Where to go in Sri Lanka? 10 places for first timers!

Where to go in Sri Lanka? This country amazes us at every visit. Yes, we have been there more than once, attracted by nature, great safaris, friendly locals, incredible architecture and festivals.

This is our best guide to Sri Lanka with places to go, some of our best tips and latest discoveries. We definitely needed a guide like this on our first visit. Expect the wow factor many times. We were always in awe in places like Habarana, Sigiriya and even hiking through the night to reach the top of Pidurangala for sunrise.

We get that it might be confusing in planning a proper itinerary. Sri Lanka is an affordable destination, but the country in itself is very large and filled with incredible experience. That’s why we come to the rescue to help you have a clear picture of the places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Here’s a breakdown of places we’ve visited and why they should top your list.

Sigiriya and Pidurangala Rock

Sigiriya’s Lion Rock is iconic, but let us let you in on a little secret: Pidurangala Rock offers the best view of Lion Rock without burning a hole in your pocket. We’ve hiked it twice now, and trust us—it’s worth waking up early (3 AM) for that sunrise.

I can still feel the wind, the fresh air and the tropical jungle beneath my feet. Sigiriya Fortress is the most recognised landmark in Sri Lanka, but also the highest entrance ticket. Travellers like us on a tight budget and backpackers opt for Pidurangala, which is more accessible and, I will say, even more beautiful.

If you’re into history, Sigiriya Fortress is fascinating. But if you’re budget-conscious (like us), climbing Pidurangala for a fraction of the cost is the way to go.

Kandy: Culture Meets Charm

Kandy is one of the oldest cities in the country and is absolutely seen as the cultural hub and junction of each province of Sri Lanka. From Kandy, you can get everywhere, so you should make it your base for a few days.

We don’t blame travellers flocking into the city, making it one of the most touristy sites in Sri Lanka. You’ll miss a lot excluding this place from your itinerary.

While on the first trip, we had a brief visit to Kandy only for the fantastic Esala Perahera (Held every August); we stayed longer on our last time in Sri Lanka.

The major site is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and we spent hours during a celebration, roaming around and literally getting overwhelmed by the atmosphere. The vibes here are real, and you’ll feel spiritual. We also suggest getting above Arthurs’s seat viewpoint at sunset to enjoy the view of Kandy Lakeat the centre of Kandy.

Ella: The Backpacker’s Dream

On our second visit to Sri Lanka, we stayed in the backpacker town of Ella. If you are planning a budget trip to Sri Lanka, chances are high that Ella will be on your list of places to visit and maybe stay a few nights.

We have long waited to see Ella, missed on the first visit to the country. As you might get, the location is hyped, with budget-friendly accommodations, tons of cafes, cool vibes, and many outdoor experiences.

While there, we had a weird feeling (positive way), it looks like that time slows down here. Ella is small. Basically, one road goes long down the mountains. The rolling hills and easygoing cafe give laid-back vibes that we felt only in two places before: Sa Pa in Vietnam and Pai in Thailand.

However, you might have heard of Ella before because of the popular train ride from Kandy to Ella. We can assure you it is an experience in itself; hang out by an open door (yes, really) and let the wind whip through your hair as you pass tea plantations and waterfalls.

Once in Ella, hike Little Adam’s Peak for easy but rewarding views or visit Nine Arches Bridge for that picture-perfect moment. Also, do the Pekoe Trail from Makulella to Ella stage 15, as it’s the easier path to hike up Ella Rock.

Habarana | For elephants Safari and Authentic Experiences

Habarana might not be on every guidebook’s front page, but it should be. We used it as a base to explore Sigiriya, Dambulla Caves, Minneriya National Park, and take part in a cooking class, basically a lot of fun and true Sri Lankan experiences.

Apart from that, the town itself is small (just crossing roads and peaceful—perfect for unwinding after a couple of days of sightseeing. Actually, we stayed in one of the most beautiful hotels in the country, Aliya Resort & Spa facing Sigiriya Fortress ruins.

Jaffna: The Northern Gem

Our first trip to Sri Lanka took us all the way north to Jaffna. Well, if you haven’t heard about this place before, we don’t blame you. It is a little unknown.

Jaffna isn’t often seen as a tourist destination, but if you are curious about authentic experiences, you must include it in your list of places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Exploring Jaffna, we were able to see differences from the rest of the country. The coast has a few unspoiled and quiet beaches. However, isn’t it the point of a visit to Jaffna.

This is the closest point to India, and you’ll feel a lot of the cultural mix. Take a long wooden boat and visit Nagadeepa island, which is a place of legends and has two sides coexisting: Hindu and Buddhist. Read more on our guide to Jaffna.

And the food in Jaffna? Seafood is part of their culture, so one of the best experiences is to try the famous Jaffna crab curry (spicy doesn’t even begin to describe it).

Tea Plantations in Nuwara Eliya

It felt like being back in the UK, in the midst of fresh air (not that we have here in London), but they literally deserve the nickname “Little England.”

Nuwara Eliya is probably the place where your favourite cup of tea is produced. All around the green hills, there are tea bushes and factories. We had some of the best, fine tea we have ever tried, without heavy processing and using only natural products.

On our recent trip, we also experienced Tea fields besides Nuwara Eliya and others scattered around the popular city of Kandy. If you are planning your Sri Lanka itinerary, we highly recommend booking in advance a guided visit to a tea factory like this.

It was mind-blowing to understand everything from harvesting to the process and export.

Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa

We visited both at different times, but if you plan it right can make the same trip. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are the pillars of Sri Lanka’s religious beliefs. Exploring Anuradhapura, you must go to the sacred stupas of Ruwanwelisaya.

Instead, visiting Polonnaruwa, we saw ruins, temples (still standing) and some of the most well-preserved ruins of a Royal Palace. On our first visit, we were very lucky to visit Anuradhapura on a festive Saturday.

Locals were dressing up for the celebrations (White and orange), and going around the giant stupa, with white robe around, praying. It of a kind experience.

Hanthana Mountain Range

If you are looking for incredible places to go in Sri Lanka, the Hanthana Mountain Range is the latest addition to outdoor activities. It is very close to another incredible series of peaks—the Knuckles Mountain Range.

It does not have the tallest peaks in the country, but with pretty famous trails, such as Katsu Konda, which is also rated as one of the most dangerous hikes in the world.

Popular is the Knife edge walk, on a ridge overhanging a huge drop. We did a mid-level trail, which took us through the jungle, and also reviving famous set movie scenes from the First Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.

The difficult part was the possible presence of ;leeches (we didn’t have this problem), but the view was absolutely stunning.

Little Adam’s Peak | Most popular hike in Sri Lanka

Many backpackers staying in Ella are into outdoor activities, which most of them are free and don’t need a guide. Probably asking around, the most popular hike in Sri Lanka is Little Adam’s Peak.

The short hike, 1 to 2 hours round trip, is perfect for beginners. The view is fantastic, and the trail is well-marked that, like I said before, you can traverse without a guide.

You’ll pass through tea estates (stop by for a finest cuppa). Many people also hike Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), the highest mountain in the country, 2,243 metres.

Galle | Beautiful but touristy

Galle surprised us! Before visiting, we saw many photos, and honestly, it is hundreds of times better in person. Yes, it’s one of these places in Sri Lanka that doesn’t disappoint and actually enriches your itinerary.

It’s touristy though, and this is something that often puts us off chart. The UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch, is a maze of cobblestone streets lined with colonial-era buildings turned boutique hotels, cosy cafes, precious stone shops, and souvenir shops. We were walking always with our nose up. We counted more than 1000 photos in a single morning walking around Galle.

The guide took us around the old along the bastion, and we learned a lot about the history and passages of this site. While got lost, as usual, we found the iconic Galle Lighthouse, marking the limit with the Indian Ocean. We flew the drone above it, and guess what… it was unbelievable!

Galle, for us, was only a day trip, but it’s on our list of places to return to in Sri Lanka.

READ ALSO | A GUIDE TO GALLE FORT

Arugam Bay | Digital Nomads Hub in Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay is a paradise for digital nomads and surfers in Sri Lanka. It is still off the beaten path and less known. This place on the east side of the island helps the country boost the hype regarding becoming the new Bali.

After all, the little village is lively, with many backpackers flocking here thanks to the low cost of life. A of paradise perfect if you love the sea, spend lazy days on the beach sipping cocktails from a beach hut.

Staying at Arugam Bay, you can also join adventures, such as sunrise boat rides or a tour to the Pottuvil Lagoon spotting wild elephants.

What to Do in Sri Lanka? Our favourite activities in Sri Lanka

While planning, we want to introduce you to some of our favourite activities in Sri Lanka. The country is so authentic that you can’t ignore some of the most significant ones.

• Hike Pidurangala Rock for sunrise or sunset. It was the highlight of both our visits.
• Grab a ticket (well in advance) for the scenic blue train ride from Kandy to Ella. Take a photo on the 9 arches bridge. Alternatively, there is the touristy yet pricey Odyssey train.
• Don’t miss even a brief visit to the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.
• Encounter wild elephants, book your safari in advance. Our best suggestion is to explore Minneriya or Habarana National Parks, more than the touristy Yala.
• Go to the market and buy fresh produce and spices. Next to the local market, there is always a souvenir shop with some handicrafts.
• Try the authentic Sri Lankan dishes, most of them street food for cheap: hoppers, kottu roti, and dhal curry.

Most Amazing Experiences in Sri Lanka

Besides the places we visited in Sri Lanka, these are the experiences that come up every time we revisit memories. Some moments stand out more than others, like that morning watching the sunrise from Pidurangala. Honestly, on our first visit, we didn’t give much credit to food, but now, for the second time, and two backpacking trips across Southeast Asia after, we love it!

As said, experiences are what make memories and a holiday worthwhile. Isn’t it? We once stopped on the side of the road, leaving Kandy. An older man was boiling water, picking green, still-fresh tea leaves from the bush next to the shack. Well, it felt a bit rusty, old, and dirty. However, it was one of the best cups of tea of my life.

On the recent visit, instead, we had the pleasure of getting deeper through Sri Lankan ingredients, spices, and preparation methods. We joined a cooking class near Sigiriya at the Eco Pavilion Hotel and Restaurant. There, we tried soup, rice, and special Tapioca dishes that left us astonished.

These authentic experiences make Sri Lanka less like a destination and more like a story you’ll want to tell over and over.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka

Although Sri Lanka is a year round destination, the optimal time of visit varies according to the region you want to visit. Microclimates all over this little country influence both temperature and rainfall.

Sri Lanka has mainly 2 monsoon seasons. However, despite the small dimension of the island, there is much diversity in terms of weather, so we had to divide by area.

Area 1: Central locations, such as Ella and Nuwara Eliya, or coastal towns, like Galle and Mirissa, see nice weather between December and March. We actually went there in March andit was perfect, with no rain at all.

Area 2: Coastal Eastern locations such as Trincomalee and Arugam Bay see the best climate between May and September. If going to the beach every single day is your plan, well, this is the right period. Also, you can include a quick escape to Jaffna, in the North-West.

General Rule: April and September-October are perfect for travelling everywhere. These months lie between monsoons and provide nice weather throughout most areas, along with less traffic and cheaper prices.