Sri Lanka has myriads of sites and attractions. Some might say there are too many to list them all down, but we will try our best. Here is your complete and ultimate list to where to stay in Sri Lanka and which areas to choose. We have listed the top cultural sites to visit, cities to explore and beaches to catch the wave.
Ready to plan your perfect Sri Lanka itinerary?
Where to stay in Sri Lanka
- Anuradhapura
- Polonnaruwa
- Sigiriya
- Dambulla
- Kandy
- Colombo
- Galle
- Jaffna
- Nuwara Eliya / Ella
- Beaches in the South Coast
- Beaches in the East Coast
Map of the areas in Sri Lanka
Cultural and Religious Sites in Sri Lanka
With a rich history of over 2500 years, Sri Lanka has always remained in touch with its cultural and religious values. To this day, more than 90% of the country identify themselves as deeply religious. This is a trait that has stemmed down from ancient times. Therefore it is no surprise that there are many sites of cultural and religious value in Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$ | Culture, history, sightseeing | 86 miles | * * | * *** | * | ** * | * | * | * * |
According to written records, Anuradhapura was the very first organized empire in Sri Lankan history. First established by king Pandukabhaya the in 377BC, the kingdom lasted for over 1500 years. It was considered greatly ahead of its time, as evidence of advanced irrigation systems and city planning has been discovered. In total, the kingdom oversaw the rule of over 100 Sinhalese kings. Another famous king from this era was King Dutugemunu the great. He is widely considered as one of the greatest kings to have ruled the country as he liberated it from South Indian invaders, while also uplifting religious affairs and the economy.
Today Anuradhapura is a site that is not to be missed by the visitors. Located 200km away from the capital of Colombo, the sprawling city is a history buff’s dream. Every nook and corner is a little piece of ancient history just waiting to be discovered.
Who should go to Anuradhapura? Families, School Children & students, Persons interested in the history and culture of the Anuradhapura Kingdom
Key things to see in Anuradhapura
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya
This actually is a large fig tree which is believed to be the tree under which Lord Buddha attained Nirvana (Enlightenment). Planted in roughly 288 BC, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya is considered to be the oldest tree in the world with a known date of planting.
Ruwanweli Saya
This is a “dagaba”, a hemispherical structure which contains relics. King Dutugemunu built the Ruwanweli Saya in 140 BC after unifying Sri Lanka after defeating the Chola king “Elara”. Buddhists all over the world consider the dagaba to be a holy place.
Isurumuniya
Situated near the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura, Isurumuniya is famous for its carvings of special interest. King Devanampiyatissa built the temple around 307 BC to 267 BC. You can still see the intricate details on the walls inside the temple.
Mihintale
Buddhism was brought to Sri Lanka by the monk named “Mihindu”. Mihintale is believed to be the place where the monk met King Devanampiyatissa, a king who converted to Buddhism and paved way for the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
The Twin Baths (Kuttam Pokuna)
Kuttam pokuna is a rare glimpse into the quality of skilled workers in ancient Sri Lanka. The twin baths are considered to be a great hydro-engineering marvel and an artistic construction by the ancient Sinhalese.
Polonnaruwa
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$ | Culture, history, sightseeing | 121 miles | * * | * *** | * | ** * | * | * | * * * |
The second kingdom in Sri Lankan history was established in the lush, bountiful plains on Polonnaruwa. While it did not have the longevity of its predecessor, it still made many valuable contributions to Sri Lankan history. It is believed that irrigation reached its optimum point during this era.
The main city complex remains largely intact and is something you should not miss out on. Polonnaruwa is also home to one of Sri Lanka’s best museums. This museum conducts and directs numerous excavations throughout the area and displays some truly magnificent findings throughout its halls. If you visit Polonnaruwa you can’t afford to miss the following attractions.
Who should go to Polonnaruwa? – Families, School Children & students, Persons interested in the history and culture of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom
Key things to see in Polonnaruwa
Gal Viharaya
Gal viharaya literally means rock temple. The central feature of the temple are the statues of Buddha carved into a large granite rock.
Nissanka Latha Mandapaya
Built by King Nishshankamalla during the Polonnaruwa era and named after the king, Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is a unique structure whose architectural style is not found anywhere else in the country. The Mandapaya is situated in one of the most sacred areas on the premises which makes its importance grow even more.
The Polonnaruwa Vatadage
The Vatadage is of extreme religious and cultural significance since it is believed that the structure used to hold either the alms bowl used by Lord Buddha or the relic of the tooth of the Lord Buddha. The Vatadage was in ruins for several centuries until restoration began in 1903.
Statue of King Parakramabahu
The statue is situated near the Potgul Viharaya in Polonnaruwa. Most believe it to be a statue of King Parakramabahu while a few think it to be the statue of a sage. The statue is carved on a large boulder.
Sigiriya
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$$ | Culture, scenery, sightseeing | 80 miles | * * | * *** | * | ** * * | * * | * | * * * |
No trip to Sri Lanka would be complete without visiting this truly astounding site. Considered the 8th wonder of the world, the Sigiriya rock fortress often beggars belief. Can you believe that this ancient rock was converted into an entirely self-sufficient city with working waterways, swimming pools, and a palace? The story of King Kashyapa is worth the visit alone, and we will not spoil it for you either. Built entirely by hand, in a very short period of time, the site has always fascinated historians. Located just 3 hours from the city of Colombo, this UNESCO world heritage site is one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban living
Who should go to Sigiriya? – Families, School Children & students, History buffs, Couples, Groups of friends, Honeymooners, Backpackers
Dambulla
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$ | Culture, wildlife, scenery, sightseeing | 79 miles | * * | * *** | * | ** * | * * | * | ** |
Constructed in 200 A.D the Dambulla Rock Temple is another place of historical significance in Sri Lanka. It was named a UNESCO world heritage site in 1991. Towering 200 meters above the surrounding plains, visitors are treated to a 360-degree view of the Sri Lankan countryside. The caves themselves are home to multiple sculptures from ancient times. The walls of the temple itself depict the life of Gautama Buddha in intricately drawn paintings. There are a total of 153 hands sculpted Buddha statues found inside the caves.
Who should go to Dambulla? – Families, School Children & students, History buffs, Backpackers
Kandy – The Temple of the Tooth
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$ | Culture, history, nature, sightseeing | 79 miles | * * | * *** | * | ** * | * * | * | ** |
The city of Kandy is home to the most sacred possession of the Sri Lankan people. The tooth relic of Lord Buddha is the largest remaining artifact from the body of Lord Buddha himself. It is the most revered and sacred of sites for over 1 billion Buddhists worldwide. Encased in a miniature solid gold dagaba within the inner sanctum of the temple, the relic is over 2500 years old. To protect its integrity and preserve it for future generations the relic is displayed only once every 5 years. In the past, Sri Lankans believed that the person who possessed the relic would be the rightful king of the island. It has been attacked many times by foreign invaders and more recently by the terrorist movement known as the LTTE. However, the relic has survived this gruesome past and remains to this day. If you are to employ a tour guide during your stay in Sri Lanka, you might find them trying to coerce you into visiting the temple. There is no ill will here, they simply believe that every person that visits Sri Lanka should receive the blessings of this holy site.
Who should go to Kandy? – Families, School Children & students, History buffs, Couples, Groups of friends, Honeymooners, Backpackers, Shoppers
Cities of interest in Sri Lanka
Read on what are the best cities to visit in Sri Lanka to explore the island’s modern culture.
Colombo
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$$ | Culture, history, shopping, sightseeing | 20 miles | * * | * *** | * | ** * | * * | * | * |
Colombo is the functioning capital of Sri Lanka. It is a city undergoing a massive deal of development. Unlike most cities in Sri Lanka, you will be able to experience a more modern cityscape here. The city is very well planned and filled to the brim with exquisite restaurants, cafes, interactive parks and of course the country’s parliament.
Who should go to Colombo? – Families, School Children & students, Couples, Partygoers, Shopaholics, Luxury Travellers
Galle
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$$ | Culture, history, shopping, sightseeing | 94 miles | * * | * *** | * * | ** * | * * | * | ** |
Galle is the Southern capital of Sri Lanka. Located just 100km from Colombo, this seaside city is most famous for its larger than life fort. Built by the Dutch in the 1600s the fort is a beautiful structure overlooking the vast Indian ocean. Today, the old building has been renovated and converted into numerous tourist attractions. The fort was named a UNESCO heritage site in the late 1990s.
Who should go to Galle? – Families, Couples, Partygoers, Luxury Travellers, Surfers, Ocean Lovers, Backpackers, Honeymooners, Group of friends
Jaffna
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$ | Culture, history, sightseeing | 231 miles | * * | * *** | ** | ** | * | ** | * |
Jaffna is actually the northern capital of Sri Lanka. The story of Jaffna is a tragic one, as it was one of the cities most affected by the brutal civil war in the country. While many of its historical sites were destroyed as a result of the war, the city has undergone a renaissance as of late. Nowadays, visitors are reminded of the massive Hindu influence in Sri Lanka when visiting this city. Jaffna also serves as a reminder to Sri Lankans of the cruelty of war. It is home to many war memorials encouraging us to never return to such a situation ever again.
Who should go to Jaffna? – Families, Couples, Backpackers, History buffs, Group of friends
Nuwara Eliya / Ella
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$ | Hiking, nature, tea, architecture | 147 miles | * ** | * ** | * | *** | ** | * | ** |
Nuwara Eliya and Ella are hillside cities famous for its cold weather, glorious mountain treks and, of course, the tea fields. Located in the central province of the country, these two mist – covered mountainside cities are not to be missed. The best way to visit this area is via a 3-hour train ride that spirals across mountainous tea fields, opening up to breathtaking vistas.
Who should go to Nuwara Eliya/Ella? – Families, Couples, Backpackers, Hikers, Honeymooners, Solo Travellers, Group of friends, Yogis
Top Beaches in Sri Lanka
Check the top beaches to put on your must-visit list in Sri Lanka. Looking for additional information about Sri Lanka’s beaches? Then check our guide to the beach life in Sri Lanka!
Southern Coast
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$ | Watersports, whale watching, wildlife, nightlife | 88 miles | * *** | * * | * *** | *** | *** | **** | **** |
The South Coast of Sri Lanka is considered the more mainstream coastal belt, due to its accessibility. With the construction of the southern highway, most beaches in this area are just 1 hour away from Colombo.
Some of the most popular beach areas are
- Bentota – Beautiful, unspoiled beach ideal for rest and relaxation
- Hikkaduwa – Famous for corals and deep sea diving
- Unawatuna – Serene, untouched beach that is also famous for its nightlife.
- Mirissa – Famous for its nightlife and whale watching.
- Tangalle – Quiet, secluded beach about 100km from Galle.
Eastern Coast
| Price | Good for | Airport | Kids | Culture | Beaches | Dining | Nightlife | Surf | Safari |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $$$ | Watersports, whale watching, wildlife, relaxing | 212 miles | * *** | * * | * *** | *** | ** | **** | ** |
The East Coast is one of Sri Lanka’s hidden treasures. It is home to the very best beaches not just in Sri Lanka, but arguably the world. However, due to time constraints and distance of access, they have fewer visitors than the beaches of the southern coast (which makes them a perfect off-beat destination).
Some of the top beaches that you must visit are
- Nilaveli (Trincomalee) – Nilaveli translates to power blue waves. It was voted the best beach in South Asia in 2015
- Pasikudah – A secluded, calm beach with amazing marine life and shallow waters
- Arugambay – A surfers paradise. Hosts of the world surfing games organized by red bull
Other Beaches
- Kalpitiya – Famous for kite surfing and Dolphin watching
- Mount Lavinia – A urban beach located in Colombo
- Negombo – A lovely fishing village close to the airport with a lively beach strip
These are but a few of the highlights of what you can experience in Sri Lanka. It would be almost impossible to list down everything that this amazingly versatile country has to offer. It is a destination that will “wow” you from the moment you arrive until the moment you depart. Happy travels!