Introduction

When exploring the 11 best places to visit in Sri Lanka, this little-known South Asian gem, which was crowned the best country to visit I 2019 by Lonely Planet, offers countless options that make it hard to choose just a few.

This list of 11 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka is incredibly versatile, catering to every taste. Imagine endless golden beaches lined with tall palm trees, perfect for relaxing in the shade and finally diving into that book you’ve been eager to read for months.

For those who crave adventure, the lush, green hills of Nuwara Eliya are ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring, with the chance to lose yourself in the jungle. Animal lovers will be captivated by mesmerizing national parks such as Wilpattu and Yala. If culture is what you seek, immerse yourself in the rich history of numerous Buddhist sites, or explore Colombo, the bustling capital, or Galle, a provincial capital, port town where the traditional south-asian architecture meets the European colonial one. This town still breathes the air of history.

There are just so many attractions that I might even expand this title to the 20 best places to visit in Sri Lanka to include more options for everyone.

The list of the 11 best places to visit in Sri Lanka is not sorted by popularity but in reverse alphabetical order. This way, no injustice is done to the letter Z, which usually comes as last. Yes, I have empathy for the poor letter Z… lol.

So here we go, let’s see which are the 11 best places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Willpatu National Park

Impressions from the Willpatu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is one of the 26 national parks in Sri Lanka and the only one I visited during my time there. It is the largest national park in Sri Lanka, home to the “big five”: Sri Lankan leopard, Asian elephant, wild water buffalo, crocodile, and sloth bear. I was most eager to spot the leopard and was lucky enough to see not just one, but two!

Trincomalee

beach town Trincomalee from different angels

Trincomalee is a beautiful coastal town on the east coast of Sri Lanka, known for its stunning beaches. While I spent my time soaking up the sun, drinking coconuts, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets from my hotel room, there are also plenty of activities for those who want to be more active.

Sigiriya

almost at the top of Sigiriya

Sigiriya is a majestic rock fortress in the central part of Sri Lanka, rising dramatically from the surrounding plains.

Atop this rock, you can find the ruins of an ancient fort and mysterious water pools that remain filled even during the driest seasons.

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, an ancient Buddhist city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the second oldest of all Sri Lankan kingdoms. It served as the capital of Sri Lanka for about two centuries, from the 11th to the 13th century AD, and was a major political, commercial, and trade center.

monuments of the ancient Buddhist city of Polonnaruwa

Mirissa

our happy faces in Mirissa

Mirissa is a charming, albeit touristy, beach town on the south coast of Sri Lanka. It offers everything a tourist could want for a perfect beach vacation: endless beaches, snorkeling activities, unforgettable culinary experiences, numerous Instagram-worthy photo spots, hypnotic sunsets, and close proximity to the inland and hilly areas of Nuwara Eliya or Yala National Park.

Kandy

You won’t want to miss the city of Kandy. Spend at least a day or two visiting the famous Temple of the Tooth, where the remains of Lord Buddha are enshrined and honored in daily ceremonies.

Stroll around the lake or visit the renowned Peradeniya Botanical Garden, the largest and most beautiful in Sri Lanka, located just outside Kandy.

the famous Temple of the Tooth in Kandy

Galle

lighthouse in Galle is one of the most popular spots

Galle, the largest city in the Southern Province and its capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, it reached its zenith in the 18th century. The British later took over, colonizing the town and the rest of the country until Sri Lanka gained independence in 1948, becoming a republic in 1972. Galle is a fine example of the blend of European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.

Ella

Ella is a small, verdant town in the hilly Nuwara Eliya region. It is home to the famous Nine Arches Bridge, an architectural marvel in the midst of the jungle. Ella can also serve as the starting or ending point of one of the world’s most scenic train rides, the Kandy-Ella route.

Ella from different angels

Dambulla

Dambulla is home to one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites: a 22-century-old cave monastery with five sanctuaries. This complex is the largest and best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka, with Buddhist mural paintings covering an area of 2,100 square meters that narrate Buddhist stories.

the sacred cave monastery in Dambulla

Colombo

Lotus tower in Colombo

No list of the 11 best places to visit in Sri Lanka would be complete without mentioning its capital, Colombo. Although I didn’t spend much time there, it’s a city worth exploring, especially if you enjoy urban environments.

And if you want to experience the famous Sri Lankan crazy bus rides, Colombo might be the perfect place to try your luck.

The Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura

sacred Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura

The sacred Bodhi tree in Anuradhapura is an integral part of Buddhism and a popular destination for pilgrims, monks, nuns, and tourists. Brought to Sri Lanka by Emperor Aśoka’s daughter, the Buddhist nun Sangamitta Maha Theri, it is a cutting from the original Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya, where Buddha achieved enlightenment. According to Wikipedia, at more than 2300 years old, this tree is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date.

Summary

Did any place from this list of the 11 best places to visit in Sri Lanka spark your curiosity? Is there something missing from this list? I am sure it does, but we have to draw a line somewhere my dear friend.

For those of you asking if I will add more detailed descriptions and photos of these destinations, the answer is: For sure!

You will get to see more detailed descriptions, information, and photos for each of these 11 must-visit places in Sri Lanka in the coming posts. Stay tuned!

Happy discoveries,

T.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or just want to say hi, I would be happy to see you in the comments below and start a conversation with you. Would you like to add a place to this 11 best places to visit in Sri Lanka? Let me know!