Sri Lanka is an island nation in South Asia where beaches, wildlife, rich cultural heritage, world-famous tea and flavourful food are the main draws. Sinhala and Tamil are the national languages, and the island preserves numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sri Lankan culture mixes modern and traditional elements in a way that feels entirely its own β its handicrafts, batik and tea are renowned worldwide, and its people are famously warm and friendly.
Colombo β The Capital
Colombo is Sri Lanka's capital, largest city and economic centre, home to the country's major corporate offices, restaurants and entertainment venues. Fancy cafes sit beside ancient shops, historical monuments, performing-arts centres and some of the best street food in South Asia.
Places to visit in Colombo
- Galle Face Green
- Beira Lake and Seema Malaka temple
- Colombo Dutch Museum
- Independence Square
- Colombo Lighthouse
- Crow Island Beach Park
- Sri Lanka Planetarium
- Colombo Port Maritime Museum
- Lotus Tower
Top Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka
- Sigiriya rock fortress
- Yala, Kumana and Gal Oya national parks
- Galle Dutch Fort
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Arugam Bay, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Ventura and Jungle beaches
- Ravana Falls and Baker's Falls
- Kandy Lake and Lake Gregory
- Adam's Peak
Sri Lanka's Cities
Sri Lanka's cities are among the most scenic in the region. These are the ones worth anchoring your itinerary around.
Kandy
Kandy, the second-largest city, sits in central Sri Lanka ringed by mountains and tea plantations β about a three-hour drive from Colombo. Landmarks, landscaped gardens, museums, lakes, heritage sites and one of the world's most spectacular train rides make it a highlight of any trip.
Places to visit in Kandy
- Kandy Lake
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Royal Botanical Gardens
- National Museum of Kandy and the Royal Palace
- Wales Park and Kandy Clock Tower
- Bahirawa Kanda Buddha Statue
- Highway Museum Complex
Galle
Galle, the jewel of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is best known for Galle Fort. Dutch colonial buildings, ancient churches, museums and mosques fascinate visitors. Reach it from Colombo by bus or train β the coastal ride itself is spectacular β then explore by tuk-tuk and shop for antiques as souvenirs.
Places to visit in Galle
- Galle Dutch Fort and Galle Lighthouse
- National Maritime Museum and National Museum of Galle
- Unawatuna, Jungle, Mihiripenna, Koggala and Pitiwella beaches
- Meeran Jumma Mosque
- Dharmapala Park
- Pigeon Island and Ratgama Lake
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya β often called Little England β offers picturesque landscapes and sits at the heart of Sri Lanka's tea production. It is the coolest part of the island, and the journey from Kandy by train or car is one of the most memorable experiences a Sri Lanka trip can offer.
Places to visit in Nuwara Eliya
- Lake Gregory and Victoria Park
- Pedro Tea Factory
- Hakgala Botanical Garden
- Glen Falls, Aberdeen Falls and Dunsinane Falls
- Gayathri Temple
- Kikiliyamana Mountain
Jaffna
Jaffna is the place to discover Sri Lankan Tamil culture. Beautiful temples, churches and leafy green streets enchant visitors, and Jaffna's cuisine β distinct from the rest of the island β is delicious in its own right. A culturally rich detour that makes any trip more interesting.
Places to visit in Jaffna
- Nallur Kandaswamy Temple
- Jaffna Fort
- Archaeological Museum
- Kadurugoda Vihara
- Mandaitivu Island and Uppu Aru Lagoon
- MGR Statue and Vaitheeswaran Kovil Pond
- St. Mary's Cathedral