Sri Lanka is a small country tucked away in South Asia, right in the Indian Ocean, and honestly, it’s one of my absolute favorite places right now. Visiting Sri Lanka was such an amazing experience that I just have to recommend it to all of you!
Sri Lanka offers so many awesome things to explore—from its rich history and interesting Sri Lankan culture to the mouthwatering food and breathtaking nature. I actually spent a full three months there, really soaking it all in and exploring as much as possible.
After such a long and fun trip, I’m excited to share my favorite spots with you in this “Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka” guide. I hope it inspires you to pack your bags and discover this beautiful country for yourself.
- Why Visit Sri Lanka?
- Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for the First Time
- Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for National Parks
- Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for Surfing
- Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for Families
- Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for Tea Plantations
- Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for History & Culture
- Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Visit Sri Lanka?
Before I get into the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, let’s first talk about why you should even consider visiting this country. Well, for starters, Sri Lanka is known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” for a reason. It offers the most amazing beaches, lush green landscapes, and abundant wildlife wherever you go (yes, I’m talking about elephants).
Apart from all that, Sri Lanka also has a rich history and cultural heritage that is worth exploring. From ancient temples and ruins to colonial architecture, I really enjoyed learning about Sri Lanka’s interesting and complex history.
On top of all that, Sri Lankan cuisine was another highlight for me. All the different types of curries and seafood dishes were just out of this world. And especially if you’re vegan or vegetarian, you’ll have a great time trying all the delicious foods all around Sri Lanka.
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for the First Time
If you’re visiting Sri Lanka for the first time, and you’ve only got one or two weeks, don’t stress about trying to see everything. Seriously, there’s so much to explore! Have a look through this list and pick out what excites you the most. I’ve shared my highlights below—spots I think should definitely be on every Sri Lanka itinerary.
Yala National Park
My number one activity and, without a doubt, the highlight of my stay in Sri Lanka was our safari in Yala National Park. This is the most famous national park in Sri Lanka, covering a vast area of over 900 square kilometers. It’s home to some of the most amazing wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and even sloth bears. I didn’t see any sloth bears, but we saw plenty of elephants, got super lucky, and saw a leopard as well!
If you have the time and budget, I highly recommend staying overnight in one of the luxury tented camps within the National Park, which was such a dreamy experience.
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Ella
Ella is a small town located in the hill country of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. When you arrive, you’ll immediately feel the change—it’s cooler and can get rainy quickly, especially if you’re coming from the warm, sunny south coast. But trust me, there’s a good reason why Ella is a must-visit spot and one of my top recommendations.
There are a few awesome hikes around Ella, and you absolutely have to try climbing Little Adam’s Peak. It’s a manageable walk and rewards you with breathtaking views over Ella Rock and the surrounding hills.
Another highlight is, of course, the famous Nine Arch Bridge. Make sure to get there right in the morning to catch that magical moment when the train crosses. It’s a photo op you don’t want to miss.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is a cultural and historical site, famous for its ancient rock fortress perched atop the massive 200-meter-high Lion’s Rock. In my opinion, it’s one of the most stunning sights in Sri Lanka and a total must-see if you’re into history and culture!
Now, I gotta be honest with you—the entrance fee to climb Sigiriya can be a bit steep at around US$60. But don’t worry, I’ve got a great tip for you! If you’re not keen on spending that much, you can head over to the neighboring Pidurangala Rock instead. Loads of people actually prefer this climb because you get an absolutely breathtaking view of Sigiriya, especially during sunrise. Just imagine the sun peeking over that majestic rock—pure magic! Plus, it only costs a couple of dollars, so be sure to have some Sri Lankan rupee ready.
And while you’re in the area, don’t miss out on visiting the nearby Dambulla Cave Temple. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the cave paintings and statues inside are nothing short of stunning.
Galle
Galle is hands down one of my favorite colonial towns in southern Sri Lanka! Built by the Dutch in the 17th century, it offers this delightful mix of European architecture and Sri Lankan culture. I just love wandering through the cobblestone streets, popping into little cafes, and discovering quirky shops and art galleries.
The Galle Fort and the Galle Lighthouse are absolute must-sees here, but don’t stop there—take your time to explore the town!
Mirissa
If I had to pick a beach town in Sri Lanka, Mirissa on the southern coast would be my top choice for sure! It has everything—luxurious hotels, super fun backpacker hostels, and awesome nightlife. Furthermore, the food scene and the beaches here are both top-notch.
The most famous spot has to be Coconut Tree Hill. Sure, it’s become quite the tourist hotspot, but hey, it’s still pretty cool to take a picture there!
For something a little less touristy that you won’t find in any Sri Lanka travel guide, check out Secret Beach. It’s just around the corner from Coconut Tree Hill. You can ride your scooter almost all the way down, and you’ll discover a tiny bay with a beach and a charming little beach bar. It’s the perfect spot to kick back, enjoy some seafood, and sip on beers under the sun.
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for National Parks
Sri Lanka isn’t just about amazing beaches and surfing; it’s also home to some incredible national parks. I was a huge fan of exploring these national parks because it usually means it’s safari time. It’s just so much fun cruising around in the back of a truck, trying to spot elephants, leopards, monkeys, and all sorts of wildlife.
Udawalawe National Park
Not quite as popular as Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park is still a must-visit when in Sri Lanka. It’s home to hundreds of elephants and offers the best elephant safari experience in the country. You can also spot other animals here, such as water buffalo, crocodiles, and various bird species.
If you only had time for one, I’d still recommend Yala National Park over Udawalawe as it has a higher chance of spotting leopards. However, if you’re after seeing a massive herd of elephants, then Udawalawe is the place to go.
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Horton Plains National Park
If you’re craving a change of scenery, Horton Plains National Park is the place to go. Set in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, it offers a landscape you wouldn’t usually associate with the island. While you might picture beaches and palm trees, the central highlands are more like hiking trails, pine trees, cascading waterfalls, and rolling hills.
Personally, I loved this refreshing change, especially after spending some time on the humid coast. Heading up here felt like a breath of fresh air! The highlight here is definitely the World’s End viewpoint which offers some spectacular views. I also recommend hiking to Baker’s Falls, a beautiful waterfall within the National Park.
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for Surfing
Sri Lanka is an absolute surfing mecca and has been for ages! Honestly, in the surf scene, Sri Lanka has always been known for its epic waves. I feel like now, especially with places like Bali getting so crowded with tourists, Sri Lanka is going to become even more popular. People are really craving that laid-back, less touristy vibe you can still find in Sri Lanka’s beach towns.
Weligama
Weligama is pretty much the go-to spot for beginner surfers in Sri Lanka! The beach is stunning, with mellow waves perfect for those just starting out, and there are tons of surf schools to choose from. I had the best time learning to surf here, and even more experienced surfers will find some fun waves to catch.
Plus, the beachfront is lined with adorable cafes, bars, and shops—perfect for a post-surf hangout! Even if you’re not majorly into surfing, I would recommend Weligama as it’s just a super social and fun town to stay in.
Arugam Bay
If you’re on the hunt for some challenging waves, you’ve got to check out Arugam Bay. Known as one of the best surf spots in Sri Lanka, it has a super chilled-out vibe that’s just perfect for relaxing after a long day on the board.
I absolutely loved my time at Arugam Bay because it’s a bit off the beaten path. It’s not your typical stop on the backpacker trail in Sri Lanka, so it tends to be less crowded. You’ll find fewer people just learning to surf, fewer surf schools, and overall, fewer tourists. This makes it a dream spot for experienced surfers looking to catch some serious waves.
Sure, the town is smaller and quieter compared to places like Weligama or Mirissa, but that’s part of its charm. It all depends on what you’re after.
Hiriketiya
Let me tell you about my absolute favorite spot in Sri Lanka: Hiriketiya! I spent most of my time there, and it’s an absolute dream. This charming little beach town is just an hour away from Mirissa, and I still think it deserves the title of a hidden gem.
Hiriketiya is quieter than Mirissa or Weligama, but that’s part of its charm! It’s home to just two hostels, a handful of boutique hotels, and a few lovely cafes and restaurants. The whole town is basically just two streets! And there are loads of yoga and other relaxing activities to enjoy.
Hiriketiya is the perfect place to kick back, chill out, and soak in the beach life! If you’re planning a trip, you definitely don’t want to miss this spot.
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for Families
These next three places are definitely perfect for families, but honestly, anyone would love them. I’ve spent time in each of these spots and they’re simply amazing. They’re a bit quieter than some of the other places in Sri Lanka, which is what I usually prefer when traveling with my family. They all offer great hotels and restaurant options and are also close to many of the fun and exciting things to do around Sri Lanka.
Ahangama
Ahangama is hands down one of my absolute favorite spots in Sri Lanka. Just a quick 15-minute scooter or taxi ride from Weligama, Ahangama feels like what Weligama and Mirissa used to be, at least according to some of the locals I’ve chatted with. It’s much quieter, with awesome restaurants and cafes, plus some amazing boutique hotels that aren’t swarmed by tourists yet, unlike Mirissa during peak season.
When you’re in Ahangama, you have to check out Cactus for fantastic coffee and breakfast! And don’t miss Dream Sea, where you can dive into their pool if you spend a bit in their restaurant, which I always make use of.
Negombo
If you’re looking for a resort vibe, Negombo is just the place. It’s only 20 minutes from the airport, making it perfect for some beach time and enjoying hotel amenities. Personally, I think it’s ideal for a family getaway. You’ll have a super quick and easy journey from the airport to your hotel.
Negombo definitely has some amazing all-inclusive hotels with pools—perfect for a vacation with kids.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a wonderful spot for families, mainly because it’s much quieter compared to other beach towns. I think that’s due to its location. Unlike Mirissa and Ahangama, which sit on a pretty busy main road along the coast, Unawatuna is tucked away from all that hustle and bustle. It’s off the main road, nestled on a smaller, pedestrian-friendly path leading to the ocean. No massive trucks or cars zooming past your hotel or restaurant all day long, and I loved that!
The beach here is fantastic, and the food spots are absolutely superb. I fell in love with a place called The Hideout, a Mexican restaurant that’s so unexpectedly authentic, that it blew my mind. Totally recommend it!
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for Tea Plantations
You might not know this, but Sri Lanka’s tea plantations are quite famous. In fact, Lipton originated here and had their first tea plantation in Sri Lanka. That being said, there are some great places to visit if you want to learn more about Sri Lanka’s renowned Ceylon tea and the country’s tea industry.
Nuwara Eliya
Welcome to Sri Lanka’s “Little England”. Nuwara Eliya feels like you’ve stepped into another world entirely. With its lush green hills, refreshing cool temperatures, and charming colonial-style buildings, it’s no surprise this spot was a favorite retreat for British colonizers escaping the heat.
At first, being in Nuwara Eliya felt surreal—you’re in Sri Lanka, yet it suddenly looks like a slice of England. That’s colonial history for you. Anyway, Nuwara Eliya is packed with breathtaking tea plantations producing the famous Ceylon tea, and the colonial architecture here is fascinatingly out of place.
The Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya is a perfect example. We even treated ourselves to a delightful high tea there, and I can’t recommend it enough!
Hatton
To me, Hatton felt like the little sister to Nuwara Eliya. A bit more low-key and less touristy, but still offers beautiful tea plantations to explore. We stayed at a charming guesthouse called Niwasa Guesthouse, which was surrounded by tea fields as far as the eye could see.
With Hatton being less touristy, it’s also quite a bit cheaper than Nuwara Eliya. So if you’d like a similar experience but you’re traveling on a budget, then I recommend you just hop off the train in Hatton instead of Nuwara Eliya, and you’ll have a great time.
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for History & Culture
I know it’s not always about surfing, beaches, and basking in the sun. Some of you are probably eager to learn more about Sri Lanka’s history and culture. For that, the bigger cities are definitely my go-to, with their temples, museums, and ancient ruins.
Colombo
Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka, is exactly what you’d expect from a major city in South Asia—super busy and packed with life. But that’s what makes it so exciting! I absolutely loved the mix of traditional and modern vibes and the delightful chaos you can dive into here. One day, I found myself wandering through the lively markets and trying all the delicious street food. The next, I was exploring history at the Colombo National Museum. There’s just so much to see and do!
If you’re more into leisure activities, I highly recommend the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct. It’s a super cool area filled with shops and restaurants. And oh, don’t miss Black Cat Cafe—it’s a cozy little coffee shop that serves a fantastic flat white. Plus, they let you work there with your laptop, which is perfect if you’re like me and need a place to chill and get some work done.
Kandy
If you’re into Buddhist culture, Kandy is a must-visit! This city is home to the incredible Temple of the Tooth Relic, where you can find a tooth relic believed to be from Buddha himself. I didn’t get to join, but watching people attend the daily puja (prayer) ceremonies was something special!
Beyond the religious sites, Kandy has some cool museums like the World Buddhism Museum and the Royal Palace Museum. And let’s not forget the legendary train ride from Kandy! Whether you’re heading to or coming from the highlands and tea plantations to Ella, this journey is a highlight for sure.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is definitely a must-visit if you’re a culture and history enthusiast. It used to be the capital of Sri Lanka in ancient times, and you can still see the remnants of the ancient kingdom everywhere in the form of ruins. The ancient city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was one of my favorite places to visit because it was so interesting to visit temples and learn about Sri Lanka’s history.
They even have a part of the fig tree here that used to belong to the fig tree under which Buddha himself was meditating when Buddha attained enlightenment.
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
📅 When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Unfortunately, Sri Lanka has a pretty hefty rainy season which is in October and November. During these months there will be frequent rain showers throughout the country, so it’s best to avoid visiting during this time if possible. The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March when the weather is dry and pleasant.
💰 Is Sri Lanka expensive?
Sri Lanka is far from expensive and is definitely one of the cheapest countries to travel in Asia. Overall, I think you can manage with a budget of US$30 a day. If you prefer more private rooms and hotels, it might go up to US$60 a day, but if you’re on a shoestring budget, you might even be able to do it for less than US$30. It depends on your style of traveling.
🚕 How do I get around in Sri Lanka?
There are many options, and one of the most iconic and fun is probably renting your own tuk-tuk. It’s so much fun driving around in your own tuk-tuk and exploring parts of the country that you might not reach by public transport. However, the public transport system here is actually decent, and scooters and taxis are also very inexpensive.
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka – Final Words
Sri Lanka is one of my favorite countries in the world. It’s a perfect mix of culture, nature, history, and adventure. The people are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the food is absolutely delicious.
I think it’s also a great place for digital nomads and those looking for a long-term stay while learning to surf or working online. I hope this blog on the best places to visit in Sri Lanka gives you an idea of how incredible this country is and inspires you to visit! Have a great trip!
