A coastal city in Sri Lanka known for its long sandy beaches, centuries-old fishing industry, and vibrant mix of cultures. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in Negombo, including swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, and exploring the local markets.
What you can do in Negombo:
Visit Negombo Beach: This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Negombo. The beach is long and sandy, and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Explore the Negombo Fish Market: This is a lively market where you can see fishermen unloading their catch and buying fresh seafood.
Visit the St. Mary’s Church: This is a beautiful Portuguese-built church that is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka.
A coastal town in Sri Lanka known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and surfing. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in Hikkaduwa, including swimming, sunbathing, surfing, snorkelling, diving, and exploring the local villages.
Go surfing: Hikkaduwa is a world-renowned surfing destination, and there are plenty of places to rent surfboards and take lessons.
Snorkel or dive: The coral reefs off Hikkaduwa are home to a variety of colourful fish and marine life
Known for its beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and laid-back atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in Unawatuna, including swimming, sunbathing, surfing, snorkelling, diving, and exploring the local villages.
Here are some of the things you can do in Unawatuna:
Visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda: This is a beautiful pagoda that was built in the 1980s. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Visit Unawatuna Beach: This is the most popular tourist attraction in Unawatuna. The beach is long and sandy, and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Go surfing: Unawatuna is a popular surfing destination, and there are plenty of places to rent surfboards and take lessons.
Snorkel or dive: The coral reefs off Unawatuna are home to a variety of colourful fish and marine life.
Known for its well-preserved 16th-century Dutch fortifications. These fortifications, which surround the Old Town, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets lined with Dutch-era buildings, including the Galle Fort Lighthouse, the Dutch Reformed Church, and the National Maritime Museum. There are also many shops, cafes, and restaurants in the Old Town.
Outside the Old Town. There are several beaches, including Galle Beach, Unawatuna Beach, and Mirissa Beach.
These beaches are popular for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and other water sports. Galle is also a good base for exploring the surrounding areas.
Here are some of the things you can do in Galle:
Visit the Galle Fort: This is the most popular tourist attraction in Galle. The fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
Explore the Old Town: The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets lined with Dutch-era buildings. There are many shops, cafes, and restaurants in the Old Town, and it’s a great place to wander around and get lost.
Visit the National Maritime Museum: This museum is located in the Old Town, and it tells the story of Sri Lanka’s maritime history
Go surfing: The beaches around Galle are popular for surfing. Many surf schools in the area offer lessons for all levels.
Snorkel or dive: The waters around Galle are home to a variety of coral reefs and marine life. There are many snorkelling and diving tours available.
Mirissa is a beach town in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province, located about 150 kilometres south of Colombo. It is known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and whale-watching opportunities.
Here are some of the things you can do in Mirissa:
Visit Mirissa Beach: This is the most popular tourist attraction in Mirissa. The beach is long and sandy, and it’s a great place to swim, sunbathe, surf, and go whale watching.
Go whale watching: Mirissa is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to go whale watching. You can see blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins.
Visit the Secret Beach: This is a small beach located just south of Mirissa Beach. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace.
Take a surfing lesson: Mirissa is a popular surfing destination. Many surf schools in the area offer lessons for all levels.
Go snorkelling or diving: The waters off Mirissa are home to a variety of coral reefs and marine life. There are many snorkelling and diving tours available.
Visit a Turtle Hatchery: This hatchery is located just south of Mirissa Beach. It’s a great place to learn about sea turtles and see baby turtles being released into the ocean.
A small town on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and world-class surfing. It is a popular destination for backpackers and surfers from all over the world.
Here are some of the things you can do in Arugam Bay:
Surf: Arugam Bay is one of the best surfing spots in the world. The waves are known for being consistent and challenging, making it a great place to improve your surfing skills.
Go on a safari: The Arugam Bay area is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and crocodiles. You can go on a safari to see these animals in their natural habitat.
Take a cooking class: Sri Lankan cuisine is some of the best in the world. Take a cooking class to learn how to make some of the most popular dishes.
Nilaveli is a small town on the east coast of Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and proximity to the Pigeon Island National Park. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Things to do in Nilaveli;
Visit Nilaveli Beach: This is the most popular tourist attraction in Nilaveli. The beach is long and sandy, and it’s a great place to swim, sunbathe, surf, and go snorkelling or diving.
Visit Pigeon Island: This island is located just off the coast of Nilaveli, and it’s home to a variety of coral reefs and marine life. You can go snorkelling or diving on the island to see the fish and coral.
Go snorkelling or diving: The waters off Nilaveli are home to a variety of coral reefs and marine life. There are many snorkelling and diving tours available.
Take a boat trip to Pigeon Island: This is a great way to see the park and its wildlife up close. You can also go snorkelling or diving on the trip.
Pasikudah is a beach town in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, located about 35 kilometres northwest of Batticaloa. It is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Pasikudah is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
Visit Bone Island: This is a small island located just off the coast of Pasikudah. It’s a great place to go for a swim, snorkel, or dive.
Go snorkelling or diving: The waters off Pasikudah are home to a variety of coral reefs and marine life. You can go snorkelling or diving in the area to see the fish and coral.
Visit the Somawathiya temple and National Park: This national park is located about 20 kilometres from Pasikuda.
It’s home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, monkeys, and birds. You will also be able to see one of the secret temples in Sri Lanka.
Kalpitiya is a coastal town in Sri Lanka that is known for its beautiful beaches, lagoons, and mangroves. It is a popular destination for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and other water sports.
What you can do in Kalpitiya
Kitesurfing: Kalpitiya is one of the best kitesurfing destinations in the world. The winds are known for being consistent and strong, making it a great place to learn to kitesurf or improve your skills. There are several kitesurfing schools in the area that offer lessons for all levels of experience.
Windsurfing: Kalpitiya is also a great place for windsurfing. The winds are not as strong as they are for kitesurfing, but they are still consistent and make for good windsurfing conditions.
Snorkeling and diving: Kalpitiya is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in Sri Lanka. You can see a variety of marine life, including turtles, fish, and coral reefs.
Koggala is a small town in Sri Lanka that is known for its beautiful beaches, lagoons, and backwaters. It is a popular destination for those who want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.
Things to do in Koggala
Relax on the beach: Koggala has some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. Spend your days swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the coastline
Go on a boat trip: There are several boat trips that you can take from Koggala. You can go on a backwaters tour, a fishing trip, or a sunset cruise.
Visit the Koggala Lake: The Koggala Lake is a beautiful lagoon that is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife. You can go on a boat trip on the lake or just relax on the shore.
Visit the Madol Duwa: Madol Duwa is an ancient temple island that is located in the Koggala Lake. You can take a boat to the island and explore the ruins of the temple.
A resort town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast known for its long sandy beaches, lush green hills, and calm Bentota River. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in Bentota, including swimming, sunbathing, water sports, river safaris, and exploring the local villages.
Here are some of the things you can do in Bentota:
Visit Bentota Beach: This is the most popular tourist attraction in Bentota. The beach is long and sandy, and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Take a Bentota River Safari: This is a great way to see the mangrove forests and wildlife of the Bentota River.
Visit the Bentota Turtle Hatchery: This is a hatchery where you can see baby turtles being released into the ocean
A resort town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast known for its long sandy beaches, lush green hills, and calm Bentota River. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in Bentota, including swimming, sunbathing, water sports, river safaris, and exploring the local villages.
Here are some of the things you can do in Bentota:
Visit Bentota Beach: This is the most popular tourist attraction in Bentota. The beach is long and sandy, and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Take a Bentota River Safari: This is a great way to see the mangrove forests and wildlife of the Bentota River.
Visit the Bentota Turtle Hatchery: This is a hatchery where you can see baby turtles being released into the ocean.
If you’re looking for an exciting and fun adventure, Sinharaja is the perfect place for you. You can go on a hike through the rainforest, go white-water rafting on the Kalu Ganga River, or just relax and enjoy the peace in the forest.
Yala National Park is a popular safari destination in Sri Lanka. It’s home to a variety of animals, including elephants, leopards, and bears. You can go on game drives, go bird watching, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Here are some of the things you can do in Yala National Park:
Go on a game drive: This is the best way to see the wildlife in the park. You’ll drive through the park in an open-top jeep and spot animals such as elephants, leopards, and bears.
Go bird-watching: Yala is a great place for bird-watching, and you can spot over 200 species of birds in the park. There are several bird-watching hides located throughout the park.
Wasgamuwa National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka. It’s home to a variety of animals, including elephants, water buffaloes, and crocodiles. You can go on game drives, go bird watching, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Minneriya National Park is a popular safari destination in Sri Lanka. It’s home to a large number of elephants, as well as water buffaloes, crocodiles, and over 220 species of birds. You can go on game drives, go bird watching, or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Kumana National Park is a wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka, home to a diverse range of animals, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and over 200 species of birds. Whether you’re looking for an exciting safari adventure or a more relaxing nature experience, Kumana has something to offer everyone.
Udawalawe National Park is a wildlife lover’s paradise! Located in the Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka, this park was created to provide a sanctuary for animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir. Today, it’s home to over 500 elephants, making it one of the best places in the world to see these majestic creatures.
Nuwara Eliya is a hill station in Sri Lanka that is known for its cool climate, tea plantations, and colonial-era architecture. Visitors can hike to Horton Plains National Park, visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Nuwara Eliya is a must-visit for anyone interested in nature, relaxation, and history.
Kithulgala is a small town in Sri Lanka that is known for its white water rafting. The town is located on the Kelani River, which is a popular destination for white water rafting enthusiasts. Visitors can also go hiking, camping, and bird watching in the surrounding area. Kithulgala is a great place to visit for anyone looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
Adam’s Peak is a 2,243-metre-tall conical mountain in Sri Lanka that is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims. The mountain is known for the “Sri Pada” (Sinhala for “sacred footprint”), a 1.8-meter-long rock formation near the summit that is believed to be the footprint of the Buddha, Adam, or Shiva. Visitors can hike to the summit of Adam’s Peak during the pilgrimage season, which runs from December to April.
-Ella is a charming hill station in Sri Lanka that is known for its beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and tea plantations. Visitors can hike to Little Adam’s Peak, visit the Nine Arch Bridge, and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Ella is a must-visit for anyone interested in nature and relaxation.
Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka for over 1,000 years, and it’s one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. The city is home to a number of ancient temples, including the Ruwanwelisaya, the Jetavana Monastery, and the Maha Bodhi. Anuradhapura is also known for its beautiful water reservoirs, which were built to provide water for the city’s inhabitants.
Polonnaruwa was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th centuries, and it is one of the most important archaeological sites in the country. The city is home to a number of ancient temples, including the Gal Vihara, the Lankatilaka Temple, and the Ruvanvelisaya. Polonnaruwa is also known for its beautiful water gardens, which were built to provide water for the city’s inhabitants.
Dambulla is a small town in Sri Lanka that is home to the Dambulla Golden Cave Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The caves are home to a number of Buddhist statues and paintings, including a reclining Buddha statue that is over 15 metres long. The Dambulla Cave Temples are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, and they are a must-visit for anyone interested in Buddhist history and culture.
Sigiriya is a 5th-century rock fortress in Sri Lanka that is known for its unique architecture and panoramic views. The fortress is located on a large rock that is over 200 metres high and shaped like a lion. Visitors can hike to the top of the rock and explore the ruins of the palace, gardens, and water reservoirs. Sigiriya is a must-visit for anyone interested in Sri Lankan history and culture.
Kataragama is a town in Sri Lanka that is known for its Hindu pilgrimage site. The site is dedicated to the god Skanda, and it is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in the country. Visitors can bathe in the sacred waters of the Mahaweli River, visit the temples, and participate in the annual Kataragama festival. Kataragama is a must-visit for anyone interested in Hindu culture and tradition.
Jaffna is a city in northern Sri Lanka that is the capital of the Northern Province. It is a major cultural and religious center for the Tamil people of Sri Lanka.
Things to do in Jaffna
Visit the Jaffna Fort: The Jaffna Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It is one of the most impressive forts in Sri Lanka.
Explore the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple: The Nallur Kandaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple that is dedicated to the god Vishnu. It is one of the most important temples in Sri Lanka for the Tamil people.
Visit the Jaffna Museum: The Jaffna Museum is home to a collection of artifacts that showcase the history and culture of the Jaffna peninsula. You can see everything from ancient statues to Buddhist relics to traditional clothing.
Take a walk through the Old Town: The Old Town of Jaffna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a number of historical buildings, including the Jaffna Fort and the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple.
Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and the most populous city in the country. It is a major commercial and financial center, and is home to a diverse population of people from all over Sri Lanka.
Things to do in Colombo
Visit the Galle Face Green: The Galle Face Green is a beautiful waterfront park that is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. You can relax on the lawn, go for a walk, or watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Explore the Pettah Market: The Pettah Market is a bustling marketplace where you can find everything from souvenirs to spices to fresh produce. It is a great place to experience the local culture and to haggle for a good price.
Visit the National Museum of Colombo: The National Museum of Colombo is home to a collection of artifacts that showcase the history and culture of Sri Lanka. You can see everything from ancient statues to Buddhist relics to traditional clothing.
Take a walk through the Old Town: The Old Town of Colombo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to a number of historical buildings, including the Dutch Fort and the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque.
Enjoy the food: Colombo is a foodie paradise, and you can find restaurants serving everything from Sri Lankan cuisine to international fare. Be sure to try some of the local dishes, such as kottu roti and string hoppers.
Kandy is a city in central Sri Lanka, and it’s one of the most important cultural centres in the country. The city is home to the Temple of the Tooth, which houses a sacred tooth of the Buddha. Kandy is also known for its beautiful scenery, including Kandy Lake and the Knuckles Mountain Range.