Sri Lanka is one of the most overlooked destinations in Asia, but it’s one of our all time favorite places.
There are so many must-visit places in Sri Lanka. Its landscapes, people, and food were some of the most beautiful we have experienced in our backpacking adventure. After spending six weeks there, we realized it wasn’t enough, that we barely scratched the surface of everything this country has to offer. We were amazed at how you can go from a small surf town to being in the middle of the mountains in just a few hours. From tuk-tuks to crazy bus rides, Sri Lanka is sure to offer you a fun ride!
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1. Weligama – Chill at the Beach, Surf, and Spot Whales
Weligama is known for its wide sandy beaches, where many come to spend time in surf camps or take lessons from one of the many shacks on the beach. It’s a great place to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and make new friends. While visiting, make sure to try Kottu at a local spot like Jesmin or a delicious smoothie bowl at Hangten Rooftop.
We spent a few days enjoying this as a home base in the beginning of our journey and returned towards the end for a 10 day experience at an Ayurvedic Spa! It was incredible, so we’ll be sharing all the details on another post.
Things to Do:
- Surf at Weligama Beach
- Take a bus to Galle and explore the Fort
- Visit Mirissa for dolphin and whale watching
- Taste local Sri Lankan dishes by the beach at local restaurants
Tip: Be sure to try the Vegetable Roti and Pol Roti!
2. Ella – Breathtaking Views in the Mountains
Ella is a small town nestled in the mountains, famous for its lush landscapes. We visited this beautiful town to see the famous Nine Arches Bridge and ride the scenic train to Kandy. We also considered hiking to Little Adam’s Peak, where you can catch a really nice sunrise, but we weren’t much into hiking, so we opted out. We visited nearby waterfalls like Ravana and Diyaluma instead.
Note: There are small leeches around town, especially on hikes— so don’t be surprised to find an unexpected passenger on you.
>> See all there is to do in Ella, Here! <<
Things to Do:
- Hike to Little Adam’s Peak for a sunrise view
- Ride the scenic train from Ella to Kandy
- Visit the Nine Arches Bridge
- Swim under Ravana and Diyaluma waterfalls
Note: Be careful when flying drones in this area as there have been wasp attacks as a result.
3. Nuwara Eliya – Tea Country & Waterfalls
Nuwara Eliya is known for its famous tea plantations and green landscapes. It’s one of the main places in Sri Lanka where the world-famous Ceylon tea is produced. We visited Pedro Estate, where they offer a tour of the facility and show the different stages of tea production, followed by a fresh cup of tea at the end.
This was a quick stop, as we were on our way from Ella to Kandy. We recommend adding it as a day trip or spending the night if you are looking for a more relaxing getaway in between your travels.
Things to Do:
- Tour Pedro Estate or another tea plantation
- Visit Lover’s Leap and Bomburu Ella waterfalls
4. Kandy – Dive Into Sri Lanka’s Culture
Kandy is the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, filled with history and traditions. We came here to experience the local customs, like the Kandyan dance, and visit the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth—believed to house one of Buddha’s teeth. We also explored the Old Royal Palace and admired the local architecture and art. One of our favorite spots was the Royal Botanic Gardens, where we spent an afternoon walking among exotic plants.
Things to Do:
- Watch a Kandyan cultural dance show
- Explore the Old Royal Palace
- Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth
- Wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens
Note: Many of the Sri Lanka’s Aryuvedic Spa’s are located in this area.
5. Sigiriya – The Lion Rock Fortress
Sigiriya is a quiet town with a few restaurants and shops. Most travelers come here to visit the iconic Lion Rock, also known as Sigiriya Rock. You can book a tour or go solo and climb the 1,200+ steps to the top, where you’ll find the ruins of an ancient palace. Across from Lion Rock is Pidurangala Rock, which offers one of the best views of Sigiriya (as shown above). Day trips from here include the Dambulla Cave Temple and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. We had the best local food and fruit juices while walking down the main strip!
Note: Many visit this area to see elephants in surrounding parks. Be careful as there have been wild elephants spotted at night.
Things to Do:
- Climb Pidurangala Rock for views of Sigiriya (sunrise views are said to be the best)
- Ascend Sigiriya Rock to explore the ancient palace
- Take a day trip to Dambulla Cave Temple
- Visit the historic city of Polonnaruwa
6. Arugam Bay – Surf and Soak in the Vibes
Arugam Bay is a coastal town loved for its surfing and laid-back vibe. We only spent a few days here, but made the most of it by joining a local “safari” hosted by a local hostel, surfing at Peanut Farm, and exploring the strip packed with great food. This was one of our favorite places in Sri Lanka as we spent most days hanging out on the beach and playing volleyball with locals and fellow travelers.
Note: We had some of the freshest fruits and best coconuts on this part of the island.
Things to Do:
- Surf at Peanut Farm or Whiskey Point
- Relax with coconuts and fruits on the beach
- Enjoy the nightlife and meet fellow travelers
- Take a day trip to Yala National Park
Sri Lanka is a Must for Adventure and Stillness
Whether you want to surf in Weligama, hike in Ella, or relax on a beach in Arugam Bay, these are must-visit places in Sri Lanka.
These are just a few of the places we visited in Sri Lanka, but there is much more to this small yet beautiful country we still want to see.
Want to see wild leopards in the wild? Add a safari at one of the national parks to your itinerary. Yala National Park is the most famous and it’s at the top of our list for the next trip!
Excited for your trip to Sri Lanka? Let us know where you plan to visit @THETRAVELERINUS
Disclaimer: All the information shared is based on our research and experiences. Please note that we are not travel consultants, tour guides, or financial advisors and are not held liable for any misinformation. We give suggestions, but advise each person to do their own research and make the decision that best suits them. This blog posts also contains affiliate links, by using the links we provide you are helping us at no additional cost to you. Photos on this page belong strictly to The Traveler In Us and are not allowed to be saved or used for any reason unless granted permission so by the owners.
