Things to See in Sri Lanka

Embark on an adventure in a tropical paradise of lush landscapes that teem with wildlife, crystalline waters that glisten on golden shores, and ancient ruins that whisper tales of past glories. As the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka combines culture and community with spirituality to craft a mosaic of diverse experiences for travellers of all ages.

There are plenty of things to see in Sri Lanka, where each district boasts a unique charm. Travellers may venture to the idyllic countryside of Nuwara Eliya for a sense of calm before unearthing history in the stupas of Polonnaruwa, or they may head down south to experience an eternal summer by the beach after exploring the bustling metropolis of Colombo.

With vibrant displays of culture at every turn, each destination is a stepping stone to learning more about the hotchpotch of communities on the isle. And so, our in-depth guide below focuses on the must-see attractions as well as the hidden gems of the popular destinations, giving you the best of both worlds while promising you the adventure of a lifetime.

Things to See in Sri Lanka

Embark on an adventure in a tropical paradise of lush landscapes that teem with wildlife, crystalline waters that glisten on golden shores, and ancient ruins that whisper tales of past glories. As the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka combines culture and community with spirituality to craft a mosaic of diverse experiences for travellers of all ages.

There are plenty of things to see in Sri Lanka, where each district boasts a unique charm. Travellers may venture to the idyllic countryside of Nuwara Eliya for a sense of calm before unearthing history in the stupas of Polonnaruwa, or they may head down south to experience an eternal summer by the beach after exploring the bustling metropolis of Colombo.

With vibrant displays of culture at every turn, each destination is a stepping stone to learning more about the hotchpotch of communities on the isle. And so, our in-depth guide below focuses on the must-see attractions as well as the hidden gems of the popular destinations, giving you the best of both worlds while promising you the adventure of a lifetime.

Sri lanka Popular Destinations

Despite its small size, Sri Lanka is home to a wealth of attractions that have fascinated travellers for centuries. From wandering through the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya to uncovering the remnants of an ancient civilization in Anuradhapura, the possibilities are endless on this island getaway.

But since there is much to see and do in a short time, it is best that you focus on visiting a few of its popular destinations to make the most of your stay. For some guidance on the attractions that each destination has to offer, you may click on the tiles below.

Sri lanka popular destinations

Despite its small size, Sri Lanka is home to a wealth of attractions that have fascinated travellers for centuries. From wandering through the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya to uncovering the remnants of an ancient civilization in Anuradhapura, the possibilities are endless on this island getaway.

But since there is much to see and do in a short time, it is best that you focus on visiting a few of its popular destinations to make the most of your stay. For some guidance on the attractions that each destination has to offer, you may click on the tiles below.

Sri lanka Popular Itineraries

Organizing the island’s popular destinations into a logical sequence for your itinerary is no easy feat, and with so many routes to take, even figuring out a starting point can be a challenge. If you would like some guidance on how each destination fits into a complete tour of Sri Lanka, then you may refer to the itineraries below.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many days do you need in Sri Lanka?

We recommend spending at least 14 to 16 days for a well-rounded tour of Sri Lanka. This will give you ample time to visit most of the popular destinations, and you will also get to wind down with a relaxing beach stay after experiencing the wildlife, culture, history and nature at a leisurely pace.

That being said, some of our guests opt for 21 days on the island instead. This is not a bad idea, as you can take it slow and even head to Jaffna to experience Sri Lanka’s vibrant Tamil culture before you return home. However, a 21-day tour must only be considered if you have enough time to spare.

It is also possible to experience a fraction of what the island has to offer in seven days. In fact, you may be able to visit a few historical sites, embark on a jeep safari, and conclude your tour with a beach stay as long as you stick to your schedule. But since it is easy to get sidetracked and run short of time, we recommend a slow holiday of the island’s beaches and national parks instead.

 

2. What should you see in Sri Lanka?

While there are several must-see attractions scattered around the island, the question of what you should see during your tour of Sri Lanka is best answered by taking your interests into consideration.

For example, wildlife enthusiasts book jeep safaris and whale watching tours to observe animals in their natural habitats. Travellers who wish to see leopards opt for Yala National Park, whereas others may choose between the national parks in Minneriya and Udawalawe for elephant sightings. They may also visit Mirissa, Trincomalee and Kalpitiya to see whales, dolphins, and other marine critters in the wild.

On the other hand, nature lovers follow the hiking trails that lead to Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock, where the summits promise views of the surrounding cloud forests, mist-shrouded mountains, and emerald valleys. Most travellers also take a leisurely stroll through Horton Plains for a digital detox in a lush terrain that guarantees plenty of animal sightings along the way.

History buffs prefer the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the cultural triangle. Most of the attractions here offer insight into the past glories that were achieved under the rule of the Sinhalese kings, but we personally recommend Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple, and the Polonnaruwa ancient city as the must-sees of the region. Alternatively, you can unearth Sri Lanka’s colonial past in Galle, where the national museum and ancient landmarks paint a picture of life under the rule of the Portuguese, Dutch and British.

In the meantime, those who are curious about Ceylon tea venture into Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Hatton, which make up the central highlands. Here, the lush tea plantations lend a rustic beauty to the landscape, and these spectacular views are best enjoyed over a cup of tea after touring the nearest tea factory.

That said, if you wish to learn about the hotchpotch of religious communities that make up the isle, we recommend a tour of its sacred sites. The rituals at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy showcase the sacred tooth relic of Buddha, whereas those of the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna offer insight into Hindu customs. You may even venture to Negombo’s ornate cathedrals, which are painted with scenes from the Bible, and stop by the Red Mosque in Pettah, which is identified by the striking patterns on its exterior that resemble an optical illusion.

Lastly, those who are on the lookout for some fun in the sun may visit the pristine, palm-fringed beaches of the east coast for a digital detox. They may also drop by the bustling beaches down south for some delicious seafood and a thriving nightlife.

Ideally, a good tour of Sri Lanka combines a little bit of everything to give you a better understanding of the country’s culture and community.

 

3. Is a visa needed for Sri Lanka?

Yes, it is. In order to enter Sri Lanka, you must first apply for an eVisa from the official Sri Lanka eVisa website (www.srilankaevisa.lk). You can do this by creating an account, filling out the online application form, attaching the necessary documents, and by paying the fee online. Since your eVisa is valid for six months from the date of application, you must schedule your tour as soon as possible.

Apart from this, you must also own a valid passport and have your return tickets purchased beforehand to ensure that your journey is a smooth one. Travellers Isle also recommends contacting your country’s embassy to check if the necessary visa requirements have been met.

 

4. Is Sri Lanka tourist friendly?

Of course. The locals are extremely friendly, and they welcome tourists with open arms. In fact, their friendliness may even come across as them being nosy, as they tend to provide unsolicited advice while asking lots of questions, but if you end up lost or in need of assistance, you can always rely on them to help.

It is, however, worth noting that Sri Lankans are very religious and rather conservative. Modest clothes are preferred for both men and women, and public displays of affection are discouraged. Moreover, disrespect toward religious sites and statues is a punishable offence.

As long as you are mindful of the above while remaining respectful and polite toward the locals, you will not experience any hostility during your tour of the island.

 

5. Is Sri Lanka safe to travel these days?

Absolutely. Sri Lanka is a relatively safe tourist destination as there are no wars underway and no major health concerns that you should be aware of.

However, while you will not run into any life-threatening situations during your stay, it is best that you follow the basic precautionary measures to ensure that you are safe at all times. This includes steering clear of isolated areas and poorly-lit roads, and staying aware of your surroundings.

You may hear about the occasional petty crime while you are out and about, but Sri Lanka’s crime rates are generally low. On the off chance that you run into some trouble, you can rest assured that the locals will readily come to your aid.

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