tourist places in south sri lanka

Incredible 10 Day South Coast Sri Lanka Itinerary

At the very bottom of Sri Lanka is the beautiful South Coast – filled with small coastal towns and some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. In this 10 day South Coast Sri Lanka Itinerary, we’ll show you where to go in South Sri Lanka, where to stay, the best restaurants, and the best things to do on the South Coast.

You can spend your days looking for turtles, catching the waves or bathing on crystal white sand beaches.

It’s very popular to visit South Coast Sri Lanka at the start or end of your Sri Lanka itinerary. We’re writing this Southern Sri Lanka itinerary starting from east to west as we visited the south beaches at the end of our trip. It’s 100% possible to switch this itinerary around as it will also work from west to east.

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

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Where to go on the South Coast of Sri Lanka?

If you have 10 days on the South Coast of Sri Lanka we recommend picking 3-5 places that have lots of things to do. With 10 days you can explore many of the best spots in southern Sri Lanka and find the best spots for surfing! Maybe you want to do some sightseeing in the historic Galle or do some shopping in Mirissa.

We recommend picking 1 or 2 places if you only have a few days in the South. It’s still possible to do day trips to nearby towns or beaches. You can also make this a 1 or 2 week South Sri Lanka itinerary.

Our 10 day South Coast Sri Lanka itinerary can be adapted in many ways to fit what’s best for you, so this is our guide to 5 places to visit in Southern Sri Lanka.

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

The best time to visit South Coast Sri Lanka is between December and mid-April . However, Sri Lanka is actually a year-round destination! The country experiences two monsoons at different times of the year.

The southwest monsoon is from late April to September with the wettest months being between April and June. If you want to visit Southern Sri Lanka during these times, be prepared for some rainy downpours and fewer chances of seeing the sun. The northeast monsoon begins from November to March and is wettest from November to December.

How to get around the South Coast of Sri Lanka?

One of the best ways to get around in South Sri Lanka if you’re on a budget is to use public buses . They’re so easy to catch on the South Coast because they’re either going east or west. Just wait at a bus stop and shout your destination to the staff on the bus, they will tell you to jump on if it’s the correct bus.

Another way to get around is to catch local tuk-tuks along the coast, there will be plenty of options when you’re in popular towns. You can also rent a car for your Sri Lanka trip and then you’ll have transport everywhere you go!

We definitely recommend reading our 20 Tips to Know Before Travelling to Sri Lanka to know what you should or shouldn’t do before visiting this amazing country!

• 10 Day South Coast Sri Lanka Itinerary

This ten day South Sri Lanka Itinerary is your guide to which small towns and beaches you should visit in Southern Sri Lanka. Whilst in Sri Lanka we also spent time exploring the mountains, the cultural triangle and spending a day in the capital city Colombo.

The entire South Coast stretches along some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka and all the places we mention have short travel times between them. It’s possible to drive the whole coast in only 3 hours! This makes travelling the south coast of Sri Lanka easy to explore, as you can take many day trips to nearby beaches and towns. Let’s discover how you can spend 10 days on the South Coast of Sri Lanka!

Tangalle – Day 1

Tangalle (pronounced Tangalla) is a great spot to start your 10 day South Coast Sri Lanka itinerary if you’re arriving from the mountains, Udawalawe or Yala National Park. Beware, it definitely gets hotter down here on the coast!

It’s a very relaxed and chilled area in Sri Lanka and you’ll find long sandy beaches with local fishermen and small restaurants. Although you can spend more than 1 day here, we recommend spending 1 night if you only have 10 days on the south coast.

What to do in Tangalle?

Spot the fishermen at harmony beach.

Harmony Beach is a long stretch of sand leading up to Tangalle town centre. There aren’t too many sights to see in the town, but a lot of fishing happens in Tangalle and you can see locals casting nets at Harmony Beach!

Goyambokka Beach

A short journey away from Harmony Beach is Goyambokka Beach and it’s a beautiful place to spend an afternoon on your southern Sri Lanka itinerary. It’s a much smaller beach and close to more luxury resorts. There are a few restaurants here where you can enjoy a King Coconut, swim in the water or play with the beach dogs!

Silent Beach

Silent Beach is said to be one of the best beaches as it’s a fine white sand beach with many palm trees surrounding it! It’s also very secluded making it harder for many people to find.

Kayaking in Tangalle Lagoon

Explore the beautiful lagoons of Tangalle by kayaking through a maze of jungle finding birds that are calling Tangalle home for the winter. You can book these trips at local stands or with your accommodation, we also found this number online!

How to get to Tangalle from Udawalawe?

From Udawalawe there is one direct bus a day going to Tangalle and it’s around 12:30 pm. It’s the number 61 bus and it will be red. It takes about 2 hours to get from Udawalawe to Tangalle. If you want to leave earlier you will need to get a bus to Embilipitiya and then change over to Tangalle.

Where to stay in Tangalle

Natural Cabanas – A great budget accommodation in Tangalle ($)

Natural Cabanas is a 3-minute walk away from the beach and breakfast is included! They can help with renting scooters, bicycles, any activities in Tangalle or onward travel. The place is surrounded by a jungle vibe with hammocks and outdoor seating, it’s a very peaceful place to stay in Tangalle.

Find them on Booking.com here – Natural Cabanas (Tangalle)

Best Restaurant in Tangalle

Tangalle Rice & Curry Restaurant ($$) – This amazing restaurant in Tangalle serves some of the best food in Sri Lanka! They are only open in the evenings and create a big buffet of Sri Lankan cuisine for you to try. Our favourite is the fried eggplant curry and the fresh Sri Lankan salads. Find them on Google Maps here – Tangalle Rice & Curry Restaurant

Hiriketiya – Day 2 & 3

If you’re heading to Hiriketiya, you will need to tell the bus drivers you want to go to Dikwella as that’s the town closest to Hiriketiya. Hiriketiya is actually the name of the surfing beach near Dikwella, but this is where it’s best to base yourself for 2 nights! Hiriketiya is worth visiting, especially if you’re into surfing – or maybe it’s time to give it a try?

What to do in Hiriketiya?

Surfing at hiriketiya beach.

Hiriketiya Beach is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka and also one of our favourites. It’s a very cosy beach with great surfing which means it can get a little crowded in the peak season. There are many locals offering sunbeds for a small price or you can simply pop your beach towel on the sand, although be careful of the waves!

Hiriketiya beach is great for beginners or advanced surfers and you can rent surfboards here for up to Rs500. It’s one of the main reasons people visit this beautiful beach! You can spend the day here and try out the local restaurants nearby.

Blue Beach Island

A hilly walk away from Hiriketiya is Blue Beach! Blue Beach Island is iconic in Sri Lanka as the island is connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of beach where you can cross by foot when the tide is low. It’s one of the best beaches on the south coast!

It’s best to visit when it’s not high tide so you can experience the sandy strip in between the water. We couldn’t find the exact tide times so used the times for a different beach.

Dikwella Beach

Dikwella Beach is very long! It would take a while to walk down the whole thing. It’s a great place to end your day, watching the sunset over the southwest coast. It’s also not as busy as its popular Hiriketiya Beach.

Mulkirigala Raja Maha Viharaya

Wondering what to do in South Sri Lanka? Mulkirigala / Mulgirigala Raja Maha Viharaya is a Buddhist temple complex with amazing cave shrines carved from rock. It’s amongst the known ancient rock temples of Sri Lanka and is similar to Sigiriya in architecture and style. While not as famous as the Lion Rock; this temple is even more ancient by almost a couple of centuries!

It’s only a 30-minute drive from either Tangalle or Hiriketiya and as you may be spending more time in Hiriketiya, we’ve added it to this Sri Lanka itinerary.

How to get to Hiriketiya from Tangalle?

If you’re taking a car or a tuk-tuk you might want to ask the driver to take you to Hummanaya Blow Hole on the way! It’s considered one of the largest blowholes in the world and shoots water up to 30 meters high.

Our favourite way of getting around Sri Lanka is by public bus if you head to any bus stop on the side of the road heading west and shout ‘Dikwella’ you’ll find the right bus. We caught the 334/1 bus from Tangalle headed to Matara for Rs 75 each.

Where to stay in Hiriketiya

Indunil Place (Hiriketiya ) – The perfect homestay in Hiriketiya ($)

Indunil Place is located in the best area to access many areas in Hiriketiya. It’s a short walk to the best restaurants and the famous Hiriketiya beach! They offer one of the best Sri Lankan breakfasts we’ve had in Sri Lanka, all included in the price. It’s an amazing value and the family are so lovely and they will help you with anything, including surf lessons from other family members!

Find them on Booking.com here – Indunil Place (Hiriketiya)

Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya

Garlic Cafe ($) – Garlic Cafe have an amazing menu of mostly Sri Lankan cuisine! They are open all day and have a rice and curry buffet for only Rs500! They’re definitely worth checking out on your Sri Lanka South Coast itinerary. Find them on Google Maps here – Garlic Cafe

Dots Bay House ($$) – Located right next to Hiriketiya Beach is Dots Bay House, a very chill spot to take your surfing break. We tried a vegan pizza, which isn’t very common to find in Sri Lanka! They also have accommodation here! Find them on Google Maps here – Dots Bay House

We noticed that the South of Sri Lanka has more of a Western influence when it comes to restaurants and it’s easier to find international food. This is because South Sri Lanka generally gets more tourists than the rest of Sri Lanka so you’ll find smoothie bowls and french fries a lot easier here! Don’t worry you can still find amazing Sri Lankan cuisine in Southern Sri Lanka.

Mirissa – Day 4, 5 & 6

If you’re wondering where to go in south Sri Lanka, Mirissa is one of the best places to visit! It’s one of the most popular beach destinations in southern Sri Lanka and you’ll find many things to do here.

You can spend your days finding amazing restaurants, beautiful beaches, catching waves and there’s also great nightlife.

Mirissa definitely made it onto our 10 day South Coast Sri Lanka itinerary and it’s the place we recommend spending the longest amount of time in the south.

3 to 4 days in Mirissa is a great amount of time to spend in this chilled coastal town and you can even take trips to nearby beaches to explore more!

What to do in Mirissa?

Mirissa beach.

Mirissa Beach is one of the most popular beaches here, it’s close to all the restaurants and shops. It’s a popular spot for whale watching, although be sure to check if the companies are friendly to the whales and the environment.

Coconut Tree Hill

One of the best places to see the sunset in Mirissa – Coconut Tree Hill ! It can get very busy in the evenings, if you’re interested in photos without crowds it’s best to come during the daytime. It’s worth a visit on your South Sri Lanka itinerary.

Weligama is one of the best places to surf in Sri Lanka! It’s great for all skill levels and there are many companies offering surfing lessons! In true surfing culture style, treat yourself to a nice cream or smoothie bowl at Cruising Smoothly !

How to get to Weligama from Mirissa?

Hop on any of the buses heading west (they might say Galle on the front). The fare is very small and then just jump off at Weligama when the bus stops. Alternatively, you can catch a tuk-tuk or a PickMe ride.

➤ Explore the mountain region and spend 3 days in Ella !

Secret Beach

Secret Beach earns its name for not being as easy to find as other beaches in Mirissa. It’s definitely not so secret anymore, however, it is a very beautiful beach that’s worth visiting on your southern Sri Lanka itinerary. How to get to Secret Beach? Head through Harbor Road and follow the way to the beach.

Parrot Rock

Parrot Rock is another great place for sunset in Mirissa, very close to Coconut Tree Hill. It has great views of the nearby surfers and is usually less crowded than Coconut Tree Hill.

See turtles at Madiha Beach & Shop at The Doctors House

Madiha Beach is just outside of Mirissa and it may be easier to rent a scooter or catch a local tuk-tuk ride out there. Madiha Beach is a great place to spot turtles and you can rent snorkels from nearby shops so you can explore the underworld. They also pop their heads up near the shore so you can watch them from the beach.

It’s important to give them space and not touch them as it can harm their bodies! The Doctors House has lots of markets to look at in the late afternoon. It’s a great stop on your South Sri Lanka itinerary.

Where to stay in Mirissa

Eco Square Resort – Great location & hotel in Mirissa ($)

Eco Square Resort are very friendly and also offers breakfast included in the price – a mix of Western and Sri Lankan cuisine! Very close to Mirissa Beach and amazing restaurants in Mirissa. They have both fan and air-conditioned rooms depending on what you prefer.

Find them on Booking.com here – Eco Square Resort (Mirissa)

Best Restaurants in Mirissa

Dewmini Roti Shop ($) – One of the best restaurants in Mirissa! We ate here multiple times as it’s very affordable and offers a great variety of Sri Lankan food including kottu roti and vegan sweet roti. It’s only minutes away from our Eco Square Resort! Find them on Google Maps here – Dewmini Roti Shop

Shady Lane Mirissa ($$) A popular vegan-friendly cafe in Mirissa! Popular for their smoothie bowls, avocado toast and cakes – Find them on Google Maps here – Shady Lane Mirissa

Unawatuna – Day 7 & 8

On your way to Unawatuna from Mirissa, check out Animal SOS Sri Lanka – Sanctuary to support the animals of Sri Lanka. They do daily tours in the morning.

What to do in Unawatuna?

Unawatuna beach.

Unawatuna Beach is one of the best places to catch a sunset in Unawatuna! You’ll find people doing many activities here such as stand-up paddleboards, diving and we also saw many jet-skis!

Unawatuna Main Street

This is the area you’ll find the best restaurants in Unawatuna and it’s also a great place to shop. It’s a narrow strip where you can find clothes, necklaces and many different cuisines. It’s also located next to the beach so it’s hard to miss!

Japanese Peace Pagoda

The Japanese Peace Pagoda is a unique Buddhist shrine on the hilly side of Unawatuna. It was made as a symbol to promote peace on the island and guarantees peace to anyone who visits. It’s a short hike up to the temple, but you can also catch a local tuk-tuk ride. There are great views of Galle Fort from the Japanese Peace Pagoda! It’s definitely worth visiting on your 10 day South Coast Sri Lanka itinerary.

Jungle Beach

Jungle Beach is very close to the Japanese Peace Pagoda, so they are perfect to do together on your South Sri Lanka itinerary. It’s a little hilly in this area of Unawatuna, so if you’re planning to walk to Jungle Beach from the town it may get hot!

Once you start seeing signs to descend to the beach, it’s only a short walk down. There are a few stalls selling drinks and boat tours here!

The Palm Rope Swing

If you’ve been looking at Sri Lanka on Instagram or Pinterest you may have come across the famous palm tree with people swinging from the tree. It’s located near Dalawella Beach which is a 30-minute walk from Unawatuna beach. Here’s the location here: The Palm Rope Swing . It’s located next to a restaurant and they may ask for a small fee to swing on the rope!

Spend the afternoon in Galle

Galle definitely makes it onto our 10 day South Coast Sri Lanka itinerary! The main reason it’s so popular is because of Galle Fort – which was first built in 1588 by the Portuguese.

Things to do in Galle Fort:

• Galle Fort Lighthouse
• Wonder around the historic Fort
• Shopping & dining within the maze of the walls
• Indulge in some vegan icecream at Cafe 82
• Watch sunset from the fort

Where to stay in Unawatuna

The best area to stay in Unawatuna is near Unawatuna beach!

Unawatuna Guest – Perfect location & value in Unawatuna ($)

Unawatuna Guest is in a great location in Unawatuna to see the main sights! It’s also close to Unawatuna beach where the main street is to find the best restaurants in the town. It’s only a short walk to the road to catch a bus to Galle and all of the rooms are air-conditioned.

Find them on Booking.com here – Unawatuna Guest (Unawatuna)

Best Restaurants in Unawatuna

Mahesh Roti Shop ($) – Located right in the hustle and bustle of the main street in Unawatuna is Mahesh Roti Shop. They have a big menu full of Sri Lankan cuisine and of course, specialize in roti! Their kitchen is at the front of the restaurant so you can see your food being made in front of your eyes! Find them on Google Maps here – Mahesh Roti Shop

Coconut Style Restaurant ($) – Further down the street you’ll find Coconut Style Restaurant, we’re adding this to our south coast Sri Lanka itinerary because they have a Jackfruit Kottu Roti on their menu! Kottu Roti is a great Sri Lankan dish, but instead of using roti, they use savoury jackfruit and it tastes so good! Find them on Google Maps here – Coconut Style Restaurant

➤ Here’s our 3 week Sri Lanka Itinerary !

Hikkaduwa – Day 9 & 10

Is hikkaduwa worth visiting.

Yes! If you’re not tired of the best beaches in Sri Lanka yet, then Hikkaduwa is a great spot for the last few days on your southern Sri Lanka itinerary.

How to get to Hikkaduwa from Unawatuna / Galle?

This is another easy journey in South Coast Sri Lanka! The easiest option is to ask a local tuk-tuk to drive you to Hikkaduwa. The next option is to jump on a public bus heading west and ask for Hikkaduwa. Alternatively, you can actually catch a train from Unawatuna or Galle. The trains from Galle are much more frequent as it’s a city, so you may have to transfer here. Both buses and trains are incredibly affordable.

What to do in Hikkaduwa?

Narigama beach.

Narigama Beach is another great surf destination in Sri Lanka! This area was our favourite in Hikkaduwa and it has such a chill vibe. You can find restaurants along all of the beach and we managed to grab a coconut, string hoppers and dhal along here for breakfast. You can rent surfboards for only Rs 250 and there are also lots of companies offering lessons if you want to learn to catch the waves!

Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa Beach is the main beach of the town. It’s popular for snorkelling and scuba diving as there are a lot of beautiful corals here. It’s possible to see turtles at the end near Turtle Beach.

Tsunami Honganji Viharaya (big Buddha statue)

Hikkaduwa and the south coast was severely affected by Tsunami in 2004 . When taking a visit to Tsunami Honganji Viharaya , you will see how tall the 14 m Tsunami was when it hit the coast. Nearby there’s also a Tsunami Museum if you want to learn more about the history of the tragedy.

Where to stay in Hikkaduwa

We think the best place area to stay in Hikkaduwa is near Narigama Beach! This was our favourite area in Hikkaduwa and it’s also where you can find the best cafes and Sri Lankan cuisine.

Chami’s Place – Chill guesthouse in Hikkaduwa ($)

Chami’s Place has an amazing chilled-out vibe whilst being very close to Hikkaduwa beach. They have an amazing breakfast included in the price of the stay and mosquito nets to keep you safe. There’s also a small dorm at this accommodation, so it’s one of the best places to stay to meet other travellers!

Find them on Booking.com here – Chami’s Place (Hikkaduwa)

Best Restaurants in Hikkaduwa

Many restaurants in Hikkaduwa serve seafood or amazing Sri Lankan cuisine. Here are a few of our favourite restaurants to eat in Hikkaduwa:

Aroma Restaurant ($$) – Aroma serves amazing Sri Lankan cuisine with vegan friendly options in Hikkaduwa! We tried the rice and curry and came back again to try their amazing pancakes. Find them on Google Maps here – Aroma Restaurant

Salty Swamis ($$) – Located right on Narigama Beach they have a great cafe to have your morning coffee or smoothie bowls to start your day. Although the prices are a little more than Sri Lankan food, it may be what you’re looking for after a salty surf on the beach. Find them on Google Maps here – Salty Swamis

10 Day Itinerary South Sri Lanka: Breakdown

Tangalle – 1 day Hiriketiya – 2 days Mirissa/Weligama – 3 days Unawatuna/Galle – 2 days Hikkaduwa – 2 days

How do I travel South Sri Lanka?

The easiest way to get around is to hire a driver for your Sri Lanka South Coast itinerary, we found many options for drivers on Sri Lanka Facebook groups. Our favourite way is to get public buses around Sri Lanka – they’re reliable, fast and it’s a fun experience!

South Sri Lanka is easy to get around as you just jump on a bus heading east or west to your destination. There are also trains that run on the southwest side of Sri Lanka that are very easy to catch!

How many days are enough for Sri Lanka?

Although it’s possible to see parts of Sri Lanka in any amount of time – we recommend 3 weeks in Sri Lanka to see a great variety. After reading this 10 day South Coast Sri Lanka itinerary you now know where to go in South Sri Lanka.

We also have an Ella itinerary for when you visit the impressive mountains! We recommend spending 1 week in the mountain region and up to 1 week in the cultural triangle (Sigiriya area). It’s also possible to make this a 1 week South Sri Lanka itinerary.

What is the longest beach in Sri Lanka?

Koggala Beach ! It’s a long and wide beach between Unawatuna and Mirissa. If you are looking for a quiet place for a family vacation on your southern Sri Lanka itinerary, this can be a great option for you. It’s quieter than the other places we’ve mentioned in this south coast Sri Lanka itinerary.

Where to go after the South Coast – Sri Lanka?

You’ve finished your 10 day South Coast Sri Lanka itinerary and you’re wondering – what to do next? Here are a few options for you:

• If you really don’t want to leave the beaches yet and you still have some time on your Sri Lanka Itinerary, head to Bentota Beach . You can catch the same train that goes to Colombo and get off at Bentota station.
• Head into the mountains! Central Sri Lanka was one of our favourites, filled with hikes, waterfalls, mountains and tea plantations. It gets a little chilly in the mountains so make sure you pack a jumper, especially coming from the beaches! It’s best if you do this itinerary from west to east, as you can then catch a bus from Tangalle area straight up to Ella . We have a 3 days in Ella guide if you do visit this beautiful mountain town!
• Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park – after spending 10 days on the South Coast of Sri Lanka, you might want to head over to one of Sri Lanka’s National Parks! Udawalawe and Yala are both only a short bus ride away. You will definitely see elephants here and much more wildlife.
• Colombo! Your Sri Lanka South Coast Itinerary may be coming to an end and maybe even your Sri Lanka trip too. You will only need 1 day in Colombo to do some sightseeing and get yourself prepped for your departure flight. Whilst you’re there find one of the vegetarian Indian restaurants because they serve masala dosa’s for around Rs200 and they taste so good!

That’s the end of our 10 day South Coast Sri Lanka itinerary! We hope you found the information you were looking for and if you need any help with planning your Sri Lanka trip, send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

Sri Lanka Travel Posts :

• 3 week Sri Lanka Itinerary: Best Things To Do
• Tips to Know Before Travelling to Sri Lanka
• 3 day Ella Itinerary: What to do in Ella, Sri Lanka
• How to get from Negombo to Sigiriya by bus
• Best Things to do in Colombo

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Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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Wow wish I was there now, beaches, palm trees, views and icecream. It looks heavenly, great post

Aww thank you so much! 🙂

Thanks so much for writing this helpful blog! It has been so useful to read and assist with travel planning!

Hi Jenny! I’m so happy to hear this! thank you so much 🙂 Have a great trip! – Amy

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SOUTH SRI LANKA: 20 BEST THINGS TO SEE [TRAVEL GUIDE]

What to see in the south of Sri Lanka ? Where are the best beaches in the south of Sri Lanka?

The south of Sri Lanka is full of incredible beaches. From the azure waters of the Indian Ocean to the lush greenery of the interior, the south of Sri Lanka offers a diverse range of experiences that promise to create unforgettable memories.

Main Highlights During a Visit to the South of Sri Lanka

– South Sri Lanka is a surf paradise, with places like Weligama – Hang out at Mirissa, the most hipster place in the South – Visit Galle for its colonial heritage – Check out the stilt fishermen in Koggala  – Visit the Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery – Go Whales watching – Relax at Tangalle Beach – Go on a safari in Udawalawe National Park – And so much more, which you can discover in this post

Here is a teaser of what to expect during your trip to the south of Sri Lanka:

20 Best Things to See in the South of Sri Lanka

1. visit galle for its beautiful colonial heritage.

With its colonial style and its ramparts topped with bastions and a lighthouse, Galle contrasts with all the other cities of Sri Lanka: it was actually built by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the English succeeding one another. Since 1988, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

We absolutely loved our visit of Galle, full of contrasts, mixing European colonial style with Sri Lankan culture. Most of the main things to see in Galle, are located inside the Galle Fort, which is a part of the city surrounded by ramparts.

• Location of Galle Fort: here

>> READ: 15 INCREDIBLE THINGS TO SEE IN GALLE

2. Check out the stilt fishermen at Koggala one of the best things to see in South Sri Lanka

Head to Koggala to see something unique to Sri Lanka and the Galle Region: The stilt fishermen.

This is one of the best things to see in the south of Sri Lanka. At dawn or dusk, the fishermen, installed on large wooden poles, are catching fish above the water.

As the waves are quite strong in this area, the fishermen came up with a different way of fishing for many years.

• Location: here

3. Take one of the most Instagramable shots at the Swing

This place was made famous thanks to Instagram. Here you can take a beautiful shot at sunset on a swing hanging from a coconut tree.

The palm tree rope swing is located on Dalawella Beach. Today, it is one of the best things to see when traveling to Sri Lanka. This place is right in front of the Pearly’s Dream cabana a chill place for a drink and food with a super friendly owner.

4. Visit the Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery in South Sri Lanka

In Koggala we recommend a short visit of the Sea Turtle Farm & Hatchery . Here you can learn about the different kind of turtles with a very informative guide.

They also take care of different species of injured turtles and help the baby turtles survive. It’s a fantastic initiative and worth a stop if you are in the south of Sri Lanka.

• Location : here

5. Surf at Weligama in South Sri Lanka

Weligama is a well-known beach for beginners and intermediate surfers. This beach break is actually beautiful and a great place to learn surfing. There are many surf camps around Weligama.

Weligama is not only known for surfing, but also because there are many cafes around, great restaurants, and co-working spaces such as the Outpost .

– Location: here

>> READ: 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN WELIGAMA

6. Visit a tea plantation at Handunugoda Tea Estate

Although it is more popular to visit Tea Plantations around Ella , such as Lipton’s Seat , Handunugoda Tea Estate is a great place to visit and discover the whole process of how tea is made.

At Handunugoda Tea Estate wander around tea plantations, visit the tea factory, and drink tea serve with nice cake. All this is free of charge with a great English-speaking guide.

We highly recommend this activity, as it is one of the best things to see in the south of Sri Lanka.

• Website: here

7. Check out Coconut Hill in Mirissa

Coconut Tree Hill, like the Swing in Dalawella Beach, is one of the prettiest, very Instagram-worthy spots in the south. It is situated at the end of Mirissa Beach. It is a hill completely covered with coconut trees overlooking the ocean.

Head there early morning if you want to skip the crowd.

>> READ: BEST THINGS TO SEE IN MIRISSA

8. Discover the Secret Beach!

Our favorite beach in Mirissa is Secret Beach. At this hidden gem, you will have a stunning beach almost to yourself. There is a small bar/restaurant serving simple food as well so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own lunch.

Although the beach is named “Secret Beach”, it is actually not so secret anymore. There are many signs showing the direction of the beach. There is even a Google map pin here .

9. Go Whales watching in Mirissa

Beyond its great beach and hipster vibe, Mirissa is above all one of the few places where you can observe blue whales.

There are many companies offering whale-watching tour all around Mirissa . You can also book your tour online here . The guides are usually very good and provide lots of explanations about the whales. In his approach, there is a real desire to educate the public and get them to understand whales a bit better.

10. Join a yoga retreat

Yoga and meditation are part of everyday life in Sri Lanka.

Many people come to Sri Lanka to join a yoga retreat. There are many options. We always recommend Lapoint, as they are present in many places around the world and usually offer great service. Although more for surfing, they also offer yoga classes. Check it out here .

We also joined other classes near Mirissa such as Rukshan Yoga ( see here ).

Getting a massage in Mirissa?

There are many places which offer massage in the south of Sri Lanka. We tried a few, but we highly recommend Secret Root Spa & The Secret Guesthouse. They offer one of the most amazing spa experiences in the south of Sri Lanka. Check it out here .

11. Head to Polhena Beach to swim with turtles

Polhena is one of our favorite areas in the south of Sri Lanka. It’s peaceful with lush vegetation and beautiful turquoise water. The sea is shallow with coral reefs to protect the bay. It is the ideal spot for a relaxed swim and the observation of underwater fauna such as turtles.

We joined Oska, a passionate guide about turtles. We snorkeled together to watch turtles, stingrays, corals, and many other fishes.

To join Oska and watch beautiful turtles, check out this link . Here is the location of his place.

12. Party at Doctor’s House

Not far from Polhena Beach, enjoy a fun evening at Doctor’s House. Go there on a Wednesday night or Saturday night for the best atmosphere in the south of Sri Lanka.

This place used to be a 200-year-old former Dutch Ayurvedic hospital transformed into a bar and restaurant. It’s absolutely unique and rather huge!

Order a pizza and some Margaritas to enjoy a fun evening with live bands, DJ and so much more. Ask anyone for the best place to have a good time in the south of Sri Lanka, and most likely Doctor’s House will be their first answer!

13. Visit the stunning Dondra Lighthouse

Continue your visit to the South of Sri Lanka with a beautiful colonial lighthouse at Dondra. It is actually the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka at 161 ft.

The lighthouse is located in the Southernmost point of Sri Lanka (Dondra Head). It is not possible to visit the interior of the lighthouse, but the surrounding with a beautiful beach and palm trees all around is very scenic and worth a visit during your trip to the south of Sri Lanka.

14. Relax at Tangalle Beach

Tangalle is famous for its gorgeous beaches and relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling Weligama or Mirissa.

Silent Beach and Fisherman’s Bay, are pretty spots for walking, sunbathing, and swimming. Both places are really great.

Paraiwella Beach Park is another great spot to visit in Tangalle. Not as beautiful as the 2 previous beaches, but a great place to swim nonetheless. Local families appreciate this place. So it’s a great place to meet Sri Lankans.

15. Visit Mulkirigala Rock Temple

Near Tangalle (about 40 minutes by tuk-tuk) you can visit the Buddhist temple of Mulkirigala. This temple is one the best things to see in the south of Sri Lanka.

This temple is not as visited as other places in Sri Lanka, so you may well be the only tourist during your visit. Which is great, as it means you can interact with Buddhist monks and locals.

16. Enjoy the surf vibes at Hiriketiya

On your way to Tangalle, you can stop at Hiriketya famous for its surf culture and chill vibe! It is actually one of our favorite spots for surfing in Sri Lanka. The Bay forms great waves, perfect for the intermediate level.

There you will find many bars and restaurants along the beach and surfboard rentals. This beach is absolutely stunning. If you are up for surfing, this is another great place in Sri Lanka!

17. Explore the Mangrove at Madu River

Want to have a change of scenery after seeing so many beaches? Head to Madu River for a boat trip on the Mangrove.

The landscape at Madu Ganga River with its huge mangrove is absolutely stunning. With the boat, you will engulf yourself deep within the Jungle where you can observe over 300 species of plants. You will also be able to observe monkeys, huge lizards, crocodile,s and many birds.

Madu Ganga River is the second-largest wetland in Sri Lanka. The tour usually lasts for 2 hours.

You can book your river safari here leaving from Galle.

18. Go on a safari in Udawalawe

Away from the beach, enjoy an amazing Safari at Udawalawe to watch elephants in the wild! This is one of the best things to see in the south of Sri Lanka. For us, this is one of the most memorable moments of our trip.

The Udawalawe National Park covers 310 km2. This is one of the most visited safaris in Sri Lanka. Here you are guaranteed to see Elephants as there are more than 500 inside the park!

Besides elephants, you can also see buffaloes, deer, monkeys, eagles, crocodiles, and with a lot of luck, leopards…

>> READ: FULL GUIDE FOR VISITING UDAWALAWE

19. Watch Leopards in Yala National Park

We recommend choosing either Udawalawe or Yala National Park during your trip to Sri Lanka. Although it seems more people prefer Udawalawe, Yala is famous for its leopards. It is there that you will have the best chance to see them.

Besides Leopards (if you are lucky enough to see them), you may spot peacocks, elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, spotted dear, jackals, sambars, and other exotic birds.

Book your safari to Yala National Park here .

20. Visit Kataragama Temple

Karagama is a city of pilgrimage in Sri Lanka for both Buddhists and Hindus. Indeed, in the same place are the two temples! The temple is located near Yala National Park. You can easily combine your visit to Yala with Karagama.

Kataragama Temple is surrounded by lovely sceneries from where you take beautiful photos and take time for contemplation. If you are there in July, then make sure you join the Perahera Esala celebrations. This is a huge parade, which is absolutely stunning! It celebrates the god of war Skanda Kumara.

Where to stay in South Sri Lanka?

The South of Sri Lanka is quite wide, so we recommend staying at 2 or 3 different places to cover it all.

1 night in Galle , 2-3 nights in Mirissa or Weligama and 2-3 nights in Tangalle would be a good plan.

1. Galle Fort Hotel

For the ultimate experience stay at Galle Fort Hotel . This stunning colonial building has been fully restored in a stunning hotel. The hotel has an outdoor pool and terrace as well as a great restaurant.

2. The Bartizan Galle Fort

Bartizan is another beautiful hotel in Galle . This place was originally built in the 17th century during the Dutch colonial period. The hotel was fully restored to its former glory. This place is perfectly located in the Galle Fort.

3. Weligama Bay Resort

We absolutely love the Weligama Bay Resort . It is perfectly located by the beach in Weligama . One of the best value for money in the area. There are many restaurants nearby and the beach is at your footstep.

4. Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa

For the luxurious experience and Western comfort, pick the safe bet with Marriott . This hotel is located right next to Weligama Bay Resort, also facing the beach.

5. Surf & Yoga Mirissa – Surf camp and Yoga retreat

If you want to improve your surf skills and join a yoga retreat, this is one of the best places in the south of Sri Lanka.

6. ankavatara Ocean Retreat & Spa

At Lankavatara Ocean Retreat , expect a luxury experience right by the beach. This is one of our favorite places in the south of Sri Lanka. Wanna get pampered during your stay in Sri Lanka? Then this place is for you.

Best time to visit the South of Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with two monsoon seasons at different times and parts of the country. This allows travelers to always benefit from a good season, on one side or the other of the country.

For the northeast part, the period from May to September is the most favorable.

Regarding the western and southern region as well as the mountains, the months of December to March are the best with less chances of rain. April – June can get quite a lot of rain with the Monsoon season in the south.

Regarding temperatures, there is an overall average of 27° both in the air and in the water. The climate is therefore hot throughout the whole country. However, in the mountains, such as in Ella , it can get quite cool in the evening. So prepare a light jacket as well.

How to get around the South of Sri Lanka?

We are being asked this question a lot!

By public transportation

Know that it is quite possible to travel almost everywhere by local transport in Sri Lanka. You can therefore travel without a driver. For long-distance train is by far the best way to travel around Sri Lanka. It’s cheap and it allows you to admire the countryside of Sri Lanka from the window.

Buses are another decent option, but if you travel with big luggage and kids, we would not recommend it. Buses are quite old, so don’t expect any A/C inside, and often overcrowded. For short distances,s however, taking the bus could be a good option.

Taking a Tuk Tuk is normally the best option to travel through the south of Sri Lanka. You can either hire your Tuk Tuk driver to go from A to B, or for a day trip. Just agree with the driver about where you want to stop and he will drive you the whole day. You only have to pay at the end of the journey.

By Taxi or private driver

If you are more than 2 people, then taking a taxi or private guide could be a great option! Of course, this is more expensive, but your driver can take you anywhere and suggest great places to visit along the way.

Rent your own motorbike

It is also possible to rent a small motorbike during your stay in Sri Lanka. We rented a scooter for a few days. We always feel more freedom when we get anywhere by scooter.

In conclusion about the best things to see in South Sri Lanka

For beach lovers (like us), the South of Sri Lanka is a stunning part of the country. We love that there are so many beautiful beaches, and great sea life with turtles, corals, and even whales. It’s also an awesome place for surfing, with a great surf culture vibe around Weligama and Mirissa .

We were actually quite surprised with the number of digital nomads in Weligama . It offers great co-working spaces and amazing healthy vegan cafes. So for the digital nomads out there, make sure to add Sri Lanka in your itinerary.

Overall, visiting the south of Sri Lanka is absolutely worth it. Especially if you travel intensively throughout Sri Lanka, it’s nice to take a break and relax by the beach for a few days.

We hope that you found this post useful. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions , by leaving a comment below.

Enjoy your trip to this wonderful country!

Related Posts

• 10 BEST THINGS TO SEE IN WELIGAMA
• 14 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN MIRISSA
• 20 AWESOME THINGS TO SEE IN ELLA
• FULL GUIDE FOR VISITING UDAWALAWE
• FULL GUIDE FOR VISITING THE NINE ARCHES BRIDGE IN ELLA
• 15 INCREDIBLE THINGS TO SEE IN GALLE
• 10 AWESOME THINGS TO SEE IN KANDY

We are Hammer and Guillaume, a fun couple traveling the world. We will take you to some of the most amazing places on earth. Hammer is a yoga instructor and Guillaume a true water baby, enjoying all kinds of water sports. Follow-us to get the latest update about our travels.

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Beyond Wild Places

Your guide to the wilder side of life

Ultimate 2 Week South Sri Lanka Itinerary

The south of Sri Lanka is quintessential Sri Lanka. Images of swaying palm trees, perfectly curved bays with rolling waves, white washed lighthouses, lush tea plantations, train rides through the hills, and crumbling ancient ruins, is exactly what people want when they visit this island nation off the coast of India.

From the storied city of Galle to the surf beaches of Weligama and the hill station of Ella to the iconic rock fortress of Sigiriya, you can see most of the famous places in Sri Lanka within just a couple of weeks in the southern half of the country.

After spending three months in Sri Lanka, I’m putting together this ultimate two week south Sri Lanka itinerary for those who are short on time but still want to see the best of this beautiful, underrated island. This itinerary should help you plan the perfect trip to Sri Lanka, with plenty of tips for accommodation, transport, and the best things to do.

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links which means I get a commission if you buy a product through my link at no extra cost to you. By doing so, I can keep this blog going and continue to create helpful guides for you. Read more:  Privacy Policy

How to Get to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a pretty small tear shaped island in the Indian Ocean just off the coast of India. This means that most people will arrive in Sri Lanka by plane. The main entry point is Bandaranaike International Airport , about 32km north of the capital, Colombo.

The distance from the city makes the airport not the most convenient entry point, as it can take at least an hour to get into the city centre. For this reason, some people choose to stay in Negombo , a beach suburb near the airport that has plenty of hotels.

However, I didn’t find Negombo overly nice and unless you’re flying in the middle of the night, I’d recommend heading into Colombo to at least explore some of the city’s sights, if you have time. A taxi from the airport into Colombo Fort should cost around 4500 LKR (US$15), but be prepared to bargain hard.

Why Visit Southern Sri Lanka

Southern Sri Lanka is home to all the dreamy destinations that the country is known for; the crumbling fortified city of Galle, the mystical hillside town of Ella, the swaying palm trees and white sand beaches of the south coast, and the towering rock formation of Sigiriya. If you want to see the most famous sights of Sri Lanka, then the south and central parts of the country is where you’ll want to spend your time.

With two weeks you can see all of these amazing places with enough time to relax in between. Linking them together, it creates a nice loop starting and ending in Colombo, taking in the central plains, highlands and tea estates, south coast, and the cultural cities of Kandy and Galle.

For the ultimate introduction to Sri Lanka , this two week trip is enough to make you fall in love with this small island in the Indian Ocean.

Best Time to Visit South Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is basically hot all year round, with temperatures ranging between 25 – 32°C on the coast and lowlands and dropping to around 18 – 28°C in the hill country of Kandy and Ella. However, the humidity is often the real killer, as it hovers near 90% in most low-lying areas.

However, the country sees different periods of monsoon from one half to the other, so the climate in the south is almost completely opposite to the north. The main monsoon season in the south and southwest regions of Sri Lanka occurs from May until October . While from November until March the monsoon moves to the north and northeast coasts.

This means the best time to visit the south and central regions of Sri Lanka is considered to be from November until April , when the weather is typically drier. This also coincides with high season for tourists, with the busiest months being December to February.

Planning on visiting the north as well? Essential 10 Day North Sri Lanka Itinerary

How to Get Around Sri Lanka

For a small island, Sri Lanka has plenty of transport options to suit all different budgets and comfort levels. For most destinations, you’ll have several choices of transport, so it’s fairly easy to get around Sri Lanka.

BUSES | The extensive bus network covers almost the entire country, so you’ll be able to get wherever you want by bus. I found the buses to be fairly efficient, with most leaving on a set schedule and regularly throughout the day for fairly inexpensive ticket prices. However, local buses are known for their chaotic driving and uncomfortable seating, so you’ll have to be prepared for a long ride. For popular routes, you’ll also have an option for newer A/C buses which cost a little bit more but are usually far more comfortable and faster.

TRAINS | The famous trains in Sri Lanka have become a quintessential experience in the country. The rail network is fairly extensive, but it can be slow, delayed, and a little chaotic. Still, for some sections of travel like the Kandy to Ella route, taking the train is well worth it and I highly recommend planning to take at least one or two trains during your trip.

TUK TUKS | It seems that almost everyone in Sri Lanka owns a tuk tuk, with this little three-wheeled mobiles zipping around virtually anywhere and everywhere in the country. They are easily the best transport for quick trips from bus stations to hotels and longer day trips. You can usually bargain a decent price, and sometimes the friendly driver will act as an unofficial guide.

PRIVATE TAXIS | If you’re short on time or prefer more comfort and speed in your travels, then hiring private taxis can be ideal. You can arrange a private transfer either through an app like Uber or PickMe (you can also order tuk tuks through these apps) or through a tour operator.

Detailed 2-Week South Sri Lanka Itinerary

For a more detailed look at how to spend two weeks in Sri Lanka, this itinerary will take you around to all the best places and must-do experiences in the southern half of the country.

Day 1 – Arrive in Colombo

Depending on what time you land in Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka has plenty of things to keep you busy. While it doesn’t get the best rap and is usually avoided by tourists who tend to land and move on ASAP, I suggest giving the city a chance.

Brave the chaotic laneways of Pettah Market , the commercial centre of Colombo. Here, you’ll be introduced to the kaleidoscope of Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape, with market stalls, restaurants, and old colonial buildings.

Don’t miss the Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid (or the Red Mosque) , the fantastical red and white striped mosque that can house thousands of worshippers within Pettah Market. There are free 30-minute tours of the mosque, which I highly recommend.

Other important landmarks to check out within a short tuk tuk ride are Gangaramaya Temple , Viharamahadevi Park , and the  Colombo National Museum . If you’re desperate for some peace, then the ocean-front urban park known as Galle Face Green is one of the city’s most beloved neighbourhoods.

STAY | Hostel Republic or Srilax

EAT | Head to Aluthkade Street Food Market east of Pettah for street food vendors selling a combination of Middle Eastern and South Asian flavours. Try fried rice, bamboo biryani or kottu, for local dishes.

Read more: How to Spend 24 Hours in Colombo

Day 2 – Sigiriya

You’ll likely be travelling for most of the day from Colombo to Sigiriya in the central plains. Home to the country’s most important historical and archaeological sites, Sigiriya is worth spending some time climbing the rocks and exploring the crumbling ruins.

After checking into your Sigiriya accommodation, I suggest heading to Pidurangala Rock for sunset . The car park and entrance is about 4.5km from Sigiriya town. Arrange a tuk tuk to take you there, wait for you to watch the sunset at the top, and then take you back. It should cost about 1500 LKR (US$5).

The hike up to Pidurangala is steep and covers some rough terrain, but you should be able to make it to the top in 30-40 minutes. Once you make it to the exposed rock summit, you’ll be rewarded with expansive panoramic views of the area, including the iconic view of Sigiriya Rock.

HOW TO GET THERE | Take a bus from Colombo Central Bus Stand to Dambulla (it may be #49 Trincomalee bus, #15 bus to Anuradhapura, or #48 bus to Kaduruwela). The journey may take around 5 hours. Then, take another bus from Dambulla to Sigiriya, which should take about 30 minutes.

STAY | Freedom Home Stay or La Dolce Vita

EAT | Rice and curry at Kenoli Restaurant, a small, family-run restaurant with some of the best home cooked food you’ll find in town.

Day 3 – Sigiriya & Dambulla

The following day, you’ll have to be prepared for an early morning to head to Sigiriya Rock for sunrise . It’s a good idea to beat the heat and avoid the crowds as you wander through the old palace gardens, and climb the steep stairs to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

The ruins of King Kasyapa’s  fortified palace  have been reduced over time to mere foundations. But the old stone terraces and foundations covering the top of the rock offer incredible panoramic views and a deep appreciation for the ancient civilisation who built the palace in such a spectacular location. Allow about 3 hours all up for a visit to Sigiriya Rock.

For the remainder of the day, you should take a half day trip to Dambulla , just 30 minutes from Sigiriya. You can easily do it independently using the local bus from Sigiriya to Dambulla or hire a tuk tuk.

Dambulla is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. You only need around 1-2 hours to explore the caves, depending on how long you take to climb up the stairs from the ticket entrance. The actual Dambulla Cave Temples are located up on top of a large rock and it can take 10-20 minutes to walk up.

There are separate caves with over 150 Buddhist statues and paintings, some dating back over 2,000 years. Colourful Buddhist murals cover over most of the cave walls, while the views overlooking the surrounding valley all the way to Sigiriya are also really beautiful.

Read more: Ultimate Guide to Sigiriya and Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle

Day 4 – Kandy

It should take about half a day to get to Kandy, so you’ll have a few hours in the afternoon to explore the city. Referred to as the City of Kings or the Sacred City of Kandy, it’s easily the cultural capital of Sri Lanka being home to the most important Buddhist site in the country.

It was the  last capital  of the Sinhala Kings, with the Kingdom of Kandy holding off the Portuguese and Dutch for centuries before finally succumbing to the British in 1815. You’ll find colonial architecture still dominates the city centre and it’s worth wandering the main downtown area on foot.

The must-see attraction in Kandy is the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), located between the royal palace and Kandy Lake. It’s a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is the holy home of Buddha’s tooth (yes, you read that right).

According to Buddhist legend, Buddha’s tooth was retrieved after he was cremated. It was believed that whoever possessed the tooth relic had divine right to rule over the land. During puja (prayer), the heavily guarded chamber is open to devotees, but the tooth itself is never revealed and remains in its jewell covered casket. During the  Festival of the Tooth held annually in July-August, the casket is paraded around the city’s streets accompanied by dancing, decorated elephants.

In the evening, walk or take a tuk tuk up to watch the sunset from Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya in Bahirawakanda. This huge white Buddha statue sits high up on a hill overlooking the city and provides an incredible vantage point of the lake and surrounding area.

Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Kandy

HOW TO GET THERE | Take the local bus or a tuk tuk from Sigiriya back to Dambulla Bus Stand. There are a couple of buses running per hour from Dambulla to Kandy. It should take about 3 hours to get to Kandy and cost around 300 LKR for a ticket.

STAY | White Rose Hostel or SWP Eco Lodge

EAT | Try a masala dosa from Balaji Dosai, easily one of the most famous restaurants in Kandy. It’s a South Indian savoury pancake made from rice and lentil flour that is stuffed with curry potatoes for just a couple of dollars.

Day 5 – Ella

You’ll spend almost an entire day just travelling by train from Kandy to Ella . The famous train ride is a must do experience in Sri Lanka and often considered one of the most beautiful in the world. However, it’s popularity means it’s often crowded and booked out weeks in advance, so it’s ideal to book ahead if you want to guarantee yourself a seat.

Otherwise, you can always grab an unreserved ticket on the day of travel and cram into the third class carriage for the long 8 hour journey. You’ll likely be standing for most of the time, but at least you can move around and hope to see some of the incredible views out of the windows and doors.

HOW TO GET THERE | Take the famous train ride from Kandy to Ella. The journey takes around 8 hours with three different classes to choose from. It’s ideal to book this journey well in advance as it sells out fast. Although, you can still board the train with third class unreserved tickets on the day of travel.

STAY | Wild Bee Hostel or The Spice Lodge

EAT | Eat rice and curry or kottu (shredded roti) at Matey Hut, this small but wildly popular eatery near Ella Train Station. It provides some of the tastiest home cooked cuisine and they even offer daily cooking classes.

Day 6 – Ella

With three nights in Ella, you’ll be able to enjoy two full days in and around the area. On the first full day, get up for yet another sunrise mission, this time to hike up Little Adam’s Peak . The small peak rising 1,141m above tea plantations just outside of Ella offers the best way to get a  panoramic view  of the surrounding area.

The short and sweet hike is just 800m from the official trailhead on a paved footpath with concrete steps. You can either arrange a tuk tuk to get you there, or walk from your accommodation (I walked and it felt quite safe doing so even at 5am).

After your morning hike, continue down to the Nine Arch Bridge or otherwise known as the Bridge in the Sky. It’s easily one of the most recognisable landmarks in Sri Lanka. There are many places to view the bridge from, but I recommend going in the early morning hours to avoid the crowds that descend on the bridge from 9am onwards.

For the remainder of the day, arrange a day trip to Diyaluma Falls , the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. This impressive long drop of water stands at 220 metres high with several tiers and natural swimming pools. A tuk tuk there and back will cost around 10,000 LKR (US$35) as it’s about two hours one way from Ella to the waterfall.

You can admire the falls from the bottom, but the real highlight is taking the short 20 minute walk on a formed trail through the forest to reach the upper pools. Here, you can swim in the natural pools and explore the upper tiers for a couple of hours.

Day 7 – Ella

For your second full day in Ella, you can either head off in the morning for a hike up Ella Rock or take a half day trip to Badulla and back on the train. If you’re full of energy, Ella Rock is a 10 km return hike that should take around 4 hours all up. It follows the train tracks to Kithal Ella Railway Station, before climbing up through a local village and tea plantations to the lofty summit, where you’ll be rewarded with incredible views.

If your legs are too tired from the day before, then instead of the hike you can take the early morning train to Badulla . The ride from Ella to the end of the line in Badulla is only an hour and is completely devoid of tourists, meaning you can sit in the doors, take photos out the window with ease, and admire the stunning vistas.

If you leave on the first train in the morning, you’ll have time to jump into a tuk tuk and head to  Dunhinda Waterfall . It’s about 1.5 km or a 30 minute walk to the viewpoint of the waterfall from the entrance, so you need to allow two hours for a visit from the Badulla train station. Then, you can take the train back to Ella all by lunchtime.

I’m sure you’ll need the afternoon off to relax in Ella, do some shopping, and sit in a cafe, before planning your next move down to the coast.

Read more: 10 Best Things to Do in Ella

Day 8 – Hiriketiya Beach

The newest “it” spot on the south coast of Sri Lanka is Hiriketiya. This little slice of paradise is the perfect place to spend a couple of days relaxing, surfing, eating, and walking on the beach.

Hiriketiya is a small, rounded bay backed by curved palm trees and thick tropical jungle just outside the town of Dikwella. In the small village sprawled within the forest back from the beach, you’ll find hidden cafes, beachfront bars and guesthouses tucked amongst nature.

Once you arrive and check into your accommodation, head down to the beach for a walk and relax at one of the cafes or bars soaking up the vibe. If you’re a surfer, then rent a board from the beach and head in for a sunset surf or you can sit and watch from the sand.

Looking for a happy hour sunset drink? Try Sunset Bar to the east side of the beach with unbeatable views of the bay, or head to La Playa for more of an upscale Mediterranean coast vibe.

HOW TO GET THERE | There are several buses that run from Bandarawela to Matara passing through Ella every day. Catch the #31 bus from  this bus stop  just down from the intersection of the Ella-Passara Road and the main street in Ella. Get off in Dickwella and then take a tuk tuk to Hiriketiya Beach. The journey takes about 4 hours.

STAY | Dots Bay Hostel and Hotel or Salt House

EAT | For local food and hospitality, Lemon Grass Cafe and Kingsley’s Kitchen are both standouts, offering unlimited rice and curry. For a western-style twist, Duni’s Hoppers is the go-to brunch spot and coffee joint just back from the beach offering smoothie bowls and traditional Sri Lankan hoppers. 

Read more: Hiriketiya Beach: A Guide to Sri Lanka’s Little Coastal Paradise

Day 9 – Hiriketiya Beach

With a full day in Hiriketiya, there’s a few different activities to enjoy depending on your interests. Head for a sunrise surf before the crowds arrive in the water, indulge in a smoothie bowl at Duni’s Cafe, or attend a yoga class at either Salt House or Dots Bay House to start your morning off right.

In the afternoon, I highly recommend walking out to Blue Beach Island . It’s only about 2.5km one way, as you head up past Jasper House and towards Nilwella Beach. At Nilwella, you’ll find a unique sand bar where the waves come up from both directions and crash together in the centre.

Walk across the sand bar to the island and then follow the walking trail which heads up and around to the top of the island, then down to the far end of it to the rocks. It’s a wonderful spot to watch the sunset!

Day 10 – Mirissa

Before Hiriketiya hit the scene, Mirissa was the place to go for a beach holiday in Sri Lanka. While it caters to mostly high end tourists rather than backpackers, it’s still a beautiful place with stunning beaches and Instagram-worthy photo spots.

With beautiful white sand, swaying palm trees, plenty of marine life from whales to sea turtles, vegan cafes galore, and trendy boutique stores, Mirissa brings the European summer vibes to the coast.

Spend the afternoon down at Mirissa Beach or walk over to Secret Beach , which is far from a secret anymore but still quieter than the main beach. For sunset, either walk or take a tuk tuk up to Coconut Tree Hill . This is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Sri Lanka and one of the most beautiful vantage points on the south coast. The private coconut farm is just a 15-minute walk from Mirissa Beach, but expect plenty of people because it has become a very popular place.

HOW TO GET THERE | Catch any of the frequent local buses heading from Dikwella to Matara. Once you get to Matara, change to the Galle bus and tell the ticket conductor you want to get off in Mirissa. These buses run multiple times per hour. The journey should take 1.5-2 hours all up.

STAY | Babylon Hostel or The Slow Hotel

EAT | Shady Lane is an upscale vegan cafe that is a popular spot for digital nomads, expats, and yogis. Or head to Dhana’s Curry Pot for authentic buffet style rice and curry.

Day 11 – Mirissa

On your full day in Mirissa, you have a few options to choose from to get active and out in the water. If you’re visiting in the whale season from November to March, then you might want to head off early in the morning on a whale watching tour . It’s one of the best places in Asia to see Blue Whales, although it’s not guaranteed to see them. Otherwise, you’ll still get to see humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and more, so it’s worth the trip.

If you prefer to actually get in the warm water in Mirissa, try snorkelling with turtles at Turtle Point in Mirissa or take a short tuk tuk ride for 10-minutes to Weligama for surfing lessons . Weligama is the long curved bay just next door to Mirissa with a large sprawling town.

It’s also known as the best place to learn to surf in Sri Lanka, with plenty of surf schools along the coast to help you gain confidence and learn the pop up basics. Most surf lessons are 90-minutes long and include board hire and an instructor.

Day 12 – Galle

The storied city of Galle is famous for its old fortified peninsula jutting out into the ocean south of Colombo. With crumbling colonial-era buildings, cobblestone alleyways, and swaying palm trees, Galle Fort is without a doubt one of the most attractive places to visit in Sri Lanka.

While not overly large, the Galle Fort area is where you’ll want to stay, eat, and explore for a couple of days. The old architecture is enough to warrant hours wandering around the streets with your camera. While there’s also plenty of boutique stores that makes Galle the best place to do some shopping before heading home.

For sunset, head down to the ramparts or Galle Fort Walls towards the southern and western side of the fort. Flag Rock Bastion  seems to always gather a crowd, with local cliff jumpers wowing everyone by jumping into the rocky depths below. However, for the best direct view of the sunset,  Triton Bastion  was definitely the better spot, with plenty of room on the grassy walls offering front row seats to the colourful sunset.

HOW TO GET THERE | You can use either the bus or train to travel along the south coast. Trains run from Galle to Matara and vice versa regularly during the day, but it tends to be slower than the bus. Otherwise, you can easily jump on any bus running from Matara to Galle, which should take about 1.5 hours.

STAY | Old Dutch House  or  The Merchant Hotel

EAT | Coconut Sambal serves traditional rice and curry buffet in a tiny hole in the wall restaurant. They also make their own ginger beer. ABACATE is a cheap and cheerful place serving delicious brunch options, including local dishes like hoppers. For something different, head to Dumplings Cafe for upmarket Asian food.

Read more: How to Spend 2 Days in Galle Fort

Day 13 – Galle

From Galle, it’s an easy 15-minute ride in a tuk tuk to Unawatuna Beach . This was one of the original beach spots in Sri Lanka that attracted tourists from across Asia. The golden beach is a beautiful spot to spend the day, go swimming, snorkelling or diving in the water, and indulge in some nice food and shops.

If you prefer a bit less people, head to Jungle Beach , next door to Unawatuna, which is a small sandy beach backed by palm trees and thick jungle. It does get pretty busy in high season, with a couple of beach bars to buy drinks and snacks, but is still far quieter than Unawatuna Beach.

If you’re a surfer looking for your last waves before heading home, go to Dewata Beach between Galle Harbour and Jungle Beach. It’s the best beginner surf spot nearby with mellow waves, or try the reef break further across at Bonavista Beach, where intermediate surfers can find more consistent green waves.

Day 14 – Colombo

On the last day of this south Sri Lanka itinerary, head back up to Colombo from Galle. You can take either the train from Galle Railway Station to Colombo Fort, which runs several times per day and takes around 3 hours.

Or, you can take the local bus to Colombo, which should also take about 3 hours with multiple departures every hour. A quicker option would be to take the A/C coach bus (bus EX01) from just outside of Galle Fort to Kottawa/Makubura Highway Bus Station. Then, you’d have to change to a local bus to get to Colombo Bus Station. This can take as little as 2 hours as the A/C buses use the Expressway and costs around 1000 LKR (US$3.50) in total.

If you want to go directly from Galle to Negombo/Bandaranaike International Airport , then there are two A/C buses per day starting from just outside of Galle Fort. The morning bus is at 6.30am and arrives at the airport around 9am, while the afternoon bus leaves at 4.30pm and arrives at around 7pm. The tickets cost around 1200 LKR (US$4).

Only Have 10 Days? How to Adjust this Itinerary

If you’re short on time and only have 10 days in South Sri Lanka, then you can easily cut this itinerary down to suit your trip. Here’s how I would adjust the above itinerary to suit a 10 day Sri Lanka holiday:

• Reduce it from 3 nights to 2 nights in Ella (you could skip Diyaluma Falls, Ella Rock and the train trip to Badulla)
• Pick between Mirissa or Hiriketiya Beach (don’t do both)
• Reduce it from 2 nights to 1 night in Galle (you could skip Unawatuna and Jungle Beach)

Read More of my Sri Lanka Travel Guides

• Ella to the South Coast: How to Get From Ella to the South Coast
• Digital Nomad Travel:   Digital Nomad in Sri Lanka: A Guide for Remote Workers
• Learning to Surf: A Guide for Beginner Surfers in Sri Lanka
• Gluten Free: Complete Gluten Free Travel Guide to Sri Lanka
• Trincomalee:   Trincomalee Travel Guide: Underrated Beach Destination in Sri Lanka
• Jaffna: 10 Best Things to Do in Jaffna

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The Ultimate Guide to Sri Lanka’s South Coast

The southern coast of Sri Lanka is lined with incredible beaches and towns. Read on for the best things to do in south Sri Lanka!

I’ve split my time between Hong Kong and Sri Lanka over the past five years, and have made down south Sri Lanka my second home. It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka, and though it can get crazy crowded during the peak season it’s not hard to get off the beaten track if you know where to go. I hope to be able to share my experience on how to plan your time in Sri Lanka’s deep south as well as some insider tips!

The southern coast of Sri Lanka is one of the best kept secrets in Asia , though that secret is quickly being revealed as more and more people flock to Ceylon for its tropical beaches, incredible wildlife, rich culture and ancient heritage landmarks. Need more convincing? Read this article on 10 reasons why you need to visit Sri Lanka right now!

Many people either start or end their Sri Lanka itinerary in the south, and it is a wonderful part of the country to explore if you only have 2 or 3 weeks in Sri Lanka.

Although this region is home to some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, the south coast has a lot to offer beyond its sandy coastline – here are a few things to add to your itinerary!

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Check out all of my Sri Lanka travel tips and guides here , or head on over here for a 2 week Sri lanka itinerary!

Helpful things to know before you go to Sri Lanka

✈️ To get into Sri Lanka by air you will fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (airport code: CMB).

🛂 Most visitors will need to apply for a Sri Lanka e-visa (except for nationals of Singapore, Maldives and Seychelles) but can be done online. It usually takes 24-48 hours for the visa approval to come through via e-mail. Alternatively, you can get a Sri Lankan visa upon arrival at the airport, though lines can be long during the peak season. You can also save yourself some time by filling out the arrival form online as paper forms may not be distributed on your flight.

💱 The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (different from the Indian Rupee), and the official exchange rate varies from approximately 305-330 LKR: 1 USD/Euro or 200 LKR: 1 AUD. The rate continues to fluctuate due to the sudden currency devaluation, so may be different at time of publishing. There are plenty of places to exchange money in Sri Lanka, and there are also ATMs in cities like Colombo and Galle where you can withdraw money.

📱 Local SIM cards and data packages can be picked up at the airport . You can buy a 30-day Sri Lanka SIM card from Mobitel here (the booth is located in the arrivals hall after you pick up your luggage) and top it up during your stay at any Food City supermarket or local Mobitel shop. Data is cheap and 3/4G is fairly stable throughout Sri Lanka.

🚗 The best way to travel around Sri Lanka is by car , especially if you are short on time. Most hotels can help you to book a private car and driver to your next destination, but if you are traveling along the southern coast of Sri Lanka your best bet is to simply hop into a tuk tuk or bus from one town to the next.

It’s also possible to rent a scooter in Sri Lanka (ask your hotel as there aren’t scooter rental shops everywhere like in Bali or Laos ) but unless you are very confident on a scooter – the roads can be extremely hectic with insane bus drivers, and scooters are not allowed on the highway in Sri Lanka. You should also know that an international driving permit is not sufficient unless it is verified in-country in Colombo – without such verification your travel insurance may not cover any expenses in the event of an accident. If you aren’t able to apply for the endorsement in person in Colombo then we have had a good experience using Rento.LK to secure the AA endorsement on our behalf in the past.

👚 Sri Lanka is unlike some other Asian countries in the sense that it is still relatively modest. The primary religion is Buddhism so be mindful of your attire when you are walking around or visiting a temple. Do not walk through local towns and villages in your swimsuit or skimpy clothes, it is considered very inappropriate. More tips on what NOT to do in Sri Lanka over here.

🌤️ Sri Lanka has a few different climates so you may need to bring a sweatshirt or two if you’re visiting hill country as it can get fairly chilly, but in general the temperature along the south of Sri Lanka is high between 25-32 degrees Celsius (77-90 Fahrenheit).

The best time to visit south Sri Lanka is widely considered to be December to February as the weather tends to be less rainy. The highest average rainfall months in south Sri Lanka tends to be October and November… however, don’t let the “rainy season” stop you from visiting the Sri Lanka south coast – the sea may be slightly rougher, but there are plenty of protected bays to swim in, there are consistent reef breaks to surf at, it tends to rain at night and is sunny during the day, and the entire coastline is a lot less crowded from March to September!

🛏️ There are a plethora of hotel options in south Sri Lanka suiting every budget, but prices tend to be higher than in countries such as India, Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam. You will want to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling over the peak season. I personally look for comfort, beautiful décor and warm hospitality when I travel – click here for some of the best boutique and luxury hotels to stay at in Sri Lanka .

Visiting Sri Lanka? Click here for the full list of 12 things you should know before your trip to Sri Lanka as well as 15 things you should NOT do if you’re visiting the island!

How to get to south Sri Lanka

The Southern Province in Sri Lanka is extremely accessible by car or public transportation. There’s no hard and fast rule but most people consider “down south Sri Lanka” to start from about Unawatuna in the southeast to Tangalle/Hambantota in the southwest.

From Colombo, the drive will take anywhere between 2-4 hours, you can take an express highway bus to Matara or you can take a coastal train that stops in Galle or Matara. A one-way airport transfer to or from the southern coast should cost you anywhere from US$70-120 depending on where you are staying – however, fuel prices are constantly on the up and up in Sri Lanka so don’t be surprised if this rate is higher than expected.

I have used and recommend Andrew’s transportation service. Contact him at  +94 776 042 915  via WhatsApp. I’ve also used ACE Cabs in the past to schedule airport pick-ups and drop-offs, and they are responsive over e-mail though their rates can be somewhat confusing – ask for the final rate that includes all highway tolls.

It is also not uncommon for the airport drop off to be slightly cheaper than the airport pick up (as the driver doesn’t need to park and wait with a name board). If you are ending your Sri Lanka trip in the south, it takes about 4 hours by car from Ella to Matara. Once you are in south Sri Lanka, it is relatively easy to travel between towns by car, tuk tuk or bus.

Where to stay in south Sri Lanka

The main tourist towns in south Sri Lanka are Weligama, Mirissa, Galle, Unawatuna and Tangalle. But the beauty of the coast is that there are a plethora of smaller towns and quiet bays for you to stay in, away from the rest of the tourist crowds. Here are some of my favorite hotels in down south Sri Lanka, or you can check out the full list of some of the best boutique hotels in southern Sri Lanka here.

As it is relatively easy to travel between towns and beaches in southern Sri Lanka , if you only have a few days I would recommend picking 1-2 hotels and venturing out for day trips instead of changing hotels and moving along the coast too frequently.

Talalla Retreat is one of the original and best beach hotels in Sri Lanka. It is conveniently located near the southernmost point of Sri Lanka so you can travel east or west for day trips. The rooms, while very basic, are comfortable enough (they offer both air-conditioned as well as open-air options) and the rates are reasonable given it offers a pool as well as easy beach access.

Talalla Retreat also hosts daily Yoga classes and one-off surf lessons for anyone hoping to try their hand at catching a wave (the beach directly in front of the hotel is not a surfing beach so you will need to hop in a tuk tuk to one of the other south Sri Lanka beaches . I recommend staying at one of the deluxe villa rooms to experience open-air luxury, just be prepared for the occasional visit from a monkey or squirrel! Click here to book your stay at Talalla Retreat!

Alternatively, independent travelers who are looking for a boutique luxury experience and privacy should look into Sam & Lola’s (my property) in Hiriketiya. The two private villas each feature a private plunge pool and you can easily access two of the most picturesque bays in all of the south – Pehebhiya Beach and Hiriketiya Beach.

This location is also perfect as a base to swing either west towards Galle, or east towards the national parks and Tangalle. You can book via AirBnb here and here .

Looking to add a touch of luxury to your Sri Lanka trip? Book a stay at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle , a 5-star property offering beautiful rooms, beach access, incredible dining facilities and wonderful hospitality. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle is a fantastic place to relax and rejuvenate and is also a great base for day trips around the southern coast or a safari in Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park , though it is on the western end of the south coast so it will take at least 2 hours to travel to Galle or Unawatuna. Click here to read my full review of the property , or click here to book your stay at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle!

Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa is probably one of the best beach resorts in Sri Lanka. It is also the largest resort in country at nearly 60 hectares (or 150 acres). Aside from the incredible rooms, the hotel offers a plethora of facilities and activities including a trapeze, trampolines, fitness centre, 18-hole golf course, Ayurveda spa, children’s playroom and cultural artisan village.

As it is on the eastern end of the southern coast I would recommend staying here for 2-4 nights and enjoying the resort life, before moving closer to Talalla, Weligama and Mirissa to explore more of the coastline. Click here to read my full review of the property or click here to book your stay at Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa!

I also highly recommend Cape Weligama if you are looking to splurge a little or if you’re celebrating a special occasion. Cape Weligama is owned by Dilmah Tea, a quintessentially Sri Lankan homegrown brand that is no stranger to luxury.

We absolutely love the warm hospitality at Cape Weligama , and their rooms are elegant, spacious and fabulous. For sun-downers head to one of their sunset viewing platforms, before moseying over to the bar for more cocktails crafted by their award-winning mixologists. Click here to check current rates and availability at Cape Weligama or read my review over here .

For even more options, click here for highly rated hotels in Sri Lanka’s south coast. Make sure you read the reviews and check the proximity to the beach. You’ll also want to ask what the dining options are in and around the hotel and whether it is easy to catch a tuk tuk to get around.

If you are visiting south Sri Lanka during the peak season from December to February and especially over Christmas or New Year’s, make sure you book early because hotels get booked up quickly. Wondering what to do in south Sri Lanka? Read on!

The best things to do in southern Sri Lanka

The south coast of Sri Lanka has lots to offer beyond its pristine beaches. To make the most of your stay I recommend spending no fewer than 3-5 days in south Sri Lanka as you will only be scratching the surface!

It is a perfect repeat destination for those who want a balanced holiday with plenty of time by the beach or pool, followed by cultural and active excursions out and about. Here is what you need to add to your south Sri Lanka itinerary.

1. Surf, surf, surf

Surfing is one of the best activities to add to your Sri Lanka itinerary , and there are plenty of breaks to suit surfers of all levels. The surf season in south Sri Lanka runs from about October to March when the ocean is glassy, the wind is more offshore and the swell is solid.

You can still surf during the other season, but the ocean can be more dumpy and the waves can be inconsistent. The south coast is home to some of the best surf spots in Sri Lanka and there are a number of surf breaks to suit all levels. The water is warm and you don’t need to wear a wet suit, there are plenty of board rental shops, the water is shark-free and there are plenty of uncrowded breaks.

If you are looking to learn to surf, there are a number of surf schools in Sri Lanka that are based around this coast – I recommend Talalla Surf which is one of the longest-running and most professional surf camps in Sri Lanka. Their week-long programs run from Sunday to Friday evening/Saturday morning and they limit their group sizes to 5-6 people.

If you are looking to go free surfing (i.e. for the occasional surf not with a dedicated surf camp or program), then you have a number of Sri Lanka surf spots to choose from. I recommend checking out Hiriketiya Beach or Weligama Beach for beginner-level surf and one-off surf lessons or board rentals. S.K. Town, Kabalana or Lazy Left’s are great for intermediate-to-advanced surfers.

Advanced surfers looking for reef breaks in the south of Sri Lanka should head to Ram’s, Polhena or Madiha . If you’re serious about surfing I would recommend joining a surf camp in Sri Lanka to check out secret Sri Lanka surf spots.

2. Check out Dondra lighthouse

Dondra Head Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in Sri Lanka and sits on the southernmost point of the island. It is 49 metres tall and was constructed in the late 1800s. You used to be able to climb to the top for a small fee, but last I heard it was closed to the public. Still, it is a beautiful lighthouse and an easy stop if you are headed to Gandara Temple or Matara city.

Ready to plan your south Sri Lanka trip? I recommend Cape Weligama , Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa  and  Anantara Tangalle  if you’re looking for luxury 5-star properties along the coast. For a beach getaway look into Talalla Retreat (a relaxed wellness retreat with drop-in yoga and surf lessons) or Sam & Lola’s in Hiriketiya (a boutique property offering 1-bedroom pool villas).

3. Visit the Buddhist temples

Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country, and there are a number of stunning temple complexes along the south coast. Gandara Temple is a popular one to visit and there are a number of beautiful murals to check out, though it is also home to 2 chained-up elephants that are used for festival processions which is a sad sight to see.

I recommend heading to Paravi Duwa in Matara instead, a “floating” temple connected to the mainland by a short foot bridge.

The seated golden Buddha statue at Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya near Dickwella town is also worth a quick trip – a small donation is appreciated for entry.

You can also head to Mulgirigala Rock Temple near Tangalle – the complex dates back almost 2,000 years and you must climb up nearly 200 metres of steps to get to the top. The Japanese Peace Pagoda perched high up on a hill between Unawatuna and Galle is also unmissable.

4. Whale watching in Mirissa

Whale watching is one of the most popular things to do in Mirissa, but there are a few serious caveats if you are looking to go on a whale watching tour in Sri Lanka. It is well-known that most tour operators chase and corner the whales and that the tours can go on and on for anywhere from 4 to 10 hours on a boat.

As is the case with wildlife tours, sightings are not guaranteed and if you are prone to sea sickness (like I am) this is probably not the best option for you.

That being said, if whale watching in Sri Lanka is high on your list of things to do I have heard good things about Raja & the Whales , a local tour company that claims to offer responsible and ethical tours that do not harass the whales. You can read more reviews here and do some additional due diligence. I also recommend Sail Lanka’s catamarans for a more intimate dolphin and whale watching experience (read on).

If you’re headed to Mirissa, make sure you check out Parrot Rock , a small rocky outcrop off the main beach, or Coconut Tree Hill – every Instagrammer’s favorite hotspot.

Try to end up at one of the two spots for sunset in Mirissa – both are great places to go to watch the sunset!

5. Hop on a luxury sailing cruise

Sail Lanka operates several sailing cruises along the south coast of Sri Lanka aboard their luxury catamarans. If you want to go whale and dolphin watching, opt for their 7 hour morning cruise, or if you just want to watch the dreamy sunset from the ocean then book yourself onto their afternoon sunset cruise.

The Sri Lanka south coast cruises need a minimum number of participants to run and they only run during the peak season (November to April) so be sure to get in touch with them early!

It’s a great way to spend the day if you love being on the water, and the group sizes tend to be quite small which means you aren’t jammed onto a whale watching boat with 50 other people. We managed to spot a blue whale and about a dozen dolphins during our trip! Read more about whale watching aboard one of Sail Lanka’s luxury catamaran here.

6. Go on a wildlife safari

Going on a wildlife safari is one of the most unique things to do in south Sri Lanka. If you are visiting Sri Lanka’s south coast then I recommend that you plan a visit to Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park .

Udawalawe National Park is home to hundreds of wild Asian elephants and is one of the best places to see elephants in Sri Lanka , and Yala National Park has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. If you are visiting either national park, there are some important do’s and don’ts that you should know before your trip.

As tourism grows in Sri Lanka, as does the number of safari jeeps in these parks. Many safari operators can drive irresponsibly, cornering and chasing wild animals in an attempt to ensure that their guests have successful animal sightings – but this is extremely distressing for the wildlife and unsafe for passengers.

I have personally witnessed several jeep-on-jeep accidents in Yala National Park. Please encourage your guide and driver not to chase the animals and keep a safe distance away rather than driving up close.

If you are headed to Udawalawe National Park make sure you also stop by the Elephant Transit Home , an ethical elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka that minimizes human-elephant interaction and releases elephants back into the wild once they turn 5 years old.

Ready to observe some baby elephants in Sri Lanka? Click here to book your stay at Eliyanth Udawalawe (a small riverside boutique hotel in Udawalawe) or check out other highly-rated accommodation options in Udawalawe! Alternatively, set out on a day trip to Udawalawe National Park from elsewhere along the south coast of Sri Lanka. I have stayed at and recommend Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa  and  Anantara Tangalle  (5-star properties within a 1.5 hour drive of Udawalawe National Park), or Talalla Retreat (a beachfront retreat around 2 hours from Udawalawe). Independent travelers can also consider staying at Sam & Lola’s in Hiriketiya (a boutique property offering two standalone pool villas – bookings via Airbnb only).

7. Tour a tea plantation

Bet you thought that tea only grew in the mountains of Ella, Nuwara Eliya and Kandy ! Sri Lanka’s south is actually home to Handunugoda Tea Estate , about 45 minutes away from Galle.

The 200-acre estate offers free tours through their plantation as well as factory, and you can learn about how they grow and produce the famous Virgin White tea, a brew made from the tiniest and newest leaves.

Guided tea plantation visits are available during the week between 8 AM and 4:30 PM, however they may close during certain Sri Lankan holidays such as Sinhalese and Tamil New Year.

8. Spot sea turtles (in the wild)

Sri Lanka’s south coast is home to several “sea turtle sanctuaries”. But here’s the truth: the standards of care for wild turtles are not yet well regulated in Sri Lanka, and many places try to pass as a legitimate ethical facility just by sticking the word, “sanctuary”, in their name.

What often happens is that eggs are dug up from the beach and sold to these facilities, and once the turtles hatch tourists are charged a fee to hold and release the baby turtles. Some of the “sanctuaries” that claim to be “more ethical” often still allow you to hold their adult turtles.

There are many problems with interrupting the natural hatching process and touching wildlife – do your due diligence before you support one of these places, and read reviews from other tourists before you go. Here is a good article to read on sea turtle hatcheries in Sri Lanka and also this paper from 2017 which states the following:

“The contribution of turtle hatcheries towards conservation of sea turtles is highly debated, and the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) in Sri Lanka holds the view that management practices of the hatcheries are not conducive to the conservation of sea turtles. The prime motive of the current hatcheries in operation is profit, relying on tourists for their viability.”

I decided to visit one “turtle conservation project” in Koggala so that I could verify the reviews and provide a first-hand account of what really goes on at these turtle sanctuaries in southern Sri Lanka. We paid 500 Rupees per person as an entrance fee, and was given a quick tour of the single-room facility.

The guide introduced the various turtle species and showed us a few of the resident turtles – he claimed that the turtles that live long-term at the facility are all injured and could not survive in the wild, and that any turtles that have recovered from injuries are released back into the ocean. There were a few turtles that had lost limbs due to accidents, and while the water in their tanks looked clean, the concrete tanks are extremely small.

What truly bothered me was a few red flags – there is clear signage saying not to touch the turtles, yet the guide (and other tourists) constantly picked up the turtles or touched their shells. He even tried to put turtles in our hands a few times and we declined.

Next, the guide had told us that hatchlings are only released during the evening to increase their chance of survival when the predators are not around. However, when we asked at the reception area we were told that hatchlings are released throughout the day, and that it would cost 1500 Rupees to release 1 baby turtle.

Finally, although we had paid a 500 Rupee entrance fee each ( approximately US$3, which is cheap as chips and I’m happy to pay it if it goes towards the operation of a legitimate sanctuary ), it wasn’t long before the guide asked us for a tip.

Given the research results and lack of transparency as well as mixed messages from the facility, I can not recommend that you visit a turtle hatchery in Sri Lanka – at least not until more oversight and regulations are in place. I also recommend reading this article on hatcheries in Sri Lanka .

The good news is, many places along the coast (such as Anantara Tangalle ) put up cages to keep the eggs safe until they hatch, and you often don’t need to pay a fee to go see them as all beaches in Sri Lanka are public.

There are also a number of wild sea turtles in Unawatuna bay, Dickwella beach and Hikkaduwa that come in daily as they are frequently fed by tourists ( sigh ). I would encourage you not to touch wildlife and simply observe them from a distance.

Ready to book your south Sri Lanka holiday? For 5-star luxury options check out Cape Weligama , Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa  and  Anantara Tangalle . For a laid-back beach retreat check out Talalla Retreat , or base yourself in Hiriketiya for a few days – we run Sam & Lola’s (named after our dogs!) and offer two standalone pool villas within walking distance from lots of fantastic restaurants and cafes.

9. Visit Galle Fort

Galle Fort is one of the most famous places in Sri Lanka and a great day trip destination. Spend a day wandering through the fort and walking along the walls dating back to the 16th century.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a good place to pick up souvenirs for friends and family, and is also home to the beautiful Galle Fort Lighthouse surrounded by palm trees.

If you have more time in the region, stay overnight in the fort at one of the restored heritage buildings – we loved the Fort Printers . There are also several excellent day spas in Galle Fort: I recommend Spa Ceylon for an incredible full-body massage. Head on over here to read my full guide to visiting Galle Fort!

10. Practice Yoga

Though Yoga in Sri Lanka is not as ubiquitous as in other places like Bali or India , there are a growing number of yoga retreats in Sri Lanka that you can join.

Alternatively, many places along Sri Lanka’s south coast offer 75-90 minute drop-in Yoga classes at approximately US$15 a pop.

Look into Yoga classes at Sri Yoga Shala, Talalla Retreat, Jamu Surf Lodge, Dot’s Bay House (Dot’s Workshop), Salt House, Serene Villa and Jasper House.

11. Go beach hopping

Exploring the sandy coastline is one of the best things to do in south Sri Lanka. There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka, and the entire southern coastline is just beach after each after beach.

However, don’t just stick to the famous beaches in Sri Lanka like Mirissa or Weligama as they tend to get crowded, especially during the peak season. Some of the best beaches in south Sri Lanka are undeveloped and unnamed, and it’s not uncommon to have an entire stretch to yourself.

I recommend checking out Talalla Beach, Madiha Beach, Pehebiya Beach (one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka IMHO) or Kadolana Beach. If you’re after a beach with lots of restaurants and facilities, head to the horseshoe-shaped Hiriketiya Beach , which used to be a quiet paradise 5 years ago, but is now a fairly well-known beach in down south Sri Lanka.

You may also have heard about “Jungle Beach” in Unawatuna, as it is hyped up to be a secret beach in Sri Lanka. My personal recommendation would be to skip it as it gets pretty busy and is very small – it’s not as “secret” as you may be led to believe.

Another hidden beach in southern Sri Lanka is Blue Beach Island. This tombolo can be found in the fishing village of Nilwella, about 20 minutes away from Hiriketiya. It is a popular camping spot and you can walk to the rocky outcrop during low tide.

You might want to consider visiting some other beaches in the region as well during your trip – read more about some of the top beaches in southern Sri Lanka!

Though beaches in Sri Lanka are generally clean, there is an increasing amount of trash – why not take part in a beach clean or pick up some rubbish? Some hotels will offer a bag for you to pick up trash, and many places also organize beach cleans a few times throughout the year.

Here is a community that organizes beach cleans in Sri Lanka – check out their Instagram for upcoming meet-ups, or simply do your own small part.

Wondering where to stay in south Sri Lanka? Consider staying in and around Dickwella, Talalla, Matara or Madiha for an easy base about mid-way along the coast. Ahangama is also a popular option a little further along the eastern end of south Sri Lanka. For 5-star luxury options check out Cape Weligama , Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa  and  Anantara Tangalle . For a laid-back beach retreat check out Talalla Retreat , or base yourself in Hiriketiya bay (in Dickwella) for a few days – check out Sam & Lola’s for standalone pool villas within walking distance from lots of fantastic restaurants and cafes.

12. See the Sri Lankan stilt fishermen

The stilt fishermen in Sri Lanka are one of the most iconic symbols of southern Sri Lanka. Once upon a time, the tradition was passed from father to son, but as time went by more people shifted to fishing boats because it was easier to fish that way.

These days, you rarely see any true Sri Lankan stilt fishermen – most are there simply for the photo opportunity. Still, it’s a unique cultural tradition to witness, and I still encourage you to check out one of the stilt fishermen spots in southern Sri Lanka.

There are a few dotted along the coast from Koggala through Ahangama and Midigama, and there are often at least a handful of fishermen at each spot during the peak season from December to February. This is one of the popular stilt fishermen photo spots in Ahangama.

You will have to pay to take photos (which kills the magic a little but this is the norm now) – anywhere from 500-1500 Rupees is standard. If you’re lucky, you can very occasionally see actual, “real” stilt fishermen around Polhena, Madiha or Talpe.

13. Visit the Tsunami Honganji Viharaya

The heart-wrenching Tsunami Honganji Viharaya near Hikkaduwa is a memorial to the thousands of people who lost their lives during the tsunami that wrecked the Sri Lankan coast in 2004. There is a small photography museum next to the statue that is free to visit, and donations are welcome to help support the children and families whose lives were affected by the disaster. An advance warning : the photos are extremely graphic and can be painful to view, but gives you some insight into the sheer devastation inflicted on the community and the resilience of the Sri Lankan people.

14. Go on a river safari

Located near the ancient Silk Road is the Walawe River which originates at Adam’s Peak in hill country and winds its way down to Ambalantota (near Hambantota) in south Sri Lanka.

You can go on a relaxing jungle river safari through lush mangroves and potentially spot birds, plants, mammals and even the occasional crocodile. Birdwatching enthusiasts will love the opportunity to see serpent eagles, kingfishers, peacocks and peahens and more.

Planning to go on a river safari or kayak through the mangroves? Look no further than Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa  and  Anantara Tangalle . Shangri-La Hambantota is located a short bicycle ride from the river safari entrance, and you can go kayaking in the mangroves near Rekawa or at Mawella Lagoon near Anantara Tangalle.

1 5. Visit a pool club

If you’re looking for a lazy day by the pool then book a day pass to Palm Hotel’s pavilion and restaurant . The industrial-meets-tropical hotel is open to a limited number of outside guests who are not staying at Palm.

You can spend the afternoon lounging by their pool and sipping on cocktails underneath the swaying palm trees – the cost of the day pass is deductible against your F&B bill.

We also love Belika Beach Club , a laid-back pool club and restaurant on the fringe of Hiriketiya . The cloud-shaped pool is divine on a sunny day, and the crêpes and coffee are very tasty. Belika is open to outside guests between 8 AM and 6 PM every day.

Another popular option is Kurumba Bay in Weligama, a multi-purpose beachfront space with several restaurants, bars, shops and pool. Heading to a pool club in south Sri Lank is a great option if your hotel doesn’t happen to have its own pool, or if you just want a change of scenery.

Ready to book your stay in southern Sri Lanka? Here are some of the best boutique hotels in the area , or click here to see more options in Sri Lanka’s southern coast !

Where to eat in south Sri Lanka

Looking for a great meal and fab drinks in southern Sri Lanka? Here are a few of my favorite places to grab a bite and sip on a cocktail.

Sugar in Galle Fort : Consistently fantastic grub within the fort, and service is always on point. They have a number of Western and Sri Lankan menu options – the pumpkin soup with garlic chips is incredibly tasty!

Zephyr in Kamburugamuwa : Zephyr restaurant is located just between Mirissa and Matara town. This beachfront restaurant has an extensive menu and killer cocktails. Don’t get confused between this one and the Zephyr at Kurumba Bay in Weligama – the one in Weli is a bar only whereas this is their full dining establishment.

Cape Weligama Hotel in Weligama : Cape Weligama is one of the best luxury hotels in Sri Lanka, and one night there will set you back nearly US$800 during the peak season. The good news is, their restaurants and bars are open to outside guests (but make sure you call ahead), and the cocktails and alcoholic beverages are very reasonably priced. They serve the most incredible food, and is one of my favorite places to go for sunset drinks and a delicious meal.

The Nook in Dondra: The on-site restaurant serves up a lovely brunch and dinner (might not always be open for dinner, so check ahead). The breakfast bagel and smoothie bowl is fantastic.

Bacuzzi in Dickwella: For a laid back, authentic Italian meal head to Bacuzzi, located right across the road from Hiriketiya Beach. We loved the woodfired pizza and the saffron cream pasta was a surprise hit.

Smoke & Bitters in Dickwella: Quite possibly my new favourite dinner location in the south – Smoke & Bitters serves up incredibly tasty Asian-inspired dishes and killer cocktails. Make sure you make a reservation as it is often fully-booked.

Verse Collective in Dickwella: Verse is a beachfront hostel/restaurant run by two of the most lovely South Africans. The coffee is on point, and the menu just keeps getting better. If you’re craving some avocado on toast or a tasty chickpea curry this is the place to be, they also recently built a radical teppanyaki area so make sure you book ahead for a seat at the grill.

Salt House in Dickwella: Salt House is a great place to go for lunch or a casual dinner. The coffee is strong, and the fish burger is delicious. Salt House also offers drop-in Yoga classes by the bay if you’re looking to practice some asanas.

Duni’s Hoppers in Hiriketiya: A small roadside stall serving up scrumptious Sri Lankan hoppers – with a twist! We love the pink beetroot-infused hoppers and the smoothie bowls.

Bahia Cafe in Hiriketiya: Formerly known as Grove, Bahia is the new kid on the block and has a fantastic breakfast and lunch menu. Try the rosti or B.L.A.T (bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato) sandwich, or dive straight into the fish tacos.

La Playa in Hiriketiya: This stunning beachfront restaurant in Hiriketiya is the hippest new joint in town. We loved their sourdough pizzas and the team is preparing a new cocktail menu. Perfect for a lazy afternoon.

Ceylon Sliders in Ahangama: This is the brand new sister restaurant of their original location in Weligama. Ceylon Sliders in Ahangama is right on the beach with a diverse food and cocktail menu – mostly western options but the location can’t be beat.

The Doctor’s House in Madiha: The Doctor’s House is a seriously fun place to hang out for sunset cocktails and a chilled-out dinner. TDH serves up a mean pizza with their on-site pizza oven, and also has an amazing happy hour. For a more refined dining experience head to their brand-new restaurant, “The Upstairs”.

The Kip in Ahangama: The Kip is the place to go for a healthy yet delicious brunch. Try the pink smoothie bowl and breakfast burger, and wash it all down with an cashew milk iced coffee.

Lighthouse Ahangama: For quite possibly the best sunset view in south Sri Lanka head straight to this rooftop bar at Lighthouse Ahangama boutique hotel.

Mr. M Rooftop in Ahangama: For special occasions book yourself into sunset cocktails at Mr. M Rooftop within Harding Boutique Hotel. You’ll love their happy hour deal and the sweeping views.

Black Honey Cafe in Ahangama: Tucked away from the main road is this brand new cafe concept. With award-winning flat whites and a killer brunch menu, you’ll find yourself spending a lazy Sunday morning here.

Ready to visit Sri Lanka’s deep south? You might also like these guides:

• This is a good place to start – check out all of my Sri Lanka travel tips and guides here
• Head on over here for an express 1 week Sri Lanka itinerary
• Have more time? Read my extended 2 week Sri lanka itinerary !
• Looking for incredible places to stay along the south coast of Sri Lanka? Click here to check out highly rated hotels in south Sri Lanka

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Thanks for all the valuable info, as always!

Hi, thanks for an excellent post! Planning to go for Sri Lanka this Nov/Dec for my 40th and base it around Kandy for about 4 days and the South for about 6. Lots of info about the South, thanks 🙂 Need to decide exactly when to go – is it already crowded in the first 2 weeks of December?

Hi Thea, the tourism levels have been lower this year than in the past, so you should be fine. I still encourage you to book accommodation in advance, especially for boutique hotels as they tend to have a small number of rooms on offer. Enjoy your trip!

Why have they been lower?

Sri Lanka suffered a terrorism attack in April and many tourists cancelled their trips. However, most countries have since amended their travel advisories for Sri Lanka and those involved with the attack have been captured by the authorities. You can read more updates here: https://www.yogawinetravel.com/24-hours-in-colombo-how-to-explore-sri-lankas-underrated-capital-in-1-day/

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The Best Beaches in Sri Lanka: A Guide to the Best Beach Towns on the South Coast of Sri Lanka

Here’s my guide to the best beach towns in Sri Lanka, one of the best countries I have ever been to. On my recent visit, I could not decide where to go and how long to spend in each beach town. I really had no clue and couldn’t find the answers I needed online. So I thought I’d write a detailed guide on my experience in each beach town, and what I learnt about other towns I didn’t manage to visit.

If you’re looking for a holiday destination which offers beautiful tropical scenery, stunning beaches, interesting wildlife and incredibly well-maintained historical colonial towns, Sri Lanka needs to feature on your bucket list. In this post, I’ve put together my Sri Lanka itinerary, as well as advice on how to pick which beach towns in Sri Lanka to visit.

Best Beach Towns in Sri Lanka – Practical Information

When to go to sri lanka.

Sri Lanka is unique in that it really is a year-round tropical and warm destination. The climate in Sri Lanka is influenced by several monsoon seasons throughout the year. This means that half the island will be dry whilst the other half is experiencing heavy rains.

December – April is the best time to visit the South and West Coasts, as well as the Hill Country. I went at the end of April and the rainy weather was just starting to creep in, with a torrential rain storm every few days in the afternoon. May onwards, this area is heavily affected by the south western monsoon.

May – Sept is the best time to visit the stunning but lesser visited beaches of the East Coast. We didn’t visit these beaches (such as Trincomalee and Arugam Bay) so these are not included in this feature.

Is it safe to go to Sri Lanka?

Beautiful Sri Lanka was the victim of terrible terrorist attacks in April 2019., is desperate for its recently-thriving tourism industry to bounce back. I was actually in Sri Lanka during the terror attacks of April 2019 with my boyfriend. But fortunately, we were approximately 2-3 hours away from the areas of Negombo and Colombo.

The impact was almost immediate on the tourism industry. Everyone was feeling the effects of the attacks and foreign governments were advising against travel. We did meet some travellers who chose to head home and were re-arranging flights. But we met many others, who like us, felt we would be just fine.

Tourism is well up on the up again in Sri Lank. Fortunately, the feeling of fear did not last too long. Sri Lanka is general is a very safe destination to visit.

In Sri Lanka, the local currency is the Sri Lankan rupee, which is often referred to as LKR. At the time of writing, £1 = about 220 LKR, so often looked at 500 LKR as around £2.40. To put into local context, this is the average cost of a 15 minute Tuk Tuk ride, for example between Unawatuna and Galle.

Sri Lankan food is heavenly. Less spicy and hot than its neighbour India, Sri Lanka dishes ooze flavour but are unlikely to destroy your palette. Street food is also great in Sri Lanka and hygiene is generally really good. My favourite street food or dish to order in a restaurant was called Kottu . This dish is a mixture of ripped up roti, mixed with chicken or seafood, vegetables and a sauce. Absolutely delicious in every place that we had it!

Travelling between beach towns

The train service in Sri Lanka along the South Coast only runs as far as Matara. So one option is to hop along beach towns by the coastal train. The train stops in Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna and Mirissa. After the larger town of Matara (located just after Mirissa), public transport becomes a little trickier. To travel onwards to Hiriketiya, Dikwella, Tangalle or further to Hambantota, you will need to use Tuk Tuks or taxis.

Deciding which beaches to visit in Sri Lanka

Whilst planning our itinerary, we felt completely overwhelmed with the number of beach towns to pick from in Sri Lanka. There just seemed to be so many interesting and exciting places to visit across the whole island.

After taking into account the weather at the time of your visit, the second thing to factor is the amount of time you have. Naturally, the more time you have, the more beach towns you can visit in Sri Lanka. With two weeks in Sri Lanka, you’d really most likely to have to pick between the South/West Coasts, and the lesser-visited East Coast.

Sri Lanka is a small island, but it has a huge number of things to do and cultural places to visit. So if you plan on combining beaches with these, you do need to choose just a few beach towns.

If you have the luxury of time, I’d recommend sparing three to four weeks to really explore Sri Lanka and soak up its enchanting atmosphere.

Choosing how to spend two weeks in Sri Lanka really comes down to what you enjoy most, and for us, we love the beach. We spent around 9 days visiting the South Coast beach towns, before visiting Yala National Park and heading up to Ella.

In two weeks, we would have had to really rush through the beach towns and the Hill Country in order to make it the North of Sri Lanka for its famous Cultural Triangle.  We’d really recommend just picking one half of the island and doing it really well, if you only have two weeks to spend in Sri Lanka.

Our two week itinerary for Sri Lanka

Coming from our busy London jobs, we really wanted to prioritise beach time in Sri Lanka. We spent about 10 days beach hopping, before spending two days in Yala and two days in Ella , in the Hill Country.

Colomba and Hikkaduwa – Days 1-2: Landing at Colombo airport (located in Negombo) at around 6pm. From here, we took a taxi for the 2hr drive to Hikkaduwa.

We chose not to spend the first night in Colombo and instead, travelled on through to the beach towns.

Galle and Unawatuna – Days 3-5 : After two days in Hikkaduwa, which is actually on the West Coast, we travelled further down the South Coast towns. We spent three beautiful days between Galle and Unawatuna.

Mirissa – Days 6-8: We travelled to Mirissa for another two days before spending one night in the up-and-coming surf town of Hiritekiya.

Tangalle – Days 9-12: We then moved onto Tangalle for two nights, known for its untouched beaches before visiting Hambantota for a night, where stayed at the Shangri-La Hambantota.

Yala – Days 12-13: Next stop was a magical night at Chena Huts by Uga Escapes located in Yala National Park.

Ella – Day 13-15: Following this, we drove up to the Hill Country to spend two days in Ella . Our final leg of the trip was from Ella, all the way back to Colombo airport – about a six hour drive.

Would I have done any of this Sri Lanka itinerary differently?

If I’d had an extra week, I would have definitely either travelled up to the Cultural Triangle in the North. Here, you can visit Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonaruwa. These places are home to fascinating temples, ancient kingdoms and other religious structures. As we were in Sri Lanka during the time of the Easter Bombings, we did alter our itinerary for a few extra beach days rather than going to Kandy by train.

If I’d had had the time for a month in Sri Lanka, I would definitely visit the East Coast of Sri Lanka. This excellent 10 day Sri Lanka itinerary here covers a completely different route, featuring several more of the cultural and religious sites further inland.

The Best Beach Towns in Sri Lanka

This beach town was our first stop on our itinerary. Hikkaduwa’s beach is a long stretch of soft white sand is best known for the friendly turtles that grace its shallow waters every day. Hikkaduwa is known as one of the original beach towns in Sri Lanka and still has a slight sense of its once hippie-hangout past.

Personally, I couldn’t really see the appeal with Hikkaduwa. It wasn’t particularly bad in any way, but I found it one of the busier beaches and I didn’t really find any great foodie places to try. The main highway between Colombo and Matara runs right behind the beach. It’s too narrow for the amount of traffic that passes through and makes for a less enjoyable walk around the town.

The beach at Hikkaduwa itself can be quite crowded but the sea here was excellent for swimming and was some of the nicest sea-swimming we experienced in Sri Lanka. Surfing at Hikkaduwa is also a popular activity to do here.

There are plenty of touts around selling their wares – they do approach you on the beach but, as with all Sri Lankans, they are gentle and not forceful when trying to sell you items. Hikkaduwa did have the most touts and beach sellers we experienced of any beach in Sri Lanka.

Where to find the turtles at Hikkaduwa?

As mentioned, one of the biggest draws to Hikkaduwa are the sea turtles that frequent this area. You can find the turtles in Hikkaduwa directly in front of the Hikka Tranz hotel, which is the large hotel structure towards the far left of the beach, if you’re facing the sea. The crowds gather very quickly once a turtle is spotted, and it’s far from a relaxing or serene one-on-one experience with the turtles. But, if you want to swim with them and get pretty close, Hikkaduwa is a great place for this.

Other things to do in Hikkaduwa

Snorkelling is a popular activity in Hikkaduwa, and plenty of local Sri Lanka boat owners will approach you inviting you on a snorkel tour. We chose not to do this, but met some other travellers at our accommodation who said they highly rated the snorkelling in Hikkaduwa.

Where to stay in Hikkaduwa

Looking online before we arrived in Hikkaduwa, I was pretty unenthused about the accommodation on offer in the town. Hikka Tranz (mentioned above) is by far the biggest hotel around. There aren’t any other chain or branded hotels around, but lots of guesthouses and small beach hotels.

I found the incredible Manthally Cabanas online on booking.com and as soon as I had read the reviews, I knew we had to stay there.

Manthally Cabanas is a set of four beautifully built wooden cabins nestled into the Sri Lankan jungle. Not only do they feel really sturdy and safe to sleep in (definitely not blowing in the wind), they each had big balconies/porches at the front. We relaxed here in the evenings as the tropical rain hammered down around us.

Manthally Cabanas are located about a 20-30 minute walk to the beach, or a 5 minute tuk tuk ride. It was quite a decision to stay so far away from the action in Hikkaduwa, but once I saw the town, I really didn’t mind. I would recommend staying away from the main Hikkaduwa beach if you aren’t there to party in the evening, as I understand it can be quite lively!

At night, we fell asleep to the birdsong of the jungle and you really feel close to nature. We saw huge lizards and snakes too whilst staying at Manthally Cabanas, but don’t worry, they weren’t too close.

Manthally Cabanas also has a delightful plunge pool, nestled amongst the tropical trees and bamboo palms. The perfect pool to cool off in – you definitely won’t be doing laps, but it’s great to kick back with a beer in.

There is also a large open-air restaurant and bar area, and the team have a varied and interesting menu to pick from. They’re happy to adapt the meals too, if you need it to be less spicy! Overall, this was a magical jungle stay on our Sri Lanka itinerary. Check rates for Manthally Cabanas here .

Galle Fort is not exactly a beach town, but a fascinating colonial UNESCO World Heritage site that is an absolute must-visit on any Sri Lanka itinerary. History fans should definitely spend a few days here, but if you can only spare one day, that’s enough time to walk and explore the Galle Fort area. I personally would have loved more time here, in fact – I’d have loved to have stayed in one of the historical hotels within the Galle Fort area. 

Located between Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna, Galle Fort is easily accessible by train from Colombo. The Fort was first built by the Portuguese in 1588, before being fortified by the Dutch during the 17 th  century. Many of the buildings in Galle Fort are more recognisable for their Dutch style and are also named after them, such as the shopping building in the old Dutch Hospital.

The town oozes charm and historical appeal. With few motorised vehicles inside, Galle is a delight to walk around and you’ll find yourself admiring the traditional colonial architectural style around every corner. Fortunately, as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Galle Fort has been brilliantly preserved too, with many old colonial buildings having been re-purposed into small stylish shops or luxurious hotels. 

Although I mentioned that Galle Fort is not a beach town, it does actually have a few small beaches that line the Fort walls. The one in front of the Lighthouse is probably the best one and the water is delightful to swim in!

Where to stay in Galle

If you can do so, I would highly recommend spending at least one night in Galle Fort itself. Sleeping amongst the history isn’t something you can do all of the time!

There are some really excellent hotels in Galle Fort, here are a selection of some of the best:

• Amari Galle
• Fort Bazaar
• Galle Fort Hotel
• Jetwing Lighthouse
• The Dutch House

Where to eat in Galle

There are lots of cafes and restaurants in Galle that come highly recommended. Some of the best places to eat in Galle Fort are located in the Dutch Hospital shopping area. Here’s my pick of the best:

Isle of Gelato – well this isn’t food but it’s easy the best ice cream shop in possibly the whole of Sri Lanka, and the air conditioning feels like a dream!

Hoppa – excellent Sri Lankan food and also from the same team who owned our fantastic hotel in Unawatuna (more below)

A Minute by Tuk Tuk – brilliant waterfront dining, with a varied menu offering up fresh dishes

The Tuna & The Crab – Arguably the best sushi in Sri Lanka

Pedlars Cafe – an awesome colonial building, with a very cool antique car outside and an excellent coffee menu, probably the best place for coffee in Galle!

The delightful little beach town is tucked away from the main road, around a 10-15 minute drive from Galle. I’d heard before I arrived that Unawatuna was one of the more touristy beach towns in Sri Lanka but I didn’t find it to be too bad at all.

In fact, Unawatuna ended up being one of my favourite beach towns in Sri Lanka for two reasons. The fact that the main coastal road is actually about a 10 minute walk away from the main beach area (the Japanese Pagoda end), and this absence of traffic was really notable. And also because the sea in Unawatuna was really lovely and safe to swim in, which is definitely an issue in other beach towns in Sri Lanka.

Unawatuna itself offered some great beachside cafes and bars, and has a lovely relaxed vibe to it. It felt similar to a lot of chilled out backpacking towns in South East Asia, for example.

What to do in Unawatuna

Relaxing is top order of the day! But you might have heard of a pretty Instagram famous rope swing nearby…

This iconic palm tree rope swing is located on Dalawella beach. You can walk to here from Unawatuna beach in about 30 minutes. Simply walk along Unawatuna beach, so that the Japanese pagoda is behind you. When you get to the far end, you’ll see a small pool of water and some wooden boats, this is as far as you can go along the beach. You’ll spot the road though just behind the beach, where you continue along for about 10-15 minutes and you’ll find yourself on Dalawella beach. The swing is located directly in front of Dream Cabanas, which you can see on Google Maps here .

I’ve heard of queues for this rope swing, but at the time of visiting, there was no queue at all. We paid 500 rupees for three goes on the rope swing. It was actually far more exhilarating than I expected, and I was initially a bit reluctant to do something that was such an Instagram sensation. But it was really fun and swinging out over the azure sea was pretty cool.

The beach at Dalawella is not that easy to swim at, and it’s quite rocky. But just a little further along, past a rather beautiful boulder, is Wijaya beach. This stunning stretch of sand has a couple of cool beach bars on, but it’s the water here that’s the real winner. A coral reef forms a big crystal clear lagoon here, where the water is completely calm and absolutely amazing to swim in. I could have bathed in this water for hours.

If you’re travelling with children in Sri Lanka, then Wijaya beach was the best beach for children that I came across.

Where to stay in Unawatuna

Unawatuna has a really good range of hotels, from budget to luxury. Some of the best places to stay include SHORE by Hoppa . This hotel is part of the same group that own the popular Hoppa cafe in Galle.

Not only did their restaurant serve up some of the best food in Unawatuna, but it had one of the coolest, vibey beach bar areas in the whole town. The hotel itself is quite small, but its top floor bedroom is worth the extra cost. We had a stunning view across the whole bay and a huge balcony to enjoy cocktails on as the sun set. We loved the clean style and nautical theming of our room. Highly recommend and it’s definitely one of the best hotels in Unawatuna.

Check rates for the fantastic SHORE by Hoppa here .

Other options of places to brilliant places to stay in Unawatuna include:

• Cantaloupe Aqua
• Thaproban Pavilion Resort & Spa

Where to eat in Unawatuna

One of the best places to eat in Unawatuna, is without a doubt, the fantastic Skinny Tom’s Deli . Fortunately, it was located right by SHORE by Hoppa, and before we knew it, we were popping in for breakfast, lunch and for drinks. I loved hoppers breakfast was fantastic, and the iced drinks were some of the best we had in Sri Lanka.

I’d heard such mixed reviews about this Sri Lankan beach town, so I was excited to get there. Mirissa is another original backpacking towns on the island and supposedly quite commercialised. However, I was pleasantly surprised upon arriving in the town. We ended up really enjoying our few days in Mirissa.

As with Hikkaduwa, the only thing I was not too keen on was the fact the main coastal highway ran so close to the beach again. I understand this road was built long before these beach towns really started thriving. But the road was quite noisy and hard to ignore in Mirissa.

The beach in Mirissa is 2km long, punctuated in the middle by Parrot Rock. The sea was quite rough whilst we were here, and occasional waves would break and land right up by the top of beach.

What to do in Mirissa

Like the rope swing in Dalawella beach by Unawatuna, it’s Coconut Tree Hill that has become one of the big draws in Mirissa. A lot of guides say it’s a 5 minute tuk tuk ride away, but it’s actually a really easy and pleasant walk from Mirissa’s main beach, past Parrot Rock, along the adjacent beach and then you’ll see the palm trees ahead.

Whale watching is another of the top things to do in Mirissa. There are plenty of local boat companies offering tours to go and see the whales, and this area is famed for the variety of whales you can see off the shore.

The best time of year to see the whales in Mirissa is from November to April. Whale-watching tours vary in price, so I would ask around before committing to the first one.

Another of the best things to do in Mirissa is snorkelling, especially as there are many turtles around. But I warn you now – do not pay to do this as a tour. The beach they take you to is located next to Mirissa (and just before you get to Coconut Tree Hill). There is a local guy there with snorkels who you can rent from and he’ll help you spot the turtles there.

Where to stay in Mirissa

The road splits the main beach town clearly in two. Most of the town’s accommodation is behind the road, nestled into the hills. I’m sure there are some lovely places to stay in Mirissa, but my favourite thing was that our accommodation was so close to the beach. And I mean a 10 second walk from our beach cottage to the sea. We stayed Central Beach Inn which I can highly recommend. They were really affordable, and although quite simple – they were absolutely perfect for their location and value for money. Definitely one of the best places to stay in Mirissa.

Where to eat in Mirissa

I’m partial to a good smoothie bowl, and Shady Lane Mirissa is the best place to get this. Shady Lane is easily one of the best cafes in Mirissa. Tucked away on a little lane, Shady Lane offers up some of the best and freshest breakfasts. Some of the best restaurants in Mirissa for dinner are located on the beach. Every evening the whole beach stretch is lit up by little candles and fairy lights. Here you can enjoy happy hours and freshly grilled fish.

This little beach town, nestled in a bay near Dikwella, is becoming one of new cool beach places to visit during a Sri Lanka itinerary. Still for those ‘in-the-know’, it won’t be much longer until tourism really builds up here. Hiriketiya is completely all about the surf, and it has easily some of the best surf towns in Sri Lanka. Days are spent lounging in one of cool hangouts such as Dots Cafe, or on the beach, where local vendors can whip up the freshest fruit juices on the spot. Hiriketiya is super chilled and I would highly recommend stopping by here on any length trip to Sri Lanka.

Where to stay

One of the best places to stay in Hiriketiya is Dots Bay House , home to the popular day and night Dots Cafe. It is also the closest accommodation to the beach in Hiriketiya.

Hiriketiya is also home to some other brilliant guesthouses, some of which are the coolest in Sri Lanka. For example, Salt House and Jasper House , both offer amazing hotel rooms and really lovely swimming pools.

Tangalle is picture-perfect paradise, and its distance from Colombo is likely to keep it that way. Hotels and guesthouses have been built further back from the beaches around here, so the Tangalle coastline is pretty pristine and lined just with sweeping palm trees. The main downside of Tangalle and the surrounding area is that the water is too rough to swim in, so I’d advise picking a hotel here with a great swimming pool to cool off in.

Where to stay in Tangalle

Unspoilt Tangalle is renowned for its stunning beaches. Its longer drive (6 hours or so from Colombo) helps keep the masses away from the area. Tangalle is home to the luxury Anantara Peace Haven Resort , where we ended up spending two nights.

This stunning hotel is a slice of paradise, on an island home to hundreds of beautiful and elegant hotels. This was my first stay in an Anantara hotel, and I was not disappointed. From the huge stylish rooms, to the beautiful grounds and unbelievable breakfast spread, it was a stay to remember. You can read my full guide to the stunning Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort here.

The Anantara made for the perfect base to explore the beaches of Tangalle. Check rates for the fantastic Anantara hotel here .

Unfortunately, I couldn’t tell you the best places to eat in Tangalle and the surrounding area. We treated ourselves to some fabulous meals at the Anantara instead!

Hambantota is not one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, but the fantastic Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Hotel here is worth a stay. Perfectly manicured grounds, Sri Lanka’s only 18 hole golf course and an incredible trapeze swing, these are just some of the infinite number of activities on offer at this awesome 5* hotel in Sri Lanka. The Shangri-La Hambantota is a brilliant hotel for basically everyone – from families, couples and larger groups. We could have easily spent a full week here.

Check rates for this fantastic hotel here .

Hambantota is the last major beach town before Yala National Park, and Udawalawe National Park. This makess it a convenient place to stop before driving onto these. Also, if you’re interested in birdwatching in Sri Lanka, then I’d definitely recommend staying in Hambantota. From the beach town it’s very easy to access Bundala National Park, known for exciting birdwatching.

However, like Tangalle, the sea conditions here make swimming too dangerous. So as long as you’re by the pools, you’ll be fine!

Other beach towns to visit in Sri Lanka

If you visit Sri Lanka outside of the December-April period, you’ll want to consider other beaches on the island where the weather is better. Or if you’re looking for kinds of beaches, there will be something for you. As a paradise island in the stunning Indian Ocean, there is no shortage of other beaches to go.

This beach is located much closer to Colombo on Sri Lanka’s West Coast and is easily accessed by train. Bentota is lined with larger resort hotels, but the beach is lovely and spacious and well worth a visit. This beach is also well known for its great array of watersports on offer.

Probably one of the most scenic beaches to be located so close to an airport anywhere in the world! You could enjoy a relaxing beach holiday right until the very last minute if you stay here before flying out of Sri Lanka.

Home to several luxury hotels, including The Plantation Villa Resort , this town is only 40km from Colombo and offers paradise beaches.

This beach is known to be a particularly good place for beginners to learn to surf in Sri Lanka. It’s a long wide and shallow bay, with plenty of surf lessons taking place.

On the southern end of Sri Lanka’s east coast, the village of Arugam Bay is a popular destination for surfing and travellers who are keen to get off the beaten track. Its laid-back vibe is coupled with unspoilt beaches. Like Hiriketiya, no larger chain hotels have opened here, meaning this little surf village has kept its charm.

Trincomalee

This beach on Sri Lanka’s east coast offers an enticing blend of cultural activities, as it is home to many ancient temples, as well as stunning white-sand beaches.

You might be wondering why I have included the capital of Sri Lanka in a guide to beach towns. Well, Colombo actually has a pretty nice beach and fascinating culture to boot. In Colombo, you could spend the morning visiting sites such as The Red Mosque and Galle Face Green. Then for the afternoon, you could swing by the beaches of Negombo or Mt Lavinia Beach.

Best beach towns in Sri Lanka

And there you have it! My guide to the best beach towns in Sri Lanka, as well as the other essential information you need before planning your Sri Lanka itinerary. This paradise island is home to some wonderful beaches. There are also so many other incredible opportunities to immerse yourself in the local wildlife, culture history, and of course, sample the famous Sri Lankan cuisine.

Have you been to Sri Lanka? Do you have any other tips for visitors to this amazing island? I’d love to hear if so – drop a comment below!

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Disclaimer: This trip to Southern Sri Lanka was entirely paid for by myself. There was no involvement from the tourism board or any local companies. This is an independent guide.

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The 12 best places to visit in Sri Lanka

Nov 9, 2023 • 9 min read

Polonnaruwa is famed for its ancient ruins, rock temples and Buddhist heritage © leodaphne / Getty Images

With rugged mountains, untouched beaches and fertile soil that grows coconuts, tea and spices, Sri Lanka offers travelers a wondrous mix of experiences unmatched for an island of its size.

Today the country’s rich heritage, delectable cuisine and astonishing wildlife are more accessible than ever, thanks to an ever-improving public transport system. Trains, buses, coaches and tuk-tuks carry visitors to all parts of the island at various price points. But with so many charming places to choose from, where does one start?

Depending on what you’re looking for – art, culture, history – what you put down on your Sri Lanka itinerary is bound to change. Still, here’s our selection of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka to get you started. 

Best for exploring on foot

No Sri Lanka itinerary is complete without Colombo , the country’s culturally diverse hub. (But not its capital – that’s actually Sri Jayawardenepura-Kotte!) An ideal first taste of Sri Lanka, with tuk-tuks, cars and buses rushing through busy lanes, Colombo is renowned for its landmark buildings around the cosmopolitan Fort district, including the terracotta-roofed Dutch Hospital . 

Be sure to spend some time at Galle Face Green , a seaside promenade where hundreds of families gather to dip their toes in the sea at sunset and children fly kites overhead. Order yourself isso wade , deep-fried prawn and lentil cakes, topped with spicy sambol , and people-watch. 

Planning tip: While Colombo is a safe and walkable city, tuk-tuks are inexpensive and convenient for getting around. Always check that your tuk-tuk has a working meter before you get in to ensure you pay the correct fare for your ride. 

2. Sigiriya

Best for history buffs and art aficionados 

With ornate ponds, royal sleeping chambers and majestic lion paws carved into the base of the rock, the colossal granite fortress of Sigiriya  is easily Sri Lanka’s most recognizable site, peeking out of a thick jungle canopy for a glimpse of the ancient kingdom of Kassapa.

Although its frescoes – images of bare-breasted women adorned in jewelry with flowers in their hair – are famous, the view from the top of the rock is unparalleled. A hush of calm echoes over the terraced summit, which covers 1.6 hectares (4 acres). 

Planning tip: Get here around 7am – the cooler morning air makes for a pleasant walk up the 1200 steps to the top. Aim to head back down before noon (before the rock surface gets too hot), stay hydrated and wear soft shoes with tread.

3. Anuradhapura

Best for experiencing Buddhist culture

Anuradhapura looks misleadingly like any other Sri Lankan town when you arrive: an unremarkable clock tower, a single train station and small shops lining a busy main road. But the town's simple facade gives nothing away regarding the enormous scale of its heritage as the heartland of Sri Lankan Buddhist culture.

The main feature of this area remains the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, believed to have been planted from a cutting from the tree Buddha attained enlightenment under in Bodhgaya, India. Beyond this, Anuradhapura is bursting with archaeological wonders: colossal dagobas (stupas), temples, palaces and venerable Buddhist sites scattered among the jungles and villages of the area. 

Planning tip: Comfortable shoes are a must for walking between sites. Buddhist temples, even as ruins, are still places of worship, and footwear must be removed before entering. Carrying a scarf to cover legs and shoulders is always a good idea.

4. Polonnaruwa

Best for ancient archaeological wonders

Often twinned with a visit to Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa is also famed for its ancient ruins, rock temples and Buddhist heritage. 

As you gaze upon the 14m (46ft) reclining Buddha in Gal Viharaya and its surrounding carvings, you can’t help but imagine what went into creating these figures. The white, grey and black granite softens the details of these intricate carvings, and the scent of fresh flowers and incense, offered to the statues by devotees, floats through the temple's air. 

Don’t skip the remaining archaeological sites in the area, including the Royal Ruins , which can be visited in a day and contain closely grouped temples and stupas. 

Planning tip: If traveling toward Jaffna in the north of Sri Lanka, both Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are great places to stay and break up the journey.

Best for a taste of Tamil culture

From the Jaffna Fort  to the architecturally marvelous Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil , a Hindu temple adorned with brasswork and staggering murals, Jaffna is a relaxed change from the rest of the country. Here you can immerse yourself in the culture and heritage of Sri Lanka’s largest ethnic minority: the Tamil people.

Once under Portuguese and Dutch occupation, today’s Jaffna is revitalized with up-and-coming restaurants. Of the several islands off the coast of Jaffna accessible by roads and ferries, Kayts – a hauntingly beautiful, quiet island of fishing communities – and Delft, with its wild ponies descended from horses abandoned by Dutch colonists, are worth a visit.

Planning tip: The Tamil-centric culture in Jaffna differs from the rest of the island. Be mindful of local customs, such as removing footwear when entering certain sites. This includes the Jaffna Public Librar y, where footwear is removed as a means of respecting the knowledge within the building.

6. Trincomalee

Best for an unspoiled beach vacation

Stretches of powdery soft beaches and calm waters meld with dramatic cliffside Hindu temples – among them the famous Kandasamy Kovil , with unmistakable ornamental architecture and a monumental statue of Shiva looking out to sea – for a touch of Sri Lanka that remains off most tourists’ radars. 

The coastline here is only disturbed by the occasional bit of driftwood or coconut husk washing ashore in the shallow waters, ripe for snorkeling, where miles of coral reefs and marine life thrive.

Planning tip: Public beaches here do not have lifeguards, and swimming and snorkeling should only be undertaken with a guide.

7. Dambulla

Best for pilgrim trails 

An important part of the country’s pilgrim trail, set within a quiet jungle that's home to the native toque macaque (aka toque monkey), Rangiri Cave Temple in Dambulla is the most visited place in Sri Lanka.

Expect troops of monkeys to accompany you on the walk up to the temple, inside which you'll find a series of five caves containing 150 well-preserved statues of Buddha alongside religious art, sculpted and painted into the rock.

Planning tip: Wear white or soft colors as a mark of respect, and expect crowds on full-moon days, which are holy days in the Buddhist calendar. While toque macaques are delightful to watch, they are wild and should never be approached.

8. Minneriya National Park

Best for witnessing the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world

Herds of wild elephants – around 300 in number – graze nearly 9000 hectares (22,240 acres) of Minneriya National Park, where life centers around Minneriya Lake. Watch in awe (cameras at the ready, naturally!) as long trunks draw water and calves roll around on the banks in wet mud.  

Once a year, during the dry season, all 300 elephants gather around the banks of the lake to graze in a marvelous natural event known as "the Gathering." This also happens to be the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world.

Planning tip: April to October is the best time to see the Gathering. Prebooking your safari and sharing jeeps helps to reduce the number of vehicles entering the park during this busy period.

Best for experiencing Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

An ideal day trip from Colombo, the train departs the city’s Fort Railway Station and pulls into the heritage town of Kandy in under four hours. As the train curves and winds around mountains to connect rural towns, wide windows frame the view of deep ravines and hillsides densely covered in emerald-green tea bushes. 

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Kandy Lake , both must-do attractions for anyone visiting Sri Lanka, are easily reached via tuk-tuk from the station. 

Planning tip: Visitors are required to cover their arms, legs and shoulders when visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The Kandy-to-Colombo train is an alternative way to experience Sri Lanka’s railway journeys, as popular towns such as Ella are 10 hours away from Colombo.

10. Kalpitiya 

Best for surfing enthusiasts

Despite attracting thrill-seekers from around the world, Kalpitiya retains most of its quaint coastal charm, with the exception of a Dutch-era fort that is occupied by the Sri Lankan navy. Cows, goats and donkeys stroll across the villages. Thatched-roof beach huts with outdoor showers offer that stereotypically pleasing surf-shack vibe, and most mornings you’ll wake to a crowing rooster. Most important, just 30km (19 miles) north of here at Vella Island, a narrow sandbar, you’re surrounded by tall, clear waves – kitesurfing heaven. 

Planning tip: The weather for kitesurfing is ideal between October to May, and there are several kitesurfing schools around Kalpitiya.

11. Kumana National Park

Best for spotting birds 

Known for its 200-hectare (494-acre) bird reserve, Kumana National Park is a birder’s dream, home to throngs of vibrant kingfishers and jungle fowl alongside 255 recorded species of endemic and migrating birds, all of which find sanctuary in the park's mangrove swamps and lagoons.

Expect to spot falcons and eagles as they soar above or peacocks shimmying on the ground. Also frequently spotted here: cleverly camouflaged crocodiles lying in wait on the sandy banks of the lake for a chance encounter with buffalo.

Cap off your trip here with a visit to the coastal village of Panama, which many visitors bypass in favor of bigger towns, such as Pottuvil and Arugam Bay . Between the tiny monastery under a rock, thatched-roof homes and dirt tracks through paddy fields, Panama is one of the most remote places to see.

Planning tip: Entrance to Kumana National Park is through the village of Okanda. Prearranging a guided jeep safari is best for enjoying the park. 

12. Adam’s Peak

Best for experiencing a night hike

Adam’s Peak (the footprint of Prophet Adam, in Islam), Sri Pada (the sacred foot of Buddha) and Samanala Kanda (the mountain of the butterflies and a reference to the local deity Saman) are multiple names given to Sri Lanka’s holiest peak, considered sacred by all religions on the island. 

Join thousands of pilgrims, dressed in white, in the early hours of the morning to hike slowly and quietly to the little temple at the top . Humble teahouses, resting places and shrines dot the landscape as you ascend. Pilgrims greet each other through blessings for a good climb. The hike to the top takes three to four hours, depending on the trail you choose. Aim to summit at dawn to catch the first rays of the sun wrapping around the mountain.

Planning tip: Adam’s Peak is 2243m (7359ft) high and a moderate climb. Ascending via Hatton and descending via Ratnapura is the shortest route, although steeper.

The full-moon days in December and May mark the beginning and end of the climbing season. During this period, set off earlier to sidestep the crowds, or expect slow and packed trails. Climbing in the offseason is not recommended, as it coincides with the southeastern monsoon.

This article was first published Apr 9, 2021 and updated Nov 9, 2023.

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The south Travel Guide

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We had a lovely vacation. Would recommend your local expert and our chauffeur-guide Bernard. Sri Lanka is amazing and we hope to return.

In many ways, the south encapsulates Sri Lanka at its most traditional. Stretched out along a great arc of sun-baked coastline from Galle in the west to Tissamaharama in the east, the area remains essentially rural: a land of a thousand sleepy villages sheltered under innumerable palms, where the laid-back pace of life still revolves around coconut farming, rice cultivation and fishing (the last still practised in places by the distinctively Sri Lankan method of stilt-fishing). Culturally, too, the south remains a bastion of Sinhalese traditions exemplified by the string of temples and giant Buddha statues which dot the coast, and by the colourful festivals celebrated throughout the region, which culminate in the exuberant religious ceremonies enacted nightly at the ancient shrine of Kataragama.

Brief history of South Sri Lanka

Where to go in south sri lanka, dalawela and thalpe, koggala to midigama, matara and around, dickwella and around, bundala national park, tissamaharama, tailor-made travel itineraries for sri lanka, created by local experts.

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Discover Sri Lanka

There is so much to see and do in Sri Lanka! This 10-day trip will take you around some of the most exciting parts of the country; spot Elephants in their natural habitat, discover the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and learn more about the famous Ceylon Tea plantations.

The south’s physical distance from the rest of the island, and from the hordes of Indian invaders who periodically overran the north, meant that the ancient kingdom of Ruhunu (or Rohana) – a name still often used to describe the region – evolved into one of the heartlands of traditional Sinhalese culture. In later centuries, despite the brief importance of the southern ports of Galle and Matara in the colonial Indian Ocean trade, Ruhunu preserved this separation, and with the rise of Colombo and the commercial decline of Galle and Matara in the late nineteenth century, the south became a relative backwater – as it remains, despite the more recent incursions of tourism.

The region’s varied attractions make it one of Sri Lanka’s most rewarding areas to visit. Gateway to the south – and one of its highlights – is the atmospheric old port of Galle , Sri Lanka’s best-preserved colonial town, while beyond Galle stretch a string of picture-perfect beaches including Unawatuna, Weligama , Mirissa and Tangalla . Nearby, the little-visited town of Matara, with its quaint Dutch fort, offers a further taste of Sri Lanka’s colonial past, while ancient Tissamaharama makes a good base from which to visit two of the country’s finest national parks: the placid lagoons and birdlife-rich wetlands of Bundala, and Yala, famous for its elephants and leopards. Beyond Tissamaharama lies the fascinating religious centre of Kataragama, whose various shrines are held sacred by Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike.

A few kilometres east of Unawatuna, the beautiful and unspoilt beaches at DALAWELA and THALPE are becoming increasingly popular with visitors turned off by the hustle and bustle of Unawatuna. Dalawela is home to a handful of good mid-range guesthouses and hotels while a succession of high walls on the ocean-side of the Matara road at Thalpe, 2km further on, conceals a raft of luxury beachfront villas belonging to (mostly) foreigners and available for rent; there are also a few small upmarket hotels.

Accommodation aside, there’s very little to either village apart from the beach and a few clusters of fishing stilts – perfect for Robinson Crusoe types who enjoy counting palm trees and also hugely popular with Galle’s expats, who flock here for a trio of lively beach hangouts.

Stilt fishermen

The section of coast between Dalawela and Ahangama is the best place to witness one of Sri Lanka’s most emblematic sights, stilt fishermen. The stilts consist of a single pole and crossbar planted out in the sea, on which fishermen perch while casting their lines when the currents are flowing in the right direction (most likely to happen between Oct and Dec, especially at sunset). Positions are highly lucrative thanks to the abundant supplies of fish, even close to shore, and are handed down from father to son.

Around 12km east of Unawatuna lies the small and unprepossessing town of KOGGALA, dominated by a pair of military themed constructions with two very different purposes: a military airbase, hurriedly built here during World War II against the threat of Japanese attack, and the spectacular new Fortress hotel. The town is also home to one of the island’s more rewarding museums, erected in honour of the famous Sinhalese writer Martin Wickramasinghe, and close to the fascinating Handunugoda Tea Estate and Kataluwa Purvarama Mahavihara temple, while Koggala lagoon is just a couple of kilometres away.

Close to the southernmost point of the island, the bustling town of MATARA (pronounced “maat-rah” the middle syllable is virtually elided) provides a taste of everyday Sri Lanka that may (or may not) be welcome if you’ve spent time in the coastal resorts. Standing at the terminus of the country’s southern rail line, the town is an important transport hub and a major centre of commerce – a lively place given a youthful touch by the presence of students from the nearby Ruhunu University. Matara preserves a few Dutch colonial buildings, an atmospheric old fort area and an attractive seafront (though you wouldn’t want to swim here). A couple of kilometres either side of town, the low-key beachside suburbs of Polhena and Medawatta offer good snorkelling and surfing respectively, while the area around Matara boasts a couple of mildly interesting and little-visited sights, including the giant Buddha at Weherehena and the town of Dondra, whose slender lighthouse marks the island’s southernmost point.

Matara itself (from Mahatara, or “Great Harbour”) is an ancient settlement, though no traces of anything older than the colonial era survive. The Portuguese used the town intermittently, but it was the Dutch, attracted by the deep and sheltered estuary of the Nilwala Ganga, who established a lasting presence here, fortifying the town and making it an important centre for cinnamon and elephant trading.

As at Galle , Matara divides into two areas: the modern town and the old Dutch colonial district, known as the Fort. The two are separated by the Nilwala Ganga, a fine and remarkably unspoilt stretch of water, edged by thick stands of palm trees and spanned by the town’s most impressive modern construction: the six-lane Mahanama Bridge, constructed with Korean help and unveiled in December 2007 on the third anniversary of the tsunami.

Matara’s main Fort lies on the narrow spit of land south of the river, its eastern side bounded by a long line of stumpy ramparts, built by the Dutch in the eighteenth century and topped by the inevitable ugly white British clocktower of 1883. At the north end of the ramparts, a dilapidated gateway (dated 1780) marks the original entrance to the Fort, while a short walk brings you to the restored Dutch Reformed Church, one of the earliest Dutch churches in Sri Lanka – a large and rather austere gabled structure sheltered beneath a huge pitched roof. The interior is largely bare, save for a few battered old wooden pews, a clapped-out harmonium and various florid British and Dutch gravestones inserted into the floor, the oldest dating back to the very beginning of the eighteenth century.

The rest of the Fort comprises an interesting district of lush, tree-filled streets dotted with fine old colonial-era houses in various stages of picturesque disrepair: some are surprisingly palatial, with grand colonnaded facades and sweeping verandas, although heavy-handed development is beginning seriously to erode the area’s character. At the far west end of the Fort, the peninsula tapers off to a narrow spit of land at the confluence of the Nilwala Ganga and the sea, where there’s a pretty new harbour.

Snorkelling and surfing around Matara

A couple of kilometres west of the centre of Matara, the rather down-at-heel beachside suburb of Polhena has some good snorkelling straight off the beach, with lots of colourful fish and a small section of live coral; swimming conditions and visibility are best outside the monsoon period.

At the picturesque eastern end of Matara Bay, about 1.5km east of the town, another low-key suburb, Medawatta, is popular with long-term surfers who come here to ride waves of up to 4m at Secret Point, best between November and March.

Around 5km southeast of Matara, the sleepy little town of DONDRA was formerly one of the south’s most important religious centres, known as Devi Nuwara (“City of the Gods”) and housing a great temple dedicated to Vishnu, among the most magnificent on the island until it was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1588. Nothing of the temple now survives apart from one ancient shrine, the Galge, a small, plain rectangular structure thought to date back to the seventh century AD, making it the oldest stone building in Sri Lanka. The shrine lies half a kilometre inland from the main crossroads in the middle of Dondra; turn left down a narrow lane just after the clocktower. After 400m you’ll reach a rather flouncy modern white temple; the Galge lies up a short flight of steps in a grassy field on the slope immediately above.

The diminutive Galge pales into insignificance next to modern Dondra’s main temple, the sprawling roadside Devi Nuwara Devalaya, right in the middle of town by the main road, complete with a huge standing Buddha (a copy of the Aukana Buddha). One of the south’s major festivals, the Devi Nuwara Perahera, is held at the temple every year on the Esala poya day (late July/early Aug).

Around 15km east of Dondra on the coastal highway, the small town of DICKWELLA is home to an attractive resort and, diagonally opposite, Dickwella Lace (daily 9am–5pm), a women’s cooperative set up to protect and revive the art of beeralu, or bobbin lace-making, one of the area’s traditional industries. Women from local villages are trained up here and provided with the skills to earn an income from their craft. As well as demonstrations of lace-making techniques, there’s also a small lace museum, and assorted bags, dolls, toys, tablecloths and linen for sale.

The area dividing Tangalla and Hambantota marks the transition between Sri Lanka’s wet and dry zones, where the lush palm forests of the southwest give way to the arid and scrub-covered savannah that characterizes much of the island. Some 53km east of Tangalla , the dusty provincial capital of HAMBANTOTA is the unlikely beneficiary of a remarkable economic regeneration programme sponsored by President Mahinda Rajapakse (who hails from the town) focused around the construction of the island’s second international airport and the dredging of a huge new Chinese-sponsored port, along with other projects. The opening of the new airport in late 2012 or early 2013 is likely to bring significant changes to Hambantota, although for the time being it remains an indomitably sleepy little place with little obvious tourist potential except perhaps as an alternative base to Tissamaharama from which to visit Bundala or Yala national parks , or a smattering of other nearby attractions.

Hambantota is the salt capital of Sri Lanka. Salt is produced by letting seawater into the lewayas, the sometimes dazzlingly white saltpans which surround the town, and allowing it to evaporate, after which the residue is scraped up and sold.

A Malay enclave

Hambantota was originally settled by Malay seafarers (the name is a corruption of “Sampan-tota”, or “Sampan Port”, alluding to the type of boat in which they arrived) and the town still has the largest concentration of Malay-descended people in Sri Lanka, with a correspondingly high proportion of Muslims and mosques – you really notice the call to prayer here. A few inhabitants still speak Malay, and although you probably won’t notice this, you’re likely to be struck by the occasional local face with pure Southeast Asian features.

Accessed around 15km east of Hambantota (and a similar distance west of Tissa), Bundala National Park is one of Sri Lanka’s foremost destinations for birdwatchers, protecting an important area of coastal wetland famous for its abundant aquatic (and other) birdlife, as well as being home to significant populations of elephants, crocodiles, turtles and other fauna. Although it doesn’t have quite the range of wildlife or scenery of nearby Yala National Park , Bundala is much quieter and makes a good alternative if you want to avoid Yala’s crowds.

What to Expect from Bundala National Park

The park stretches along the coast for around 20km, enclosing five shallow and brackish lagoons, or lewayas (they sometimes dry up completely during long periods of drought) separated by thick low scrubby forest running down to coastal dunes. Almost two hundred bird species have been recorded here, their numbers swelled by seasonal visitors, who arrive between September and March. The lagoons attract an amazing variety of aquatic birds, including ibis, pelicans, painted storks, egrets, and spoonbills, though the most famous visitors are the huge flocks of greater flamingoes. The Bundala area is the flamingoes’ last refuge in southern Sri Lanka, and you can see them here in variable numbers throughout the year; their exact breeding habits remain a mystery, though it’s thought they migrate from the Rann of Kutch in northern India. Flamingoes apart, the park’s most visible avian residents are its many peacocks (or Indian peafowl, as they’re correctly known): a memorable sight in the wild at any time, especially when seen perched sententiously among the upper branches of the park’s innumerable skeletal palu (rosewood) trees.

Bundala is also home to 32 species of mammals, including civets, mongooses, wild pigs, and giant Indian palm squirrels, as well as black-naped hares, though the most commonly seen mammals are the excitable toupes of grey langur monkeys. There are also a few elephants, including around ten permanent residents and some twenty semi-residents: larger seasonal migratory herds of up to sixty, compromising animals that roam the Yala, Uda Walawe and Bundala area, also visit the park. All five species of turtle lay their eggs on the park's beaches, although there are currently no turtle watches. You'll probably also come across large land monitors and lots of enormous crocodiles, which can be seen sunning themselves along the sides of the park's lagoons and watercourses.

Not only is Bundala a hotspot for birds, but it is also a treat for plant lovers. Made up of six different wetlands, 400 plant species including seven that are considered nationally threatened, Bundala is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Water lilies cover the marshes and streams, and the vegetation is made up of a variety of Acacia scrubs. Combine the biodiverse plant life with the fascinating species of birds and many mammals, you have a picturesque scene straight from a junglistic postcard. With significantly fewer tourists than more popular national parks in Sri Lanka, you can enjoy nature with a sense of peace and quiet to truly maximize your mindfulness with the wildlife.

How to Get the Best from Bundala National Park

The diversity in bird species and mammals in general at Bundala National Park makes it no surprise why visitors travel there in the first place. What once was a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 was upgraded to a national park in 1993 and ever since people have ventured into the park to enjoy all the wildlife it has to offer. To enter the park, an entrance fee is required however if you take part on one of the jeep safari tours this fee is usually included in the overall price, this is a fairly cheap way to see and learn about the wildlife, often from locals who know the park and species best. There are several options for tours, with some venturing further afield to the hidden temples or offering all-inclusive packages (hotel and tour combined).

Accommodation in Bundala National Park is often a unique experience in itself that has options to suit every budget. Choices range from camping style hotels where you spend the night in tents, although closer to 'glamping' with en-suite hot showers and mosquito nets, to more traditional hotels, may that be basic or luxury. Most accommodations require a thirty minute or so car ride to gain entrance to the park, solely due to its size and protected areas. The ride to the park is often a delight and a good opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery that basks the countryside and coasts. Most accommodations in the area provide information and give tours of the park, as this is their main niche in the area.

When to Visit Bundala National Park

The best time to visit Bundala National Park is between September and March when the migratory birds arrive; early morning is the best time of day, though the park is also rewarding in late afternoon. Although the bird migration begins in September, it is worth bearing in mind that the drier season is from December to March. Sri Lanka's climate is made quite complex due to it being affected by two separate monsoons, which is challenging for such a small island. While it might be the dry season on the West and South coasts, it is the wet season on the East coasts.

Beyond Bundala National Park the main highway turns away from the coast towards the pleasant town of TISSAMAHARAMA (usually abbreviated to Tissa). Tissa’s main attraction is as a base for trips to the nearby national parks of Yala and Bundala or the temple town of Kataragama, but it’s an agreeable place in its own right, with a handful of monuments testifying to the town’s important place in early Sri Lankan history when, under the name of Mahagama, it was one of the principal settlements of the southern province of Ruhunu. Mahagama is said to have been founded in the third century BC by a brother of the great Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura, and later rose to prominence under Kavan Tissa, father of the legendary Dutugemunu. A cluster of dagobas and an expansive tank dating from this era lend parts of Tissa a certain distinction and a sense of history which makes a pleasant change from the run-of-the-mill towns which dot much of the southern coast.

Modern Tissa is a bustling but unremarkable local commercial centre – essentially a single thoroughfare, Main Street, lined with banks, shops and little cafés. Refreshingly compact, the town is bounded on its northern side by a lush expanse of paddy fields, in the middle of which stands the most impressive of Tissa’s various dagobas, the Tissamaharama dagoba, allegedly built by Kavan Tissa in the second century BC and now restored to its original glory, with a “bubble”-shaped dome topped by an unusually large and lavishly decorated harmika and broad spire – a strangely squat and top-heavy-looking construction quite unlike any other dagoba in the island.

A second, much more obviously ancient dagoba, the Sandagiri dagoba, stands close by (currently covered in scaffolding) comprising a big, square, high brick base and a slope-shouldered dagoba in the “heap-of-paddy” shape (see Structure and shape), although the harmika has completely vanished. The scant remains of the monastery which formerly stood here can be seen scattered hereabouts.

Queen Vihara Maha Devi

Early Sinhalese history has many heroes but very few heroines – with the notable exception of the legendary Queen Vihara Maha Devi. According to tradition, Vihara Maha Devi’s father – a certain King Tissa of Kelaniya – unjustly put to death a Buddhist monk, whereupon the waters of the ocean rose up and threatened to submerge his kingdom. The waters abated only when he sacrificed his pious and beautiful young daughter to the sea, placing her in a fragile boat and casting her off into the waves. The brave young princess, who had patiently submitted to this ordeal for the sake of her father’s kingdom, was carried away around the coast and finally washed ashore in Kirinda, near Tissa. The local king, the powerful Kavan Tissa, came upon the delectable princess as she lay asleep in her boat, fell in love with her, and promptly married her. Their first son, Dutugemunu, became one of the great heroes of early Sinhalese history.

Quite what the story of Vihara Maha Devi’s sea journey symbolizes is anyone’s guess (although since the 2004 tsunami the part of the story describing the catastrophic flooding of Kelaniya – which was previously regarded as a piece of colourful but entirely fanciful story-telling – has acquired a new significance and credibility). Whatever the legend’s basis, it provided the Sinhalese’s greatest warrior-king with a suitably auspicious parentage, and created Sri Lanka’s first great matriarch in the process.

Tours from Tissa

A horde of local operators offer a wide range of trips from Tissa. Easily the most popular are the half- and full-day trips to Yala and Bundala national parks, and some operators also offer overnight camping trips. Camping trips don’t come cheap, although staying the night in the park gives you the chance to see nocturnal animals, including snakes, crocs, owls, wild pigs, porcupines (rare) and nocturnal birds. .

Another popular option is the half-day excursion to the rock temple at Situlpahuwa followed by a visit to Kataragama for the evening puja. The journey to Situlpahuwa passes through the fringes of Yala (though you don’t have to pay the entrance fee), so you might spot some wildlife en route, but this is much less interesting than a proper trip to the main portion of the park. There’s also a third national park nearby, Lunugamwehera (entered off the Wellawaya—Tissa road close to the km282 post) although this lacks the appeal of both Yala and Bundala and sees very few visitors.

Nineteen kilometres further inland from Tissa lies the small and remote town of KATARAGAMA, one of the three most venerated religious sites in Sri Lanka (along with Adam’s Peak and the Temple of the Tooth at Kandy), held sacred by Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike – even Christians sometimes visit in search of divine assistance. The most important of the town’s various shrines is dedicated to the god Kataragama, a Buddhist-cum-Hindu deity who is believed to reside here.

Kataragama is easily visited as a day-trip from Tissa, but staying the night means you can enjoy the evening puja in a leisurely manner and imbibe some of the town’s backwater charm and laid-back rural pace. The town is at its busiest during the Kataragama festival, held around the Esala poya day in July or August. The festival is famous for the varying forms of physical mortification with which some pilgrims express their devotion to Kataragama, ranging from crawling from the river to the Maha Devale to gruesome acts of self-mutilation: some penitents pierce their cheeks or tongue with skewers; others walk across burning coals – all believe that the god will protect them from pain. During the festival devotees flock to the town from all over Sri Lanka, some walking along the various pilgrimage routes which converge on Kataragama from distant parts of the island – the most famous route, the Pada Yatra, leads all the way down the east coast from Jaffna, through the jungles of Yala, and is still tackled by those seeking especial religious merit. Most of today’s visitors, however, come on the bus.

Kataragama town spreads out over a small grid of tranquil streets shaded by huge Indian rain trees – outside poya days and puja times, the whole place is incredibly sleepy, and its quiet streets offer a welcome alternative to the dusty mayhem that usually passes for urban life in Sri Lanka. During the evening puja, Kataragama is magically transformed. Throngs of pilgrims descend on the Sacred Precinct, while the brightly illuminated stalls which fill the surrounding streets do a brisk trade in garlands, fruit platters and other colourful religious paraphernalia, as well as huge slabs of gelatinous oil cake and other unusual edibles.

The God Kataragama

Perhaps no other deity in Sri Lanka embodies the bewilderingly syncretic nature of the island’s Buddhist and Hindu traditions as clearly as the many-faceted Kataragama. The god has two very different origins. To the Buddhist Sinhalese, Kataragama is one of the four great protectors of the island. Although he began life as a rather unimportant local god, named after the town in which his shrine was located, he gained pan-Sinhalese significance during the early struggles against the South Indian Tamils, and is believed to have helped Dutugemunu in his long war against Elara. To the Hindu Tamils, Kataragama is equivalent to the major deity Skanda (also known as Murugan or Subramanian), a son of Shiva and Parvati and brother of Ganesh. Both Buddhists and Hindus have legends which tell how Kataragama came to Sri Lanka to battle against the asuras, or enemies of the gods. While fighting, he became enamoured of Valli Amma, the result of the union between a pious hermit and a doe, who became his second wife. Despite Kataragama’s confused lineage, modern-day visitors to the shrine generally pay scant attention to the god’s theological roots, simply regarding him a powerful deity capable of assisting in a wide range of practical enterprises.

Kataragama is often shown carrying a vel, or trident, which is also one of Shiva’s principal symbols. His colour is red (devotees offer crimson garlands when they visit his shrines) and he is frequently identified with the peacock, a bird which was sacrificed to him. Thanks to his exploits, both military and amorous, he is worshipped both as a fearsome warrior and as a lover, inspiring an ecstatic devotion in his followers exemplified by the kavadi, or peacock dance (see The evening puja), and the ritual self-mutilations practised by pilgrims during the annual Kataragama festival – a world away from the chaste forms of worship typical of the island’s Buddhist rituals.

The Sacred Precinct

The town is separated by the Menik Ganga (“Gem River”) from the so-called Sacred Precinct to the north, an area of sylvan parkland overrun by inquisitive grey langurs and dotted with myriad shrines; pilgrims take a ritual bath in the river before entering the precinct itself. The first buildings you’ll encounter are the ul-Khizr mosque and the adjacent Shiva Kovil – the former houses the tombs of saints from Kyrgyzstan and India and is the main focus of Muslim devotions in Kataragama.

The evening puja

Kataragama’s Sacred Precinct springs to life at puja times. Flocks of pilgrims appear bearing the fruit platters as offerings to Kataragama, and many smash coconuts in front of his shrine. As the puja begins, a long queue of pilgrims line up to present their offerings, while a priest makes a drawn-out sequence of obeisances in front of the curtained shrine and a huge ringing of bells fills the temple. Musicians playing oboe-like horanavas, trumpets and drums perambulate around the complex, followed by groups of pilgrims performing the kavadi, or peacock dance, spinning around like dervishes while carrying kavadis, the semicircular hoops studded with peacock feathers after which the dance is named. The music is strangely jazzy, and the dancers spin with such fervour that it’s not unusual to see one or two of the more enthusiastic collapsing in a dead faint on the ground. Eventually the main Kataragama shrine is opened to the waiting pilgrims, who enter to deposit their offerings and pay homage to the god, while others pray at the adjacent Buddha shrine or bo trees.

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• Travel advice

• Down South of Sri Lanka

The Down south of Sri Lanka is one of the best-kept secrets in the Asian Region. However, that secret is quickly revealed as more and more travellers gather to Sri Lanka to its stunning beaches, incredible wildlife, rich culture, and classical heritage landmarks. Unless they have originally completed their Sri Lanka travel route in the south, most travellers are a fascinating part of the countryside to travel if you have a few days in Sri Lanka. Although that area has the most excellent beaches in Sri Lanka , the south shore offers much beyond its sandy coastline.

The main tourist cities in southern Sri Lanka are Galle , Weligama, Mirissa, Bentota , and Tangalle. But the coast’s excellence is that there are plenty of more modest hamlets and peaceful beachfront where you can stay. 

Best time to visit Down South Sri Lanka

The ideal time to visit Sri Lanka’s beautiful southern coastline depends on the weather and your tastes. The best time to visit South Sri Lanka depends on the weather and the waves. Here’s how to choose the best time to go. 

Climate:  According to the optimal environment, the best time to visit Sri Lanka’s South is generally December through February. During these months, the weather is mostly dry with little rain, making it perfect for exploring and going to the beach. 

Beyond the Rainy Season:  There are benefits to visiting Sri Lanka’s southern coast outside of the busy season, especially from March to September. Even though it might rain, the area is still a tropical paradise with lots to see and do. 

A blend of Sun and Rain:  The phrase “rainy season” may sound scary, but it usually means short, heavy rainstorms at night followed by sunny days, so you can still enjoy the outdoors without too much trouble. 

Serene Beaches and Surfing Spots:  The water may be a little rougher in the winter, but that doesn’t take away from the beauty and excitement of the South. There are a lot of safe bays where you can swim in peace, and surfers love the constant reef breaks. 

Crowd-Free Exploration:  One of the best things about travelling outside peak season is fewer people around. At this time, you can enjoy the southern coast’s natural beauty and cultural life in a more relaxed and personal way. 

When you should go to the South of Sri Lanka depends on what you want to get out of your trip. No matter what time of year it is, the southern coast of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches, lively culture, and wide range of activities will make your trip memorable.​

How to reach Down south Sri Lanka

Embarking on a journey to Sri Lanka’s southern tip unveils lush landscapes, vibrant cultures, and pristine beaches. This guide is your compass for navigating the enchanting down-south region of Sri Lanka, from Bentota’s sandy shores to Yala’s wild frontiers.

Effortless Transit:  Accessing southern Sri Lanka is a breeze, whether you drive, take public transport, or take an express highway bus. The region extends from Bentota in the southeast to Yala in the southwest, presenting various travel options tailored to your preferences.

Journey Duration:  A scenic drive from Colombo to the southern reaches takes 2 to 5 hours, depending on your destination. The express highway bus routes to Matara or the coastal train journey ending in Galle or Matara offer picturesque views and a peek into local life.

Cost Considerations:  Airport transfers to the southern coast vary, with prices ranging from US$60 to US$120. This variance depends on your specific destination within the South of the province.

Navigating Within Cities:  Once in the South, city exploration becomes an adventure. Whether by car, tuk-tuk, or bus, travelling within cities offers an authentic glimpse into Sri Lankan daily life.

From Ella to Galle:  Completing the circuit from Ella to Galle is a rite of passage for any traveller. This six-hour journey weaves through the heart of Sri Lanka’s southern province, showcasing its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.

A Tapestry of Experiences:  Southern Sri Lanka is not just a destination but a mosaic of experiences. From Bentota’s serene beaches to Yala’s wild terrains, the region promises adventures that cater to every traveller’s desires. 

Top Rated Attractions in Down South- Sri lanka

Galle offers a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that beckon travellers from around the globe. Here’s a curated list of top-rated attractions in and around Galle that promise unforgettable experiences

Moon Gallery at Galle Fort

• Galle, Sri Lanka
• History & Culture

Unawatuna beach

• Unawatuna, Sri Lanka
• Down South Beach

Old Gun Powder Magazine

Jungle beach, dallwella beach, dutch museum – galle, yatagala raja maha viharaya.

• Religious Place

Galle Lighthouse

Galle national museum, rumassala hill – galle, galle clock tower, meeran jumma mosque – galle, galle national maritime museum, hiyare reservoir & rain forest.

Bentota, located in the Galle District of Sri Lanka, is a picturesque coastal town renowned for its stunning beaches, lush greenery, and a wide array of activities catering to adventurers, nature lovers, and those seeking relaxation. Here’s a curated list of the top attractions and activities in Bentota:

Lunuganga Geoffrey Bawa’s Country Estate

Victor hasselblad sea turtle research and conservation center.

• Kosgoda, Sri Lanka

Bentota River Mangroves boat ride

• Bentota, Sri Lanka

Induruwa Beach

Bentota beach.

Mirissa is on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It has a lot of things to do and see for all kinds of travellers, whether they want to have fun, relax, or learn more about the history and natural beauty of the area.

Whale watching is one of the best things to do in Mirissa, especially from November to May. The water is calm and full of plankton, which attracts many whales. Seeing these magnificent animals in their natural environment is an experience you’ll never forget.

Cinnamon Museum

Coconut tree hill – mirissa.

• Mirissa, Sri Lanka

Mirissa Beach

Whale-watching in mirissa.

Matara, a city on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is a cultural, history, and natural beauty treasure trove. Compared to more touristy destinations like Galle and Hikkaduwa, its tranquil atmosphere offers a more laid-back beach experience. Here’s a list of must-visit attractions in Matara:

Weherahena Temple – Matara

• Matara, Sri Lanka

Talalla Beach

Madiha beach, paravi duwa temple, polhena beach – matara.

• Snorkelling & Diving

Devinuwara Upulwan devalaya – Matara

• Dondra, Sri Lanka

Hambantota is a fascinating destination on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, known for its historical, cultural, and natural attractions. This port town, surrounded by idyllic beaches and neighboring jungles, offers a blend of history, nature, and adventure. From exploring wildlife reserves to admiring historical sites, Hambantota provides a serene yet adventurous experience for travelers looking to enjoy the tropical Sri Lankan vibe away from the crowded tourist spots​

Birds Park and Research Centre – Hambantota

The gallows tree in hambantota.

• Hambantota, Sri Lanka
• Ussangoda, Sri Lanka
• Archaeology

Bundala National park

• National Park

Mirijjawila Dry Zone Botanic Gardens

• Botanical Gardens

Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary

• Kalametiya, Sri Lanka

Ridiyagama Safari Park – Habantota

Weheragala aranya senasanaya – hambanthota.

Kataragama is a significant pilgrimage town in Sri Lanka, known for its religious and cultural diversity. It attracts pilgrims from various faiths, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, showcasing a unique blend of beliefs and traditions. The town is especially renowned for the Kataragama temple complex, dedicated to the deity Skanda-Murukan. Visitors come to partake in vibrant rituals and offerings, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in spiritual practices and cultural exploration.

Wedihiti Kanda – Kataragama

Lunugamwehera national park, kiri vehera – kataragama.

• Kataragama, Sri Lanka

Sella Kataragama

• Sella Kataragama, Sri Lanka

Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya

Ambalangoda.

Ambalangoda is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, particularly in traditional Sri Lankan mask-making and puppetry. This coastal town is a vibrant centre for the arts, with numerous workshops and museums where visitors can learn about the intricate craft of mask-making used in local rituals and performances. Ambalangoda’s beaches are also notable, offering serene coastal views and opportunities for relaxation away from the more tourist-heavy areas. The town provides a unique blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, making it a fascinating destination on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast.

Modara Devale Kovil – Ambalangoda

• Ambalangoda, Sri Lanka

Ambalangoda Mask Museum

Sunandarama maha viharaya temple – ambalangoda, urawatte sea turtle hatchery – ambalangoda, other important attractions in down south .

The southeastern region of Sri Lanka, encompassing cities like Yala and Tissamaharama, offers attractions for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers. From the wild landscapes of Yala with its abundant wildlife to the spiritual ambience of Kataragama, visitors can immerse themselves in diverse experiences. Coastal towns such as Tangalle, Weligama, and Dikwella beckon with pristine beaches and surf spots, while Beliatta provide glimpses into the local life and heritage. Each city presents unique facets of Sri Lanka’s rich tapestry, promising unforgettable journeys.

Hiriketiya Beach

Yatala vehera dagoba – tissamaharama.

• Tissamaharama, Sri Lanka

Moragalla Beach- Aluthgama

• Beruwala, Sri Lanka

Kande Viharaya- Aluthgama

Midigama beach, yala national park, chamal rajapaksha agro technology and tourism park, rekawa mangrove lagoon – tangalle, kushtarajagala, weerawila birds sanctuary – tissamaharamaya, wewurukannala vihara temple – dikwella.

• Dikwella, Sri Lanka

Hummanaya Blow Hole – Tangalle

• Kudawella, Sri Lanka

Sandagiri Stupa – Tissamaharama

Kirinda rajamaha viharaya.

• Kirinda, Sri Lanka

Sithulpawwa Rajamaha Viharaya – Yala

• Situlpawwa, Sri Lanka

Madu Ganga River

• Balapitiya, Sri Lanka

Mulkirigala Rock Monastery

Goyambokka beach.

• Tangalle, Sri Lanka

Stilt fishing in Weligama

Weligama beach.

• Weligama, Sri Lanka

Taprobane Island

Ahangama beach, fish market weligama, also read our trick and tips about sri lanka travel, 15 best hotels and resorts in kandy.

Continue reading

Luxury Hotels in Ella, Sri Lanka, with a Pool

Vesak festival in sri lanka 2024.

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Places to Visit in Southern Province Sri Lanka

• Southern Province Sri Lanka
• Places To Visit

Tourist Places to Visit in Southern Province Sri Lanka

Here are some of the best places to visit in southern province sri lanka: .

This historic city of Sri Lanka is located on the country’s southwest coast, and is famous for its portuguese heritage and dutch colonial buildings. The best tourist places in Galle includes grand museums, mansions, churches and mosques. Offering the ocean and pretty sunsets, the beautiful city of Galle was founded by the portuguese in the sixteenth century, and you will find the city embracing its ancient heritage every inch. Galle will remind you of its dutch and portuguese lineage, a town famous for its rich Sri lankan cuisine, pepper pot towers and bastions. The city gives you a Mediterranean feel with its bright sunny skies, beaches and blue waters, rainforests of Kanneliya and Hiyare, the city’s narrow lanes lined with various shops that sell you everything from intricate jewellery to shoes and garments.

If you visit Galle between November and April, you can drop by a Mirissa to see the largest animal on the planet; a blue whale. For a beach lover who loves the ocean and the warm sun, there’s no better place to go other than this tropical retreat. The rainforests of Kanneliya and Hiyare are famous for the nature walks they offer, you will see small animals and an excellent diversity when it comes to the flora and fauna. To sum it up, the tourist places in Galle offers you a variety like no other place in the country.

You can explore historical buildings, relax at any beach, go scuba diving, go cliff jumping at Flag Rock, go for safaris, discover the city and its culture on foot, shop artefacts, go for nature walks, and simply relax at your hotel while enjoying the tropical spirit. You can even go on boat trips in the Indian ocean; you may be able to spot humpback whales, dolphins, blue whales, sperm whales etc. The Sri Lankan cuisine has been largely influenced by the Dutch cuisine, as you will find from the dishes.

Best of Thailand

Rock gently in the mild breeze, slip into a hammock and crack open a coconut, assuring that the hours, days or may be weeks’ slip by calmly. That’s Mirrisa or for you! It is a small town located on the Southern Cost of Sri Lanka in the Matara District of the Southern Province. Situated at an elevation of 4 meters above the sea level, Mirrisa lies at a distance of about 240 km from Colombo and 4 km south east of Wligama. It is a small yet quickly developing beach of Sri Lanka. Modern resorts envelope the beach and there is a myriad of simple cafes along the sand that may well seem to appear and vanish with the tides. At present, the government is taking measures in context to the sand encroaching constructions and has put an absolute ban on it for the time being however, since the tourists visiting here is rising every year, the ban may soon see a lift. None the less, the beach and the nightlife here make it a prominent tourist attraction. Being a massive fishing port, people swamp in large numbers to fish here.  Other activities common here include dolphin and whale watching.  

Best of Maldives

Bentota is a Sri Lankan city the name of which is taken from a mythical demon ‘Ben’ who ruled the tota or the river banks. Heading southwards from Beruwela, you reach Bentota. It is situated approximately 62 km south of Colombo. This is an exotic beach located along the Colombo- Galle road. The lagoons here stretch along the beach adding a glimpse of serenity accredited to its archipelago rich in bird life and tropical greenery.   The beautiful city is adorned by a serene atmosphere and towering palm trees. Many tourists take the city as a combined excursion with Columbo and Beruwela. Locals from Columbo head to Bentota for an ideal   weekend getaway . Here, the local population is predominantly composed of the Singhalese Buddhists. Bentota is also a fitting hideout for tourists owing to the diverse accommodation options right from resorts to stays keeping in view varying budgets. You can also find a myriad of Ayurveda treatments and umpteen number of water sports and   adventure activities  leaving the adrenaline driven people spoilt for choice. This  phenomenal tourist  place offers you snorkeling, wind surfing, water skiing on the estuaries or rivers, parasailing, scuba diving along with a host of other activities to keep you engaged. 

Best of Bali

The district city of Hambantota is located towards the extreme south of Sri Lanka. The city was completely destroyed by tsunami in 2004, but now it is growing up to be the 2nd major city in Sri Lanka after Colombo. Hambantota is well-known for its biodiversity. There are approximately 20 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the entire Hambantota district. You will encounter a lot of colourful and magnificent birds in the parks and sanctuaries. Not only birds, you will find many other animals which are rare in other sanctuaries. There are some heritage sites too in Hambantota like Buddhist temples and stupas.

Hambantota, being a city, has a happening nightlife. You can enjoy in one of the many nightclubs and bars like Café Chill Out, various hotel bars, etc. The food in Hambantota is just mouth-watering. You will get to choose from a variety of sea foods like crabs, lobsters, etc. Some of the good restaurants are Bojun Hala, Jade Garden Restaurant, and Sera.

You must be thinking where to stay in Hambantota. Well, you have a plenty of choices to choose from. The best sea facing hotels are Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort and Spa, Peacock Beach Hotel, Hotel Camellia, and a lot more of them. If you are a shopaholic, you will get a lot of junk jewelleries, fancy showpieces, shells, etc. to buy from the road-sides. There you have malls too to hang out.

Best of Andaman and Nicobar

Hikkaduwa is a small town in extreme south of Sri Lanka . This is a place with a great beach, perhaps the second best in Sri Lanka . If you love surfing, Hikkaduwa is your paradise. This small town was hit by tsunami in 2004 and was totally destroyed, killing a lot of locals and tourists. There is a tsunami photo museum too which you must visit to see the damages that Hikkaduwa suffered. Since then, it’s re-growing from scratch.

There are a lot of tourist spots in Hikkaduwa. The beach is the prime attraction. Apart from the sea, there are national parks, Buddhist monasteries, really good restaurants, and many more places to pay a visit. In short, Hikkaduwa is a complete tour package.

The food in Hikkaduwa is mouth-watering. As it is situated near the sea, you will get great sea-foods in the beach side shacks and restaurants including shrimps, clams, oysters, crabs, octopuses, etc. There are tasty options for the vegetarians too like tropical fruits.

The nightlife in Hikkaduwa is not much famous. You will get some night clubs and bars in the town but they aren’t that much known. There are a lot of hotels and resorts facing the sea, you can choose one of them for your stay. Your hotel or resort might organise a whole night party on weekends.

Best of Colombo

Akuressa is a beautiful city situated along the River Nilwala in the District of Matara. It is a commercial hub where many farmers travel to sell rubber, spices, tea, and other foods. Akuressa is surrounded by many small towns such as Pitabaddara, Algeria, Imaduwa, Kamburupitiya, and Makandura. It is rooted in history, tradition, and culture and exhibits a vibrant mash-up of the new and the ancient. With lush foliage, tropical climate, abundant flora and fauna, and beautiful tea gardens Akuressa is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. It is also an excellent base for striking out into the wilds and immersing in nature.  Akuressa has some of the best tea factories where you can see the tea-making process and know about various tea varieties. If you wish to have an aromatic holiday you can visit the famous spice gardens in Akuressa where scents of pepper, cardamom, cinnamons, nutmeg, and mace will overpower your senses.  Your trip to Akuressa won’t be complete if you do not enjoy an enthralling mountain bike ride. You can also hike through the rough terrains and enjoy the magnificent views.  Akuressa experiences a tropical climate and the nights are cool and the days are warm. The average temperature ranges from around 30 to 32 degrees Celsius and it receives a good amount of rainfall yearly. 

Best of Mauritius

Situated on the Colombo- Kandy Road, Kegalle is a large agriculture based town mainly producing rice and rubber. There are few graphite mines in the town. But the main tourist attraction is an elephant breeding park. Apart from this, there are two other organisations working on elephant welfare. Apart from Kegalle, you can visit some nearby destinations like Hikkaduwa and Yala National park. The fantastic place of Kitulgala in Kegalle district is a complete tour package on its own. You can do a lot of water sports in the three rivers of Kitulgala like water rafting, kayaking, confidence falls, etc. Other than these, you can also organise night camps in the jungle. There are a lot of homestays and hotels in Kegalle for your hospitality. Some suggestions for good hotels are Hotel Heshani, Aarya Hotel, Hotel Elephant Bay, Hotel Elephant Lobby, etc. You will also get private resorts in Kegalle like Wijaya Bunglow. The nightlife in Kegalle is not so much famous, it being a suburban. Still you will find some bars and nightclubs in the town like Planters Club. You can have a drink there and enjoy a cosy evening. Are you wondering where to eat in Kegalle? Here are some good restaurant suggestions for you like Channa, a Japanese restaurant; Ambasewana; Ken Food Center, etc. If you love shopping, you will get some malls in Kegalle to satisfy your shopping craves like Athukorala Shopping Centre.

Best of Galle

Located towards extreme south in Sri Lank a, Unawatuna is a beach city. 108 km south of Colombo, it is one of the major tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. The city is rich in biodiversity. Unawatuna is bird-watchers’ paradise. You can spot more than about fifty species of birds there on the Rumassala Hills. The rare birds seen there are a variety of bulbuls, barbets, sunbirds, swallows, crows etc. There are a number of coral reefs too that you just can’t afford to miss.

If you love scuba diving, or haven’t tried yet, head to Unawatuna to get a lifetime memory . There are a lot of historical places in Unawatuna like museums and temples. A 2300 years old heritage temple is there in the main city of Unawatuna. You must also visit a peace pagoda near the Jungle Beach.  The other adventurous activities that you must try are surfing, water biking, snorkelling, etc.

The local food of Unawatuna is just delicious. You will get the best of sea foods. There are a lot of beach-side restaurants that offers great food and drinks.

The nightlife in Unawatuna is not much famous. Small parties are organised by the resorts on the beaches during weekends. Some happening places for nightlife in Unawatuna are Koha Surf Lounge, 680 Blue, etc.

The other nearby places that you can visit are Dalawla, Thalpe, Weligama, Tangalla, Mirissa and Dondra.

Best of Mirissa

Matara is a picturesque city situated on the southern coast of Southern Province in Sri Lanka. It is one hundred and sixty kilometers from Colombo and is the second-largest city in Southern Province. The city is the administrative capital and a major commercial hub of Matara District. River Nilwala cuts through Matara forming panoramic views along its path. With its rice paddies, tropical islands, tea plantations, and rugged mountains, Matara is a visual wonderland. Whether you're looking for stunning scenery, the grandeur of colonial-era architecture, or remote cultural immersion the city can cater to all your needs. Matara has many attractions like Star Fort and Dondra Head Lighthouse that stand as a testimony to Sri Lanka’s past. You can also visit Polhena beach, which is a popular honeymoon destination. If you’re a spiritual enthusiast you can also visit Weherahena Temple and Matara Paravi Duwa Temple. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Matara you can enjoy kite flying at Crow Island and snorkeling at Polhena beach. For an adrenaline rush, you can also enjoy surfing at the Medawatta. Matara experiences tropical weather and a lot of rainfall occurs in May, June, July, April, October, November, August, September, and December. February and January are the best months to go to Matara as the temperature hovers around 22°c.

Weligama is a charming town in Matara District on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Deemed as Sri Lanka’s surf capital, Weligama is closely connected to the surf havens of Ahangama and Midigama. It is situated about four hours southeast of Colombo’s capital and houses the world’s best sea beaches. Weligama exhibits an exceptional blend of beach resort and lively fishing town. Tourists from all around the globe visit this town to spend quality time in its soothing and peaceful environment. It's gorgeous, promenades and cobblestoned walks provide the perfect locale for shopping trips, walking tours, and afternoon strolls. Its magnificent sceneries and beautiful beaches are so appealing that you’ll feel like you have entered a heavenly paradise.  The quaint town is dotted with some of the most picturesque beaches such as the Midigama beach, Ahangama beach, and Mirissa beach where you can enjoy the sand, surf, and the sun. You can also visit Taprobane island, which seems to be a replica of a movie scene. Looking for the best things to do in Weligama? Take a surf lesson on Weligama beach, spend a rejuvenating afternoon at Ahangama’s secret beach or watch the beautiful sunset from the lighthouse. Weligama experiences a hot and humid climate throughout the year. A lot of rain falls in the months of May, June, August, September, April, July, November, December, and October. February is the coolest month in Weligama when the average minimum temperature is 23° and the average maximum temperature is 29°.

Koggala is an Instagram-worthy coastal town located on the south coast of Sri Lanka at the edge of a lagoon. It is bounded by a reef on one side, and a large lake on the other side into which tributaries of the Koggala Oya drain. Koggala has earned a reputation as one of the most charming small towns in Sri Lanka. A day trip through the picturesque town reveals waterfalls, lush paddy fields, cave temples, and pepper farms. Some of the best places to visit in Koggala include Koggala lake, turtle hatcheries, and Koggala beach. To satiate your spiritual side you can also visit the Kataluva Purvarama Maha Viharaya temple or the Kathaluwa Buddhist temple. For an epic Sri Lankan holiday you can enjoy a boat ride on Koggala lake. Art enthusiasts can also head to The Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum where you can get an insight into Sri Lankan culture. Snorkeling and diving are the most popular activities that you must try if you’re visiting Koggala. Koggala has a short dry season and the average annual temperature is around 26.4 °C. December to March is the best time to visit Koggala as rainfall is considerably low during this time.

Other Attractions

Mirissa beach.

If you want to enjoy a sunset dinner at a lovely restaurant then do not miss to visit Mirissa Beach. It is one of those attractions in Mirissa where you can find plenty of great restaurants offering a variety of seafood.

Although you will find this beach a little crowded yet, it will give you a very relaxing vibe.

Location: Mirissa, Sri Lanka.

Timings: Open for 24 hours.

Price: Visiting Mirissa beach is free of cost. In fact, you can enjoy the Lion beers on free sunbeds at a very reasonable price.

Best Time to Visit: The beach gets busy from 11 AM so it is recommended to visit this either early in the morning to avoid the crowd or in the evening to enjoy a lovely sunset.

Distance from Mirissa: Once you reach Mirissa from Colombo, you can easily found this exotic beach as it is only a couple of KM away from the Mirissa railway station.

Top Experiences To Do in Mirissa Beach

Unawatuna Beach

Koggala Beach

Galle Dutch Fort

The Galle Dutch Fort, located in Galle, Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historical significance and architectural charm. Built by the Dutch in the 17th century, the fort stands as a testament to colonial-era maritime power. Its well-preserved walls enclose a captivating blend of European and South Asian influences, featuring cobblestone streets, impressive ramparts, and picturesque buildings. Today, the fort is a popular tourist destination offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich cultural past.

Top Experiences To Do in Galle Dutch Fort

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Sinharaja Forest Reserve (kingdom of the lion), is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. It is home to a vast number of endemic species of birds and mammals of Sri Lanka. About 95 percent of Sri Lankan endemic birds and more than 50 percent of endemic mammals are known to have their habitats in this Forest Reserve. Year round, the forest is covered by plenty of rain clouds. The area span of the reserve is about 21 KM from east-west and about 7 KM from north-south.

Location: Situated in the Southern Province, a two-hour drive from Galle via Galle-Deniyaya-Madampe Highway.

Highlights: Experience the leisurely pace of wildlife and the splendor of dense and copious evergreen rainforests. The guide will tell you about different endemic species of flora and fauna that you encounter during your guided tour.

Timings: Opens daily from 6:30 AM to 6 PM

Price: Approximate price ranges from 664 LKR to 1160 LKR

Galle Fort Lighthouse

The Galle Fort Lighthouse, situated within the historic Galle Fort in Sri Lanka, is a picturesque maritime landmark with a storied past. Originally constructed by the British in 1848, the lighthouse stands proudly atop the fort's ramparts, offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the charming coastal surroundings. Renovated in recent years, it continues to guide ships and stands as a symbol of Galle's maritime heritage, attracting visitors with its scenic allure.

Top Experiences To Do in Galle Fort Lighthouse

Jungle beach.

Jungle Beach in Sri Lanka is a pristine coastal haven, tucked away near Trincomalee. Accessible through lush jungle trails, this secluded paradise boasts golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and a serene ambiance. Surrounded by dense vegetation, it offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike. Jungle Beach is renowned for its untouched beauty, providing an idyllic setting where visitors can relax, unwind, and immerse themselves in the natural splendor of Sri Lanka's coastline.

Turtle Hatchery

Turtle Hatchery was started by the Sri Lankans with a view to protect the turtles from extinction. Earlier, people usually fishermen used to collect the turtle’s eggs and sold it to whoever would pay the higher price. With the commencement of the Turtle Hatchery these eggs were fed and cared for until they were 2 to 4 years old. You can find different species of turtles such as Green Turtle, Leatherback and Olive Ridley. Despite their extinction turtles are still caught by the fishermen for fish and shells which is indeed a very lucrative market.

Location: 10 to 15 minutes tuk tuk ride south from Bentota

Highlights: You should visit the Kasgoda Turtle Hatchery where you can spend an interesting time watching the baby turtles grow.

Things to keep in mind: Avoid disturbing the nesting turtles with light.

Price: Approximate price starts from 500 LKR.

Adam's Peak

Standing tall at the south eastern edge of the hill country, Adam’s Peak (7,360 ft) is one of the most striking features in Sri Lanka. Also, this place is a distinguished pilgrimage in Sri Lanka for more than 1000 years. Adam’s Peak is known as Sri Prada and is believed that Lord Buddha left his sacred footprints while heading towards paradise. Poetically this places is called Samanalakande( Butterfly Mountain where the butterflies end their life).

Top Experiences To Do in Adam's Peak

Weligama Beach

Just unplug yourself from the regular city life and welcome yourself into the world of Weligama, 144 kms south of Columbo where everything is pretty calm and peaceful. Ideal place for city people who would just like to borrow some time and get themselves absorbed in a good book while dipping their toes in water. Modest Weligama often witnesses less foreign tourists which makes this place traffic free. You may find many local women sitting outside their homes with pieces of laces which is considered to be the local speciality of the place since the Dutch times. You can also spot sites of historical importance and some gingerbread villas beautifully adorned with mal lali wooden work which is hard to find anywhere else.

Highlights :Taprobanea, a small island developed in 1920 by a French man named Maunay-Talvande is quite close to Weligama. You can game up your romance by staying or dining in this beautiful island but only with advance booking.

Bentota Beach

An extraordinary experience amidst an ordinary setup lies 65 kilometres from Colombo and is named Bentota beach. Soak yourself in the ordinary golden sand while enjoying the marvellous sound of the mighty Indian Ocean crashing against the shores. The mesmerizing view of the sea will leave you speechless. If you are planning to break the monotony of the routine just try your hands at adventure sports found alongside the palm trees.

Highlights: You can visit Kasgoda Turtle Hatchery and also go on a boat cruise on the Bentota River.

Getting there: Bentota is very well connected with the cities and is very easily accessible. You can ride from Galle or you can take a ride from Colombo. Bentota is approximately 101km south of the airport from Colombo

Top Experiences To Do in Bentota Beach

Kumana National Park

Dondra Head Lighthouse

A chance to connect with the mighty ocean is the Dondra Head Lighthouse. The coconut trees, Bougainvillea flowers and soft breeze blowing all around is the place for this mighty Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built during the Colonial times and was hence formerly known as Ceylon.. It is one of the four international lighthouse in Sri Lanka. People have to climb 196 steps to reach the top of it.The serenity of the lighthouse is far removed from the regular hustle and bustle of the city.

Dutch Reformed Church

Bundala National Park

Induruwa Beach

For all those times when you need a little introspection, nobody minds a carefree walk on the sandy beaches of Induruwa which has been blessed with an absolute quietness with respect to commercial cities. If you are too tired then it is best for you to lie in the sand and take a sunbath making yourself feel completely relaxed.

Dickwella Beach

Plunge into the waters and leave all your worries at bay. The Dickwella beach is primarily dominated by reefs, headland and sand bars which makes it the most appropriate place for swimming. Situated at a distance of 220 kms from colombo, Dickwella beach has housed the largest seated Buddha statue. This has made it the most visited place for all the Buddhist worshippers. The ideal time to visit this place is May, June and July when festivities are in the air and the residents are busy celebrating festivals of Wesak, Poson and Esala. Particulary this place has many temples on its way which gives it a religious bent. The Dickwella beach is an ideal place for many swimmers as it is an extremely safe and calm beach.

Highlights: Wewurukannala Vihara which has 50 m high seated Buddha. You can also spot the eye arresting hall of horrors where you can see models of both demons and sinners being severely punished by dipping in hot waters.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Hikkaduwa Beach

People Also Ask About Southern Province Sri Lanka

Which are the best places to visit in southern province sri lanka with family.

1. Mirissa:  If powdery white sandy beaches and turquoise beaches are what you crave, head to Mirissa, a picturesque coastal town known for its hippy laid back vibe, and whale-watching tours. Swaying palms, shimmering waters, fiery sunsets, and golden beaches are some of the things that make Mirissa a tropical paradise.  2. Bentota:  Bentota is a beautiful resort town renowned for its dazzling marine life and tall coconut palm trees. Golden sandy shores and calm waters make Bentota a favorite destination for water sports like motorboating, jet skiing, windsurfing, and banana boat rides.  3. Hambantota:  If you’re looking for one of the most family-friendly destinations in Hambantota you must head to Hambantota. Famous for its rich biodiversity, this region houses approximately twenty wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Bundala National Park is one of the most popular attractions in Hambantota where you can see several rare flora and fauna. Also Checkout:   Sri Lanka Trip

Which are the best places to visit in Sri Lanka?

1. Ella: If you want to witness the countryside charm you must head to Ella, a small-town village situated in the central highlands. You can see floating clouds here, colorful butterflies, rustlings of the nearby forest, and the steam coming off a train. It has the Ceylon tea factory where you can embark on a tasting tour. 2. Adams Peak:  Adams Peak is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a biodiversity hotspot situated in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. It is believed that Adam first stepped here when he was cast down by God from heaven. The peak holds great spiritual importance as it is also believed that Buddha last stepped from the earth over here before reaching Nirvana. 3. Nuwara Eliya:  This is a nineteenth-century hill station often referred to as the mini London of Sri Lanka. It has Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, beautiful waterfalls, a racecourse, excellent trout fishing rivers, and lakes, and Victoria Park. Must Checkout:   Honeymoon Packages of Sri Lanka

How to reach Galle?

By Air:  Galle doesn’t have an airport so you can fly to Colombo and take a train or bus to Galle. By Train:  Galle is connected to Sri Lanka through Sri Lanka’s Coastal Railway Line. Galle railway station is a prime stop for trains running on the south coast and west of Sri Lanka. By Bus:  Galle is connected to cities like Colombo and Bentota with a good network of buses.

What is Southern Province Sri Lanka famous for?

• Beaches: Most of the beaches like Tangalle, Koggala, and Tangalle are located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. 
• Matara: It is one of the best beach towns in Sri Lanka.
• Kumana National Park: Get ready for an authentic jungle experience at Kumana National Park that is famous for its avifauna. 
• Asmi: This is a yummy snack that is made with rice flour, coconut milk, and cinnamon leaves.
• Ceylon tea: This is a delicious tea that is produced in Sri Lanka. You May Also Checkout:   Sri Lanka Family Holiday Package

What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

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134 Places to Visit in Southern Province

Discover the best day outing options in Sri Lanka with our comprehensive directory. From cultural and historical attractions to natural wonders and adventure activities, we have something for everyone. Our listings include detailed descriptions, photos, and ratings, making it easy to plan the perfect day out. Whether youre looking for a relaxing beach retreat or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, our directory has you covered. Explore all that Sri Lanka has to offer and create unforgettable memories with our day outing directory.

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Jamie Hergenrader is the Commerce Director of the Travel Group at Dotdash Meredith where she leads the content strategy of product reviews and recommendations for the company's travel brands. She joined the company in 2018 and has nearly a decade of experience writing and editing for travel and lifestyle publications.

Sri Lanka’s rich culture and history, gorgeous landscape and scenery, and plentiful wildlife-spotting opportunities are the main reasons the country tops many travelers’ bucket lists. And due to its relatively small size, many of the best attractions and destinations are within only a couple of hours of each other. In one day, if you’re on a tight schedule, you could spend the morning at one of the country’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, go on a safari in the afternoon, and then in the evening, relax and enjoy a cup of tea from one of the hill country plantations. Or, with more time, allow the opportunity for spontaneous exploration—road tripping throughout the country offers scenic views almost everywhere, and you might pull over for an elephant sighting or two along the way!

 Jamie Hergenrader

Kandy, a major city in Sri Lanka’s hill country, is one of the most popular tourist destinations and one corner of the country’s Cultural Triangle. It’s surrounded by mountains of rainforest and tea plantations and is home to a beautiful lake within the city. Visit the Temple of the Tooth, a sacred temple that houses Buddha’s tooth; wander the city’s colorful streets, and admire the architecture while sampling food from the many street vendors; walk around the lake for scenic views of the lake itself and also the colorful buildings that dot the hillsides around it; and make the quick drive outside of the city to the Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens to visit its orchid house and its spice garden, the latter of which will take you on an olfactory tour of the country’s native spices. 

This massive rock formation is not only a breathtaking sight to take in as you approach, jutting up from the flat lands that surround it but also a place of cultural and historical significance. The UNESCO World Heritage site was a fort and palace that dates back to the fifth century. A network of winding staircases and paths will lead you to the top of the rock if you’re game to do the 1,217-step climb. Along the way, you’ll get panoramic views of the valley around you, you’ll pass ancient paintings by monks on the rock walls, and learn about the kingdom that once called this rock home. If you plan on making the entire climb (which we highly recommend), arrive at the park at opening time—you’ll avoid the afternoon heat and beat most of the crowds.

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, one of the three corners of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle and the current capital city of the North Central Province, was the first ancient capital in Sri Lanka, thriving for more than 1,300 years until it was abandoned in 993. Tourists visit this UNESCO World Heritage site to explore the well-preserved ruins and significant Buddhist history. Several dagobas, distinctive dome-shaped memorials, remain in the city, one of which is said to house Buddha’s collarbone. Another important site is the Bodhi tree found in the Mahamewna Gardens —it’s the oldest known human-planted tree in the world, and it grew from the southern branch of a sacred fig tree in India, the tree under which Gautama Buddha was said to have gained enlightenment.

Polonnaruwa

Jamie Hergenrader 

The third corner of the Cultural Triangle , Polonnaruwa became the second capital after Anuradhapura was abandoned. Like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa is a draw for visitors interested in touring the city’s history and ruins, including those of the royal palace and other royal spaces, the quadrangle (a raised, walled-off area of monuments and Buddha statues), and dagobas. You’ll undoubtedly spot many monkeys (toque macaques) in the area, and that population of native, endangered monkeys was featured in Disney’s nature documentary, “Monkey Kingdom.” 

Yala National Park

Yala National Park, located along the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, is the most visited national park in the country, primarily because of the chance to spot the leopards in the area—it is home to one of the largest concentrations of leopards in the world. (The land became a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and then a national park in 1938.) Although it comprises five blocks, only two of them are open to the public for safari to preserve and protect the majority of the land. Between February and July is the best time to visit; during these months, the lower water levels bring more animals out in the open searching for water. However, the park can get crowded in these peak months, and higher traffic through the park can lessen your chances of spotting one of the elusive leopards. Even so, you’ll still have the opportunity to see elephants, crocodiles, and water buffaloes.

Minneriya National Park

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

Sri Lanka has plenty of safari opportunities, but Minneriya National Park is known for having the world's largest gatherings of Asian elephants. Previously an elephant sanctuary, the land was converted to a national park in 1997, and Asian elephants still freely roam the grounds in large herds. While you'll likely get a glimpse of several whenever you visit, the dry season from June to September is the best time to visit. This is when the elephants (sometimes as many as 300) will congregate around the reservoir. It might be most famous for these elephant sightings, but the park is also home to more than 170 species of birds, leopards, monkeys, and other wildlife.

Many tourists skip Colombo to set off for the country’s beautiful nature destinations, but the capital city deserves some of your time . Colombo comprises several distinct neighborhoods that showcase the old and new—from ancient temples and colonial architecture to modern skyscrapers and city parks. It’s easy (and recommended) to wander and simply take in the sights as you go. One impressive architectural sight you won’t be able to miss is the Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid (also known as the Red Mosque), a red and white mosque in Colombo’s Pettah neighborhood. Admiring it from the outside is intriguing enough, but if you want to go inside, ensure you’ve dressed appropriately; women need to cover their hair, arms, and legs. 

This fortified old city on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka is another of the country’s impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of the best things to do is walk along the fort’s ramparts that give you a view out to the water and inward toward the fort and city. You can also take a self-guided tour of the fort to learn about its history and architecture. Although the fort is the main attraction for visitors to the area, Galle is a prime destination for shopping as well; wander the pedestrian-friendly streets to check out the many art galleries, upscale markets, and boutique stores selling clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, and home goods.

Nuwara Eliya

Tea is one of Sri Lanka’s biggest exports, so a trip to the rolling hills of tea country is well worth your time. Nuwara Eliya boasts hundreds of acres of tea plantations and several tea production facilities you can visit to learn about the entire tea-making process, from planting to picking and steeping at home. Once you’ve had your fill of tea, be sure to explore the other gorgeous surroundings of Nuwara Eliya, such as the manicured and well-maintained Victoria Park, Lake Gregory for a day on the water, or a lakeside picnic, or the beautiful, 350-foot tall Ramboda Falls.

As one of the main beach destinations in the country, Mirissa attracts those looking for a laid-back, leisurely vacation of days lounging on the sand and nights out on the town. Among the gorgeous beaches in Mirissa, Mirissa Beach and Secret Beach are two of the best for their beauty and seclusion, but neither one gets too crowded. If you’d rather be out on the water, Mirissa is a surfer’s paradise, especially from October to April, and it’s also a popular destination for whale watching tours to spot blue whales. After a day in the sun, hit some of the casual but lively restaurants and bars, some of which are right along the beach, making them a perfect setting for a sunset cocktail. 

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka

Written by Freddy Sherman Updated May 13, 2023

The South Asian island nation of Sri Lanka offers visitors a dizzying array of things to see and do. You can experience tourist attractions like the towering new Lotus Tower in the capital city of Colombo , or see elephants living their best life in the forest at Minneriya National Park. There are also outdoor attractions like doing a leopard-watching safari at Yala National Park or hiking a pilgrimage trail at night to see the sunrise on the summit of Adam's Peak.

All these exciting things to do are joined with some of the world's most beautiful natural landscapes offering varied environments, from tropical beaches to mountains to rainforests. Add in thousands of years of culture, interesting foreign colonial influence, very friendly people, beautiful beach resorts and you get one of the world's great vacation destinations.

Plan your sightseeing in this captivating country with our list of the top tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.

1. Yala National Park

2. temple of the sacred tooth relic, 3. udawalawe national park, 4. colombo lotus tower, 5. sigiriya the ancient rock fortress, 6. adam's peak, 7. golden temple of dambulla, 8. galle dutch fort, 9. nine arches bridge, 10. minneriya national park, 11. ridiyagama safari park, 12. sri lanka national museum, 13. national museum of natural history, 14. gangaramaya temple, 15. red mosque, 16. national museum of kandy, map of tourist attractions in sri lanka.

This is where you can do a safari experience Sri Lankan style. The huge national park borders the Indian Ocean and has a wide range of different ecosystems. From the marine environment of the coastline to grasslands to tropical rainforests inland.

People come to see the park's elephants, leopards, and crocodiles. Leopards are the easiest animal to see, as Yala has the highest "leopard density" in the world. There are many elephants, too, and you're likely to encounter them on the roads within the park, as they use them to get around, too! There are also over 200 bird species that make their home in the park area, including several endemic to Sri Lanka.

Aside from the fauna and flora, the park is home to two historic and very popular religious pilgrimage sites. The temples of Situlpahuwa and Magul Vihara draw four times as many visitors to the park as the animals do.

Yala National Park is on the southeast coast of the island near the city of Hambantota. Buttala is the nearby town, and you can stay there if you want to explore the park over multiple days. A stay there is also a cool way to experience real, rural life in Sri Lanka.

Read More: Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Also in the city of Kandy (right next to the National Museum of Kandy), this temple, and the relic it houses, is one of the most sacred places on Earth for those of the Buddhist faith.

The relic, believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, also has an influence on the politics of Sri Lanka, as whoever possesses the tooth is supposed to be the rightful ruler of the country. The Temple of the Tooth is part of the royal palace complex.

There are rituals performed at the temple three times a day, with a special ritual bathing of the relic on Wednesdays. The holy water that results from the bathing is believed to have healing powers.

This smaller national park is mainly a popular tourist attraction for seeing elephants. Its small size, less than 120 square miles, and its large population of more than 250 elephants mean it's guaranteed you will see them.

Located about 100 miles from Columbo in the south-central part of the island, Udawalawe National Park is also a very important sanctuary for waterfowl and is a great place to visit for bird-watching.

Getting there is easy, and most people visit on an organized tour from Columbo or from one of the Hambantota resorts. Driving time is less than three hours from Columbo and about an hour from the beach resorts.

The drawback to Udawalawe is the park can be crowded and everyone wants to see the elephants. Safari jeep drivers work on tips and can be very competitive and aggressive about finding animals for their clients.

One of the best tourist attractions in Sri Lanka is also one of the country's newest and the tallest. The Colombo Lotus Tower opened in 2019 as South Asia's tallest, free-standing structure .

Although it's a popular tourist attraction, the tower was built for a much more utilitarian reason: it's the hub of the country's radio, TV, and mobile phone networks and their antennas. The lotus bulb-inspired tower, which overlooks the entire city and the Indian Ocean, is 1,168 feet (368 meters) tall and is a great place to snap some Instagram-worthy shots.

There's a shopping mall in the base of the tower. From here, you can take super-fast elevators up to both indoor and outdoor observation areas. There's also a revolving restaurant at the top , which is a very popular spot for romantic dinners.

Skip the fancy restaurant, and try your luck at the food court in the mall. You'll find a delicious array of stalls offering Sri Lankan street food. The exterior of the Lotus Tower is covered with LED lighting, and they do light shows each evening and on special holidays.

This ancient rock fortress was once the mountaintop palace of the island's king. Believed to have been constructed during the 4 th and 5 th centuries CE, the palace ruins are at the top of a 660-foot (220-meter) rock formation.

The sides of the mountain had giant frescoes painted on them, and halfway up the mountain, there's a giant gateway carved in the shape of a lion. The structure's name means lion rock in ancient Sanskrit.

The palace above and the city complex below are one of the world's most important examples of urban planning in the first millennium. The ruins are near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province of the country.

This large, sacred mountain (7,359 feet/2,243 meters), is topped with a rock formation that has significance to many religions.

At the summit, there is a large boulder with an imprint that looks like a footprint. To Buddhists, it's the footprint of Buddha; to Muslims and Christians, it's the footprint of Adam (thus the site's Western name); and to Hindus, it was created by the deity Shiva.

Whatever your belief, Adam's Peak is a beautiful natural site to visit, and it's a cool adventure to climb the mountain. The pilgrimage path is mainly steps and stairs, and it takes at least a few hours each way.

The mountain is accessed from routes beginning in the village of Nallathanniya in central Sri Lanka. The best times to climb it are between December and May. Most people start the climb at night, so they reach the summit at sunrise.

There are six trails leading to the summit, with varying journey times and varying degrees of difficulty. The paths are lighted at night, and the activity is great for families, as children can easily do it, too. There are rest stops and food vendors along the way.

Throughout Sri Lanka there are natural caves that have been enlarged and excavated to be turned into cave temples. Like other temples, they honor Buddha and other deities (and a few kings) with large statues and relics.

The Dambulla cave temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site . It's the largest cave temple complex in the country and the best preserved. Of particular interest are the beautiful, now-preserved and conserved colorful wall murals that decorate the cave walls.

Aside from the cave temples, there is a large, golden Buddha statue at the base of the mountain, giving the site its other name, the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Dambulla is about two hours outside Colombo.

This 16 th -century Dutch fortress and walled town has been turned into a large tourist attraction. Originally built by the Portuguese in the 16 th century, most of the structures date to the Dutch colonial period in the 17 th century. More than a fort, it's a small fortified village, with homes, churches, a mosque, and lots of shops all within the fortress walls.

You can visit the fort and the lighthouse, and there are several museums on the site along with big shopping areas. The Fort, on the southwest coast Sri Lanka, about two hours south of Colombo, is a popular tourist destination with a lot of boutique hotels, some located within the fort's walls.

One of the iconic images of Sri Lanka, this relic of the British colonial era is a strikingly beautiful example of the beauty of practical, industrial design. Built by local workers in consultation with British engineers, the viaduct bridge has nine arches over its 300-foot span. It rises 80 feet above the river and remains in use today, over 100 years after its construction.

You can visit the bridge two ways: by traveling to it by tuk-tuk from Ella or by taking a train that traverses it. The Nine Arches Bridge is located between the Ella and Demodara stations on the main train line. Train journeys (usually from Kandy to Ella) that cross the bridge are considered one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka and one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.

When visiting from Ella, it's possible to (carefully) walk across the bridge, and this is one of the most popular Instagram spots in the country because of the dramatic views.

The best place to see elephants in Sri Lanka isn't at a so-called sanctuary or orphanage, it's in their natural habitat in Minneriya National Park. Some of the commercial parks have been known to exploit the animals, including chaining them in the river to create better photo opportunities.

The lush park is important as it's a dry season (July through October) feeding area for the elephants who live in the surrounding forest areas, drawing more than 500 animals at one time.

The park is also home to a few species of monkeys, different types of deer, leopards, and sloth bears. It's a popular place to visit for photo safaris. Minneriya is in the north-central area of Sri Lanka, about three hours from Colombo. It's a popular day-trip tourist destination and many tour operators and hotels in Columbo offer day trips.

While Sri Lanka's national parks showcase the country's native flora and fauna, the Ridiyagama Safari Park near Hambantota has animals from all over the world. This safari park tourist attraction allows visitors to get an African safari experience, complete with lions, zebras, giraffes, cape buffaloes, and other animals indigenous to Africa.

The drive-through safari park covers over 500 acres and has three zones. There's an African Lion Zone, the Sri Lankan Elephant Zone, and a World Zone. The park is near the Hambantota resort area and is a fun family day trip if you're staying at one of the area's resorts.

Many local tour providers and the major resorts offer a park visit experience, picking you up at your hotel, taking you through the safari park in their vehicle, then returning you to your hotel. It's a great thing to do in Sri Lanka for kids and families.

This large museum, formerly called the National Museum of Colombo, tells the fascinating story of the Sri Lankan people and their culture. The Sri Lanka National Museum collection includes various kinds of things, from artifacts to artwork along with jewelry, coins, money, arms, and crafts.

The museum has multiple levels and showcases both cultural and natural exhibits. Everything is shown chronologically, starting with the island's prehistoric history.

You'll find the museum in central Colombo, near Viharamahadevi Park. It's housed in a Victorian colonial building that was purpose-built for the museum and opened in 1877.

After you've visited the Sri Lanka National Museum and learned about Sri Lanka's cultural history, head to the nearby National Museum of Natural History to trace its physical, wildlife, and natural history.

This museum shows the country's incredible indigenous natural history, with examples of animals, plants, and minerals that are endemic to the South Asian island. The island's ancient and prehistoric history is also on display, with some cool fossils and skeletons including those of dinosaurs.

It's across from Viharamahadevi Park in central Colombo.

Located in Central Colombo near Beira Lake, this 19 th -century Buddhist temple complex interestingly includes a vintage car museum . There's a cool 1930s Mercedes and a very rare Rolls-Royce Ghost from the 1920s. The temple is also a religious museum with examples of religious coins, jewelry, and sculpture.

The temple was created around a sacred tree to house a sacred relic, a lock of the Buddha's hair. Each year during the Poya or full moon ceremony in February, there's a festival and procession around the area led by the temple's resident elephant.

A visit to the striking red and white brick Red Mosque (called "Jami Ul-Alfar Masjid") will yield some insight into the local practice of Islam, as well as some awesome Instagram pics.

Inside, the mosque showcases typical religious artwork and design, but it's the outside that really makes it extra special. The exterior red and white bricks are arranged in sometimes eye-fooling designs of spirals, swirls, and alternating patterns. The impact has also made the mosque a visual landmark, easy to spot from arriving ships (it's visible from Colombo Harbor).

The minarets of the mosque are topped with onion-shaped domes, reminiscent of Red Square. The style is called "Indo-Saracenic," and it was a popular architectural style in Asia in the early 19 th century when this mosque was built.

Kandy is a city in the central part of Sri Lanka and is important, as it was the kingdom's last capital city before the colonial era. The beautiful city and its unique history can be explored at the National Museum of Kandy .

The main part of the museum is housed in what was the home of the king's harem; additional exhibits are inside the former palace. The museum is filled with artifacts that tell the story of the Kandian era, the time between the 15 th and 18 th centuries, when the area maintained its independence despite colonization of other parts of the island.

Aside from historic objects and artifacts, the museum has an incredible collection of Sri Lankan art, as it's an official repository for native artwork.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Beaches and Resorts: One of the highlights of a visit to Sri Lanka is the beaches. Soft sands line many areas of the coast and make great places to base yourself. For a more detailed look, see our guide to the Best Beaches in Sri Lanka , including tips on the best beach resorts.

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Home » Asia » Sri Lanka » Sri Lanka Itinerary Trip Planner | Travel Routes for 2024!

Sri Lanka Itinerary Trip Planner | Travel Routes for 2024!

So you’re planning an itinerary for Sri Lanka? That almost feels self-defeating. Both a part of South Asia and an island paradise, time has a certain way of taking its own flow here—locals lovingly refer to it as  ‘Sri Lanka Time’.

But perhaps you’re visiting Sri Lanka for a quick-blast holiday? Or maybe you just want to explore it fully before you kick off to the next grand destination? Either way, it’s good to know exactly where to go in Sri Lanka before you arrive.

Though not as big or as difficult to travel as its bigger brothers further up the subcontinent, you’re still looking at slow transit times and unpredictable occurrences of deeply-structured chaos. That’s why it’s important to be clued in on the ins-and-outs of executing a Sri Lanka itinerary seamlessly.

And that’s exactly why I present to thee a seamless itinerary for Sri Lanka… Two in fact!

Using these travel routes for Sri Lanka (as marked by the varying monsoon seasons), you’re going to see  a lot  of the country! All the best parts in fact, plus some sneaky bonus stops you’re probably not going to find out about anywhere else. I’ll be covering the coolest destinations in Sri Lanka, what to do there, and, of course, the best and brightest places to stay.

In one seamless guide.

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The Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka is an all-year-round destination… in that it’s always raining and always sunny simultaneously somewhere on the island. The pesky alternating monsoon seasons make planning a trip to Sri Lanka a wee bit more complicated. In that sense, Sri Lanka is also a year-round monsoon destination!

• Northeast “Maha” Monsoon (December to February): Over the Christmas holiday period, the north and east take a refreshing shower, Arugam Bay all but shuts down, and the south coast of Sri Lanka is in full tourist swing.
• Inter-Season “Dryboi” Monsoon #1 (March-April): You’ll catch some rains in the southwest quadrant of the island during this period while everywhere else stays mostly dry.
• Southwest “Yala” Monsoon (May-September): This is when Sri Lanka’s south and west coast highlights really start to get soaked. The Yala monsoon period is easily when to go to Sri Lanka’s east coast—spending a surf season “stuck” in Arugam Bay in particular.
• Inter-Season “Sadboi” Monsoon #2 (October-November): It kinda just rains everywhere during this period… a lot. Have fun with that!

Right, so that may look way too complicated, but it’s not so bad. Except for when it really pours, the rains in Sri Lanka are pretty typical Asian-style monsoons: they rarely hang around for more than a couple of hours max. You can still expect frequent catchups with Mr Blue Sky even during the rains.

Realistically, the best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on where you want to go . Keep in mind the rough timing of seasons (and my even rougher attempt to break them down), and you’ll find that crafting a primarily dry itinerary for touring Sri Lanka will be easy. Just avoid the ‘Sadboi’ season; that shit sucks.

Weather in Sri Lanka

Monsoons aside, the climate in Sri Lanka is a much more straightforward ordeal. Expect serious thigh chafing conditions—hot and humid. Sometimes it may be just hot, and sometimes it may just be humid, but it’s probably always going to be at least one of the two.

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The exception is in the hill country (central highlands). Up here, things cool off considerably and even get properly cold in the right places. I’d actually go so far as to say it’s my sweet spot; blissful sunny mornings cooled off by drizzles of afternoon mist leading into a full night’s rest snuggled betwixt the blankets.

Check out the table below for some average temperatures in Sri Lanka. I’ve chosen Colombo (Sri Lanka’s west coast capital) and Nuwara Eliya (the balmy capital of the mountainous tea country) to contrast the two distinct climates.

So, before we start the 14-day Sri Lanka itinerary extravaganza, I wanna talk about arrival and Day 0. For any and all backpacking routes in Sri Lanka, you’ll be landing at Sri Lanka’s international airport— Bandaranaike —which is near Colombo but not in Colombo. This is a blessing in disguise.

Colombo is beautiful on the inside… probably. It’s hard to tell because it’s so ugly on the outside. I spent a week here: the only redeemable thing I found was UberEats so I could just stay in my hostel in Colombo .

Instead, I present to you… Negombo!

Negombo is a fine alternative to staying in Colombo’s gridlocked mayhem. It even sounds similar!

Negombo is a whole lot more chill, the beaches are nicer, and it’s closer to the airport. Maybe I sound like a vacuum salesman pitching the newest model, but suck it up, princess! Any and all times you can skip Colombo, do it.

Colombo is yesterday’s soggy street roti disappointing my mouth.

Where to Stay in Negombo:  YoYo Beach Hostel

There are actually two YoYo sister hostels in Negombo—this one and the airport hostel. The YoYo Beach Hostel is aimed more at a party vibe; you can expect to crack open the arrack by night and sleep off the migraine on the beach by day.

The  YoYo Airport Hostel  (which is closer to the airport than the beach) is more setup for one-night stayovers when flying in and out of Sri Lanka. You’ll get quiet vibes and a soundproof room with the option to transfer to the Beach Hostel if you wanna partake in family dinner. Truth be told, they’re both pretty mint places to stay, and you can’t really go wrong with either!

Sri Lanka in Two Weeks: The Breakdown

1. Bandaranaike International Airport 2. Negombo 3. Sigiriya 4. Kandy 5. Ella 6. Yala National Park 7. Mirissa (South Coast Beaches) 8. Galle Fort

December to January is the peak; March and April is a comfortable shoulder season.

1. Looking at Sigiriya Rock 2. The train ride to Ella 3. The hill country

Stop 1: Sigiriya (Days 1-3)

Next up is Sigiriya. You’d be hard-pressed to find a single suggested itinerary for Sri Lanka that didn’t include the majestic wonder of Sigiriya: the ancient rock fortress.

Set in the central, dry, and hot lowlands region, Sigiriya sits inside the Cultural Triangle area (which I’ll cover more in the ‘3-Week Sri Lanka Itinerary’ ). Beneath the hulking behemoth of Lion’s Rock  (AKA Sigiriya), is a relatively sleepy and tourist-lite village (comparatively to Sri Lanka’s other famous places to visit). I actually really dig the town; tourists float in, but it’s not overdone. Plus there are some endearing strange ones kicking around town.

The rock fortress of Sigiriya is the main draw to this area (not to mention one of the most famous tourist attractions in Sri Lanka).  If you’re only in Sri Lanka for 14 days, it’s a must-see thing. Powerful yet humbling, the supposed tomb of the God-King Ravana himself, it’s also mega-touristic and a tough price to swallow for those travelling Sri Lanka on a budget.

There are, however, other options…

You can potentially find a direct bus, but the train runs from either of the  ‘-ombos’  to nearby  Habarana . It’s an easy bus ride or tuk-tuk to Sigiriya from there.

The choice is as follows:

• Pay  $25 , climb Lion’s Rock with a horde of tourists and locals (it’s a very sacred site), and experience the admittedly very impressive ancient fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Or… climb the nearby Pidurangala rock for about  $3  with a smaller swarm of tourists and locals, and watch the sunset (or sunrise) set the hues of Sigiriya ablaze.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, however, I do recommend the latter. And at sunset. Alternatively, just do both!

• Shenadi Restaurant –  Yummy local food at cheap prices—it’s just that simple.
• Rastarant Sigiriya –  The juices are bangin’ and the slackline’s a’ hangin’!

Where to Stay in Sigiriya:  Jungle Vista

The family who runs the hostel are also mega-lovely, can easily organise safaris and tours, and cook up a mean Sri Lankan feed every night. It’s a bit out of Sigiriya town (about 10 km) but absolutely worth the tuk-tuk fare (the family can organise you transport anyway).

Stop 2: Kandy (Days 3-5)

Ok, ok, Kandy… most tourists I meet travelling Sri Lanka are pretty unenthused by Kandy. I can’t necessarily blame them. It’s, admittedly, a bit like chewing bubble gum—fun for a brief period, but the magic quickly wears off.

Yet, still, I like Blandy. It’s a normal but pretty city where normal people do normal boring things. There’s a mall with an ice-cream parlour, a lake for moonlit romantic strolls, and heaps of cheap food around.

If you’re a backpacker, Kandy is similar to Colombo (albeit way more chill and lacking in a proper nightlife); there’s not much reason to go there except to start the unbelievable train journey to Ella. If you’re visiting Sri Lanka for the first time, or on a whirlwind 5 to 7-day itinerary, you can just book a hostel in Kandy , stay a night, rest up, and catch the train right on out the following morning.

Unless you’re lucky enough to score a direct bus, chances are it will be one bus to  Dambulla  (30 mins approx.) followed by another bus to Kandy (hopefully < 3 hours).

Honestly, I scoped a few attractions out, and it really is the kind of city where you’re better off just wandering and seeing what secrets you find. That said…

• Temple of the Tooth –  Easily the most famous thing to see in Kandy, this temple holds a very sacred artefact: the alleged tooth of Lord Buddha himself. Personally, I’d say it’s not really worth the price of entry since you don’t even get to see the tooth, but it’s a mention for the temple-nutters.
• To the Batcave –  This is something special. I’m not sure if it’s seasonal (I visited Kandy in September) but at twilight, the sky fills with a myriad of bats—truly innumerable. Find a high spot in the hills, roll up, and enjoy the show.
• Licenced to Grill –  Delicious puns aside, you get wraps and burgers at mean prices with chips that are really more like wedges (which makes them better).

Where to Stay in Kandy:  Hipsters Hideout Lounge

You know when something is not particularly special, but it just kinda appeals to you. That’s how I feel about Hipster’s Hideout Lounge.

It’s cheap and the walls have got some cool art going on, but it was also pretty quiet every time I visited Kandy. The dorms are basic too—no lockers. That said, I like the vibes, and it’s always my go-to place every time I stay in Kandy.

Inter-Stops: The Kandy to Ella Train

This is why you have to at least pass through Kandy: the train to Ella. The Kandy to Ella train is a must-do thing on any and all Sri Lanka itineraries. It’s not a journey to be missed.

Chances are you’ve already heard of the train ride from Kandy to Ella. If not, you’ve at least seen pictures, even if you don’t know it. Winding train tracks elegantly slice paths through the jungles, tea plantations, and misty slopes of the hill country. It’s one of those types of train journeys where you get to do this:

You don’t have to actually board the train at Kandy. There are stops before and after, and you can even board the train at Colombo. That is a bloody long ride though.

Kandy is about the right distance to Ella (roughly an 8-hour train ride plus the margin-of-error for the Asia effect), and there are a few extra spots you can stop along the way in Sri Lanka’s hill country if you can smush it all into your travel itinerary route. Since we’re already smushing a lot in, I’ll cover the extra places to go in the 3-week itinerary: check the hill country section .

Stop 3: Ella (Days 5-8)

Man, cutting only 4-days from your Sri Lanka itinerary for Ella hardly even seems like enough! Ella is easily my favourite place to go in Sri Lanka: I collectively spent around 2 months there staying it what used to be one of the best hostels in Sri Lanka (R.I.P. and bless).

I wouldn’t suggest staying in Ella town itself. There’s some good food in town, and some souvenir/Goa-lite shopping, but, otherwise, it’s an over-capacity tourist bubble. The real draw of Ella is everything around the bubble.

Smack-bang right in the middle of the emerald sea of the hill country, Ella is surrounded by gorgeous tea plantations, stunning valley panoramas, and plenty of aimless wandering opportunities. If you’re not staying outside town in the fairytale fields of cloud forests and shifting mists, you’re missing out.

From Kandy, I’m only going to tell you to catch the train every time.

• Little Adam’s Peak –  An easy walk with a grand payoff. For people that like eating the cake but don’t wanna bake it.
• Ella Rock –  A more challenging and dynamic hike with, arguably, less viewing payoff. There are heaps of backtracks here making it a fave for anyone that likes exploring. For those that like baking the cake but don’t want to eat it because the calories will ruin their trim walking figure.
• Nine Arches Bridge –  It’s a pretty bridge that the trains runs across with people selling drinking coconuts nearby. I don’t really get it, but it’s mega-touristy and a super popular attraction in Sri Lanka, so I thought I’d be remiss not to mention it.

In Ella itself:

• Matey Hut –  There are some blessed dank eateries in town (shoutout to the nameless roti shop on the south edge of town), however,  Matey Hut serves up high-quality Sri Lankan cuisine in a tourist restaurant setting.
• Cafe Chill –  It’s not really my jam—a proper tourist joint through and through. The prices are high, the food top-notch, and the music is usually on-point too! Along with  Cafe One Love , it’s one of the two main watering holes in town.
• MozarElla –  No matter where you go in the world, you will always find three things: pigeons, pizza, and Australians.

Where to Stay in Ella:  Ella Escapade Hostel by Nomadic

As I said, it’s better to stay  outside  of Ella, and this is a sweet spot. Getting into town itself will take some forethought, however, in the surrounding area of the property, there is heaps to explore.

You’ve also got free breakfast here saving you the trek into town (although walking the train tracks into town is always a blast). Ella Rock is also super close and easy to access. Once you get to Ella town itself and feel how touristy and packed it is, you’ll be glad you booked this peaceful place outta town in the mountains.

Stop 4: Yala National Park (Days 8-10)

We’re heading south towards the beach, but first, stop 4 and a disclaimer! Listen, there are three things nearly all backpackers travelling Sri Lanka will do:

• Go on a safari
• Get an elephant tattoo (probably shortly after the safari)

On point two, Yala is arguably the best place to visit in Sri Lanka in your 14 days of adventuring for a safari; it’s Sri Lanka’s biggest national park . Personally, though, I wouldn’t recommend it.

The animal tourism in Sri Lanka has a less than sterling reputation . Even on my own personal backpacking trip to Sri Lanka, I saw multiple instances of animal abuse both inside and outside the tourism industry.

Many safaris in Sri Lanka are not at all in line with responsible and ethical wildlife tourism , and nearly all are contributing to the greater issue. In Yala alone, safaris are overbooked, traffic is frequent, drivers are reckless and endanger the wildlife, and wild animals are (and have been) killed as a result.

Chances are, if you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you’re already considering booking a safari. Ultimately, you do you. Just consider this the counter-perspective.

Unles you want to organise a driver or shared tourist taxi (which is easy from Ella), you’ll need to catch the bus. There are a few options for where you can go close to the national park, but Ella to Kataragama is a standard route and base for exploration.

A safari or not—s’up to you. Fair warning though, you’re not really permitted to explore the national park at your own duress like other places in the world. I’d really just suggest outright skipping Yala and the moral bankruptcy to go just soak up the beach for longer.

Where to Stay in Yala:  Leopard Trails

When I say luxury, I do really mean luxury: it’s an expensive, high-end tent accommodation with all the trimmings of a modern-day resort. And, of course, they’ll set you up for all your safari shenanigans.

An Ethically-Sound Alternative to a Sri Lankan Safari: Millennium Elephant Foundation

That’s right – you can get up-close-and-personal with some of the most majestic beasts in Sri Lanka and not even feel a drop of moral anxiety about it!  Millennium Elephant Foundation  is  ethical elephant tourism.

These guys don’t even let you ride the elephants. They used to let you ride them bareback, but now they’ve exchanged that program for their much more whimsical and respectable  Elephant Walk Experience . It’s kinda like a first date: you get to hang out, go for a romantic stroll with your partner elephant, and even help them bathe at the end if you’re lucky. ?

Was the first date divine? Then it’s time to commit because the  Elephant Foundation accepts volunteers too!  Not only will you get to hang out, care for, and bathe with the lovelies, but you’ll help out around the property too with farming, veterinary work, and teaching!

Honestly, there’s zero reason not to drop the cash you were going to spend on booking a safari on this instead. It’s  1000 times more  of an authentic experience,  1000 times less  morally reprehensible, and  100,000 times better  than sitting in a jeep staring slackjawed at wild animals that really just wish you’d piss off…

Stop 5: South Beaches (Days 10-13)

And it’s time for the beach! We’ve spent nearly 14 days in Sri Lanka already, and we still haven’t hit the beach—shameful.

Instead of sending you along Sri Lanka’s south coast, however, I’m going to lay out the beach destinations here for you (southeast to southwest direction) and who they’re good for:

You’ll find a bus from Kataragama no sweat. Once you’re on the south coast, the train runs from Colombo as far east as  Matara  (between Mirissa and Tangalle), and the buses run straight along the coast from town to town. Getting around Sri Lanka’s south coast is super easy!

Pretty much anything associated with beaches and tourists:

• Diving/Snorkelling
• Drugs, backpackers, and parties

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka’s South (Mirissa):  Colours Hostels

A good atmosphere and a pumping little piece of backpacker accommodation in Sri Lanka’s south. To be fair, there are heaps of cool areas stay (just see above), but Mirissa is pretty central, close to lots of good beaches, and has a neato tourist-friendly scene going on.

Good people generally float in, the family feeling is high, and breakfast is a killer. Expect good vibes.

Galle and the Fort (Days 13-14)

Galle Fort—so pretty yet so strange. It is the perfect spot, however, to round off your southern Sri Lanka tour. Inside the fort proper—Galle’s main tourist hub—there’s an almost timeless bubble quality (even if the tuk-tuk bois are too thirsty); it’s easy to decompress here before heading back towards the madness of Colombo (or, ideally, straight to the airport).

Galle is an oddball. Outside the fort in Galle city things make sense in that they make no sense: the typical South Asia craziness ensues. It’s a Sri Lankan city through and through.

Once you step inside the fort though, the game changes—rice and curry goes out the bathroom window and barista coffee and cake come right on in. It’s like a little slice of Europe in Sri Lanka (right down to the narrow alleyways lined with Volkswagens and Portuguese/Dutch-era colonial architecture).

Personally, I’m not a big fan of staying in Galle Fort. The lack of street food and vendors peddling single cigarettes feels too inauthentic. But if you’re wondering where to stay in Sri Lanka for 2-3 days after a whirlwind highlight itinerary route, it’s a very beautiful place to tie it all up with some fine-dining and a romantic moonlit stroll.

Both the main bus station and the train station are situated right out front of the fort—easy peasy!

Depending on your style of travel, you’ll either find heaps to do or not much:

• Shopping –  And heaps of it! Tea, spices, souvenirs, art, gems (watch for scams) are all on ample display.
• Dining –  Much like shopping, there are heaps of restaurants functioning more on a Western schema.
• Early morning/late night strolls –  Galle is easily prettiest when the tuk-tuk mafioso and touts are sleeping off a hard day’s harassing. And, honestly, it’s kinda charmingly quaint.
• Galle Lighthouse –  I just think it’s super pretty.
• Abacate –  I simply CANNOT recommend this place enough. Genuinely authentic food inside the fort coming in at a fair price (which is also unheard of in the fort). I know the cook and his family personally, and there isn’t a single person in Sri Lanka I would rather send me into a blissful kottu-induced food coma on the whole damn island.
• Street eats –  For street food and hole-in-the-walls, you’ll have to leave the fort. Once you cross the big intersection back to the city main, you’ll find the good stuff again.

Where to Stay in Galle Fort:  Fort Sky House

Well, Galle Fort is  super  upper-class and when in Rome… rent a swanky apartment with an open-air kitchenette/lounge bar terrace! The whole apartment is most definitely continuing that whole Sri Lanka meets European village neighbourhood feel.

It’s in a sweet location in the fort—conveniently located but still in a private spot—with a very gracious host. Honestly, you’re about to leave Sri Lanka, so why not pimp out and just treat yo’self for the remaining nights!

Getting Home:  After Galle, getting to the airport is pretty simple. One option is to ride the train to Colombo and make your way from there, however, you’ll also find buses that go direct from Galle’s main bus station to the airport. Just ask around, and you’ll be fine.

Okely-dokely, you’ve got an extra week, and the rains are pissing down in the south. There are a few crossovers between this suggested Sri Lanka itinerary and the last, however, I’ll elaborate further on a few areas. Besides, Sigiriya, Ella, and the train are absolutely necessary things to do in Sri Lanka even in just seven days.

I’ve given you a few extra bonus stops too, but mostly I’ve bumped this up to a 3-week itinerary for Sri Lanka to give you extra time to spend in Arugam Bay. Arugam Bay is one of those places that people get stuck.

Sri Lanka in 3 Weeks: The Breakdown

1. Bandaranaike International Airport 2. Negombo 3. Sigiriya 4. Polonnaruwa 5. Anuradhapura 6. Wilpattu National Park 7. Jaffna 8. Trincomalee 9. Arugam Bay 10. Ella 11. Nuwara Eliya 12. Adam’s Peak  (Sri Pada) 13. Kandy 14. Meemure Village

March through to September with the summer months being the busiest.

1. Mad munchies in Arugam Bay 2. Still the hill country 3. An adventure to Meemure

Stop 1: Sigiriya and the Cultural Highlights (Days 1-4)

Well, we already talked about Sigiriya, so instead, I’m mentioning a few other notable places to travel to in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. I still recommend staying in Sigiriya and soaking that yumminess up though (potentially with some side-adventures to explore the local landscapes).

But, since you’re spending a few more days touring Sri Lanka, there are a few extra bonus day trips from Sigiriya you could consider:

• Polonnaruwa – The ancient city of kings. It’s a $25 entrance fee, but, honestly, if you were considering dropping that on Sigiriya Fortress, just visit Polonnaruwa instead. Think of Polonnaruwa as a historical theme park. Once, 800 years ago, it was a thriving city, a hub of culture and commerce, and the seat of power for one of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms . Now it’s a playground for lovers of archaeology, history, and ruins. It’s a large space—you’ll need to hire a tuk-tuk driver or a bike to explore it—but if you’re a sucker for old-world goodness, it’s worth the trip.
• Dambulla cave temple – It could be worth the trip if you’re really into temples. Dambulla town itself is a waste, but the cave interior temple (another extremely sacred site in Sri Lanka) is very impressive. It’s also extremely commercialised and carries that whole “God is dead” feeling… so… up to you!
• Jathika Namal Uyana (Rose Quartz Mountain) – Dude, I missed checking this out, and I hate myself so much for that. It’s exactly what it purports to be: five bucks and you’ll be standing on a mountain of pink rose quartz. Don’t be like me— go .

Where to Stay in Sigirya (again):  Nethmini Leege Cottage

It’s another place to stay in Sigiriya and a damn cool bit of accommodation in Sri Lanka—a treehouse! Nestled in the jungle, you’ll be surrounded by the gorgeous nature of Sri Lanka’s lowlands.

It’s very close to Sigiriya town and walking to Lion’s Rock is even an option. It’s still a homestay, however (treehouse or not), so expect some damn good home cooking! A mum-cooked meal when you’re so far away from home is always a blessing.

Stop 2: Anuradhapura (Days 4-6)

If you’re feeling the temple/history burnout, you can leave Anuradhapura off your itinerary in Sri Lanka. There’s not much else to see there except more of Sri Lanka’s historical attractions.

Well, that’s a lie—there is one thing that’s pretty dope: Sri Maha Bohdi . Thought to be the oldest-living human-planted tree in the world, the tree started as a cutting from the original tree that Lord Buddha gained enlightenment beneath. Planted as a sapling by one of the kings of old, now it’s an incredibly revered place to visit in Sri Lanka.

Past that, you’re looking at a similar concept to exploring Polonnaruwa, albeit slightly different in the execution. Another archaeological park with a $25 entrance fee and another archaic kingdom, however, this time it’s the cradle of Buddhism in ancient (Sinhala) Sri Lankan civilisation.

Enormous towering dagobas (brick stupas) and sprawling monastic complexes fill the area. Much like Polonnaruwa, it’ll be a matter of renting a bike or tuk-tuk driver to explore Anuradhapura to its fullest.

From Sigiriya, your options are:

• To travel to Dambulla and catch the direct bus from there.
• Or you should, theoretically, be able to catch a train from  Habarana  (or any other station) to Anuradhapura (since the train runs through it). I can’t properly confirm this through my sources, however.
• Abhayagiri Vihara –  One of the major monasteries in Anuradhapura and the biggest in Sri Lanka for a long while. Topped by a towering dagoba, there is some complex architecture on display here including the pools and intricately carved Moonstone.
• Isurumuniya Vihara –  Another monastic complex except this time, it’s carved out of rock!
• More of the same –  Yah, seriously, throw a rock in Anuradhapura and you’ll hit a ridiculously impressive dagoba or stupa (and probably a one-way ticket to Sri Lankan jail). A couple of other key players in Anuradhapura’s stupa scene include  Jetavanaramaya  and  Ruwanwelisaya .

Check out  Mango Mango  for some cheap local cuisine in a restaurant setting. Failing that, the shopping centre has some other snackeries.

Where to Stay in Anuradhapura:  Heaven Upon Rice Fields

Well, to start, there’s aircon, and in the mugginess of Sri Lanka’s central region, that really is a little slice of heaven (upon rice fields). Honestly, it’s just a nice place to stay in Anuradhapura.

A cute little Sri Lankan bed and breakfast with a darling outlook of—yup, you guessed it—rice fields! Yummy brekky, yummy dinner, bike rental (which is perfect for exploring Anuradhapura), and a damn nice room.

Booking a Tour in Sri Lanka

Usually, I’m not much of a tour guy, however, for some of these major historical sites in Sri Lanka— Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura in particular —you can see why booking a tour is smart. With such a complex and deep history locked behind such an esoteric culture and language, booking a tour is really the only way to fully comprehend these ancient wonders of Sri Lanka.

Organising a tour once your there is always easy; there’s always a bare minimum of 36 touts lurking in the bushes at any given time. However, if you want to pre-book, or want to ensure that you get a legitimately insightful and professional guide, I’d advise booking a less off-the-cuff tour through the links below.

Safari Stop-or-Not: Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is northwest Sri Lanka’s answer to Yala. The largest national park in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is also potentially an even better choice than Yala for seeing leopards (they’re still mighty rare, however).

Pretty much everything I said about Yala National Park still holds true here. It’s not so much a matter of the park-to-park context as it is the wildlife tourism in Sri Lanka as a whole.

That said, with two different Sri Lanka itineraries, two different monsoon seasons, and two different routes, this your alternative place to go if your heart is really just that set on a safari.

Where to Stay in Wilpattu National Park:  Base Camp Wilpattu

More ethically questionable luxury glamping— woo!  This one is allegedly reported, however, to abide by a strict set of environmental policies and be run by some upstanding peeps. Whether that’s true or not I can’t say, but I can say that you’ll be comfortable!

Fancy beds, fancy meals, fancy trimmings, and they’ll probably even deck you out with you own emblazoned fancy pants. Jokes aside, the reports are in that this is a dope place to stay and start your safari from. Apparently the staff really do care.

One Last Note on the Ethics of Wildlife Tourism in Sri Lanka

You can find reasonable or even positive forms of animal tourism in Sri Lanka (and low-impact safaris too). This is more a callout to be  shrewd . Extremely shrewd.

You’re travelling in a region of the world with a historically poor (and earned) reputation for the mistreatment of animals. A lot of backpackers and tourists kinda just roll in and assume that because a man in khakis told them it’s ok, that’s it’s ok. That’s usually not the case.

So be critical; taking the hypothesis that it’s a case of unethical tourism until given proof to the contrary is a good method. It’s better to be safe than sorry on this topic.

Oh, and for the love of God, please,  do not ride the elephant s .

Bonus Stop: Jaffna (Days 6-8)

Now, this is certainly an uncommon place to visit off the standard Sri Lanka backpacking itinerary. I’m saying it’s a bonus stop because:

• It is going to add some distance to your travel route.
• It’s a bit more challenging to travel.
• You honestly may just be busting to hit the beach after spending a week in the hot, humid, booze-less cultural epicentre of the island.

It’s impossible to really understand Jaffna without knowledge of the history of Sri Lanka. The tl;dr is that there are actually two subgroups of Sri Lankan people—the Sinhala and the Tamils. In modern times, there was an ungodly civil war that ripped these two peoples lives apart for more than two decades, and in the primarily Tamil northern area of Sri Lanka, you’ll still see traces of the horrors that occurred.

It’s not all doom and gloom though… Jaffna is also super pretty! It’s a change in architecture to a more South Indian style and, if your spice palette has refined enough to notice the subtle differences, it’s a change in cuisine too.

You don’t need to spend too many days in Jaffna. Mostly, you’ll be concerned with checking out some (more) temples and finding a soulful spot in the ocean to cool off during the midday heat. The remaining eleven days on this Sri Lanka itinerary is going to leave the historical stuff alone mostly in exchange for the blissful beach days. But if you’re interested in rounding off your experience by meeting the other half of Sri Lanka’s people before getting lost the bikini-booty-bods, travel to Jaffna.

There’ll be a bus—there’s always a bus in Sri Lanka—but the train also runs all the way north to the Jaffna peninsula.

• Island tour –  From the tip of the Jaffna peninsula, there are a couple of choice islands to visit: there’s  Nainativu Island  with its gorgeous Tamil-Hindu temple while  Delft Island  has both colonial and natural delights.
• Off-beat travel –  There are plenty of official homages to the civil war in Jaffna, however, look hard enough and you’ll start to see darker examples of what transpired. Crumbling ruins, forts, and even old bullet holes are there for those willing to look.
• Malayan Cafe –  Cheap and proper local grub where they won’t even bother giving the whiteys cutlery. An absolute gem.
• Jaffna mangos –  Not to be confused with the restaurant in Jaffna  called  ‘Mangos’ (who serve killer dosa). The mangos in Sri Lanka’s north are rumoured to be the best on the island, and you’ll find plenty of street food ops to eat them with a seasoning of chilli, sugar, and salt.

Where to Stay in Jaffna:  Sky Park View Guesthouse

First up, I like the location; it’s right across from a park! There aren’t any dorms here, but the private rooms are cheap (the same prices as a dorm in a lot of other hostels around Sri Lanka).

You’ve got scooter rental, super friendly and helpful staff, and plenty of local food around. It’s not ultra-flash, but it is home and a good bit of budget accommodation in Jaffna.

Stop 3: Trincomalee (Days 9-12)

The warm-up to the inevitable time-sink of Arugam Bay. There’s no good swell in Trincomalee if you’re chasing the ultimate surfing holiday in Sri Lanka , however, everything else is on point!

You’ll find long sandy beaches lined with deckchairs and drinking holes. A Lion Strong, a round of beach volleyball, and an escape from the insane midday heat in the sparkling water is a guarantee. It’s also considerably quieter than Arugam Bay—like everybody left their mutual chaos behind along with their binge alcoholism.

That’s what Trinco feels like: Arugam Bay all grown up. Arugam Bay in its 30s when it started showering regularly and stopped sleeping with everything with a pulse. It’s cleaner, a bit more refined, a bit more expensive, and also a bit more boring. It’s either the warm-up to Arugam Bay or the place to come down afterwards.

From either Anuradhapura or Jaffna you can catch the train, but it will require a backtrack to the  Maho Junction . There are also direct buses from both cities which would be your better option.

The train actually alights closer to the centre of town where you almost definitely won’t want to stay considering all those beautiful Sri Lankan beaches hanging around.

• Uppuveli  is the main tourist hub ( Sarvodaya Road  specifically). It’s one long street filled with restaurants, shops, and various bits of accommodation with  plenty  of beach access.
• Nilaveli  to the north of Trinco is a much quieter area. There are still plenty of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beach hotels and resorts, but the actual area (and beach) is way more local.

As I said though, Trincomalee is noticeably more expensive than a lot of other places in Sri Lanka that I visited. If you’re budget travelling in Sri Lanka, the best way to keep the costs down is to step outside the tourist bubble. One foot off of Sarvodaya Road back into the real Trinco and everything gets  a lot  cheaper.

Where to Stay in Trincomalee:  Wanderers Hostel

And it’s back to the hostel life! Dorms with aircon (boom, Buddha),  plenty of travellers to chill with, private rooms for sex after the beach! (Na, Trinco is  wayyy  too hot for banging.)

It’s a chill hostel although I do wish they would actually fill that plunge pool up. There’s free tea and coffee but no food served, and the WiFi is inexplicably good. Like, really damn good—I don’t get it either.

Stop 4: Arugam Bay (Days 12-?)

We maaaade it. Here’s a season in Arugam Bay in a nutshell:

• Sweet wonderful vacuous meaningless backpacker sex

Personally, it’s not my vibe (except the doobies-munchies). But any way you swing it,  this is undeniably a backpacker haven—anywhere the Israelis congregate en masse usually is. If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, and particularly a first-time visit, plan to lose track of your holiday itinerary for an indeterminate amount of time. Arugam Bay is the surf mecca of Sri Lanka as well as the backpacking mecca. Arugam Bay is one of those places.

It’s a sticky place.

You may want to consider a taxi if you’re not a fan of long stints on the bumpy bus. Otherwise, from Trincomalee, it’s a bus to Batticaloa and a change for Arugam Bay.

Wednesdays are also a party night, but it’s a dumb party and no one goes:

• Blue Wave Hotel Pool Party (Thursdays) –  An Israeli pool party (legitimately) featuring Tel Avivian Ibiza vibes and next-level trash music. It’s easily the best place to get laid in Arugam Bay.
• Whiskey Point (Fridays) –  The traveller-fave of Arugam’s throwdowns. A beach bar a bit out of town featuring house and techno.
• Mambo’s (Saturdays) –  It’s another beach bar featuring techno and house except that this one is in town and there’s a slackline—yay!

My happy place:

• Mama’s Restaurant –  Welcome to Sri Lanka at it’s finest! All-you-can-eat rice and curry buffet, 6 types of curry, full-power papas, and no end or regrets in sight until you puke.
• Blue Vans/Trucks –  On the south side of town, there’s a row of them all serving up street eats, and they all kick ass!
• Bites –  Go here, get yourself a brookie It’s a brownie-cookie—eugenics done right.

Where to Stay in Arugam Bay:  The Long Hostel

The amenities are tight, and the dorms get the job done, but you’re more staying here for the vibe. It’s backpackery, young, 100% party-surf focused, and, honestly, kinda cliquey. Like I said, love it or hate it, it’s Arugam Bay to a tee.

Oh, and the iced coffees will blow your mind wide open.

A Final Note on Backpacking Arugam Bay

Jokes aside, Arugam Bay really is backpacker central and a place people “get stuck”. It’s like a little slice of Thailand backpacking with a South Asian twist. Whether you love that or not is ultimately up to you.

If you’re not so much on a backpacking Sri Lanka tour as vacationing there, it may not be your vibe. Despite the copious amounts of joints being rolled, it definitely doesn’t feel chill. With such a high concentration of travellers, there’s the level of madness that you’d expect from other similar bubbles in the world like Pai, Pokhara, or Goa (though nothing competes with Goa).

Even if you’re a backpacker through-and-through but, perhaps (for example), one who’s grown into quiet living and out of many elements of the Southeast Asia backpacking scene, it still may not be your vibe. Unless you’re like me and will go anywhere there’s cheap food and doobs. Then it’s kickass for a week.

…Or if you’re a surfer. Then you’ll definitely be fine.

Stops 5-6: Ella, Kandy, and the Hill Country (Days 16-21)

Yup, the same as the 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary except in reverse! I really cannot stress enough how much this part of the country and the train journey are a must-see in Sri Lanka in any itinerary.

Ella really is the ultimate detox to skip the bends leaving Arugam Bay. There is a tranquil majesty to Sri Lanka’s hill country ( outside of Ella town) that will make even the most crushing wipeout a gentle ride to shore. If you can take a few extra days to hike, explore the valleys, or even just smoke and watch the sky, definitely do it.

When you do catch the train to Kandy, there are a few extra stops you can consider to break up the trip, provided you have the time:

• Nuwara Eliya – One of several points of interest in Sri Lanka that still  heavily carries the colonial remnants. The racecourse, the architecture, the tea, and definitely the post office all feel like cracking open a city-sized time capsule the British colonialists left behind. You’re up high in the hills here though, so expect it to get cold and rainy.
• Haputale –  Speaking of tea, at Haputale you’ll find Lipton’s Seat (yes, of  that Lipton) which is really more like an imperialist’s throne overseeing the incredible sweeps of plantations, hills and even right down to the south coast on a clear day!
• Hatton –  I’m not so much suggesting that you stick Hatton on your Sri Lanka itinerary as what’s near it: the mighty and majestic Adam’s Peak (AKA Sri Pada AKA  Samanalakanda AKA  Bob’s Your Uncle AKA a million other things). One of the most sacred places in Sri Lanka, Adam’s Peak is an absolutely exquisite climb to venture above the sea of clouds. The climbing season for both pilgrims and tourists runs from December to May, however, it’s a much nicer climb in the shoulder season before it gets crazy.

When you do arrive in Kandy, and since you’ll be departing shortly, forget the dorms! Take a nice accommodation in Kandy out of the city or up in the hills, and soak up the last few days spent with Sri Lanka.

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

Idyll Homestay

The view is incredible, the bed is incredible, the visits from the local critter-cuties are incredible… the breakfast is  super  incredible! What ties it all together though is the host: he really goes above and beyond for his guests. Short of languishing within a hippy mountain palace, it’s undoubtedly one of the nicest places to stay in Ella.

Laughing Leopard Hostel

Truthfully though, the staff who run this place are warm and friendly to a fault; they really do create a space for people to relax in whatever capacity. If they also happen to enjoy some late night drinks and techno bangers, can you really blame them for that?

The Cliff Lodge

High up in the hills above Haputale is The Cliff Lodge: a place to retreat to, ditch the WiFi for a few days, and reset. Calling it a  “lodge”  is generous—you’re given a tent set up in an old tea picker’s hut, but that’s part of the charm. For nighttime fires, unreal starscapes, and a complete digital detox, this is where to stay in Sri Lanka.

Private Rooftop Villa with a Plunge Pool

Stop! You had me at skinny dipping!

I didn’t say skinny dipping…

Well… now you did!

It’s a private top floor villa outside of Kandy surrounded by lush greens and splatterings of colonial architectural charm. Breakfast is complimentary, the hosts are mega-chill, and, again, there’s a private plunge pool. Finish Sri Lanka with a bang…?

The Ultimate Boss: Meemure and the Knuckles Mountain Range

Mmm, yum. Mountains—my happy place (other than joints and buffets). This is about as off the beaten path in Sri Lanka as you can probably get. The unquenchable, untameable, and unabashed Knuckles Mountain Range hiding Sri Lanka’s most remote village—Meemure.

You’ll need to dedicate at least 3 days in Sri Lanka from your itinerary for the trip: one day there, one day to explore, and one day to return. If you can spare more time, then that’s even better.

Travelling to Meemure is one of those things where it’s about the journey. It may not be as hardcore as some other South Asian adventures (*cough* backpacking Pakistan *cough*) , but it’s still the most hardcore thing and hidden place I could unearth on my trip to Sri Lanka.

I really can’t break that down concisely here; you’ll have to read my  Meemure Village Cheeky Adventure Guide  for the deetz!

Again, check the guide. Even reaching and experiencing Meemure (and laying eyes on that absolutely magnificent Lakegala) is a feat and reward together. Outside of that, the Knuckles Mountain Range is so, so yummy and missing out on hiking them would be a damn shame. If you happen to see a leopard too, congrats! You’re a real traveller: stuff the safari up the industry’s left nostril.

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Holy mother of box-ticking, Batman! Those are some blessed Sri Lanka travel itineraries.

Now, you’re probably going to have a cracker of a time no matter where you go; there are heaps of beautiful places in Sri Lanka . There are also heaps of beautiful feeds to feast upon in Sri Lanka! (I’ve failed to mention it thus far, but get yourself a kottu—Sri Lanka’s answer to greasy hangover food.)

However, before commencing on that ultimate holiday vacation to Sri Lanka, get yourself keyed on the insider knowledge. I didn’t live there for three months just so I could not share this stuff!

How many days should I spend in Sri Lanka?

Truthfully, I’d say anything less than a month just really isn’t doing it justice. There are just soooo many places to see in Sri Lanka . You could, however, potentially smush it all into a 3-week trip to Sri Lanka. My initial route backpacking around Sri Lanka was similar to the above-listed 3-week itinerary and weighed in somewhere between 3 and 4 weeks in execution.

If you’re not really the smoke, surf, and turf kinda human, the beaches may not slow you down as much as they would a typical backpacker. For everyone else though, Sri Lanka’s beautiful beach destinations—Arugam Bay in particular—will more than likely initiate “Actually, I’ll leave tomorrow,” syndrome.

When you’re planning your trip to Sri Lanka, ease up on the allotted time in your itinerary for the historical and cultural sites, and free up more for the ‘fun’  stuff. The historical sites in Sri Lanka are dope, no doubt, but every traveller I met at the beach or in Ella expressed regret over not having gotten there sooner.

Besides, for the same cost as entry to Sigiriya Fortress or Polonnaruwa, you could rent a surfboard for 7-8 days. You do the math.

…Wait, nevermind, I just did it for you.

What kind of travel budget do I need for touring Sri Lanka on an itinerary?

Obviously, that’s a highly variable question dependent on the length of your itinerary and travel style. I was able to live pretty comfortably on a daily budget of $20 a day in Sri Lanka, however, this is The Broke Backpacker and so that should give you an idea of how cheaply I travel .

If you travel like a backpacker, but it’s more of a holiday itinerary for Sri Lanka (as opposed to that sweet, sweet slow travel life), upwards of $40 a day should be plenty. That’s an extra $20 of wiggle room a day on top of the necessities (sleeping, eating, smoking) for activities, partying, and whatever else.

BUT, if you’re more the quick vacation type, say a budget for 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, $60 a day is a cool max. You can set yourself up in a few top hotels around Sri Lanka and leave the dorms behind.

Finally, if you want to scoot around the island quickly, maybe a whirlwind 5 or 7-day itinerary through Sri Lanka’s highlights, you’ll be relying on taxi services or even a private driver. Honestly, that could run you up to $100 a day or even more depending on how you eat and sleep.

Folks, slow travel is cheaper.

How to Get Around Sri Lanka

Right, so I’ve mentioned a lot of buses and trains , and the truth is that they’re simply the cheapest way of getting around Sri Lanka. But they’re also slow. And uncomfortable. And prone to the South Asia effect (it once took me 11ish hours, 6 bus changes, and one after-dark breakdown to go the 200 km from Unawatuna to Ella).

That said, I still love the public transport in Sri Lanka! It’s chaotic and an adventure every time. And… it’s super cheap:

• Bus from Trincomalee to Arugam Bay (via Batticaloa): < $7
• Versus a private taxi: $85-$90 (contingent on you haggling ability)

Taxis are, otherwise, going to be the main form of tourist transport services in Sri Lanka to utilise. You can save money by hooking up with a crew and sharing transport to the next destination; it’s always easy to find peeps in the tourist bubbles. Taxis are faster, but they’re expensive; you’re going to need to haggle like a pro .

You could also consider renting a bike in Sri Lanka. Cost-wise, that’ll run you about $5-$10 a day (though you can definitely get it cheaper if you rent for an extended period), however, Sri Lanka is a phenomenal road trip country! Just make sure you dot your i’s and cross your t’s with licencing and legalities.

And wear a bloody helmet—dem buses will smoke ya!

Tuk-Tuk Rental in Sri Lanka

Aww, yeahhh —and now we’re talking about the best way to travel in Sri Lanka. Cross the whole damn thing in your own mighty three-wheeling steed!

Can you rent your own tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka? Damn, right you can, and it don’t get much better than this. Well… unless you pay the few extra bucks for the optional boombox!

It really isn’t as confronting to learn to drive a tuk-tuk as you may think. I started to get the hang of it within 5 or 10 minutes. Plus, the looks the other tuk-tuk drivers give you when you overtake them are just so damn delicious.

It’s definitely not the cheapest form of transport in Sri Lanka— $25-$30 a day including rental costs, food, etc. —but that’s not really the bloody point! You’re driving a goddamn tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka! No matter what happens, it’s gonna be a journey you remember for the rest of your life, guaranteed.

All I can say is that I did it (well, hitched a ride with some peeps who did it), it was hella fun, I made some blessed life-long friends along the way (love you guys to the moon), and it’s a top recommendation for travelling around Sri Lanka without a shadow of a doubt.

Check out tuktukrental.com for more info. Use the code  brokebackpacker at the checkout when you decide to take the plunge, and let the good times roll out!

What to Pack for Sri Lanka

Packing for Sri Lanka is pretty straightforward; take whatever your usual backpacking setup is. There aren’t too many other nuances speak of.

DEFINITELY DO, HOWEVER, take a high-quality rain jacket . Even if you’re doing your best to avoid the monsoon, chances are that you’ll get rained on at some point during your visit to Sri Lanka.

Oh, and the mosquitoes are assholes. Take something from home or, better yet, just buy some Odomos when you arrive. It’s cheap there, and the best damn mosquito repellent I’ve ever used!

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Still wondering what to take to Sri Lanka? Then check out our full backpacking packing list more more ideas on gears, gadgets, and goodies for the road!

Staying Safe in Sri Lanka

So… Is Sri Lanka safe ? Yup! I mean, it’s not perfectly safe, but you can also choke on your toothbrush if you’re not careful so…

It’s easiest to think of it as India-lite. The same travel rules you’d apply for backpacking in India, apply it here and then just dial it back a notch.

• If someone asks if you’d like to take a photo of them, or they’re behaving like a tourist attraction (eg. a stilt fisherman or tea picker), then they’re almost definitely going to ask for money if you do take that snap. Kids will too!
• Never trust a tuk-tuk driver—GPS out and money is exchanged only after you’ve confirmed you’ve arrived at the correct destination.
• Travellers of the feminine disposition won’t have nearly as hard a time as in India but should still be wary, smart, and be careful where they’re walking alone at night. And get used to being stared at—take it in stride.
• Don’t leave your valuables unguarded on the beach (or anywhere for that matter).
• Your shoulders and knees need to be covered at sacred sites. No iconography of Lord Buddha-san (tattoos, shirt logos, etc.) and no turning your back on the Buddha statues or taking selfies with them.
• Watch out for scams but also don’t spit the dummy every time someone overcharges you 20 rupees. Therein lies the road to insanity.

Honestly, it’s a standard South Asia affair. Sri Lanka is pretty chill, and out of the three major backpacking destinations of the Indian subcontinent (Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka), I’ve found Sri Lankans (the Sinhala people specifically—maybe it’s the Buddhism) to be the most scrupulous and sincere.

Getting Insured for Your Trip to Sri Lanka

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Sri Lanka itinerary.

How many days is enough to visit Sri Lanka?

14 days is a great amount of time to get around the country and take in the highlights.

Is 10 days enough in Sri Lanka?

It’s pushing it but you could see most of the main sights if you prioritise your time.

Is 3 weeks too long in Sri Lanka?

3 weeks is the perfect amount of time to really take in pretty much everything there is to see and have some down time too.

Is Sri Lanka cheap?

Yeah, Sri Lanka is a super affordable destination, it’s an ideal place to go backpacking!

Concluding Your Itinerary in Sri Lanka

Y’know, when I started writing this itinerary, I was all like “Man, itineraries are lame” .  And now…? Well, I still think itineraries are lame.

But it was also an absolute pleasure to write about travelling Sri Lanka again. I get a little blast of candy-nostalgia every time I return in my mind’s eye to that gorgeous island. Cloud forests rolling through plantations and emerald hills, the chaotic madness of any and all bus rides, dawn on sunkissed beaches watching lone fishermen drag their laden nets in.

Sri Lanka is both the gem of the Indian Ocean and subcontinent itself. Whether it’s one, two, or three weeks in Sri Lanka, every moment is a blessing. If you can give yourself 3 months, that’s even better!

Plan your trip with my perfectly crafted itineraries for Sri Lanka; there is a lot of love and care in them. See all there is to see, but also, remember to stop and smell the kottu. And to meet the peeps.

And to ride the trains, take a big slow breath, and, most of all, to appreciate the sky.

Ziggy Samuels

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Hey Ziggy, we are older backpackers planning a 3 month trip to Sri Lanka early next year. I am excited by your information and will refer to it many times, I’m sure. We love travelling slowly, Sri Lanka will suit us well. Thank you!

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15 Top Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on March 4, 2024

Sri Lanka is truly spellbinding and will suit any traveler’s interests with its top tourist attractions. The small island nation is chock-full of adventure activities like surfing and trekking.

There are several highly religious sites for the religious devotee, and unbelievable historical tourist attractions for history buffs in Sri Lanka . However, no one can dispute Sri Lanka’s incredible natural beauty. Whether it be en-route to a perfect surf break, visiting a historical site or on a pilgrimage, lush greenery and exotic animals are never far away.

15. Nine Arch Bridge [SEE MAP]

One of Sri Lanka’s most iconic sights is the Nine Arch Bridge in the small mountain town of Ella. This viewpoint offers spectacular panoramas of the surrounding area, which is made up of verdant greenery and tea fields.

Visitors can watch trains roll over the bridge as they make their way along the Demodara Loop. Constructed in the early days of the railway expansion in Sri Lanka, the bridge is particularly impressive because it is made of cement, stone and brick, without the use of any steel.

14. Mihintale [SEE MAP]

Mihintale is a mountain near the town of Anuradhapura. Its summit has much spiritual significance to the Buddhist community. It’s believed that on this mountain top a Buddhist monk named Mahinda met King Devanampiyatissa and together this meeting introduced Buddhism to the country.

Monk Mahinda impressed the King with the peacefulness of the Buddhist doctrine and his contented, serene nature. The King subsequently renounced war, and went on to spread peace throughout the nation. There are several impressive religious and historical structures on and around Mihintale Mountain. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the site each year.

13. Unawatuna [SEE MAP]

This white sand beach in the small seaside town of Unawatuna is a great place to relax. There are a number of snorkeling and diving operators in town who take advantage of the abundance of coral reefs just off the beach.

Colorful fish and plentiful turtles are the norm in these waters. There are a number of great dining options along the beach, which welcome visitors to use their sun loungers and relax the day away with a drink in hand.

12. Gal Viharaya [SEE MAP]

Visitors can find Gal Viharaya in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Gal Viharaya is a famous Buddhist site and is celebrated for its many caves and large sculptures of Buddha which are carved into the rock faces. They are extremely well preserved, even though they were crafted in the 12th century.

To the side of one of the statues, a code of conduct is inscribed. The code, when followed, was meant to purify the Buddhist monks and bring them together under one order. It was created by a very famous king: King Parakramabahu the first. Today, Gal Viharaya is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular sites of pilgrimage.

11. Kataragama Festival [SEE MAP]

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, the Kataragama Festival takes place every year in July or August and is dedicated to one of the Hindu gods. It takes place over a two-week period and people from all over the world come to join in.

The festival is jam-packed with parades of elephants and colorfully dressed performers. There are countless traditional dances that take place; with musicians, acrobats, and fire-breathers feeding into the festival’s contagious energy.

10. Udawalawe National Park [SEE MAP]

There are few places in the world where elephant sightings are so frequent. However, elephants are not the only animals to see within Udawalawe National Park; peacocks, jackals, water buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys and deer also roam the area.

Safaris are most popular in the early morning hours when animals are at their most active. The biodiversity of the park can be attributed to its varied landscape; it is flanked by mountain ranges to the north with wetlands and rivers hugging the grasslands and forests at the base of the mountains.

9. Ravana Falls [SEE MAP]

The beautiful Ravana Falls are used for bathing in the hot summer months. In the rainy season, the water flow is exceptionally strong and is an impressive sight. The falls are part of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary, and the nearby cave complex is rich in local legend.

Conveniently located on the main road on the way to Ella town, the caves are a common stop off point for visitors during their journey. Many cheeky monkeys live in the surrounding trees and they are often seen on the roadside dining on fruit. However, don’t let them get too close, as sometimes they can get over-friendly with visitors.

8. Dambulla Cave Temple [SEE MAP]

The Dambulla Cave Temple is a sacred Buddhist site. There is no entry fee to get into the temple on full-moon days; however, these days are especially busy because of the religious significance of this lunar phase. Devotees from all over the world make pilgrimage to this place.

There are over 80 caves documented in the area, but the most famous five are outfitted with impressive statues and paintings. Some of the caves date back to 1000 BC, when prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived within them, so it is unsurprising that they would have created temples inside at that time. If you do plan to visit, please be aware that visitors must cover their shoulders and legs and remove shoes before entering the temple.

7. Mirissa [SEE MAP]

Mirissa is the ultimate Sri Lankan beach getaway. The beautiful long beach is flanked by tall overhanging palm trees and lined with modern restaurants and hotels. The restaurants have western style food at Sri Lankan prices. Just off the beach is Parrot Rock. It has a small staircase leading to the top that offers great views of the ocean and coastline.

Day trips from Mirissa include whale watching, snorkeling and surfing. Weligama, just a few kilometers from Mirissa, is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka to learn surfing. Come happy hour and into the evening, many the restaurants turn their venues into beach clubs and pump out drinks and tunes.

6. Arugam Bay [SEE MAP]

Arugam Bay is revered by surfers. This small town on the east coast of Sri Lanka embodies the quintessential laid-back surf lifestyle. The Main Point surf break is within walking distance from the town center, but is only recommended for advanced or intermediate surfers.

Otherwise, Whiskey Point or Peanut Farm are two great surf beaches for beginner and intermediate surfers; a short tuk-tuk ride will take you there. Often elephants and peacocks can be spotted beside the road, just outside of town. The main strip in Arugam Bay town is lined with restaurants and hotels where you can dine on anything from traditional Sri Lankan curry to full English breakfasts.

5. Temple of the Tooth [SEE MAP]

The Temple of the Tooth is a highly sacred place. The temple contains one of Buddha’s teeth. Legend has it that the tooth was taken from the Buddha on his deathbed, then smuggled to Sri Lanka from India. It was smuggled in the hair of a princess, after her father’s kingdom had been besieged.

It immediately became an object of great importance and has been celebrated and paraded throughout history. However, many attempts have also been made to steal or destroy the tooth. Twice daily, pujas are held to celebrate the relic and offer visitors and devotees the chance to get a glimpse of the tooth within its casing.

4. Adam's Peak [SEE MAP]

At the summit of Adam’s Peak is a footprint cast in stone. It has spiritual significance to a number of different religions, however, there is currently a Buddhist monastery at the summit. To the Buddhists, the footprint is that of Buddha’s; to Christians, the footprint is Adam’s; and to Hindus, the footprint is attributed to Shiva.

The site is a popular place of pilgrimage, especially on full moon nights. The trek to the top of the mountain to see the footprint is via a steep staircase containing over 5000 steps. The trail is lined with many tea stalls and food shops which act as places of rest. Most people begin their hike at 2:30 am to reach the summit in time for sunrise.

3. Galle Fort [SEE MAP]

It is easy to get lost in the cobblestoned alleyways and streets within Galle Fort. Today the area is full of modern restaurants, hotels, clothing, and souvenir shops. Meanwhile, snake charmers and buskers line the seawall.

However, the fort was not always such a cosmopolitan spot. A basic fort was constructed by the Portuguese when they made their first landing to the island in 1505. When the Dutch eventually seized control of Galle , they made a number of improvements; including the enormous sea wall that still lines the fort. Galle Fort is an excellent example of what the synthesis between European and Asian architecture looks like.

2. Yala National Park [SEE MAP]

Yala National Park is made up of spellbinding vistas and a true abundance of Sri Lankan wildlife. It has the highest density of leopards in the world, so chances of seeing them are very high.

Although leopards are the main attraction here, they are followed closely by elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles. The park is divided into five blocks; some of which were zoned to hunters until Yala became a national park in 1938. Ensure you make time to visit the very informative visitor center at the entrance of the park for insightful displays about the area.

1. Sigiriya Rock Fort [SEE MAP]

Sigiriya Rock Fort is utterly impressive. The rock walls rise up 200 meters from the ground, only to give way to a flat plateau at their summit. There are steep stairwells to reach the top and many frescos to marvel at on the way up. At the top, you can find the remains of an ancient civilization, including relics of a palace and monastery.

It would have taken true engineering ingenuity to build a structure at this height so many centuries ago. Around the rock fort are many important caves and gardens; impressively, they are some of the first landscaped gardens in the world.

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• 18 Amazing And Most-Visited Sri Lanka Tourist Places For Your 2024 Trip

23 Mar 2023

Do you want to leave behind all your work deadlines and travel to a distant land far away from all maddening rush? Are you looking to relax lazily on a hammock? Do you want to let go of all anxieties? Well, then a trip to Sri Lanka is all that your ultimate healer. With its pristine beaches, mosaic landscape and picturesque topography, Sri Lanka has so much to offer. So back your virtual bag and let’s run through the best Sri Lanka tourist places .

Before we move forward with this blog post, let us first get an idea of the essentials. Sri Lanka boasts of some of the world’s best beaches, and the interiors of the island nation also have a lot to offer. Here are some of the must-see tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.

18 Best Sri Lanka Tourist Places 

While planning your next vacation to this serene country, do check out these amazing Sri Lanka tourist places . Here is a complete list of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka where one can enjoy a great time away from the hustle-bustle. 

• The Dambulla Cave Temple – The Largest Temple Complex In Sri Lanka
• Yala National Park – Home To A Host Of Wildlife And Birds
• Arugam Bay – Turquoise Heaven For Adrenaline-Junkies
• Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa – Ruggedness Amidst The Greenery
• Galle – A 16th Century Marvel
• Jaffna – Peep Into The Past
• The Commonwealth War Cemetery At Kandy – Remember The Brave Martyrs
• Temple Of Tooth At Kandy – Treat To The Eyes And Soul
• Nuwara Eliya – Get Closer To Pristine Nature
• Trincomalee – An Unmissable Beach Getaway
• Polonnaruwa Sacred City – Explore The Golden Past Of Sri Lanka
• Anuradhapura – The Greatest Monastic City Of Ancient World
• Nine Arch Bridge – Bridge In The Sky
• Mihintale – The Birth Place Of Buddhism
• Udawalawe National Park – Must-Visit Place For Wildlife Enthusiasts
• Ravana Falls – Enjoy The Impressive Sight Of The Magnificent Fall
• Adam’s Peak – An Important Pilgrim Site
• Mount Lavinia – Popular Neighborhood

1. The Dambulla Cave Temple – The Largest Temple Complex In Sri Lanka

The most popular among the best places to visit in Sri Lanka is the Dambulla cave temple . It tops the Sri Lanka tourist destinations. The largest temple complex in Sri Lanka, its statues and paintings date back to the 12th Century AD. The temple complex has five rooms of different sizes; all rooms have Buddha in a different position looking calm and peaceful. The temple is built on a black rocky mountain which serves as a nice contrast with the white walls of the temple. Don't miss the view from the top. The temple can be easily accessed from both Colombo and Kandy.

Famous For: Historic significance Things To Do: Architectural tour, Sightseeing

Must Read: 31 Reasons Why You Should Never Visit Sri Lanka For A Vacation!

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2. Yala National Park - Home To A Host Of Wildlife And Birds

Missing Yala National Park while Sri Lanka sightseeing might bring regret to wildlife lovers. It is home to a host of wildlife and birds you are bound to run into a group of elephants bathing in streams, tossing their trunks wildly or leopards nestling lazily on tree branches. You could opt for the safari drives or a nature trail among the thick green foliage of the forest. Some tourists also camp at Yala and enjoy a barbeque under the stars. With so much to see and do here, Yala is indeed one of the best tourist places in Sri Lanka . Yala is the perfect place to try your hand at wildlife photography.

Getting to Yala National Park is quite simple. All you will have to do is drive down to the Park from Colombo. Another way is by taking a bus to Tissamaharama.

Famous For: Wildlife, Flora & Fauna Things To Do: Wildlife Safari, Trekking Location: Katagamuwa, Yala, Sri Lanka Timings : 6 am to 6 pm

3. Arugam Bay - Turquoise Heaven For Adrenaline-Junkies

Sri Lanka has a coastline of over 1600 km and is ideally suited for windsurfing, speed boating, and other water sports. Arugam Bay has azure skies and slanting coconut trees. If you are looking to surf in turquoise waters, Arugam Bay must be in your list of must-see tourist places in Sri Lanka . It is on the southeast coast around 320 km from Colombo.

It is the ideal place to sip coconut water, take in the scent of jasmine and allow the southern sun to tan your skin.

Besides Arugam bay, other beaches among best places to visit in Sri Lanka are Unawatuna in the South; and Tangalla again in the south around 195 km south of Colombo.

How to get there- Colombo has an international airport and is strategically located. So if you fly to Colombo, you are pretty much in close proximity to the best beaches.

Famous For: Seashore Destinations Things To Do: Surfing, Snorkeling Flight Charges from India: INR 15,000 for an adult if booked two months in advance Best beaches around Colombo: Benota, Mirissa, Koggala, Trincomalee, Pasikudah, Unawatuna, Tangalla and Arugam Bay Best time to visit: Between November and March Best Hotels to stay: Weligama Bay resort, The Fortress Resort Galle, Palace Mirissa, and Number One Mirissa

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka In August: A Guide To Treat Yourself With The Magic Of Monsoon!

4. Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa - Ruggedness Amidst The Greenery

Sigiriya or the mount of remembrance is a World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning places to see in Sri Lanka. This giant formation of rock rises out of nowhere towering over everything in its vicinity. It is quite a climb to the top but once up there you will get to see a panoramic view of the nearby sights and the Sigiriya fort. The rock fortress is a slice of history perched on a rock and is really worth a visit.

Not much is heard and said about Polonnaruwa, but this ancient city is no less than the Petra of the south. A gem among Sri Lanka tourist attractions, this ancient ruined city stands amidst its erstwhile sturdy columns and architecture. The best way to explore this ancient city is to hire a bike and zoom around the ruins. The site is well maintained and is a telling example of Sri Lankas history and culture. Polonnaruwa can be easily accessed via Sigiriya. You can take a tuk-tuk or a bus from Sigiriya. Or you can take a bus from Dambulla to Polonnaruwa.

Best Hotels to Stay: Jetwing Vil Uyana, Camelia Resort and Spa, Hotel Sigiriya, Camellia Resort and Spa, and Lal Homestay

Suggested Read: Ramayana Tour In Sri Lanka: Exploring The Religious Trail In The Island Nation

5. Galle - A 16th Century Marvel

Galle is an important city in Sri Lanka and is a one-stop destination wherein you can take in all sights and sounds. One of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka is the Galle Fort. The Galle Fort area has wide cobblestoned roads and a number of eateries and cafes. Try and catch the sunset while you are there. There are a number of trinket shops and galleries that you can visit. It is among the most visited places in Sri Lanka. 

Another picturesque destination for sightseeing in Sri Lanka is the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Quite close to the Unawatuna beach, it is a white dome of serenity.

Best Hotels to Sty: Jetwing Lighthouse, Amangalla, Tamarind Hill, Apa Villa Thalpe, and The Fortress

6. Jaffna - Peep Into The Past

Although a bit crowded, the temple Nallur Kovil is a nice pick among the best places to see in Sri Lanka. Another place of interest is the Jaffna Fort. This fort is in the center of the city and is a tourist hub. If youre in Jaffna, you cannot miss the Nagadipa Purana Vihara, the temple can be accessed by boat. One of calmest among Sri Lanka tourist attractions, the temple is surreal and a wonderful place to meditate.

Best Hotels to Stay: PJ Hotels, and Morgans

Suggested Read: 19 Photos That Will Make You Wish You Were In Sri Lanka Right Now!

7. The Commonwealth War Cemetery At Kandy - Remember The Brave Martyrs

Yes, a weird one in the list of best places to visit in Sri Lanka, the war cemetery is well maintained and the grounds are well kept. Overall it is a very humbling experience. This cemetery is hard to find without a guide, but once you get there, it is worth the effort.

Location: Kandy, Sri Lanka Timings: 7 am to 4 pm

Suggested Read: 30 Best Beaches In Sri Lanka 

8. Temple Of Tooth At Kandy - Treat To The Eyes And Soul

The temple of the tooth is again a popular one among tourist places in Sri Lanka. This temple in Kandy is iconic because of the history attached to it. With a quaint setup and interesting artifacts, this temple is worth a visit.

Location: Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka Timings: 5.30 am to 8 pm

9. Nuwara Eliya - Get Closer To Pristine Nature

Nuwara Eliya is most famous for its tea gardens and scenery. It is a perfect place to visit for a romantic vacation or for someone who is looking for a relaxing trip. With misty clouds, lush green sloping hills and a train that looks that it has come out of the Harry Potter films, Nuwara Eliya is a hilly paradise and another great addition to Sri Lankas tourist attractions. The popular places to visit in Nuwara Eliya include Victoria Park, Bale Bazaar, Moon Plains, Ramboda Falls and St. Clair’s Falls.

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka Travel Tips: 21 Dos And Don’ts For A Memorable Vacation

10. Trincomalee- An Unmissable Beach Getaway

Trincomalee, among many similar Sri Lanka tourist spots, is blessed with a beautiful beach. If you are up for an underwater diving tour, then SLDT (Sri Lanka Diving Tours) will give you the best experience. Besides water sports, there are also many temples and beaches in Trincomalee. There's also a war cemetery which is surrounded by lush gardens, which makes it one of the best places to see in Sri Lanka.

11. Polonnaruwa Sacred City – Explore The Golden Past Of Sri Lanka

Image Source

This city was once the ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka and walking into this still gives a feeling of the Golden Age. Inside one of the most popular Sri Lanka tourist spots, there are still ruins of palaces, shrines and stupas which makes it one of the top tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. All these landmarks give closure to the historical remains which hold a glorious past. This place has a lot to explore and gives a peek to the golden past of this side of Sri Lanka. It is among the best Sri Lanka tourist places. 

Main Highlights: One shouldn’t miss witnessing the statue of Parakramabahu I who ruled during the golden age. Alongside that one can also see the magnificent view of the Lotus Pond which is made in lotus-shaped petals and built on 4-tiers.

Suggested Read: Sri Lanka In January

12. Anuradhapura – The Greatest Monastic City Of Ancient World

This is one of the top Sri Lanka tourist spots which is also claimed to be one of the world heritage sites. The place gained its importance after the arrival of the Bodhi Tree which is also called the “tree of enlightenment”. The place protects the tree and keeps it away from the wild elephants during the reign of King Kirthi Sri Rangasingha.

Best Time To Visit: April and September Location: It is approximately hours from Anuradhapura-Padeniya highway Price: $25 (INR – 1781)

13. Nine Arch Bridge – Bridge In The Sky

Nine Arch Bridge is also called the Bridge in the sky and is among the iconic Sri Lanka tourism places . It is in the small mountain town of Ella and offers visitors with splendid view of the surrounding area which comprises of lush greenery and tea fields. What makes the bridge unique is that it is made up of stone, brick and cement. There is no use of any steel. It is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for a memorable holiday. 

Best Time To Visit: Sunrise

Suggested Read: Ekansh’s Anniversary Trip To Sri Lanka In April Was A Bouquet Of Beautiful Memories

14. Mihintale – The Birth Place Of Buddhism

Mihintale is among the top Sri Lanka tourist attractions . It is a birth place of Buddhism attracting hundreds of pilgrims to this site every year. It is a mountain located near the town of Anuradhapura where you can visit many religious and historical structures. 

Suggested Read : Keep This Ultimate Sri Lanka Honeymoon Guide Handy For Your Tropical Vacation

15. Udawalawe National Park – Must-Visit Place For Wildlife Enthusiasts

Udawalawe National Park is a must-visit place for wildlife lovers. It is one of those few places where elephant sightings are quite frequent. Not only elephant, you get a chance to get a glimpse of many animals including peacocks, water buffalo, crocodiles, jackals, monkeys and deer. For the best experience of this top attractions in Sri Lanka , take a safari early morning when the animals are most active. 

Location : Udawalawa, Sri Lanka Timings: 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM

Suggested Read: 45 Best Places To Visit In Colombo

16. Ravana Falls – Enjoy The Impressive Sight Of The Magnificent Fall

The beautiful Ravana falls is one of the famous Sri Lanka attractions . The majestic and magnificent fall is an impressive sight especially during the rainy season. Located on the main road to Ella, it is a common stop for the visitors during their journey. During the hot summer months, the falls are used for bathing. It is among the most stunning waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

Location : Colombo – Galle – Hambantota – Wellawaya Rd, Ella 90900, Sri Lanka Timings: Open 24 hours

Suggested Read:   Top 10 Things To Do In Kandy For Couples That Assure Ultimate Fun In Sri Lanka!

17. Adam’s Peak – An Important Pilgrim Site

Adam’s Peak is another famous tourist attractions in Sri Lanka . The topmost point of the peak has a footprint cast in stone which has spiritual significance to different religions. Many pilgrimage trek to the top on full moon nights. Most of them also start hiking around 3 AM to reach the summit by sunrise for a splendid view. It is also one of the most popular honeymoon places in Sri Lanka .

Location: Sabaragamuwa, Sri Lanka

18. Mount Lavinia – Popular Neighborhood

Image Credit: honeplus for Wikimedia

Mount Lavinia is one of the most romantic tourist places in Sri Lanka . It is popular among the tourists for its vibrant nightlife and Golden Mile Beach. On your visit to this place, make sure to stay at the deluxe Mount Lavinia Hotel for an amazing experience. Located centrally, enjoy the gorgeous view of Colombo’s skyline and have the best seafood at Mount Lavinia beach and a lot more. This is one of the Sri Lanka tourism places you must not miss. It is also surrounded by some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka . 

Timings: 7 am to 7 pm

Suggested Read:   Koggala Beach: An Ultimate Guide To Explore This Hidden Paradise In Sri Lanka 

Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka doesn’t experience extremes when it comes to weather conditions. The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends upon the region you’re keen to visit. December to March is the perfect time for visiting most of the country (Highlands, West Coast, and South coast). May to September is ideal for visiting the Eastern Coasts.

Further Read: Beyond Thailand: 10 Alternate Travel Destinations in Asia

If you want to make a trip abroad and benefit from the exchange rate, then book your trip to Sri Lanka. So pamper yourself and indulge your senses in the rich heritage and diverse beauty by visiting these top Sri Lanka tourist places. 

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sri Lanka Tourist Places

How safe is sri lanka from the coronavirus epidemic.

The Sri Lankan government and the tourist department are taking strict measures to curb the situation related to the Coronavirus outbreak. Visa-on-arrival has been prohibited to tourists from China and screening tests are in effect at the international airports.

What are the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka?

There are various places in the country of Sri Lanka that are considered to be quite beautiful. Some of them are: 1. Polonnaruwa 2. Yala National Park 3. Temple of the Tooth Relic 4. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage 5. Adams Peak 6. Nuwara Eliya 7. Beira Lake

What is Sri Lanka famous for?

Sri Lanka is known for its culture. There’s a lot to explore and experience in this country. You can even go shopping at this place for a great experience. You can buy gems, tea, fabrics, handicrafts, antiques, ceramics, leather products, and more.

How many days are enough for Sri Lanka?

To cover maximum places in the country of Sri Lanka during your vacay and make the most of it, you need to plan a trip for at least 5 days and 4 nights.

What are the best Buddhist places in Sri Lanka?

The best Buddhist places in Sri Lanka are Mirisawetiya Stupa, Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, and Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara.

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Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions In  Sri Lanka

07/may / 2024.

Stunning Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka is a land of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Here are the top 10 must-visit attractions in Sri Lanka: 

Photo Credit:: Google

Polonnaruwa 

Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove of archaeological marvels. The site, strewn with remnants of ancient palaces, temples, and dagobas, invites explorers to delve into its historical richness.

Nuwara Eliya 

Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England', is a picturesque hill station recognized for its cool weather and stunning landscapes. This location invites visitors to discover its rich tea plantations. 

Mirissa Beach

Mirissa, a hot spot for surfers and sun-lovers alike, is renowned for its tranquil beaches adorned with palms. Visitors have the opportunity to bask in the untouched beauty of its shores, embark on exciting whale-watching excursions in the adjacent waters, or indulge in delectable seafood at restaurants located along the beachfront.

Dambulla Cave 

The Dambulla Cave Temple, considered one of the largest and most well-preserved temple complexes within caves in Sri Lanka, is renowned for its elaborate murals and more than 150 statues of Buddha.

Ella, a picturesque town, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and thrilling outdoor activities. A hike to the peak of Ella Rock offers a panoramic view of the neighbouring tea estates and waterfalls.

Adam's Peak 

Adam's Peak, a mountain held sacred across multiple religions, is a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. The peak is home to a footprint-shaped indentation, venerated by believers as the footprint of Lord Buddha, Adam, or Lord Shiva, respective to their faith.

Galle Fort 

Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a symbol of the island's colonial history. The site invites visitors to walk on its cobblestone streets, flanked by Dutch colonial structures. It also houses historic churches and museums for exploration.

Yala National Park 

Yala National Park, renowned for its wide variety of wildlife, offers an exciting safari adventure. The park, which houses leopards, elephants, and crocodiles, invites visitors to explore its scrublands and forests. This exploration provides a chance to witness these majestic creatures in their natural surroundings.

Temple Of The Tooth Relic, Kandy 

The Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka's most hallowed Buddhist locations, houses a relic believed to be Lord Buddha's tooth. This site draws devotees from across the globe.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress 

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as one of Sri Lanka's most iconic landmarks. This ancient rock citadel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape when climbed to the top.

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More From Forbes

5 boutique luxury hotels you can’t miss in sri lanka.

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Sri Lanka may conjure ideas of tropical coastlines flanked with palm-trees but this island is more than just a paradise for beaches. With 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sacred cities and tea plantations, there’s a lot to experience in Sri Lanka’s interior during your trip. The “Cultural Triangle” — which includes Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Kandy — showcases the glory of Sri Lanka’s ancient empires, while its hill towns speak to its modern history as a British colony and are ideal for hiking, relaxing and immersing yourself in the country’s lush landscapes.

Here are the best luxury hotels to stay in to explore the many marvels of Sri Lanka’s vast interior. And if you’re looking for beachside accommodations, check out the best boutique hotels along Sri Lanka’s southern coast .

Uga Ulagalla

Effusively elegant and refined, Uga Ulagalla is the flagship property of Uga Escapes, a locally owned, sustainable luxury hospitality brand that boasts six hotels throughout the country. Opened in 2010, this sumptuous estate captures the country’s Dutch colonial flair: the hotel has 25 villas with pools dotted throughout the vast property with tasteful furnishings like chaise lounges, four-poster beds and stand-alone bathtubs. You can pick between views of the green paddy field, jungle fauna or tranquil lakes.

An expansive estate that sits on 58 acres, Sri Lanka's lush vegetation is on your doorstep, whether you opt to go kayaking or horseback riding in lakes with flowering lily pads or cycling through to nearby villages. The property can also arrange guided tours of cultural attractions including the Sacred City of Anuradphaura, with its many Buddhist temples and stupas, and Mihintale, an important pilgrimage site set upon three peaks. If you’re after the local fauna, book a scenic game drive that takes you off-the-beaten-path to Nachchaduwa Lake, a popular spot that attracts a myriad of birds, buffalos and elephants.

Uga Ulagalla’s 150-year-old mansion is the focal point of the property where you can enjoy your breakfast al fresco on the upper deck of Liyawela restaurant or sunbathe at the main swimming pool. In the evening, don’t miss the property’s signature “Kamatha” dining experience which serves an endless array of traditional Sri Lankan curries in a typical village home surrounded by paddy fields. A veritable epicurean feast, the spread features seasonal vegetables from the property's organic farm — like luffa gourd and starfruit — along with lake fish and free-range meats sourced from local farmers. A multi sensory experience for the palate.

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Water Garden Sigiriya

Just a short drive from Sigiriya, a 5 th -century AD royal palace located on top of a towering rock that dominates the skyline, Water Garden Sigiriya is an ideal base to visit Sri Lanka’s leading attraction. Set upon dozens of shimmering ponds and streams, the resort’s landscaping pays homage to the landscape designs atop Sigiriya’s citadel where Prince Kashyapa implemented advanced water irrigation techniques 2,000 years ago.

Water Garden Sigiriya is home to abundant wildlife, including 200 peacocks that roam freely around 30 spacious villas set upon the manicured property. Deluxe Villas are partially submerged on a natural lake, while Superior Deluxe Villas offer exclusive views of Sigiriya and boast spacious sundecks with private pools. At the center of the property, Twin Level Bar overlooks Water Garden Sigiriya's scenic outdoor swimming pool which is particularly enticing at sunset. Each evening, the Main Restaurant provides a curated tasting menu for guests alongside an à la carte menu with an extensive range of local and international dishes.

From Sigiriya, culture enthusiasts can easily reach the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa in 1-hour and the incredible painted Cave Temples of Dambulla in 30-minutes, two other must-see sites in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. Nature lovers can enjoy outdoor activities which include archery, nature walks and a jeep safari of nearby Minneriya National Park, which boasts the world’s largest gathering of Asian elephants.

98 Acres Resort & Spa

What began as a thriving tea business has expanded into 98 Acres Resort & Spa : a fully-fledged hospitality and lifestyle brand. Owned by the same family that founded Halpé Tea, one of the largest tea factories in Sri Lanka, 98 Acres has 36 woodsy chalets suspended in the hillside. Designed with natural materials for an upscale, rustic feel, accommodations feature hard-wood floors, rubble stone bathrooms and furniture made with upcycled railway sleepers. The Royal Deluxe room features a roll-out bed where you can enjoy breakfast in bed while admiring views of Little Adam's Peak, while the Grand Executive Suites feature private plunge pools.

Set along the hiking route to Little Adam’s Peak, visible in the distance from your private balcony, 98 Acres offers a luxurious nature immersion in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. The colorful town of Ella, lined with bohemian cafes and small boutiques, is just a short tuk tuk ride away, and it’s a leisurely walk to the famous Nine Arches Bridge from here. Restaurant 98, spread out within a large hut at the top of the resort, serves a buffet breakfast and daily-changing set menu for lunch and dinner each day. Offering international and local dishes, the cuisine is a stand-out and will make it difficult to leave the property.

In addition to the 98 Acres fabulous spa and resort activities, which include bird watching and private cooking classes, guests can enjoy a more social atmosphere at the Ravana Pool Club or go zip-lining on the Flying Ravana Adventure through the hills. And don’t miss exploring the Halpé Tea plantation on a factory tour, which offers a unique insight into Sri Lanka’s longstanding tea heritage.

Camellia Hills

A stylish bungalow overlooking the picturesque Castlereagh Reservoir, Camellia Hills is an intimate retreat from the world surrounded by undulating tea plantations. Part of the Teardrop Hotels collection, it is one of the group’s seven boutique properties around Sri Lanka which promise exceptional service and amenities in unique locations throughout the island.

With only five bedrooms, the property operates more like a home than a hotel, and the staff’s warm and relaxed demeanor will make you feel like you’re visiting your chic friend’s countryside estate. At Camellia Hills, everything is highly personalized, and no request is too small. You can enjoy farm-to-table fresh meals at any time of the day, borrow books from the bungalow’s vast collection and enjoy leisurely strolls in the naturally manicured estate that surrounds you.

The home’s inviting open-air plan, with vaulted living room and outdoor patio, will surely coax you away from the comforts of your bedroom. Spend afternoons luxuriating by the infinity pool, sipping cocktails on the terrace or relaxing with a pot of tea by the fireplace. Despite its small size, Camellia Hills has designed an enticing menu with an array of creative dishes, from seafood pumpkin gnocchi and hoisin glazed pork skewers to wok-fried rice noodles with tamarind tofu. Dishes are made expressly for guests, guaranteeing fresh, seasonal flavors at every meal.

An ideal escape for couples or families eager to spend a few days unwinding between sightseeing, you can enjoy a number of curated activities in the area. Explore Castelreagh’s bright turquoise hues up close with an excursion on a fisherman’s canoe or enjoy picnics in scenic locations including nearby waterfalls and secret viewpoints in the tea plantation. Or experience a once-in-a-lifetime hike up to Adam’s Peak, a pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus and Christians.

A petite boutique hotel in the fishing village of Negombo, Uga Riva is the newest member of Uga Escapes just opened last November 2024. Set within a 180-year-old manor house — the former residence of the prominent Colombo Chetty family — this 6th-generation family home has welcomed many notable figures throughout the decades. In 1927, Mahatma Gandhi visited the property during his visit to Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) and planted a tree in the garden.

This 5-acre coconut plantation is the perfect place to kick-off, or end your trip, through Sri Lanka thanks to its proximity to the airport. Colombo International Airport is just 30-minute drive away, making Negombo a more strategic base compared to Colombo. But when you step inside, you’ll realize this is much more than a traditional “airport” hotel.

With only seven bedrooms and exclusive access for guests, this tranquil resort offers privacy and seclusion from the world. The central swimming pool is a peaceful place to unwind after enjoying a meal at Uga Riva’s restaurant, which serves Sri Lankan and international specialties with a spin. Beneath the verandas, period furnishings are juxtaposed with contemporary illustrations and watercolors by Sri Lankan artists.

No matter what time you arrive, the staff will be on hand to welcome you with a warm smile and a refreshing drink. For an airport that receives visitors at all hours of the day and night, this kind of service is priceless. Uga Riva is a great place to rest, recharge and continue your onwards journey.

See More : The Best Hotels Along Sri Lanka’s Southern Coast

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