Knuckles
Known as Mini World’s End, the Knuckles Mountain Range lies in central Sri Lanka, in the Districts of Matale and Kandy. The range takes its name from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif which resemble the knuckles of clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District.
Horton Plains
Horton Plains National Park is a national park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka that was designated in 1988. It is located at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 m and encompasses montane grassland and cloud forest. It is rich in biodiversity and many species found here are endemic to the region
Kitulgala
Kitulgala is a tiny town in Sri Lanka’s west coast. The Bridge on the River Kwai, which won an Academy Award, was filmed on the Kelani River in Kitulgala, albeit only the concrete foundations for the bridge exist today.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is a city in central Sri Lanka’s tea country highlands. Roses and tree ferns abound in the organically landscaped Hakgala Botanical Gardens, which also serve as a haven for monkeys and blue magpies. A beautiful Hindu shrine nearby, Seetha Amman Temple, is ornamented with holy images. Galway’s Land National Park, which is densely wooded, is a haven for indigenous and migratory bird species such as bulbuls and flycatchers.
Ella
In the Sri Lankan hills, there’s a lot more than tea brewing. Ella has a lot going on beneath its sea of canopies, despite its secluded location in the southern Hill Country. Lounge-style cafés offering cappuccino and even a restaurant plate up fish and chips bridge the gap between solitude and society – no wonder the town is dubbed locally as ‘Little England.’
Ramayana Yathra
This tour compels over the scenic route that is associated with the great legend of Ramayana, involving the Sri Lanka Chola King, Ravana. In Sri Lanka, widely identified as Valmiki’s mythical Lanka, the epic poem of Ramayana has begun to invoke faith of millions of people on the island and beyond. Parts of the island are steeped in the Ramayana – it lives on in people’s beliefs, their religious practices, and the landscape itself.
Mahiyanganaya
Mahiyanganaya is a town situated close to the Mahaweli River in Badulla District, Uva Province of Sri Lanka. It is said that Gautama Buddha visited Mahiyanganaya on the Duruthu full moon poya day in order to settle a dispute that arose between Yakkas and Nagas and this was his first-ever visit to Sri Lanka.
Ritigala
Ritigala is a mountain in central Sri Lanka that is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to the 1st century BC. It is located 43 km (27miles) away from the ancient monastic city of Anuradhapura.
Kataragama
Kataragama is a pilgrimage town in Sri Lanka that is significant to Buddhists, Hindus, and the indigenous Vedda people. South Indians also visit the temple to pray. The Kataragama temple, a shrine dedicated to Skanda Kumara, also known as Kataragama deviyo, is located in the town.
Adam’s Peak
In the middle of Sri Lanka stands a holy mountain: Adam’s Peak. On this mountain all religions seem to come together: according to Christians and Muslims this is the place where Adam took his first step on earth, the Buddhists believe Buddha’s first footstep was set here and for the Hindus, it was Shiva who stepped via this peak on earth.
Sigiriya
The towering rock outcrop of Sigiriya, rising from the lush and mysterious tropical forest cover of Sri Lanka’s central plains, is definitely a beautiful sight to see. The sheer-sided outcrop of reddish gneiss towering 200 meters above the surrounding plains is one of the most spectacular natural sights. Take one of our top Sigiriya tours and discover the unique site with a visit to the historic palace, fortress, and more for those wanting a deep insight into Sri Lanka’s cultural core.
Dambulla
A town where history blends with herbal splendour. Take a break out of your stressful existence for a few days and cross live in a world that makes you privy to how terrific lifestyles can be. One of the pleasant points of interest in Dambulla is the Cave Temple. Dambulla Cave Temple is likewise referred to as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. It’s by far the largest and the best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. It’s miles of marvellous Buddha pictures and wonderful Rock paintings of vibrant colours and shapes.
Polonnaruwa
Today, the old city of Polonnaruwa is one of the finest designed archeological relic sites in the country, bearing witness to the kingdom’s initial kings’ discipline and glory. Some of the best collections of Buddhist sculpture may be seen in Polonnaruwa’s Galvihara (Rock Monastery).
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka’s historic capitals, notable for its well-preserved remnants of ancient civilisation. There are eight major sites of devotion called Athamasthana in this hallowed city. They are Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiriya, Jetavanaramaya, Mirisawatiya and Lankaramaya. There are several ruins in the Anuradhapura area, consisting of three types of structures: dagobas, basic structures, and pokunas (bathing-tanks). The dagobas are stone worked bell-shaped masses.
Kandy
Kandy is surrounded by mountains and stands on the banks of the Mahaweli, the island’s largest river. As Sri Lanka’s hill capital, it is a city of proud people since it was the final stronghold of Sinhala Royalty until the British seized the town in 1815. It also has Buddhism’s pinnacle of worship, the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, which is housed in the Dalada Maligawa, making it the island’s center of religion and culture.
Bundala
Bundala National Park in Sri Lanka is an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds. Bundala is home to 197 bird species, the most notable of which is the greater flamingo, which migrates in large flocks. Bundala was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and was renamed a national park on January 4, 1993. Bundala was the first wetland in Sri Lanka to be designated as a Ramsar site in 1991. UNESCO designated the national park as a biosphere reserve in 2005, making it Sri Lanka’s fourth biosphere reserve.
Wilpattu
Wilpattu sanctuary was declared as a national park in 1938, Wilpattu National Park is located on the west coast close to the historical city of Anuradhapura . The dry zone jungle is thickly grown. Wilpattu National Park is home to many villus, or natural lakes that dot the landscape. These lakes, with the exception of two, contain rainwater and are thus important for both resident and migratory waterbirds
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (PEO), as the name suggests, has a unique approach to ex-situ animal care. Its success and fame have spread not only within the country, but also around the world, to the point where Pinnawala has become synonymous with the Sri Lankan Elephant. On February 16, 1975, the late Hon. Minister Kalugalle realised the concept, which is now home to 93 elephants. Pinnawala was a very remote area at the time, with lush coconut plantations and, most importantly, a plentiful supply of mahouts. The elephants’ need for water is also
supplemented by the availability of “Ma oya” running nearby.
Kumana National Park
Kumana National Park in Sri Lanka is renowned for its avifauna, particularly its large flocks of migratory waterfowl and wading birds. The park is 391 kilometres southeast of Colombo on Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast. Kumana is contiguous with Yala National Park.
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park, located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s popular cultural triangle, is best known for its incredible elephant migration, which is one of Asia’s best wildlife experiences. During the dry months of June to September, up to 300 elephants congregate in the Minneriya National Park around the ancient Minneriya water tank (which dates back to the third century AD), taking advantage of the receding waters that serve as an important water source.
Wasgamuwa National Park
Wasgamuwa National Park is a natural park in Sri Lanka situated in the Matale and Polonnaruwa Districts. It was declared to protect and to make a refuge for the displaced wild animals during the Mahaweli Development Project in 1984 and is one of the four national parks designated under the Project.
Yala National Park
Yala is mainly popular for Yala National Park. The park is the most visited and is also the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Yala is located on the south-east coast of Sri Lanka and extends over two provinces of Hambantota district of southern province and Monaragala district in Uva province. It consists of five blocks, and is host to several ancient civilizations namely Sithulpahuwa and Magul Vihara.
Sinharaja National Park
Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a forest reserve and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park is a national park in Sri Lanka that lies on the border of the provinces of Sabaragamuwa and Uva. The park was established to provide a safe haven for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River, as well as to protect the reservoir’s catchment area.
Passikudah
Passikudah is a lovely fishing hamlet on Sri Lanka’s east coast, surrounded by lagoons. With the advent of several contemporary hotels, it is becoming a major tourist destination. The bay is good for windsurfing, while the gentle, sandy beach is ideal for sunbathing.
Nilaveli
Nilaveli Beach is only a few kilometres from the city of Trincomalee. This small town is ideal for those looking for a relaxing beachside vacation in Sri Lanka. You can also visit Pigeon Island while you’re there. Pigeon Island, contrary to its name, is not about birds. This small island off the coast of Nilaveli Beach is actually a national park in Sri Lanka.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is a serene palm-rimmed village of simple restaurants and cabanas set in the untouched southeast coast, located in the dry zone part of the island. It is often referred to as a surfer’s paradise and has some of the cheapest holiday resorts in Sri Lanka. It is a great place to unwind, eat seafood and enjoy a mellow party scene. At any time of year the surrounding region offers some superb opportunities for viewing birdlife, leopards, crocodiles and elephants as it is just a few kilometres away from Yala National Park.
Mirissa
Mirissa is a popular beach destination in southern Sri Lanka and for good reason! The area has it all: beautiful Sri Lankan beaches, excellent surfing waves, and waters teeming with marine life ranging from turtles to large blue whales. Spend your days relaxing in your hammock, eating delicious food from beachside restaurants, and zipping around on your motorbike.
Galle
Galle is a magical place: it’s Sri Lanka’s best-preserved colonial town and an intriguing slice of time-warped island history. Massive coral bastions encircle streets of low-slung Dutch homes, while the waves of the Indian Ocean break close beyond. In Galle Fort, a Unesco World Heritage Site, history is omnipresent.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna has a diverse range of wildlife. Clive Byers, an ornithologist, has observed over sixty species of endemic birds in the area, including terns, egrets, herons, sandpipers, and kingfishers, as well as rarer species such as the lesser whistling duck, Asian palm swift, white-breasted waterhen, Loten’s sunbird, and black bittern. These birds are most commonly seen in the remaining marshy area and on Rumassala Hillock.
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is a seaside tourist town in Sri Lanka’s southwest. It’s noted for its strong surf and beaches, especially Hikkaduwa Beach, which is lined with restaurants and cafes and has palm trees. The Hikkaduwa National Park, which is a coral sanctuary and home to marine turtles and rare species, is located in the shallow waters opposite Hikkaduwa Beach. Inland, the Buddhist shrine Gangarama Maha Vihara is embellished with hand-painted murals.
Balapitiya
Balapitiya is easily accessible by road or rail from the provincial capitals of Colombo and Galle, and is conveniently located near a number of exciting attractions in and around our island’s south coast, including sunny beaches of the Indian Ocean, fascinating boat safaris through inland waters, museums that preserve colourful traditional artistry and even the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Galle Fort, among many other activities.
Bentota
Bentota can be your fantasy vacation come true if you want to stretch out under the tropical sun while sipping a delicious King Coconut drink. The rural city concealing the symptoms of city lifestyles is a delight to visitors because the area still possesses staggering greenery, giving the seaside the air of untouched paradise. Despite being strewn with restaurants and resorts, you may find that it does not detract from the scenery. The traveller, who is well-versed in tourists’ habits, is able to enjoy the magnificent sunsets in complete peace.
Negombo
Picturesque Negombo’s appeal stems primarily from its proximity to the international airport, which is only 10 kilometres away; many visitors arrive from long-haul flights and stroll to one of the region’s beach hotels, or stay here as their final stop before returning home. Negombo’s activities and attractions have made it an ideal destination for family holidays and honeymoons in Sri Lanka.