Attractions
BEACHES
Cultural Triangle
Nature & Wildlife
Adventure & Trekking
Hill Country
ARUGAM BAY
Live the surfer’s dream of Arugam Bay and sample its favorite safe waves, which can be enjoyed with no rush. Visit the wildlife sanctuaries and get to know the local culture keeping you connected in a new environment.
NILAVELI
Nilaveli is charming and untouched to behold its beauty with the palm fringes and the turquoise waters ideal for a relaxing bath. The destination of your dreams that you encounter is undoubtedly one of the greatest in the country in addition to being a place of solace for the adventurous and calm nature enthusiasts alike.
PASIKUDAH
Just think of those immense sands spread flat and quiet, and the blue water almost feels like a caress. The town of Pasikudah provides you with all these luxuries and many more sport-centered activities, making it a perfect holiday place for those seeking peace and adventure. Talk with the reefs that harbor lives or just walk along the unbounded beaches.
NEGOMBO
When you come to Colombo, Negombo is located on the coastline just a few miles away from it and provides a good environment for sunbathing and doing some exciting fishing activities in the surrounding area. Already a very relaxing atmosphere on the beach, you can dive into the seafood culture of Sri Lanka or take a boat ride to waters very near to heaven.
BENTOTA
This wave of beach towns become the districts with a nice climate. It brings scores of water sports options from jet skiing to windsurfing and many others. Bentota gives locals who visit a peep into the past with the ancient Buddhist temples scattered across the naturally green environment.
BALAPITIYA
The pristine Balapitiya where nature lovers get a peaceful and restful atmosphere is a real paradise. Discover sea turtles laying their eggs right on the beach shores by watching a lovely water tour, or book a boat trip and see for yourself how dolphins and whales swim in their natural environment.
HIKKADUWA
Hikkaduwa is a storybook end-of-summer beach destination with trendy aprés-beach cafes, as well as bars and pubs pulsing with a lively atmosphere. And let’s not forget that it offers a wide selection of water sports. For the adventurous folks the ancient ruins of Sinharaja Forest Reserve travel in a few minutes.
UNAWATUNA
This beautiful crescendo-shaped yachting place is where the azure water is calm and safe to visit. Therefore, it very much suits families and those who enjoy spending time relaxing. You don’t need to visit the aquarium to see colorful corals and diverse marine life. You just need to go to the seaside and explore the widely known reefs that are teeming with life or visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Shri Maha Bodhiya to discover the history of the historic Dutch Fort Galle.
GALLE
In this cozy town stands a fortified strip of coast known as the historic site as well as a place for relaxation. Take a stroll along the ramparts of the Galle Fort, which is a worldwide heritage site, visit the colorful bazaars, or simply relax in a state of total relaxation at the beautiful beaches.
MIRISSA
Whale-watching enthusiasts, rejoice! Mirissa is the very place where you can watch these gorgeous blue whales and several others. It often becomes a hunting point for the dolphins and marine giants. Whale watching gives you an adrenaline rush on one side but there is always an opportunity to relax on the golden sand or venture into nearby lagoons with teeming birdlife.
HIRIKETIYA
For bohemian surf chic there is only one choice on the south coast: Hiriketiya. “Hiri” has taken off in recent years, with boutique hotels, craft shops, yoga workshops and cafés serving flat whites and vegan burgers springing up to keep bronzed and buffed surfers entertained when they’re on land. The beautiful beach curves around a sheltered horseshoe bay, making Hiri a great spot for swimming too.
KALPITIYA
Kalpitiya, on the west coast, is an excellent choice if you’d like some water sports with your beach holiday. The sport in question is kite-surfing, and there are plenty of outfitters ready to help you launch across the waves, whatever your experience level. The winds are strongest from May to September. Between November and April, come to see a different life-form enjoying the water: boat trips head out into the ocean to track thousands of dolphins frolicking off shore.
Jungle beach Trincomalee
Sri Lanka’s east coast beaches are best visited between May and October, and Jungle beach (not to be confused with Jungle beach near Galle) is a great option for adults and families with older kids. The 4km-long secluded stretch of sand is backed by — you guessed it — dense jungle, with Indian Ocean waves perfect for jumping in. You may choose to stay at Uga Jungle Beach, one of the boutique hotels here, or if the budget doesn’t stretch, just pop in for lunch. This part of the coast is great for whale-watching and dolphin-spotting which can be booked at the hotel or with a local business.
Uppuveli
The wide sandy beaches on Sri Lanka’s east coast aren’t solely the preserve of tourists, and that’s a big part of their appeal. Local fishermen push their colourful wooden boats into the Indian Ocean from the beach just as sun-worshippers set up camp for the day between swaying palms or play volleyball on the white sands. Once the sun sets, all activity switches to the few laid-back beach bars.
Kosgada
The sight of thousands of newly hatched baby turtles frantically dashing to the ocean is one you’re unlikely to forget. There are many beaches in Sri Lanka where turtles nest, but Kosgada on the west coast is the one to head to for a more organised experience. There’s a small conservation centre and hatchery here, and you can witness the release of baby green sea turtles during hatching season from November to May.
Koggala
All along the south coast you’ll spot tall poles sticking out of the surf a few metres from the shore. These belong to Sri Lanka’s stilt fishermen, who once perched on them to reel in their catch. They tend to earn more money from tourists now, accepting a few rupees to clamber up for a photo opportunity, but it is still an evocative sight. Koggala, a curving, boulder-strewn sweep of sand, is a good place to see them.
Marakolliya
With coconut palms bowing over a long arc of perfect sand washed by turquoise waters, Marakolliya is the stuff of tropical beach fantasies. It gets surprisingly few visitors compared with other beaches on the south coast, perhaps because it has just one restaurant, so come here if you hanker after some solitude. There may be few human footprints on the sand but you might spot some flipper tracks — turtles arrive at night to nest.
Goyambokka
A moon-shaped, palm-fringed sweep of the finest sand; waves of azure water lapping the shore; a couple of discreet beach cafés from which to buy a coconut water or beer. It’s all here at Goyambokka. Even better, it feels like a bit of a secret and you won’t have to share it with many people. One of Sri Lanka’s finest hotels, the Amanwella, is close by: pop in for a meal and a nose.
Talpe
Quieter than many of the resort towns that pepper the south coast, Talpe is that perfect combination of seclusion and accessibility. Exclusive hotels and family-run guesthouses alike sit back from the golden sands of the surf-thrashed beach, hidden among coconut palms and frangipani trees. A big bonus is its proximity to the Dutch colonial town of Galle and the spice plantations of the interior, both just a short tuk-tuk journey away.
SIGIRIYA
Jump aboard a horrifying terrain to the summit of the Sigiriya, the Lion Rock Fortress. The monastery located on the rocky citadel is accessible after the trial of the exhausting but panoramic hike. The masterpiece hidden within creates a tangle of mysterious histories that one might unweave succeeding in a trial of climbing up.
ANURADHAPURA
Find out which elements compared to Anuradhapura, the old Sri Lankan capital, are hidden from the depths of history Visit immense stupas imbued with breathtaking figurative, intricate monasteries, and serene temples, the good of a time-forgotten glory.
POLONNARUWA
Fast forward in time to stay at Polonnaruwa, another beautifully ancient city. Admire the minute detailing, high sculptures, ruins, and archaeological finds that remain the best examples of an ancient time today.
KANDY
Discovered in the pastures of the beautiful hills, Kandy is the cultural hub of Sri Lanka. Treat your eyes to the breathtaking sight of the World Heritage Listed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and see the kaleidoscopic Esala Perahera, a cultural parade that displays all of Sri Lanka’s beauty.
DAMBULLA
May the mighty Dambulla Cave Temple enchant you through the overwhelming experiences of 05 cave temples where the golden veneer of Buddhist artwork embellishes the rock ceiling. Hurry to a cave complex covered with scripts and statues with Buddhist art on it, which will give you a sight of Sri Lanka’s rich spiritual heritage.
KATHARAGAMA
Soak in the lively cultural atmosphere of Kataragama; a city of fervent religious practices for Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims. Travel to ancient temples, keep your eyes open for gorgeous rituals and feel the spiritual level rise through the mixing of ethnicities and faiths.
UDAWALAWA
Udawalawe, worn as the dress of a lady, lords over Sri Lanka as Head of State with a more oppressive regulation for Wild Elephants than any other National Park in the country. Be the eyewitness of elephants romping through the wild, playful monkeys gamboling around the forest branches, and an array of birds flying in the highest skies.
YALA
The favorite national park of Sri Lanka, Yala Park, is famous across the globe for having the highest density of leopards in the world. Whirl off on a rollercoaster jeep safari and keep yourself ready to spot exciting leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and other interesting birds.
WASGAMUWA
Make an adventure of navigating through the three regions of Wasgamuwa National Park rangelands, wetlands, and shrub forests. See unique animals as you dash through the herds of majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and indigenous birds like the Sri Lanka bush lark, and observe crocodiles resting in the sun.
MINNERIYA
Feel the excitement of the mammoth Elephant Gathering at the Minneriya National Park, where standing camels are a common occurrence. In the dry season, countless elephants head to the shore of this lake located in the region to drink, causing a visual spectacle beyond imagination.
KUMANA
Not only will you be able to see the range of landscapes at Kumana National Park, which consists of lagoons, scrub forests, and swamp lands but you will also be able to practice your wildlife and outdoor skills. Observe varieties of wilderness, elephants, sloth bears, and winged animals e.g. the pelicans, and painted storks, and even be able to catch sight of the rare Sri Lankan leopard.
SINHARAJA
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sinharaja National Park which is filled with wildlife is a rare jewel of this area. Roam around to view this jungle filled with lots of different plants and animals where you may come across some rare endemics and the sight of waterfalls going down to an occasion of a colorful view of nature. For those seeking to be enchanted by nature, this is heaven on earth.
KNUCKLES
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Knuckles Mountain Range in central Sri Lanka is well-known for its craggy peaks, thick forests, and abundant wildlife. This isolated location, shaped like a clenched fist, has hiking paths that wind through foggy mountains, traditional towns, and waterfalls. With its unique flora and animals, it’s a nature lover’s paradise that offers peace and quiet amidst Sri Lanka’s pristine splendour.
KITHULGALA
If you are searching for thrilling activities Kitulgala is the best white-water rafting destination of Sri Lanka. Experience the thrill of crashing through the rapids of the Rainforests-covered Kelani River. This is, on the one hand, the journey for the seeker of thrill and the nature lover, on the other hand.
ADAM'S PEAK
With a trip to Adam Peak, a sacred site considered the salvation by Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims you can have a memorable, however, everyday experience. Fully plunge into the balmy night and during your hike, you will notice that the brilliant sunrise is unfolding from the peak level to give unbelievable views of the surrounding country.
NUWARA ELIYA
Primarily described as “Little England”, the town presents a chilly, relaxing area, and is full of the charms of the old colonial days. Take an exhilarating stroll through the open grasslands of Horton Plains National Park and be inspired by the World’s End cliffside overlooking. Drive to some tea plantations and be involved in each of them to learn more, and visit the Nuwara Eliya market to see its lively, jolly people.
ELLA
Forget the bustling crowds and let the tranquility of the beautiful hill town of Ella embrace you while a natural environment of breathtaking mountains surrounds you from all sides. Witness the tea hills that go green in all directions and the beauty of Ravana Falls. Catch your breath, and get ready to be blown away by the scenery from Ella Rock.
Beaches
Cultural Triangle
Nature & Wildlife
Adventure & Trekking
Hill Country