7 Must-Visit Places in Sri Lanka

The myriad charms of Sri Lanka have remained undiscovered for many years but that’s changing now. if Sri Lanka is a place you still haven’t been to yet, then you should book yourself a Sri Lanka tour package right away and set out on this wonderful journey to discover its history, culture, and natural beauty that are undeniably alluring.  With the enticing tea plantations, magical bright-eyed grins from the friendly natives, and an immensely varied environment, it is easy to fall in love with this country.

Sri Lanka, despite being spread over a small area, has eight cultural heritage sites inscribed on UNESCO World heritage Lists which are worth paying a visit to. The ancient sites in Sri Lanka store 2000+ years of culture and can be explored in the legendary temples which display magnificent features and details even as they shelter in caves or perch on prominent peaks. Sri Lanka is known for its glories of the early Buddhist civilizations which continue to remain a symbol of national pride. But Sri Lanka is much more than the distinct cultural identity of Buddhism. It offers you an escape to the tropical climate of the coast and lowlands, rainforested peaks, incredible mountain views, diverse wildlife, scenic train rides, and much more.

So, if you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka too, here is a list of the best places to visit in this paradise: -

1. Ella

Ella, a small town in the Badulla district of Sri Lanka, is set amidst idyllic green hills and gushing waterfalls which makes it a great spot for relaxing, hiking and escaping the blazing heat of the southern coast. If you are looking to be a part of engaging and adventurous activities, Ella is the perfect place for you. From scaling the lofty heights of Ella Rock and witnessing the magical nine arch bridge to standing on the fringe of the enormous Diyaluma Falls and exploring the tea plantations on the hill slopes; you are in for an astounding lifelong experience. Ella is best visited between January and March when the chances of rain are low so that you can also enjoy hiking.

2. Galle Fort

Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built by the Portuguese on the coast of Sri Lanka in the 16^th century and still serves as a historic testimony to the substantial European presence in East Asia. If you are a fan of historical places and want to know about their important historical facts, then you must explore the beautiful Dutch Fort, a fortified city formed by Dutch-colonial-style structures and decaying ruins of old Portuguese and British fortifications. The Fort itself extends out onto a peninsula and is surrounded on three sides by the Indian Ocean. Take a stroll through the Dutch hospital shopping complex, Meeran Mosque, and let your curiosity be piqued by the stories of the living legacy and their ancestors of this well-preserved monument.

3. Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa Beach has been one of the most popular places to visit in Sri Lanka and the number of tourists that come here is only growing with each passing year. You can not only view the beautiful and exotic beach but can also get the experience of playing with a sea turtle.  Hikkaduwa Beach still stays on top of all the tourist places in Sri Lanka because the all-round experience of playing watersports, exploring the corals,  relishing the lively surrounding atmosphere, and watching the sunset is just wholesome! If you want to have the best experience of Hikkaduwa Beach, you must visit the place during the Hikkaduwa beach festival which takes place in July and August every year. This festival is organized to bring back the allure of hippie culture. Other activities available at the beach include surfing, diving, and snorkeling that make Hikkaduwa Beach one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka.

4. Colombo National Museum

Colombo National Museum in Sri Lanka is an excellent place to learn about the country’s history and culture. Also known as the Sri Lankan museum, it was started by Sir William Henry Gregory and still stands strong in the central neighbourhood of Colombo 7. A magnificent golden Buddha Statue greets you as soon as you enter the museum, which is followed by a large variety of artefacts related to Sri Lanka’s ancient past. There are many beautiful antiques, statues, paintings, historical collections, and some intriguing exhibitions that can be found in this largest museum in Sri Lanka.

A super cool vehicle known as Tuk Tuk can be hired if you want to reach the museum directly from the airport at a quite affordable price. Since the temperature in Sri Lanka between January and March is favourable, it is the best time to visit the museum and take a stroll around it.

5. The Lagoon

The foodie inside you can hardly resist The Lagoon which is one of the best restaurants in Colombo that serves perfectly cooked fish, lobsters, and other delicacies. Apart from enjoying the most standard Sri Lankan cuisine, the romantic and charming atmosphere with light jazz playing in the background is surely gonna sweep you off your feet and make you want to visit this place yet again. Visit this place to sink into the extreme exquisiteness of the seafood offered with a variety of sauces along with the perfect view of the Indian Ocean.

6. Sigiriya The Rock Fortress

Situated amid the Emerald Isle’s Central Province, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress that continues to be the most loved tourist spot in Sri Lanka. The massive rock of Sigiriya, an awe-inspiring structure that is rich in historical and mythological significance, offers a serene and panoramic experience to the tourists. The talent, creativity, and the combined efforts of the architects and builders in the making of this ancient urban planning have made the Sigiriya rock fortress today a World Heritage Site as declared by UNESCO. After adoring the impressive architecture, you can also visit The Dambulla Cave Temple which is just 25 kms away from Sigiriya.

7. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Ever wanted to see a cute baby elephant enjoy a river soak? Visit this place and witness hundreds of baby elephants roaming, playing, and goofing around with their kind. One of the best tourist places in Sri Lanka, you won’t believe that Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is nothing less than a paradise. Just 13 kms away from the famous town of Kegalle, one can easily visit this place via any public transport and have a kind of experience like never before.

The Pearl of the Orient is more than just a delight to your eyes; it is truly a paradise right here on earth that’s waiting to be travelled and explored. Apart from the places mentioned above, you can find a lot of things to do in Sri Lanka which makes your Sri Lankan vacay all the more exciting!