WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA?

Posted on by Sanjeewa Padmal (Seerendipity)

From the tea plantations to the pristine beaches, travellers can explore many interesting places while travelling around this amazing tropical nation- here are our top picks for travellers, who have the formidable question, WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA?

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA?

  1. Anuradhapura
  2. Polonnaruwa
  3. Sigiriy rock fortress
  4. Dambulla cave temple
  5. Kandy
  6. Ella
  7. Namunukula
  8. Pilkinton point
  9. Hikkaduwa
  10. Yala national park
  11. Adams peak

5 Best places to visit in Sri Lanka in one day

12 best places to visit in Sri Lanka in 2 days

15 best places to visit in Sri Lanka in 3 days

Places to visit in Sri Lanka in 4 days

22 places to visit in Sri Lank in 5 days

PLANING A TRIP TO SRI LANKA! WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA?

Where to go to Sri Lanka? A very difficult question to answer, however, this is one of the most common question asked by the travellers, especially during the planning stage of their Sri Lanka trips. This question is very tough because the straight forward answer to the question is simply many hundred places.

Sri Lanka is a multi-faceted holiday destination with thousands of years old historical monument, wildlife reserves, rain forests, beaches, mountains, adventure sites and many other interesting places.     

NARROW DOWN THE PLACES TO SEE IN SRI LANKA

It was very hard to narrow down a set of places to include in this post, so what we did was, we dig the past questionnaires (feedback form) that we received from our past customers, who had booked various Sri Lanka tour packages with us. Based on their recommendations and feedback, we chose the 10 best holiday attractions in Sri Lanka.

There are many epic tourist attractions in Sri Lanka that are really worth seeing but there are also many smaller but beautiful towns such as Ella that travellers love to explore. Read more about this mountian resort: Ella.

It is not just about exploring the popular tourist places in Sri Lanka, it is about seen the island like a local do and experience the life locals do-take part in cooking classes, taking tours, trying Ayurveda Massages, all of it! You can fill your Sri Lanka tour itinerary with palaces, temples, forts, wildlife reserves, rain forest and historical monuments but make sure you explore the sites that you come across during the trip!

From the tea plantations to the pristine beaches, travellers can explore many interesting places while travelling around this amazing tropical nation- here are our top picks for travellers, who have the formidable question, where should I visit in Sri Lanka? Same time we are giving you some travel tips towards the end of the page. You will not find a lengthy description of each place listed hereunder; however, you can click through on each one to read more details from my blog posts on them.

WHERE SHOULD I TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA TO SEE HISTORICAL MONUMENTS?

  • Anuradhapura
  • Polonnaruwa
  • Sigiriya
  • Dambulla
  • Kandy

We start the list with Anuradhapura, which is the most ancient capital of Sri Lanka dating back to 3rd century BC. Anuradhapura is a unique place in many ways and has a fascinating blend of history and nature. Thousands of historical monuments sit amidst the natural vegetation and some of the monuments are still buried underground.

Anuradhapura is an archaeological zoo, where you can witness palaces, temples, statues, and many other monuments dating back to between 3rd century BC to 10 century AD. This is where Buddhist comes to see religious monuments. Some of the religious sites such as Srimaha Bodhi and Ruwanaweli Dagoba (Stupa) are must-visit places for Buddhists. More info on Anuradhapura Sri Lanka.

All visitors to these sacred places are supposed to dress in a particular manner to uphold their religious values. There is a set of rules that every visitor to religious sites observes while visiting sacred places in Sri Lanka. If you are wondering what these rules are, check out this article “13 RULES TO OBSERVE WHILE VISITING SRI LANKA BUDDHIST TEMPLE, SRI LANKA TEMPLE DRESS CODE TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH DRES’ CODE“.

TRAVELLING TO ANURADHAPURA AND SEE IMPOSING STRUCTURE OF OLD WORLD

Aukana Buddha statues of Anuradhapura dates back to 5th century AD, is a masterpiece of stone masonry and included in most Sri Lanka trips such as 4 days Sri Lanka trip to the cultural triangle.

TRAVEL TO POLONNARUWA AND WITNESS SKILL OF ANCIENT ENGINEERS

Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO world heritage site on the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka and succeeded as the capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura, which lost its importance as the capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th century. The kings of Sri Lanka had chosen Polonnaruwa as the capital of Sri Lanka as an alternative to Anuradhapura, owing to the extensive damage caused to the city under the invading armies from India. The monuments of Polonnaruwa are is very good shape compared to the monuments of Anuradhapura. Read more on Polonnaruwa Sri Lanka.

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA: SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS

Sigiriya rock is one of the most popular iconic tourist attractions on the island and it is one of the most visited historical sites on the island. Sigiriya rock fortress is a UNESCO world heritage site featuring moats, landscaped gardens, fountains, swimming pools, granite caves, Sigiriya paintings and the ruins of a palace. Sigiriya is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka and very popular for Sri Lanka day outings.

TRAVEL TO ONE OF THE OLDEST LANDSCAPED GARDENS IN THE WORLD

Sigiriya considered being one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world, dating back to 5th century AD. Sigiriya is a must-visit tourist attraction on the island and which is given a prominent place in every Sri Lanka road trip itinerary.  Read more on Sigiriya rock.

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA; CAVE TEMPLE OF DAMBULLA

In Dambulla, you can visit the largest cave temple on the island, which is also one of the biggest cave temples in the world. A large number of Buddha statues, god figures and living size of figures of Sri Lankan kings are lodged here.

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA TO SEE THOUSANDS OF YEARS OLD PAINTINGS

Dambulla cave temple is also a UNESCO world heritage site and resides in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Dambulla golden cave temple is an essential part of every cultural triangle tour.

Thousands of sq meters of the ceiling and wall painting dating back to 1st century BC depict the scenery of Buddha’s life. Temple is hidden in the jungle and had been the hiding place of Sri Lankan king in 1st century BC. More info on Dambulla golden cave temple.

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA TO WITNESS MOST SACRED BUDDHIST TEMPLE

Tooth relic temple is one of the most popular tourist places in Kandy

A visit to Sri Lanka is never completed if you miss this beautiful city. Kandy sits 500 meters above sea level and surrounded by mountains. Kandy is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites on the island due to the tooth relic temple, which considered being the most sacred Buddhist temple in the country.

Kandy is also a UNESCO world heritage site and has a fascinating blend of historical monuments and colonial buildings heritage. Would you like to see the traditional dance forms and listening to the traditional music of Sri Lanka, then drop-into the Kandyan cultural show. It is organized for foreign travellers and bit touristy, however, you can see young and energetic dancers in action.   

Part of Kandy is about luxury, royalty, princes, elephants, jewels, rugs, and indulgence at the many amazing restaurants and bars. Travellers love going to Kandy.

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA TO FEEL SUN, SEA AND SAND

Hikkaduwa is the home for a large number of beach lovers and large numbers of them are budgets travellers and spend months in the coastal town. Hikkaduwa is a laid-back beachfront small city with hippie vibes and the end of the hippie trail in the early ’80s.

Many foreign travellers arrived here and lived naked on the beach. Today you don’t see the naked tourist anymore and those days are gone now, but many fun-loving travellers are still here and parties, loud music, yoga centres, and laid-back attitude have stuck around, too. Hikkaduwa beach Sri Lanka.

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA TO SEE UNTAMED WILDERNESS

Yala national park sits near the southern tip of Sri Lanka; however, it is not lack of visitors, because 90% of foreign as well as local travellers who set on safari tours choose Yala as the venue.

There are not many leopards left in the world (they are endangered according to IUCN) but the population of the leopards on the rise at Yala national park, thanks to the well-planned conservation effort and security keep them safe from poachers. Today Yala is the best national park to spot leopards in the world and many travellers do not miss the opportunity to spot a leopard.  

Some people using the skin of the leopards to make leather products, and poaching is a major issue.  You can have a closer look into this big cat on a Yala national park jeep safari, try to make it a full day jeep safari, spotting a leopard is guaranteed. Read more on Yala national park.    

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA TO SEE BREATHTAKING SCENERY

  • Nuwara Eliya
  • Ella
  • Numunukula
  • Pilkinton Point

FEEL THE HEALING CLIMATE OF NUWARA ELIYA

Nuwara Eliya is known for many things such as rolling tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, misty hills and healing climate. Nuwara Eliya had been a holiday destination for many centuries and wealthy British planters developed it as a holiday destination in the early 18’s.

This is where the Brits would come for vacation back when they were in control of Sri Lanka. Make sure that you make a train journey in the mountains; the best track is from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, which is simply breathtaking and considered being one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Read more on Nuwara Eliya.

SPLENDID ELLA

Ella is nestled into the southern slope of Sri Lankan central mountain range and spreads many kilometres along the Nuwara Eliya, Thanamalwila main road. Ella is a laid-back city with a calm and quiet surrounding. Ella is more like an eco-holiday destination and suitable for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Here you get many beautiful temples to visit, trekking sites, rafts, or just stroll around in the cute little town. More info on Ella Sri Lanka.

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA FOR ADVENTURE

Badulla is the capital of Uva province of Sri Lanka and Namunukula lies in the backdrop of Badulla. Badulla lies in the south-eastern part of the central mountain range. The peak of Namunukula rises up to 2035 meters above sea-level registering its position among the tallest mountains in the island.

SRI LANKA’S MOUNTAIN RANGE

And it is the tallest geographical upheaval in Sri Lanka’s southern mountain range, which starts from popular Adams peak in the west and spreads up to Namunukula in the east, approximately about 100km. On one side of Namunukula is spring valley, which dominated with tea plantations. On the other side of Namunukula is Passara, which is also popular for the tea industry and produces tea.

BADULLA

Badulla is predominantly a tea grown area and mountain and valleys of Badulla seem like it is covered with a green coloured blanket. The tea manufactured in Badulla is also called Uva tea considered as best tea varieties produce on the island. The entire area between Horton plains and namunukula, about 40 km are under the tea cultivation.

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA FOR TREKKING & HIKING

Trekking is a very popular activity among travellers, who make their way to Badulla. And with rocky outcrop, Badulla is not lack of paths and treks for enjoyable treks and hikes. There are many paths leading to the Namunukula plateau. However, the easiest point to start your upward journey near the pass between spring valley and Passara.

Finding the pass is very easy because there is only one road through the spring valley. As you drive along the B97 road, which spilt the spring valley and leads you to Demodara, you will reach the centre of the spring valley, where you find a supermarket. The supermarket is the easiest landmark to keep in mind and where you have to turn left. Thereafter continues the journey until you reach the summit.

About 300 meters before the pass is a narrow path that branching out from the road, and it is a track popular among the hikers. The Hike on the narrow route is not a very easy job because it is very steep, on the other hand, the weather is very chilly here. You do not need to be an experienced hiker to go on this route and the hike lasts about 30 minutes.

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA TO FIND NATURE TRAILS

Pilkinton point sits 1400 meters above sea level, and one of the best places to have breathtaking scenery across the Poonagla tea estate. Pilkinton point is mainly a viewpoint providing a spellbinding view over the immediate lowland of it. The Poonagala tea estate located near 3 major hills stations namely Haputakae, Ella and Bandarawela.

A large number of foreign travellers, who spend their holidays in Ella make a regular visit to Pilkinton point in view of enjoying the trekking at Pilkinton Point. The most valuable rewards for the trekkers at Pilkinton point is the Breathtaking view over the lush green misty mountain in the surrounding area.

Pilkinton point sits within the border of Poonagla tea plantation. The Ponnagala te plantation lies about 32 km from Haputale on Bandarawela-Ponagala-Koslands road. You will encounter the entrance place to the viewpoint after about 20 km from Bandarawela.

The visitors of Pilkinton point need to make about a 2km trek to reach the viewpoint or summit. However, the travellers also have the option to reach the summit by your vehicle, if you do not like to go on foot.

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA TO FEEL THE COLONIAL SPLENDOUR

Galle is the capital of Southern Sri Lanka and Galle is most popular among the travellers Galle Fort, which is one of the best-preserved 15th century Forts in the world. The Fort is still in very good condition and almost every building occupied by the people.

Galle is the tourist hub in southern Sri Lanka and most building in the fort is converted to hotels, guest houses, restaurants, cafes, museums, shops and galleries. Travellers love Galle most importantly due to its calm and quest atmosphere. I highly recommend visiting the Galle Fort on a tour to Sri Lanka. Read more about Galle.

WHERE TO TRAVEL IN SRI LANKA TO FEEL THE SPIRIT BUDDHISM

Sri Pada or Adams peak is not a hidden secret for most travellers, who travelled to Sri Lanka and Adams peak hike is a popular activity among nature lovers as well as adventure enthusiasts.

Adams peak is the well-known pilgrimage site, where people of all major religions (Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism) gather for religious observances. Other than the religious reasons the mountain, it is also popular for breathtaking beautiful sunrise observed from the pinnacle of the mountain.

The mountain is one of the highest in the country and rises well above 2000 meters above sea level. The mountain is beautifully located in an evergreen rainforest known as “sripada adaviya”.