Planning a tropical holiday to Sri Lanka? This stunning island offers an incredible amount of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It is the perfect destination for tourists hoping to make memories whether travelling solo or as part of a group.
Of all the beautiful sights and experiences that this country has to offer, there are a few must-visit spots in Sri Lanka for travellers. Below we share three places you should explore on your next trip to Sri Lanka.
Must-visit spots in Sri Lanka
1. Sigiriya Fortress
Known by locals as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, this magnificent, ancient rock fortress is a sight not to be missed by those travelling in the Matale district. Built by King Kashyapa around 477 AD, the archeological site stands tall at 180 metres, supported by a large column of granite and surrounded by lush green jungle for miles around.
If you choose to head to Sigiriya on your trip to Sri Lanka, it’s best to ensure that you do so during the dry season of December to April. Most tourists opt to visit the fortress in March, when there’s high visibility and weather conditions in the area are stable.
2. Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe is one of the most popular national parks in Sri Lanka, and for good reason. As it’s only 31,000 hectares in size, it’s generally considered one of the smaller parks in the country. That means if you choose to take a safari here, you’re much more likely to encounter lots of fascinating wildlife.
Tourists generally head to the park to see its estimated 600 wild elephants, although it’s home to plenty of other animals too. Crocodiles, sloths, monkeys and leopards all take sanctuary in the park. As well as over 150 species of exotic birds.
If you plan on visiting Udawalawe, you’ll want to book a tour guide – this is the best way to see the park in its full glory. You can be assured it will be a truly authentic experience. Don’t forget to avoid the monsoon season from May to October, for ease of travel around the park.
3. Mirissa Beach
There’s nothing quite like kicking back by the coast after a long day of exploring, and for this, Mirissa Beach is the perfect pick. With its gorgeous white sand and crystal clear water, this tropical paradise is a relaxing place to wind down and enjoy a couple of cocktails, or spot dolphins from the shore.
While most travellers find that the gorgeous, exotic beach views offer plenty to keep their minds from wandering, there are still plenty of fun activities to try and places to visit should you find it tough to while away the time in one place.
Why Sri Lanka?
While a visit to just one of these three places is reason enough to visit Sri Lanka, there is plenty more that the country has to offer tourists. Whether you’re after lots of adventure or a more laid-back trip, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. Your itinerary can be easily adapted to suit your dream holiday vision.
For more ideas for must-visit spots in Sri Lanka check out the other blogs on our website.
