Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

When creating your Sri Lankan itinerary, certain places just cannot be absent from it. So, to make it easier for you, we have curated a simple list of 5 top places to visit in Sri Lanka.

• Sigiriya

This huge rock rises dramatically from Sri Lanka’s central plains. This enigmatic rock formation of Sigiriya is undoubtedly the country’s single most dramatic locale to visit. Near-vertical walls of the rock ascend to a flattened summit containing the ruins of a palace from ancient times. This place is also regarded as an epicentre of the kingdom of Kassapa and is considered one of the best Sri Lanka tourist places.

An early morning climb up to the top can offer an enigmatic view of the sunrise. The trail through the mist-wrapped forests is spellbinding, to say the least. However, do not forget to take some time out for the captivating on-site museum. Once you’ve climbed to the top of the rock, you can trek up to the neighbouring hills for amazing views of Sigiriya. This is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, and you must include it in your bucket list.

• Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is all about historic sites in the country and hence, is special for the tourists. Once you are there, you will find several bowl-shaped, towering dagobas (stupas), along with sacred tanks and ruined monasteries. Anuradhapura is the place where the spiritual history of Sri Lanka comes up to the surface.

This place is home to Sri Maha Bodhi, one of the world’s oldest trees. This tree was grown from a cutting taken from the tree in Bodhgaya that protected Gautam Buddha when he achieved enlightenment. You can spend a day cycling between the colossal structures of Anuradhapura. If you wish to move further for dagoba-spotting, you can head straight 13km east to the temple complex of Mihintale and its surrounding sleepy village. It is one of the most famous places in Sri Lanka and is a must-visit when you are in the country.

• Mirissa

When it comes to the best Sri Lanka tourist places, Mirissa is arguably the best beach destination in Sri Lanka. An opulent stretch of powdered white sand beach against cerulean waters will take your breath away. The thickets of palm trees leaning lazily around the beaches will make for a sight to behold for every beach lover.

There are several other beach options nearby, including Tangalla and Unawatuna, which are ideal for a few days of relaxing and serious sunbathing. In addition, you may find yourself a beach-bungalow accommodation and enjoy happy-hour cocktail deals to rewind and enjoy. This is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, and you must include it in your itinerary.

• Galle

Galle is a place that’s a superb combination of art and culture. First, the streets and the magnificent buildings of Galle were built by the Dutch. And then, the Sri Lankans added more vigour, colour, and culture to the same. Furthermore, nature covered Galle with a smooth layer of tropical foliage that washed over the salty sea air.

Galle is listed in the UNESCO and it is a Sri Lankan city that keeps culture lovers enticed with landmark buildings, educational museums, and art galleries. When in Galle, you can find a quirky, cosmopolitan place to stay. Even the restaurants and eateries in Galle are pretty charming. It is one of the best places in Sri Lanka, and you must go there whenever you are in Sri Lanka.

• Kandy

Kandy is one of the famous places in Sri Lanka and is the last option in our listicle. Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and is famous for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It is believed that the central shrine of the temple contains a tooth of Gautam Buddha himself.

For the Sinhalese people, this temple is the holiest place on the entire island. As a tourist, Kandy can offer you several other rewards. You can go through the nostalgic spots around the old quarter of Kandy, behold the amazing views over the Kandy central lake, visit the interesting museums and spend some time in the beautiful botanical gardens of Kandy. This is one of the must-visit places in Sri Lanka due to its sanctity and beauty.

So, now that you are aware of the best places in Sri Lanka, how soon are you booking your tickets for this beautiful country? We have already presented you with a list with a mix of the best Sri Lanka tourist places ranging from beach destinations to historic towns. But you should also remember to opt for a robust travel insurance plan for your Sri Lankan trip to ensure proper safety for yourself and your co-travellers. Happy tripping!