Sri Lanka is reportedly one of Asia’s “hottest” destinations. This still very unknown destination is packed with beautiful locations. You’ll find fairy temples, ancient towns, safari game parks, bounty beaches, mountain and valley surf bays, tea plantations, and much more! There’s plenty of fun! This makes choosing the most beautiful spots on your Sri Lanka tour incredibly difficult. We are glad to send you a hand to list, in random order, our top 20 destinations with the most beautiful destinations in Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, don’t miss such sights!
- Sigiriya
Sigiriya Lion Rock is one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned highlights. The 200 meters high photogenic rock is on the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites. King Kasyapa’s palace in the 5th century stood on top of this rock. At the top still, you can see the remains of the palace and the view over the vast green jungle is breathtaking. The name of the rock is due to the stepped lion protecting the stairs. Only the legs are left now. At the foot of the rock are lovely landscaped parks, canals, a small museum, and many monks.
- Ella
Explore Sri Lanka’s soothing paradise; Ella. A village in a lovely hilly green surrounding with a wonderful atmosphere. Ella is a known paradise for backpackers but also for luxury tourists during their Sri Lankan tour. It is also a great destination. The local tea plantations, waterfalls, sights, and the most beautiful walking paths are located there. Climb Ella Rock for an excellent view (approximately 2,5 hours of hiking) and even climb up on Little Adam’s Peak (approximately 1,5 hours) for an even higher view. Moreover, it is worth a visit to Rawana Falls, the Nine Arch Bridge, and some temples and tea mills.
- Udawalawe National Park
Wanna find elephants in the wilderness? Then the best location is the Udawalawe National Park! The hundreds of elephants in the park are able to see a herd during a safari. But Udawalawe savannas are also populated by crocodiles, monkeys, leopards, deer, swine, and all sorts of reptiles. The Elephant Transit Home is also a sanctuary for wounded and orphaned elephants. Home is funded by the UK Born Free Foundation, the World of Wildlife (WBW), and the animal suffering group. During feeding time, the best time for visits is.
- Kandy
Kandy is Sri Lanka’s cultural hub. A town is an important place for Buddhists to pilgrim due to the famous Tooth Temple (Dalada Maligawa Temple). Here Buddha’s saintly tooth is kept in a golden stupa. You can look at the room where the tooth is kept while praying and often see hundreds of Buddhists, including several monks, who sacrifice. There are also numerous museums and major Buddhist relics in the temple complex. Kandy has plenty to offer, however.
- Jaffna
The Tamil community, its own language, and very genuine cuisine are presented here. Jaffna still displays many signs of Sri Lanka’s civil war for years. In several buildings, there are still bomb impacts and bullet holes. But large parts of their town have been restored as well. The cityscape is distinguished by vibrant Hindu temples, lovely churches, and a lot of greenery. Moreover, Jaffna is an ideal base for exploring the lagoons, coast, and islands of the region. It has a soothing atmosphere.
- Nuwara Eliya
The entire “mountain country” of Sri Lanka can be found with tea plantations. Nuwara Eliya is one of the best places to dive into tea and tea plantations. At the beginning of the 19th century, the cool climate provided British settlers in the area. Many well-preserved British houses are still there. But you’re here for tea, of course! Lead your own tea leaves at the plantation via Pedro Tea Estate or one of the other tea factories in the region. In order to complete the experience, you can spend the night in a former tea factory, which has retained many original attributes. There may be tea and a high tea just for non-guests.
- Dambulla Cave Temples
Dambulla is “a must” during your visit to Sri Lanka, only due to the famous temples of the Dambulla Cave! The cellars are on a 160m high rock from where you are drawn in by a giant golden Buddha. With about 150 Buddha statues and walls, you can explore five separate caves. The good pictures are of various sizes. For 2000 years, many have been here to seek shelter in caves and have temples cut out. King Valagamba was here. Dambulla is a famous Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrimage site. Here is also a spectacular view of the city.
- Hikkaduwa
There are many lovely beaches in Sri Lanka. Hikkaduwa is one of the country’s south coast’s popular beach destinations. Since the 1970s, visitors come here to enjoy waving palm trees and the friendly atmosphere of ‘hippie and surfs.’ Unfortunately, the increased number of hotels and restaurants has led to quite a bit of erosion, but the sand steadily returns to the beach of Hikkaduwa. On the beach, there are lovely cafes and bars, and you can dive and snorkel. There’s something for everyone in terms of hotels, from easy to luxurious.
- Arugam Bay
The surfer’s hotspot of Arugam Bay! From April to September, some years up to November, in this small town on the east coast, you can find perfect waves. There is a true surfer environment in which you can stay all day long in different surfing classes, board ships, and comfortable bars. Arugam Bay is very quiet in the high season, this month several local tents close.
In this tropical bay, the sea is very rough. You can float, just note the current. Make sure you don’t skip the mangrove tours.