10 Sri Lanka Tourist Places for A Memorable Trip | Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka

A tiny tear-drop-shaped island nation, Sri Lanka is a tourists’ paradise. Packed with natural, cultural, and culinary delights, this lovely nation boasts of eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Plan a trip to this amazing nation and let your anxieties wash away, leaving your soul refreshed and relaxed. Lovely, pristine beaches, verdant forests, incredible beach-facing resorts, relaxing lazily in hammocks under gently swaying palm trees, gorging on delectable Sri-Lankan delights and more will make your holiday 2022 memorable. Sri Lanka is blessed with scenic topography, picturesque landscape, and a vast expanse of sandy beaches that offer everything a discerning tourist wishes for, for a relaxing holiday!

List Of Top 10 Places to visit in Sri Lanka

• Arugam Bay
• Yala National Park
• The Dambulla Cave Temple
• Sigiriya
• Polonnaruwa
• Galle
• The Commonwealth War Cemetry
• Jaffna Fort
• Nuwara Eliya
• Mihintale

Have a look at some of the most awe-inspiring Sri Lanka tourist places worth visiting and enjoying on your upcoming vacation. One of the easiest to navigate nations, Sri Lanka is a perfect destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.

1. Arugam Bay

With a stunning coastline of more than 1600 km long, Arugam Bay is the perfect place to visit to enjoy water-based activities and scenic views. Gently swaying coconut trees, sandy, white beaches bordering turquoise waters is a treat to tired souls. One of the best things to do in Sri Lanka at Arugam Bay is engaging in activities like surfing, speed boating, paragliding, and feeling the adrenaline rush!

• Things to Do. Snorkelling, Windsurfing, Surfing, Enjoy Scenic Views!
• Location. Ampara District, Sri Lanka

2. Yala National Park

Sri Lanka is also a perfect place to visit for wildlife lovers. Yala National Park is home to some of the rare indigenous wildlife species. Check out a herd of elephants frolicking in the water, birds chirping on the trees, leopards lazily roaming around, and more at the park. The dense emerald-green forest is home to many other wildlife species. Visitors can also engage in camping and stay the night at the park. Evening barbeques create a perfect ambiance to relax close to nature’s marvels.

• Things to Do. Wildlife and bird watching, wildlife safari, stargazing, camping, barbeque!
• Location. Katagamuwa, Yala, Sri Lanka

3. The Dambulla Cave Temple

If you are interested to know more about the rich culture, heritage, and spiritual fabric of this incredible nation, head to the Dambulla Cave Temple. It is one of the largest and most ancient temples in the country. The paintings and statues adorning the temple interiors date back to the 12th Century. Built on a black rocky mountain, this temple provides a sense of peace and calm to tired tourists. It is a living Buddhist site and one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its unique location makes it one of the best tourist places in Sri Lanka worth visiting.

• Things to Do. Architectural Sightseeing, Religious and Historical Significance!
• Location. Jaffna Hwy, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

4. Sigiriya

Check out the natural beauty of the country, which is easily one of the most stunning places to see! A World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is known for a huge rock formation towering over the surrounding verdant forest. Die-hard climbers can brave the steep climb to this rock formation and enjoy spectacular views of the natural beauty strewn all around. History buffs would love to check out Sigiriya fortress perched atop a rock.

• Things to Do. Rock Climbing, Scenic Vistas, Checking Out Fortress!
• Location. Matale District, Sri Lanka

Read More : 12 Best Places To Visit In Sri Lanka For Tropical Bliss

5. Polonnaruwa

Not much is heard about Polonnaruwa which is an ancient city comparable to Petra of the South. The ruins of this ancient city tell us a lot about the bygone era. The tall-standing column of the city is a testament to the erstwhile architectural prowess of the master architects of ancient times. Take a bus or a tuk-tuk to arrive at this place from Sigiriya and enjoy a glimpse into its rich cultural heritage.

• Things to Do. Architectural Splendour, Historical Significance!
• Location. North Central Province, Sri Lanka

6. Galle

A trip to Sri Lanka is incomplete without visiting Galle, a 16th-century attraction, showcasing a perfect blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British architectural styles. Wide, cobblestone streets leading to the fort will transport you to past days when horses and carts would have ridden on these streets. There are a lot of cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops in this area where you can enjoy a hot cuppa while enjoying majestic views of the fort. Enjoy stunning sunset views from the fort and capture the awe-inspiring visuals in your camera. There are souvenir shops around the fort where you can buy souvenirs and a variety of trinkets.

• Things to Do. Historical significance, Architectural Splendour, Photography, Shopping!
• Location. Southern Province, Sri Lanka

7. The Commonwealth War Cemetry

This tourist attraction in Sri Lanka has immense historical significance. The cemetery is a memorial to brave martyrs who lost their lives defending their homeland. A visit to this cemetery in Kandy is a humbling experience that helps you realise the significance of freedom and independence enjoyed by the country due to the efforts of these soldiers. The location of the cemetery makes it a must-visit place in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

• Things to Do. Historical Significance
• Location. Kandy, Sri Lanka

8. Jaffna Fort

Nallur Kovil and Jaffna Fort are a few of the major attractions in Sri Lanka and are worth visiting. The fortified structure speaks volumes about Sri Lanka’s defending strategies. Another nearby place worth checking out is Nagadipa Purana Vihara, known for its serenity and tranquility. The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to April when the temperature is moderate and venturing outdoors is a pleasant experience.

• Things to Do. Historical Sightseeing, Architectural Sightseeing!
• Location. Jaffna, Sri Lanka

9. Nuwara Eliya

A scenic destination, nestled in the natural beauty of the country, Nuwara Eliya is known for its sprawling tea gardens. Visitors love coming to this place, enjoying scenic views manifested in rolling hills, misty clouds, and a train that seems to be straight from the fairy tale pages. Soak in the beauty of landscaped Hakgala Botanical Gardens featuring blue magpies, ferns, and roses and seek blessings from the Lord at a Hindu Shrine located here. Moon Plains, Bale Bazaar, Victoria Park, St. Clairs Falls, Ramboda Falls, etc., are other closeby attractions worth checking out.

• Things to Do. Lose yourself in natural beauty, explore tea gardens, witness cascading waterfalls.
• Location. Central Province, Sri Lanka

10. Mihintale

The birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Mihintale attracts a large number of visitors every year. Not only Buddhist pilgrims but people across diverse religions love visiting this attraction and experiencing the sense of peace washing over them. Its location surrounded by an emerald green forest makes it a lovely destination worth visiting in Sri Lanka.

• Things to Do. Spiritual significance, historical significance, natural and scenic views!
• Location. Near Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places to visit in Sri Lanka 

Q 1. What is famous in Sri Lanka?
A 1. Sri Lanka is famous for its amazing blend of natural, cultural, historical, and spiritual splendours.

Q 2. Which are the best places in Sri Lanka worth visiting?
A 2. Sri Lanka is replete with magnificent attractions like Galle, Jaffna, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya, Arugam Bay, Yala National Park, and more.

Q 3. Which is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
A 3. The best time to visit Sri Lanka is December to April. In these months, the temperature is moderate and outdoor sightseeing is a pleasant experience.

Q 4. What makes Galle famous?
A 4. A trip to Sri Lanka is incomplete without visiting Galle, a 16th-century attraction, showcasing a perfect blend of Dutch, Portuguese, and British architectural styles.

Q 5. What are some tourist places to visit in Sri Lanka?
A5. Some popular tourist places to visit in Sri Lanka include:

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Temple of the Tooth, Kandy
• Yala National Park
• Galle Fort
• Adam's Peak
• Ella
• Nuwara Eliya
• Dambulla Cave Temple
• Mirissa Beach
• Polonnaruwa Archaeological Site

Q6. What are some must-visit traveling places in Sri Lanka?
A6. Sure, here are some must-visit places for travelers in Sri Lanka:

• Sigiriya: Explore the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, known for its stunning frescoes, landscaped gardens, and panoramic views from the summit.
• Ella: Discover the charming hill station of Ella, surrounded by tea plantations, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails like Little Adam's Peak and Ella Rock.
• Galle: Wander through the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its colonial architecture, narrow streets, boutique shops, and seaside promenade.
• Kandy: Visit the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, picturesque Kandy Lake, and colorful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
• Mirissa: Relax on the golden sands of Mirissa Beach, go whale watching in the deep blue waters, or enjoy a scenic boat ride to explore nearby islands and coral reefs.
• Polonnaruwa: Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring well-preserved ruins of palaces, temples, and statues from the medieval period.
• Nuwara Eliya: Experience the scenic beauty of Nuwara Eliya, also known as "Little England," with its lush green tea plantations, cool climate, and colonial-era architecture.
• Dambulla: Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a complex of cave temples adorned with intricate Buddhist murals and over 150 Buddha statues, offering spiritual and cultural insights.
• Yala National Park: Embark on a safari adventure in Yala National Park, known for its diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and rare bird species, amidst stunning natural landscapes.
• Anuradhapura: Discover the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring impressive dagobas, ruins of monasteries, and sacred Bodhi trees, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history and heritage.

Q7. What are some popular tourism places in Sri Lanka?
A7. Some popular tourism places in Sri Lanka include:

• Sigiriya
• Kandy
• Galle
• Nuwara Eliya
• Dambulla Cave Temple
• Yala National Park
• Ella
• Mirissa
• Polonnaruwa
• Colombo