Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka for a memorable Vacation

Filled with lush green tea plantations, romantic sceneries, exciting mountains and golden beaches, some of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka will surely leave you breathless. You will find an abundance of natural, historical and cultural spots in the Island Country of Sri Lanka. From exotic views to soulful Buddhist monasteries, Sri Lanka offers everything to make your vacation a very memorable one. Sri Lanka has places to offer across all age spectrums and group types.

Take a look at some of the best places to visit In Sri Lanka and you wouldn’t want to leave back home. Read on to understand more about popular attractions and astounding places.

Some of the Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka that you are a must-see on your list! 

• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Visit The Giant Beasts
• Temple Of The Tooth Relic – The Gem of Kandy
• Nuwara Eliya – Embrace the Lush Greenery
• Adams Peak – The UNESCO Recognised World Heritage Site of Sri Lanka 
• Mirissa – Get Ready for some Whale Watching 
• Bentota – Blue Waters and Beautiful Sunrise 
• Nine Arch Bridge – Take a Surreal Ride Amidst The Greenery 
• National Museum Of Colombo – Get to Know The History

The next time you are planning a trip to Visit Sri Lanka with your family, make sure you visit these places to have an amazing experience in Sri Lanka.

1. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Visit The Gentle Beasts

What more heartwarming to kick start your vacation in Sri Lanka? Watch the baby elephants enjoy their day soaking in the river. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka.

Opening hours:

• 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Best Recommended time – 9 AM -1 PM – When elephants proceed with their daily activities

How to Reach:

• Located around 40 km from Kandy, you can take a train to Kegalle. Then hire a tuk-tuk or an auto to get to the park

2. Temple Of The Tooth Relic – The Gem of Kandy

An interesting place to visit on your trip to Kandy, this is recognized by UNESCO as a heritage site. This temple has both spiritual and historical significance. Legend says that the relic in the temple is of Lord Buddha and anyone who will hold the tooth relic of Buddha will be the Governor of the Kingdom

• Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka 
• Open Timings: 5:30 AM – 8 PM
• Entry Fee for Tourists: INR 1000 per person

3. Nuwara Eliya – Embrace the Lush Greenery amidst breathtaking tea plantations

The colonial ambience of the 19th-century hill station with its golf courses and gentleman’s clubs makes Nuwara Eliya one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka. You can take the scenic train ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya to witness the striking views of the tea plantations, majestic mountains, and gorgeous waterfalls. Trust us you wouldn’t want the train ride to end.

Best time to visit Nuwara Eliya: 

• February to May. These months have low temperatures and less chance of rainfall

How to reach:

• There are regular buses from Colombo and Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. 
• However, we would recommend taking the train ride to experience the scenic route and reach your destination much faster.

4. Adams Peak – The UNESCO Recognised World Heritage Site of Sri Lanka 

A biodiversity hotspot, you can trek up the mountain to watch a breathtaking sunrise. The uniqueness in its name can be seen reflecting in the beauty of the place. Sri Pada, considered as the footprints of The Buddha is located here. Apart from the religious and spiritual significance of the place, you will be enchanted by the richness of the surroundings. So the trek with little difficulty will surely be worth it when you reach the mountain top.

Best time to visit Adam’s peak:

• January and May – weather-wise 
• Best to avoid visiting Adam’s peak during full moon days and Sri Lankan public holidays as there will be long queues.

How to reach:

• Take a trail to reach Hatton, the base of the peak 
• You can also choose to take an auto or a bus from the closest town, Dalhousie.

Also read : Sri Lanka honeymoon packages

5. Mirissa – Get Ready for some Whale Watching

From early morning whale watching tours to lazying on the hammocks in the evenings, you can spend your day in the sun. Mirissia is of the most serene places in Sri Lanka for a quiet getaway.

Best time to visit:

•  December, October and August to get the best out of the place 

How to reach:

• You can take a train to Weligama, and then take an auto or tuk-tuk to reach Mirissa 

6. Bentota – Blue Waters and Beautiful Sunrise 

Relax and unwind of the sands of the Bentota beach while you breathe in the beautiful sunset views. You can also indulge in adventure sports activities and get to enjoy the Bentota river, boat cruise. It is one of the best places in Sri Lanka.

How to Reach:

• A quick 70 Km drive from Colombo. 

Best time to visit Bentota:

• November to April. This will be the ideal time to enjoy the tropical climate 

7. Nine Arch Bridge – Take a Surreal Ride Amidst The Greenery

One of the most iconic places known for its panoramic views is the famous Nine Arch Bridge. Located in the quaint town of Ella, this structure was built in the early days of Sri Lankan Railways. The most fascinating thing about this bridge is that no steel was used in its construction. The entire bridge is made up of only cement, stone, and brick.

Best time to visit:

• January to March 

How to Reach:

• Take a nonstop train to Ella from Colombo 

8. National Museum Of Colombo – Get to Know The History

Are you someone who is fascinated by taking a sneak peek into the past? As the famous saying goes, if you want to understand the present, you must first know the past. You will find an enormous collection of important artefacts dating back centuries in this museum. Established in 1877 the national museum of Colombo tells the story of Sri Lanka’s history.

Location: Centre of Colombo City 

9. Trincomalee

Also known as Trinco, Trincomalee is a picture perfect port city located in northeastern Sri Lanka. It is famous for its natural harbor which is one of the world’s finest and deepest harbors. The city is filled with rich cultural heritage which is evident in its ancient temples, including the Koneswaram Temple and the Swami Rock, both offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Trincomalee is also known for its pristine beaches, including Nilaveli and Uppuveli, which are popular choices among couples embarking on Sri Lanka honeymoon packages. The city’s diverse charm makes it a captivating stop for travelers exploring Sri Lanka.

10. Arugam Bay

It is a haven for surf enthusiasts and beach lovers on a Sri Lanka trip. It is one of the top destinations for surfers. The bay offers a relaxed environment, providing a perfect blend of sandy beaches, greenish-blue waters and landscapes filled with coconut trees. Arugam Bay also offers beachfront cafes, vibrant nightlife and a friendly local community. The nearby lagoons and Pottuvil Point provide opportunities for tourists to indulge in bird watching and exploration. Arugam Bay invites visitors to relax in its scenic surroundings and experience the easy going coastal life.

A complete package of heritage, culture, and natural beauty, Sri Lanka will capture the hearts of anyone who visits the place. You will have an unforgettable experience by visiting these places on your visit to Sri Lanka. Reach out to our destination experts at Pickyourtrail to start planning your Sri Lanka Tours and Holidays!