8 Mindblowing Destinations in Sri Lanka

Are you planning your next adventure? If you are, look no further than Sri Lanka. This tiny island offers stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Here are ten mindblowing places to visit that will leave you in awe and make your trip unforgettable.

Sri Lanka is undeniably breathtaking. Moreover, it is also an affordable destination. You can find budget-friendly accommodation, delicious local cuisine, and cost-effective transportation options that make travelling easy on your wallet. The size of the island also lets you experience a variety of landscapes and activities within a short distance. Therefore, you can go from a sunny day at the beach to a starry night at a misty mountain hamlet.

Ella

Ella is a hamlet in the hill country. Thanks to its high altitude, the town has plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. The cooler climate, stunning landscape, history and outdoor sports have made it one of the most trendy places to visit For instance, a hike to Ella Rock is both refreshing and comes with stunning views. The Nine Arch Bridge, on the other hand, is a highly instagrammable spot. If you time it just right, you can even view a train emerging from a nearby tunnel to cross the bridge! Ella also has links to a mythical king that ruled the island. You can go on a tour of these destinations.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya is one of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. Often called the Lion Rock thanks to the facade of a lion that guards the entrance, it is a remarkable place to visit. Well-landscaped gardens designed centuries ago surround the rock. As you climb the narrow staircase, you find further evidence of its past as a citadel. The intricate frescoes and iconic Mirror Wall hint at the lavish lifestyle of the king who turned it into a citadel.

At the summit, panoramic views of the neighbourhood greet you. The remains of the royal palace give you an idea of the size of the complex.

Galle Fort

Galle Fort is one of the coolest places to visit in Sri Lanka. It is the best preserved European fortification you can find on the island. The charming cobblestone streets lead to cafes, boutiques, hotels and restaurants. You can admire the simplicity of the colonial buildings, and even take a peek inside to admire the inner courtyards. The strong ramparts have stood the test of time, elements and calamity. You can stroll along the narrow footpaths on the ramparts, enjoying the sea breeze and gazing at the sea on one side and the town on the other. The beautiful lighthouse within the fortress is a famous attraction and a narrow set of stairs next to it leads to a strip of beach.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the most popular places to visit in Sri Lanka. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, it is within easy reach of Sigiriya. The complex comprises a single cave separated into five chambers.

These chambers contain intricately drawn religious wall paintings. The premises also house 150 Buddha statues. You will even come across tiny stupas within the cave. The vantage point of the temple also gives panoramic views of the landscape.

Jaffna

Jaffna is the place to visit if you want to explore northern Sri Lanka. There is a wealth of attractions calling your name including the Dutch Fort and the Nallur Kandswamy Kovil. The Public Library at the heart of the city is not just a treasure trove of information. It is also a place of historical importance. If the heat gets to you, step into the Rio Ice Cream outlet to enjoy a refreshing ice cream. However, if you want to embrace the heat, don’t forget to try out the Keerimali Hot Springs. If the venue is too small, the Casuarina Beach is a better option to go for a swim, even if the water is not naturally heated!

Mirissa

Mirissa is a beautiful coastal town in the southern province – known for its beaches. This is one of the best places to visit if you long for a tropical paradise. Mirissa is also a favourite destination for whale-watching tours. The sea around the area frequently invites blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life.

If you want a little bit of exercise and sightseeing, climb the Parrot Rock. This small rocky outcrop gives panoramic views of the coastline. Secret Beach has not been so secret since the area became famous. However, it still offers plenty of fun. On the other hand, Coconut Hill is all about glamour and photoshoots. The iconic palm grove is a popular spot to get the perfect IG picture during sunset.

Arugam Bay

If you want to surf while you are in Sri Lanka, head to Arugam Bay. Of course, there are other destinations as well. But Arugam Bay is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for surfers. In fact, its popularity as a surfing destination is such that surfers travel to Sri Lanka just to spend time in Arugam Bay! But that’s not all you have to do. You can explore the nearby Kumana National Park or take a village tour in Panama. Both destinations are a few kilometres away from the town so you get to explore the area better. The Puttuvil Lagoon tour is a fantastic experience and lets you explore the aquatic life in the area. There are also several places of worship and places of historical importance to explore as well.

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful mountain escape in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Long used by the British aristocracy as a retreat from the heat during the colonial era, it came to be called the “Little England” of the island.
The area has so much natural beauty thanks to the rugged mountains that surround the town. As a result of the extensive tea industry, many of these swathes of tea bushes cover many of these mountainsides. Touring a tea estate is a fantastic way to learn about tea production.

The town itself has more modern activities you can enjoy. The park near Gregory Lake comes to life at night with music, food stalls and laughter. During day time you can paddle across the lake on a swan boat or hire a boat if you enjoy speed more.
Hakgala Botanical Garden or the Horton Plains National Park are ideal for nature lovers. While Hakgala offers the chance to walk at leisure, the hiking trails around Horton Plains are more challenging.

Discover Sri Lanka

Join our Cultural Triangle Luxury Tour, or experience culture and wellness in one with our Sri Lanka Hill Country & Tea Trails.