10 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Start your Sri Lanka tour by visiting this large temple complex. Located in Dambulla, this is one of the most famous Sri Lanka tourist spots. You will be mesmerised by the stunning contrast created by the white temple against the black rocky mountain. Go ahead to explore the five rooms and in which of them, you will find a Buddha statue in a different position. The calm on the face of Buddha will fill your mind with peace immediately. You will be intrigued to know that most of the statues and paintings that you will come across here are from around the 12th century AD. When you come here, remember, the nearest airport is in Sigiriya and from there, you can come to Dambulla via roadways.

If you are a history enthusiast, then this fort is the best Sri Lanka sightseeing place for you. Although the fort has undergone massive destruction during the Sri Lankan Civil War, you can explore some of the historic structures that have remained intact. You must visit the Queen’s House that was the former residence for presidents of Sri Lanka. You can come and explore more such historical structures and ruins here between 8 am and 6 pm.

One of the most beautiful places to see in Sri Lanka is surely the Ravana Falls located in Ella town. Board a flight to Hambantota, come here and you will agree too. The snowy white falls washing off the rugged terrains is a sight that will linger in your memory forever. You will find this fall on the main road while going to Ella town. So, you can stop here and cherish the gushing sounds of the waterfall. If you come here during summer, you can also choose to take a bath in the soothing cold water of the fall. Now, an intriguing story! As per legends, Mata Sita used to bathe in this fall after she was abducted by the King of Sri Lanka, Ravan!

For animal lovers, this national park is among the best places in Sri Lanka to visit. You can come across plenty of animal and bird species here. The sight of elephants bathing in pools or monkeys jumping from one tree to another will elevate your excitement right away. We recommend you go for a safari ride to explore the park in its entirety within a short time. Also, you can indulge in wildlife photography or camping to make your trip more fun. So, choose a time between 6 am and 6 pm and enjoy your trip to this national park.

If you take a flight to Sigiriya and then travel to Trincomalee, you must stop by this beach just to admire its beauty if not anything else. Seeing the white sands, surrounding greenery and splashing seawater, you will admit that it’s one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka. You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming or even bird watching on this beach. And when you feel hungry, you can simply order a snack from one of the many open restaurants lined here.

You surely won’t want to miss checking out the holy footprint on a stone located at the summit of this mountain in Sri Lanka. This footprint is believed to be that of Buddha by Buddhists, of Shiva by Hindus and of Adam by Muslims and Christians. Just imagine the varied religious significance of it! Take our advice and trek to the top of this peak. It will be an exhilarating experience. While the beauty of the surrounding naturescape will charm your eyes, the thrill of traversing through the wilderness will keep you excited throughout. And once you reach the top, you can actually see snowy clouds floating beneath you! By the way, the nearest airport is in Colombo.

Known for its religious and political significance, this temple is another pilgrimage site that will surely intrigue you. You can spot this Buddhist temple within the palace complex of the Kingdom of Kandy, a few hours away from Colombo airport. Walk inside to see the relic of the tooth of Buddha that is believed to have played a significant role in local politics. You will be astonished to know that people here believe that whoever holds the relic tooth holds the governing authority of Sri Lanka. You can also witness the holy rituals here, including the bathing of the relic with herbal elements. Just make sure you come here between 5.30 am and 8 pm.

After you visit the Temple of the Tooth, walk towards this museum to learn about Buddhism and Buddhist culture in detail. In the museum, you will get to explore different rooms containing models, photographs and statues showcasing the spread of Buddhism in different parts of the world. We suggest you opt for an audio guide or a tourist guide to tell you amusing stories about Buddhism. Just a reminder! You have to remove your shoes and wear covered clothes when you enter this museum. And to come here, you have to plan your visit between 8 am and 7 pm.

If you enjoy water sports, then this beach will be one of your favourite Sri Lanka travel places once you come here. A flight to Batticaloa airport, followed by a 2 and a half hours ride and you will be here. Speed boating, windsurfing, snorkelling, swimming, you name it and you can enjoy it here. Imagine the thrill you will get when you try these sports in the great Indian Ocean! And not just the thrill, you can also relish the beauty of the ocean surrounded by virgin greenery. Come here with your friends and enjoy a fun-filled day playing outdoor sports or water sports on this beach.

Learn about the cultural and political history of Sri Lanka by visiting this museum in Colombo. Inside the museum, you will come across some rare collections of ancient Kandyan dynasty rulers. Make sure you visit the library where you will be astounded seeing the age-old manuscripts in palm leaves. Not just the artefacts in the museum, the Italian-style architecture of the museum building will equally intrigue you. Eager to visit here? Just plan a visit at a preferred time between 9 am and 6 pm.

Now that you know the tourist beauties that Sri Lanka houses, we suggest you no longer hold yourself back. Book a flight to Sri Lanka and satiate the tourist in you by exploring these amazing splendours in our neighbour country.