Tourism Destinations

With forested mountains, sand-dusted beaches and a rich history spanning centuries of maritime trade, Sri Lanka offers travelers a wondrous mix of experiences. Even on a short trip, you can fit in days of beach basking, spectacular surfing, close encounters with elephants and leopards, tea plantation tours, and trips to some of Asia's most remarkable shrines and ancient ruins, alongside meals to remember.

Measuring just 240km (150 miles) across at its widest point, Sri Lanka fits a lot into a small space. travelling by train, bus or hired car, you can roam from coast to coast in a day, but with so many charming places to visit, it can be hard to decide where to start your island adventure.

You might want to spend all your time on idyllic beaches or plot an itinerary around Buddhist stupas or wildlife-filled national parks. Or you could plan a trip involving all of the above! Whatever your budget, here’s our pick of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka to get you started.

1. Colombo

Best for food and big city vibes

No Sri Lanka itinerary would be complete without a trip to colombo, the country’s culturally diverse capital city. Providing an easy introduction to the Sri Lankan way of life, Colombo is centered on the cosmopolitan Fort district, dotted with landmark buildings from the colonial era, including the terracotta-roofed dutch hospital, founded in the 1600s. The Fort District also has some excellent places to eat.

Be sure to spend some time at gall face green, Colombo's main seaside promenade, where hundreds of families gather to munch on local snacks and dip their toes in the sea at sunset. Order yourself some isso vade – deep-fried prawn and lentil fritters, topped with spicy sambol (coconut and chili chutney) – and settle in for some people-watching.

Planning tip: While Colombo is a safe and walkable city, tuk-tuks are inexpensive and convenient for getting around. Always check that your tuk-tuk has a working meter before you get in to ensure you pay the correct fare for your ride.

Colombo Highlights

Presidential Secretariat

Authentic Sri Lankan street food

Beautiful Gangarama Temple

Night parties with friends

Beautiful Birra Lake view

Red Mosque in Pettah

2. Anuradhapura

Best for Buddhist history

Anuradhpura looks like any other middle-sized Sri Lankan town when you first arrive. There's a clock tower, a single train station and small shops clustered along a busy main road. But Anuradhapura's simple facade conceals the enormous scale of its heritage; on the outskirts of town are the ruins of one of ancient Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist sites.

The most sacred spot in this complex of ruined temples, towering dagobas (stupas) and palaces is the revered sri maha bodi tree, believed to have been grown from a cutting taken from the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment in bodgaya, India. Scattered through the surrounding jungles and villages are all sorts of archaeological wonders.

Planning tip: Comfortable shoes are a must for walking between the stupas and temples. Even in ruins, Anuradhapura's Buddhist shrines are places of worship, and footwear must be removed before entering. Carrying a scarf to cover your legs and shoulders is always a good idea.

Anuradhapura Highlights

The ancient Tissa Lake

Carrying flowers to worship

An ancient moonstone

Monks in a monastery

Samadhi Buddha Statue

Village Monkeys

3. Polonnaruwa

Best for ancient architecture

Often visited on an ancient cities circuit that includes Anuradhapura, polonnarwa is famed for its ancient ruins, carved temples and rich Buddhist heritage.

As you gaze upon the 14m (46ft) reclining Buddha inside the gal viharaya, you can’t help but imagine the effort that went into creating these graceful figures. The white, grey and black granite softens the details of these intricate carvings, and the scent of fresh flowers and incense, offered to the statues by devotees, floats through the air.

Don’t miss the other archaeological sites in the area, including the closely grouped temples and stupas comprising the royal ruins, which can be explored on a rewarding day of sightseeing.

Planning tip: If you're traveling north from Colombo towards Jaffna, both Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are great places to stay and break up the journey.

Polonnaruwa Highlights

Delicious Sri Lankan curry

Lake boating in the sunset

Smiling Sri Lankan kids

Story of the ancient ruins

Visit Parakrama Samudraya

Minneriya wild life safari

4.Kandy

Best for a taste of the Hill Country

Kandy, nestled in the lush central highlands of Sri Lanka, is a captivating destination renowned for its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. The city is home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site that attracts pilgrims and tourists alike, eager to witness the revered relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha. Surrounding Kandy Lake provides a serene backdrop for leisurely strolls, while the Royal Botanical Gardens in nearby Peradeniya showcase an impressive collection of flora. With vibrant festivals like the Esala Perahera, Kandy bursts with cultural energy, making it an unforgettable stop for anyone seeking to experience the heart and soul of Sri Lanka.

Kandy Highlights

Traditional masks in display

The beauty of Kandy

Bicycle ride along green parks

Mouth-watering local food

Sri Lanka Spice Garden

Cultural dancers in Kandy perahera

5.Gall

A 16th Century Marvel

Galle is an important city in Sri Lanka and a one-stop destination where you can enjoy all the sights and sounds. One of the best place to visit is the Galle Fort. The Galle Fort area has wide cobblestoned roads and several eateries and cafes. Try and catch the sunset while you are there. There are several trinket shops and galleries that you can visit. It is among the most visited places in Sri Lanka. Another picturesque sightseeing destination in Sri Lanka is the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Quite close to the Unawatuna beach, it is a white dome of serenity.Location is Southwest coast of Sri Lanka.

Gall Highlights

Beautiful Galle Fort

Galle Fort Marine Museum

Riding a swing by the beach

Traditional weaving of clothes

Beautiful Unawatuna beach

Local fishermen stilt fishing