50 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Sri Lanka, the Resplendent Isle of the Indian Ocean, is a tropical paradise filled with ancient UNESCO-listed ruins, lush tea plantations, golden palm-fringed beaches, and rich wildlife habitats. From sacred Buddhist temples and colonial hill stations to misty mountain peaks and elephant-filled national parks, Sri Lanka offers an extraordinary array of experiences packed into a vibrant island nation.

Why Visit Sri Lanka:

• Rich cultural heritage with over 2,500 years of recorded history and magnificent ancient cities.
• Exceptional biodiversity and wildlife safaris featuring leopards, wild elephants, sloths, and blue whales.
• World-famous Ceylon tea country complete with scenic train rides through misty mountain valleys.
• Pristine tropical coastlines ideal for surfing, whale watching, and beachside relaxation.

50 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress

• Location: Matale District, Central Province
• Best Time to Visit: January to April
• Category: Historical Site & UNESCO Monument
• About the Place: A massive 200-meter-high granite rock monolith housing the 5th-century palace ruins of King Kashyapa, renowned for its ancient mirror wall, colorful frescoes, and grand lion claw entryway.
• Travel Instructions: Drive or take a local bus from Dambulla (approx. 30 minutes) directly to the main visitor entrance.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Sigiriya Rock Fortress

2. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)

• Location: Kandy, Central Province
• Best Time to Visit: January to April or July to August (Esala Perahera)
• Category: Sacred Religious Landmark
• About the Place: Located within the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, this revered temple complex holds the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha in a golden casket.
• Travel Instructions: Take a scenic 3-hour train ride from Colombo Fort to Kandy, then a short tuk-tuk ride to Kandy Lake.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

3. Galle Dutch Fort

• Location: Galle, Southern Province
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Coastal Fortress & UNESCO City
• About the Place: A beautifully preserved 17th-century fortified citadel built by the Portuguese and Dutch, featuring cobblestone alleys, colonial mansions, trendy boutiques, cafes, and ocean view bastions.
• Travel Instructions: Catch the Southern Expressway bus or coastal line train directly from Colombo to Galle.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Galle Dutch Fort

4. Nine Arch Bridge, Ella

• Location: Ella, Badulla District, Uva Province
• Best Time to Visit: January to May
• Category: Railway Landmark & Nature
• About the Place: An architectural colonial railway viaduct hidden amidst dense tropical jungle and green tea plantations, constructed entirely of stone and brick without steel reinforcements.
• Travel Instructions: Take a 20-minute walk along the track trails from Ella town or hop on a short tuk-tuk to Visumpura.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Nine Arch Bridge, Ella

5. Yala National Park

• Location: Hambantota District, Southern & Uva Provinces
• Best Time to Visit: February to July
• Category: Wildlife Sanctuary
• About the Place: Sri Lanka's most popular wildlife park, famed for boasting one of the world's highest densities of leopards, along with wild Asian elephants, sloth bears, and crocodiles.
• Travel Instructions: Rent a private vehicle or take an intercity bus to Tissamaharama, the main base for 4x4 park safaris.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Yala National Park

6. Dambulla Cave Temple

• Location: Dambulla, Central Province
• Best Time to Visit: January to May
• Category: Religious Monument & Caves
• About the Place: The largest, best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, consisting of five grand rock caverns housing over 150 serene Buddha statues and ancient murals.
• Travel Instructions: Take a direct express bus from Kandy or Colombo along the Kandy-Jaffna highway to Dambulla town.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Dambulla Cave Temple

7. Anuradhapura Ancient City

• Location: Anuradhapura, North Central Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Category: Archaeological & Sacred City
• About the Place: The first ancient capital of Sri Lanka, featuring preserved monumental brick stupas, ancient irrigation reservoirs, giant monastic complexes, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree.
• Travel Instructions: Take an express train or long-distance bus from Colombo Fort directly to Anuradhapura station.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Anuradhapura Ancient City

8. Little Adam's Peak

• Location: Ella, Uva Province
• Best Time to Visit: January to May
• Category: Hiking Trail & Viewpoint
• About the Place: An accessible mountain peak trek offering dramatic 360-degree views over the Ella Gap, endless green tea estates, and sweeping southern valley plains.
• Travel Instructions: Walk 3 kilometers along the Passara Road from Ella town center to the well-marked trailhead.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Little Adam's Peak

9. Polonnaruwa Ancient City

• Location: Polonnaruwa, North Central Province
• Best Time to Visit: January to May
• Category: UNESCO Historical Ruins
• About the Place: The splendid 12th-century medieval capital of Sri Lanka, housing the famous Gal Vihara with four massive Buddha statues carved into a single granite rock face.
• Travel Instructions: Travel via highway bus from Dambulla or Habarana; explore the spread-out ruins best by bicycle rental.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Polonnaruwa Ancient City

10. Mirissa Beach

• Location: Mirissa, Southern Province
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Coastal Beach & Marine Life
• About the Place: A crescent-shaped golden sand beach lined with coconut palms, vibrant beach shacks, surf breaks, and Coconut Tree Hill viewpoint, famous as a blue whale watching hub.
• Travel Instructions: Drive along the coastal A2 highway or take a train to Mirissa Railway Station from Galle or Matara.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Mirissa Beach

11. Nuwara Eliya ("Little England")

• Location: Nuwara Eliya, Central Province
• Best Time to Visit: February to May
• Category: Hill Station & Tea Country
• About the Place: A cool-climate mountain town surrounded by manicured tea plantations, featuring Tudor-style British colonial mansions, Victoria Park, and Gregory Lake.
• Travel Instructions: Take the iconic main line train to Nanu Oya station, then hop on a 15-minute bus or tuk-tuk uphill.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Nuwara Eliya

12. Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)

• Location: Sabaragamuwa Province
• Best Time to Visit: December to May (Pilgrimage Season)
• Category: Sacred Mountain Trek
• About the Place: A sacred 2,243-meter mountain topped with a footprint revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims, famous for overnight sunrise hikes above the clouds.
• Travel Instructions: Take a train to Hatton station, then take a local shuttle bus to Nallathanniya base town.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)

13. Udawalawe National Park

• Location: Ratnapura and Monaragala Districts
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Best October to April)
• Category: Wildlife Reserve
• About the Place: A sprawling grassland and reservoir park that offers guaranteed sightings of large herds of wild Asian elephants grazing freely in open terrain.
• Travel Instructions: Drive via the A11 highway; base yourself in Udawalawe village to book open-top jeep safari drivers.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Udawalawe National Park

14. Pidurangala Rock

• Location: Sigiriya, Central Province
• Best Time to Visit: January to April
• Category: Hiking Spot & Viewpoint
• About the Place: A rugged neighboring rock formation directly opposite Sigiriya, offering rewarding sunrise climbs and sweeping views of Sigiriya Rock rising from the jungle.
• Travel Instructions: Take a short 5-minute tuk-tuk ride from Sigiriya village base to Pidurangala Temple entrance.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Pidurangala Rock

15. Horton Plains National Park & World's End

• Location: Nuwara Eliya District, Central Province
• Best Time to Visit: January to March
• Category: Highland Plateau & Nature Reserve
• About the Place: A cold highland plateau covered in montane grasslands and cloud forests, featuring World's End—a precipitous 870-meter sheer cliff drop overlooking southern plains.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 1 hour early in the morning from Nuwara Eliya to Pattipola gate entrance.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Horton Plains National Park & World's End

16. Arugam Bay

• Location: Ampara District, Eastern Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Category: Coastal Surf Destination
• About the Place: A laid-back moon-shaped bay on the east coast famous worldwide for world-class right-point surf breaks, beachfront cafes, and relaxed party atmosphere.
• Travel Instructions: Drive via Monaragala road or catch long-distance private buses operating from Colombo or Ella.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Arugam Bay

17. Trincomalee & Nilaveli Beach

• Location: Trincomalee, Eastern Province
• Best Time to Visit: April to September
• Category: Coastal Beach & Historic Port
• About the Place: A historic deep-water harbor town featuring white sandy beaches at Nilaveli, Koneswaram Hindu Temple on Swami Rock cliff, and snorkeling at Pigeon Island.
• Travel Instructions: Take a direct night train or private express bus from Colombo directly to Trincomalee.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Trincomalee & Nilaveli Beach

18. Wilpattu National Park

• Location: North West & North Central Provinces
• Best Time to Visit: February to October
• Category: Wildlife National Park
• About the Place: Sri Lanka's largest national park, characterized by unique natural sand-rimmed water basins ("willus"), thick forests, leopards, bears, and birdlife.
• Travel Instructions: Reach the main entrance park gate at Hunuwilgama via the Puttalam-Anuradhapura highway.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Wilpattu National Park

19. Bentota Beach

• Location: Galle District, Southern Province
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Resort Beach & Watersports
• About the Place: A golden sand beach strip nestled between the turquoise ocean and Bentota Lagoon, renowned for jet skiing, windsurfing, and luxury beachfront resorts.
• Travel Instructions: Take a 1.5-hour train ride or drive down the Southern Expressway from Colombo.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Bentota Beach

20. Jaffna Peninsula

• Location: Northern Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Category: Cultural Region
• About the Place: The vibrant capital of Tamil culture in northern Sri Lanka, featuring the monumental Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna Dutch Fort, and remote surrounding islands.
• Travel Instructions: Take the comfortable "Yal Devi" express train ride direct from Colombo Fort to Jaffna station.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Jaffna Peninsula

21. Unawatuna Beach

• Location: Galle District, Southern Province
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Coastal Resort Town
• About the Place: A calm horseshoe bay lined with palm trees, seaside restaurants, lively beach bars, and nearby Jungle Beach tucked around the headland.
• Travel Instructions: Located just 6 kilometers south of Galle Fort; easily accessible by a quick 10-minute tuk-tuk ride.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Unawatuna Beach

22. Sinharaja Forest Reserve

• Location: Sabaragamuwa & Southern Provinces
• Best Time to Visit: January to March or August to September
• Category: Primary Rainforest & UNESCO Site
• About the Place: Sri Lanka's last viable area of primary tropical rainforest, teeming with endemic flora, rare bird species, amphibians, and dense green canopy.
• Travel Instructions: Travel to Deniyaya or Kudawa entrance points by car or local bus from Galle or Ratnapura.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Sinharaja Forest Reserve

23. Minneriya National Park

• Location: North Central Province
• Best Time to Visit: July to October (The Elephant Gathering)
• Category: Wildlife Sanctuary
• About the Place: Famous for "The Elephant Gathering," where hundreds of Asian elephants congregate around the ancient Minneriya reservoir during dry season months.
• Travel Instructions: Located along the Habarana-Polonnaruwa highway; easily reached by jeep hire from Sigiriya or Habarana.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Minneriya National Park

24. Pigeon Island National Park

• Location: Nilaveli, Trincomalee
• Best Time to Visit: April to September
• Category: Marine Sanctuary
• About the Place: An offshore marine park featuring vibrant coral reefs, shallow waters packed with blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, and hundreds of tropical fish species.
• Travel Instructions: Take a short 15-minute boat ride from the shore of Nilaveli Beach near Trincomalee.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Pigeon Island National Park

25. Pettah Market, Colombo

• Location: Colombo, Western Province
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Morning to Early Afternoon)
• Category: Bustling Urban Market
• About the Place: An energetic, multi-street open market quarter packed with spices, textiles, fresh produce, electronic goods, and the striking red-and-white Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque.
• Travel Instructions: Located within walking distance from Colombo Fort Railway Station in central Colombo.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Pettah Market, Colombo

26. Tangalle & Goyambokka Beach

• Location: Hambantota District, Southern Province
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Tranquil Coastal Beach
• About the Place: A series of wide, quiet golden sand coves with rocky outcrops, turquoise waters, and secluded boutique eco-resorts away from crowded beach hubs.
• Travel Instructions: Take the expressway bus to Matara, then connect via local bus or tuk-tuk along the A2 road to Tangalle.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Tangalle & Goyambokka Beach

27. Lipton's Seat

• Location: Haputale, Badulla District
• Best Time to Visit: January to April (Early Morning)
• Category: Scenic Viewpoint & Tea Estate
• About the Place: The famous viewpoint where tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton surveyed his vast tea empire, offering views spanning across seven provinces on clear mornings.
• Travel Instructions: Take a tuk-tuk or walk 7 kilometers uphill through the Dambatenne Tea Estate from Haputale town.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Lipton's Seat

28. Hikkaduwa Coral Reef & Beach

• Location: Galle District, Southern Province
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Coastal Town & Coral Sanctuary
• About the Place: A vibrant coastal town known for surf breaks, beach nightlife, and shallow shore reefs frequented by giant wild green sea turtles.
• Travel Instructions: Take the coastal railway train line directly from Colombo Fort to Hikkaduwa station.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Hikkaduwa Coral Reef & Beach

29. Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo

• Location: Colombo, Western Province
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Category: Buddhist Temple & Museum
• About the Place: A famous urban temple on Beira Lake, blending modern architectural styles with traditional design, holding a vast collection of donated artifacts and Buddha statues.
• Travel Instructions: Catch a short tuk-tuk or ride-share from anywhere in central Colombo to Sri Jinaratana Road.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo

30. Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

• Location: Peradeniya, near Kandy
• Best Time to Visit: January to April
• Category: Botanical Park
• About the Place: Spanning 147 acres framed by the Mahaweli River, featuring world-renowned orchid collections, giant bamboo groves, and avenue of palm trees.
• Travel Instructions: Take a 15-minute local bus or tuk-tuk south from Kandy city center along the A1 highway.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

31. Pasikudah & Kalkudah Beaches

• Location: Batticaloa District, Eastern Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Category: Shallow Coastal Bay
• About the Place: A flat, curved bay known for having one of the longest stretches of shallow reef coastline in the world, allowing wading far into crystal-clear warm waters.
• Travel Instructions: Fly or take an intercity train to Batticaloa, then hire a private vehicle 35 kilometers north to Pasikudah.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Pasikudah & Kalkudah Beaches

32. Mihintale Sacred Mountain

• Location: Anuradhapura District
• Best Time to Visit: May to June (Poson Poya)
• Category: Historical & Religious Site
• About the Place: A revered mountain peak believed to be the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, accessible via 1,840 stone steps leading to ancient stupas and rock shelters.
• Travel Instructions: Located 12 kilometers east of Anuradhapura; easily reached by a 15-minute bus ride or tuk-tuk.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Mihintale Sacred Mountain

33. Weligama Bay

• Location: Matale District, Southern Province
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Surf Beach & Bay
• About the Place: A sweeping sandy bay with sandy-bottom beach breaks perfect for beginner surfers, famous for stilt fishermen practicing traditional fishing along the shoreline.
• Travel Instructions: Take the coastal train to Weligama station, or drive along the southern coast road between Galle and Mirissa.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Weligama Bay

34. Bundala National Park

• Location: Hambantota District, Southern Province
• Best Time to Visit: September to March (Bird Migration Season)
• Category: Wetland Reserve
• About the Place: An internationally recognized RAMSAR wetland park hosting thousands of migratory flamingos, waterbirds, crocodiles, and wild elephants in coastal lagoons.
• Travel Instructions: Access via the A2 highway near Hambantota; book jeep safaris from nearby Hambantota or Tissamaharama.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Bundala National Park

35. Knuckles Mountain Range

• Location: Kandy & Matale Districts
• Best Time to Visit: June to September or January to April
• Category: Mountain Wilderness & Trekking
• About the Place: A rugged conservation forest named after its knuckle-shaped mountain peaks, featuring cloud forests, hidden waterfalls, isolated stone villages, and trekking trails.
• Travel Instructions: Drive via Matale or Wattegama towards Deanston or Illukkumbura conservation centers.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Knuckles Mountain Range

36. Hiriketiya Bay (Hiri)

• Location: Dikwella, Southern Province
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Coastal Surf Cove
• About the Place: A trendy horseshoe-shaped jungle bay offering consistent wave breaks, boutique eco-cafes, beachfront yoga studios, and a relaxed bohemian vibe.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 15 minutes east from Matara town or take a short tuk-tuk ride from the main Dikwella bus station.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Hiriketiya Bay

37. Kitulgala

• Location: Kegalle District, Sabaragamuwa Province
• Best Time to Visit: January to April
• Category: Adventure Sports Hub
• About the Place: A lush rainforest town on the Kelani River, world-famous as the filming location for "The Bridge on the River Kwai" and Sri Lanka's white-water rafting center.
• Travel Instructions: Take the Colombo-Hatton main highway (A7 route) directly through Kitulgala town.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kitulgala

38. Mannar Island & Baobab Trees

• Location: Mannar District, Northern Province
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Island & Historic Region
• About the Place: An arid northern island connected by a causeway, featuring ancient Arab-introduced Baobab trees, Mannar Dutch Fort, wild donkeys, and Adam's Bridge shoal chain.
• Travel Instructions: Drive along the A14 causeway from Medawachchiya or catch a train on the Mannar line.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Mannar Island & Baobab Trees

39. Kalpitiya Peninsula

• Location: Puttalam District, North Western Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to October (Kitesurfing) or November to April (Dolphins)
• Category: Coastal Lagoon & Marine Park
• About the Place: A narrow peninsula surrounded by ocean and lagoons, famous for world-class kitesurfing winds, spinner dolphin pods, and dugong conservation areas.
• Travel Instructions: Drive north from Colombo via the A3 highway to Palavi junction, then head onto Kalpitiya Road.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kalpitiya Peninsula

40. Ritigala Forest Reserve

• Location: Anuradhapura District
• Best Time to Visit: January to April
• Category: Archaeological Jungle Ruins
• About the Place: A secluded ancient 1st-century BCE Buddhist monastery hidden deep inside a strict natural reserve, featuring paved stone pathways and medicinal baths.
• Travel Instructions: Turn off the Habarana-Anuradhapura road onto the Ritigala side road (approx. 12 km drive).
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Ritigala Forest Reserve

41. Diyaluma Falls

• Location: Koslanda, Badulla District
• Best Time to Visit: January to May
• Category: Waterfall & Natural Pools
• About the Place: Sri Lanka's second-highest waterfall (220 m), featuring a series of natural infinity pools and rock slides at the upper cliff edge overlooking southern hills.
• Travel Instructions: Drive 1 hour south from Ella towards Wellawaya, then hike up from Makaldeniya estate to the upper falls.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Diyaluma Falls

42. Nainativu Island (Nagadeepa)

• Location: Jaffna District, Northern Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Category: Sacred Island Shrine
• About the Place: A historic island in the Palk Strait hosting the ancient Nagadeepa Purana Viharaya Buddhist temple and the colorful Nagapooshani Amman Hindu Kovil.
• Travel Instructions: Drive from Jaffna to Kurikadduwan (KKD) jetty, then take a 20-minute public wooden ferry.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Nainativu Island (Nagadeepa)

43. Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee

• Location: Trincomalee, Eastern Province
• Best Time to Visit: April to September
• Category: Historic Cliffside Hindu Temple
• About the Place: A classical Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, perched atop Swami Rock cliff high above the ocean with cliffside views over Trincomalee harbor.
• Travel Instructions: Walk or take a tuk-tuk through Fort Frederick in central Trincomalee up to the rock headland.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee

44. Madu River Safari, Balapitiya

• Location: Balapitiya, Galle District
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Wetland & Mangrove Lagoon
• About the Place: A bio-diverse coastal wetland lagoon containing 64 islands covered in thick mangrove forests, cinnamon cultivation islets, and historic monasteries.
• Travel Instructions: Located right off the main A2 highway between Bentota and Ambalangoda; hire boat safari operators at the bridge.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Madu River Safari, Balapitiya

45. Galle Face Green, Colombo

• Location: Colombo, Western Province
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (Late Afternoon / Sunset)
• Category: Urban Promenade
• About the Place: An oceanfront urban park stretch where locals fly kites, watch Indian Ocean sunsets, and enjoy famous street food stalls serving fresh Isso Vadai.
• Travel Instructions: Located in central Colombo along Galle Road, directly fronting the ocean adjacent to Fort district.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Galle Face Green, Colombo

46. Haputale & Idalgashinna

• Location: Badulla District, Uva Province
• Best Time to Visit: January to April
• Category: Mountain Ridge Town
• About the Place: A mountain ridge town perched on a cliff edge overlooking southern plains, famous for misty atmospheric views, tea estates, and dramatic ridge railway stations.
• Travel Instructions: Take the main hill country train line from Kandy or Nanu Oya directly to Haputale station.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Haputale & Idalgashinna

47. St. Clair's & Devon Waterfalls

• Location: Talawakele, Nuwara Eliya District
• Best Time to Visit: May to September (Post-Monsoon Flow)
• Category: Waterfalls
• About the Place: Known as the "Little Niagara of Sri Lanka," St. Clair's Falls cascades over wide rock ledges amidst lush green tea fields alongside the dramatic Devon Falls.
• Travel Instructions: Viewable right along the main Hatton-Nuwara Eliya highway (A7 route) near Talawakele town.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to St. Clair's & Devon Waterfalls

48. Delft Island (Neduntivu)

• Location: Jaffna District, Northern Province
• Best Time to Visit: May to September
• Category: Remote Island
• About the Place: A flat coral island in the Palk Strait featuring feral wild horses descended from Portuguese stock, coral stone walls, and Dutch colonial ruins.
• Travel Instructions: Take a 1-hour passenger ferry from Kurikadduwan (KKD) jetty off Jaffna Peninsula.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Delft Island (Neduntivu)

49. Pigeon Rock & Nilwella Beach

• Location: Matara District, Southern Province
• Best Time to Visit: November to April
• Category: Secluded Beach & Isthmus
• About the Place: A peaceful coastal spot featuring a unique tombolo land bridge connecting the mainland to a rocky island during low tide, surrounded by blue waters.
• Travel Instructions: Take a short tuk-tuk drive off the main coastal road between Dikwella and Tangalle.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Pigeon Rock & Nilwella Beach

50. Kandy Lake & Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

• Location: Kandy, Central Province
• Best Time to Visit: January to April
• Category: Urban Lake & Forest Reserve
• About the Place: An artificial lake constructed in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe at Kandy's heart, backed by a historic forest reserve rich in giant lianas and wildlife.
• Travel Instructions: Walk directly from Kandy town center around the perimeter path of Kandy Lake.
• Explore More: Read our full guide to Kandy Lake & Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Featured Image

Sigiriya Rock Fortress