10 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

1. Marvel at the Nine Arch Bridge in Ella

The Nine Arch Bridge is a true gem among Sri Lanka tour packages. Nestled just outside the charming town of Ella, this architectural wonder sits amid lush jungles, verdant tea fields, and bamboo forests.

Standing an impressive 25 meters high and stretching 91 meters long, this bridge is a testament to incredible engineering. It’s been standing strong for over a century without any steel support!

There’s something magical about trekking through the jungle and suddenly spotting the bridge’s beautiful stone arches through the mist. If you’re patient, you might even catch the famous train chugging across the tracks on its way to Ella.

2. Explore one of the National Parks

Sri Lanka is a wildlife lover’s paradise. From elephants and sloth bears to blue whales, dolphins, and even the elusive leopard, you can spot them all here! These amazing creatures roam freely in 26 national parks scattered across the country. It’s one of the best places for a safari outside of Africa!

Each park has its own unique charm. Some are famous for their large elephant herds, while others boast a variety of monkey species. Whatever you choose, nothing beats the thrill of hopping in a jeep and cruising through Sri Lanka’s grasslands and bushes. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

3. Admire the Red Mosque, Colombo

The Red Mosque in Colombo is a real showstopper! This eye-catching red and white striped building, officially called ‘Jami Ul-Alfar’, sits in the buzzing Pettah district, one of Colombo’s oldest areas. The exterior is simply stunning, with tall minarets reaching for the sky and a facade covered in red and white patterns going in every direction.

The interior is just as beautiful, and visitors are welcome to look around. Just remember, it’s a place of worship, so cover your hair, arms, and legs out of respect.

4. Wander through Tea Plantations at Nuwara Eliya

No Sri Lanka tour package is complete without a visit to the tea plantations. Nuwara Eliya, often called “Little England”, is home to some of the most picturesque tea estates in the country. The rolling hills covered in lush green tea bushes create a mesmerizing landscape that seems to stretch endlessly.

Nuwara Eliya is a must-visit gem in Sri Lanka tour packages, renowned for its emerald hills and stunning tea plantations. This region boasts a fascinating past as one of the world’s key tea producers – it’s even the birthplace of Lipton Tea! The British introduced tea here during colonial times, discovering that Nuwara Eliya’s cool climate and high elevation created ideal growing conditions. Today, Sri Lanka remains a top tea exporter, with the industry thriving in this picturesque area.

The region is dotted with factories, plantations, and cozy tea rooms. Hire a tuk-tuk for the day and ask your driver to take you on a scenic tour. Stop at breath-taking viewpoints and sip freshly brewed tea at local factories. You can also arrange factory tours to dive deeper into tea production methods and history.

Tip: Don’t miss the spectacular Ramboda waterfall nearby – it’s a perfect addition to your Nuwara Eliya adventure.

5. Galle Fort – A Sri Lanka Tour Essential

Galle Fort, an ancient town on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast, is a treasure trove of culture, history, and architectural wonders. The fort’s story began in the 1500s with Portuguese arrival, though the town was a vital trading hub for centuries prior. In the 18th century, the Dutch captured Galle Fort, rebuilding it as their headquarters.

The fort’s buildings hold such cultural significance that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, ensuring its continued preservation. The area’s tumultuous history of invasions and colonization explains its uniquely European feel in this tropical paradise! Today, visitors can explore the ancient fort and wander through charming streets lined with beautiful Dutch-style buildings, now home to trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Tip: Head to the Galle fort wall at sunset for breath-taking views.

6. Sigiriya Lion Rock

Sigiriya, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is a ancient rock fortress that rises dramatically from the central plains of Sri Lanka. This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its massive column of rock nearly 200 meters high, offers a glimpse into the island’s fascinating past. The site features the ruins of an ancient civilization, including remnants of a city, palace and gardens. The most striking feature is the enormous lion’s paws carved into the rock, which once formed the entrance to the royal palace.

Sigiriya Lion Rock stands as an awe-inspiring natural wonder and a must-see destination in Sri Lanka tour packages. This colossal square-shaped rock, towering 200 meters high, emerges dramatically from the flat, lush landscape. Its sheer size is truly breath-taking, almost seeming to appear out of thin air.

Fun fact: Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites.

What’s truly fascinating is that King Kashyapa transformed this rock into a fortress way back in 477 AD! He chose this spot for its strategic advantage, offering sweeping views of the surrounding lands. Today, visitors can still explore the gardens he designed atop the rock, along with ancient murals and rock paintings. Plan to spend about 2-3 hours discovering the entire area around and on Sigiriya Lion Rock.

For the best experience, start your climb early to beat the heat and catch a spectacular sunrise from this elevated vantage point.

7. Kandy Botanical Gardens: A Tropical Paradise

Escape the city heat and immerse yourself in nature at Kandy Botanical Gardens. This vast green space showcases hundreds of plant species, trees, and flowers. The garden’s claim to fame is its impressive orchid collection, featuring a rainbow of varieties.

Spend a leisurely afternoon strolling among the lush greenery, snapping photos, or simply relaxing on the grass. When you need a break, stop by one of the garden cafes for a refreshing drink.

8. Southern Beaches: Swings & Palms

Picture yourself swinging under palm trees, coconut in hand, sea breeze in your hair. That’s the charm of Sri Lanka’s southern beaches!

Many beaches boast Instagram-famous swings, popular with travellers living out their beach vacation dreams.

9. Discovering the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple

Nestled in Kandy, Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a must-visit spot for travellers exploring Buddhist culture. This temple houses what’s believed to be Buddha’s tooth, making it a top religious site for Buddhists worldwide. But it’s not just about faith – the tooth has played a big role in Sri Lankan history too, as whoever had it was thought to have the right to rule the country. Known locally as “Sri Dalada Maligawa,” this temple is a stunning mix of Sri Lankan, South Indian, and Southeast Asian architecture. As you walk through, you’ll see beautifully carved wooden pillars, colourful painted ceilings, and roofs that shine with gold. The tooth itself is kept in the inner sanctum, surrounded by a maze of rooms and courtyards.

The temple isn’t just a pretty building – it’s the heart of Sri Lankan culture and faith. Buddhists from all over make pilgrimages here, and it’s a hit with curious travellers too. If you’re lucky enough to visit in July or August, you might catch the Esala Perahera. This huge parade is one of Asia’s most impressive religious festivals, and it’s all about celebrating the tooth relic. The story of how the tooth got to Sri Lanka is like something out of a movie. Legend has it that in the 4th century AD, a princess smuggled it from India hidden in her hair! The tooth then moved around a bit before settling in Kandy in the 16th century, where it’s been ever since. Today, the temple is still buzzing with activity. Monks perform daily rituals called Thevava three times a day. During these ceremonies, they symbolically bathe the relic in special herbal waters. It’s a great chance for visitors to see living Buddhist traditions up close.

10. Mirissa Whale Watching

Mirissa, a small town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is one of the top destinations in the world for whale watching. The area is particularly renowned for the opportunity to see blue whales, the largest animals on the planet, as well as several other species of whales and dolphins.

Whale watching in Mirissa typically takes place from November to April when the seas are calm, and the chances of spotting whales are high. During this season, large numbers of blue whales migrate through the waters off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The whale-watching tours usually start early in the morning, around 6:00 AM, and last for about three to five hours. Apart from blue whales, you can often see sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, and fin whales. The waters are also home to playful pods of dolphins, including spinner dolphins, which are known for their acrobatic displays. Occasionally, you might even spot orcas, pilot whales, or sea turtles.

Boats used for whale watching in Mirissa are usually well-equipped with safety gear and are operated by experienced crews. Guides on board provide information about the marine life and are skilled at spotting whales and dolphins. The tours maintain a respectful distance from the animals to ensure their safety and minimize disturbance. While whale watching is the main attraction, Mirissa also offers beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and other water activities such as snorkelling and diving. The town itself has a laid-back vibe, with plenty of beachfront restaurants and cafes where you can relax after your morning at sea. The peak season for whale watching in Mirissa is from December to March. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea conditions are ideal for spotting whales.

In summary, Mirissa is a fantastic destination for whale watching, offering an unforgettable experience of seeing some of the ocean’s most majestic creatures in their natural habitat.