Last updated on September 25th, 2023 at 01:36 pm

Sri Lanka will offer you way more than just about any tropical island. Lush mountains to clear beaches, ancient ruins to soaring tea plantations, wild elephants to whale watching. If it’s not already, then you have to add these to your Sri Lanka must-see list.

I mean, there is a good reason why Lonely Planet selected Sri Lanka as their 2019 destination of the year. And in this blog post, I want to highlight our pick of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.

My last-minute trip to Sri Lanka in January of 2019, however, was not because of Lonely Planet. Sri Lanka plays a huge part in the ancient Hindu Sanskrit epic Ramayana and watching the series ‘Ramayan’ on National Television with the entire family was a weekly ritual for me growing up in the ’90s in India. So when I was looking for a new place to visit as a side trip from India, Sri Lanka was the most attractive dot on the map.

It also helps that Sri Lanka is less than 2 hours away by flight from central India and January is a perfect time of the year in terms of weather. I’ve shared my detailed 7-day in Sri Lanka itinerary in a separate blog post. For now, let’s get to it – the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka that you cannot miss in no particular order.

1. Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura – Explore ancient ruins in these historic cities

If you like history or archeology, you’ll love exploring the ruins of ancient kingdoms in Sri Lanka. Since Anuradhapura is a much bigger site in area than Polonnaruwa, give yourself an entire day to explore. Having said that, the ruins in Polonnaruwa are in much better condition than Anuradhapura, so if you only have limited time then head there instead.

While there are tons of ancient sites and relics to explore in Anuradhapura you shouldn’t miss the Jetavanaramaya Stupa which was built around 270BC. FUN FACT: At the time, this would have been the second-tallest structure in the Ancient world after the Pyramids of Giza.

What to Expect:

Expect to find ruins of ancient capital cities that have been excavated in the ongoing archeological expeditions. Anuradhapura was the ancient capital city before the Chola dynasty moved the capital to Polonnaruwa. Anuradhapura was also the place where Buddhism was introduced in Sri Lanka by King Ashoka’s son during the reign of Devanampiya Tissa.

2. Sigiriya – Lion Rock Fortress

It’s become popular for tourists to combine Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya/Dambulla and call it the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. However, I prefer to split it up in this post so you get to see the differences between these beautiful places to see in Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya or the Lion Rock is, in fact, an ancient rock fortress located near the town of Dambulla in central Sri Lanka. Although you can see the gigantic rock from the parking lot, you’ll have to climb to the top to actually see the see ruins of this fortress. TIP: Pidurangala mountain also located in Sigiriya is a relatively shorter hike with splendid views of Sigiriya rock especially at sunrise.

Although rumor has it that this was the fort of Ravana from the epic Ramayana but historically this is proved to be the residence of King Kashyapa.

What to Expect:

Definitely expect to climb hundreds of stairs, so yes, be prepared for a workout! About three-quarters of the way up you’ll reach the lion paw entrance gate where the stair gets steeper but the views from the top are extremely rewarding. You can also expect to see wild elephants crossing the road as you drive towards the Sigiriya rock.

3. Dambulla Caves – The best preserved cave temple complex from 3^rd century BC

One of the best preserved cave temples is located in Dambulla which dates back to second – third century BC. Today there are a total of 5 caves in this ancient temple complex and it is very close to the Sigiriya Rock fortress.

What to Expect:

Again there is a big of stair climbing involved but no pain no gain. Seeing these ancient cave temples was probably one of the most tranquil experiences we had in Sri Lanka. Highly recommend getting here before sunset and watch the beauty of nature take over the mountains. Tip: Don’t forget to buy an entrance ticket before you start climbing up to the caves. SAARC countries residents can get discounted ticket when you show your passport.

4. Kandy – Buddha’s sacred tooth relic Temple

Kandy is also often clubbed with Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, however, the biggest city in central Sri Lanka has its own claim to fame. You will find your zen at ‘The Sacred Tooth Relic Temple’ here. And if that wasn’t all the journey into Sri Lanka’s hill country starts at Kandy.

What to Expect:

Be prepared to pay an entrance fee for the temple if you are not a Sri Lankan citizen. SAARC countries residents can get discounted ticket when you show your passport. TIP: Cover your shoulder and knees or else no entry inside the temple. Kandy is also the starting point (or ending depending on the direction of travel) for the famous Kandy to Ella train ride.

5. Nuwara Eliya – The little England of Sri Lanka

This hilltop setting with sprawling tea estates no matter which direction you look is aptly nicknamed Little England. We highly recommend you to spend at least a day here if not more to relax and unwind from your travels. Nuwara Eliya also makes for a great base for those going hiking to Horton Plains National Park or Pidurutalagala.

TIP: For my Hindu friends or anyone interested in visiting a famous location from the epic Ramayana – head to “Seetha Amman Temple” in Nuwara Eliya which is said to be the exact location of Ashoka Vatika in Ramayana.

What to Expect:

A little bit of nostalgia from the British colonial era with rolling hills covered in tea plantations. Don’t miss seeing the colonial built post office in the town center. TIP: The train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is less crowded than from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.

6. Ella – The hill country of Sri Lanka

Ella is probably one of the most beautiful places in the central hills of Sri Lanka close only to Nuwara Eliya. Some of the most popular sightseeing in Ella include the nine arch bridge, Ravana Falls, Ravana caves, and hiking little Adam’s peak.

What to Expect:

Ella is the tourist hub of Central Sri Lanka catering giddily to the needs of its western tourists. Expect to find strings of commercialized pubs, restaurants and cafes lined up in the city center. Cafe Chill is indeed a good place to chill here.

7. National Parks in Sri Lanka – Udawalawe, Yala, Minneriya, Gal Oya to name a few

If you didn’t know about the rainforests in Sri Lanka I’ve here a little surprise for you. There is plenty for wildlife lovers and bird watchers given the number of National Parks on this island. Yala National Park has a higher population of leopards than Udawalawe but you can rest assure to see plenty of Asian wild elephants at both places. For bird watching consider going to Sinharaja Forest Reserve. We even saw a bunch of elephants as we drove on the highway next to the border of Udawalawe National Park.

What to Expect:

Wildlife such as Asian elephants, water buffaloes, leopards, peacocks, deers, boars, migratory birds, etc on a safari in Sri Lanka. Remember these animals are in their home setting and not a zoo so chances of spotting a wild animal like a leopard are as good as your lucky stars. Enjoy the ride through these wild animals’ home turf.

8. Beaches in Sri Lanka

Duh! There tons of gorgeous beaches such as Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa, Tangalle, Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, Kalpitiya to name a few. While you are at it, you must try some of the delicious Sri Lankan seafood dishes. Some of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka –

• South – Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa (Popular for whale watching, dolphins, etc), Tangalle
• South East – Arugam Bay (Popular for surfing)
• North East – Trincomalee (Lesser-known but a great spot for whale watching)
• North West – Kalpitiya
• West – Negombo (near Colombo)

What to Expect:

Sri Lanka is a unique country where you can see the largest mammal on land, Elephants as well as the largest mammal in water, Whales all in one day. But remember popularity comes with a price, Mirissa beach is a very popular spot to go for whale watching tour but do not expect yours to be the only boat looking for whales.

9. Galle – A walk through a colonial town

Galle was a fortified city built during the Portuguese colonization era in the 16^th century. The 18^th century brought in the Dutch colonial period and further enhancements to the city’s architecture. You can’t miss walking around the perimeter of the Galle fort and explore the European built city on foot.

What to Expect:

Expect to walk through a maze of streets built by the European merchants, you’ll forget for a second you are in Asia. There are many authentic jewelry shops selling famed Sri Lankan gems, they are worth taking a look or bringing a small trinket back home.

10. Colombo – Enjoy Sri Lanka’s capital

And finally, I close this list with the capital city, Colombo. There are tons of great restaurants to try authentic Sri Lankan food, be it five stars or local joints. Take a walk at Viharamahadevi Park to see the golden Buddha statue then head to the Gangaramaya Buddhist temple. But if you are looking for beach experience then head to the neighboring city of Negombo where the International airport is located as well.

What to Expect:

As it comes with any metropolitan city, expect to walk into a busy array of roads lined with skyscrapers. If that’s not your thing then skip Colombo and head to the other parts of Sri Lanka.

There you go, I hope we gave you enough reasons to visit Sri Lanka on your next vacation. Hope you liked this post and don’t forget to share it with friends & family.

Happy Traveling!