7 Best Places to Visit in Srilanka

1.  Discover The World of Wildlife

Yala National Park is a must for all tourists especially wildlife lovers. Yala is home to marvelous and tusked elephants. You will also find wild leopards leaping around tree branches. It is the most visited and second largest national Park in Srilanka.

ECOSYSTEMS:  Dry Monsoon Forest, Grasslands, Marshes, Marine Wetlands

BIRDS:  Srilanka Grey Hornbill, Crimson Fronted Barbet, Blue Tailed Bee Eater

MAMMALS: Srilankan Sloth Bear, Wild Water Buffalo, Leopards, Srilankan Elephant

LOCATION:  5-6 hrs from Colombo

BEST TIME TO VISIT:  Year-round, Dry seasons are from May to September. Rainy seasons from
November to January and April.

MUST TRY:  Stay at Yala Safari Camps.  Plan at least 3 days to spot a Leopard.

2.  Rock Fortress Heads Above The Rest – Sigiriya

This is a rock fortress also known as a Lion’s Rock located in Matale district. If one gets a chance to visit it, so explore the ancient ruins that are water ponds, gardens & frescoes. Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage site. From the top, you can have a glorious view of the jungle and magnificent hills.

Location: Around 3-4 hrs by car or 1 hour 30 mins by train.

3.  Simply The Best Cave Temple – Dambulla

This is the place for the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex, holding five cave temples comprising of a massive huge collection of Sri Lankan Buddhist statues, shrines, and murals. The paintings and statues tell stories from Buddha’s Life. The amazingly crafted murals cover a total area of 2,100 square meters.

Location: 3 hours by road from Colombo via Kandy

Best time to Visit: Year-Round

4.   Scenic Beauty – A Class Of Its Own – Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, also known as Little England for its old British colonial buildings like the Queen’s Cottage and the General’s House. This area is full of scenic beauties – waterfalls, hills, tea plantations, and the towering Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is regarded as the most important spot for tea production in the country. Tasting a cup of tea is a must while visiting the destination.

Location:  5-6 hrs from Colombo by road

Must Visit:  Hortons Plains National Park, Victoria Park, Gregory Lake

5.  The Passionate Pursuit Of Sea Shore – Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is situated on the southeast shoreline of Sri Lanka, and the remote town pulls in surfers from around the globe. The seashore is the ideal spot. Go and getting quality surf breaks—the best spot to surf is Main Point, situated on the south side of the cove. At the point when you need a break from the sun and ocean air, visit the town’s memorable sanctuaries or the close Kumana National Park.

Location:  Around 5 hours from Colombo by road

Must-Do:  Surfing & Sunset Watching at Elephant Rock

6.  Discover The World Of Beach Paradise – Bentota

This seaside town has grand seashores, lavish inns, and immaculate excellence. Go through a day absorbing the sun at Bentota Beach, visit the close by Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery, or discover harmony in the Galapatha Raja Maha Vihara Buddhist sanctuary. Bentota is a paradise for all travelers who love to participate in exercises like helicopter rides and water sports, as well.

How to get there: About 1 hour 30 mins from Colombo via road

Must do:  Cycling & Trekking

7.  It’s A Beautiful Beach – Mirissa Beach

Lovely hideaway seashores and a flourishing nightlife scene make Mirissa a hot spot for vacationers. Mirissa is likewise incredibly famous for its awesome regions for whale and dolphin viewing.

Must experience:   Snorkelling on the Turtle Bay, Climb the Parrot Rock.

How to Get there:  approx. 2 hrs 20 mins from Colombo by road