Top 10 Places You Must Visit in Sri Lanka (With Photos)

We all know that Sri Lanka is nothing but a small island that is located in the Indian Ocean. Other than this the country was also known by the name of Ceylon. This is the place where you will find claims of the ancient civilization along with the golden sandy beaches that have their sawing coconut palms. Moreover, you can also find the mountain and some tea, rubber plantation.

The best part of this island is that you can see the colonial architecture of the period when the Dutch, English, and Portuguese ruled. If you are fortunate enough then you can also see a couple of leopard at the wildlife sanctuary. During the festival time, you will find that many elephants participate in the event. Mentioned below are some of the best places of Sri Lanka that one must visit.

10 Must-See Attractions You Must Visit in Sri Lanka

#1. Colombo

Well, we all are aware of this city as it is also the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. The reason for the popularity of this place is the large natural harbor which made the ancient trade from Italy to China easy.

This place was first ruled by the Portuguese and then by the British colonists, now it has also become one of the popular destinations for the tourist. After visiting this place the most popular thing that you will find is the Galle Face Green, which is nothing but a strip park along the Indian Ocean.

Moreover, you must also visit the Gangaramaya Temple that is famous for its ethnic architectural styles.

#2. Bentota

This place is really amazing and is known for the multi-tasking tourist town that is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. You will be amazed to know that Bentota is one of the popular beaches of Sri Lanka.

It is also the first beach resort of the Indian Ocean where various water activities take place. For instance sailing, surfing and also snorkeling is a common one. If you want to change your mood, then you can also visit a nearby sea turtle hatchery.

You will not believe that this hatchery monitors almost five out of the total seven species of the sea turtle that is found in the world.

#3. Anuradhapura

You can say that Anuradhapura is the ancient sacred city of Sri Lanka. You will be astonished to know that it was established around a cutting from the Buddha’s fig tree.

This beautiful place of temples, monuments, and palaces flourished for nearly thirteen hundred years, but soon it was abandoned due to the invasion that took place in the late 19th century. This place has been accessible for the public enjoyment.

#4. Yala National Park

No one can deny the fact that animals rule the roost along with the ground and Sky at the Yala National Park. This place is a wildlife sanctuary which is almost two hundred and forty kilometers from Colombo. Your visit to this place begins with the safari to see animals that includes water buffalo, elephant and leopards.

The densities of these animals are higher at this place compared to other places of the world. You will be glad to know that this park is also a native for almost two hundred species. Apart from this sanctuary, you can also visit the ancient rock temple which is known as Sithulpauwwa.

#5. Nuwara Eliya

If you are very much fond of greenery then this place is particularly for you. Sri Lanka is famous for its tea plantation. Nuwara Eliya is the tea production capital of this country, and the surround which supports it to be at this position is the temperate climate and its elevation which is 1900 meters from the mean sea level. If you desire, then you can also tour to any one of the tea plantations and visualize how the tea is prepared.

April is the best time when you can visit this place, and you can also celebrate Sri Lanka New Year. Some other sights which include are Lake Gregory and Laxapana.

#6. Mirissa

If you are planning to spend your holiday in the tropical paradise then this place will be best suited for you. You can spend your entire day at this place just by lying on the hammock near the beautiful golden sand beaches.

The place is also known for its spectacular sunset and sunrise in Sri Lanka. Well, let me tell you that there is no luxury beach which is located nearby hence you can say that this place is about you, beach and its silent surrounding. If you are fortunate, then you can also enjoy sightseeing of whale and Dolphin.

#7. Sigiriya

The beauty of this place can never be explained in the words. This city is built entirely on the steep slope which is topped by the plateau that is almost 180 meters high. Once you reach at this place then you at that moment, you can see the entire jungle beneath you, and this is the only reason why it is regarded as the Lion’s Rock. If you want access to this site, then you need to walk through the staircases and rooms which originate from the lion’s mouth.

Apart from this, you will also see gardens, ponds, and fountains. During the third century BC this place was a monastery, but later on, it was turned into a royal residence.

#8. Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is second oldest Kingdom of Sri Lanka, and this place is popular for the ruins of the ancient garden city. The ruins of the 12th century are kept well preserved in this country. You will be amazed to know that this was the only place where the traders of the exotic goods blended with worshippers in various temples.

You can start your tour of Polonnaruwa at the Archaeological Museum after which you can head towards the Royal Palace that has the well-preserved audience hall.

#9. Kandy

The Kandy city of Sri Lanka is nothing but a gateway to the Central highland, and also it’s tropical plantations which produce both rubber and tea. If you are on a drive from Colombo, then you will surely pass a most scenic view of the country which is nothing but a rubber plantation on the road.

You might be familiar with the term Tooth Relic, which is the sacred Buddhist temple all over the world. Kandy is home of such temples.

If you are movie enthusiasts, then you might be interested to know that Kandy was one of the chief locations in the Temple of Doom and the Indiana Jones.

#10. Galle

This Place was built by the Dutch colonists and is attracted by most of the tourist. The fort is well known for its architectural style; you can just sit on the cliff and enjoy gazing at the Indian Ocean.

You will be delighted to know that Galle is considered as one of the prime examples of the fortified city. On a survey, it was found that almost one-third of the city homes in Galle are owned by the foreigners.

There are some other good sights too like the natural harbor, the oldest lighthouse of Sir Lanka, a Shiva temple and a maritime museum.