Anuradhapura
One of Sri Lanka’s historic capitals, Anuradhapura is remarkable for its well-preserved vestiges of ancient civilization. In this holy city, there are eight significant devotional locations known as Athamasthana. Some of them include Sri MahaBodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiriya, Jetavanaramaya, Mirisawatiya, and Lankaramaya. In the Anuradhapura region, there are various remains of three types of constructions: dagobas, basic structures, and pokunas (bathing-tanks). The dagobas are bell-shaped stoneworked masses.
Kandy
Kandy is surrounded by mountains and is on the banks of the Mahaweli, the biggest river on the island. As Sri Lanka’s hill capital, it is a city of proud people since it was the last stronghold of Sinhala Royalty until being conquered by the British in 1815. The DaladaMaligawa also houses Buddhism’s pinnacle of worship, the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, making it the island’s hub of religion and culture.
Kataragama
Kataragama is a multi-religious holy city that has an Islamic mosque within its temple complex. Kataragama is a sacred site in Sri Lanka visited by Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims on religious pilgrimage. It is a massive complex, with the most noteworthy feature being the ‘Mahadewala,’ or major Hindu shrine. Pilgrims of all three religions go to this temple dedicated to God Skanda, the Hindu battle God known as the KataragamaDeviyo.
Kitulgala
Kitulgala is a tiny Sri Lankan town in the country’s western area, nestled among wooded hills. Kitulgala is well renowned for being the most popular white water rafting destination in Sri Lanka, and a visit here is a fantastic blend of nature and adventure. It is also one of Sri Lanka’s wettest areas. The Kelani River, which runs through town, was used as a location for the Oscar-winning film ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai,’ which was released in 1957.
Koggala
Because Koggala is a coastal town, there are many beaches and scenic views of the sea. In Galle, it is near a lagoon. If you want to get away from the rush and bustle of city life, this is a terrific spot to visit. During these months, the weather is favorable, allowing you to enjoy the tourist sites without difficulty.
Negombo
Negombo is a peaceful beach town on Sri Lanka’s western coast, only a few kilometers north of Colombo. It is the closest major city to the airport, making it an ideal location to begin or end your trip to the country. Negombowas previously dominated by Portuguese, Dutch, and British conquerors.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is a lovely hamlet located 6200 feet above sea level in the middle of tea plantations in the central highlands. It was founded by British landowners in the late 1800s. Nuwara Eliya is a stunning natural beauty with a temperate climate akin to that of the United Kingdom, earning it the nickname “Little England.” The town is most known for its racetrack and world-class golf club, and it is very clean and neat. It was completely built in the nineteenth century, and its architecture is similar to that of an English country house.
Passikudah
Passikudah is a beautiful fishing village on Sri Lanka’s east coast surrounded by lagoons. With the addition of numerous modern hotels, it is quickly becoming a popular tourist destination. The bay is perfect for wind surfing, while the sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing.
Pinnawala
Pinnawala is a small hamlet in the Sri Lankan district of Kegalle. This settlement, located around 90 kilometers from the capital city of Colombo, may be reached using local buses. It is well-known for its Elephant Orphanage.
Polonnaruwa
Today, the old city of Polonnaruwa is one of the best-designed Archeological relic sites in the country, giving evidence to the discipline and splendour of the kingdom’s first monarchs. The Galvihara in Polonnaruwa houses one of the greatest collections of Buddhist sculpture in the world (Rock Monastery).
Ratnapura
Ratnapura is a large city in Sri Lanka. The town is notable for being Sri Lanka’s gem trading hub, which is where the names ‘Ratna’ (gems) and ‘pura’ (pura) come from (town). The area also has numerous gorgeous sites and waterfalls that you should explore during your Ratnapura vacation. Many attractive places, temples, and gem mines can be found in Ratnapura.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is an old rock castle and palace ruin surrounded by the remnants of a complex network of gardens, ponds, and other structures. Sigiriya is a medieval fortress built by King Kassapa in the 5th century AD. It is a well-known tourist attraction. Sigiriya has it all, including the ancient artwork of India’s Ajanta Caves (frescoes).
Tangalle
Tangalle is a sandy beach village on the island’s southern point. Tangalle draws the more independent tourists to Sri Lanka due to its tranquillity, isolated beaches, and unique natural system. A little hillside on one side of town provides a bird’s eye perspective over the surrounding bay all the way to the far horizon of the palm-fringed beach and the glistening sea.
Trincomalee
Trincomalee is a peaceful ancient port city on Sri Lanka’s north east coast. It was formerly a popular tourist attraction, but it was forced to close due to the Sri Lankan Civil War and the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, both of which inflicted significant destruction. However, it is quickly becoming a popular leisure destination and is an excellent location for a family holiday to Sri Lanka, attracting visitors with warm, quiet seas and white sandy beaches.
Kalutara
Kalutara is a little village on the island’s southern coast that is sometimes neglected as a tourist attraction. The attractions of Kalutara, on the other hand, are more than enough motivation to visit the town! From the grand Richmond Castle to the picturesque Fa Hien Caves, Kalutara has a lot of history, heritage, and environment to offer.
Kalpitiya
Located on the sharp tip of Puttalam, Kalpitiyais endowed with pristine natural beauty; nonetheless, it has remained largely untouched by visitors and is surrounded by a close-knit fishing community.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is a tranquil palm-rimmed town of basic eateries and cabanas lying in the unspoilt southeast coast of the island’s dry zone. It is known as a surfer’s paradise and offers some of the most affordable tourist resorts in Sri Lanka. It’s a terrific location to chill, eat seafood, and enjoy a laid-back party atmosphere. Because it is only a few kilometers away from Yala National Park, the surrounding region provides excellent opportunity for observing birdlife, leopards, crocodiles, and elephants at any time of year.
Bandarawela
Bandarawela is a picturesque mountain resort in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. It enjoys a warmer climate all year due to its higher elevation. This town’s ties to a royal and colonial history, as well as its gorgeous forestation, have helped to establish it as a base for eco-tourism. Because the bulk of the buildings were created with British architectural influences, many colonial-era traits may still be seen. The pleasant atmosphere and rich historical legacy of this town have made it a popular tourist destination.
Bentota
According to the Forbes Best Beaches in Asia Awards 2010, Bentota, which is close to Beruwala, is a great place for family holidays. The seashore is surrounded by five-star resorts, and the Bentota River runs through the area. It is well-known not just for its stunning beaches, but also for a range of thrilling water sports such as windsurfing, parasailing, and jet skiing. Thrilling river excursions along the river take travelers to cinnamon farms, wildlife resorts, and temples farther in.
Beruwela
Sri Lanka is a true masterpiece. Because of its classy nature while remaining absolutely humbled and down-to-earth, the country is considered as one of the world’s must-visit tourist destinations. From Galle to Kandy, and Bentota to Nuwara Eliya, the majority of the towns in this country should be visited at least once. Beruwala, like all of these lovely places, exemplifies Sri Lankan culture. This town has a plethora of venues where you may spend your vacation.
Chilaw
Located a few kilometers south of Puttalam, Chilaw is a perfect city where people of various backgrounds, beliefs, and nationalities dwell in peace and love. The beach is calm and tranquil, enabling you to lounge back and relax while swimming. The town, which goes back to the post-Portuguese and Dutch colonial times, is well-known for its pearls and a large fishing community that specializes in crab and prawn farming. Because it is close to the Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary, visitors may enjoy a day trip to view the country’s natural wonders after a day at the beach.
Colombo
Colombo is the country’s commercial center, yet it was once only a little seaport that served trade vessels. Colombo, as chaotic as it might be at times, has an odd mix of old and new, offering it a distinct personality. The historic district of the city still maintains colonial-style architecture, and the grand old structures look weirdly out of place against the backdrop of the more contemporary multi-story steel and glass towers.
Dambulla
Dambulla is a prominent site in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Dambulla, which has a history dating back to the 1st century, includes ancient statues and artwork in its caverns, making it a famous location for archeological study. The Dambulla cave temple, the RangiriDambulla International Stadium, the Iron wood forest, and the Na UyanaAranya are among the area’s prominent attractions.
Ella
Ella is a charming village in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, high in the mountains. The view is stunning, and the setting is excellent for unwinding. It has an almost perfect climate and a diverse biodiversity. Ella offers breathtaking walks through tea plantations, waterfalls, temples, and other natural wonders. Near the Ella site, there are a number of hotels and guesthouses.
Galle
Galle, a historic garrison town, is the capital of the Southern region. Galle, with its rich history and beautiful beaches, is possibly the country’s best boutique hotel destination – a real “Sri Lanka Tailormade” hotspot! Its rich history is the result of colonial influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British during a four-century period. Galle was an important port city for centuries, which added to its value to subsequent colonial superpowers.
Habarana
Habarana is a small picturesque city in Sri Lanka’s northern central district of Anuradhapura. The city is well-known for its high-end tourist resorts that are extremely eco-friendly and geared to help the natural environment. It is ideal for safari fans since it serves as the starting point for safari tours in the nearby Minneriya Sanctuary, which is home to elephants and other wildlife. It is also home to a well-known organic farm specializing in high-yielding agro-crops.
Hambantota
Hambantota is a beach city in southern Sri Lanka, located a few kilometers south of Tangalle. It is extremely undeveloped and was destroyed by the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004. However, it is currently the site of a number of major development initiatives, including the construction of a new seaport, international airport, and an international cricket stadium that hosted games during the 2011 World Cup.
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is a small, peaceful beach hamlet on the island’s famed southwest coast. It is particularly popular among both domestic and international tourists for family holidays to Sri Lanka, and it is known for its dynamic, excellent nightlife and amazing roadside dining, which includes both Sri Lankan and Western cuisine. For years, travelers have been fascinated by the brilliant palm-fringed beach, which is the ideal place to relax, enjoy the sun, and swim, snorkel, or scuba dive.
Jaffna
Jaffna is a historic port city in Sri Lanka’s northernmost region. It is also the country’s driest region and one of lower South Asia’s earliest habitation places, inhabited by Tamil-speaking people. A million people live on this beautiful, lagoon-filled peninsula. Jaffna is Sri Lanka’s Tamil cultural capital, including traditional Hindu kovils and Catholic churches.
Yala
Yala is best known for its Yala National Park. The park is Sri Lanka’s most visited and second biggest national park. Yala is located on Sri Lanka’s south-east coast and spans two provinces: Hambantota district in the southern region and Monaragala district in the Uva province. It is divided into five blocks and is home to various historical civilizations, including Sithulpahuwa and MagulVihara.