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
- Kandasamy KovilSightfamous Hindu temple with ornamental architecture
- Elsewhere
- Jami Ul Alfar MosquePlace of worshipColombo, Sri Lankared-and-white striped mosque in Colombo
- Dutch HospitalAttractionColombo, Sri Lankalandmark building from the colonial era
- Galle Face GreenParkColombo, Sri Lankamain seaside promenade for people-watching
- 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
- 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
