last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Sri Lanka
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Location Map of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Sri Lanka has 8 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Anuradhapura (1982)
This ancient capital’s archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its temples, palaces, and stupas. It is also a sacred Buddhist site.
This ancient capital’s archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its temples, palaces, and stupas. It is also a sacred Buddhist site.
Dambulla (1991)
This town in the center of the island is known for housing the Golden Temple with its famous reclining Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site consists of several dozen caves, monasteries, and countless statues and murals.
This town in the center of the island is known for housing the Golden Temple with its famous reclining Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site consists of several dozen caves, monasteries, and countless statues and murals.
Galle (1988)
In the south of the island, a stunning fortified city with old quarters dating from the Portuguese and Dutch eras. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearby, you can enjoy several beaches and seaside resorts like Unawatuna.
In the south of the island, a stunning fortified city with old quarters dating from the Portuguese and Dutch eras. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearby, you can enjoy several beaches and seaside resorts like Unawatuna.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka (2010)
These are the UNESCO sites of Horton Plains National Park, Peak Wilderness, and the Knuckles Mountains. They offer quite beautiful landscapes and trekking opportunities.
These are the UNESCO sites of Horton Plains National Park, Peak Wilderness, and the Knuckles Mountains. They offer quite beautiful landscapes and trekking opportunities.
Kandy (1988)
In the heart of the country, it is also the "cultural capital" of Sri Lanka. Kandy boasts numerous religious buildings, historic homes, and an impressive botanical garden, earning it UNESCO status. The city can also serve as a base for exploring the surrounding area (treks, Knuckles Mountains, Pinnawala, etc.).
In the heart of the country, it is also the "cultural capital" of Sri Lanka. Kandy boasts numerous religious buildings, historic homes, and an impressive botanical garden, earning it UNESCO status. The city can also serve as a base for exploring the surrounding area (treks, Knuckles Mountains, Pinnawala, etc.).
Polonnaruwa (1982)
This UNESCO-listed site is home to exceptionally well-preserved ruins of what was once a capital city. With its museum, it’s a must-see for tourists.
This UNESCO-listed site is home to exceptionally well-preserved ruins of what was once a capital city. With its museum, it’s a must-see for tourists.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve (1988)
In the south of the island, this forest reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can hike here and spot birds, monkeys, and leopards.
In the south of the island, this forest reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can hike here and spot birds, monkeys, and leopards.
Sigiriya (1982)
In the centre of the island, this is a very important archaeological site featuring its massive rock towering over the jungle, on which a fortress-palace was built. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited places in Sri Lanka.
In the centre of the island, this is a very important archaeological site featuring its massive rock towering over the jungle, on which a fortress-palace was built. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited places in Sri Lanka.
Coastline
Arugam Bay
On the southeast coast, in the bay of the same name, this is a small, "young and friendly" beach resort particularly popular for surfing.
On the southeast coast, in the bay of the same name, this is a small, "young and friendly" beach resort particularly popular for surfing.
Bentota
A slightly upscale seaside resort between Colombo and Galle with beautiful beaches. Scuba diving and a full range of water sports are available here.
A slightly upscale seaside resort between Colombo and Galle with beautiful beaches. Scuba diving and a full range of water sports are available here.
Beruwala
A resort south of Colombo from which you can enjoy dozens of kilometres of beaches stretching to Galle, with other small seaside resorts along the way.
A resort south of Colombo from which you can enjoy dozens of kilometres of beaches stretching to Galle, with other small seaside resorts along the way.
Colombo
Despite its few museums and colonial-era remnants, Sri Lanka’s former capital (until 1982) primarily serves as the country’s gateway for most visitors.
Despite its few museums and colonial-era remnants, Sri Lanka’s former capital (until 1982) primarily serves as the country’s gateway for most visitors.
Galle
In the south of the island, a stunning fortified city with old quarters dating from the Portuguese and Dutch eras. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearby, you can enjoy several beaches and seaside resorts like Unawatuna.
In the south of the island, a stunning fortified city with old quarters dating from the Portuguese and Dutch eras. The site is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearby, you can enjoy several beaches and seaside resorts like Unawatuna.
Hikkaduwa
North-west of Galle. A seaside resort renowned for diving and surfing, with beautiful beaches like (almost) everywhere along this coast.
North-west of Galle. A seaside resort renowned for diving and surfing, with beautiful beaches like (almost) everywhere along this coast.
Jaffna
In the far north of Sri Lanka, the large Tamil city has suffered greatly from the civil war. However, some colonial houses and several religious buildings can still be seen.
In the far north of Sri Lanka, the large Tamil city has suffered greatly from the civil war. However, some colonial houses and several religious buildings can still be seen.
Matara
Some colonial remnants, particularly Dutch, and beaches in the southernmost city of the island.
Some colonial remnants, particularly Dutch, and beaches in the southernmost city of the island.
Munneswaram
A significant complex of Hindu temples on the coast north of Colombo. The site hosts various religious celebrations and festivals.
A significant complex of Hindu temples on the coast north of Colombo. The site hosts various religious celebrations and festivals.
Negombo
A well-known seaside resort with some colonial remnants. Deep-sea fishing is practiced here. Since the city is close to the international airport and Colombo, it is often chosen as a stopover by travelers.
A well-known seaside resort with some colonial remnants. Deep-sea fishing is practiced here. Since the city is close to the international airport and Colombo, it is often chosen as a stopover by travelers.
Sri Jayawardenapura
On the outskirts of Colombo, this is the "official" capital of Sri Lanka, though most activity is concentrated in Colombo. Not really a tourist destination, but more of an administrative and expat district with related businesses.
On the outskirts of Colombo, this is the "official" capital of Sri Lanka, though most activity is concentrated in Colombo. Not really a tourist destination, but more of an administrative and expat district with related businesses.
Tangalle
This major fishing port, with some lovely beaches, is the base for exploring the ancient hilltop Buddhist temple Viharaya, located about twenty kilometres away. Nearby are the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary (birdwatching) and Turtle Watch Rekawa (turtle nesting).
This major fishing port, with some lovely beaches, is the base for exploring the ancient hilltop Buddhist temple Viharaya, located about twenty kilometres away. Nearby are the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary (birdwatching) and Turtle Watch Rekawa (turtle nesting).
Trincomalee
On the northeast coast. Hindu temples, an old Dutch fort, and above all, stunning beaches where diving is possible.
On the northeast coast. Hindu temples, an old Dutch fort, and above all, stunning beaches where diving is possible.
Unawatuna
On the outskirts of Galle, this resort is popular for its beautiful beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
On the outskirts of Galle, this resort is popular for its beautiful beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
Weligama
On the southern coast, this is a seaside resort ideal for surfing and diving, with pleasant beaches.
On the southern coast, this is a seaside resort ideal for surfing and diving, with pleasant beaches.
Natural Heritage
Bundala National Park
A small coastal park in the south known for its many migratory birds and, occasionally, elephants and monkeys.
A small coastal park in the south known for its many migratory birds and, occasionally, elephants and monkeys.
Wilpattu National Park
A coastline, lakes, birds, plus a few elephants, bears, and leopards—this is Sri Lanka’s largest national park.
A coastline, lakes, birds, plus a few elephants, bears, and leopards—this is Sri Lanka’s largest national park.
Yala National Park
Territorially linked to three other sites, Yala is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka. It offers rich wildlife sightings, including leopards, elephants, buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Territorially linked to three other sites, Yala is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka. It offers rich wildlife sightings, including leopards, elephants, buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.
Inland
Anuradhapura
This ancient capital’s archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its temples, palaces, and stupas. It is also a sacred Buddhist site.
This ancient capital’s archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its temples, palaces, and stupas. It is also a sacred Buddhist site.
Avukana
This town in north-central Sri Lanka is home to a giant Buddha statue, a dozen metres tall, carved from rock. Another similar Buddha can be seen nearby in Sasseruwa.
This town in north-central Sri Lanka is home to a giant Buddha statue, a dozen metres tall, carved from rock. Another similar Buddha can be seen nearby in Sasseruwa.
Badulla
In the mountains, among tea plantations, this is a small town with several interesting temples in the city or its immediate surroundings.
In the mountains, among tea plantations, this is a small town with several interesting temples in the city or its immediate surroundings.
Dambulla
This town in the center of the island is known for housing the Golden Temple with its famous reclining Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site consists of several dozen caves, monasteries, and countless statues and murals.
This town in the center of the island is known for housing the Golden Temple with its famous reclining Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The site consists of several dozen caves, monasteries, and countless statues and murals.
Ella
This small southern town is a great base for exploring the surrounding area on treks through beautiful landscapes. You can easily climb to the nearby Little Adam's Peak.
This small southern town is a great base for exploring the surrounding area on treks through beautiful landscapes. You can easily climb to the nearby Little Adam's Peak.
Haputale
A hill station appreciated for its climate. You can explore its surroundings to discover tea plantations, numerous waterfalls, or the nearby Horton Plains National Park.
A hill station appreciated for its climate. You can explore its surroundings to discover tea plantations, numerous waterfalls, or the nearby Horton Plains National Park.
Kandy
In the heart of the country, it is also the "cultural capital" of Sri Lanka. Kandy boasts numerous religious buildings, historic homes, and an impressive botanical garden, earning it UNESCO status. The city can also serve as a base for exploring the surrounding area (treks, Knuckles Mountains, Pinnawala, etc.).
In the heart of the country, it is also the "cultural capital" of Sri Lanka. Kandy boasts numerous religious buildings, historic homes, and an impressive botanical garden, earning it UNESCO status. The city can also serve as a base for exploring the surrounding area (treks, Knuckles Mountains, Pinnawala, etc.).
Maligawila
This village in the southeast has the largest carved Buddha in all of Sri Lanka. Another large carved Buddha can be seen nearby at Buduruvagala.
This village in the southeast has the largest carved Buddha in all of Sri Lanka. Another large carved Buddha can be seen nearby at Buduruvagala.
Mihintale
Near Anuradhapura, this mountain is home to several religious buildings that serve as pilgrimage sites.
Near Anuradhapura, this mountain is home to several religious buildings that serve as pilgrimage sites.
Nuwara Eliya
In the heart of the tea plantations (worth visiting), Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful hill station perched at nearly 1,900 m. It’s a great base for exploring the surrounding area (mountains, waterfalls), especially on foot, or visiting Adam’s Peak, a sacred mountain in Hinduism.
In the heart of the tea plantations (worth visiting), Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful hill station perched at nearly 1,900 m. It’s a great base for exploring the surrounding area (mountains, waterfalls), especially on foot, or visiting Adam’s Peak, a sacred mountain in Hinduism.
Pinnawala
Around thirty kilometers west of Kandy, Pinnawala is home to an elephant orphanage that has become a tourist attraction.
Around thirty kilometers west of Kandy, Pinnawala is home to an elephant orphanage that has become a tourist attraction.
Polonnaruwa
This UNESCO-listed site is home to exceptionally well-preserved ruins of what was once a capital city. With its museum, it’s a must-see for tourists.
This UNESCO-listed site is home to exceptionally well-preserved ruins of what was once a capital city. With its museum, it’s a must-see for tourists.
Ratnapura
Due to its geographical position, the city is another base for discovering Adam’s Peak, several waterfalls, and a few nearby parks.
Due to its geographical position, the city is another base for discovering Adam’s Peak, several waterfalls, and a few nearby parks.
Sigiriya
In the centre of the island, this is a very important archaeological site featuring its massive rock towering over the jungle, on which a fortress-palace was built. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited places in Sri Lanka.
In the centre of the island, this is a very important archaeological site featuring its massive rock towering over the jungle, on which a fortress-palace was built. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most visited places in Sri Lanka.
Cultural Triangle
This is the collective name for the magnificent UNESCO sites in the country’s centre: Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and the city of Kandy. It is typically the heart of any trip exploring inland Sri Lanka.
This is the collective name for the magnificent UNESCO sites in the country’s centre: Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and the city of Kandy. It is typically the heart of any trip exploring inland Sri Lanka.
Yapahuwa
These are the remains of a formidable 13th-century citadel-city that briefly served as the country’s capital.
These are the remains of a formidable 13th-century citadel-city that briefly served as the country’s capital.
Natural Heritage
Adam's Peak
This 2,243-metre mountain is a sacred site for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, making it a place of pilgrimage. You can reach the summit by climbing the thousands of steps that lead up it.
This 2,243-metre mountain is a sacred site for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, making it a place of pilgrimage. You can reach the summit by climbing the thousands of steps that lead up it.
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
These are the UNESCO sites of Horton Plains National Park, Peak Wilderness, and the Knuckles Mountains. They offer quite beautiful landscapes and trekking opportunities.
These are the UNESCO sites of Horton Plains National Park, Peak Wilderness, and the Knuckles Mountains. They offer quite beautiful landscapes and trekking opportunities.
Knuckles Mountain Range
This mountainous and forested massif near Kandy is an excellent spot for hiking. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Central Highlands of Sri Lanka".
This mountainous and forested massif near Kandy is an excellent spot for hiking. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Central Highlands of Sri Lanka".
Horton Plains National Park
In the highlands, south of Nuwara Eliya, this partly forested park with some high cliffs is a UNESCO site along with its neighbors (including the adjacent Peak Wilderness Sanctuary) for its rich plant and animal life. Hiking is possible here.
In the highlands, south of Nuwara Eliya, this partly forested park with some high cliffs is a UNESCO site along with its neighbors (including the adjacent Peak Wilderness Sanctuary) for its rich plant and animal life. Hiking is possible here.
Uda Walawe National Park
This park in the south is home primarily to birds and elephants, but also crocodiles, buffalo, and more.
This park in the south is home primarily to birds and elephants, but also crocodiles, buffalo, and more.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
In the south of the island, this forest reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can hike here and spot birds, monkeys, and leopards.
In the south of the island, this forest reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can hike here and spot birds, monkeys, and leopards.
Must-see & highly recommended
Anuradhapura
★★★★ This ancient capital’s archaeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its temples, palaces, and stupas. It is also…
Dambulla
★★★★ This town in the center of the island is known for housing the Golden Temple with its famous reclining Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage…
Polonnaruwa
★★★★ This UNESCO-listed site is home to exceptionally well-preserved ruins of what was once a capital city. With its museum, it’s a…
Sigiriya
★★★★ In the centre of the island, this is a very important archaeological site featuring its massive rock towering over the jungle, on which a…
Cultural Triangle
★★★★ This is the collective name for the magnificent UNESCO sites in the country’s centre: Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya…
Recommended
Adam's Peak
★★★ This 2,243-metre mountain is a sacred site for Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, making it a place of pilgrimage. You can reach the summit by…
Galle
★★★ In the south of the island, a stunning fortified city with old quarters dating from the Portuguese and Dutch eras. The site is a UNESCO…
Kandy
★★★ In the heart of the country, it is also the "cultural capital" of Sri Lanka. Kandy boasts numerous religious buildings, historic homes, and…
Yala National Park
★★★ Territorially linked to three other sites, Yala is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka. It offers rich wildlife sightings…
Worth a look / Other
Arugam Bay
★★ On the southeast coast, in the bay of the same name, this is a small, "young and friendly" beach resort particularly popular for surfing.
Avukana
★★ This town in north-central Sri Lanka is home to a giant Buddha statue, a dozen metres tall, carved from rock. Another similar Buddha can be…
Bentota
★★ A slightly upscale seaside resort between Colombo and Galle with beautiful beaches. Scuba diving and a full range of water sports are…
Beruwala
★★ A resort south of Colombo from which you can enjoy dozens of kilometres of beaches stretching to Galle, with other small seaside resorts…
Ella
★★ This small southern town is a great base for exploring the surrounding area on treks through beautiful landscapes. You can easily climb to…
Haputale
★★ A hill station appreciated for its climate. You can explore its surroundings to discover tea plantations, numerous waterfalls, or the…
Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
★★ These are the UNESCO sites of Horton Plains National Park, Peak Wilderness, and the Knuckles Mountains. They offer quite beautiful…
Hikkaduwa
★★ North-west of Galle. A seaside resort renowned for diving and surfing, with beautiful beaches like (almost) everywhere along this coast.
Mihintale
★★ Near Anuradhapura, this mountain is home to several religious buildings that serve as pilgrimage sites.
Knuckles Mountain Range
★★ This mountainous and forested massif near Kandy is an excellent spot for hiking. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Central…
Munneswaram
★★ A significant complex of Hindu temples on the coast north of Colombo. The site hosts various religious celebrations and festivals.
Nuwara Eliya
★★ In the heart of the tea plantations (worth visiting), Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful hill station perched at nearly 1,900 m. It’s a…
Bundala National Park
★★ A small coastal park in the south known for its many migratory birds and, occasionally, elephants and monkeys.
Horton Plains National Park
★★ In the highlands, south of Nuwara Eliya, this partly forested park with some high cliffs is a UNESCO site along with its neighbors…
Uda Walawe National Park
★★ This park in the south is home primarily to birds and elephants, but also crocodiles, buffalo, and more.
Wilpattu National Park
★★ A coastline, lakes, birds, plus a few elephants, bears, and leopards—this is Sri Lanka’s largest national park.
Pinnawala
★★ Around thirty kilometers west of Kandy, Pinnawala is home to an elephant orphanage that has become a tourist attraction.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
★★ In the south of the island, this forest reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can hike here and spot birds, monkeys, and leopards.
Trincomalee
★★ On the northeast coast. Hindu temples, an old Dutch fort, and above all, stunning beaches where diving is possible.
Unawatuna
★★ On the outskirts of Galle, this resort is popular for its beautiful beaches and snorkeling opportunities.
Weligama
★★ On the southern coast, this is a seaside resort ideal for surfing and diving, with pleasant beaches.
Yapahuwa
★★ These are the remains of a formidable 13th-century citadel-city that briefly served as the country’s capital.
Badulla
★ In the mountains, among tea plantations, this is a small town with several interesting temples in the city or its immediate surroundings.
Colombo
★ Despite its few museums and colonial-era remnants, Sri Lanka’s former capital (until 1982) primarily serves as the country’s…
Jaffna
★ In the far north of Sri Lanka, the large Tamil city has suffered greatly from the civil war. However, some colonial houses and several…
Kitulgala
★ East of Colombo, this spot offers great rafting opportunities on the river it sits on.
Maligawila
★ This village in the southeast has the largest carved Buddha in all of Sri Lanka. Another large carved Buddha can be seen nearby at…
Matara
★ Some colonial remnants, particularly Dutch, and beaches in the southernmost city of the island.
Negombo
★ A well-known seaside resort with some colonial remnants. Deep-sea fishing is practiced here. Since the city is close to the international…
Ratnapura
★ Due to its geographical position, the city is another base for discovering Adam’s Peak, several waterfalls, and a few nearby parks.
Sri Jayawardenapura
★ On the outskirts of Colombo, this is the "official" capital of Sri Lanka, though most activity is concentrated in Colombo. Not really a…
Tangalle
★ This major fishing port, with some lovely beaches, is the base for exploring the ancient hilltop Buddhist temple Viharaya, located about…
- Colombo
- Nuwara Eliya
- Galle
- Anuradhapura
- Dambulla
- Kandy
- Polonnaruwa
- Sigiriya
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- Arugam Bay
- Bentota
- Beruwala
- Ella
- Hikkaduwa
- Jaffna
- Munneswaram
- Negombo
- Trincomalee
- Weligama
- Bundala National Park
- Yala National Park
- Badulla
- Haputale
- Kitulgala
- Maligawila
- Mihintale
- Ratnapura
- Yapahuwa
- Adam's Peak
- Horton Plains National Park
- Knuckles Mountain Range
- Uda Walawe National Park
- Matara
- Tangalle
- Unawatuna
- Wilpattu National Park
- Avukana
- Cultural Triangle
- Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
- Pinnawala