April 05, 2022
14 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka Trip

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April 05, 2022
CM Content Team
Discover the best places to visit in Sri Lanka and quench the wanderlust in you.
If you have been wondering where to travel next, then you must know that an utterly fantastical country awaits your arrival. Immaculate beaches, perennial ruins, and oodles of undeniably irresistible experiences are what Sri Lanka gifts you. A traveller never runs short of things to do and places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka tourism is back on track welcoming fully vaccinated rovers. It’s time to tick off this enigmatic destination from your dream travel list.
An enticing mix of sensory delights, Sri Lanka is a must-visit for globetrotters who long to be awed and inspired at the same time. One of the best countries to explore, Sri Lanka’s tourist attractions offer an unadulterated escape from the usual. Countless travellers passed overhead while making their way to some other place but now the equation has changed.
With a myriad of alluring tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, the country is now making more and more travel enthusiasts touch down. And while you journey across this incredibly hospitable and amazingly green paradise, don’t forget to visit some of the most riveting Sri Lankan tourist places.
Here is a run-down of some of the top things to do and places to see in Sri Lanka!
One of the most captivating places to visit in Sri Lanka, Gal Vihara is a monument worth witnessing. An epitome of excellence, this rock temple of Buddha was fashioned in the 12th century by king Parakrama Bahu I. Featuring an exceptional series of Buddha’s sculptures carved out of a large chunk of large granitic (granite gneiss) rock, Gal Vihara is a sight to behold. Each representing a different stage in Buddha’s life, these group of images are a superlative example of ancient Sinhalese sculpting.
A window to wilderness and exotic wildlife, National Parks are one among the nation’s finest places to visit in Sri Lanka. Opting for safaris around the park, especially Udawalawe National Park offers a great chance to spot sambars, wild buffaloes, spotted deer, and a passel of primates. Elephant watching at Udawalawe National Park surpasses several National Parks popular in East Africa. Alongside the elephants, the park is also home to around 210 species of birds, sloth bears, water monitor lizards, and the occasional leopard.
Listed in the top choice of places to visit in Sri Lanka, Jaffna Fort built by the Portuguese colonialists back in 1619, during the invasion of the Jaffna Kingdom, carries a lot of historical relevance. Overlooking the Jaffna Lagoon, the fort featuring gateways, moats, and walls, opens up to wonderful views of the surroundings that come alive from its ramparts.
An explicit specimen of Sri Lanka’s history, culture, and crafts, the National Museum showcases intriguing details of the country’s colonial past. Guns, swords, 19th-century paintings, the splendid royal throne, and several other antique paraphernalia make it a powerhouse of the display. The National Museum is one of the most exciting places to visit in Sri Lanka.
The palm-fringed Arugam Bay Beach adorned with unending sand is an ultimate spot to kick back and relax. The azure waves kissing the caramel-coloured shores, soothe both the eyes and the soul. Travellers on a lookout for solace and seclusion, Arugam Bay Beach is going to be an ideal spot to hit among numerous other places to visit in Sri Lanka.
One of South Asia’s most evocative ruins is that of Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Large expanses of this complex characterize a rich and unique collection of architectural and archaeological wonders – giant dagobas (brick stupas), crumbling primordial temples, and archetypical pools existing from more than a millennium (377 BC to 1017 AD). Anuradhapura World Heritage Site, a must-see attraction topping the list of places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Lion Rock is an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin in central Sri Lanka. Renowned for its architectural and historical significance, it is one of Sri Lanka’s tourist places that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress was built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa and features a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters high. Visitors can see frescoes, a mirror wall, and the remains of a royal palace at the summit. The site is surrounded by extensive gardens, reservoirs, and moats, making it a testament to ancient urban planning.
Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in central Sri Lanka. This sacred pilgrimage site has been a place of worship for over 2,200 years. The complex consists of five caves, which contain over 150 statues of Buddha, Hindu gods, and Sri Lankan kings, as well as stunning murals covering more than 2,100 square meters of wall space. The temple's tranquil and spiritual atmosphere, combined with its rich history and art, makes it one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for both devotees and tourists.
Yala National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in southeastern Sri Lanka, renowned for its high density of leopards. Covering an area of 979 square kilometres, it is the second-largest national park in the country. Yala is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including moist monsoon forests, dry monsoon forests, semi-deciduous forests, grasslands, and marine wetlands. The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering sightings of elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species, in addition to the elusive leopard. Safaris in Yala provide an unparalleled opportunity to witness the richness of Sri Lanka's biodiversity.
Known as the Dutch Fort it is a historical fortification located in the coastal city of Galle in southern Sri Lanka. Built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, the fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a well-preserved Sri Lankan tourist place which is an example of European architecture blended with South Asian traditions. The fort's ramparts, cobblestone streets, and colonial buildings house a vibrant community with boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Exploring Galle Fort offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial past and its enduring charm.
Kandy, a city in central Sri Lanka, is known for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. The temple houses a tooth relic of the Buddha, making it a significant pilgrimage destination. Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is surrounded by lush mountains and is home to the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Kandy Lake, and the annual Esala Perahera festival, a vibrant procession featuring dancers, drummers, and elephants.
This is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for a unique experience. It is referred to as "Little England," is a picturesque hill station in central Sri Lanka. Known for its cool climate, colonial-era architecture, and lush tea plantations, it offers a serene escape from the tropical heat. Visitors can explore tea factories, enjoy scenic walks, and visit landmarks like the Gregory Lake and the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. The town's architecture reflects its British colonial past, with quaint cottages and historic hotels. Nuwara Eliya is also a popular base for treks to Horton Plains National Park and World's End, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Ella is a charming small town in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka, known for its breathtaking views and natural beauty. Nestled in the hills, it is a popular destination for hiking and adventure enthusiasts. Key attractions include the Nine Arch Bridge, a colonial-era railway bridge set amidst lush greenery, and Little Adam's Peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Ella Rock is another popular hike, providing stunning vistas from the summit. The town's relaxed atmosphere, coupled with its cafes and guesthouses, makes Ella an ideal Sri Lankan tourist attraction for travellers seeking tranquillity and outdoor activities.
Horton Plains National Park is a unique ecological zone located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is characterized by montane grasslands and cloud forests and is home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The park's most famous feature is World's End, a sheer cliff with a dramatic drop of about 880 meters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also known for Baker's Falls, a picturesque waterfall. Horton Plains is a popular destination for hiking and birdwatching, with several trails that allow visitors to explore its natural beauty and observe endemic wildlife.
With so many amazing places to visit in Sri Lanka, of course there are a variety of things to do.
Sri Lanka is a year-round magnet for ardent travellers, although the best time to visit Sri Lanka is between December and mid-April as it is considered to be the peak time to unfurl the charms of this place.
There are several resorts in Sri Lanka, yet for a luxurious and comfortable stay best would be to enjoy a pleasing halt at Club Mahindra’ s partner hotels. Unwind amidst tranquil environs and make the most of world-class amenities.
Sri Lanka is infectious, as it gets in your veins and one would know this only after wandering across this enthralling destination. Plan out your trip properly so you do not miss out on the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Head out for a journey across this country that is meant to enchant you completely.
Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. (MHRIL), a part of Leisure and Hospitality sector of the Mahindra Group, offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships and brings to the industry values such as reliability, trust and customer satisfaction. Started in 1996, the company's flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra’, today has over 290,000 members , who can holiday at 140+ resorts in India and abroad.