Places to Visit in Sri Lanka: A Complete Guide for Tourists

Sri Lanka is an island located in the Indian Ocean, and it is also called the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, because it has many natural charms, historical knowledge, and cultural wealth. Whether it is stylish tea plantations, ancient religious monuments, beautiful coasts, and strange animal species, one can find something he or she likes on this tropical island. Sri Lanka is a country for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone seeking an escape; it offers much more.

In this guide, we are going to present to you the best tourist attractions in Sri Lanka along with places and activities you should not miss. Therefore, relax and visit all the beautiful places in Sri Lanka!

9 Best Places to Visit In Sri Lanka – Best Sri Lanka Tourist Attractions Not To Be Missed at Any Cost

1. Colombo: The Bustling Capital

Colombo, the capital city, is the best place to start your trip to Sri Lanka. It is a place of vibrant fusion of both urban and colonial cultures, and this destination has everything to offer to any kind of traveller.

• Galle Face Green: A long stretch of seafront, ideal for taking an evening stroll, where one can dine out on the street and not miss the famous “isso vade,” a shrimp fritter.
• Gangaramaya Temple: It is one of the most important temples of Colombo as it has impressive architecture in a mixture of modern and traditional style, and a museum that represents the culture of the Sri Lankan people.
• Colombo National Museum: Visitors who like the history and culture of Sri Lanka should visit this museum and have a close encounter with the past of the island with artefacts, sculptures and ancient relics.

It is possible to anticipate the exposure to the diverse culture of Sri Lanka, and Colombo is a good place to start before visiting any other part of the country.

2. Kandy: The Sacred Hill City

Kandy is the heart of Sri Lanka and one of the most significant cultural places that can be seen today. The city is situated in the middle of stunning mountains and a beautiful lake, and is perfect for exploration.

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: This was the most renowned temple in Kandy, which had the relic of the teeth of Buddha. It is a spiritual place for local inhabitants and tourists. In addition, the temple holds a vast offering and chanting ceremony each night.
• Kandy Lake: It is another perspective that is advisable to be visited by tourists, where one can have a relaxing stroll around the calm lake on top of the rounded hills and wet trees. Tourists can spend some time here after a hard day.
• Royal Botanical Gardens: Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is a good choice of location to visit out of town, to the outskirts of Kandy. It has over 4000 varieties of plants such as spider flowers, palm trees, and giant bamboo, among others.

Kandy is a place to be in if you would like to experience the religious and natural beauty of Sri Lanka.

3. Sigiriya: The Ancient Rock Fortress

Sigiriya is a place that cannot be omitted by those who are interested in the history and the places of architectural value in Sri Lanka. It is this ancient rock fortress whose ruins are commonly referred to as The Eighth Wonder of the World.

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Hike up this huge rock, which stands 200 meters high above the surrounding jungle, to view the ruins of an ancient palace. The most famous Sigiriya Frescoes and the beautiful Lion Gate cannot be missed on your ascent.
• Sigiriya Gardens: There are gardens at the foot of the rock with water features and pathways all well preserved and ideal for a quiet stroll.

It is no surprise that Sigiriya is among the most visited sites in Sri Lanka with such dramatic views and experiences.

4. Nuwara Eliya: The Little England of Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya is a small hill station within the Central Highlands that is typified by cool weather, terraced fields, and colonial-type structures. The area is also known to be the center of the tea-growing region in Sri Lanka.

• Tea Plantations: Have a guided tour to one of the tea plantations like the Pedro Tea Estate, where you will be shown the whole process of how tea is produced. You can also taste the delicious, freshly brewed tea, looking at the unbelievable view all around.
• Gregory Lake: This is a lovely lake with beautiful lakeside views where one can go boating as well as take a walk as he or she enjoys the great breeze. Bicycles are also provided so that you can ride around the lake.
• Hakgala Botanical Gardens: These Gardens are only a few miles away at Nuwara Eliya and have become popular because of the sheer number of plants they depict, particularly trees, roses, orchids, etc.

The natural beauty of Nuwara Eliya, combined with its colonial architecture, draws visitors seeking a break from the heat and the calmness that nature offers.ural beauty coupled with the colonial architectural style makes it popular with people who wish to take a break from the heat and embrace the serenity that nature provides.

5. Ella: Nature at Its Best

Ella is a paradise for nature lovers. This peaceful town, situated between splendid tea plantations, waterfalls, and mountain ranges, offers plenty of outdoor activities.

• Ella Rock: More adventurous travelers can hike to Ella Rock to get a panoramic view of the valley, tea plantations, and the mountains in the distance. The hike is beautiful and refreshing.
• Nine Arches Bridge: This is a must-see iconic railway bridge that is enclosed by lush green hills. It is among the most photographed locations of Sri Lanka.
• Ravana Falls: A beautiful 25m waterfall right outside of Ella, it is a good spot to have a quick swim or to rest and relax in nature.

Ella is a wonderful place to hang out and relax, see nature, and hike around some of the most picturesque sceneries of Sri Lanka.

6. Galle: The Coastal Colonial Town

Galle is an interesting place with beautiful views of the southwestern coast of the country, which has a lot of history. It is also an excellent place to experience a taste of culture and the intoxicating life of the beaches.

• Galle Fort: This is a historically important site, being a well-preserved Portuguese fort that was developed by the Dutch and is placed under the protection of UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Go on a tour of the fort and have a look at the ocean.
• Dutch Reformed Church: A beautiful church within the fort, which is popular for its beautiful architecture and history.
• Unawatuna Beach: Located only a few minutes’ drive away, Unawatuna is one of the most beautiful beaches with crystal clear water and the ideal place to go swimming, sunbathing or even have fresh seafood in one of the restaurants along the beach.

This town has a combination of colonial history, cultural monuments, and a less serious beach environment.

7. Mirissa: The Beach Destination

Mirissa is the place to go in case you are seeking exquisite beaches. Mirissa is a small seaside village with golden sand, blue water and a chilled out atmosphere.

• Whale Watching: Mirissa is also deemed as one of the most attractive sites in Sri Lanka where one can do whale watching. You might as well get on a boat and get to see blue whales and sperm whales.
• Mirissa Beach: a beautiful crescent-shaped beach that is perfect to swim, lie in the sun, and also to feed on fresh meals offered by the local traders.
• Secret Beach: In case you require more privacy and room then you should check out Secret Beach which is a remote part of the location that is abundant in nature.

Mirissa is a perfect place to visit by people who like beaches and the life of the sea.

8. Yala National Park: A Safari Adventure

Yala National Park is one of the destinations that a wildlife lover cannot afford to miss. It is one of the biggest and most popular national parks in Sri Lanka which is famous due to its rich diversity of wildlife and beautiful scenery.

• Safari Tours: Have a jeep safari in the park and you can get to see a variety of animals such as Sri Lankan elephants, leopards and a large number of species of birds.
• Scenic Beauties: The park is a blend of jungle, plain and coastal land, thus a place with varied and aesthetically pleasing landscape.

Wildlife enthusiasts will find it a memorable experience to visit the Yala National Park as they get the opportunity to watch animals in their natural habitat.

9. Anuradhapura: The Ancient City

Anuradhapura is a must-go destination in Sri Lanka to those who are interested in the ancient civilization of Sri Lanka. The city is an ancient city and one of the first capitals of the country and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Sri Maha Bodhi: A venerable fig tree that was said to be cultivated out of a cutting of the actual tree under which Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. It is one of the oldest living trees of the globe.
• Ruwanwelisaya Stupa: A huge stupa (Buddhist monument) and one of the largest in Sri Lanka as well as a pilgrimage site.
• Ancient Monasteries and Ruins: Visit the ruins of ancient monasteries, palaces, and stone inscriptions that narrate the history of rich Buddhist heritage in Sri Lanka.

A must visit place, Anuradhapura is a historical dive into the history and culture of Sri Lanka.

Travel Essentials for Sri Lanka: Visa, Costs, and Tips for Indian Travelers

It is not only easy to travel to Sri Lanka but also quite affordable to travel to Sri Lanka when in India. Besides the beautiful destinations, it is only a short flight and does not involve much paperwork. This is all the information you need to know, including the requirements of a visa and budget preparations, so that you can have a smooth and enjoyable trip.

1. Visa Requirements for Indians

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Indian travellers must have a visa to enter Sri Lanka and the procedure is quite easy due to the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This is simple to apply online without a visit to a consulate.

• How to Apply:
  • Go to the official Sri Lanka ETA site (be sure it is the government site to avoid scammers).
  • Enter your personal and travel information using the online form.
  • Make payment of the ETA fee with debit or credit card (about USD 20 to non-SAARC countries, including India).
  • As soon as it is approved, the ETA will be sent to you via email, which you are supposed to print and carry together with you to enter.
• Types of Visas:
  • Tourist ETA: This permit is valid to stay in Sri Lanka up to 30 days with two entries meaning that you can enter Sri Lanka twice during the visa duration.
  • Extension: In case you wish to extend your stay, you may apply to the Department of Immigration in Colombo, which gives you the opportunity to extend your stay within a period of up to six months.
  • Arrival: It is advisable to get an ETA before travelling but Indians can also obtain a visa on arrival although there may be longer queues. It is better to have your ETA beforehand, which makes your entry quick and easy.

2. How to Get to Sri Lanka

The most convenient mode of transport to Sri Lanka is the flights. The main international airport, Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), is situated outside Colombo, and is very well-linked with the major cities of India.

• Flights: There are direct flights to cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore. Direct flights are common with airlines, including Sri Lankan Airlines, Air India, Indigo, and SpiceJet. The trip is about 2-3 hours, depending on the departure city.
• Ticket Price: The price of the ticket may vary between INR 12,000-INR 20,000 depending on the season and the amount of time you have to book your ticket. If you are planning to travel in the peak season (December to March), then you should book the tickets at least 2 months prior to get the best rates.

3. Travel Cost and Budgeting

Sri Lanka is a cheap place to visit and you can adjust your trip to fit in a variety of budgets. Let us look at a sample of the average out-of-pocket travel costs:

Accommodation:

• Budget: Basic guesthouses and hostels begin at INR 1,000-1,500 a night.
• Mid-range: Boutique hotels and comfortable guesthouses are between INR 3, 000- 5, 000 a night.
• Luxury: fancy resorts and foreign hotels may cost more than INR 7,000 a night.

Food:

• It is cheap and tasty Sri Lankan food! The typical cost of meals in local restaurants is INR 100-300, mid-range restaurants- INR 500-700.
• In case you are planning to experience fine dining, then you can spend about INR 1,000-2,000 each meal.

Transport:

• Local Buses and Trains: They are extremely cheap. Buses are only INR 50-100 on a short trip and trains, such as the Colombo-Kandy route, are approximately INR 300-500.
• Tuk-Tuks: This is good when it comes to short distances, but ensure you negotiate on the fare before you begin the ride. Short rides will cost approximately INR 50-150.
• Car Rentals: Private Taxis and car hire can be as much as INR 3,000-5,000 a day on a longer journey or with a group.

Tour and Activities:

• Entrance Fees: The most popular tourist sites such as Sigiriya, Yala National Park and Temple of the Tooth in Kandy have an entry fee of between INR 500-2000.
• Tours: Group tours and safari tours are also good value, and cost between INR 1,500-2,500 (depending on destination and inclusions).

4. Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, so the best time to visit depends on the region you want to explore. Usually we advise you to avoid the rainy season to enjoy it to the fullest. 

• West and South Coasts (including Colombo and Galle): Visit between December to March for dry, sunny weather.
• East Coast (including Trincomalee and Arugam Bay): The best weather is from April to September.

5. Travel Tips

• Currency: The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). You can easily exchange INR at the airport or withdraw money from ATMs.
• Dress Code: When visiting temples, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and legs and removing shoes before entering.
• Safety: Sri Lanka is generally safe, but keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas.
• Local SIM Card: Get a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport to stay connected. Dialog and Mobitel offer good coverage and data plans for travellers.

Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka is a beautiful and diverse island that offers a wide range of experiences, including its ancient temples and colonial heritage, stunning beaches, and wildlife. No matter where you are in the cultural centre of Kandy, in the hills of Ella, or at the beaches of Galle, there is always a new experience to be had.

Therefore, when you are arranging your tour to Sri Lanka, be sure to add some of these amazing destinations in order to experience the finest the island has to offer. Sri Lanka will make you remember unforgettable moments whether you decide to visit it to have adventures, relax or combine both. Happy travels!