The Best Places to Travel to in Sri Lanka
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Best Destinations in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a dream destination with its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and incredible wildlife. Sri Lanka is a jewel of an island in the Indian Ocean to the South East of India. It has breath-taking national parks, stunning beaches, lush tea plantations, and some of the world’s most scenic train journeys. It is also one of my favourite places for ethical wildlife spotting. If you’re planning a Sri Lanka trip, here’s a guide to the best Sri Lanka destinations for wildlife, history, and culture.
Best Places to Travel to in Sri Lanka for Wildlife
Sri Lanka is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, from elephants and leopards to whales and exotic birds. The country’s national parks offer unforgettable safari experiences. My top tip is to try to find other people to share safaris with. It reduces the cost for you and the amount of jeeps in the park overall. Usually you can fit between 4-6 people in a safari jeep depending on the size. Safaris are very bouncy and on very uneven jungle roads so I do not recommend for anyone with injuries, bad backs or who are pregnant.
Yala National Park
Yala is one of the best places to travel to in Sri Lanka for wildlife, known for its high density of leopards. It’s also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
Udawalawe National Park
If you’re hoping to see elephants in the wild, Udawalawe is one of the best Sri Lanka destinations. Herds of elephants roam freely here and it’s the most amount of wild elephants I have ever seen! I really recommend this for an ethical elephant experience.
Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu is a great choice for a Sri Lankan safari Famous for its natural lakes and dense forests, it’s an excellent place to spot leopards and elephants without the crowds that Yala National Park has.
Whale Watching in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world for whale watching.
- Mirissa (South) is the best spot from November to April when blue whales and sperm whales migrate through these waters. (I recommend travelling from Galle or nearby places rather than staying in Mirissa if you are a solo female traveller- for more about that read this solo female travel Sri Lanka post.
- Trincomalee (Northeast) offers whale watching from March to August, when the waters are calmer.
- Kalpitiya (West Coast) is a great location for spotting dolphins with spinner dolphins spotted all year round. We saw around 200 of them!
Best Places to Travel to in Sri Lanka for Culture and History
Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage is evident in its ancient cities, sacred temples, and colonial architecture.
Sigiriya (Lion’s Rock)
Sigiriya is one of the best places to travel to in Sri Lanka for history. This UNESCO-listed fortress sits atop a dramatic rock formation, with stunning views and ancient frescoes along the way.
Anuradhapura
One of Sri Lanka’s most important historical sites, Anuradhapura is home to ancient Buddhist temples and the sacred Bodhi Tree, This tree is said to be a descendent of the Bodhi tree found in India where the Buddha reached enlightenment.
Kandy
Kandy is a cultural gem, famous for the Temple of the Tooth, a revered Buddhist site. It’s also the gateway to the island’s stunning hill country.
Colombo
Sri Lanka’s capital blends colonial charm with modern city life. Visit a historic tea room, explore bustling markets, or take a sunset stroll along Galle Face Green.
Best Sri Lanka Destinations for Beaches and Coastal Towns
Sri Lanka’s coastline is dotted with stunning beaches and laidback towns perfect for relaxation or adventure.
Arugam Bay
A paradise for surfers, Arugam Bay is known for its incredible waves and relaxed atmosphere.
Hikkaduwa
Another top surf destination, Hikkaduwa is also great for spotting huge sea turtles that frequently visit the shore.
Galle
This is a colonial town full of boutique shops, cafés, and historical architecture. Walking along the Galle Fort walls at sunset is a lovely thing to do in Sri Lanka.
Exploring Sri Lanka’s Tea Plantations and Scenic Hill Country
Sri Lanka’s hill country is known for its cooler climate, green green scenery, and lush tea estates.
Kandy
Known for the famous Temple of the Tooth in which a tooth of the Buddha is said to be housed. A lovely laidback town to wander around and immerse yourself in some cultural activities. Watch local dances and the famous locals who run through fire and on hot coals!
The Train Journey from Kandy to Ella
One of the most scenic train rides in the world, this journey takes you through rolling hills, misty forests, and tea plantations.
Ella
A haven for hikers, Ella offers stunning views from Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arches Bridge.
Sri Lankan Food
Being vegetarian in Sri Lanka is amazing – food heaven!
Kottu Roti –Chopped up chappatis and vegetables – this is my favourite Sri Lankan dish!
Daal – I don’t want to be rude to the rest of South Asia but I really do think Sri Lanka has the best daal (lentil curry) in the world!
Fresh Coconut – The perfect refreshing and often slightly tangy drink after a day of exploring
More Sri Lanka blog posts
If it’s your first time in Sri Lanka then read this post here specifically written for first time travel to Sri Lanka
