Are you planning to visit Sri Lanka anytime soon? If yes, here is the complete guide to travel in Sri Lanka without getting stuck amidst nowhere. With endless beaches, timeless ruins, huts of elephants, verdant landscapes, well-coming peoples, fun trains, and delicious cuisine. Sri Lanka is one of the few places in the world that nature’s beauty remains abundant and unspoiled. No wondered, one of the top tourist destinations among travelers from all around. And the adventurous list of top tourist places in Sri Lanka will make you plan a trip to this beautiful country.
Table of Contents
Why should you visit Sri Lanka once in life?
Located in the midst indian ocean offers a beautiful scenario for travelers to sit back and witness the beauty which is rich and preserved by the locals. With endless white sand beaches, misty mountain towns and lush tropical greenery jungle are some of the best highlights for travelers to experience in Sri Lanka.
About Sri Lanka
The tropical island nation of Sri Lanka, also known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka has had many names in the past, it was mentioned as lanka in the Hindu epic ramayana. The name Sri Lanka was adopted only in 1972. And capital cities of Sri Lanka are Colombo and Sri Jayawardenepura kotte. The location enhances the beauty of the destination with the offering of ancient world heritage sites, safari plains, leopards roams and rolling tea plantations. Sri Lanka presents the best culture heritage with the majority buddhist culture.
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
The climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and warm and the temperature remains fairly constant around ranging from 26-32 degree celsius at coastal and lowland areas. And at elevations the temperature drops to 18 to 2 degree celsius. With that, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is between April to September.
Although, the best time to visit Sri Lanka beaches of the south and west coast is from December to March when there is the least rain. October and November are often the wettest months in the area.
Sri Lanka is one of the best tourist destinations in the world that offers a stunning combination of countless crystal clear beaches, alluring landscapes, intangible cultural heritage, and numerous national parks within such a compact location. With some much to see and explore one needs to pre plan a trip to Sri Lanka month’s ahead. Have a look at the list of top places to visit in Sri lanka. And this list will give you a fair idea about region- wise. We have categorized the different regions based on the location of some of the most popular tourist places in Sri lanka.
Colombo & Greater Colombo
How to Reach Colombo: Colombo serves as a port, a getaway and stopover point for international tourists. It extends to Negombo in the North. Negombo is one of the most preferred stopover points for tourists travelling to Sri Lanka. So take a flight to Colombo from India.
Heritage Sites
- Sigiriya
- Dambulla
- Habarana
- Polonnaruwa
- Kandy
- Anuradhapura
- Matale
1. Sigiriya – Sigiriya Fortress
It is mainly famous for a sigiriya fortress that introduces tourists with the historical beauty of the place. Also, the Sigiriya Museum is one of the best places to visit in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka to sneak into history. Since, the museum kept stories preserved that clearly images the tradition and history of the area. You can also explore the nearby attractions like Minneriya National Park.
Moreover, you can indulge in trekking to the top of the rock along with lush greenery and stunning views of the region.
Entry fee: INR 2230 approx. for foreigners [ Sigiriya Museum ] || INR 1800 [ Sigiriya Rock Fortress ]
Opening timing: 8 am to 5 pm
2. Dambulla – Dambulla Cave Temple
It is one of the most tourist places in Sri Lanka in the central province. The place is dotted by old temples and other historical monuments that take the attention of tourists. Some of the best things to do near Dambulla with friends and family are visiting the Golden Temple of Dambulla, Popham’s Arboretum and Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs. Indulge in well preserved and largest cave temples of Dambulla and is declared a world heritage site.
Opening Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM (ticket counter closes at 5 PM)
Entry fee: INR 600
3. Habarana – Elephant Safaris
It is a little village with plenty of beautiful spots around. Habarana is full of variety and there is so much to do that you will be absolutely taken in by surprise. From national park to stadiums you will get to know and explore every bit of the place. Elephant safaris is the most popular place in Habarana for tourists to chill with elephants under the tree branches and the edge of the beach.
Must Read also: Most Romantic Getaways in Sri Lanka for Honeymooners
4. Polonnaruwa – Archeological Sites
The traditional inherent of the true Sri Lankan culture can be found in the small towns and villages of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa is one of them where you can witness the beautiful archeological sites such as the royal palace, the shiva Devale no.2, the audience hall, the sacred quadrangle and many more around. Here, you get to know from the closest about the true culture reflection of the land of Sri Lanka.
5. Kandy – Temple of the Tooth Relic
Offers the best imposing mountains and verdant peaks through the train while going to temples of Kandy. One of the peaceful locations to relax yourself and adore the serenity. And to get spiritual enlightenment the temple of the tooth relic is the place for you. Kandy is famous due to the temple and other things. Like, you can meditate at Nilambe Buddhist meditation Centre, feel calm around Ashburnham Estate and so on.
6. Anuradhapura – Archaeological site
The archeological sites and the bodhi tree are two of the best things to do around. Apart from this, you can also explore temples and other religious sites. Some of the sites that you explore and to more from the closer are Tissa Wewa, Thanthirimale, Padeniya Raja Maha, Viharaya, Wilpattu National Park, Abhayagiri Dagoba, Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, Archaeological Museum and Lovamahapaya.
7. Matale – Heritage Centre, Temple and Spice Gardens
You can enjoy the beauty of the landscapes and also explore the heritage of the town to adore the sights. Counting from temples to explore the hiking trails, there is a countless list of tourist attractions in Matale, Sri Lanka which cannot be missed while in this region. Moreover, the places you can visit and capture some memories are Muthumariamman temple, Wasgamuwa National Park, Knuckles Mountain Range, Riverton Gap, and Kandy Esala Poya Perahera. Thus,if you are a wildlife and architectural heritage lover then Matale is one of the best tourist places in Sri Lanka to be while on the trip.
A complete Sri Lanka travel guide for tourists to explore the natural beauty and heritage, these most stunning places in Sri Lanka will leave you spellbound. A visit to all these gorgeous tourist places in Sri Lanka will make a trip an unforgettable experience. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Sri Lanka with Sharp Holidays, plan your Sri Lanka Tour Package 2024 right away! Comment below in the comment section about your experience if you ever been to Sri Lanka. Would like to
Frequently Asked Questions About Sri Lanka
Ans: The best time to visit Sri Lanka is December to March as this is when the weather is most pleasant and provides excellent outdoor exploration opportunities.
Ans: Indians need an Electronic Travel authorization for a trip to Sri Lanka.
Ans: The Sri Lankan Rupee is the currency used in Sri Lanka.
Ans: Yes, Sri Lanka is a safe place for tourists. However, we would still recommend you to take basic precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas during night travel, being in groups, taking care of your belongings, etc.
Ans: The most famous local dishes of Sri Lanka are curry rice, pol sambol, hoppers, etc.
