Destinations List

Diverse habitats, 44 mammal species, over 200 species of birds and a history retraced to 500 BC - Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s most popular wildlife destination. Declared a Game Reserve in 1938, Yala comprises five blocks covering an area of 151,778 hectares. The park comprises several major habitat types - dunes, scrub forest, riverine forests, rocky out-crops, secondary forests and coastal lagoons with mangrove forests.

It is also known to contain the highest concentration of leopards in the world. The endangered leopard subspecies Panthera Pardus Kotiya, is found only in Sri Lanka.

With over 131,000 hectares stretching from the North Western coast to the North Central province, Wilpattu is a complex of lakes surrounded by grassy plains and scrub jungle. Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1905, Wilpattu is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest national parks. The main attraction is Leopards, but elephants, sloth bears, buffaloes and crocs and other species - common and rare, are also abundant.

Wilpattu and its surroundings have great historical significance too. History states that in 543 BC Prince Vijaya arrived here from East India and formed the land of Lanka.

A land of paddy, cascading waterfalls and peacocks, Wellawaya sits in rural tranquillity at the foothills of the central massif - the Great Western Mountain range. Simple lifestyles still preside here, deeply embedded in traditional livelihoods that have survived unchanged for centuries. The town is literally at the crossroads and an important gateway to the East and the South. Serene and peaceful, the unspoilt landscape changes from lush fields to scrub jungle and rocky terrain of waterfalls.

The area is also culturally significant with sites of historical interest such as Buduruwagala Rock carvings nearby.

A small town on the South coast of Sri Lanka, in Weligama, one of the main attractions is the unique sight of stilt fishermen - especially silhouetted against a blazing sunset. Precariously perched astride a crossbar on a single pole, they weather the waves to catch a meagre harvest. This traditional livelihood has been maintained for centuries with the skills passed down from one generation to the next.

Weligama is also renowned for another picture-postcard sight: the islet known as Taprobane or Count de Mauny Island - a hop across the sea at low tide.

Much sought out for its ‘chilled out’ atmosphere, Unawatuna is a beautiful palm fringed cove on the Southern coastline, close to Galle. If you love a beach party atmosphere, this is the place to be. With plenty of restaurants and bars, ‘Una’ is buzzing with sun, fun, music and life all year round, and the best time to visit Unawatuna is in fact, any time.

If you want a break, the protected Galapiteala and Napoleon Reefs over the bay offer safe swimming, and there are plenty of other natural and cultural attractions too.

A vast nature reserve shadowed by the Great Western mountain range, Udawalawe is centred around its namesake reservoir. Elephants are the park’s main attraction, being home to over 600 with herds of up to 50 being quite a common sight. The open plains and the lack of dense vegetation here makes it one of the best places on earth to spot elephants in their natural habitat.

The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife - buffalo, crocodiles, deer, sambur and many bird species. Leopards and bears however, are spotted less often.

Ancient rulers and colonial powers fought over it; now it is the pristine white beaches that attract visitors to Trincomalee. Famous places are abundant here. The remnants of colonial occupation live on in the city’s architecture and abandoned forts. Sought after for centuries due to its natural harbour and strategic location, Trincomalee served as an important naval base for the allies during World War II, and still continues to be vital to the Sri Lankan Navy.

The secluded beaches of Uppuveli, Nilaveli and Kuchchaveli and Pigeon Island offshore are must visit places too.

Turtles, temples, giant Buddha statues, rural fishing outposts and the endless ocean on the horizon. Located on Southern Sri Lanka’s beautiful stretch of coastline, Tangalle remains unspoilt, offering a peaceful, idyllic setting. There’s much to explore though. The Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, a haven for migrants and endemics, is a must do for birders. Another site worth visiting - being the topic of many legends and lore, is Ussangoda.

Some claim that in ancient times a meteor had crashed on this barren plateau of dark red soil surrounded by forest; hence its distinctly foreboding air.

Hidden in the heart of the wet zone on the south western mountains, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve continues to ward off the threat of modernity to give us a glimpse of how paradise should really be. A World Heritage Site and considered as one of the most distinctive and important biospheres, it has an immense diversity of endemic fauna and flora, most of which are found only at Sinharaja.

That includes more than 60% of the trees, 50% of mammals, butterflies, insects, reptiles, fish and amphibians with over 21 endemic bird species too.

A giant rock rising 370m above the surrounding flat landscape, this World Heritage Site was once the impenetrable fortress of King Kassapa who ruled in 5th Century BC. The acres of landscaped gardens, the giant lion paws guarding the fortress entrance, the mirror wall of scribbled verses, the frescoes painted on the sheer rock face, and the scattered ruins of the city at the summit are all matchless feats of artistry, architecture and engineering that have survived thousands of years.

For those wishing to explore beyond Sigiriya, other tourist attractions are plentiful too.

A cornerstone of the cultural triangle, Polonnaruwa is one of the most significant kingdoms in the nation’s history. Reigning supreme in 11th - 12th century AD, its scattered ruins still remain well preserved. The giant statue of Polonnaruwa's greatest king - Sri Parakramabahu, and the vast ‘Sea of Parakrama’ – a 12th century reservoir which he built, are still imposing.

The Menik Vihara, Rankot Vihara, Alahana Pirivena and Jetavana monasteries, the Buddha statues carved from rock at the Gal Vihara complex, the Lankatilaka shrine, the King's Council Chamber and the Lotus Bath are must see attractions.

The pristine shore of Passikudah is much sought after by those who prefer to escape to an isolated tropical heaven. The beach is wide and long; the waves are gentle and calm; there seems to be nothing for miles but pure white sands. Beneath the waters of the bay, a unique coral reef system thrives with myriad species of tropical fish. The shallow reef stretches far out and is connected to similar reefs at Kalkudah.

This is one of the best-known reef systems in the region and is now a proposed Marine Sanctuary.

Renowned as ‘Little England’, here in the tea country, traditions, breathtaking views and cold climes reign supreme. Hidden away high in the central mountains at an altitude of over 6000 feet, Nuwara Eliya is the resort capital of Sri Lanka. With the weather to match, the British tea planters of the mid 19th century created a replica of their home country.

A sense of timelessness still prevails in the ambience with its mainly colonial architecture, the park, golf course, racing track, boating lake and grand period style mansions, which now serve as hotels.

Although renowned for its golden beaches, in Negombo, sightseeing opportunities are also plentiful. Predominantly Roman Catholic, it’s referred to as “Little Rome'' due to the many ornate Catholic churches. However, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim landmarks of significance are also found - often almost next to each other. Several relics that date back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonial era remain, like the ancient Dutch Fort gate built in 1672.

The 100 km long Dutch Canal is still in use, and a boat ride will offer a whole different view of Negombo and the suburbs.

A small town on the South coast of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is regarded as the closest point to where Blue whales gather. Others such as Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, killer whales, pilot whales, and four kinds of dolphins (spinner dolphin, bottlenose dolphin, striped dolphin, Risso’s dolphin) can also be spotted offshore. Water sports facilities such as sailing, fishing, coastal cruises, river trips, sea kayaking, snorkelling and boating are also there for those looking for other activities.

The weather is generally fine, but the best time to visit Mirissa is from December to February.

White-water rafting, jungle trekking, outbound training, cave explorations: it’s all about action packed thrills and spills at Kitulgala. Sri Lanka is becoming a popular adventure destination, and this small village on the Kelani River in the Western hills offers plenty of choice. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned adventurer, and whatever activity you choose, it is important to use a reputed, certified operator with qualified guides.

The forest along the banks is home to over 54 rare bird species, so trekking is a must if you are a nature lover too.

With history, heritage and tradition melding with modernity, there are many remarkable places to visit in kandy. The cultural epicentre of the island, it is Sri Lanka’s second city, and home to the Temple of the Tooth - the country’s most important religious shrine, and the traditional pageant - the Esala Perahera. The last stronghold of the Sinhalese, the kingdom of Kandy clung to sovereignty for centuries before falling to the British in 1818.

They retained their own distinctive customs and culture. These traditions live on today in the city’s unique music, dance and architecture.

Paradise for nature lovers and watersports enthusiasts, Kalpitiya sits between the lagoon and the sea on the North Western coast. Renowned for observing large pods of dolphins and whales offshore, Kalpitiya is designated as a marine sanctuary with bar reefs, flat coastal plains, saltpans, mangrove swamps, marshes and vast sand dunes. The 307 sq.km Bar Reef is the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka.

Rich in biodiversity, the reef is home to tropical fish manta rays, reef sharks and sea turtles. The best time to visit Kalpitiya is between October and May.

Unique in landscape and identity, and steeped in complex history both ancient and modern, there is no place in Sri Lanka, quite like Jaffna. Famous places and must see sights popular with local and foreign visitors are scattered throughout the peninsula. Over its 2000 years of history on record the city changed rule time and again: Sinhalese, South Indian, Portuguese, Dutch and English all left their legacies.

Surviving a 30 year civil war, Jaffna has rebuilt its own distinctive self and remains a bubbling hotpot of contrasts, much like those who live there.

A popular beach destination for both locals and visitors, Hikkaduwa or ‘Hikka’ as it is known by many, is especially sought after by travellers who want a vacation with a party vibe. When it comes to a lively atmosphere ‘Hikka’ has plenty to offer with many cafes, restaurants and bars with good food and great music. Action extends to the water too: snorkelling and diving amongst the corals, schools of tropical fish and old shipwrecks.

The surf off Hikka bay is also regarded as one of the best surfing spots in the island.

The legacy of colonial plantations, traditions and lifestyles live on here, in the home of Ceylon Tea. Hatton was a busy hill station during the colonial era and continues to be so. At over 4000 feet above sea level, the climate is cool, and many planter’s bungalows now serve as hotels and guest houses offering a total ‘tea experience' - giving good insights to the process of tea from leaf to cup.

Apart from the tea plantations, the town is best known as a getaway to Adam’s Peak and the Sinharaja rain forest reserve.

A hotspot full of diverse attractions from upscale shopping malls to busy markets, restaurants and cafes to vibrant nightlife, you’ll find many things to do in Colombo. Here, contrasting lifestyles and traditions both old and new continue, while heritage sites, colonial mansions and ultra-modern skyscrapers sit side by side. The legacies left by the Portuguese, Dutch and English remain in the city’s culture and architecture with many colonial buildings restored and maintained.

Several historical sites including ancient Buddhist temples, Hindu Kovils, churches, and mosques are also found in the heart of the city.

One of the main tourist attractions in Dambulla is the sacred cave complex. Spread over an area of 2,100 sq metres, it has been a pilgrimage site visited by Buddhists for over 22 centuries. Established as one of the most important monasteries as far back as the 3rd century BC, these caves were protected and enhanced by successive kings till the 11th century, and they are deemed sacred even today.

Apart from being historically significant, Dambulla continues to be a busy hub activity, and there are many places of interest to visit.

Majestic waterfalls, hidden caves, breathtaking vistas across the mountains: Ella is a little town with big attractions. One of the hill country’s most loved destinations, it is the hub of cool in the hills. The main attraction of Ella is the breathtaking view from the ‘Ella Gap’ – looking out between the majestic bulk of Ella Rock on the right and through a gap in the hills to the plains miles down below.

Climbing up Ella Rock is a tough but rewarding hike – and the views from the top are well worth the effort.

In this Southern capital natural and cultural diversity thrives, and history lives on. Galle has weathered many storms over the centuries, from battling colonial rulers to a devastating tsunami. Yet, an indomitable spirit seems to keep the city unshaken. Historically, Galle was an important trade post due to its location and natural harbour. In 1505, a Portuguese fleet landed by accident changing the course of the island’s history.

They were ousted by the Dutch in 1640, who lost to the British in 1796. Their legacies shaped the city; and are seen to date.

Strategically placed on the primary route to the North and East of Sri Lanka, Habarana is central to tourist places within the cultural triangle. It is the ideal base to explore the key sites, being within easy reach of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Sigiriya and Ritigala, as well as serving as a stopover for journeys to Jaffna or Trincomalee. Many elephant watching excursions to Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks also start from here.

The scenic Habarana Lake and its surrounds are also an attraction with many village tours offering an insight into rural life.