With a long history that goes back decades, oceans brimming with marine life, beaches that extend forever, a rich culture that entices visitors with its richness, and local people who will entice you with their warm smiles, Sri Lanka—the tiny island nation located within South Asia—offers many delights to visitors.
The years of civil war have left scars, and recent economic turmoil has made daily life difficult. But nowhere are the people more friendly and willing to show you the splendours of their country. Serendib, as it is referred to, is an absolute gem among the immense Indian Ocean, one that shines even in spite of its shortcomings.
Sri Lanka’s most beautiful places: An Overview
Galle Fort
Some destinations around the globe are as fascinating as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle. It is a wonderland of the past. Portuguese, Dutch, and British all ruled over this part of Sri Lanka, leaving their mark on the architecture, food, and culture found within its imposing walls. From gorgeous boutique hotels in buildings that date hundreds of years ago to art galleries that showcase emerging artists from across the country, Galle is a heady blend of both old and modern.
Yala National Park
The coast’s topography is a mix of dense vegetation and scrubland dotted with huge boulders. The surreal scenery provides an appropriate backdrop for the thrill of seeing an unidentified leopard out in the open. Sighting a big cat may require patience and time, but with a multitude of crocodiles, elephants, buffalos, peacocks, monkeys, and much more, there’s never any dull moment in the wild.
Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of stunning destinations, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. From the lush tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya to the historic ruins of Anuradhapura, there’s something for every traveller. For those planning their next getaway, consider embarking on one of the many Sri Lanka tours from Australia.
Colombo
The capital city Colombo is a big city with all the amenities but also plenty of colonial styles and an island-inspired atmosphere. Its magnificent heritage buildings, along with wide boulevards lined with trees, and vast green areas are excellently explored on foot or from the rear of a bicycle. From the local Sri Lankan fare, one of the desirable crab eateries in Asia, to a variety of eateries, foodies can expect something special when they visit the capital city.
Sigiriya
The thick forest surrounding the massive rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is a stunning view. Put on your shoes and pump up your adrenaline as you ascend to the plateau-topped top to discover the remains of an old kingdom. However, the real attraction of Sigiriya is in seeing it from a distance. For stunning views from afar, hike up Pidurangala, located just one kilometre away to the north.
Ella
Ella captures visitors with its tranquil style and relaxed vibe. Enjoy long walks along the mountains covered in jungle, discover thunderous waterfalls, take in breathtaking views, and dine on some of the authentic meals that you can find in Sri Lanka—cooked by locals.
The town is included on the majority of itineraries due to its position as an important railhead which connects to Kandy by a slow-smoking blue train. If you don’t take the train, you shouldn’t be able to miss watching it pass over the majestic Nine Arch Bridge, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous attractions.
