TRAVELRAGS

Colombo

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Digest

See. Jami Ul Alfar Mosque↗ Admire the entrance to this beautiful mosque in Colombo.

Eat. kotthu roti Sample this popular dish of flatbread, veggies, and meat. crab curry Dig into plates of this flavorful dish.

Stay. Fairway Colombo Hotel Stay at this 4-star city hotel near Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct. Pegasus Reef Hotel Relax at this beachside resort with an outdoor pool and various amenities.

Lonely PlanetOct 11, 2026

13 Top Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Beautiful beaches, culture-packed cities, lush mountains and more.

18 things in this story
  • Jami Ul Alfar MosquePlace of worshipred-and-white striped mosque in Colombo
  • Dutch HospitalAttractionlandmark building from the colonial era
  • Galle Face GreenParkmain seaside promenade for people-watching
  • Elsewhere
  • Sri Maha Bodhi treeSightAnuradhapura, Sri Lankarevered tree believed grown from Buddha's enlightenment tree
  • Gal ViharayaPlace of worshipPolonnaruwa, Sri Lankatemple with a 14m reclining Buddha statue
  • Royal RuinsSightPolonnaruwa, Sri Lankaclosely grouped temples and stupas
  • Jaffna FortSightJaffna, Sri Lankahistoric fort in Jaffna
  • Nallur Kandaswamy KovilSightJaffna, Sri Lankaarchitecturally marvelous Hindu temple
  • KaytsNeighborhoodJaffna, Sri Lankaquiet island of fishing communities
  • DelftNeighborhoodJaffna, Sri Lankaisland with wild ponies
  • Jaffna Public LibrarySightJaffna, Sri Lankalibrary where going barefoot is a sign of respect
  • Kandasamy KovilSightTrincomalee, Sri Lankafamous Hindu temple with ornamental architecture
  • Rangiri Cave TempleMuseumDambulla, Sri Lankatemple with five caves containing Buddha statues
  • Minneriya National ParkSightMinneriya, Sri Lankapark with vast herds of wild elephants
  • Minneriya LakeSightMinneriya, Sri Lankascenic lake centered in Minneriya National Park
  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth RelicPlace of worshipKandy, Sri Lankacontains a tooth said to come from the historical Buddha
  • Kandy LakeSightKandy, Sri Lankaessential attraction in Kandy
  • Kumana National ParkSightKumana, Sri Lankabirder's dream with vibrant birds and crocodiles
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetAug 20

18 things to do in Sri Lanka and the best way to do them

See the best of Sri Lanka with our pick of the island

24 things in this story
  • Palmyrah RestaurantRestaurantFine dining in Colombo serving savory and sweet hoppers.
  • Renuka HotelHotelHome to Palmyrah Restaurant.
  • Aunty Radhika's hopper stallRestaurantPopular stall for hoppers in Wellawatta.
  • Elsewhere
  • Wilpattu National ParkSightNorthwest Sri Lanka, Sri LankaResponsible operator Leopard Trails offers conscientious safaris.
  • Leopard TrailsPlaceNorthwest Sri Lanka, Sri LankaResponsible operator for conscientious safaris in Wilpattu.
  • Mannar IslandSightMannar, Sri LankaFlamingo season attracts thousands of greater flamingos.
  • PidurangalaSightSigiriya, Sri LankaClimb at 5am for sunrise over Sigiriya rock fortress.
  • Kaudulla National ParkSightHabarana, Sri LankaIt was designated a national park on April 1, 2002, becoming the 15th such area on the island.
  • Minneriya National ParkSightHabarana, Sri LankaThe area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary…
  • Jetwing Vil UyanaHotelSigiriya, Sri LankaOffers nighttime jungle walks to spot slender loris.
  • Gan Duwa IslandSightKoggala, Sri LankaVisit to learn about Ceylon Cinnamon production.
  • Little Adam’s PeakTrailElla, Sri LankaShorter, popular hike for sunrise views.
  • Cafe ChillRestaurantElla, Sri LankaPopular cafe in Ella.
  • Flying RavanaPlaceElla, Sri LankaOffers zip-lining trips.
  • Pekoe TrailTrailElla, Sri LankaSri Lanka’s longest walking route through tea gardens.
  • Nine Arch BridgeSightElla, Sri LankaArchitectural marvel near Ella.
  • Thevshi Kutty HoppersRestaurantJaffna, Sri LankaSmall spot for Jaffna-style appam.
  • Eco Lodge HaputaleHotelHaputale, Sri LankaFamily-operated campsite with tea garden walks.
  • Cliff LodgeHotelHaputale, Sri LankaOff-grid lodge with glass pods for stargazing.
  • Mint of the MistRestaurantHaputale, Sri LankaRestaurant run by sons and their mum.
  • Bundala National ParkSightHambantota, Sri LankaRamsar-recognized park, excellent for bird-watching.
  • Bundala Safari with SrimalPlaceHambantota, Sri LankaTour operator for 4WD safaris in Bundala National Park.
  • Kalametiya Bird SanctuarySightHambantota, Sri LankaBoat trip recommended in the evening.
  • Nanu OyaSightNuwara Eliya, Sri LankaTrain station for scenic journeys to Ella.
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetJul 28

16 things to know before you head to Sri Lanka

Before visiting Sri Lanka, study up on navigating the heat, local phrases and dress codes, and move through the country with the ease of a local.

9 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Lonely PlanetJul 21

A guide to driving a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka

Start planning your tuk tuk-driving adventure in Sri Lanka. Here’s everything you need to know before setting off.

3 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →
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