Arugam Bay is a top surfing spot on the east coast, attracting surfers from around the world. This bohemian-style village offers a mix of beach vibes, wildlife safaris, and a relaxed, backpacker-friendly atmosphere.
Trincomalee
Trincomalee
Trincomalee, located on the northeast coast, is known for its beautiful natural harbor, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. It’s also home to cultural landmarks like the Koneswaram Temple and hot springs.
Galle
Galle
Galle is a historic coastal city famous for the well-preserved Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, chic cafes, and art galleries reflect a unique blend of old-world charm and modern style.
Mirissa
Mirissa
Mirissa is a popular beach destination renowned for whale and dolphin watching. Its tranquil beaches, turquoise waters, and palm-fringed shores make it perfect for relaxation, surfing, and enjoying tropical sunsets.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a laid-back beach town known for its crescent-shaped sandy beach, coral reefs, and vibrant nightlife. It's ideal for snorkeling, diving, and exploring nearby cultural sites like the Japanese Peace Pagoda.
Bentota
Bentota
Bentota is a serene coastal town famous for its golden beaches, luxury resorts, and water sports like jet skiing and windsurfing. It's also known for the scenic Bentota River and relaxing Ayurvedic treatments.
Kataragama
Kataragama
Kataragama is a sacred pilgrimage town worshipped by Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims. The Kataragama temple is especially busy during festivals and is believed to hold deep spiritual power.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya
Dambulla
Dambulla
Dambulla is renowned for its cave temple complex, featuring over 150 Buddha statues and colorful murals. The Golden Temple of Dambulla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major religious attraction.
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is an ancient city famous for its well-preserved ruins, including royal palaces, temples, and giant Buddha statues. It showcases the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s medieval history.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals, filled with impressive ruins, massive stupas, and sacred sites like the Sri Maha Bodhi tree. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important pilgrimage destination.
Kandy
Kandy
Kandy is a cultural capital nestled in the hills of central Sri Lanka, known for the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and the annual Esala Perahera festival. It offers a rich blend of history, religion, and natural beauty.
Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park
Kumana is a birdwatcher’s paradise, located on the southeast coast and linked to Yala. It features mangrove swamps, lagoons, and nesting grounds for rare and migratory birds, along with sightings of elephants and crocodiles.
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya is famous for "The Gathering," where hundreds of wild elephants congregate near the Minneriya Tank during the dry season. The park also hosts deer, monkeys, and a variety of birdlife.
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu, the largest national park in Sri Lanka, is known for its unique "willus" (natural sand-rimmed water basins). It’s rich in biodiversity and a quieter alternative for spotting leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.
Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park
Bundala is a coastal wetland park renowned for its birdlife, especially migratory water birds like flamingos. It’s a UNESCO biosphere reserve and an excellent spot for birdwatching and nature photography.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park
Yala is Sri Lanka’s most popular national park, known for its high density of leopards. It offers a diverse landscape of forests, lagoons, and grasslands, home to elephants, sloth bears, and a variety of birds.
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe is famous for its large population of wild elephants, often seen up close in open grasslands. The park also features water buffalo, crocodiles, and various bird species, making it ideal for wildlife safaris.
Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) is a sacred mountain climbed by pilgrims of all faiths. It’s renowned for the “Sri Pada” footprint at its summit and the stunning sunrise views after a night-time trek.
Hortain Plains
Hortain Plains
Horton Plains National Park is a highland plateau known for its dramatic landscapes, cloud forests, and the famous World’s End cliff. The park is great for hiking and spotting sambar deer and endemic bird species.
Sinharaja
Sinharaja
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the country’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. It’s a biodiversity hotspot home to many endemic species of birds, insects, and plants.
Kitulgala
Kitulgala
Kitulgala is a rainforest village known for adventure activities like white-water rafting on the Kelani River. Surrounded by lush jungle, it’s also popular for birdwatching, waterfall hikes, and eco-tourism.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya
Often called “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya is a cool-climate town with colonial architecture, tea estates, and manicured gardens. It's perfect for relaxing, exploring tea factories, and enjoying the scenic beauty of Sri Lanka’s highlands.
Ella
Ella
Ella is a charming hill town surrounded by lush greenery, tea plantations, and waterfalls. Known for scenic hikes like Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arches Bridge, it's a favorite among nature lovers and backpackers.
