Sri Lanka captivates the hearts of travellers with its unique blend of artisanal heritage, fragrant cuisine, and enchanting nature.
From exploring the ancient city of Anuradhapura to hiking through the tea plantations of Ella, Sri Lanka offers something for everyone. In this destination guide, we’ll delve into the top attractions, beautiful spots, and must-try cuisine that make Sri Lanka a must-visit destination.
1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress in Sri Lanka
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is an ancient rock fortress and palace located in central Sri Lanka. It was built to protect its inhabitants as it sits on top a 200-meter-tall natural rock formation, surrounded by lush greenery and water gardens. The palace complex at the top of the rock includes a royal palace, a throne room, a bathing pool, and several frescoes.
The most famous fresco at Sigiriya is the “Sigiriya Maidens,” a series of 21 painted figures believed to be part of a larger mural that once covered the entire western face of the rock. Due to its historical and archaeological significance, Sigiriya Rock Fortress was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.
2. Sri Lanka’s National Foods
The cuisine on the island captivates visitors with bold flavours and its variety of spices, such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Dhal, chicken, or fish curries are often served with rice, roti bread, and coconut sambal and are considered a staple Sri Lankan dish.
Another popular street food in Sri Lanka is the “short-eats”. These small, savoury snacks are perfect for a quick and delicious bite on the go. It is common to see vendors selling vegetable roti — flaky pastries with a filling of spiced vegetables, usually potatoes, onions, and carrots. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Pani Pol, a sweet and spicy pastry filled with a mix of grated coconut, treacle, and spices.
3. Sri Lanka National Parks
Sri Lanka boasts 26 National Parks, which cover a total of 5,734 square kilometres. This comes to about 8% of the country’s land area. Wilpattu National Park is the largest one in the country and has an area of approximately 1,317 square kilometres. Embark on a Wilpattu safari to get a glimpse of the leopards, sloth bears, and water buffaloes that live here. This national park is even more impressive, thanks to the ancient ruins and temples dotted around its dense forests.
Udawalawe National Park in Southern Sri Lanka is home to large elephant populations, sambar deer, water buffalo, and bird species. Bird-watching is particularly popular on Udawalawe safaris, as visitors hope to see the Sri Lankan junglefowl. This national park is less crowded than most tourist attractions, so its the perfect spot to immerse yourself in nature.
4. Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle
Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle includes three major historical sites — Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy. Anuradhapura was one of the first Sri Lankan capitals, dating back to the 4th century BC. The ancient city is an important Buddhist site, as it is believed to have been built near the sacred bodhi tree.
Polonnaruwa is another ancient Sri Lankan capitalfrom the 11-13th centuries AD. There you can see a Royal Palace complex adorned with stone-carved ornamentation. The third major site in the Cultural Triangle is Kandy, the last capital of Sri Lanka’s Kings. It is located in the Hill Country and hosts many cultural events year round.
5. Tropical Beaches
With over 1,340 kilometres of coastline, Sri Lanka offers an incredible range of beaches, from secluded coves to bustling party spots.
Unawatuna Beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, golden sands lined with palm trees, and coral reefs. The certified PADI diving centre offers scuba-diving rentals and courses for those who want to explore the coral gardens. The beach is also a great starting point if you want to embark on a boat trip to Galle Jungle Bay for some snorkelling adventures. If you prefer surfing, we recommend you visit Mirissa Beach. The waves here can reach up to 6ft. and are perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers.
6. Sri Lanka’s Hill Country
Sri Lanka’s Hill Country sits in the central part of the island and is made up of rolling hills and scenic mountain peaks. Here, you can escape the heat of the coastline and enjoy the landscape of hillside tea plantations, shrouded in mist.
One of the best ways to explore this region is with the beautiful train ride connecting Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Be sure to spot the many waterfalls along the way, before you stop at Ella hill station. This quaint town in the heart of the hill country has so much to offer! You can get a tuk-tuk from Ella to see the mesmerising Ravana Falls.
7. Sri Lanka’s hiking trails
Although so many of Sri Lanka’s hiking trails happen to be in the Hill Country, they deserve to be mentioned in this list. One of the most popular hikes in Sri Lanka is Adam’s Peak. Tourists from all religions flock to the summit, as it holds the so-called “sacred footstep”, or Sri Pada. The hiking trail itself takes 4 hours to complete. At the top, you can take advantage of the food and tea stalls that sell freshly brewed tea from the nearby plantations.
World’s end trail is another popular hike, located in Horton Plains National Park. It leads hikers past stunning waterfalls and hills to the edge of a cliff which drops 1,200m into the valley below.
8. Sri Lanka’s Luxury hospitality
Whether you go to Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo, or relax on its beaches, you will always be able to find amazing luxury resorts. Our Sri Lanka holiday packages 2024 can be tailored to suit your preferences. You can even combine them with a visit to the Maldives or Dubai. Our expert-made itineraries ensure you get the best rates on Sri Lanka flight and hotel stays, while savouring the island in the most luxurious way.
Read Also: Best time to visit Sri Lanka
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit Sri Lanka?
The best time of year to visit Sri Lanka is from December to April for the Cultural Triangle and west and south coasts. The best time to visit Sri Lanka’s east coast is between May and October.