Beautiful Places in Sri Lanka For A Stunning Holiday

Known For : Sigiriya Rock Fortress Sigiriya Museum Pidurangala Rock

Sigiriya, also known as the "Lion Rock," is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic attractions in Sri Lanka. This ancient rock fortress, rising nearly 200 meters, is known for its dramatic views, water gardens, and well-preserved frescoes. Built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa, it served as a royal citadel with impressive architectural features. Visitors can climb to the summit for breathtaking views of the surrounding forests and ruins of the royal palace.

Best Time: February to April

14 Sigiriya Attractions

Known For : Galle Fort Galle Lighthouse Galle Fort Clock Tower

Galle is a coastal city with a rich colonial past, known for its beautifully preserved Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort’s walls overlook the Indian Ocean and contain Dutch colonial buildings, museums, and charming cafes. Walking along the cobblestone streets reveals historic churches, temples, and mosques, reflecting Galle’s diverse heritage. The city's beaches and lighthouse are popular spots to experience its serene coastal beauty.

Best Time: February

33 Galle Attractions

Yala National Park, located in southeastern Sri Lanka, is one of the country’s largest and most popular wildlife reserves. Known for its high concentration of leopards, it also houses elephants, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species. The park’s diverse landscape of wetlands, grasslands, and coastal lagoons makes it a perfect habitat for many animals. Visitors often enjoy safari tours here for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Best Time: February - July

Adam's Peak, or Sri Pada, is a sacred mountain renowned for its stunning sunrise views and religious significance. Pilgrims of multiple faiths, including Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, make the trek to the summit to see the footprint believed to belong to Buddha, Shiva, or Adam, depending on the tradition. The trek up its 5,500 steps is challenging but rewarding, with panoramic views at dawn. Adam's Peak holds deep cultural and spiritual importance, drawing visitors from around the world.

Best Time: December to May

Known For : Coconut Tree Hill Mirissa Beach Secret Beach

Mirissa, located on Sri Lanka's southern coast, is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life. This beach town is a top destination for whale watching, where visitors can spot blue whales, dolphins, and other marine creatures. Mirissa's clear waters are perfect for swimming, and its lively beach bars and restaurants offer a laid-back atmosphere. The town is also known for its breathtaking sunsets and scenic viewpoints like Parrot Rock.

Best Time: December - March

20 Mirissa Attractions

Known For : Bentota Beach Saman Villas Brief garden by Bevis Bawa

Bentota is a popular beach destination on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, famous for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s a hub for water sports, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and diving, as well as river safaris on the Bentota River. The nearby Brief Garden, designed by Bevis Bawa, is a beautifully landscaped retreat perfect for an afternoon visit. Bentota’s resorts and calm beach make it an ideal spot for a relaxed beach getaway.

Best Time: November - April

25 Bentota Attractions

The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred religious sites, as it houses the revered tooth relic of Buddha. The temple complex, part of the Royal Palace, is known for its beautiful architecture, wood carvings, and gold decorations. During the annual Esala Perahera festival, the tooth relic is paraded through the streets in a grand procession. The temple attracts pilgrims and tourists alike for its historical and spiritual significance.

Known For : The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu Gal Vihara  Dalada Maluva Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is an ancient city that served as Sri Lanka’s capital in medieval times and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to well-preserved ruins of palaces, temples, and statues that showcase the architectural brilliance of that era. The iconic Gal Vihara, with its large Buddha statues carved from granite, is a highlight of the city. Polonnaruwa provides a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history and cultural heritage.

Best Time: November to March

16 Polonnaruwa Attractions

Known For : Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Kandy Lake Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Kandy, a scenic city nestled in the hills of central Sri Lanka, is known for its cultural significance and natural beauty. It is home to the famous Temple of the Tooth, a sacred site for Buddhists worldwide. The Kandy Lake, surrounded by lush hills and colonial buildings, offers peaceful boat rides and scenic walks. Kandy also hosts the vibrant Esala Perahera, an annual cultural procession featuring traditional dancers and elephant parades.

Best Time: December to April

47 Kandy Attractions

Known For : Victoria Park Nuwara Eliya Hakgala Botanical Garden Seeta Amman Temple

Nuwara Eliya, often called "Little England," is a picturesque hill town known for its tea plantations, cool climate, and colonial architecture. Located in the central highlands, it’s a popular escape from the tropical heat, with rolling hills and misty landscapes. Visitors can explore tea factories, lush gardens like Victoria Park, and the serene Gregory Lake. The town's British-era buildings and golf course add to its old-world charm.

Best Time: February - April

30 Nuwara Eliya Attractions

Known For : Crocodile Rock, Arugam Bay Arugam Bay Beach Elephant Rock, Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is a laid-back beach destination on Sri Lanka’s east coast, celebrated for its excellent surfing waves and bohemian atmosphere. It attracts surfers from around the world with its consistent waves, especially between May and October. The area is surrounded by scenic beaches, lagoons, and wildlife, making it perfect for both adventure and relaxation. Local beach bars and cafes give Arugam Bay a charming and vibrant vibe.

Best Time: April to September

10 Arugam Bay Attractions

Known For : Dambulla Cave Temple Dambulla Golden Temple & Museum Sigiriya

Dambulla is famous for its UNESCO-listed Golden Temple, a complex of cave temples adorned with Buddha statues and intricate murals. Located in central Sri Lanka, the Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the country’s most significant religious sites. The five caves contain over 150 statues and wall paintings depicting Buddha’s life. The site also offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a cultural and scenic attraction.

Best Time: January to May

11 Dambulla Attractions

One of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka on the southern coast, Tissamahara is a buzzing town that has its streets lined with cute little cafes, kiosks, and shops. Bounded by paddy fields and Dagobas, Tissamahara is a town that is worth the visit for its abundance of rich culture and history.  The sightseeing places in the historic town are aplenty including the Tissawewa and the Sithulpawwa rock temple, Tissa Dagoba, Yatala Wehera, Debarawewa clock tower and the Bundala birds paradise.

The Royal Botanical Gardens are situated 5 km west of Kandy. The most prominent gardens in Sri Lanka, Royal Botanical Gardens have colourful orchids, pleasant winds and tall trees. The proximity with the Mahaweli river is a beautiful “flora and aqua” treat for the eyes. This beautiful place in Sri Lanka is home to more than 4000 species of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees. It is a 147 acre - natural elegance holding landscaped gardens and scenic beauty.

The Minneriya National Park is in the Northern province of Sri Lanka, four hours away from Colombo, and 30 minutes away from Sigiriya. The national park is famous for its herds of elephants migrating for food, water and shelter, and forming a 'gathering'. The dry season is the best time to visit this beautiful place in Sri Lanka, as the majestic elephants migrate to the Minneriya Tank for water. Minneriya National Park comes under the dry zone, meaning, it receives less rainfall compared to the other areas in the country.

Best Time: December - March

The tea plantations in the ever-buzzing town of Hatton are one of the highlights of Sri Lanka. The estates are at 4000 feet above sea level where the climate and scenery combined with colonial-era architecture that is evident in the old tea plantations are sure to instil a sense of awe and wholesomeness. The tea plantations are known for their tranquillity and beauty as they are cultivated on mountains sloping downhill.

Knuckles Mountain range is an unusual terrestrial landform located in Matale and Kandy, in Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name was given by the British, and the locals call this range 'Dumbara Kanduvetiya', which means mist-laden mountains. Knuckles Mountain Range is called so because of its uncanny resemblance to the fingers of a clenched fist. The range is a World Heritage Conservation Area and is relatively untouched. The range features 34 peaks, ranging between 900 metres to 2000 metres.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was launched to provide shelter and nourishment to abandoned, injured and maimed elephants. The ideology behind this project revolves around the care of abandoned baby elephants, who cannot survive without their mothers. The local park allows tourists to ride on, pet and play with elephants. The animals are really friendly and if tourists jump into the water with them they spray them with water from the trunk. 

Known For : Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Jaffna Fort Jaffna Library

Jaffna is probably Sri Lanka's most historical city located at the northern tip on the country and the city from time to time had been passed under the rule of various kingdoms, governments and the armies. Unlike the country’s southern parts which are more influenced and in a way controlled by the Buddhist and the Sinhalese, the northern realms including Jaffna have a strong influence of the Tamil and the Hindu cultures. Historically, it was the centre of the LTTE power struggle to capture the city in 1995.

Best Time: January to September

13 Jaffna Attractions

Known For : Koneswaram Temple Trincomalee Fort Frederick Nilaveli Beach

The quaint city of Trincomalee also famously known as ‘Gokarna’ is an essential fragment of the country. Trincomalee is a port city famous for its white sand beaches and most beautiful harbours. This beautiful place in Sri Lanka is quite prominent for its culture, tradition, and its well known historical sites. The city is situated on the east coast of the island and is almost 237 kms north-east of Colombo. Popular attractions include The Trincomalee or Gokarna Bay and the ‘Then Kailayam’ temple.

Best Time: May - October

20 Trincomalee Attractions

Known For : Ella Rock Ravana Falls Nine Arches Bridge

Tucked into Badulla District, Ella is a charming laidback town drawing travelers to Sri Lanka's highlands with tea plantations, mountain jungles, and a cool climate. At an elevation of 1,041 meters, this wildlife-rich town has ancient caves, centuries-old secluded temples, and the famous Ella Gap - a cleft between two hills overlooking lofty views. Ella is just 200km from Colombo, and its central location makes it a great starting point for exploring Sri Lanka's beautiful hill side.

Best Time: December - March

31 Ella Attractions

Known For : Sri Maha Bodhi Lovamahapaya Ruwanweliseya

Anuradhapura, an ancient city nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka's North Central Province, stands as a living testament to the island's rich cultural and historical legacy. Revered as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Anuradhapura served as the capital of Sri Lanka for over a millennium, bearing witness to the rise and fall of several ancient kingdoms. It is known for its vast dagobas or brick stupas, ancient ponds and pools, and magnificent temples.

Best Time: April and September

20 Anuradhapura Attractions

Known For : World’s End (Horton Plains) Gommolli Kanda Ohiya

Horton Plains National Park, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its unique biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and iconic attractions. Spanning over 31 square kilometers, the park is characterized by rolling grasslands, misty forests, and breathtaking viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Best Time: January to March

6 Horton Plains Attractions

Known For : Unawatuna Beach Jungle Beach Japanese Peace Pagoda

Unawatuna, located about 5 km south of Galle, is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beach destinations, known for its golden sands, turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere. The main reason to visit Unawatuna is for its pristine beach, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The protected bay and coral reefs make the waters calm and perfect for families, while the surrounding area offers a variety of beachfront cafes and shops.

Best Time: October to April

15 Unawatuna Attractions

Udawalawe National Park is a stunning sanctuary renowned for its diverse wildlife and picturesque landscapes, located in the southern part of Sri Lanka. Covering an area of over 30,000 hectares, Udawalawe is best known for its large population of Asian elephants. The park provides a natural habitat for these majestic creatures, offering visitors the opportunity to observe them in their natural environment. 

Best Time: December to March

Situated near Anuradhapura, Mihintale is a sacred mountain and a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It's believed to be the place where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka. The site is dotted with numerous religious and architectural landmarks, including ancient stupas, temples, caves, and statues. You need to climb the 1,840 steps to reach the summit, where you will be greeted by stunning panoramic views.

Known For : Maha Saman Dewalaya Kalthota Doowili Ella Falls

Famous for its gemstone industry, Ratnapura is a populous city in southwestern Sri Lanka. It is also known for serving as the start point of a trail that leads to the sacred Adam's Peak. A flourishing centre for gem trade for local and foreign traders alike, Ratnapura is home to numerous gem mines and a fascinating Gem Museum. Some of the world's most recognized gemstones, such as the Star of India, Blue Belle of Asia and The Star of Adam, were discovered at Ratnapura.

Best Time: January to March

8 Ratnapura Attractions

Known For : The Bar Reef Kalpitiya Lagoon, Kalpitiya Kalpitiya Beach

Kalpitiya is a town surrounded by natural spaces and beaches. Kalpitiya covers a total area of 16.73 km²; the city has 14 islands with the main ones being Battalangunduwa, Palliyawatta, Uchchamunai, Periya Arichchalai, and Kakativu etc. Kalpitiya is one of the upcoming tourist destinations within Sri Lanka, providing activities such as kite surfing, surfing, and whale watching etc.

Best Time: April to October

14 Kalpitiya Attractions

Known For : Polhena Beach Dickwella Beach Weligama Beach

Matara is a historic coastal town known for its well-preserved Dutch Fort, temples, and beautiful beaches. Polhena Beach, with its calm waters and coral reefs, is a popular spot for snorkeling. The town is also close to surf-friendly beaches like Madiha and offers whale-watching tours. Matara’s blend of history, beach activities, and local culture make it an interesting stop on Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

Best Time: December to April

3 Matara Attractions

Known For : Diyaluma Falls Diyatalawa Adisham Hall

Haputale is a small town in Sri Lanka that is quaint and nestled away from the main cities and towns. Apart from escaping the city’s hustle, Haputale is where one can surround themselves with rolling hills covered in tea plantations, and indulge themselves in the tranquil and the serene ambience cloud-covered forests and mountains. The temperature of the city remains refreshing and fresh throughout the year because of its hilly elevation from the rest of the towns and cities in the country.

Best Time: May to July

5 Haputale Attractions

Nestled among forested hills, Kitulgala is a small Sri Lankan town in the western region of the country. Best known for being the most popular location in Sri Lanka for white water rafting, a visit to Kitulgala is a terrific combination of nature and thrill. It is also one of the wettest places in Sri Lanka. The Kelani River which flows through the town served as a filming location for the Oscar-winning movie ‘The Bridge On the River Kwai’, released in 1957.

Best Time: December - March

Wilpattu National Park is situated on the western coast of Sri Lanka, approximately an hour away from the ancient city of Anuradhapura. This national park has the enviable distinction of being the oldest and the largest national park in the country. The park has earned its name from the numerous 'villus' (natural lakes in Sinhalese) that spread across the area. Wilpattu is known for its large population of leopards, among the highest in Sri Lanka.

Best Time: February to October

Known For : Bridge Market Kallady Beach Kokkadicholai Thanthondreeswarar Temple

Pasikuda is a Sri Lankan resort town situated on the northeastern side of the country. Serviced by Batticaloa Airport, located around 34 Kms away, this quaint town is renowned for the stunning Pasikuda Beach with its sparkling blue waters. Pasikuda has a shallow coastline which is one of the longest in the world. One can wade for considerable distances into the ocean due to the reasonably weak currents here. In addition, the shorelines are rich in coastal reefs, offering visitors fantastic snorkelling opportunities.

Best Time: March to October

7 Pasikuda Attractions