6 great sights to see in Sri Lanka

Endless beaches to eat, drink and laze around on; ancient temples; waterfall chasing in the Hill Country – Sri Lanka is all of this and so much more. Once you’re done exploring the capital of Colombo and its outstanding dining scene, hit the island’s surfer-packed beach towns and lush jungles.

The island has so much to offer that it can be difficult to pack it all into one holiday. To ensure you make the most of your vacation, we’ve curated some of the best experiences along with a great selection of hotels in Sri Lanka.

Here’s our traveller’s guide to Sri Lanka, featuring everything from historic forts and wildlife safaris to off-the-radar destinations in the island’s north.

Explore the three-century-old Galle Fort 

Strolling across the ramparts of the three-century-old Galle Fort at sunset is, quite literally, one of the most mesmerising experiences in Sri Lanka. A Unesco World Heritage Site, Galle Fort – with its cobbled pathways leading to churches, mosques, art galleries, museums and gem boutiques – is a vibrant blend of architectural influences.

The southern Sri Lankan town Galle was once a port frequented by Arab traders, which was later ruled by the Portuguese and finally fortified by the Dutch before the British took over in the early 19th century. Most heritage buildings have already been transformed into world-class restaurants and stylish boutique hotels, including the 18-room Fort Bazaar, with a charming courtyard that once served as a fort. Drop by KiXi for Instagram-worthy iced lattes served with teddy bear-shaped ice cubes, and grab arrack-infused cocktails at Charlie’s with sunset views from the terrace.

Hike Lion’s Rock in Sigiriya 

When visiting Sri Lanka, don’t miss Lion’s Rock, an ancient rock fortress built by a Sri Lankan king in the late fifth century. Locals take great pride in this engineering marvel, which was recognised by Unesco in 1982 , and they often refer to it as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

Rising above the verdant jungle in Sigiriya, 178km northeast of Colombo, the castle features a climb to the top that starts at a stairway guarded by two striking lion’s paws carved out of the rock face. When you get to the top, take a moment to admire the impressive apsara (celestial figures) frescoes, ancient palatial structures, and the water gardens with pools, fountains and pavilions which still function today.

After a morning of hiking, check into the stunning Jetwing Vil Uyana, where luxurious cabanas are nestled among rice fields, forests and ponds, with reed and rattan furniture that blend into the rustic surroundings. To continue your adventure, hike the nearby Pidurangala Rock at sunrise the next morning for breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle.

Swim at Sri Lanka’s best beaches in Tangalle

For some sun, sand and sea, head down to Tangalle, a three-hour drive south of Colombo. While there are plenty of beach towns across the island, Tangalle remains quiet with miles of powder-soft shoreline and local life – it’s where fishermen head out at dawn for the day’s catch while farmers gather at the town’s weekly market with fresh vegetables.

Goyambokka Beach, which sits on a wide bay with its swaying coconut trees, is a particular highlight. There are hotels for every budget, but Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle stands out for its lavish accommodation, such as its plunge pool suites that lead to the resort’s secluded beach. Don’t miss the claypot cooking classes with Sri Lankan grandmas at their organic farms and make a reservation at the hotel’s restaurant Il Mare for an excellent Italian dinner.  

Ride the train from Kandy to Ella 

Sri Lanka is home to memorable mountain and railway adventures, and all that begins in Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese monarchy. This is a city that packs history, culture and tradition within every step you take. While you’re there, visit the Sri Dalada Maligawa – a sacred temple that enshrines a tooth relic of the Buddha by a tranquil lake in the city centre – and a stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. Check into the exquisite Cinnamon Citadel in Kandy, which features a spectacular outdoor pool, to relax before making the next leg of your journey.  

Afterwards, ride the train to Ella. While this six-hour ride may seem long at first, the route snakes past rolling tea gardens, rivers, mountain ridges and small train stations flanked with flower beds, which totals an epic rail journey.

The adventure continues at Ella with plenty to see and do: from sunset hiking trails and Instagram-famous railway viaducts like the Nine Arch Bridge to roaring waterfalls. Opt to stay at Nine Skies, which offers intimate, cosy tea plantation bungalows and organises guided treks through the verdant fields.  

Visit the temples and islands in Jaffna

Fifteen years on from the end of the civil war, Jaffna is now a welcoming and vibrant city with a proud tourism scene. Home to a large Tamil community, the city boasts a distinctive culture evident in their flavourful cuisine – have a taste of homemade spicy crab curry lunches served on banana leaves then wash it down with a sweet shot of local toddy (fresh sap from the palmyrah palm flowers).

There’s so much to explore in this city, whether it’s the Nallur Kandaswamy temple with a gilded entrance tower, the 1618-built Jaffna Fort which bore witness to the battles of the war, or the bustling central market with stalls selling local produce like palmyrah palm jaggery. Be sure to traverse the nearby islands too – Nainativu attracts thousands of pilgrims thanks to its famous Hindu and Buddhist temples. Meanwhile, the rugged coastline of Neduntheevu (also known as Delft), passes through coral-fenced local homes and Dutch-era ruins and is perfect for exploring by bike.

Book a luxe room at Jetwing Jaffna when visiting – they offer exceptional Jaffna-style dinners and palmyrah arrack cocktails.

Go on a safari in Yala National Park

Located in the southeast of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park features a dramatic landscape of dunes, rocky outcrops, shrubs and grasslands, all bordering the Indian Ocean. Here, you’ll encounter wildlife in their natural habitats: think majestic tuskers, playful leopard cubs and resting mugger crocodiles.

For the best safari experience, stay at one of the luxury game lodges. Although there are quite a few options, nowhere is as magical as the Wild Coast Tented Lodge with its cocoon-shaped plunge pool villas. Your all-inclusive stays include game drives with a resident ranger, creative cocktails at the bar, evening tea and lantern-lit sundowners by the beach.  

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