The places, most named first
From the 8 guides that rank for "best places to visit in sri lanka"
Named by 5 of 81. ColomboThe capital and largest city, 35 km from the main airport, a common first stop.Good for food, culture and city sightseeing; Galle Face Green is the seaside promenade.
Named by 5 of 82. KandyHome to the Temple of the Tooth, which holds a relic of Buddha.The second biggest city after Colombo; busy rather than relaxing, but worth a night or two.
Named by 4 of 83. SigiriyaA UNESCO rock fortress dating to the 5th century, with lion-paw steps at the entrance.Climb early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.
Named by 4 of 84. NegomboConvenient for relaxing near the airport.The airport is actually closer to Negombo than to Colombo, so it works for a first or last night.
Named by 3 of 85. GalleGalle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site first built by the Portuguese in 1588 and fortified by the Dutch.Narrow streets with cafes and guesthouses; two nights is enough.
Named by 3 of 86. AnuradhapuraThe first capital of Sri Lanka, founded in the 4th century, with ancient Buddhist ruins.Home to the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, grown from a cutting of the tree where Buddha reached enlightenment.
Named by 2 of 87. UnawatunaOne of the most popular beach resorts in Sri Lanka, with beaches, coral reefs and nightlife.About 150 km from the airport.
Named by 2 of 88. EllaIn the Hill Country, reached by a slow scenic train from Kandy that takes 6 to 7 hours.The train runs twice daily, and tickets are best bought a day ahead.
Named by 2 of 89. Yala National ParkDescribed as having the highest leopard density in the world, though sightings are not guaranteed.Can be crowded and touristy, and short budget tours stay near the entrance.
Named by 2 of 810. MirissaPart of the South Coast that suits beaches, surfing and whale watching.Can be crowded, according to one writer.
Named by 2 of 811. TangalleA quaint fishing town with many little coves, good for a beach day.Not much to do in town itself, and a good stop between Yala and Galle.
Named by 2 of 812. PolonnaruwaThe island's second capital, known for ruins, a royal palace and rock temple with giant Buddha images.Often visited with Anuradhapura on an ancient cities circuit.
13. Rekawa BeachA 4 km golden beach, mostly deserted, close to Tangalle.Baby turtles may hatch there from October to April.
14. PassikudahShallow, gentle water and white sand on the east coast, with snorkeling from shore.The writer chose the east coast because the southwest was in monsoon.
15. DambullaDambulla Cave Temple has over 150 Buddha statues and frescoes inside five small caves.
16. Nuwara EliyaPart of the Hill Country, suited to tea plantations, cool climate and hiking.
17. Arugam BayKnown for seasonal surfing on the East Coast.
18. WeligamaSuggested for learning to surf, with warm water and easy waves.
19. Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)A pre-dawn climb of about 5,500 stairs to watch sunrise from the summit with pilgrims.
20. Minneriya National ParkJune to October is the best time to see up to 200 elephants gather at the watering hole.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name December to March as the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
Questions people ask
- Which part of Sri Lanka is most beautiful?
- It depends on interests: the South Coast for beaches and surfing, the Hill Country for tea and hiking, the Cultural Triangle for ancient history.
- Is 7 days enough for Sri Lanka?
- One guide suggests 4 to 5 areas over two weeks, and only 1 or 2 destinations if you have less time, to avoid rushing.
- What is very famous in Sri Lanka?
- Tea, with the Lipton headquarters located there, plus UNESCO sites and leopards.
