The sacred city of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site that marks the beginning of Sri Lankan history as “The first capital of Sri Lanka”. This ancient city offers an insight into the rich culture, architecture, advanced city planning, and irrigation systems that prevailed in 500 BC. These historical sites and religious sights with intriguing backstories are visited by both locals and tourists around the world alike. Anuradhapura city tour is highly recommended for everyone who enjoys advanced early settlements!
Popular activities in Anuradhapura –
● Sightseeing
● Visiting museums
Arugam Bay is the hotspot for all kinds of surfing including kite surfing. This wonderful coastal city sits at the furthest end of the East Coast creating the perfect escape to the simplicity of life. In addition to water sports enthusiasts, its proximity to National parks (Yala National Park, Lahugala Kitulana National Park, and Kumana National Park) and diverse dining experiences, Arugam Bay attracts everyone interested in adventure, wildlife, traveling, and much more!
Popular activities in Arugam Bay –
● Surfing and other water sports
● Trekking at Lungala National Park
● Safari at Yala National Park
● Birdwatching at Kumana National Park
● Kudumbigala Hermitage
● Wildlife photography
Bandarawela is one of the go-to locations when it comes to places with the best climate in Sri Lanka. Its geological location is blessed with the perfect mild weather which is perfect cold weather to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, especially the acres and acres of tea beds. Bandarawela is also popular amongst the Ramayana (an Indian epic) epics who believe that certain incidents from the story took place in the locations where certain Hindu Kovils were erected today.
Popular activities in Bandarawela –
● Visit religious places – Dhowa Rock temple, the Nazareth chapel, Divurumpola, Gayathri Pedam
● Nature walks in forest trails
● Trekking through tea estates
● Enjoying fresh vegetables
The coastal city of Bentota is well-known for its long stretch of golden beach shadowed by coconut trees providing the ultimate experience of a tropical beach vacation. Bentota also offers you a variety of options to stay over starting from luxurious hotels to hostels and everything in between. The city has Buddhist temples and other historical sites together with unique experiences such as tasting the local alcoholic beverage – Toddy
Popular activities in Bentota –
● Island hopping
● Boat safaris
● Fish therapy
● Helicopter Rides
● Paramotoring
● Sightseeing
Beruwela is a stunning coastal city with a golden sandy beach that offers its visitors a wide selection of tourist attractions to enjoy from historical sites and gorgeous landscapes to Buddhist temples and statues.
Popular activities in Beruwala
● Site seeing – Brief Garden, the Induruwa Sea Turtle Sanctuary, Beruwala Harbor, the Barberyn Island Lighthouse, Richmond Castle, Masjid ul Abrar, the gigantic Buddha temple (KandeViharaya), and the offshore reef gardens.
● Water sporting
● Exploring wildlife
● Cuisine delights
Chilaw is a town by the sea that offers a variety of experiences such as rich cultural heritage, religious monuments, and bird-watching at Muthurajawela Wetlands. What makes this destination more attractive is the proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport which allows you to drop in on the way to the airport or right when you arrive!
Popular activities in Chilaw
● Beach
● Bird watching
● Exploring ancient historical sites
Colombo is much more than just the commercial hub of Sri Lanka. This city, popular even in the olden days due to its strategic location in the world has always been a vibrant city with street markets, colonial-era buildings, museums, galleries, churches, mosques, and temples.
Popular activities in Colombo
• Walk at Galle face green,
• Bargain shopping at Pettah market and floating market
• Sightseeing – Gangarama Temple, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Planetarium, Arcade Independence Square, Lotus Tower
Dambulla is best known for the cave temple that has murals preserved for over 22 centuries! Dambulla cave temple also has several caves with wonders such as a 47-foot-long reclining statue of the meditating Buddha and 150 exquisitely carved, well-preserved, and gilded statues of gods and Buddha.
Popular activities in Dambulla
• Sightseeing – Rangiri Dambulla Cave temple, Popham’s Arboretum, Golden Temple of Dambulla, Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs
• Cycling
Ella is a town loved by visitors of all ages from all over the world. The cold climate, picturesque landscape with waterfalls and mountains, adventures readily available, and even the train ride to Ella is very sensational.
Popular activities in Ella –
• Visiting Nine arches bridge, Ravana Caves, and Little Adams peak
• Climbing Ravana Rock
• Ziplining (Flying Ravana)
• Archery
• Air rifling
• ATV riding
• Abseiling
• Bungee jumping
• Mountain biking
Galle is a coastal city that still has strong roots running back to the days it was colonized by the Dutch. A day well spent at Galle would be to explore the Dutch Galle Fort, walk through the UNESCO-declared heritage city, shop at Sri Lanka’s oldest marketplaces and contemporary retail centers, and enjoy a nice seafood cuisine.
Popular activities in Galle –
● Sightseeing – Dutch Galle fort, Maritime Archeology museum, Unawatuna beach, Historical mansion museum
● Surfing
● Scuba diving
● Explore Rumassala sanctuary
Habarana is a small city well known for its network of upscale resorts and safari at the nearby National Parks.
Popular activities in Habarana –
● Hot air ballooning (This activity is seasonal)
● Safari at Minneriya and Kaudulla National Park
● Cycling
● Jeep safari at Elephant back riding
Hambantota is famous for having Sri Lanka’s largest National Park – Yala National Park, deep water port, and also for the Mahinda Rajapaksa International stadium which hosted the 2011 Cricket World Cup. You will be amazed by how much this dry city has to offer! Botanical gardens, hot springs, birdwatching, and much more!
Popular activities in Hambantota –
● Birdwatching at Bundala National Park and Kumana National Park
● Safari – Ridiyagama Safari Park, Walawe River Safari, Ussangoda National Park
● Visit the first Dry Zone Botanic Gardens in Sri Lanka and Mirijjawila Botanic Gardens
● Shower at Mahapelessa Hot Springs
● Educational visits – Birds Research Center & Resort and Agro Technology Park
Haputhale is a mountainous town covered in tea beds. Visiting this town would be ideal if you wish to sip a warm cup of Ceylon tea overlooking the cloud bed below (an illusion created by the mist in the area). When the mist clears off you would see the beach from the mountain ridge.
Popular activities in Haputale –
● Watching sunrise from Lipton seat
● Hiking
● Nature walks
● Visit Prabhawa Mountain day view point and Thangamale Bird Sanctuary
Hikkaduwa is a resort town located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It is best known for its epic parties, water sports, and unique coral reef sanctuary – Hikkaduwa National Park. In addition to these interesting activities, Hikkaduwa also has a reputation for its delicious seafood curries which is a must-have for its visitors.
Popular activities in Hikkaduwa
● Beach parties
● Water sports – Swimming, Snorkeling, Glass bottom boat rides,Diving,Surfing
● Sun basking at Narigama Beach
Jaffna, or the top of Sri Lanka has a unique culture and bears significant similarities to South Indian culture. This coastal town gives you the luxury of enjoying a perfect vacation on a white sand beach while trying out the famous “Jaffna fish curry”.
Popular activities in Jaffna –
● Sightseeing – Nallur Kovil, Nagadeepa Temple, Jaffna Market, Jaffna fort, Delft islands
● Sunbathing on the white sand beaches – Casuarina Beach, Charty Beach, Kovalam Beach, Thiruvadi Nilai
Beach, KKS Beach, Akkarai Beach, Savukkadi beach, and Pullianthurai beach
● Culinary tour
Kalpitiya is a marine sanctuary that offers its visitors many exhilarating activities. Depending on the time of the year visiting you will get the rare opportunity to enjoy excursions that take you to see Dolphins and Sperm whales in their natural habitats! Kalpitiya is also the hotspot for kitesurfing in Sri Lanka.
Popular activities in Kalpitiya
● Kitesurfing (perfect weather comes is from April till October)
● Underwater safari to watch Sperm whales (best time to do this is from December – April)
● Whale watching (April – November is the best time to do this excursion)
Kalutara is hard to miss for anyone headed to explore the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Its enchanting charms that often attract visitors include an abundance of nature, culture, and history, from the magnificent FaHien Caves to the imposing Richmond Castle! Local Buddhist community frequently visits Kalutara to visit Kalutara Bodhiya which is believed to hold relics of the Lord Buddha.
Popular activities in Kalutara
● Sightseeing – Gunathilake Temple, Richmond Castle, Calido Beach, Fa Hien Caves / Pahiyangala, Kalutara bridge
● Excursions to Captivating Waterfalls in Kalutara – Thudugala falls, Makeli falls ( also known as The bride’s Veil), Ginigedara falls
Kandy, the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka is another heritage site declared by UNESCO in Sri Lanka. Visitors here fall in love with the sophisticated culture, soothing climate and most importantly the ambiance of the city and the green lush mountainous environment surrounding it. The sacred temple of Tooth Relic sitting in the heart of the city is one of the prominent places you can not miss in Kandy!
Popular activities in Kandy –
● Visit the Temple of Tooth Relic, Kandy viewpoint, Gem museums, Bahirawakanda Buddha Statue, Royal Botanical Gardens
● Watch the grand spectacle of Esala Perahera organized by the Temple of Tooth Relic ( in August)
● Hiking, Trekking, Camping, Meditating, Tea tasting
● Boat ride at Kandy Lake
Kataragama is a city that gets flooded with pilgrims both Buddhists and Hindus as it hosts the famous Katharagama Hindu Kovil and Kiri vehera Buddhist dagoba. Both of these places are highly venerated specially because of the historical stories related to these religious places. The Kataragama perahera organized by Kataragama Hindu Kovil is a grand spectacle that takes place in August in honor of the Hindu God – Skanda Kumara. Its proximity to Sri Lanka’s second largest National Park has immensely helped to bloom tourism in this area.
Popular activities in Kataragama –
● Sightseeing – Kataragama Hindu Temple, Kiri Vehera Buddha Stupa
● Watching Kataragama Perahera in August
● Bird-watching safari at Bundala National Park
● Safari at Udawalawe and Yala National Park
Kithulgala is best known for white water rafting in the Kelani river flowing by. The contouring Makandawa rain forest provides the perfect mild climate for exhilarating water sports and also to enjoy nature delights.
Activities popular in Kitulgala –
● Water sports – white water rafting, river bathing, Abseiling
● Bird watching
● Hike through the rain forest
● Bungee jumping
● Camping
● Explore Belilena cave
● Cycling
Koggala is a coastal town tucked between the Koggala lake and beach is one of the perfect places to relax, especially keeping all the busy city life behind. This is the longest beach in Sri Lanka and this palm dotting stretch of land is assured to be one of the most tranquil environments you will come across in Sri Lanka!
Popular places to visit in Koggala –
● Visit turtle hatcheries, herbal gardens
● Boat rides at Koggala Lake
● Swim and relax at Koggala beach
Maduru Oya National Park is ideal for jeep safari where you could spot plenty of elephants, wild boar, wild buffalo, spotted and barking deer, leopard, sloth bear, sambur, Torque Macaques, Purple Faced Leaf Monkeys, Night Slender Loris and more than 100 species of Lesser Adjutant, Wooly Necked Stork, Open Bill, Painted Stork, Racket Tailed Drongo, Yellow Fronted Barbet, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, and Spurfowl
Popular activities in Maduru oya National Park –
● Jeep safari
● Wildlife photography
● Birdwatching
Mahiyanganaya is a small town with a rich cultural and historical history that dates back many centuries to Sri Lanka’s past. Moreover, Mahiyanganaya is in the neighborhood of historical Vedda community-inhabited jungle village of Dambana where the visitors could get a glimpse of the immersed in the way of life and traditions of a Vedda.
Popular activities in Mahiyangana –
● Visit – Mahiyangana Temple, Vedda village, Mawaragala forest monastery
● Boat ride at Mapakanda lake
● Swim in Sorabora wewa
Mannar an island situated towards the north east of the island. Its uniqueness is quite significant. Baobab trees believed to be gifted by Arab traders in the olden days, the graves of Adam and Eve, temples older than 2200 years, Shrine of Our Lady Madu dating back to 18th Century are a great example of harmonious living. Mannar is also the ideal place for bird watching where you could spot numerous species of migratory birds.
Popular activities in Mannar –
● Explore Adam’s bridge, Arippu fort, Causeway, Doric House, Giant’s tank, Kunchukulam hanging bridge, Mannar fort, Our Lady of Madhu Shrine, Talaimannar port and Lighthouse, Thanthirimale temple, Thiruketheeswaram temple Adam and Eve’s graves
● Birdwatching
Minneriya is often discussed with Minneriya National Park, the home to the world’s largest known migration of Asian elephants that happens from June to September. In addition to the large herd of approximately 350 Asian elephants,Spotted Deer, Sambar Deer, Wild Buffalo, Wild Pig, Grey Langers, Purple-faced Leaf Monkeys, three types of Mongoose, Porcupine, and Indian Pangolin could easily be spotted.
Popular activities in Minneriya –
● Safari and camping at Minneriya National Park
● Visit Minneriya Wewa Devalaya
Mirissa has gained popularity as a party destination especially amongst young travelers. However, a good party is not all that Mirissa has to offer. It also has scenic beaches, unique rocks, must-have-photo places like the Coconut hill and whale watching.
Popular activities in Mirissa –
● Party
● Swim at Mirissa secret beach
● Visit the Parrot rock, Coconut tree hill
● Surf at Weligama white sand beach
● Whale watching ( From end of November till March)
● Try out hipster restaurants
Hop step and jump away from Bandaranaike International airport is the first beach resort in Sri Lanka. The best features of Negambo includes Lobster and Prawns that come to the dining table right from the Negambo lagoon, party loving locals, water sports and the unique architecture running down from the colonial era.
Popular activities in Negambo –
● Spotting traditional fishing vessels – catamarans and outrigger canoes
● Tasting fish cuisines made from lobsters, prawns, seers, skipjacks, pomfrets, and amberjacks.
● Swim at Browns beach
● Party
● Boat rides at Hamilton Canal
● Bonfire at Monkey beach
The cold weather and the buildings and houses mimicking Victorian style architecture has given the nickname “Little England of Sri Lanka” to Nuwara Eliya. It is the go to destination of honeymoon couples and anyone looking for an exceptional vacation includes country club-style hotels, rose gardens, 18-hole golf courses, and colonial villas.
Popular activities in Nuwara Eliya –
● Visit Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, Lover’s leap, Ambewela farms, Hakgala Botanical Gardens, Sitha Amman Kovil,Galway’s Land National Park
● Strawberry picking
● Horse and Pony riding
● Jet Skiing
● Golfing
● Hiking
Passikudah is a U-shaped harbor with a very shallow coastline that will allow you to walk miles and miles into the clear water of the ocean. This small coastal city is yet to feel the waves of tourism but for now it is a very quiet and clean beach with a jaw dropping beach view.
Popular activities in Passikudah –
● Kite surfing
● Boogie boarding
● Surfing
● Snorkelling
● Canoeing
● Swimming
● Jet Skiing
Pinnawala has gained a spot on the tourist calendar of Sri Lanka due to the famous The Elephant Orphanage which gives a foster home to many elephants that get lost or injured in the wilderness. A small detour from the main Kandy-Colombo road will take you to this wonderful place where you will get the rare opportunity to spend the day watching elephants bathing in the river and even feeding the baby elephants!
Popular places in Pinnawala –
● Visit Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala Open petting zoo
● Sightseeing at Iperanigama Theme Park
Polonnaruwa, the country’s second-oldest monarchy brimming with archaeological treasures, ancient irrigation systems that does dry up even in a drought and ancient ruins with intriguing historical back stories summed up to getting declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Popular activities in Polonnaruwa –
● Sightseeing – Royal Palace of King Prakramabahu, Archeological Museum, Rankoth Temple, Polonnaruwa Vatadage, Pothgul Temple, and Gal Temple
● Safari at Minneriya National Park
● Cycling
● Exploring man-made lakes
● Rafting
Ratnapura when translated directly into Sinhala means “The city of Gems’ ‘ is truly the oasis for many valuable gems of Sri Lanka. It is believed that Gems from Sri Lanka were taken to India to ornament the great monument “Taj Mahal ” built by the Mugal emperor, King Shah Jahan. In addition to the gem industry, Ratnapura has numerous captivating waterfalls which would be perfect for a trekking trip with a picnic basket!
Popular activities in Rathnapura –
● Visit the National Gemmological museum
● Trekking at UNESCO World Heritage site – Sinharaja Forest
● Safari at Udawalawe National Park
● Climb Adams peak/ Sri Pada
● Visit Cultural sites – Maha Saman dewalaya, Poth Gul Viharaya, Diva guha cave/ Batathota lena
● Explore Captivating Waterfalls
1. Bambarakanda Waterfall
2. Bopath Ella Falls
3. Kirindi Falls
4. Katugas Ella Falls
5. Rajanawa Falls
6. Alupola Falls
7. Lanka Ella Falls
8. Mapalana Falls
9. Dehena Falls
It is impossible to introduce Sigiriya without mentioning Sigiriya Rock fortress and it would not be exaggerating that this architecture is one of the factors that put Sri Lanka on the world map. The Sigiriya Rock fortress built on top of a 200m high isolated rock with a royal pool, flower gardens and walls ornamented with elegant murals.
Popular activities in Sigiriya –
● Climb Sigiriya rock fortress and Pidurangala rock
● Elephant riding
● Cycling
Sinharaja is Sri Lanka’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest and is one of the scarce virgin forests of the world. As a result, UNESCO declared the Sinharaja Rain Forest as a Biosphere Reserve and a significant World Heritage Site with at least 139 endemic plant species.
Popular activities in Sinharaja –
● Hiking
● Camping
● Birdwatching
Tangalle is a stunning coastal town offering seaside vistas. This town is filled with mind blowing places such as the Hummanaya blow hole, bird sanctuaries and the ultimate experience of island living.
Popular activities in Tangalle
● Turtle Watching at Rekawa Beach
● Watch Hummanaya Blowhole
● Snorkeling
● Diving
● Surf at Hiriketiya Beach
● Birdwatching safari at Bundala National Park and Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
Trincomalee has gained popularity all over the world due to its natural harbor surrounded with powdery beaches and Sapphire-blue water. In addition to these picturesque beaches and deep water natural harbor, Trincomalee also plays a significant role in the Hindu culture.
Popular activities in Trincomalee
● Visit historical monuments – Sri Thirukoneshvaram Kovil, Fort Fedrick, and Pathrakali Amman Temple
● Swim at the powdery beaches – Marble, Uppuveli and Nilaveli
● Snorkeling at Pigeon Island
● Whale watching
● Diving
The biggest incentive of visiting Udawalawe is the Udawalawe National Park where Buffalo, macaques, sambar deer, crocodiles, sloth bear leopards of Sri Lanka, and wild boars are guaranteed to be spotted in addition pelicans, eagles, hornbills, babblers, and other birds.
Popular activities in Udawalawa –
● Jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park
● Visit Elephant Transit Home (ETH) and Udawalawe dam
Unawatuna is a lovely and serene beach with turquoise water, only 5 kilometers south of Galle. It is also popular for the vibrant coral reef and also other attractions such Jungle beach and Japanese Peace Pagoda and activities such as bon-fires and water sports.
Popular things to do in Unawatuna –
● Swimming at Unawatuna beach
● Visit Jungle beach, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Unawatuna Deyola
● Diving
● Snorkelling
● Swing rope at Dalawella beach
Wasgamuwa is renowned for its biodiversity, but it is also home to numerous priceless artifacts from antiquity. Wasgamuwa National Park is rated as one of the world’s top 5 biodiversity hotspots including 23 species of mammal – including elephants and bears, 143 birds, 8 amphibians, 17 freshwater fishes, 17 reptiles, 50 butterflies and 150 plants
Popular activities in Wasgamuwa –
● Safari in Wasgamuwa National Park
● Visit Buduruwayaya Archaeological Site
● Wildlife photography
● Bird watching
● Hike Sudu Kanda
Yala houses the second largest National Park of Sri Lanka which is also one of the first to be created in the country. The Yala National park boasts about its highest concentration of visitors due to its average density of one leopard per square kilometer. Nature lovers and wildlife photographers from all over the country visit this National Park to observe the exotic flora and fauna it has to offer. The places with historical and religious places are another incentive for the visitors of Yala.
● Safari at Yala National Park (Animals spotted – leopards, deer, peacocks, crocodiles, monkeys, sloth bears, water buffalo, wild boar, golden jackals and Birds spotted – flamingos, storks, pelicans, and herons)
● Birdwatching
● Camping