Places to Visit in Sri Lanka: Tourism
About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is the oldest Lion Flag country renowned as one of the most enriched in culture and a perfect honeymoon destination across the Planet. Let’s know more interesting things about Sri Lanka Tourism and best Places to visit.
Sri Lanka recognized itself as a global tea producer, a variety of traditional food and the most beautiful thing is the Buddhist culture with kind-hearted people.
Magnificent temples and lush tropical green forest over the mountains make it a perfect travel destination among south Asian countries. Diversifying wildlife especially Monkeys, Elephants, Leopards, Island Peacocks and thousands of bird species lives in the paradise island nation.
Less crowded beaches, adventurous surfing over the coastal side makes it thrilling for adventure Junkies.
Train route from Kandy to Ella is what every traveller must explore. Unseen Vedda tribes (Sinhala) and their living style is unbeatable. Rich culture, temples, stupas and rock caves and Sigiriya rock mountain are some remarkable places for every traveller.
Location of Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka, formerly called “Ceylon”, is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, southeast of the Indian subcontinent, in a strategic location near Indian Ocean sea lanes. The country has a total area of 65,610 km², with 64,740 km² of land and 870 km² of water. Its coastline is 1,340 km (830 mi) long.
Tropically Sri Lanka’s monsoon season comes in May to September. Due to wetland, Sri Lanka is a perfect place throughout the year for travellers. However, the recommended time to visit is from November to April, which is the peak season. During this time, it has the best climatic and weather condition, usually from 20°C to 30°C degree.
How to Reach Sri Lanka
The easiest way to reach Sri Lanka is via Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo. It is one of the busiest airports which connects Europe, Asia and American countries.
Via Cruise and Ferry-
Its separate island from India. Hence there is no road connectivity as of now. But Ferry service from Chennai and Tuticorin to Colombo is readily available at economical rates.
Usually it’s time taking, but for a budget traveller, it’s one of the best travel modes. Be aware of ocean sickness, which is common in Arabic oceans if you opt for ferry service.
**Recommended things to Do while visiting Sri Lanka **
- Take Ayurvedic Spa in the heart of Kandy.
- Enjoy the most beautiful train journey from Kandy To Ella.
- Visit Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple in Ramboda, especially for Indian because of the Ramayana.
- Mirissa Dolphin is watching the ride.
- Climbing in Sigiriya Rock mountain
- Hot Air Balloon Ride in Kandalama
- Hike trails in Adams Peak- Sabaragamuwa
- Explore biodiversity Yala National Park
- Jungle safari in Nuwara Eliya.
- Surfing in Bentota
Places to Visit in Sri Lanka: Tourism
1.Sigiriya:
Sigiriya is also known as Sinhagiri, a fortress rock hill in the central province of Dambulla city. Local people call it lion’s park. The single stand rock can be seen from over 30km, which looks exceptionally unbelievable.
The terrace of the rock water garden makes it one of the most memorable journeys in Sri Lanka. A hardened Magma Plugs from an extinct volcano and Lion staircase till Terrence garden is thrilling.
Apart from rock mount, Kaudulla National Park is one of the breathtaking and exciting adventure parks full of Jungle Safari in the old age, VW Van. Elephant and scenic green natural landscape make your day happy and joyful.
Best places around Sigiriya
- Sigiriya Rock
- Pidurangala Rock
- Minneriya National Park
- Sigiriya Archeological Museum
- Mopagala Fortress
- Polonnaruwa
- Kaudulla National Park
2. Kandy (Best Tourism Places in Sri Lanka):
In between mountains and tea garden a city Kandy (also known as a Katubulu), is the second-largest city of Sri Lanka. In terms of hospitality and culture, it’s the first choice of traveller.
Old school Dutch architecture around the town and Kandy lake is mesmerizing. Buddhist temple of tooth and botanical garden is globally recognized.
Train route from Kandy to Ella is one of the preferable journeys, which every traveller experiences. It is one of the most eye-catching train routes across the planet.
Kandy was built in the 1600 century by Dutch and then Portuguese, which helps a traveller to experience versatile culture around the streets.
Best Places to visit around Kandy:
- City Viewpoint
- Royal Botanical Garden
- Train Route from Kandy to Ella
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Kandy Lake
- Udawattakele Forest Reserve
- Nelligala international Buddhist Centre
3. Colombo:
Colombo is the capital city of the island nation and sprawling metropolis with a tropical climate. It fascinates tourists to visit throughout the year.
For international traveller its gateway for entering into Sri Lanka and other parts of the region.
Street markets, dynamic culture and city sculptures boost the nation’s economy. Tuk-Tuk ride (Modified Auto Scooter) across the town is a thrilling experience.
Ancient temples, museums, Lavinia beachside, including old Kathiresan Kovil celebrate the annual Chariot Festival. Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple, adorned with spectacular grandeur.
Sunset in Galle Green face, city tour in the night with cycle, vegetable fish, Egg roti with masala ball, Elephant safari, coastal cornering ride; you will never forget.
Unmatchable red Mosque in Pettah market, peaceful vibes of beautiful nature combined with the adventurous trips is unforgettable while travelling to Colombo.
Botanical park is the best place for kids, as it also appeals equally to adults’ respite from the banter of routine life.
Best places around Colombo
- Independent Memorial Hall
- National Museum
- Old Parliament Building
- Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
- Diyatha Udhyan
- Mount Lavinia Beach
- Beddagana Wetland Park
- Viharamahadevi Park
4. Galle:
Southwestern Beach city Galle is just 120km from the capital city, Colombo. Dutch architecture city looks stunning over the cost-line as the structure of the town is like the 19s with red-carpeted hoods in every corner.
Galle is a home to a variety of beaches such as Unwantuna, Jungle Beach and Dalawella Beach.
Dutch Fort was used by Portuguese unless British sealed the fort for the restructure and renovations.
Steamed Crab and String Hopper which every traveller has to try once in the streets of Galle. During the sunset, most of the local people do Stilt fishing across the beaches, which is the iconic photography mode for every traveller.
Best Places around Galle:
- Unawatuna Beach
- Flag Rock
- Galle Fort and Lighthouse
- Japanese Peace Pagoda
- Mirissa Whale Tour
- Dalawella Beach
- Koggala Lake
5. Sabaragamuwa:
Sabaragamuwa is another province in the southern part of Sri Lanka. It is famous for gems, and people call it “Land of Gems”. The primary source of income of the people is Gems, as many farmers shifted their farming business into gems.
Scenic nature’s creation in Bopath waterfall at Kuruwita, Katugas Ella, almost home of waterfalls. You can see waterfalls every 5-6 km. Kegalle town is famous for great food and traditional handicrafts. Agri base economy who farm rubber plantations.
For wildlife lover’s Udawalawe Elephant Safari Park is the perfect destination. View from Adam’s peak is fantastic and feels like a wonderland and imaginary place.
Best places around Sabaragamuwa
- Adam’s Peak/Sri Pada
- Udawalawe National Park Safari
- World’s Endpoint
- Ambuluwawa Biodiversity
- Sinharaja Forest
- Bopath Ella Waterfall
- Pinnawala Elephant Safari
6. Yala:
Yala is a home of Briny Lagoon and wild elephants. It is prevalent because of Yala National Park, one of the most visited and perfect tourist destinations in Sri Lanka.
Rock cutting Buddha sculpture, Maghull Maha Vihara, Kataragama and Asokararamaya Buddhist temple are religious places in Yala.
Yala National Park is in more than 1 lac hectares which is completely adorning with spectacular 250+ species of birds, more than 50 Islands Reptiles, Leopards and hundreds of Wild Elephants.
Sacred town of Kataragama brings in a smooth blend of earnestness, lush greenery and traditional community. One of the most important pilgrim spots, Kataragama is not less sacred for the Vedas, Hindus and Buddhist.
Best places to visit Yala
- Yala national park
- Kiri Vehera
- Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya
- Ruhuna Maha Temple
7. Nuwara Eliya:
Nuwara Eliya is 100km from the capital city, Colombo. It is a hilly town, popularly known for exotic wildlife, beautiful tea gardens, variety of birds around Gregory Lake, absorbing dense forest, pristine waterfalls, green landscape around Horton Plains National Park, mountain viewpoint. Green valley covered with teas looks beautiful and one of the perfect honeymoon destinations across Sri Lanka in the month of December to early March.
Rich history to the charming natural beauty of the mountains are stunning and fascinates families for a tour across the world.
Best places around Nuwara Eliya:
- Lake Gregory
- Victoria Park
- Moon Point
- Hakgala Botanical Garden
- Seetha Aman Temple
- Damro Labookellie Tea garden
8. Jaffna:
Jaffna is one of the most disputed lands in Sri Lanka till 2005. However, nowadays, it has become one of the rising tourist destinations around the corners of Asia. Due to its sparkling beaches, palm trees around the coast and magnificent Locust Dutch Architectural Fort, it is becoming travellers top preference.
Virgin Blue Beaches still uncovered by most of the travellers. Local street food masala dosa is the most delicious dish of Jaffna.
Best places in Jaffna to visit
- Jaffna Fort
- Akkarai Beach
- Charity Beach
- Fort Hammenhiel
- Dutch Fort
- Delft Island
- Casuarina Beach
9. Bentota– Best Tourism Places in Sri Lanka:
Bentota is a perfect honeymoon destination with rejuvenation for a fresher and lively mind and soul.
Couples enjoy various therapies such as hot stone, fish feeding spa, reflexology and aromatherapy.
Experiencing old Portuguese typical towns, cycling through town and paddy fields which you will never miss along with your life partner.
Brief garden (love garden) is full of palm trees with water shower fog along with beautiful views in the deep forest, the most relaxing place in Sri Lanka.
Hiking in Madu Ganga river, one of the natural treks in deep, dense forest with rare species of the island nation, Kosgoda turtle house, various sea turtles are the most adventurous thing.
You will be more surprised when you recognise most of them are more than 100-200-year-old.
For adventure Junkies Cinnamon Island is waiting for you. Surfing and diving are one of the breathtaking experiences; scuba diving is available at a little bit lower price if you can bargain well.
Places in around Bentota
- Bentota Beach
- Galapata Vihar
- Cinnamon Island
- Ambalangoda
- Moragall
- Madu Ganga River Safari
Closing Keynote:
Recently, Sri Lanka gained massive popularity due to liberal travel policies. Beachside at Arugam Bay is covered with soft sand along with coconut palm and surfer ride points. Enjoying the lower currency rate helps travellers to accommodate them, making them self-affordable and one of the best-rejuvenated destinations.
Nowadays, it has become the best Honeymoon destination for Asian couples as well as many Europeans. Emphasis Egg curry and seafood in every corner of the island is mind-blowing. Rent an open safari van and live for every corner of the island nation, Sri Lanka.
In Sri Lanka, “Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photos, kill nothing but time.” Every destination you’ll visit, it leaves its own unique memory. Thinking back of our travels through Sri Lanka, already gives us the goosebumps. So, live life with the fullest and make memories all over the world!
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