Discover Sri Lanka: The Top 10 Must-Visit Destinations 🌴

Sri Lanka may be a small island in the Indian Ocean, but that’s the only thing small about it. The country, formerly known as Ceylon, boasts an ancient civilization, golden sandy beaches with their swaying coconut palms, mountains, and tea plantations. While visiting this stunning island, you’ll encounter colonial architecture from Portuguese, Dutch, and English rule. You’ll also come across numerous elephants, some participating in local festivals, and if you’re lucky, perhaps a leopard or two at a wildlife sanctuary. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in Sri Lanka:

10. Hikkaduwa 🏖️

The small, seaside city of Hikkaduwa is located north of Galle, along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. Well-trodden by tourists seeking a slice of sun and a relaxed atmosphere, Hikkaduwa is filled with

cheap guesthouses

,

tourist shops

, and

cafes and restaurants

. Despite losing a bit of its natural beauty since tourists started arriving in the 1970s, Hikkaduwa still offers a fantastic beach experience. If you want to spend a few lazy days near the sea, this might be the spot for you.

Highlights:

- Swimming and sunbathing on sandy beaches. - Snorkeling and scuba diving among coral reefs. - Visiting the Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary.

9. Ella 🌲

Nestled in a beautiful setting with forest-covered hills, sweeping valleys, and picturesque tea plantations, Ella is a delightful place to spend time. The iconic railway journey from Kandy to Ella will have you chugging along in a colorful carriage through lush, green hills. Ella may be small, but it offers substantial rewards for those who enjoy hiking or just relaxing in nature's quiet splendor. Make sure to hike to nearby waterfalls and temples, as well as to the top of Ella Rock for incredible views.

Highlights:

- Hiking to Nine Arches Bridge and Ella Rock. - Visiting Ravana Falls. - Relaxing in serene tea plantations.

8. Anuradhapura 🕌

Anuradhapura is an ancient sacred city established around a cutting from Buddha’s fig tree. Dating back to the third century BC, it was founded by the leader of an order of Buddhist nuns. This magnificent city of

palaces

,

temples

, and

monuments

flourished for 1,300 years but was abandoned after an invasion in the late 10th century. Much like Peru’s Machu Picchu, locals were aware of it, but only a few others knew until Europeans "discovered" it many centuries later. Today, these fantastic ruins have been excavated and are accessible for public viewing.

Highlights:

- Exploring the Sacred Bo Tree. - Visiting the ruins of Jetavanaramaya Dagoba. - Touring the Abhayagiri Monastery complex.

7. Colombo 🌆

Colombo has been the commercial capital of Sri Lanka for more than 2,000 years, thanks to its large natural harbor, which made it a hub for ancient traders from Italy to China. Although it’s often referred to as the country’s capital, the legislative capital is actually located in a nearby city. Ruled first by Portuguese and then British colonists, Colombo is a popular destination teeming with modern malls, skyscrapers, and beautiful colonial buildings. The city features an array of architectural styles, with the Murugan Hindu Temple being one of the best.

Highlights:

- Shopping at Pettah Market. - Visiting the Colombo National Museum. - Exploring Galle Face Green promenade.

6. Yala National Park 🐆

Yala National Park is a wildlife sanctuary approximately 150 miles from Colombo. It boasts the highest density of leopards in the world, increasing your chances of spotting these majestic creatures. Besides leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles are also major attractions. The park is divided into five blocks; some were hunting zones until Yala became a national park in 1938. Don't forget to visit the very informative visitor center at the park's entrance for insightful displays about the area.

Highlights:

- Leopard-watching safaris. - Visiting the UNESCO site Sithulpawwa monastery. - Birdwatching at the coastal lagoons.

5. Mirissa 🌅

If you’re seeking a tropical paradise for your holiday, Mirissa might be your dream destination. With

swaying coconut palms

,

beautiful golden sand beaches

, and

days spent lounging in a hammock

, it doesn't get much better than this. This crescent-shaped piece of paradise is famed for having the most stunning sunsets and sunrises in Sri Lanka. With no luxury resorts disrupting the landscape, it's just you and the beach during the day, but the pace picks up at night. Mirissa is the largest fishing port on the south coast and is a great place for dolphin and whale watching.

Highlights:

- Whale and dolphin watching tours. - Enjoying fresh seafood at beachside restaurants. - Relaxing on the serene beaches.

4. Polonnaruwa 🏯

As the second oldest kingdom in Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is renowned for the ruins of this ancient garden city. The 12th-century ruins are some of the best-preserved in the country, where traders of exotic goods mingled with worshippers in the many temples. Begin your tour at the Archaeological Museum, then proceed to the massive Royal Palace with its well-preserved audience hall. The stunningly decorated Sacred Quadrangle is another must-see site.

Highlights:

- Exploring the Sacred Quadrangle. - Visiting the Gal Vihara rock temple. - Touring the Royal Palace complex.

3. Kandy 💐

Kandy, the second largest city in Sri Lanka, serves as the gateway to the Central Highlands, home to tropical plantations that grow both tea and rubber. If driving from Colombo, you'll pass by rubber plantations on one of the country’s most scenic roads. The last capital of the ancient kingdoms, Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world. A major and colorful festival takes place here, involving a parade of the tooth relic around the city. Movie buffs might find it interesting that Kandy was a chief location in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

Highlights:

- Visiting the Temple of the Tooth. - Exploring the Royal Botanic Gardens. - Attending the Esala Perahera festival.

2. Galle 🏰

Galle’s most famous attraction is its 17th-century fort built by Dutch colonists. Sitting on a promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean, the fort is known for its architectural style and is considered a prime example of a fortified city. Today, it houses courts and businesses, combining historical and modern elements. Galle is becoming known as an arts colony and its expat community. Other top sights include a natural harbor, Sri Lanka’s oldest lighthouse, a maritime museum, a significant Shiva temple, and the Jesuit-built St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Highlights:

- Walking along the ramparts of Galle Fort. - Visiting the Maritime Archaeology Museum. - Exploring the Dutch Reformed Church.

1. Sigiriya 🦁

Wannabe archaeologists need to have Sigiriya on their must-see list in Sri Lanka. This ancient city is built on a steep slope topped by a plateau almost 600 feet high, known as Lion’s Rock, as it overlooks the jungles below. The ancient rock fortress dates back to the third century BC when it was a monastery and later turned into a royal residence. Access to the site involves staircases and rooms emanating from the lion’s mouth, with ponds, gardens, and fountains enhancing the experience. Locals consider the site the eighth wonder of the world.

Highlights:

- Climbing to the summit of Lion's Rock. - Exploring the ancient Frescoes. - Strolling through the Water Gardens. In conclusion, Sri Lanka offers a rich tapestry of attractions, where every turn reveals another story from its ancient civilizations or a glimpse of its stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just in search of a beach to unwind, Sri Lanka has something extraordinary to offer.

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