Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka feels proud of its rich culture, historical landscapes and extraordinary heritage sites. Despite affected by the civil war for over 25 years, the country has successfully maintained its mark of a popular tourist destination. Though Sri Lanka is very small in size, it offers you an opportunity to explore several key places within a small distance. Winter season is considered as the best time to visit Sri Lanka as you will get an opportunity to enjoy your Sri Lanka tour in the best possible way. Here you have highlighted some of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka that you shouldn’t miss at all:
Top Tourist Places of Sri Lanka
- Yala National Park
- Bentota
- Dambulla
- Kandy
- Arugam Bay
- Kitulgala
- Adam’s Peak
- Ella
- Nuwara Eliya
- Jaffna
- Trincomalee
- Horton Plains National park
Why you must-visit these travel destinations?
- Yala National Park :
Sri Lanka is blessed with a wide range of flora and fauna. Yala National Park is a perfect example of this fact as it features the highest number of leopards in the world. Moreover, it is also a place where you can spot several aquatic birds, elephants, crocodiles, monkeys and much more. If you are searching for one of the most tranquil tourist places of Sri Lanka then you must add this park in your itinerary.
- Bentota:
It is one of the very famous coastal towns in Sri Lanka where you can explore pristine beaches, lavish hotels, waterfalls and magnificent beauty of coconut trees. Since the last few years, it has been listed in most visited tourist spots in the country. Moreover, Bentota offers you an opportunity to participate in a wide range of water sports activities including a helicopter ride above the sea. No matter what your interest is, Bentota has all the offerings to make your Sri Lanka tour memorable.
- Dambulla:
Located very close to Colombo, Dambulla has received the recognition of popular world heritage sites in the country. It offers you lot of options to explore including Rangiri Stadium, ironwood forest, Uyana Aranya and Rose Quartz Mountain. If you want to know about the religious history of Sri Lanka tourism then a visit to Dambulla Cave Temple is a must. Add Dambulla in your upcoming trip to Sri Lanka and you will not regret your decision.
- Kandy:
This is one of the magnificent tourist attractions in Sri Lanka that is situated on a plateau. Kandy is surrounded by a diverse range of misty mountains that welcome tourists from all corners of the world. It is also known as a world heritage site and if you want to explore anything about Sinhalese culture then this is a place to be. It is highly recommended to visit this destination during the Esala Perahera festival.
- Arugam Bay:
If you want to enjoy surfing on fantastic sea waters of Sri Lanka then visit Arugam Bay. This remote location provides lots of opportunities to relax on the beach to enjoy the ultimate peace of mind. Moreover, if you are done exploring the beach sites, you can also plan to visit nearby temples and national parks available. During your visit, you will come to know all the reasons why it is added in the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
- Kitulgala:
It is another secluded tourist attractions of Sri Lanka where you can enjoy water rafting and swimming. You can also spot some harmless and warm fishes occasionally jumping above the water which is a rare view to capture in camera. It is also a place where you can see exotic birds flying above the seawater and creating unique patterns. This eco-friendly place is also home to a wide range of flora and fauna.
- Adam’s Peak:
It is one of the most versatile places to visit in Sri Lanka which will make you stunned with its diverse offerings. It is also recognized as a pilgrimage destination that falls in natural surroundings. Adam’s Peak is considered as real heaven for adventure seekers who can enjoy several thrilling activities here. If you want to check your physical stamina then you should add this one of the must-visit tourist spots of Sri Lanka in your trip.
- Ella:
There is something unique about this Sri Lanka place to visit and you will always find it listed in Sri Lanka tour packages without fail. You will be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of Ella Gap that offer you perfect settings to do some nature photography. Ella boasts of several scenic locations that feature hill slopes, dense forests, green landscape and tranquil surroundings. No wonder, it has become such a vital part of Sri Lanka tourism.
- Nuwara Eliya:
If you love visiting hill stations all across the world then you should add Nuwara Eliya to your final list of Sri Lanka tourist places. Rail ride is considered as one of the important things to do in Sri Lanka and there can’t be a better destination than Nuwara Eliya. During this epic train trip of Sri Lanka, you will get an opportunity to witness stunning scenery which is difficult to get anywhere else in the world. The misty mountains, white waterfalls and green plantations will definitely encourage add this Sri Lanka vacation spot to your final itinerary.
- Jaffna:
Exploring several temples of Sri Lanka is considered as a key thing to do here and there can’t be a better destination than Jaffna to do so. Some of the key temples you can consider visiting include Nallur Kovil, Nagadeepa Vihara Purana temple and many more. All the temples of Jaffna are known for their unique architecture thereby making them an integral part of Sri Lanka visit places. In the vicinity, you can also discover some other important places to see in Sri Lanka such as Jaffna Fort.
- Trincomalee:
If you are coming to Sri Lanka for holidays then water sports is considered as one of the top things to do in your upcoming Sri Lanka trip. Trincomalee is one such an offbeat destination that will offer you ideal settings to enjoy underwater life and experience the ultimate thrill of water sports. Scuba diving is one of the key activities to do here that attract several tourists in immense number. Make sure you visit this one of the most sought after places for visit in Sri Lanka during winter or summer season.
- Horton Plains National park:
Sri Lanka is famous for its unique natural reserves and Horton Plains National park is an important name in the list. For peace lovers, it is considered as one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Here you will get an opportunity to experience the extraordinary flora fauna of Sri Lanka. The park is surrounded by several lakes and waterfalls that rejuvenate tourists even after an extended journey. If you want to experience some breathtaking views then it is worth doing some hiking and climb to the top of Horton Plains.
What’s next waiting for you?
Sri Lanka is one of the rare islands in the world which is packed with several natural jewels that you can’t find anywhere else. The people of this eco-friendly country are very cordial and they welcome visitors with open hands. If you are planning to visit this country any time soon then you can consider visiting it any period during the year except monsoon season. Check out our other travel guides to get information on other famous travel destinations near Sri Lanka.
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