Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? You’re in the right place.
After spending two months travelling across the country and visiting as many towns as possible, we’re sharing the very best places to add to your itinerary, and one we’d recommend skipping!
Sri Lanka is a vibrant mix of laid-back surf towns, misty mountain escapes, lush jungles, and buzzing cities, each offering something completely different.
Here are the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, plus the top things to do in each one!
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Colombo & Negombo
Most travellers start here after arriving at Bandaranaike Airport. Negombo is a smaller city above Colombo and where we picked up our tuk tuk for our two month road trip around all the towns we share below. Negombo for us was a one night stop as we wanted to get out of the city and see what Sri Lanka had to offer.
Colombo is the capital and full-on! Hectic traffic, overwhelming noise and chaos engulfs you here. The easiest way to see the sights might be via a tuk tuk tour, but make sure you agree on a price first. Some people love it, but we’re not really city people so we quickly popped in, let the chaos wash over us and headed off for some sand and sea.
Top Things To Do In Colombo
- Pettah Market
- Gangaramaya Temple
- Galle Face Green
- Colombo National Museum
- Lotus Tower
Galle Dutch Fort
Galle Dutch Fort is unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka, a coastal town where narrow, cobbled streets weave between whitewashed colonial buildings, echoing a rich historical past. Far from the typical dusty roads of the island’s rural towns, Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a unique blend of history, charm, and character. Wander through its boutique-lined alleys, uncover centuries-old architecture, and discover hidden treasures around every corner.
We stopped off in Galle on our way past for the day, but you could easily spend a couple of nights here to uncover everything it has to offer.
Top Things To Do In Galle
Ahangama & Midigama
Ahangama is a laid-back surf town that’s starting to make its name for itself as a digital nomad hotspot. With trendy cafes, surf breaks and boutique shops. Just a 5 minute drive along the coast is Midigama, a quieter spot with a few advanced reef breaks perfect for surfers looking for an empty line up.
Top Things To Do In Ahangama & Midigama
- Surf the Reef
- Watch the Sunset
- Yoga Classes
- Stilt Fishermen
Weligama
One of our favourite towns along the south coast of Sri Lanka is Weligama. It is where surfers flock to learn, with plenty of surf camps and schools lining the shore.
During our two-month adventure uncovering every nook and cranny of Sri Lanka, we found ourselves returning to Weligama again and again. Why? Because of the relaxed community of backpackers, surf culture and lifestyle such as ice baths and nomad cafes serving great coffee.
Top Things To Do In Weligama
- Learn to Surf
- Ice Weligama
- Cocktails at Zephyr
Mirissa
Mirissa is one of the island’s most popular coastal destinations, with pristine beaches and world-class whale watching opportunities. You can see blue whales, fin whales, sperm whales and sometimes even orcas! This charming fishing village on Sri Lanka’s southern coast has evolved into a must-visit hotspot while maintaining its authentic local character.
Mirissa is also the best place in Sri Lanka for nightlife with parties going long into the night at Doctor’s House. We also found more upmarket restaurants here serving western food, although we still preferred a homecooked local Sri Lankan Curry.
Top Things To Do In Mirissa
- Coconut Tree Hill
- Parrot Rock
- Whale Watching with Raja & The Whales
- Party at Doctor’s House
Hiriketiya
Hiriketiya Beach or “Hiri” as the locals call it, was once a quiet little surf town tucked away on Sri Lanka’s south coast. You may still hear people refer to it as a hidden gem but in fact Hiri is busy with one of the busiest surf lineups we saw in Sri Lanka.
And yet, despite the growing crowds, it hasn’t lost its charm. It’s still a place where yogis gather, surfers ride glassy waves, and locals greet you with warm smiles. It may not be untouched anymore, but it’s still one of our favourite towns in Sri Lanka where you can feel the sunshine on your skin, salt in your hair, and a board under your feet.
We couldn’t resist its pull and ended up visiting twice during our tuk tuk adventure around Sri Lanka (one of the best ways to explore, by the way). Between the palm-lined shores and the laid-back vibe, Hiriketiya completely won us over.
Top Things To Do In Hiriketiya
- Surf in the Horseshoe Bay
- Yoga
- Ice Hiriketiya
- Boutique Shopping
Tangalle
Tangalle is the last hidden gem of Sri Lanka’s south coast and home to the most beautiful beaches we saw during our 2 months in Sri Lanka.
Too far east to be on the traditional tourist route it’s quieter and more untouched than other towns we visited, making it one of our favourite places in Sri Lanka.
Tangalle is home to some of the wildest beaches we saw in Sri Lanka, huge swathes of sand and large unforgiving waves, all in front of a wall of jungle. These beaches are the best to watch the sea turtles in Sri Lanka, particularly Rekawa Beach!
Top Things To Do In Tangalle
Yala National Park
Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous national park and with good reason. It’s home to the highest density of leopards in the world, plus elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and more. That said, it’s also the most visited park, so expect a few other jeeps on the trails.
You can stay just outside the park in a safari-style tented camp and book a sunrise jeep safari through your accommodation or book a tour from one of the popular coastal towns.
If you’re looking for a way to experience elephants and Yala without the high price tag then you can drive the B35 road for free that cuts through the park. We drove the road in our tuk tuk and drove past two huge elephants!
Top Things To Do in Yala
- Sunrise or Sunset Safari
- Stay in a Jungle Tented Camp
- Visit Sithulpawwa Rock Temple (inside the park)
- Drive Elephant Road
Arugam Bay
Located on the east coast, Arugam Bay is the perfect destination when the south coast is hit by their monsoon.
This small town is home to some of the best surfing in the country, where wildlife, friendly locals and tourists from all over the world combine in a beautiful melting pot.
As you drive into the town you’ll go through the local area of Pottuvil, full of buses, honking traffic, locals shouting and chaos everywhere, until you cross the bridge. Separating paradise from chaos, the bridge goes over the lagoon, where elephants graze, buffalo relax and crocodiles cruise by, a self-guided safari right at your doorstep.. or take a guide. As you keep driving, you’ll then arrive at the Arugam Bay Beach area home to cafes, restaurants and surf shops.
Top Things To Do in Arugam Bay
- Surf at Main Point or Peanut Farm Beach
- Elephant Rock Viewpoint
- Crocodile Watching
Trincomalee
Trincomalee, or “Trinco” as the locals call it, is an emerging tourist town tucked away on Sri Lanka’s northeastern coast.
This laid-back town may still be flying under the radar compared to Sri Lanka’s southern hotspots, but it has so much to offer including some of the best snorkelling in Sri Lanka at Pigeon Island. But beyond the sights, what really made us fall for Trinco was its warm, welcoming spirit. Despite growing interest from travellers and growing tourist spots, the town has kept its authentic, local vibe and its people were some of the kindest we’ve met.
Top Things To Do in Trincomalee
- Uppuveli Beach
- Nilaveli Beach
- Dutch Bay Beach (Deer)
- Kanniya Hot Springs
- Snorkelling at Pigeon Island
Jaffna
Jaffna feels like a different country compared to the rest of Sri Lanka and that’s exactly why it’s worth the long journey north. With a strong Tamil culture, vibrant Hindu temples, and barely any tourists, Jaffna offers a completely different side to the island that few people make time for.
Top Things To Do in Jaffna
- Visit Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil (Hindu Temple)
- Wander through Jaffna Fort
- Take a boat to Delft Island
- Eat Jaffna Crab Curry
- Explore the causeway to Kayts Island
Wilpattu
Choosing a safari in Sri Lanka seemed near impossible, from popular Yala to the large Wilpattu and lesser known Horton Plains we struggled to decide which one we wanted to visit.
After extensive research we decided on the Wilpattu National Park Safari, with the second highest chance of seeing leopards and the status of Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest national park.
That said, we didn’t see much wildlife during our safari, a few deer, birds, and the odd water buffalo, but no elephants or leopards this time. If you’re lucky, it can be magical, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.
In hindsight, we’d say your best wildlife encounters in Sri Lanka might be the spontaneous ones. Elephants crossing the road or monkeys swinging through the trees, rather than relying entirely on safaris.
Top Things To Do in Wilpattu
- Half or Full-Day Jeep Safari
- Stay Overnight in a Jungle Eco Lodge
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals and home to some of the country’s most important cultural and religious sites.
The ancient city is huge, you’ll need a tuk tuk or bicycle to get around and it’s dotted with enormous stupas, sacred bodhi trees, and ruins that date back over 2,000 years.
To enter the ancient city you must purchase a heritage pass for $25 per person, as we’re budget backpackers we decided to just visit the other sites, and there’s still a lot of them! If you’re coming specifically for the ancient city and cultural importance then we recommend getting a guided tour, the significance of each site can only be appreciated with local knowledge.
Top Things To Do in Anuradhapura
- Visit Ruwanwelisaya Stupa
- See the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree
- Explore Jetavanaramaya
- Climb Mihintale
Kandy
Kandy is often hyped as a must-visit on the classic Sri Lanka route, but for us, it felt a bit underwhelming. It’s a busy city nestled in the hills, known for the Temple of the Tooth, which houses a relic of the Buddha and draws pilgrims from all over the country.
We passed through Kandy on our way to the highlands and only spent one night here. The traffic was hectic, and the city itself didn’t have the same charm as other inland towns like Ella or Nuwara Eliya.
That said, there are loads of great facilities here and we managed to get our phones fixed in the city centre. We also enjoyed walking around the lake at sunset. Oh, and this is where the famous train ride through hill country starts!
Top Things To Do in Kandy
- Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Walk around Kandy Lake
- Watch a Kandyan dance show
- Browse the local market for spices and snacks
- Ride the train from Kandy to Ella – one of the most scenic journeys in the world
Dambulla & Sigiriya
Sigiriya has to be one of the most iconic destinations in Sri Lanka and surely on everyone’s Sri Lanka Itinerary. Home to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock named Lion Rock or Lion’s Rock, visitors flock to complete sunrise and sunset hikes.
Close to Sigiriya is Dambulla and the famous cave temples. The Dambulla caves in Sri Lanka have been designated with UNESCO World Heritage Site status and boast 5 caves adorned with ancient Buddhist murals and over 150 statues. The caves date back to around 100 BC and give a glimpse into the past.
Top Things To Do in Sigiriya & Dambulla
- Climb Lion’s Rock
- Climb Pidurangala
- Rose Quartz Mountain
- Dambulla Cave Temple
Knuckles Mountain Range
Trekking in the Knuckles Mountain Range of Sri Lanka offers a breath-taking adventure through cloud-covered peaks, stunning tea plantations, and the anticipation of trekking in an environment the leopard calls home.
Unlike the tourist-packed trails of Adam’s Peak, Little Adam’s Peak, and Ella’s Rock, the Knuckles Mountain Range is rarely visited by tourists. The range includes the Knuckles Forest Reserve which is an UNESCO World Heritage site that delivers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience in central Sri Lanka. Book a day tour or camp overnight in the mountain range.
Top Things To Do in Knuckles
- Hike the 5 Peaks Trail
- Rangala Natural Pools
- Mini World’s End Hike
- Dothalugala Nature Trail
Hatton & Adam’s Peak
Nestled in the Central Highlands, Hatton is a peaceful base surrounded by tea plantations and misty hills and is the gateway to one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred climbs: Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada).
The hike consists of 5,500 steps weaving themselves up to the peak of the mountain which is 2,243m (7,359ft), a height that rewards climbers with panoramic views. The climb is often started in the shrouds of darkness (2-3am) to avoid the sun, making the peak’s view even more rewarding when daylight breaks.
Top Things To Do Near Hatton
- Climb Adam’s Peak
- Visit the Castlereigh Reservoir
- Tea Plantation Tour
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya also known as Little England is located over 1,800 meters above sea level. The town is often shrouded in misty, cool weather year-round, a contrast to the tropical climate in the rest of Sri Lanka.
One feature of Nuwara Eliya is the Colonial Architecture, during British rule, colonists came to Nuwara Eliya trying to escape the heat. They built Tudor-style mansions, the famous red-brick Post office and other landmarks like the Grand Hotel.
Top Things To Do in Nuwara Eliya
- Tea Plantation Tour
- Visit the Post Office
- Tour Moon Plains
- Horton Plains & The World’s End Hike (2 hours away)
Ella
Nestled in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, Ella is a popular hill town made famous for its incredible landscapes, hikes and peaceful surroundings. Known for the popular Nine Arches Bridge, Ella has become a must stop for most travellers. There’s lots more to do here like Mini Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock hikes as well as discovering the town’s many restaurants.
We thought we wouldn’t like Ella, that perhaps it would be over touristy, and it is, over tourist but surprisingly we still loved it!
Top Things To Do in Ella
Kitulgala
We stumbled upon a small town in the heart of Sri Lanka, tucked between some of the most beautiful jungle valleys we’ve ever seen. Kitulgala is famous for its adrenaline water-sports and it certainly lived up to the expectation when we arrived, with the Kelani Ganga River running right through the middle of town. From canyoning and jungle hikes to exploring caves and waterfalls, Kitulgala is full of surprises for nature lovers and thrill-seekers, making it a hub for adventure tourism.
Top Things To Do in Kitulgala
- White Water Rafting
- Mountain Biking
- Makandawa Forest Reserve
Where We Wouldn’t Go Back To
Hikkaduwa – The one town we’d skip
Hikkaduwa Beach is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular holiday destinations and home to turtle beach. There’s no arguing on the sensational wildlife, dusty Tuk tuk lined roads and draw of the Indian Ocean. Yet, like many popular spots, there’s a more complex side, one of animal exploitation and a fragile ecosystem clinging to the fringes of existence.
We saw crowds of people around turtles, feeding them, riding them and petting them. The beach was so crowded we couldn’t relax. This is mainly due to the large number of multi-story resorts built on the beachfront.
If you’re after authentic Sri Lankan charm, peaceful beaches, or sustainable wildlife experiences, we’d recommend skipping Hikkaduwa and heading to one of the other towns we’ve mentioned above instead.
Monsoon Seasons In Sri Lanka
Essential Items for Sri Lanka
Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment
Sri Lanka is a surfers paradise and it’s also great for beginners with multiple surf spots being a sandy bottom. Don’t forget a zinc sun cream and surf hat!
Home to leopards, elephants and crocodiles having a pair of binoculars is a must to appreciate the wildlife Sri Lanka has to offer!
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