Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Yala National Park that consists of five blocks is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. Though Yala spreads over an area of 1260 square kilometers, only one fifth of the area is open to the visitors. Four-fifths of the park is a strictly designated Natural Reserve. Adjoining the eastern border of the park is Kumana.

Udawalawe National Park lies on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces, in Sri Lanka. The national park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir on the Walawe River, as well as to protect the catchment of the reservoir. Udawalawe is an important habitat for water birds and Sri Lankan elephants. It is a popular tourist destination and the third most visited park in the country.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve meaning ‘Lion Kingdom’ is the best known Rain Forest in the country and has been identified as important biodiversity hotspot. The Park was originally declared a forest reserve in 1875 and due to its international importance it was designated as a Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.

The Telijjawila Snake Farm, originally founded as a nursery for snakes, is a third generation family business committed to conserving these creatures. A 'hands-on' experience at this reptile sanctuary is a highly recommended attraction if you are in Mirissa or Weligama. The snake farm is home to a range of highly venomous and non-venomous local snakes (and the one-off scorpion).

The capital of the southern province is a city with a colourful history. UNESCO declared World Heritage Site the magnificent Dutch fort is the most popular attraction of the town. 300 year old Dutch atmosphere is still very much alive around the fort and amidst its many historical buildings not invaded by the skyscrapers. The beautiful beach of Unawatuna is just 6km south east of the city centre.

Sigiriya also known as the Lion's Rock is a rock fortress and a palace located in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. This ruin is surrounded by gardens, ponds and other structures. Sigiriya was built by King Kassapa and it is included as a World Heritage site. Sigiriya is the best preserved city centre in Asia.

Kandy is one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka and lies in the midst of hills. It is the Capital of the Central Province. It is both an administrative ad religious city. Kandy is very famous among tourist for three main reasons: It is home to the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic Dalada Maligawa ), The Botanical Gardens ( Located in Peradeniya) and it always has a special place when it comes to festivities such as the Esala Perahara.

Only a few hours from Colombo, Nuwara Eliya sits in the hill country in eternal temperate winter and is charmingly called “Little England”, due to it being where British settlers built their holiday bungalows and spent their down time. Here’s the top things to see and do in the area.

“Punchi Sri Pada” is another name for this peak. It is 1141 m in height. Little Adam’s Peak attracts many travelers who come to Sri Lanka. Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak you can consummation a worth panoramic view. You have to walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries.

Polonnaruwa is the Island's 2nd largest kingdom. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned Archeological relic sites in the country, standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. Its beauty and serenity was captured in the Duran Duran music video Save a Prayer in 1982. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The Lankathilaka temple and a colossal statue of the Buddha made from stone is located here.

The Agrabodhi Rajamaha Viharaya at Weligama is an ancient temple which dates back to times of King Devanampiyatissa (250-210 BC). According the Bodhivamsa, the chronicle of the Holy Bodhi Tree, the very first of the Bodhi saplings out of the first thirty two saplings from the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi was planted at this temple grounds during the time of King Devanampiyatissa.

Koggala is a little seaside town, arranged at the edge of a tidal pond on the south shoreline of Sri Lanka, situated in Galle District, Southern Province of Sri Lanka and is represented by a Urban Council. Koggala is limited on one side by a reef, and on the other by an expansive lake, Koggala Lake, into which the various tributaries of the Koggala Oya deplete. It is roughly 139 kilometers (86 mi) south of Colombo and is arranged at a height of 3 meters (9.8 ft) over the sea level.

Anuradhapura was made the first capital of Sri Lanka by King Pandukhabaya in the 4th century.Anuradhapura is a beautiful picturesque town.It is is popular for the ancient ruins and deep rooted Buddhist culture.The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the centre of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.Sri Maha Bodhi is situated in Anuradhapura.It is the oldest tree in the world, to ancient monasteries and ruins of historical importance.

This is a boat journey to visit peigion Island National Park. It is situated 1 Km off the costal of Nilaveli. This National Park Contains some the island was used as a shooting range during the colonial era.

Fall is 109 m high and 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest one in the world. It is situated in Pussella area.

This massive bridge is built entirely of solid rocks, bricks and cement with out using a single piece of steel. The bridge finally commissioned in 1921.