Sri Lanka Tourist Places: An Insider’s Guide to the Island’s Best Attractions

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Sri Lanka’s top tourist places, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the island’s best attractions, from ancient sites to scenic landscapes and vibrant cultural experiences.

Sri Lanka packs an incredible variety of landscapes, cultures, and experiences into one compact island. This teardrop-shaped nation just south of India is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, rolling tea plantations, golden beaches, and some of Asia’s best wildlife-spotting opportunities. If you’re planning a trip to the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” these are the top places to visit in Sri Lanka.

1. Sigiriya: Ancient Fortress in the Sky

Sigiriya, or Lion’s Rock, is one of Sri Lanka’s top tourist attractions. This ancient fortress, built in the 5th century AD, sits atop a towering 200-meter-high rock formation. Climb the steep steps to the summit, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs.

Don’t miss the colorful frescoes halfway up the rock, which depict celestial nymphs. You’ll also pass through a pair of enormous lion’s paws carved into the rock, which give Sigiriya its nickname.

• Getting there: Sigiriya is located in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, about 4 hours drive from Colombo.

• Best time to visit: December to April, when the weather is dry and cool.

• Tips: Start your climb early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes.

2. Kandy: Cultural Heart of Sri Lanka

Set amid misty hills in the center of the island, Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. Today, it’s known for its rich culture, sacred Buddhist sites, and scenic beauty.

The star attraction is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses a tooth of the Buddha. Visit in July or August to experience the Kandy Esala Perahera, a spectacular festival featuring elephants, dancers, and fire-breathers.

Other places to see in Kandy include:

• The Royal Botanical Gardens

• Kandy Lake

• The Ceylon Tea Museum

3. Galle: Charming Colonial Fort

The seaside city of Galle is home to a 16th-century fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the best-preserved examples of a European-built fortified city in South Asia.

Wander the narrow streets within the fort walls, and you’ll find Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, grand mansions, and museums. The fort is also full of stylish cafes, boutiques, and hotels.

4. Yala National Park: Wild Safari Adventure

Yala National Park is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for wildlife enthusiasts. This vast reserve is home to elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, and hundreds of bird species. But the main draw is the elusive Sri Lankan leopard.

Yala has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, so a safari here is your best chance to spot one of these majestic cats in the wild. Other highlights include the Sithulpawwa Rock Temple and the dramatic seaside location.

• Getting there: Yala is in southeast Sri Lanka, about 300km from Colombo. The drive takes around 6 hours.

• Best time to visit: February and June-July are the best months for wildlife spotting. The park is closed in September-October.

• Safari tips: Book a 4WD safari with an experienced guide for the best chance of seeing leopards and other wildlife. Morning safaris (starting around 6 am) are recommended.

5. Nuwara Eliya: Tea Country Escape

Known as “Little England” for its cool climate and colonial-era bungalows, Nuwara Eliya is the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea industry. Rolling green hills, waterfalls, and tea plantations stretch for miles around.

Top things to do in Nuwara Eliya include:

1. Visiting a tea factory to learn about the tea-making process

2. Hiking through the misty hills and tea fields

3. Boating on Lake Gregory

4. Playing a round at the 19th-century Nuwara Eliya Golf Club

You can also ride one of the world’s most scenic train routes from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, winding through lush tea country and mountain tunnels.

6. Anuradhapura: Ancient Sacred City

Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first capital and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a sprawling complex of ancient ruins, including huge brick stupas, crumbling temples, and elaborate carvings.

Don’t miss the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. Anuradhapura is one of Buddhism’s holiest places and a key pilgrimage site.

7. Polonnaruwa: Medieval Marvel

The well-preserved ruins of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital, are a must-see for history buffs. This UNESCO site features 12th-century stone sculptures and the Gal Vihara complex, which has three enormous Buddha figures carved into a granite cliff face.

Other highlights are the massive man-made reservoir of Parakrama Samudra and the Archaeological Museum. Hire a bike to explore the sprawling site.

8. Dambulla Cave Temple: Rock-Cut Shrines

The Dambulla Cave Temple is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. This UNESCO site, located within a huge granite outcrop, consists of five caves filled with ancient Buddha statues and intricate, colorful paintings covering the cavern ceilings.

The site’s history dates back to the 1st century BC. The largest cave, known as the Cave of the Great Kings, contains 56 statues, including a 14-meter-long reclining Buddha.

9. Arugam Bay: Surf & Sun

The laid-back beach town of Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s east coast is a beloved spot for surfers and beach bums. The main draw is the excellent surf break at Main Point, but there are also mellower waves suitable for beginners.

Beyond surfing, you can visit nearby temples, go on a safari in Kumana National Park to spot elephants and leopards, or just kick back in a hammock with a coconut and a good book.

• Best time to visit: June to October is the peak surf season.

• Where to stay: Arugam Bay has a good selection of budget guesthouses and surf camps right on the beach.

10. Ella: Hill Country Hikes

The sleepy mountain town of Ella is the perfect base for hiking in Sri Lanka’s picturesque hill country. The most popular walk is Little Adam’s Peak, an easy 2-hour hike that rewards you with stunning views over the misty valleys.

For a bigger challenge, tackle the towering Ella Rock. You can also visit the 9 Arch Bridge, a colonial-era railway viaduct, and Ravana Falls, one of Sri Lanka’s widest waterfalls.

• Getting there: Ella is about 200km east of Colombo. The easiest way to get there is by train from Kandy (6-7 hours).

• Where to stay: Ella has plenty of guesthouses and small hotels with great mountain views.

Plan Your Trip with Airtel

From surf towns to ancient temples, these Sri Lankan tourist spots showcase the incredible diversity of this island nation. One thing that will make your travels smoother is reliable phone connectivity. With an Airtel Prepaid international roaming plan, you can stay connected at affordable rates across Sri Lanka. That means you can book accommodations on the go, look up directions, and stay in touch with folks back home as you explore the wonders of Sri Lanka. Why wait? Start planning your Sri Lanka trip today.