Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Nestled close to the Udawattakele Sanctuary, The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is one of the most important shrines of Sri Lanka. Also named as Dalada Maligawa, this temple is based in the royal palace of the Kingdom of Kandy. Housing the legendary Budda tooth, the temple is a World Heritage site though very little are the remnants of the original temple built around 1600. Amazing ornamentation with golden fence and extravagant Canadian architecture makes it a blissful sight for the visitors. Dedicated monks unanimously chant the prayers of Malwatte and Aegirine , three times every day, during dawn, noontime and evening at the inner temple. Every Wednesday a holy symbolic bath of the Relic is done is fragrant water and that water is distributed among the visitors known to have healing powers.

Located at a height of more than 2000 metres, the Adams peak is a mountain with religious and cultural significance. It is known to be a holy place for Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims and has a conical shape. With the best views from the top, this mountain also comes with six hiking trails worth exploring.

These two national parks in Sri Lanka are only a half hour drive from each other. Situated in the North Central Province, these parks are located near the ancient Minneriya and Kaudulla Tanks. The area has an abundance of scrubs and jungles with wetlands. Home to toque macaques, crocodiles, elephants and sambar deer, these two parks are rich in biodiversity. Though leopard and sloth bears are also sheltered in the area, it is hard to spot them.

You simply can’t overlook the spectacular view of the shady areas along with some good and natural greenery which is available in some of the view beaches of Sri Lanka like polhena located 160kms from colombo. Just let yourself loose in the shady areas of Polhena and enjoy the calmness and quietness of the sea. You can surf into both the fast left and right handers over a reef break which can reach upto 6 ft. You can also watch the popular cetaceans which are not easily available in other beaches.

Hakgala Botanical Garden, located in Sri Lanka, is a serene and enchanting botanical haven situated near Nuwara Eliya. Spanning over 28 hectares, it boasts a diverse collection of flora, including exotic orchids, roses, and ferns. Established in 1861, the garden features meticulously landscaped sections, a picturesque lake, and the famous Hakgala Peak. Visitors are captivated by the vibrant colors and fragrant blooms, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility amidst stunning surroundings.

Just walk into the Golden age by entering the city of Polonnaruwa which is not only its capital but also an ancient kingdom of the Sri Lanka too. You will find some of the ancient remains of palaces, shrines and stupa. Each of these historical remains is blessed with a glorious past of their own.Once you have reached the place it will keep you glued to it that you wouldn’t even realize when time flies by.

If your nostrils are blown up with the strong fragrance of cinnamon you can be rest assured you are in Negombo. This beautiful beach town 30 kms from Columbo is a perfect reminder of all the European days and is close to Bandaranaike International airport which solves the problem of connectivity, allowing you to be there without much hassle.

Negombo beach is far less when compared to the beauty of other Sri Lankan beaches. For all the fish eating lovers, this is a perfect place to gorge some of the best fishes. Since most of the fishing is done not from the open sea but from the northern end of the lagoon, you would find renowned lobsters, crabs and prawns.

Highlights: You shouldn’t be missing the chance to visit one of the finest eating joint in Negombo, ‘Lords’ where you will find dishes prepared from a combination of western and eastern flavours.

Dating back to the mid 900s, the Nallur Kandaswamy temple has its origin by the Chola Queen Sembiyan Mahadevi. This temple is located in Jaffna, Sri Lanka has Lord Muruga as the main deity. The temple is known for its Dravidian architecture and continues to be a primary form of attraction for tourists visiting Jaffna. Here, Lord Muruga has a unique manifestation in the form of a spear, popularly known as Vel.

The Pettah Floating Market in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a vibrant tapestry of colors, aromas, and culture.

The Bluefield Tea Factory, nestled in the lush hills of Sri Lanka, offers an immersive experience into the art of tea production. Visitors can explore the tea-making process, from plucking to packaging, while enjoying breathtaking plantation views. Don’t miss tasting their freshly brewed teas, a true essence of Ceylon.

Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya, located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, is one of the country’s most revered and sacred pilgrimage sites. This temple is dedicated to Kataragama Deviyo, a deity worshiped by both Buddhists and Hindus, making it a unique symbol of religious harmony. The temple is situated in the town of Kataragama, near the banks of the Menik River, surrounded by lush forests and the peaceful atmosphere of the Yala National Park.

The Gem Museum in Sri Lanka stands as a testament to the island nation's rich legacy in gemstone mining and craftsmanship.

Colombo has 3 types of open deck tours. They are – Glimpse of Colombo, Heritage of Colombo and Colombo at night. As the name indicates, the first tour covers the top tourist attractions of the city. In the heritage tour, you will get to witness some ancient architectural wonders. Colombo at night takes viewers through the brilliant monuments of the city during the weekends.

Sri Lanka is one of the finest places in the world where wildlife can be watched at its best. In the dry lowlands of the island lies the Wasgomuwa National Park with its flourishing flora and fauna. It demonstrates a rich biodiversity.

Stretching over 36,900 hectare this national park is home to 23 mammal species and a number of birds and vegetation species. It is renowned for large families of elephants. Though it will be difficult to get sight of leopard and sloth bear, the endemic purple-faced langur can be observed easily.

Puppet shows are closely related to Sri Lankan culture. Hence this museum is largely responsible for upholding the folk values and traditions of the island nation even today. Since the demand for these shows is quite high, it is better to book your seats early. This place is sure to bring great joy and entertainment for tourists of all age groups. One has to visit the museum to see the expertise with which artisans manage their multi-coloured and attractive puppets.

Ruwanwelisaya, located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is a sacred Buddhist stupa. Dating back to 140 BCE, it stands as a testament to ancient craftsmanship and religious significance. The large hemispherical dome, adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by a serene courtyard, attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Ruwanwelisaya stands as a symbol of Sri Lanka's rich cultural and religious heritage, drawing visitors to its spiritual ambiance.

The Buddhist Museum in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, is a significant cultural and spiritual landmark, located near the iconic Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This museum offers visitors a comprehensive journey through the history and evolution of Buddhism, not only in Sri Lanka but across Asia.

The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing artifacts, scriptures, and art forms that highlight the rich Buddhist heritage. Its galleries house an impressive collection of Buddha statues, intricate paintings, ancient relics, and models of historic Buddhist structures. Each exhibit is thoughtfully curated, reflecting the deep connection between Buddhism and Sri Lankan culture over centuries.

One of the museum's standout features is its emphasis on the Mahayana and Theravada traditions, the two major schools of Buddhist thought. Visitors can explore displays that detail the life and teachings of the Buddha, as well as the spread of Buddhism across the region. The museum also includes interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that enhance understanding for all age groups.

Spread across 979 square kilometres, the Yala National Park is one of the largest national parks in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most visited, thanks to the 200 bird species and 44 animal species that live here. This park continues to attract tourists from across the world for its pristine atmosphere and the lush greenery. 

Nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Bambarakanda Falls, the island nation's tallest waterfall at 263 meters, stands as a captivating highlight on Sri Lanka tour itineraries. Accessible through Haldummulla, the journey unveils scenic landscapes and tea plantations. Visitors relish the refreshing mist and serene atmosphere, making it a tranquil stop. Serving as a base for treks to nearby mountains, Bambarakanda offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Sri Lanka's diverse landscapes and seeking a picturesque escape into the country's pristine wilderness. The falls add a majestic touch to Sri Lanka tours, inviting travelers to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder.

Located 35 kms northwest of Batticaloa Pasakudah and Kalkudah are beaches which are quite marvellously adorned with white sands, coral reefs and palm trees all around. The shallow water of the beach makes it an ideal bathing site. Pasakudah beach is known to have a lot of tourists because of its longest stretch of shallow coastline. Pasakudah beach comes under ‘Special Economic Zone’ with some 14 luxury hotels surrounding it. The waters of these beaches are heated upto bathtub temperatures which makes it ideally suited for swimming. Kalkudah on the other hand was completely destroyed during the civil war of 2004.

Considered as one of the most captivating waterfall in Sri Lanka Dunhinda Falls is a must visit for you in Sri Lanka. This is one of the another best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Cascading from a height of 64 meters creates the most majestic scene when it falls in the pool. Escape to this paradise which is just 5 km from Badulla town. This area was home to the indigenous people – the Veddha tribe. For the best view of the waterfall you can visit this place in the month of June and July.

Buduruwagala, located in the Monaragala District of Sri Lanka, is a remarkable ancient rock temple that dates back to the 10th century. Its name means "the rock of Buddha images," and it is renowned for its massive rock-cut statues, which are considered some of the finest examples of Mahayana Buddhist sculpture in the country.

A visitor’s delight, Colombo is a place of many beautiful tourist attractions. When you are here, do not miss to visit the casinos of the place. These are perfect joints to keep you entertained with their world-class interiors and customised services. The four most attractive casinos in Colombo are Bally’s, Bellagio, MGM Colombo and Marina Colombo. Bally’s is located right in the heart of the city, Bellagio on the main Duplication Road, the highly-sought after MGM, in close vicinity to Majestic City Shopping Mall and Marina, a high-profile casino on the Marine Drive.

Timings: The joints are opened 24/7 on all days of the week.

Price: Approximate price starts from just LKR 100 onwards at joints like Bally’s. That’s not all! You get to taste some awesome dishes as well, while you try your luck at these places.

Nestled atop a serene hill in Aluthgama, Sri Lanka, Kande Vihara Temple is a revered Buddhist site known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking architecture. The temple's centerpiece is its magnificent seated Buddha statue, towering over 160 feet, making it one of the tallest in Sri Lanka. Surrounding the statue are intricately painted murals that depict tales from Buddhist scriptures, adding a touch of artistic grandeur to the sacred space.

Nestled in the lush hills of Nuwara Eliya, the Edinburgh View Point offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of Sri Lanka's central highlands. This serene spot is named for its striking resemblance to the picturesque landscapes of Edinburgh, Scotland, with rolling green hills and misty horizons. Located near tea plantations, the viewpoint is perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts seeking tranquility away from bustling tourist hubs.