Explore Sri Lanka! Start by relaxing on the beaches of Negombo Lagoon and Browns Beach. Then, visit ancient sites like Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Pidurangala Rock. Experience nature at Pitawala Pathana. Enjoy peaceful moments at Sembuwatta Lake and the excitement of Ella’s Nine Arches Bridge and Ravana Ella Waterfall. Don’t miss seeing blue whales in Mirissa and diving in Hikkaduwa. Wrap up your trip in Colombo, checking out places like the Independence Memorial Hall and Gangaramaya Temple. It’s an amazing mix of history, nature, and fun!
Overview
Negombo Lagoon & Browns Beach
Negombo’s top attractions include the serene Negombo Lagoon, a haven for migratory birds, and the upscale Browns Beach. This beach features golden sands and the luxurious Browns Beach Resort, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and indulgent coastal retreats with its pampering amenities.
Dambulla Cave Temple
The Dambulla Cave Temple, an ancient UNESCO-listed Buddhist cave complex in central Sri Lanka, is a marvel of religious art and architecture. It features five caves carved into a massive rock, containing over 150 Buddha statues and 2,000-year-old murals. Visitors climb 200 steps to explore these sacred caves, making it an iconic cultural attraction best visited in the late afternoon.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s iconic 5th-century rock fortress, boasts the ingenious ruins of an ancient palace perched atop a towering 200-meter rock. It features elaborate gardens, frescoes, and the dramatic Lion Gate entrance carved into the sheer cliff face.
Pidurangala Rock
Pidurangala Rock, a 200-meter tall formation near Sigiriya, offers a scenic hiking trail leading to a panoramic summit with stunning views of the iconic Lion Rock and the surrounding landscapes.
Pitawala Pathana
Pitawala Pathana, a unique grassland area, and the village of Riverston, which serves as the gateway, provide unmatched opportunities to explore the natural beauty and hiking trails of Sri Lanka’s Knuckles Conservation Forest.
Wedda Peni Ella Waterfall
Wedda Peni Ella is a small but enchanting waterfall nestled in the lush jungles of Matale, Sri Lanka. It offers visitors a serene escape to enjoy its refreshing beauty and tranquil surroundings.
Sera Ella Waterfall
Sera Ella Waterfall is a beautiful double cascade hidden in Sri Lanka’s central jungles, providing adventurous eco-tourists with a secluded natural paradise featuring plunging waters and lush scenery.
Sembuwatta Lake
Surrounded by lush tea plantations and forests in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, the scenic man-made Sembuwatta Lake offers a serene, offbeat escape for boating, hiking, and overnight stays amidst breathtaking mountain scenery.
Nine Arch Bridge
The Nine Arch Bridge is a famous 19th-century arched viaduct in Ella, Sri Lanka, attracting visitors with its architectural ingenuity and scenic location amidst lush hills and tea plantations.
Ravana Ziplining & ATV Rides
Flying Ravana in Ella, Sri Lanka, provides thrilling zipline and ATV adventures amidst breathtaking natural scenery, making it a top attraction for adrenaline junkies.
Ravana Ella Waterfall
The iconic 25-meter Ravana Ella Waterfall in Sri Lanka’s scenic Ella region is known for its unique appearance, lush surroundings, and mythological significance from the Ramayana. It offers visitors a top natural attraction combining beauty, legend, and adventure, with opportunities for swimming.
Whale Watching, Mirissa
Mirissa, a coastal town in southern Sri Lanka, offers unparalleled opportunities to witness the majestic blue whale and other whale species in their natural habitat through responsible whale-watching tours from December to April.
Coconut Tree Hill
Coconut Tree Hill, a popular hilltop covered with photogenic coconut palms, offers stunning ocean views. It is an iconic photography spot and a must-visit attraction in the coastal town of Mirissa, Sri Lanka.
Parrot Rock
Parrot Rock, a tiny islet just off Mirissa Beach, provides stunning elevated panoramic views, making it one of the most scenic and photographed attractions along Sri Lanka’s famous southern coastline.
Scuba Diving in Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka, is a renowned scuba diving hotspot boasting vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and excellent diving conditions from November to April. It attracts divers of all levels with its clear waters, affordable dive packages, and unforgettable underwater experiences.
Sea Turtle Hatchery & Rescue Center
The Sea Turtle Hatchery & Rescue Center in Hikkaduwa offers an immersive eco-tourism experience focused on protecting endangered sea turtle species. It features rehabilitation, safe hatching programs, and educational activities that allow visitors to observe nesting processes and release hatchlings into the ocean.
Gangaramaya Temple
Gangaramaya is a famous Buddhist temple complex in Colombo, Sri Lanka, renowned for its unique architectural styles, massive Buddha statue, museum with an extensive artifact collection, and educational facilities.
Independence Memorial
The Independence Memorial Hall is an iconic open-air pavilion in Colombo celebrating Sri Lankan independence with ornate architecture, statues, a museum, and serene green spaces.
One Galle Face Mall
One Galle Face Mall, Sri Lanka’s largest mall, spans 490,000 square meters over seven floors. It hosts over 300 retail outlets including luxury brands, a cinema, rooftop dining, and entertainment – a complete leisure destination in Colombo.
Colombo City Center Mall
Colombo City Center Mall (Crescat Boulevard) is a two-story shopping hub in Kollupitiya. Its three floors offer a supermarket, food court, and retail stores for clothes, providing a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience.