Full of magnificent destinations like waterfalls, woods, temples, monasteries, museums, beaches, tea plantations, national parks, and a lot more, Sri Lanka is an exquisite holiday destination. Excursionists on a large scale swarm to this island nation for enjoying their holiday. If you are also planning to visit this serene place and wish to enjoy a delightful trip to Sri Lanka, here are compiled 20 ideal tourists attracts of this alluring island nation that will surely leave you awe-inspired. Take a look.
Ella Rock is a breathtaking cliff located away from the village of Ella in Sri Lanka. This place is an ensnaring attraction that offers a beautiful view of the entire village. And now, here comes the main point- Ella Rock is a renowned trekking destination in Sri Lanka. To reach the top, you need to put gallant efforts as the trek path isnt easy to conquer the cliff. So turn on your dauntless mode and good luck.
How this exquisite spot could be missed out during an expedition to Sri Lanka. Set along the shoreline of the Indian Ocean, Mirissa Beach is an eminent tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. Its shimmering sands, towering palm trees, and an enchanting ambiance make it a must-visit place. To kill the stress and reinvigorate yourself, wear loose clothes and flip-flops and head towards this alluring beach. Were sure that you will adore walking around here.
People get tranquilized on seeing the white waters cascading down from an enormous height. The same will happen to you when you will visit Ramboda Falls in Sri Lanka. Ramboda Falls are known as the 11th highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka as the thundering waters spill down paving their path from a humongous height of 358 feet. It is surrounded by the tropical forests that are a home to an exotic flora including herbs. And yes, if youre going there with your love-mate, he/she will adore your company at Ramboda Falls (wink).
Spending some time away from noises of the city can be best experienced at Pigeon Island National Park. Located close to the coast of Nilavelli, PINP is a marine national park in Sri Lanka. (Wait. a marine national park with a birds name! relax & read on.) It is a home to a variety of marine creatures like reef shark, Hawksbill turtle, and colorful fishes. And the name Pigeon was given because this place is inhabited a huge number of pigeons.
Blessed with a soulful ambiance, Viharamahadevi Park is a well-known public park in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This park is known as the largest public park in Sri Lanka and is the place that will never cease the excitement level of an individual irrespective the number of times this park is visited. There is a kid-zone, mini zoo, aquarium, and a war memorial in the vicinity of Viharamahadevi Park.
Kandy Lake is another addition in the list of tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. It is an enchanting artificial lake that came into existence in the year 1807 by a Sinhalese king Wickrama Rajasinghe. Initially, this lake was used as a source of irrigation in the nearby paddy fields but now, all activities have been restricted due to its reduced size though, visitors can relish the experience of navigation in Kandy Lake.
This marvelous attraction shares the same name with the holy shrine of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The Golden Temple of Dambulla is an ancient and a popular tourist site in Sri Lanka. It is a cave monastery that was built 22 centuries ago! Can you believe that? This tourist attraction is visited extensively by many and can be identified easily because of the huge golden statue of Buddha. The cave interiors are bedecked by ancient frescoes that depict the Buddhist culture of Sri Lanka.
The sun, sand, and an arresting environment are enough to describe the Hikkaduwa Beach at its best. Hikkaduwa Beach is an ideal destination for spinning unforgettable moments with your partner. Standing amid Sri Lankas beauteous beaches, Hikkaduwa Beach is a famous and must-visit place in Sri Lanka. Here, you can enjoy Sri Lankan delicacies available at beach shacks and can experience the thrill of snorkeling as well.
Beckoned by the lush green hills, Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site located in Sri Lanka. Its history dates back to the 3rd century. This rock cave temple was constructed under the reign of a great Sri Lankan ruler King Devanampiyatissa. He was an ardent devotee of Buddha that introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Inside Aluvihara Temple, you can see the various paintings and miniatures of 3rd century Buddhism that are preserved by the temple authorities.
This is for the history aficionados that are infected with the disease of knowing the history of each place. The National Museum, located in Colombo, is the apt place for you. Calling this place as the pride of island nation wont be wrong. It was built in the year 1877 and is known as Sri Lankas largest museum. The mammoth-sized structure is erected in the Italian style of architecture and houses various manuscripts, books, and documents in different languages.
And its time to take a break. Come to us as we sip a cup of tea together and gain knowledge for the same. Ceylon Tea Museum is an ancient tea museum that was built in the year 1925. This museum is a four storey building that houses the oldest machinery that was used for the production of tea. If you wish to know more about different types of tea then different books are available that offer great knowledge about them. And yes, youll be offered a complimentary cup of tea as well.
Witnessing the untamed creatures of this world is an experience in itself. To explore the wilderness, do not miss to visit Yala National Park. Located in the South-East part of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park calls you for an amazing experience. It is a home for the beasts like elephant, cheetah, panther, spotted deer, and an exotic avifauna including the birds of prey like vulture and hawk. Dont forget to carry your camera while visiting Yala National Park.
Gangaramaya Temple is an iconic Buddhist pilgrimage site located in Sri Lanka that is frequented by people on a large scale. This stunning shrine is more than 100 years old but its astounding architecture and intricately carved sculptures reflect the skillful Sri Lankan architecture. The lavishing interiors of the temple are adorned with miniature paintings and frescoes that explain the stories from Buddhism.
As the name suggests, Independence Memorial Hall was built to commemorate the occasion of Sri Lankan independence from the British rule. The construction for the same was done in the year 1953 and later on, this honorable building served as the Sri Lankan parliament prior the construction of a parliament building. Till date, Independence Memorial Hall is utilized for hosting the Independence Day celebrations in Sri Lanka and for the rest of days, it serves as a gymnasium for the fitness freaks.
Hemmed in the beautiful hills and bestowed with a serene ambiance, Mahiyanganaya Sorabora Lake is a delightful tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. According to the local legends, it is said that this lake was constructed by a giant named Bulatha, on the orders of the King Dutugemunu. At present, this lake acts as an ideal picnic destination due to its scenic surroundings. Spending an evening at Mahiyanganaya Sorabora Lake is indeed heavenly.
Fun time! Let us all head towards Dehiwala Zoo. Formerly known as National Zoological Garden of Sri Lanka, Dehiwala Zoo is a must-see attraction. This zoo was built in the year 1936 with an ambition of providing an ultimate protection to the endangered wildlife species. You can spot tigers, panthers, brown bear, and an extravagant avifauna at Dehiwala Zoo by paying a minimal fee.
Located in the soul soothing green surroundings and ensnaring the visitors till date, the royal palace of Kandy is a tourist attraction that you shouldnt miss. Standing in the Sri Lankan style of architecture, this architectural splendor used to be the residence of Sinhalese king Raja Wickrama Rajsinghe. The astounding interiors of this royal residence speak about the lavish lifestyle led by the former ruler Wickrama Rajsinghe. Not only luxury but theres a lot more that can be explored upon visiting this enticing edifice.
No other place in Sri Lanka can be more picturesque than St. Clairs Falls. Nestled in the garnet green surroundings with a tranquilizing ambiance, St. Clairs Falls are a beguiling attraction found in Sri Lanka. The waters from these falls gush down from a great height and produce a sense calming music. Not only this, you can also spot a distinguished avifauna in the nearby areas. Wouldnt you visit St. Clairs Falls?
When the when waters spill down from a height of 862 feet amidst the forest, the sight is truly breathtaking. To treat your eyes with tranquility and serenity at the same time, you should visit Bambarakanda Falls. As it rests amid the beauteous nature, it is a major tourist attraction and an ideal place for proposing to your love mate.
Last on the list but not the least, this one is for the surfers. Arugam Bay welcomes all zealous surfers to unveil the fun. To get your adrenalin pumped, you should spend a day at Arugam Bay and bring out the surfer from inside. Arugam bay is a frequented tourist-cum-adventure beach in Sri Lanka and excursionists flock to this place extensively. Mark this place on your bucket list as well.
The beautiful land of island nation Sri Lanka serves as a perfect holiday destination. By scrolling past through some promising tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, you must have gained a fair idea about what must-see places should be marked on your bucket list. Happy journey!