Places in Sri Lanka Every Local is Proud of
Sri Lanka is a melting pot of culture and tradition but if there is anything that us Sri Lankans are truly proud of, that would be the sheer number of places and attractions the country hides within its bosom. From vibrant wildlife sanctuaries to ancient ruins, here are the top picks for visitors to choose from.
1. The Dambulla Cave Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the elaborate Dambulla Cave Temple (also known as the Golden Temple) will always remain as a reminder of a gloriously rich past for every Sri Lankan. A sacred space for Buddhists all over the world for more than 22 centuries, the temple consists of a complex of caves beautifully adorned with colorful Buddhist murals and some 157 statues of Lord Buddha and Bodhisatvas.
Dambulla Cave Temple, Kandy – Jaffna Highway, Dambulla, Sri Lanka, +94 66 2 283605
2. Yala
Park, Natural Feature
3. Sigiriya
Natural Feature, Forest
5. Kalpitiya Peninsula
The Kalpitiya peninsula is one of Sri Lanka’s best kept secrets and one that is highly cherished by the locals. The glistening turquoise seas of this part of the world are also famous for one thing – dolphins.
As you boat along its waters, be prepared for hundreds of spinner dolphins frolicking along, occasionally shooting out of the water to perform an acrobatic turn or two. These friendly, adorable creatures are a sight not to be missed the next time you visit Sri Lanka.
6. The Ravana Falls
Located in the scenic Ella region of Sri Lanka, the Ravana falls is one of the widest waterfalls in the country. While its natural beauty and mysterious aura is enough to beguile anyone, the falls also have a reel of folklore and legends attached to it. It is often said that the Ravana Falls is part of the story of Ramayanaya and it is in this area that Ravana hid Sita and held her against her will.
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.