- Dickwella
- Polonnaruwa
Sri Lanka sights in the south of the island
Adams Peak
The 2,243-metre-high Adam's Peak, officially called Sri Pada, is located in the southern highlands and is a pilgrimage site for various religions. Christians believe that Adam came to earth here after being expelled from paradise, Buddhists believe that Buddha left his footprint there when he left for paradise and for Hindus it is the place where butterflies come to die. Every day of the year, hundreds of people make a pilgrimage to the top of the mountain at sunrise, climbing a good 5,200 steps in the process.
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa was once a small fishing village about 100 kilometers south of Colombo and is now one of Sri Lanka's largest tourist centers. The beaches are some of the most beautiful in the country and divers, snorkelers and kitesurfers alike will get their money's worth here.
Ella
Ella is picturesquely nestled in the landscape of the central highlands and is extremely popular with tourists. A striking landmark of the town is the rocky outcrop of Ella Rock, which can also be climbed. The town is a good starting point for exploratory tours and hikes.
Nine Arch Bridge
The majestic Nine Arch Bridge railroad bridge is located within walking distance of the mountain village of Ella, which is popular with tourists. It is an architectural masterpiece and one of Sri Lanka's most famous photo motifs.
Hiriketiya Beach
Horton Plains
Horton Plains is a plateau in the highlands not far from Nuwara Eliya. From here, a hiking trail leads to the so-called World's End - where the plateau ends abruptly and a cliff drops almost vertically 825 meters down into the valley. This is particularly mystical and impressive in fog, as the wall of mist then really does look like the end of the world.
Yala National Park
Galle
The old town of Galle is a former fort from the Dutch colonial era and is definitely worth a visit. In the fort, which is completely surrounded by fortress walls, streams of tourists mingle with the everyday life of the locals and European architecture is combined with Asian culture. You can take a leisurely stroll through the small alleyways, be spoiled for choice between numerous nice cafés and restaurants, browse through boutiques and eat perhaps the best ice cream in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka sights in the center of the country
Sigiriya - Lion Rock
Sigiriya is a stand-alone 200-metre-high rock on which the ruins of a rock fortress are located. The rock is best climbed in the early hours of the morning via several hundred steps. Alternatively, you can also climb the neighboring and less visited Pidurangala Rock, from where you have a good view of Sigiriya Rock. This has become the more popular alternative for many people, as it saves them the not necessarily cheap entrance fee for Sigiriya.
Dambulla
The five cave temples of Dambulla within the cultural triangle are located in a 150-metre-high granite rock. The golden-red Buddha statues are admirable Buddhist works of art and are definitely worth a visit.
Sri Lanka sights in the west
Colombo
Colombo is the capital and largest city in Sri Lanka. More than three million people now live there and the city has become an economic center that differs little from other major cities in the world in many ways, such as its hectic traffic. If you are looking for a bit of big city flair as a change from the beaches or the mountains, this is the place for you
Negombo
Negombo is an idyllic harbor town in the immediate vicinity of the airport and not far from the capital Colombo. The town was one of the first tourist destinations in the 1970s. Many travelers spend the first few days of their trip here and slowly get a feel for the country through the small-town atmosphere and the historic colonial remains
Sri Lanka sights in the east of the island
Trincomalee
Trincomalee is located in the north-east of the country and is still largely untouched by tourist crowds, meaning that the beaches are still relatively untouched. Off the coast of the town is an extraordinary diving and snorkeling paradise that will make the hearts of underwater world enthusiasts beat faster.
Arugam Bay
The former fishing village of Arugam Bay on the east coast of the country has now become a hotspot for surfers. From April to September, the waves are very busy here. Numerous nice cafés and restaurants have settled here and excursion destinations such as Yala National Park are within easy reach.
Sri Lanka sights in the north
Anuradhapura
As Sri Lanka's first royal city, Anuradhapura is part of the Cultural Triangle. For a long time, it was the capital of the country and an important religious center. Today, you can still marvel at numerous monuments and historical sites from ancient times.
Jaffna
