Discover must-see places in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is one of the most culturally rich countries in Asia, boasting a diverse and intriguing history. From ancient monuments to modern landmarks, this tropical island provides plenty of opportunities for culture enthusiasts to explore. Plan your trip with these 5 must-see places in Sri Lanka:
must-see places in Sri Lanka
What to do in Sri Lanka
There are so many things to do in Sri Lanka that it is difficult to know where to start. The island is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from lush jungles to dramatic coastal cliffs. You can also explore ancient Buddhist temples and archaeological sites, or take in the natural beauty of the rainforest.
Whatever you choose to do, remember to enjoy your time in Sri Lanka – the country has plenty to offer its visitors. Be sure to book your trip early, as rates tend to rise during peak season.
Sri Lanka is a country located in South Asia. It is a small island country with a population of over 20 million people.
table chart of activities to do in Sri Lanka involves categorizing different types of attractions and activities that visitors might enjoy
| Activity Type | Description | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Cultural Sites | Explore ancient cities, temples, and cultural heritage sites. | Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Ancient City of Polonnaruwa |
| Wildlife & Nature | Visit national parks, wildlife reserves, and enjoy the diverse flora and fauna. | Yala National Park (leopards), Udawalawe National Park (elephants), Sinharaja Forest Reserve |
| Beaches | Relax on pristine beaches, engage in water sports, and enjoy coastal beauty. | Unawatuna, Mirissa, Bentota, Arugam Bay (surfing) |
| Adventure & Sports | Participate in outdoor activities and adventure sports. | Hiking in the Knuckles Mountain Range, white-water rafting in Kitulgala, surfing in Weligama |
| Tea Country | Visit tea plantations, learn about tea production, and enjoy scenic hill country views. | Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Haputale |
| Culinary Experiences | Sample Sri Lankan cuisine, take cooking classes, and visit spice gardens. | Colombo for street food tours, Kandy for traditional cooking classes |
| Religious Sites | Visit sacred Buddhist and Hindu temples, and participate in religious festivals. | Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), Kataragama Temple, Dambulla Cave Temple |
| Historical & Colonial | Explore colonial towns, forts, and historical buildings. | Galle Fort, Dutch Fort in Jaffna, Trincomalee’s Fort Frederick |
| Shopping & Markets | Shop for handicrafts, gems, textiles, and other local products. | Pettah Market in Colombo, Galle Fort shops, Kandy Market Hall |
| Wellness & Ayurveda | Experience traditional Ayurvedic treatments and wellness retreats. | Ayurvedic resorts in Bentota, Wellness retreats in Kandy and Galle |
The Island of Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated ancient cities, and it’s easy to see why. With its towering temples, imposing fortifications, and lush greenery, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s filled with history and beauty. Here are some of the best things to do in Polonnaruwa:
- Visit the Great Temple of Dam Bulla, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. This temple is home to an amazing collection of sculptures, including the world’s largest monolithic statue of the Buddha.
- Walk through the city’s mesmerizing ancient walls. The walls were built in the 14th century by King Dam Bulla I as part of a defensive system to protect Polonnaruwa from invasion. Today, you can explore these walls on foot or take a ride on an open-air bus that tours the entire circuit.
- Stay in one of Polonnaruwa’s charming guesthouses and explore the city on your schedule. You can also book a tour with one of the city’s many tour operators, who will show you
The Galle Fort
- Galle Fort- One of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest colonial forts in the country. The fort has been extensively restored and now houses museums, galleries, and nightlife venues.
- Bentota Beach- Bentota Beach is another popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka. It is located on the outskirts of Galle city and offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The beach is well known for its crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and lush vegetation.
- Kandy – Kandy is the Cultural Capital of Sri Lanka and home to many Buddhist temples and monuments. The city is also known for its delicious tea estates and traditional silk-weaving industries.
- Anuradhapura – Anuradhapura Historical City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once one of the most important capitals in Sri Lanka. Today, it is a quiet UNESCO site that offers visitors a glimpse into ancient Sri Lankan culture and history.
- Dam Bulla Cave Temple – Dam Bulla Cave Temple is one of the world’s most famous religious sites and one of Sri Lanka
Temple of the Tooth Relic
Sri Lanka is home to some of the most iconic Buddhist temples in the world, including the Temple of the Tooth Relic. This temple is located in Kandy and is said to hold the tooth relic of the Buddha. The temple is a popular tourist destination and is filled with intricate carvings and beautiful gardens.
Habarana
Habarana is a tropical rainforest on the slopes of Mount Lavinia, about 44 kilometers from Colombo. The forest’s dense understory is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and deer. Habarana is also an important filming location for movies such as “The King’s Speech” and “Slumdog Millionaire”.
If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway from the bustle of Colombo, Habarana is the place to go. The forest is home to plenty of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and deer. And if you’re in the mood for some adventure – or just want to get away from it all – there are plenty of trails through the forest to explore.
Kandy Hill
Kandy is a must-see destination in Sri Lanka, and it’s easy to see why. The hilltop town is home to some of the country’s most impressive temples, including the Temple of the Tooth, which is said to have the world’s largest tooth. Kandy also boasts some of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants and shopping, and it’s an excellent place to relax after a busy day exploring the island.
Waligura Beach
Waligura Beach is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous and well-known beaches. It is located on the southwest coast of the country, about an hour from Colombo. The beach is known for its crystal clear waters and white sand. It is also well-known for its long, golden sandbars that stretch out into the ocean.
The beach is lined with palm trees and luxury hotels. There are several restaurants and bars located on the beach, as well as a few small shops. The water is warm and clear, making it a great place to relax and take in the views.
Sirimagalaya National Park
Sirimagalaya National Park is a stunning place to visit in Sri Lanka. It’s home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, deer, and tigers.
The park is also known for its beautiful waterfalls and cliffs. You’ll be able to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Sri Lanka while exploring the park. If you have time, it’s also worth checking out the ancient ruins there.
Sirimagalaya National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. If you want to enjoy some of the best scenery on an epic scale, make sure to visit Sirimagalaya National Park.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic places in Sri Lanka. This UNESCO site is home to some of the most impressive ruins in the country.
The fortress was built by King Dutugemunu around the 4th century BC. It was later used as a royal palace and then as a fortress. The ruins at Sigiriya include several impressive rock formations, including the imposing Sigiriya Rock Fortress itself. The fortress is said to be one of the most magical places in Sri Lanka and it is definitely worth visiting if you’re traveling to Sri Lanka.
If you’re looking for an epic adventure that will take your breath away, then you should visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. It’s a place that will leave a lasting impression on you and you’ll be able to experience culture on an epic scale when you visit this UNESCO site.
Polonnaruwa
One of the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka is Polonnaruwa, which is known as the Unesco World Heritage Site. This ancient city is home to some of the most impressive ruins in the entire region. Among these ruins, the Ruwanwelisaya Temple is particularly impressive.
The temple was built in the mid-first century BC and is one of the most famous architectural achievements in Sri Lanka. It is made up of a series of hexagonal enclosures that have been decorated with frescos and sculptures. The temple also has an impressive collection of statues, including a large statue of Buddha that is considered to be one of the world’s largest.
Polonnaruwa is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka. It provides a unique cultural experience that is impossible to find anywhere else in the country.
Dam Bulla Cave Temples
Dam Bulla Cave Temples is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations. Situated in the Central Province, the temples are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves are home to some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic religious sculptures and paintings.
The temples are also famous for their elephant rides. During your ride, you’ll be able to see some of the temple’s stunning architecture up close. You can also stop at the temple’s souvenir shops on your way back to the car.
If you’re looking for an epic experience that will leave you with memories that you’ll never forget, visit Dambulla Cave Temples.
Conclusion
If you’re considering a trip to Sri Lanka, be sure not to miss these must-see places! From the stunningly scenic Kandy district to the stunning beaches of Negombo, there are plenty of reasons to visit Sri Lanka. So pack your bags and get ready for an amazing adventure! For more articles please visit here
