You’ll find stretches of powdery white sand and cerulean waters here, plus Beach-bungalow accommodation and happy hour cocktails. The only downside is it can get pretty crowded during peak season.
Polonnaruwa is home to the Gal Viharaya, a complex of Buddha statues. It’s also known for its well-preserved Dambulla Cave Temple.
1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Located in the northern Matale District, Sigiriya is a massive rock fortress and palace complex. It’s also home to one of the oldest surviving landscaped gardens in the world.
The king’s palace and fortress was built on top of this huge rock by Kashyapa in 477 AD. He chose this site as his new capital after he got rid of his father and usurped the throne from his brother. He feared karma would strike back at him, so he built this magnificent castle as protection.
The climb to the top is not for the faint of heart. It’s a steep spiral staircase and the view from the top is amazing. On the way up you’ll pass through beautiful water gardens with fountains and ponds. You can even see some ancient graffiti on the Mirror Wall.
2. Yala National Park
Located in the south eastern region of the island, this national park is Sri Lanka’s second largest wildlife reserve. It’s home to one of the world’s highest densities of leopards and has a range of wildlife including elephants, macaques, crocodiles, wild boars, and spotted deer.
The tangled forests, open grasslands, sandy coastlines and wetlands of Yala make it a diverse environment that supports an impressive array of wildlife. It is also a bird lover’s paradise, with over 130 species of birds, including six endemic ones.
Yala is a popular safari destination, and you may encounter dozens of jeeps in the same area at any given time during peak leopard season (Feb + Mar). You can stay inside the park in either a mobile camp or permanent lodge. The mobile camps maintain a back-to-basics jungle camp feel, with canvas tents and no electricity.
3. Ella
Despite its relative small size Ella is packed full of unforgettable experiences. From tumbling waterfalls to stunning mountain peaks, this hill country town offers the perfect escape from Sri Lanka’s bustling cities.
Scale the heady heights of Ella Rock or marvel at the mystical Nine Arch Bridge. You can also visit a tea plantation or take a tuk-tuk ride to Lipton’s Seat, where Sir Thomas Lipton (tea entrepreneur) would sit to admire his beautiful tea fields.
The Pekoe Trail is a series of 22 walkable tracks that run through the hills surrounding Ella, where once horse-drawn carts took tea leaves from field to factory. This is a great way to get some exercise while admiring the incredible scenery. The roaring Diyaluma Falls is another must-visit, as well as the stunning Little Adam’s Peak. This alternative to the famous Adam’s Peak can be climbed in as little as an hour.
4. Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna beach is one of the most famous beaches in Sri Lanka and also a hotspot for travelers. The golden sand, turquoise water, and coral reefs are all a part of this gorgeous beach.
The main beach is usually crowded with tourists and locals, but there are smaller beaches on the headlands that offer more space and less boats. There are plenty of sunbeds to rent and many restaurants and bars on the beach. You can also visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda that is located on a hill north of the beach.
The best time to visit Unawatuna is from December until March, when the weather is warm and dry. It is easily accessible by bus or train from Galle and Colombo. This beautiful beach is the perfect place to spend a couple of days relaxing and enjoying the views.
5. Mirissa Beach
One of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka, Mirissa Beach is a crescent of golden sand lined with restaurants. It’s a popular spot for whale watching during the season and you’ll find plenty of tours on offer.
It can be quite crowded here, especially at sunset, so try to visit at sunrise instead! It’s also a great option for those who want to escape the crowds and climb Adam’s Peak, which provides spectacular views of the surrounding area.
From here you can take a bus south to Welligama or west to Matara. It’s an excellent way to get around the country as it’s cheap and convenient. Just be sure to book your ticket in advance. Otherwise, you may end up waiting for hours! Taking a bus is an adventure in itself. Be sure to bring a good book!
6. Kandy
One of the most serene places in Sri Lanka, Kandy is a place where you can explore its ancient temples and palaces. It also has a sprangling 147-acre botanical garden that is a perfect place for people who love to relax.
You can also visit Kelaniya Temple, which is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Kandy. The temple is famous for its intricate carvings and its history.
Another popular destination in Kandy is Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, which is home to many orphaned elephants. It’s a really fascinating sight to see all those majestic tuskers frolicking in the river here. You can also feed them and take some pictures with them. It’s an experience that will definitely linger in your memory. Located a bit away from Kandy is Nuwara Eliya, which is a beautiful hill station with misty mountains and waterfalls and lush tea plantations on all sides.
7. Nuwara Eliya
The city is known as Sri Lanka’s “Little England” due to its old English-style buildings. Many of the city’s hotels and private homes still maintain their colonial charm.
The quaint town is surrounded by lush tea plantations and overlooks the tallest mountain in the island, Pidurutalagala. The town’s central market is a great place to experience the local culture and see some of the best-preserved examples of traditional English shops.
Hike through the Pedro Tea Estate to reach Lovers’ Leap Waterfall, where a pair of star-crossed lovers leapt off a cliff after their relationship ended. The waterfall is named after them and is a bewitching sight to behold. The road up to the falls is also worth a visit as it takes you through some of the most picturesque mountain scenery in the area. The road is lined with mock-Tudor houses and the views are spectacular.
8. Sri Dalada Maligawa
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is an ancient Sri Lankan religious site in Kandy. It enshrines one of the four canine teeth of Buddha in a well-protected golden casket. The shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and carries immense spiritual significance to Buddhists worldwide.
The relic is kept within the Paththirippuwa, an octagonal pavilion built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe between 1798 and 1815. It has a golden canopy that covers the shrine. The relic is also displayed in the procession casket during the Kandy Esala Perahera in July every year.
While visiting the temple, it is essential to keep in mind that this is a place of worship and be fully clad at all times. The rituals of the temple are performed thrice throughout the day and are worth watching.
9. Mirissa Beach
A vision of tropical bliss, the powdery pale sand and azure water is flanked by palm trees and backed by mountains. This beach is the perfect place to relax and take in the views, but there are also plenty of things to do.
Take the famous palm tree photo at Coconut Tree Hill, especially if you go for sunrise when it’s less crowded. It’s easy to reach from the main beach and it’s a great way to get some amazing shots.
Whale watching is another popular activity at Mirissa beach, especially from November to March when the whales migrate here. Join one of the many whale-watching tours that run from Mirissa to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat. You’ll be blown away by their power and grace!
10. Unawatuna Beach
Unawatuna Beach is one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka thanks to its banana-shaped beach, turquoise water and coral reefs. It is also one of the busier beaches in the area and has plenty of restaurants and beach bars lining the seafront.
The main beach is the best place to catch a sunset as it has the most spectacular backdrop. Sit back on a sunbed, order cocktails from the nearby restaurants and admire the jaw-dropping view.
There are a few surf shops around, although they don’t have as many as the more famous locations. However, they should have everything you need for a beginner trip – leashes, wax and rash vests. The Japanese Peace Pagoda is another highlight. This tranquil shrine is located near the beach and overlooks the ocean. It is also a perfect place to witness the stunning sunrise and sunset.
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