10+ best places to visit in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a small paradise which is known for its mix of natural beauty. While visiting the island you will see colonial architecture from the days when the Portuguese, Dutch and English ruled. You will see golden sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, rubber and tea plantation and lots of elephants. If you go on a boat ride you can watch coral reefs,  whales and dolphins too. If you want to have an experience in safari and wildlife, there are huge parks filled with rare mamels and birds. We are going to give you an overview of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.

1 Colombo 

Colombo is a popular tourist destination. One of the most popular attractions is galle face green, a strip park along the Indian ocean. And also not be missed is Gangaramaya Temple which is known for its mix of ethnic architectural styles. If you enjoy a city tour don't miss national museum, Dehiwela Zoological Garden and Mt Lavinia beach. Mt lavinia beach is filled with great seafood restaurants. And don't forget to do some last minute shopping. There are huge shopping opportunities in Colombo. It will be awesome if you enjoy water games, roller coasters and many other thrilling rides at leisure world. And finnaly don't forget for a ride in a trishaw. And have some koththu, which is expertly blended with bits of rotti, chicken, beef, egg, onions, tomatoes and green chillies. Unmissable!  

2 Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is the oldest kingdom of Sri Lanka. It is an ancient sacred city. If you go on a tour to Anuradhapura you can watch fantastic ruins and great Temples. Ruwanweliseya, Thuparama (the oldest stupa) and much more. And also not be missed is The sacred Sri Maha Bodhi (the sacred bo tree). So  if you go on a trip to Sri Lanka don't forget to visit the ancient ruins of the Sri Lanka's oldest kingdom.

3 Polonnaruwa 

Polonnaruwa is the second oldest kingdom in Sri Lanka. It is known for the ruins of this ancient garden city. There are hundreds of ancient structures,  palaces, temples and statues. Its all in a relatively compact space which makes it very easy to explore. At noon there would be hot but you can hire a bicycle which would be a great option.

4 Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya has earned the nickname Little England. There are so many things to watch in Nuwara Eliya. At first on the way to Nuwara Eliya you will be treated to breathtaking views of tea estates. There are many tea plantations and tea factories. Visit a tea factory too. They will give you the opportunity of watching around. Don't forget to try some freashly brewed tea! And also not be missed is Gregory Lake, complete with a stretch of green grass. There you can spend some fun time by riding horses and paddling boats. If you go on a tour to Nuwara Eliya you will see so many waterfalls too. And make sure that you visit Ambewela Farm which is referred to as Little New Zealand. There you can observe cows and cattle and other farm animals. If you are lucky you might get to see milking of the cows. You can also purchase farm-fresh dairy products too. Finally dont forget to visit Haggala Botanical Garden and Victoria park. And surely visit one of the many strawberry fields and flower yards. Those are amazing!

5 Kandy

Kandy is also a popular tourist destination. One of the most popular attractions is Pinnawela elephant orphanage, where you can see elephants being bathed and fed. And dont forget to visit the famous Tooth Relic Temple. If you visit Kandy on July you will be lucky to watch the Esala Perahera with expertly decorated elephants, dancers, fire workers and much more. And also not be missed is jem museum and jewellery factory. Try some bathik and silk clothes too. The Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya is also a popular tourist attractions.

6 Sigiriya

Sigiriya is one of the must see places in Sri Lanka. An ancient city has built on a rock called lion's rock. In 3rd century BC this has been a palace and a fort. Walls of sigiriya is almost covered by frescoes. On the top of this rock, there is a garden with ponds and fountains. Absolutely amazing! Scientists have discovered a complex hydraulic system which pumps water from underground to the surface.
7 Sinharaja Rain Forest 

Sinharaja rain forest is a UNESCO world heritage site. This is home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies. As well as many kinds of insects and reptiles. Temperature is between 19°c to 34°c. If you visit sinharaja you will be lucky to explore the wildlife in Sri Lanka.

8 Hikkaduwa 

Hikkaduwa beach is a popular destination to international tourists. It is a beautiful beach where you can enjoy the sun and have the option of surfing,  snorkeling or scuba diving. Hikkaduwa beach is popular for coral reefs too. Glass bottomed boats are available on hire and visitors can explore the underwater fantasies. And don't forget to taste some delicious seafood too.

9 Trincomallee 

Trinco is a port city on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Trinco beach is perfect for surfing, scuba diving, fishing and whale watching.Trinco harbour is the 5th largest natural harbour in the world. Trinco beach is a paradise with a beautiful sandy beach and delicious seafood. And also not be missed is hot water wells in Kanniya. There are 7 hot water springs. There you can have a healthy bath too. Kanniya hot water wells has now become a popular attraction for those who visit Trincomallee.

10 Nilaveli 

Nilaveli beach is located near Trinco. Nilaveli is an ideal place for water sports like scuba diving. You can enjoy boat riding too. And it you want to  see the beauty of the underwater life, there are diving facilities available. There are awesome beach resorts near nilaveli so you can have an amazing time near the sandy beach of nilaveli.

11 Pigeon Island 

Pigeon island is located north from Trincomallee around 1km away from Nilaveli beach. If you visit nilaveli, dont miss to go to the pigeon island. This is one of the best places to see corals. This island got its name because of the rock pigeons live over there. In year 2003 this was designated as a national park. There are boat services available from the Nilaveli beach. It takes around 15min to reach pigeon island by boat. Visit pigeon island marine national park and discover protected tropical underwater world with over 100 species of corals.

12 Ella

Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka governed by an Urban Council. Ella is an awesome destination for hikes and jungle camping.
One of Ella’s wonders is the Ella Rock. Ella rock might be a long way up but it’s worth all the struggle. Every day, tons and tons of people go and climb the Ella Rock. This is because of the special view it provides to its climber. The view from the top of the Ella Rock is difficult to put in such simple words. Another wonder of Ella is its waterfalls. Ravana falls is a very popular waterfall. The refreshing and clean water that slide down on earth. It is one of the most popular sites in Sri Lanka. However, this panorama is just so attractive.