Top Sri Lanka Tourist Attractions

Sri Lanka boasts top tourist attractions to meet every traveler's needs, offering religious sites for history enthusiasts and stunning natural wonders for nature lovers alike.

Minneriya National Park is an excellent spot to spot elephants, which are particularly abundant during certain months (September and October are peak viewing months). Another iconic attraction at Minneriya Park is the nine-arch bridge known as 'The Bridge in the Sky' - which spans across an amazing 1,000m of canyon.

Colombo

Colombo is home to an abundance of tourist attractions ranging from historic to modern. Visitors of every kind will find something of interest here.

Galle Face Green, one of the city's iconic spots, invites visitors to stroll, fly kites, play cricket and football, relax under the sunshine, and take in its picturesque beauty. Additionally, Geoffrey Bawa's museum should not be missed!

Beria Lake is one of the top attractions near Gangaramaya Temple, making it one of the premier spots to visit in Colombo. At its centre is a majestic temple and offers travelers many activities. Additionally, this scenic lake makes for a fantastic picnic destination!

Dambulla

Dambulla boasts Sri Lanka's finest cave temple complex and features an amazing collection of 157 Buddha statues filling its caves - truly an impressive sight to behold!

South Asia's largest rose quartz mountain range and Namal Uyana Iron Wood Forest can also be found here, while there is even an expansive Arboretum covering more than 30 acres that features wooden bridges, small streams, and is home to birds, butterflies and mammals.

From here, it's just a short drive to Sigiriya; with fees starting at $35 USD to climb and explore its ruins - well worth your while as Sigiriya is another UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Ella

Ella is an idyllic town nestled amidst sprawling tea plantations greenery. Offering scenic mountain hikes and breathtaking waterfalls, its picture-perfect surroundings, pleasant climate, and friendly people make it a must-see destination on any vacation in Sri Lanka!

Ella offers many highlights to visit, with its iconic Nine Arch Bridge being known for its picturesque views and intricate craftsmanship. Also not to be missed is Ravana Falls which legend says was where King Ravana hid his princess.

Take time out to visit a tea factory like Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory for guided tours and samples of some of the country's best brew.

Mihintale

Mihintale, Sri Lanka is widely known as the 'Cradle of Buddhism'. According to legend, this hilltop site marks where Buddhist monk Mahinda first met King Devanampiyatissa and started spreading Buddhism throughout Sri Lanka.

At this site you'll find numerous ruins of monastic buildings, most notably the Royal Complex. Other structures here include pagodas, Panchavasasa, image houses and hot bathhouses; additionally there is the Kaludiya Pond with its name coming from legend claiming a monk performed a ritual which caused its waters to turn black - hence its name!

Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park offers its best experience from December to March when water levels are lowest and it is easier to spot wildlife as they congregate around remaining water sources. However, animal sightings may still be enjoyed year-round in this park.

Notable animals in the park beyond elephants include wild buffaloes and sambar deer. Bird watchers will delight at seeing European roller, red-faced malkoha, and Sri Lankan junglefowl among many others.

Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home provides sanctuary for orphaned baby elephants - making a trip well worth your while! Don't miss this incredible experience.

Adam’s Peak

Adam's Peak holds religious significance for Muslims, Christians and Hindus alike. Pilgrims gather each night on its trail in anticipation of reaching its summit by sunrise for breathtaking views from its summit.

This 2,243m high conical mountain is famous for the "sacred footprint" on its summit. Many believe this footprint to represent Adam's first steps after leaving Eden and taking exile on earth.

Hiking to the peak requires both incline trekking and traversing 5,000-6,000 crumbling stone steps, typically taking most people between 2-4 hours depending on fitness levels and breaks taken along the way.