10 Iconic Places To Visit In Sri Lanka That You Will Love

Our trip to Sri Lanka was a rather impromptu thing. We had two weeks of leave and nowhere to go. Sri Lanka was our best bet since the tickets were cheap given the eleventh hour. We did not even make an itinerary when we started. One could say that our two week itinerary in Sri Lanka sort off unfolded on its own.

I think that one of the reasons why we did not plan in detail was because there were so many places to visit in Sri Lanka and we had a hard time narrowing down our choices. Instead, we chose to go wherever the wind blew us. The list of places to visit in Sri Lanka below will show just why making a choice was so hard.

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1. Colombo

Inside one of the temples in Colombo.

The capital city of Sri Lanka is rather well developed as compared to most of the other parts of the country. It has a better transport system and is the largest city on the island. It isn’t a wonder that people from across the country come to the capital in search of a better future.

As a traveler, you will find yourself given the choice of stopping here. If you do, you will find that the city has a number of temples and a lot of history to explore.

2. Galle

A glimpse of the wall of Galle fort.

If you like places with history, then Galle is a place that you really should add to your list. Located a short distance away from Colombo, you can reach it either by bus or by train. Alternatively, you could hire a cab. The city lies along the coast and is rather small.

The draw to this destination however is the Galle fort. The picturesque little fort with its tiny cobbled paths, iconic monuments and gorgeous cafes is a must see if you are in the area. You can spend a lot of time wandering along the little streets or just breeze past.

I know that when we visited, we spent the better part of the evening and stopped to catch the sunset here. Trust me, the view is amazing. So make sure that you have a great spot in time to watch the sky turn color.

3. Unawatuna

The gorgeous Unawatuna beach.

If you are going through this list of places to visit in Sri Lanka and want something that is laid back and has a beach to enjoy then Unawatuna is the place for you. At driving distance away from Galle, this little sandy stretch of land draws a lot of tourists because of its chill laid back vibe.

Jump into the water, swim or kick back and enjoy the view. If you don’t want to spend the day lazing around, then there are a number of things to do in the area. It is also close to the Galle Fort so you can choose to have your base close by or in the city. I think this is particularly one of the best parts about this place because you can easily cater to your needs based on your preferences.

4. Tissamaharama

Wildlife near Tissamaharama.

Tissamaharama or more popularly known as Tissa would probably never make it on people’s list of places to visit in Sri Lanka if it was not close to the Yala National park. Tissamaharama on its own is a quiet laid-back village.

Tourists head here to catch a safari to the neighboring wildlife park. These tours are generally conducted throughout the year and are a great way to see the local wildlife. Unfortunately during the peak season, the routes into the park are backed up with loads of jeeps. It really gets kinda crazy. My advice would be to avoid these times of the year.

If you do head to Tissa, make sure to take a walk around the lake at sunset. I found that it was both beautiful and relaxing. If you want to do something a bit different, then take one of the cooking classes here.

5. Ella

An iconic spot near Ella.

My favourite among our list of places to visit in Sri Lanka definitely is Ella. Located in the middle of Sri Lanka, this little town is beautiful. Quiet and secluded among the hills, it is perfect for anyone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.

The altitude makes the temperatures cool and the greenery is a sight for sore eyes. To top it all, there are a number of things to do in Ella to keep you busy in case you don’t just want to sit in one spot. One of the most iconic places to visit while you are here is the Demodara nine arch bridge. Another spot that I really like is little Adam’s peak. It is an easy trek and the view is gorgeous.

Oh and did I mention that it is also a foodies paradise? I’ve tried some of the best food in Sri Lanka here in Ella.

6. Dambulla

Inside the Dambulla cave temple

If you ask people about the places to visit in Sri Lanka that they think you should add to the list, they are bound to mention Dambulla. Not only is Dambulla famous because of the Dambulla cave temple. The city itself is really small but it forms a part of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka and is the perfect base should you want to head to the iconic Sigiriya also known as Lion’s rock.

Many people choose to take tours from here. Alternatively, a cheaper way would be to take the bus which is rather infrequent or to rent a scooter. We chose to go with the latter.

7. Polonnaruwa

Potgul Vehera in Polonnaruwa.

Another point of interest when it comes to the cultural places to visit in Sri Lanka is Polonnaruwa. An ancient city lies at this spot in Sri Lanka. While modern civilization has grown around its borders, the ancient city can still be seen standing in parts.

The government has done a remarkable job of ensuring that the site is protected. A wall runs around the city which means that you can get in only if you have a ticket. Make sure you carry water because it can get really hot.

The ancient city covers a great deal of area so I would highly recommend either riding a motorbike or cycling around.

8. Anuradhapura

The Samahi Buddha in Anuradhapura is one of the iconic places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Another ancient city that should be on your list of places to visit in Sri Lanka is Anuradhapura. This city is more popular and well known by the tourists heading into the country. I however found that I enjoyed visiting Polonnaruwa more.

Both the ancient cities however have their own merits. Unlike Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura isn’t fenced in. Its iconic sites merge with the city and in a way both the ancient city and the modern city have become one. Most of the religious sites of the ancient city are still currently in use here.

9. Trincomalee

Koneswaram temple in Trincomalee.

On the eastern coast of Sri Lanka lies a town called Trincomalee. It was the last place that we visited before we headed back. Trincomalee is famous for its proximity to some really beautiful beaches. The Koneswaram temple is a popular landmark in the area.

Located on a hill, you will find that you get a brilliant view of the coast from the top. On your way back down you can stop at one of the local restaurants to enjoy a cool drink with the view. In addition to this there are a couple of other things to do but instead of droning on about them, I will just direct you to our guide to Trincomalee so you can read about it in greater detail.

10. Kandy

Located right in the heart of Sri Lanka, is a city called Kandy. The bustling city is a famous stop on most tourist routes for a number of reasons. Not only does it have a gorgeous lake, numerous tea plantations and gorgeous weather, Kandy is also home to some historic Buddhist temples.

The temple of the Tooth is one of the sacred Buddhist sites. This means that Kandy is also a pilgrimage spot for people who practice Buddhism. This makes it one of the popular places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Have you been to Sri Lanka? How many of these iconic places have you visited? Let us know in the comments below.

Other Posts That Will Interest You

• Temporary driving permit in Sri Lanka
• How to get from Colombo to Galle
• Ella to Kandy by train
• Trincomalee to Colombo by bus
• Dambulla to Trincomalee by bus
• Kandy to Dambulla by bus
• Transport in Sri Lanka

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