Sri Lanka is an island country in South Asia that used to be known as Ceylon. It is located in the Indian Ocean, between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
This beautiful country is made up of sacred mountains, lush plantations, and warm beaches.
Whether you fancy a relaxing getaway, a cultural weekend, or an exciting outdoor holiday, there’s somewhere in Sri Lanka for you.
Here’s a list of the most popular attractions in Sri Lanka…
Elephants
Wherever you go in Sri Lanka, you’ll find elephants. The country is home to over 4000 wild Asian elephants. Some roam about in the wild, others are used as transport for both people and goods, and some are in specific sanctuaries where tourists can visit them.
During the dry season, you can see vast gatherings of elephants that have made their way to parts of Sri Lanka en masse to seek out water reservoirs. It is a very impressive, if somewhat intimidating, a sight which is to be expected as this yearly migration is the largest gathering of elephants in all of Asia.
Wild Horses
Another less obvious animal that Sri Lanka is famous for is its wild horses. The islands surrounding the mainland are home to herds of wild horses, with over 500 on the island of Delft alone.
Seeing these proud creatures in their natural habitat is a rare opportunity and one you’ll definitely want to bring a camera along for. Horses were originally introduced to the islands in the 16th century for use in battle by the Portuguese Army. Today, they are free to roam about the island and enjoy the lush vegetation without interference.
Sigiriya Fortress
Sigiriya Fortress is an ancient fortress set atop a huge rock that dates back to the 5th century AD. It is regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic historical landmarks and boasts the prestige status of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This gigantic column of rock is a very impressive sight, and a great opportunity for photography enthusiasts to take some atmospheric and dramatic shots.
Colombo City
Columbo is Sri Lanka’s modern capital city, known as the financial center of the country as well as a very popular holiday destination. Colombo is also home to the largest population in Sri Lanka, with over 5.6 million people living in the metropolitan city.
Colombo is a port city that intersects several main trading routes and has a history of trading that goes back thousands of years. Today, many tourists come to enjoy the seaside appeal and build their tan on one of the popular beaches.
Kandy City
The city of Kandy is another popular destination. It’s a large city located in the mountains, on a plateau. Arguably even more popular than the capital city of Colombo, Kandy is surrounded by vast tea plantations and lush rainforest landscapes.
As well as the scenery Kandy is famous for its religious sites, including the sacred Buddhist Temple of the Tooth and the city also hosts the Esala Perahera grand procession each year. This culturally rich city is well worth a visit to experience the unique atmosphere and local customs.
Haputale Town
The town of Haputale balances precariously on a steep and narrow mountain ridge. The views from this mountain town are unparalleled, when the sun shines you can for miles in every direction, and when there’s a cloud cover you’ll find an atmospheric mist clinging to the mountains.
Even though the town is relatively small, there is plenty to do from visiting the local Adisham Monastery to getting the perfect photo at the Lipton’s Seat viewpoint. This town really is a hidden gem, and should definitely be on your itinerary.
Jaffna City
Jaffna is a Sri Lankan city that is perched on the coastline. Jaffna is known for its prominent Tamil history and population, which has influenced the culture and gives the city a unique atmosphere.
Jaffna is also known for its architecture, such as the famous star-shaped 17th-century fort that sits on the coastline. Architecture plays an important role throughout the city’s history, showing post-war reconstruction through different eras. The Jaffna Archaeological Museum is a great place to visit to learn more about the city’s fascinating history.
The Tea Industry
The Sri Lanka tea industry is a booming trade to this day, and visitors can learn more about the process and history behind this prosperous process. Sri Lanka holds the record as the world’s 4th largest producer of tea and brings in the most money from the industry after China.
There are lots of plantations you can tour, some of which provide sampling services where you can try the different blends fresh. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the world’s most popular beverages (probably second most popular after coffee) is created.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is also home to Sri Lanka’s first all-female surf club, the Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club. The bay is a popular venue for all kinds of watersports from surfing to kayaking to plain old swimming.
Arugam Bay, known to the locals as Arugam Kadha, is a popular seaside destination to either enjoy the sparkling Indian Ocean or simply relax on the beach and multitask by getting a tan while you sip a delicious local cocktail.
Cinnamon Tastings
Yes, as in the spice. At home, cinnamon is probably something you have in a cupboard and use about once a year, but in Sri Lanka, it is a specialty that the region is known for. Unlike other countries that grow cinnamon, in Sri Lanka, you will find a different variety that is sweeter and smoother and just generally better.
You’ll see farmers cutting the branches of the cinnamon tree and handing them to workers who’ll soak the branes before peeling the outer layer away to reveal the edible cinnamon within. You can find several cinnamon tours throughout Sri Lanka where tourists can learn all about the process and of course, try the different varieties of cinnamon for themselves.
Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak is a cone-shaped mountain that reaches 2,243 meters tall. It is particularly famous for the Sri Pada or ‘sacred footprint’ which is a uniquely shaped rock formation near the summit. Buddhist folklore says that the rock formation is a footprint left by Buddha himself on his way to paradise.
The mountain is in fact shrouded in myths and legends, it even gets its name from the legend that the mountain was the first place Adam set foot after leaving paradise. This is one important mountain to have been claimed by both Buddhism and Christianity, but whatever you believe it’s a beautiful place.
Little Adam’s Peak
This mountain is the more manageable brother of Adam’s Peak, and as such is a great option for adventurous tourists. This popular hiking destination has many easy steps and trails to follow, making it a great option for anyone who can’t manage heavy-duty hiking.
Little Adam’s Peak, Punchi Sri Pada, is found in Ella and has some of the most beautiful, lush scenery in Sri Lanka. This verdant landscape is calm and meditative, providing a perfect escape from busy and bustling cities.
Kalpitiya Peninsula
The Kalpitiya Peninsula is made up of a total of fourteen islands. Like much of Sri Lanka the Kalpitiya Peninsula has a long-standing maritime history, and in the past was known for being a center of smuggling activity
Today, there are a lot of fishing ports and local trade, and the islands are slowly growing as tourist destinations. One of the main attractions is kitesurfing. The Kalpitiya islands have been voted the best locations for kitesurfing in the country, so if you fancy giving this sport a try, it’s the perfect place.
Galle Fort Shopping
No holiday would be complete without a shopping trip. One of the best places to go shopping is in Galle Fort, where you can find colorful boutiques, local family-owned shops, and larger stores.
Whatever you’re looking at, be it jewelry, art, fashion, food, souvenirs, and so on, you’re sure to find it here. There is also a great selection of places to eat or grab a drink, so if your shopping bags are feeling heavy, have a rest and enjoy some local food.
Rent a Treehouse
Hotels, Airbnbs, home rentals, caravan rentals… There are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation. A unique and much more exciting option though is to stay in a treehouse. This might sound like something only for children, but it’s actually a very popular and sophisticated housing option.
These eco-friendly treehouse hotels create a truly memorable experience, and you’ll be surprised by the luxury you can find here. You’ll discover king-size beds, flowing white canopies, multiple rooms, and stunning views. As long as you don’t mind heights, this is a wonderful alternative to a standard hotel.
