Sri Lanka, once called Ceylon, is an island located south of India in the Indian Ocean. Its landscapes include rainforests, dry plains, mountains, and beautiful beaches. The country is famous for its ancient Buddhist sites, like Sigiriya, a 5th-century rock fortress with a palace and frescoes. Anuradhapura, the ancient capital, has ruins that are over 2,000 years old. Colombo, the modern capital, is a starting point for beach resorts like Bentota and Galle’s colonial fort. The Golden Temple of Dambulla, with its cave paintings and statues, is another key site. In the Central Highlands, the city of Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth and the Esala Perahera festival. Pilgrims also visit Adam’s Peak, known for the Sacred Footprint. To the southeast, Yala National Park is famous for its elephants and leopards.
places to visit in Sri Lanka
Sigiriya
Sigiriya, also called Sinhagiri, is an ancient rock fortress in the Matale District, near Dambulla, Sri Lanka. This historical site features a giant rock column nearly 200 meters high. Sigiriya is a popular tourist attraction due to its impressive ruins, frescoes, and ancient palace. It is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks and is considered an important archaeological site. Sigiriya was once a royal citadel, and its location offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Temple of the Tooth
The Temple of the Tooth, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, is located in Kandy, Sri Lanka. This Buddhist temple is part of the former royal palace complex of the Kingdom of Kandy. The temple houses the sacred relic of the Buddha’s tooth, which is an important religious symbol for Buddhists. It is a major pilgrimage site and is visited by thousands of devotees each year. The temple is also famous for the annual Esala Perahera festival. The temple’s architecture blends traditional and cultural significance.
Dambulla Cave Temple
The Dambulla Cave Temple, also called the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. This ancient cave temple complex is the largest and best-preserved in the country. It consists of five caves filled with statues and paintings related to the life of Buddha. The caves contain a collection of Buddhist artwork, including vivid frescoes. The temple’s historical and spiritual importance makes it a popular attraction. Dambulla is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka.
Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park is located in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, at an elevation of 6,900 to 7,500 feet. The park is known for its montane grasslands and cloud forests. It is home to many unique species of plants and animals, many of which are endemic to the region. The park is also the source of three major rivers in Sri Lanka: the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe. Horton Plains is a great destination for nature lovers and hikers. The park is known for the “World’s End” cliff, offering breathtaking views.
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park is located in southern Sri Lanka, straddling the Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces. It was established to provide a sanctuary for wildlife displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir. The park is known for its large population of wild elephants and is a popular destination for safari tours. It also hosts a variety of other animals, such as leopards, water buffalo, and birds. Udawalawe has diverse landscapes, including grasslands and wetlands. It is an important conservation area for Sri Lankan wildlife.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is located in the village of Pinnawala, about 13 km from Kegalle. The orphanage is home to the world’s largest herd of captive elephants. It was established to care for injured, orphaned, or abandoned elephants. Visitors can watch elephants being fed, bathed, and trained. Pinnawala is a key attraction for animal lovers and provides educational opportunities about elephant conservation. It also offers a unique chance to observe elephants up close in a natural setting.
Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, located near Kandy, Sri Lanka, is renowned for its diverse plant species. The gardens span over 60 hectares and feature a variety of plants, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals, offering a peaceful environment for walks and relaxation. The garden also has a significant collection of over 4000 plant species. It is situated beside the Mahaweli River, adding to its scenic beauty. The Royal Botanic Gardens is a major center for botanical research in Sri Lanka.
Galle Fort
Galle Fort is a historic fortress located on a peninsula in the city of Galle, Sri Lanka. The fort was first built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later expanded by the Dutch and British. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture. Visitors can explore narrow streets lined with old buildings, museums, and the iconic Galle Lighthouse. The fort offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Galle Fort is also home to the National Maritime Archaeology Museum.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot located in southern Sri Lanka. It is one of the last remaining tropical rainforests in the country. The reserve is home to a variety of rare species, including butterflies, amphibians, and birds. It has been designated a biosphere reserve due to its ecological significance. Sinharaja is a popular destination for eco-tourism and wildlife enthusiasts. The forest is protected, and access is regulated to preserve its unique biodiversity.
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
Gangaramaya Temple, located in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a prominent Buddhist temple known for its mix of modern and traditional architecture. The temple blends Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architectural styles. It is an important religious and cultural center in Colombo. The temple is home to a large collection of Buddhist artifacts, as well as a library and museum. Gangaramaya also plays a role in promoting education and charity work. It attracts both locals and tourists interested in Buddhism and Sri Lankan culture.
Udawattakele Forest Reserve
Udawattakele Forest Reserve is located on a hill ridge in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It covers an area of 104 hectares and was historically known as the “garden above the royal palace.” The forest reserve is a popular destination for nature walks and bird watching. It is home to a variety of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the region. Udawattakele offers visitors a peaceful environment with lush greenery and scenic views. It is an important part of Kandy’s natural heritage and a vital green space within the city.
Top destinations in Sri Lanka
Kandy
Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka, surrounded by mountains known for their tea plantations and lush rainforests. At the center of the city is Kandy Lake, which is a popular spot for walks. The city is famous for the Temple of the Tooth, a sacred Buddhist site, and the annual Esala Perahera procession. Nearby, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya are famous for their orchid collection and towering palm trees. The Ceylon Tea Museum, housed in an old tea factory, showcases Sri Lanka’s history with tea. Kandy is also a gateway to the Knuckles Mountains, which is a favorite place for hiking and camping.
Colombo
Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka, with a rich history as a port that was influenced by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Its architecture blends colonial buildings with modern high-rises and shopping malls. The Colombo National Museum, located near Viharamahadevi Park, is dedicated to Sri Lanka’s history. The bustling Pettah bazaar district is known for its vendors selling spices, tea, textiles, and jewelry. Galle Face Green, a popular oceanside promenade, is a great place for walks and picnics. The city has various religious landmarks like the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Wolvendaal Church, and the Gangaramaya Temple. Colombo is also home to Premadasa Stadium, where cricket matches are held.
Galle
Galle is a coastal city on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, known for Galle Fort, which was originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later expanded by the Dutch. The fort’s stone sea walls surround car-free streets and buildings that reflect the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial styles. The 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church and Galle Lighthouse are key attractions. The Old Gate, which once served as the entrance to the fort, now leads to the National Maritime Museum, which features exhibits on seafaring history. Galle National Museum displays local artifacts, including ritual masks and colonial objects. The city also has the Galle International Stadium, which hosts cricket matches with views of the ocean.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is a city located in the tea-growing hills of central Sri Lanka. The Hakgala Botanical Gardens, known for its beautiful roses and tree ferns, is home to wildlife such as monkeys and blue magpies. The Seetha Amman Temple is a colorful Hindu shrine nearby. Galway’s Land National Park, with its dense forests, is a sanctuary for many bird species, both endemic and migratory. Gregory Lake, created in the 1800s, offers activities like boating and horseback riding. To the north, Pidurutalagala, the tallest peak in Sri Lanka, is surrounded by a forest reserve. Nuwara Eliya is also known for its waterfalls, such as St. Clair’s Falls, and nearby Horton Plains National Park, which is home to animals like sambar deer and leopards. The park ends at World’s End, a cliff that offers stunning views.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to April, when the weather is warm and dry. From May to August, the west and south regions experience monsoon rains, while the north and east are affected from October to January. Despite the rain, the climate in Sri Lanka stays warm and pleasant throughout the year.
