The 18 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka was described by Marco Polo as one of the finest islands in the world. Its history dates back thousands of years and – despite being relatively small – it has oodles of nature and beauty to admire. Itching to explore? For the country’s most beautiful sights, this is where to go in Sri Lanka.
Adam’s Peak, for a mountain pilgrimage
Natural Feature
Galle, for colonial architecture
Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark
Visit the well-preserved colonial city of Galle, on the southwest coast, for a relaxing city break full of charming Dutch-era villas and seaside views. Plan to see the Dutch-built Galle Fort – the largest remaining European-built sea fort in Asia and a World Heritage Site. Other highlights include the natural harbour, St Mary’s Cathedral, and Galle International Stadium, one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world.
Sigiriya, for a huge rock fortress
Natural Feature, Forest
Yala National Park, for spotting wildlife
Park, Natural Feature
Polonnaruwa, for temple ruins
Ruins, Architectural Landmark
Bentota, for laid-back vibes
Natural Feature
Kandy, for Seeing Buddha's Tooth
Architectural Landmark
This large city is known as the Sacred City of Kandy for its significance to Buddhists. Many travel to the Temple of the Tooth, within the fourth-century royal palace complex, as it’s said to hold Buddha’s tooth – although you can’t actually see it. Elsewhere, Kandy is surrounded by the central highland mountains and is the placeto sample Sinhalese culture – especially if you visit during the Esala Perahera festival in summer.
Nuwara Eliya, for Tea Plantations and Mountains
Forest, Natural Feature
Arugam Bay, for Great Surfing
Natural Feature
Dambulla, for Seeing a Cave Temple
Buddhist Temple, Ruins, Architectural Landmark
Udawalawe National Park, for Seeing Elephants
Park
It’s as though you’ve stepped into a wildlife documentary at Udawalawe National Park. The expansive sanctuary, on the borders of Uva and Sabaragamuwa provinces, is well and truly where to go in Sri Lanka for animal-lovers. Between October and April, you’re guaranteed to see elephants while in your 4×4 (since there are around 700 in the area). They share the park with leopards, crocodiles, water buffalos, otters and several species of eagle. The landscape varies as you go, with grasslands and scrublands complemented by rockier, more mountainous areas.
Mirissa, for Beachside Relaxation
Natural Feature
Fancy hanging out in a hammock under the sun? Make your way to the beachside village of Mirissa on the south coast, best known for its sandy bays. The namesake beach is particularly popular, from which you can head out on a dolphin- and whale-watching boat trip between May and November. Coconut Tree Hill is also a must-visit destination to watch the sunrise.
Colombo, for a Bustling City Break
Architectural Landmark
Quick start your Sri Lankan adventure with a few nights in the capital. This west-coast metropolis has a skyline that comes alive at night, with the 350m (1,148ft) tall Lotus Tower perhaps the most impressive sight. Here, you can soak up sky-high views of Beira Lake from the observation deck, while tucking into a feast at the revolving restaurant. For natural beauty, head to Crow Island Beach Park and Viharamahadevi Park during the humid summer months.
Ella, for the Iconic Nine Arch Bridge
Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark
The mountainous town of Ella is best known for having the stone Nine Arch Bridge, between Ella and Demodara station, built by the British at the turn of the 20th century. You can take the journey from Kandy to Badulla or marvel at it with a trek through the surrounding jungle and tea plantations. This is where to go in Sri Lanka if you can never have too many hiking and photo opportunities – don’t miss waterfalls such as Bomburu Ella, which is the widest in Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura, for Ancient Historical Sites
Ruins, Buddhist Temple, Architectural Landmark
Trincomalee, for Beaches and Diving
Natural Feature
The port city of Trincomalee, on the northeast coast, is usually reached by train or bus from the capital – taking around seven hours. Once you’ve made it, put your feet up and enjoy sweeping beaches such as Uppuveli and Coral Cove, before spotting blue whales from Swami Rock Cliff. If you’re a keen diver, visit the Trincomalee Underwater Museum, off Sandy Bay Beach, to see sculptures and cannons.
Jaffna, for Temples, Forts and Markets
Natural Feature
If you’re in the northern tip of Sri Lanka, spend a few days enjoying the sights and sounds of Jaffna, which is off the main tourist track. Cultural highlights include visiting the arches of the gilded Nallur Kandaswamy Hindu temple, which is one of the most significant Hindu temples in the country, and the Instagrammable Jaffna Fort, built in the 17th century by the Portuguese. More photogenic moments will be found at Jaffna Market, where you’ll find traditional sweet treats, colourful fruits and vegetables, and exotic souvenirs.
Tangalle, for the Best Beaches in the Country
Natural Feature, Architectural Landmark
Don’t forget to pack your beach gear if you’re heading to Tangalle. This coastal city, around three hours south of Colombo, has some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka, including the palm-fringed Tangalle Beach and Rekawa Beach, the latter being a top spot to watch turtles lay their eggs. If surfing is your thing, hit Hiriketiya Beach, which has year-round great waves for all abilities, including a more advanced reef break. Just fancy sunbathing and splashing around? Calmer waters are found at Goyambokka Beach.
Sadie Whitelocks contributed additional reporting to this article.