Attracation
1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Location: Matale District, Central Province.
Highlights: Ancient rock fortress with frescoes, gardens, and panoramic views.
Nearby Attractions:
Pidurangala Rock.
Dambulla Cave Temple.
Minneriya National Park.
2. Ella
Location: Badulla District, Uva Province.
Highlights: Scenic hill country town with waterfalls and hiking trails.
Nearby Attractions:
Nine Arches Bridge.
Ravana Falls.
Lipton’s Seat.
3. Yala National Park
Location: Southeast region, bordering the Indian Ocean.
Highlights: Best for leopard sightings and wildlife safaris.
Nearby Attractions:
Kataragama Temple.
Sithulpawwa Rock Temple.
Bundala National Park.
4. Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)
Location: Central Highlands, near Hatton.
Highlights: Sacred mountain with a footprint-shaped mark at the summit.
Nearby Attractions:
Hatton Tea Plantations.
St. Clair’s Falls.
Devon Falls.
5. Galle Fort
Location: Galle, Southern Province.
Highlights: Dutch colonial fort with historical architecture and ocean views.
Nearby Attractions:
Unawatuna Beach.
Jungle Beach.
Hikkaduwa Coral Reef.
6. Kandy
Location: Kandy, Central Province.
Highlights: Houses a relic of the Buddha’s tooth.
Nearby Attractions:
Kandy Lake.
Royal Botanical Gardens (Peradeniya).
Udawattakele Forest Reserve.
7. Nuwara Eliya
Location: Central Highlands, Nuwara Eliya District.
Highlights: Known as “Little England” for its tea plantations and cool climate.
Nearby Attractions:
Gregory Lake.
Victoria Park.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens.
8. Polonnaruwa
Location: North Central Province.
Highlights: Ancient city with well-preserved ruins.
Nearby Attractions:
Parakrama Samudra.
Minneriya National Park.
Wasgamuwa National Park.
9. Anuradhapura
Location: North Central Province.
Highlights: One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Nearby Attractions:
Mihintale.
Wilpattu National Park.
Aukana Buddha Statue.
10. Dambulla Cave Temple
Location: Dambulla, Central Province.
Highlights: UNESCO-listed cave temple with Buddhist murals and statues.
Nearby Attractions:
Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs.
Kandalama Reservoir.
11. Udawalawe National Park
Location: Southern Province, near Embilipitiya.
Highlights: Known for its elephant population.
Nearby Attractions:
Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.
Buduruwagala Temple.
Lunugamvehera National Park.
12. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Location: Kegalle District, Sabaragamuwa Province.
Highlights: Sanctuary for orphaned elephants.
Nearby Attractions:
Kandy.
Millennium Elephant Foundation.
Ramboda Falls.
13. Hikkaduwa
Location: Galle District, Southern Province.
Highlights: Coral reefs and vibrant marine life.
Nearby Attractions:
Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary.
Tsunami Honganji Temple.
Ambalangoda Mask Museum.
14. Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Location: Southwest lowland, spanning Ratnapura and Galle Districts.
Highlights: UNESCO-listed rainforest with rich biodiversity.
Nearby Attractions:
Kanneliya Forest Reserve.
Rakwana Mountains.
Deniyaya.
15. Arugam Bay
Location: Ampara District, Eastern Province.
Highlights: World-renowned surfing destination.
Nearby Attractions:
Kumana National Park.
Lahugala Kitulana National Park.
Pottuvil Lagoon.
16. Horton Plains National Park
Location: Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province.
Highlights: Famous for World’s End and Baker’s Falls.
Nearby Attractions:
World’s End.
Baker’s Falls.
Ohiya Railway Station.
17. Bentota
Location: Galle District, Southern Province.
Highlights: Golden beaches and water sports.
Nearby Attractions:
Bentota River.
Brief Garden.
Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.
18. Jaffna
Location: Northern Province.
Highlights: Unique Tamil culture and historical sites.
Nearby Attractions:
Nallur Kandaswamy Temple.
Jaffna Fort.
Delft Island.
19. Colombo
Location: Western Province.
Highlights: Bustling capital city with modern and colonial attractions.
Nearby Attractions:
Gangaramaya Temple.
Galle Face Green.
Pettah Market.
20. Trincomalee
Location: Eastern Province.
Highlights: Pristine beaches and historical temples.
Nearby Attractions:
Nilaveli Beach.
Pigeon Island National Park.
Koneswaram Temple.
21. Mirissa
Location: Matara District, Southern Province.
Best Time to Visit: November to April (dry season, ideal for whale watching and beach activities).
Main Attractions:
Whale Watching:
Mirissa is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins.
Best Time for Whale Watching: November to April (calm seas and peak whale migration season).
Tour Details:
Early morning boat trips (starting around 6:30 AM).
Duration: 4–6 hours.
Operators provide life jackets, snacks, and guides.
Popular operators: Raja & the Whales, Mirissa Water Sports.
What to Expect:
Blue whales (the largest animal on Earth).
Spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins.
Stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
Coconut Tree Hill:
A scenic viewpoint with coconut trees overlooking the ocean.
Perfect for photography and sunset views.
Parrot Rock:
A small rock formation near the beach, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Mirissa Beach:
A crescent-shaped beach with golden sand, palm trees, and a relaxed vibe.
Great for swimming, surfing, and beachside dining.
Secret Beach:
A hidden beach accessible via a short hike, offering seclusion and tranquility.
Handunugoda Tea Estate:
Known as the “Virgin White Tea Estate,” it produces one of the most expensive teas in the world.
Offers guided tours and tea-tasting sessions.
Nearby Attractions:
Polhena Beach (15 km away): Known for its coral reef and snorkeling opportunities.
Matara Fort (20 km away): A Dutch colonial fort with historical significance.
Weligama Bay (10 km away): Famous for its stilt fishermen and surfing spots.
Galle (40 km away): Explore Galle Fort, Jungle Beach, and Unawatuna.
22. Batticaloa
Location: Eastern Province, Sri Lanka.
Best Time to Visit: May to September (dry season, ideal for beach and lagoon activities).
Main Attractions:
- Batticaloa Lagoon: Expansive lagoon with mangroves, islands, and calm waters; perfect for boat rides and birdwatching.
- Kallady Beach: Peaceful beach near Kallady Bridge, ideal for swimming and sunset views.
- Batticaloa Fort: Historic Dutch colonial fort with old cannons, ramparts, and panoramic views of the lagoon.
- Passikudah Beach: Shallow, crystal-clear waters; great for swimming, snorkeling, and luxury stays.
- Singing Fish Phenomenon: Mysterious musical sounds from the lagoon attributed to “singing fish.”
- Mamangam Temple: Vibrant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located near the lagoon.
Nearby Attractions:
- Lanka Patuna Sanctuary (15 km): Sacred Buddhist temple surrounded by lush greenery.
- Arugam Bay (100 km): World-famous surfing destination with laid-back vibes.
- Pigeon Island National Park (80 km): Marine park with coral reefs and diverse marine life.
- Kumana National Park (60 km): Wildlife sanctuary home to elephants, leopards, and bird species.
