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TAILOR MADE

Sri Lanka Tourist Attractions
Sri Lanka Tourist Attractions Map
Marco Polo described this as the finest island of its size in the world. Only here can you gaze on palm-fringed beaches and a lapping Indian Ocean, then tropical grasslands and soaring mountain peaks, all within a few hours’ of travel. Ruins of ancient kingdoms across the land give insight into a sophisticated ancient society and 2,500 years of heritage. Sri Lanka today thrives through its deeprooted traditions & a personality that draws so many back time and again.

Those travelling from the USA, Europe, the Middle East, South East, Asia and the Far East can catch a Connecting flight to Colombo from many of the main Cities in Europe, the Middle East or South East Asia.

Barter for a 3-wheeler or
take set price taxis for longer journeys. Soak in the spectacular scenery of a train journey. Buses are also cheap and regular. Roads seem chaotic chauffeur-driven cars run at similar cost to independent car hire, and are probably safer. Bicycle hire is only really suitable for the quieter roads.

The majority of passport holders, including UK, Ireland, United States, Germany, Poland, France, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden and India, can holiday in Sri Lanka as tourists for up to 30 days.

Sri Lanka’s tropical climate generally offers warmth and sunshine throughout the year. Figures vary widely from region to region – as the rainfall map shows. The south-west monsoon (Yala) brings most rain during May/June. The north-east monsoon (Maha) brings rain between December and February. There are also inter-monsoon rains, usually in October/early November.

Colombo

Colombo is a throwback. There has been a limited sense of the dash for development that characterizes most capital cities in south-east Asia and the result is a compact city retaining an atmosphere all of its own. Colombo can be mildly chaotic at times, but it is always manageable and never overpowering, and many quickly learn to view it fondly. You need only spend a couple of days here to discover its charms. Its best hotels and restaurants can offer spectacular value for a capital city. Old ancestral mansions stand side-by-side with the ritzy condominiums that are springing up into the skyline. While some roads are clogged with vehicles, there remain many sleepy tree-lined boulevards. Colombo has at its heart a relaxed and genial air.

DON'T MISS

  • Dining at The Gallery Café
  • The buzz of Pettah bazaar
  • Colonial-period churches in the Fort
  • Shopping & dining in the Dutch Hospital shopping arcade
  • The city’s temples and Kovils
  • The latest productions at Lionel Wendt theatre
  • A stroll down Galle Face Green

The North West

Negombo & Colombo Airport

Close proximity to the international airport ensures that the long sandy beaches of the Negombo coast have become one of the most popular beach resorts on the island. The town is often used as a staging post at the start or end of a Sri Lanka tour, as well as for a convenient beach holiday with minimal travel. But there is more to this North West region than Negombo’s tempting stretch of beach. The landscape is varied and enchanting with tranquil blue lagoons, inland wetlands, and coconut plantations. Sri Lanka’s largest salt-water wetlands – the Muthurajawela marshes are located south of the Negombo lagoon. There are several accommodation options close by to the Airport where you can spend a couple of restful nights before venturing off on your holiday in Sri Lanka.

DON'T MISS

  • Sun-kissed beaches and tranquil waters of Negombo’s lagoon.
  • Negombo’s catamarans with their bellowing sails.
  • Morning fish auction on Negombo beach.
  • Dutch canals and churches.
  • Muthurajawela marshes - home to numerous birds, fish and monitor lizards.

Kalpitiya & Wilpattu

Stretching from Kalpitiya to Puttalam and inland up to Wilpattu National Park, this part of the North West province has a varied and enchanting landscape – tranquil blue lagoons that meet the waters of the Indian Ocean, scattered little islands off the coast, inland wetlands, and Coconut plantations. The lagoons are famous for its harvest of lobsters, crabs and prawns, and a variety of fish. Coral reefs offer much to see for marine enthusiasts with an array of exotic tropical fish, and the deep seas off the Gulf of Mannar in Kalpitiya is home to Dolphins, Whales, stingrays and several species of Marine turtles. North of Puttalam is the Wilpattu National Park providing natural habitats for a variety of ‘big game’ including leopards, elephants, water buffalo and many species of birds.

DON'T MISS

  • Secluded Palm fringed beaches of Kalpitiya.
  • Whales and dolphins in Kalpitiya.
  • Jeep safari into the jungles of Wilpattu in search of the illusive leopard.
  • Rural village life in Aanamaduwa.

Cultural Triangle

The Cultural Triangle has brought Sri Lanka’s history alive in the most enthralling manner for millions of travellers. It covers the north central towns of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla where extensive archaeological ruins provide a glimpse into the island’s past, dating back to the 4th century B.C. It is here that Sri Lanka’s kings developed remarkably advanced civilizations. The extensive archaeological ruins of the Cultural Triangle are now protected as World Heritage sites. The central plains have low rainfall and several hotels are sumptuous enough to provide a holiday in their own right.

DON'T MISS

  • The extensive ruins of the former capitals, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa
  • The climb up the giant rock fortress of Sigirya.
  • Dambulla’s cave paintings and Buddha statues
  • The wooded walk through the ruins of Ritilgala.

Kandy

The hill-country capital of Kandy lies on a plain amidst towering hills and looped by Sri Lanka’s largest river: the Mahaweli. The town’s pleasant temperate climate, its scenic location and its rich history has made it a favourite haunt for trav- ellers. It is also the natural gateway to the stirring peaks of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Now a tiny but bustling city, Kandy still regards itself as the bastion of Buddhist philosophy. During the month of August, Kandy dazzles with the sounds and lights of the Kandy Perehara – a magnificent procession where a sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha is majestically paraded on elephant back along the streets of Kandy.

DON'T MISS

  • A pooja at the Temple of the Tooth in honor of Lord Buddha.
  • The Kandy Perehara, one of the finest cultural festivals in Asia.
  • Roses and orchids in Peradeniya’s Botanical Gardens.
  • Trekking in the magnificent Knuckles mountain range.
  • Round of golf at the Victoria Golf & Country Resort.

Hill Country

Few, if any, small islands have as much geographical diversity and Sri Lanka’s teagrowing hills offer breathtaking landscapes. Drive into the highlands from Kandy and discover Sri Lanka at its most dramatic: a land of gurgling mountain streams and steep hillsides cloaked in luminous green tea, sweet-scented Cyprus and Eucalyptus trees. Nuwara Eliya, nestled at the foot of a mountain, was made into a summer retreat by the British in the early 1800’s and much of its colonial character still remains. Dickoya, Bandarawela, Haputale and Ella are all quaint hill country towns and villages where life is peaceful and unhurried. Those who have travelled this uphill journey by train will confirm that it is one of the most enchanting train journeys in the world.

DON'T MISS

  • Walk through lush green tea plantations, mountainous landscapes and rural villages.
  • Take a train journey to the southern highlands.
  • Stunning vistas – viewed all the way from Haputale to the south coast on a clear day.
  • Night-time climb up the sacred Adam’s Peak.

North East Coast

Sri Lanka’s equivalent of the Maldives, with never-ending white sandy beach- es, coral islands and shimmering blue seas, the North East coast is distinctly different from the coastal areas of the rest of the island. In a long peak season that extends from March to October, bask in the sun on the secluded beaches of Trincomalee and Pasekudah, go snorkeling and discover the magnificent marine life around the coral reefs, or take a whale-watching expedition. It is not all about the sun and surf on the North East Coast. Explore ancient Hindu temples dating back centuries, and the breathtaking views of the Trincomalee harbour – the world’s deepest and largest natural harbour.

DON'T MISS

  • Breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and Trincomalee harbour from Swami Rock.
  • White sandy beaches of Trincomalee and Pasikudah.
  • Ancient Koneswaram Kovil and Fort Fredrick.
  • Whale and dolphin watching expedition into the deep seas.

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay on Sri Lanka’s South East Coast is famously known as one of ten top surf spots in the world. This is Sri Lanka at its most escapist. The relatively isolated beaches and a simple, laid-back lifestyle away from the main tourist haunts, have many devotees. The best time for surfing in Arugam Bay is in July to August when the swells are high and the wave breaks are thrilling. But it is not all about sun and surf and this region of light rainfall is attractive for much of the year. Explore ancient ruins and rock sculptures dating back centuries, as well as untouched wilderness where elephants roam free.

DON'T MISS

  • Surfing in the laid-back beach settlement of Arugam Bay in July and August.
  • Eating spicy Roti and fresh seafood at one of Arugam Bay’s beach-side restaurants.
  • Wild elephants in Lahugala National Park.
  • Jungle trek to the ancient ruins of Kudimbigala.

Tissa & Kataragama

Tissa & Kataragama has two distinct parts. To the north, the region is dominated by the green foothills of the central highlands and to the south it is filled with scrub jungle, paddy fields and sugar-cane plantations. Inland, explore the jungles of Udawalawe where wild elephants roam free. Experience the historic town of Tissa dominated by lotusfilled lakes, lush green paddy fields and giant dome-like temples dating back to the second century BC. The jungle shrine of Kataragama is a sacred pilgrimage site where all religions meet. ancient, colonial and modern influences.

DON'T MISS

  • Tissa’s ancient Dagobas set amidst lush paddy fields.
  • Pooja time at the Hindu shrines at Kataragama.
  • The Elephant Orphanage at Udawalawe.

Yala National Park

Yala, situated in the south east corner of the island, is home to the greatest variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Its varying habitats, consisting of scrub plains, jungles, rocky outcrops, fresh water lakes, rivers and beaches, provides home to many species of animals including sloth bear, herds of elephants, deer, crocodiles and the endangered leopard sub-species, Panthera Pardus Kotiya, which is only found in Sri Lanka.

DON'T MISS

  • The magnificent Yala leopard.
  • Yala’s open plains and abundant wildlife.
  • Herds of wild elephants.
  • The untamed beaches of the Yala coastline.

South Coast

Sri Lanka’s jagged south coast, which defines as a long stretch from Mirissa to Tangalle, consists of delightful coral-protected bays and head-lands and offers a greater diversity of beaches than the west coast. Stunning tropical sandy beaches, rural fishing villages, untouched wilderness and a vibrant cultural heritage makes the southern coastal belt an ideal holiday experience for those wishing to escape the larger tourist centres.

DON'T MISS

  • Surfing in Mirissa.
  • Scuba diving in Dickwella.
  • Whale & dolphin spotting off the coast of Mirissa.
  • Turtle night safari in Rekawa.

Galle Coast

Galle is thriving. The fortified old town is enjoying an artistic-renaissance and the beautiful beaches around it are dotted with luxurious villas and classy boutique hotels. The revival of Galle, in fact, has quietly influenced its coastline, which has regained its confidence and has become a favored retreat for intelligent, independent travelers. Galle’s main attraction is the 17th century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO protected World Heritage site. But Galle is also the gateway to seductive sandy coves and the coastal villages of Unawatuna, Thalpe, Koggala, Habaraduwa and Ahangama.

DON'T MISS

  • Wander along the ramparts of Galle Fort.
  • Visit Galle’s museums, arts and craft shops.
  • Surfing and sunset cocktails at Wijaya Beach.
  • Dawn hot air balloon ride.

West Coast

The west coast is more frequented by holiday makers due to its closer proximity to the island’s capital and the main airport, and offers tropical beaches and mangrove lined lagoons. The sandy beaches are the main attraction in the string of small towns such as Kalutara, Beruwela, Bentota, Ambalangoda, Ahungalla and Hikkadu- wa, but they also share a vibrant cultural heritage including folklore, music and dance as well as architectural influences from the Dutch period. Many temples, kovils, churches and mosques are situated along the coast. Cottage industries such as basket-weaving, mask-carving and antique restoration provide for interesting shopping.

DON'T MISS

  • Water skiing in Bentota.
  • Dancing the night away in Hikkaduwa.
  • Stroll through Bevis Bawa’s Brief gardens.
  • Kosgoda’s marine turtles.

Kitulgala & Ratnapura

The towns of Kitulgala and Ratnapura are situated in the western Foothills, sandwiched between the west coast and the central highlands. This is an area of rolling hills, tropical rain forests and winding-rivers. The sleepy riverside village of Kitulgala owes its popularity to the Kelani River which offers exciting Grade 3 and 4 rapids for rafting. The breath-taking scenery here was used for the filming of David Lean’s Oscar-winning classic “The Bridge over the River Kwai”. Ratnapura, the ‘city of gems’, is home to a long-established gem industry. The magnificent Sinharaja rain forest and the sacred Adam’s Peak can also be accessed from here.

DON'T MISS

  • White-water-rafting on Kelani River.
  • Trekking in Sinharaja’s tropical rainforest.
  • Visiting gem mines in Ratnapura.
  • A magical night-time climb up the sacred Adam's Peak.