Today I’m taking you to the beautiful Asian island of Sri Lanka and sharing my top 10 Sri Lanka attractions. The island awaits you with diverse nature, the beautifully lush highlands, interesting temples, national parks, exciting wildlife, beautiful beaches, and plenty of culture. You’ll be spoiled for choice and could probably stay on the island for a whole year to enjoy all the amazing adventures. In the following article, I’ll show you 10 great places you shouldn’t miss on your trip. There’s much more to see, but for your first trip to Sri Lanka, we’ll focus on the following 10 highlights. Enjoy browsing.
- Sri Lanka Attractions
- 1. Sri Lanka Attractions – Kandy
- 2. Highlands: Nuwara Eliya and Ella
- 3. Udawalawe National Park
- 4. Pigeon Island National Park
- 5. Adam’s Peak & Little Adam’s Peak
- 6. Sri Lanka Highlight – Sigiriya Lion Rock
- 7. Horton Plains National Park
- 8. Sri Lanka Sights – Yala National Park
- 9. Trincomalee in the North
- 10. Polonnaruwa Ruins
- Attention: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Sri Lanka Sights
There is so much to see in Sri Lanka that the decision is not easy. Whether it is hikes, beaches, national parks, idyllic mountain villages, the highlands, the underwater world or impressive rocks and temples – boredom can never arise in Sri Lanka. On the following map, I have marked some of the most important Sri Lanka sights so that you can get a first impression of the country. Did I forget a special place? Feel free to write it in the comments. Also interesting: Best time to travel to Sri Lanka and Visa & Entry.
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1. Sri Lanka Sights – Kandy
In the center of Sri Lanka, amidst the green highlands, lies the famous city of Kandy. You’ve probably heard this name before, because Kandy has several highlights to offer. The journey alone is an experience in itself. One of the most beautiful train routes in the world lies between Ella and Kandy and offers you fabulous views of the green mountain landscape.
Once you arrive in Kandy, you’ll surely be drawn to one of the main attractions, the world-famous Temple of the Tooth with its adjacent Kandy Lake. The Temple of the Tooth has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. It is one of the most important temples in Sri Lanka and one of the holiest sites in Buddhism. Many pilgrims come here every year to venerate the sacred canine tooth of Buddha. The adjacent, beautifully landscaped lake invites you to linger.
Kandy Tours:
- Kandy: Temples, Gardens, Cultural Show & Highlights Tour*
- Tour of Kandy: Historical All-Inclusive Tour with Three Temples*
- From Kandy: Panduwasnuwara & Yapahuwa Guided Tour*
2. Highlands: Nuwara Eliya and Ella
The highlands of Sri Lanka are known primarily for their beautiful nature, the many green tea plantations, and breathtaking views. The best way to travel between these places is by train. Who hasn’t seen the image: the blue train with people sticking their heads out the window into the green landscape? Both Nuwara Eliya and Ella immerse you in a world all their own.
Actually, they’re “just” small villages with not many tourist attractions apart from lots of nature, forest, and a few corner shops. Nevertheless, hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers will find their money’s worth here. Visit one of the many tea plantations, hike up Adam’s Peak, and stroll through picturesque villages. The highlands around Ella are one of the absolute highlights of Sri Lanka for most travelers.
Nuwara Eliya and Ella Tours:
- From Kandy: Shanthipura and Nuwara Eliya*
- From Colombo: Sri Lanka Tour Kandy and Nuwara Eliya (2 days)*
- Nuwara Eliya: Ella & Little Adam’s Peak All-Inclusive Tour*
- From Ella: Day tour to Lipton’s Seat and Dambatenne Tea Factory*
- Ella: Rocks, 9 Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak with transfer*
3. Udawalawe National Park
In 1972, the region between Sabaragamuwa and the Eva Province in southern Sri Lanka was declared a national park to provide a safe habitat for animal species such as elephants, birds, buffalo, and others. The majority of Udawalawe National Park consists of grasslands and thornbush savannahs. It’s best to book a tour with a jeep and guide from Ratanapura, Tissa, Hambantota, Hikaduwa, or Unawatuna for a unique experience. The guides can tell you a lot about the landscape and the animals and will take you safely through the national park. Safari Time Baby!
Udawalawe National Park Tours:
- Udawalawe National Park: Private Safari*
- Afternoon in the Park or Morning Safari*
- Udawalawe: Day Safari Tour with Lunch*
4. Pigeon Island National Park
The fascinating Pigeon Island National Park is located about 1 km from Nilaveli on the east coast of Sri Lanka. A boat taxi provides easy access to the island, which offers one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular underwater worlds. This snorkeling paradise awaits you with colorful corals and plenty of colorful fish of all sizes in beautiful blue water. Small hiking trails lead you to viewing platforms on the island, from which you can see all the way to the mainland. Pigeon Island is definitely worth a trip!
5. Adam’s Peak & Little Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak is arguably the most famous mountain in Sri Lanka. At 2245 meters, it towers above the green highlands and attracts several thousand pilgrims every day. If you want to climb Adam’s Peak, you should set off for the 5300 steps in the early morning hours. The climb takes about 2-3 hours and is quite strenuous. Once at the top, you can admire the sunrise with a stunning view.
Little Adam’s Peak is, so to speak, the easier little brother of Adam’s Peak. From the Flower Garden in Ella, you can walk this beautiful trail in about 30 minutes. Sandy paths and steps lead you to the summit, offering a wonderful view of the mountainous region surrounding Ella. There’s also a small Buddha statue to see. Definitely a good and easier alternative to the big Adams Peak.
Tours Adams Peak:
- From Colombo: 2-day tour to Adam’s Peak*
- Nuwara Eliya: Ella & Little Adam’s Peak All-Inclusive Tour*
- Ella: Half-day tour Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arch Bridge*
6. Sri Lanka Highlight – Sigiriya Lion Rock
Another highlight and one of the most popular sights in Sri Lanka is the 200-meter-high Sigiriya Lion Rock, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Over 1,200 steps lead you up the Lion Staircase to the summit plateau, offering a 360° view of the region. In addition to a beautiful landscape, the rock, with its murals and ruins, also offers a unique insight into the country’s history. The climb is definitely worth it!
Sigiriya Lion Rock Tours:
- From Colombo: Day Tour to Sigiriya and Dambulla*
- Sigiriya: Guided Hike through the Rock Fortress*
- From Kandy: Sigiriya Rock, Village Tour and Minneriya Park*
7. Horton Plains National Park
The Horton Plains National Park is another highlight for all nature lovers in Sri Lanka. Just about an hour from Nuwara Eliya lies Horton Plains National Park, home to the Peak Wilderness Reserve and the Knuckles Conservation Forest. The most famous sight in Horton Plains National Park is the steep cliffs, known as World’s End, which drop several hundred meters. On a clear day, you’ll have a breathtakingly beautiful view all the way to Udawalawe National Park and the ocean. It’s definitely worth arriving early in the morning and taking a break at the 20-meter-high Bakers Falls on your way back. The 9 km circular trail also passes Chimney Pool, a natural pool fed by the Belihul Oya. You should allow about 4 to 6 hours for this wonderful tour in a stunning setting. Book your adventurous tour here*.
8. Sri Lanka Sights – Yala National Park
Yala National Park is the oldest nature reserve in Sri Lanka and, with approximately 1500 km², is located in the south of the country. It is arguably the most popular national park among travelers, mainly due to its diverse animal population. You can observe crocodiles, elephants, numerous species of monkeys, and even leopards (with a lot of luck). Yala National Park also offers a fabulous landscape with lagoons, large trees, rocks, waterholes, and dunes. Nature lovers are definitely in the perfect place here.
Yala National Park Tours:
- Yala National Park: Leopard Safari Day Tour & Lunch*
- Private “Golden Hour” Safari in Yala National Park*
- Yala National Park: 2-Day Luxury All-Inclusive Safari*
9. Trincomalee in the North
In the east of Sri Lanka lies the city of Trincomalee, which has a strong Hindu influence. Therefore, the city’s two main attractions include the two Hindu temples, Sri Pathrakali, and the considerably larger and more impressive Thiru Koneswaram Temple, which stands on a hill above the city with its Shiva statue. Animal lovers will also be delighted by the cute deer and stags that roam around the temple and often stop for a photo. The city is also a good starting point for a day trip to Pigeon Island, a beautiful snorkeling paradise (see Highlight 4).
Trincomalee Tours:
- Trincomalee: Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour*
- From Dambulla: Trincomalee Sightseeing Tour*
10. Polonnaruwa Ruins
The ruined city of Polonnaruwa, once the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom, tells a unique story. Located 140 km north of Kandy, these historic ruins have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. Amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, you can admire impressive temples, monumental stupas, palaces, and countless Buddha statues, either by bike or on foot. You should plan at least half a day for the historic ruins of Polonnaruwa, as there is a lot to see there.
Tours Polonnaruwa:
- From Dambulla: Private Day Tour to Polonnaruwa and Minneriya*
- From Colombo: Day Tour to the Ancient Capital of Polonnaruwa*
- Day Trip to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa from Negombo*
- Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle 2-Day Tour from Colombo*
Please note: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Just a few kilometers from the town of Kegalle, near Kandy, lies the Pinnawala Elephant “Orphanage”, where orphaned baby elephants are supposedly bottle-fed by keepers and then integrated into a large herd of pachyderms. At the orphanage, you can get very close to these elephants, accompany them (for a fee) to the river to bathe, or watch them being fed. At least, that’s what tourists are led to believe!
But this orphanage is more of a “petting zoo” designed to make a lot of money quickly. According to online reports from former visitors, you can see elephants with heavy chains around their necks and legs. Supposedly, this is because they are “aggressive bulls.” Keepers sit on the elephants’ backs, holding hooked points in the animals’ necks. I do not want to support such excursions under any circumstances and ask you NOT to visit this place!
Posts on this topic:
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Elephants Suffer Here
- Animal Cruelty in Sri Lanka: Pinnawela “Elephant Orphanage”
- Presenter Exposes Animal Welfare Project as a Petting Zoo for Naive Tourists