, best places to visit in India, you can follow our Travel Category. Thanks for reading. 

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