Top 10 Places to Visit in Sri Lanka | Travel Guide 2023

Overfilled with attractive geographies and spectacular vistas, Sri Lanka will be one of the finest destinations in 2023. According to renowned Global travel journals, Sri Lanka is among the world’s top countries to visit in 2023. Indeed, there are so many gorgeous places to visit in Sri Lanka. With lovely beaches in the seaside area, the stunning countryside in the hill country, activities and adventures, all travellers to this gorgeous island will be pleased. We listed travellers’ choices in the top 10 Places to visit in Sri Lanka. 

1. Galle 

Galle city’s origins are early as a harbour. It was recorded a few centuries when Cinnamon was shipped from here for a thousand years. Upon these beaches and Galle’s natural pier, King Solomon came for horns, peacocks, also different lands valuables. Obeying Portuguese and later Dutch establishment was a central point in the spice exchange and the main harbour for Sri Lanka for 200 years till the British changed the primary port to Colombo.

Several visits to Galle wander the quiet colonial roads, lighthouse, and museum included in UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, hotels in Galle are fascinating and suitable for any budget or preference. Coupling journeys of cultural phenomena with nature scenes like blue whale-watching, bike journeys, and river excursions give you anywhere to go, stay, dine, drink and observe in this incomparable town.

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Galle

2. Colombo 

Colombo includes many attractions and landmarks. Like the Galle Face Green, a stunning green ground facing the ocean is located beside the most bustling Colombo-Galle road and the National museum, Independence Memorial Hall, Town Hall and Viharamahadevi Park, among others. Also, remarkable and elegant Star class hotels in Colombo, international hotel brands such as the Hilton, Shangri- La and locally origin Galle Face Hotel have accommodated many honour, International guests from all over the world.

The city is strangely culturally, religiously and ethnically various. Famous Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils, churches and mosques were established throughout the city. The Gangarama Buddhist Temple, Red Mosque and the Kathiresan Kovil draw local and foreign travellers daily.

Besides the unique colonial structure, Colombo’s most popular function is shopping for locals and foreigners. The city is scattered with Shopping plazas such as the independence arcade, Gem shops, tea shops and Clothing stores. Guests can discover each variety of authentic Sri Lankan foods or Chinese, Japanese, and Italian cuisines .mention a several but lots taste. Colombo City is further renowned for its nightlife with world-class casinos and Night Clubs.

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Colombo

3. Sigiriya 

Sigiriya, also identified as the Lion’s Rock, is a rock fortress and a palace located in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. Gardens, ponds and other structures surround this ruin. King Kassapa built Sigiriya, which is retained as a World Heritage site. Sigiriya is the best-preserved city centre in Asia.

Furthermore, Pidurangala Rock, located next to Sigiriya, gives equally grand panoramas of the surrounding region, a well-known cave complex, and several incredible views facing the legendary Sigiriya rock.

Suggested Read: The Best Beaches in Sri Lanka 

4. Kandy 

Kandy is the last Singhalese Royal Kingdom of Sri Lanka, with dramatic geography covered by beautiful peaks located in the centre of the passageway, placed 1,600 feet above Sea Level. The city is well known for the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, the most revered Buddhist Temple and The Royal Botanic Gardens, with more than 4,000 marked species of flora. Also, Kandy is a well-planned city during the British colonial period of Ceylon (Sri lanka). Considering these validities, UNESCO declared Kandy a UNESCO World Heritage. Kandy is the second most prominent city in Sri Lanka, with a total of 1,940 SQ K.M. and is an influential tourist attraction. In addition, Kandy plays a vital role in the diverse cultures of Sinhala & Tamil communities.

During August, Kandy evolves highly due to the Kandy Esala Perehera, which is hosted as an annual ceremony of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth. It usually attracts many local and foreign tourists who value Cultural monomials and Buddhist origin.

With the surplus of attractions and exciting places to visit, here are the ultimate familiar places in Kandy. From galleries to viewpoints, there is something for all types of visitors.

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Kandy 

5. Anuradhapura 

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first capital city, Also known as the Sacred City of Anuradhapura, is found in Northern Central Province, Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura is famous for its Archaeological sites, culture, food and attractions set upon an iconic inheritance backdrop.

Anuradhapura is a sacred city established in the 4th century B.C. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 under the name of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. The centre of Theravada Buddhism for several centuries. Theravada Buddhism is a fork of Buddhism resting on the oldest written Buddhist text as its faith.

The city of Anuradhapura held the capital city for the ethnic Sinhalese society from the 4th century B.C. till the beginning of the 11th century A.D. Throughout this time; it remained one of the most stable centres of political power in South Asia.

This early city is considered sacred to the Buddhist world. The town plays religious significance because it retains a cutting from the ‘tree of sophistication, the Buddha’s fig tree carried in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta – the originator of an array of Buddhist nuns.

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Anuradhapura

6. Polonnaruwa 

Discover the variety of attractions in Polonnaruwa during your vacation in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. From visiting the iconic remains of the ancient kingdom, like the Palace of King Parakramabahu, to venturing into exciting wildlife national safari parks like Minneriya, Angammedilla, and Wasgamuwa. There are a variety of attractions to visit as you travel to Polonnaruwa. Found just over 3 hours northeast of Kandy, Polonnaruwa puffs of immense historical, cultural, and architectural value are a place you shouldn’t miss!

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Polonnaruwa

7. Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya town and the surrounding area are one of the most vibrant locations in Sri Lanka, where you can spend prolonged lush greenery and calm weather. The Area is the ideal roost for families and couples to have an unforgettable experience. Adding to your bucket list and explain the Places to visit in Nuwara Eliya and enjoy a relaxing and stress-free journey on your next visit to a remarkable city. In Addition, Nuwara Eliya is a charming countryside spot for those who adore nature blended with classiness.

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Nuwara Eliya

8. Jaffna 

Jaffna region is one of the most attractive towns discovered on the northern pinpoint of Sri Lanka. Jaffna is comprehended for its dominant Tamil inhabitants, and the hospitality of the villagers will surely impress any visitor to this Area. So if you are scrutinising for a destination that delivers magnificence and excellent hospitality to tourists, Jaffna should be your next travel dream. 

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Jaffna

9. Trincomalee

Trincomalee is a port city on the eastern shore of Sri Lanka. The Bay of Trincomalee’s dock is renowned for its immense scope and protection; unlike in the Indian Ocean, The beaches are the abode for surfing, scuba diving, whale watching and fishing. The town also has the most extensive Dutch fort in Sri Lanka. Also, most Tamils and Sinhalese assume that this Area is sacred to the Trincomalee and its neighbourhoods have both Hindu and Buddhist sites of historical significance.

Suggested Read: Places to visit in Trincomalee

10. Ella 

Scenes of clouds comprising the mountain range’s peaks and the aurora in Ella are dramatic views to behold and capture. Following a morning hike, catch waterfalls, taste unique Sri Lankan cuisines scattered with a brew, and never miss that famous Nine Arch Bridge in the eventide; thou would certainly love all reality. Further, a hidden underground water pond called Nildiya pokuna visit is also a lifetime experience you can have near Ella.

Ella received its authentic preferences with Riligus history, especially Ravana novels like Rawana waterfalls and historic Ravana Caves.

Ella is unquestionably an area with lots of essence to experience, which direct you occupied and satisfied all the time.

Suppose you are looking for a place to relax from your hectic lifestyle and employ a quiet, comfortable experience by nature here in the Area. You will leave Ella in Sri Lanka with loving memories to last an existence.

Suggested Read: Popular National Parks in Sri Lanka