Explore The Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Hey folks, I just got back from an epic trip to Sri Lanka and man, what an incredible country! I wanted to share with you guys the best places to visit in Sri Lanka that I discovered on my travels. Sri Lanka has so much natural beauty and cultural attractions packed into such a small island – it really is an amazing destination.

Beach Vibes in Unawatuna

One of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka if you’re looking for beach time is definitely Unawatuna beach near Galle on the south coast. Dude, the sand was like powder and the water was crystal clear. I spent a few lazy days just chilling on the beach, reading books, swimming, and eating fresh seafood.

There are also tons of guesthouses and restaurants right on the beachfront so it’s super convenient to just relax the day away. Definitely lay out on the beach for sunset – it was stunning watching the colors change over the ocean.

Unawatuna is also a great surfing spot if you’re into catching some waves. Overall it was super chilled and one of my favorite beaches in Sri Lanka for sure.

Exploring Kandy

If you want to experience more of the cultural side of Sri Lanka, you gotta check out Kandy in the central highlands. As the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings, there’s tons of history and beautiful architecture to see.

I spent a full day just wandering around the streets and markets, taking it all in. Definitely visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses a sacred tooth relic of Buddha. It was pretty mindblowing to see Buddhist pilgrims circling the building chanting prayers. The Kandy Lake is also beautiful to walk around, especially at sunset.

And you gotta try some Kandyan dancing – it’s like an epic traditional dance performance featuring drumming and costumes, really awesome to watch. Kandy town has great vibes, very friendly people too. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka to learn about the culture.

Climbing Sigiriya Rock

Alright guys, this one is an absolute must if you come to Sri Lanka – climbing Sigiriya Rock in the cultural triangle. I mean, it’s literally an ancient city built on the top of a massive column of rock hundreds of feet in the air.

How freaking cool is that?! The views from the top were amazing, you can see for miles across the surrounding countryside. It took about an hour to hike all the way up but it was totally worth it.

Make sure to check out the frescoes on the way – the paintings on the rock face have survived for almost 2,000 years, pretty amazing when you think about it. Sigiriya is definitely one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for its sheer epicness and historical significance. I was blown away.

Chilling in Galle

If you need a nice quiet town to relax in after exploring Sri Lanka’s attractions, Galle on the southern coast is the place to be. The old colonial quarter surrounded by thick walls is really well preserved and has such a cool vibe wandering the streets.

In the evening it was lovely to stroll around checking out the old buildings and stopping for street food. I also enjoyed just people watching at one of the cafes along the seafront promenade. It’s also super close to some great beaches like Unawatuna we mentioned earlier.

Galle town is definitely one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka if you want to unwind somewhere with history and charm. Bonus points for watching the sunset over the ocean from the ramparts too.

Wildlife Spotting in Yala

Alright animal lovers, you’re gonna want to put Yala National Park on your Sri Lanka itinerary for sure. It’s one of the best places in the country for wildlife viewing. Dude, on a jeep safari through the park I spotted so many animals it was wild- elephants, leopards, crocodiles, deer, monkeys, you name it.

We even saw a couple of elephants bathing in a watering hole, it was epic. The guides are also really good at finding the animals. Pro tip – go very early in the morning or late afternoon for your best chance of encounters.

Yala is massive so you really get a feel for Sri Lanka’s natural habitats. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka if you want to cross some animals off your bucket list.

Hiking to Ella

Alright my fitness friends, if you want to get your hike on in Sri Lanka, the little hill town of Ella is where it’s at. The hikes around Ella through the tea plantations are absolutely stunning, with views all the way to the horizon.

Little Waterfall hike is a nice easy one to start with. For more of a challenge, hike up to Nine Arches – the rock formations are wild. Ella town itself is also a cute little place to relax with good vibes.

I’d recommend spending a couple days there to do some hikes and unwind afterwards with a book and some nice food. Ella and the surrounding hikes are absolutely one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Great way to mix nature and activity into your trip.

Exploring Dambulla

About halfway between Kandy and Sigiriya is the town of Dambulla, home to one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive cave temples. Now I’m usually not that into religious sites but the Golden Temple of Dambulla was seriously amazing.

Five separate caves within the rock shelter over 1,500 cave paintings and statues of Buddha. The art and carvings were so detailed and well preserved. It gave me goosebumps thinking about all the history. Definitely take the guided tour to learn about it all.

Afterwards you can check out the huge standing Buddha statue nearby as well. Dambulla is a beautiful rural town as well, great place to stop and experience Sri Lankan culture. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for its historical and artistic significance.

Relaxing in Mirissa

After all that adventuring around Sri Lanka, you’ll definitely need a beach break. The chilled surf town of Mirissa on the southern coast should be your next stop. I spent a few days learning to surf with some locals – it’s a great spot for beginners with soft waves.

When you’re not surfing, just relax on the gorgeous stretches of palm fringed sand. Mirissa has a really laidback vibe and some nice guesthouses and cafes to hang out in. It’s also one of the top spots in Sri Lanka to do a whale watching boat tour from June to October.

Chances are you’ll see some blue whales out in the deep waters. Mirissa is absolutely one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka if you need R&R time. Perfect sun, surf and relaxation.

Experiencing Galle Face Green

When I was in the capital Colombo, I really enjoyed just wandering around the huge seafront park called Galle Face Green. It was so nice to see families, friends and locals just relaxing, flying kites, playing sports and enjoying the ocean views.

They even have a section with huge outdoor chess/checkers boards that people were playing on, looked like so much fun. In the evenings it was beautiful to watch the sunset colors change over the water while the park started filling up with joggers and exercise groups.

There’s also a lighthouse and colonial buildings nearby to check out. Galle Face Green showed me the relaxed social side of life in Colombo and was definitely one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Great place to people watch too!

Hiking to World’s End

Alright adventurers, if you really want to challenge yourself with one of Sri Lanka’s iconic hikes, you gotta tackle the hike to World’s End in Horton Plains National Park. Now I’m not gonna lie, this hike is no joke – it’s about 8km each way on a steep trail through the cloud forest.

But the views when you finally reach World’s End are totally worth it. You’re standing on the edge of a gigantic escarpment dropping away into the distance and nothing but clouds below – it really does feel like the end of the earth!

This is definitely one of those bucket list hikes. Early starts are best to avoid crowds and fog. World’s End has to be one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for hardcore nature lovers and those seeking amazing scenery.

Exploring Bentota

The southern coastal town of Bentota is a nice relaxed place to spend a few days in Sri Lanka. It has a lovely long beach which is great for long walks at sunset. In the afternoons you can try out water sports like jet skiing, kayaking and snorkeling just offshore.

I also enjoyed checking out the mangroves and lagoons nearby on a boat tour – saw some monkeys and birds. In the evenings, eat fresh seafood while watching the world go by.

Bentota has a nice mix of things to do and see, plus it’s not too crowded. It’s a great spot to just unwind and one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Lovely vibes and scenery all around.

Trekking to Little Adams Peak

For those seeking a scenic hike with cultural significance, the trek up Little Adams Peak near Ella should be on your list of places to visit in Sri Lanka. The peak is believed by locals to be the footstep of Buddha, and you’ll see pilgrims making the journey as an act of devotion.

The 5km trail winds through lush green countryside dotted with tea plantations, offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills at every turn. It took me a couple hours to reach the summit, but it was worth it for the serenity of the location and panoramic vistas.

Be sure to catch the sunrise from the top if you can for unforgettable colors lighting up the landscape. The trek to Little Adams Peak is a special hiking experience and cultural immersion that definitely deserves a spot as one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Chilling in Nuwara Eliya

Nestled high in Sri Lanka’s central highlands is the scenic hill town of Nuwara Eliya. Known as “Little England” due to its colonial architecture and temperate climate, it makes for a lovely relaxing stop. I enjoyed strolling through the manicured gardens and parks of the town surrounded by rolling green hills and tea plantations.

Be sure to visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, it was like another world! Nuwara Eliya also has great viewpoints to take in the vistas. In the evenings, cozy up by the fire with a cup of tea at one of the town’s hotels.

Nuwara Eliya is a welcome change of pace from the beaches and has a very charming atmosphere. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for those seeking a hill country experience.

Exploring Polonnaruwa

History buffs will want to add Polonnaruwa to their Sri Lanka itinerary. This ancient capital dating back to the 11th century AD is packed with well-preserved ruins and sculptures depicting everyday life back in the day.

Wandering through the archaeological sites like the royal palace, audience hall and temples is a fascinating glimpse into the past. The sculptures were incredibly detailed – it was amazing to think they withstood nearly 1,000 years outside.

Polonnaruwa also has some beautiful lotus ponds and the towering statues of the Gal Vihara are not to be missed. This UNESCO site provided me with a real sense of Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture. It’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for those interested in history, architecture and archaeology.

Relaxing in Tangalle

After all that adventure exploring Sri Lanka, the beach town of Tangalle is the perfect place to unwind those travel muscles. I spent a few lazy days relaxing in a beachfront hut, reading books, swimming and enjoying fresh seafood.

The beach here was beautiful with soft white sand and turquoise waters. In the afternoons and evenings, it was nice to stroll along the promenade, people watch and check out the street food.

Tangalle has a very chilled atmosphere and is also close to some nature areas like the Yala National Park if you want to spot more wildlife. Overall it was the ideal spot for relaxation. Tangalle is absolutely one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka if you’re looking for beach R&R time.

Exploring Colombo

No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without spending a few days in the bustling capital Colombo. I really enjoyed just exploring the city streets on foot and soaking up the sights, sounds and flavors.

Must visits include the Dutch Period Museum to learn about colonial history, and the lively Pettah Market area for shopping. The Galle Face Green by the ocean is also a nice spot for people watching or exercising.

Be sure to try some Sri Lankan food too – hoppers, kottu roti, coconut sambol, you name it. Colombo has an energy unlike anywhere else on the island and was a great cultural experience. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for those interested in urban exploring and cuisine.

Final Thought

That wraps up my recommendations for the top places to visit in Sri Lanka based on my own travels. From beaches and wildlife to hiking, history and culture – there’s something for every type of traveler on this amazing island nation. I hope this gives you some ideas on how to plan your own Sri Lanka adventure! Let me know if you have any other questions.