The splendid natural beauty of Sri Lanka makes it a popular holiday getaway among worldwide travelers. Many varieties of attractions including stunning beaches, amazing wildlife, majestic mountains to ancient Buddhist ruins attract lots of visitors. Without a doubt, your stay in this paradise will be close to your heart forever. Here we are going to show you the top cities you can include in your Sri Lankan itinerary.
1. Colombo
The commercial capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo, as well as the capital of Western Province. The legislative capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is located only 9 km from the main Colombo city. Bandaranaike International Airport is located at Katunayake around 35 km from the city center.
There is a large natural harbor in Colombo. It has been a famous trading spot since 2,000 years ago. The Colombo seaport is continuously developing with the port city project. This ongoing project will enhance the commercial value of Colombo, converting it into a world-class city in South Asia.
There are many important places to visit in Colombo city. The major attractions include the newly built Lotus Tower- the tallest tower in Asia, the Galle Face Green-scenic ocean view area, Dehiwala National Zoo, Independence Square, the National Museum, and Viharamahadevi Park.
It is the city with the highest population density in Sri Lanka. All kinds of ethnicities are living there peacefully. There are several important Buddhist temples, Muslim mosques, and Hindu Kovils in Colombo city. Gangaramaya is a well-known beautiful Buddhist temple, while the historic Red Mosque and the famous Hindu Temple are greatly respected by Muslim and Tamil people.
The climate of Colombo is hot and humid throughout the year. There will be heavy rains in May with the beginning of the northwest monsoon. And also, inter-monsoon rains bring rain to this area during October and November.
2. Kandy
Kandy is the second-largest city and the hill capital of central Sri Lanka. It is located 115 km from the main Colombo city. It locates in the Kandy plateau surrounded by the Hanthana and Knuckles Mountain Range. Kandy is considered the most beautiful city with mesmerizing beauty in the country. 75% of its population is Sinhalese, while Tamils and Muslims are also part of it.
Kandy is one of the major touristic cities in Sri Lanka with several wonderful attractions. It is the last ancient capital of the King’s Era and one of the eight UNESCO world heritage sites. Kandy is home to the sacred Temple of Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa, the holiest place of Buddhists. Being a popular destination for tourists, Kandy Lake, Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, Bahirawakanda Temple, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Pinnawala Zoo, Knuckles, and Hanthana mountain ranges are a few major attractions.
It is the gateway to the central highlands, located at an altitude of 500 m above sea level. It connects well with other cities by railway and main roads. The Colombo – Kandy highway is currently under construction and it will provide a high-speed link between the two cities.
Since Kandy has located in the center of the island at a relatively high elevation, it has a cooler climate than Colombo. North West monsoon brings heavy rain in May and June. This area affects by light inter-monsoon rains in both April and October.
3. Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is located at the heart of the hill country in Sri Lanka, around 160 km far from Colombo city. It is the coolest, highest altitude city, located 2000 m above sea level. It calls “Little England” due to spring-like pleasant weather and the presence of many British colonial-era buildings. The mean temperature is 16 °C, with cloudy and misty weather all year round. Usually, the daytime is warm, but the temperature goes down rapidly at night.
Nuwara Eliya is one of the major touristic cities in Sri Lanka and its attractions include Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, Hakgala Botanical Gardens, and Horton Plains. Several beautiful waterfalls enhance the charming beauty of hill country. The distinctive feature of this area is mountain terraces covered by endless lush green tea estates. It is famous for producing tea, vegetables, fruits, and flowers, including lovely roses and orchids.
Nuwara Eliya is a highly popular destination for both local and foreign visitors. Thousands of visitors flock there to see the Spring Festival in April each year. During the spring festival, many events such as Motor racing, Horse racing, Golf tournaments, and colorful flower shows can be enjoyed.
There are many activities to enjoy in Nuwara Eliya. Visiting tea trails, hiking, and trekking in the misty mountains are the ways to explore the natural beauty of Sri Lankan hill country. Many travelers use Kandy – Ella scenic train to reach Nuwara Eliya. It can be easily reached by Nanuoya railway station, which is located 8 km far from the city center.
4. Galle
Galle is one of the most beautiful cities in Sri Lanka. It is a major touristic city on the southern coast. It is the capital of the southern province. Although located 120 km far from the main Colombo city, it can be reached within less than 2 hours by the newly built southern expressway. As well as, it can be reached by A2 Galle-Colombo Main road, or by the coastal railway line.
Galle is a charming, historical city with many picturesque, ancient colonial monuments, which attracts lots of visitors. It is a UNESCO world heritage site with the largest remaining fortress in Asia. During the Dutch colonial period, Galle was the main harbor in the country. The Galle Fort was built by Dutch and then further developed into a fortified city by the Portuguese. The buildings of the colonial era are still well preserved inside the Galle Fort.
The majority of the population around 67 % is Sinhalese, 35% Muslims, and 1% of Tamils. The main attractions around Galle are the Dutch Fort, the International Cricket Stadium, and stunning beaches in Unawatuna, and Hikkaduwa. It has the same hot climate as Colombo and receives rainfall from northwest Monsoon and inter-monsoons.
5. Matara
Matara is a major touristic city on the southern coast, 160 km from Colombo. It can be accessed by the southern expressway, the Colombo-Matara main road, or by coastal railway. Matara is highly famous for its stunning beaches. Weligama, Polhena, Mirissa, Dondra, Dickwella, Hiriketiya, and Tangalle beaches are easily accessible from Matara city.
Certainly, the horseshoe-shaped protected Hiriketiya Bay in Matara is a world-famous surf destination suited for both advanced and beginner surfers. Furthermore, the only known blowhole or Hummanaya in Sri Lanka is located in Matara. It is considered to be the second-largest blowhole in the world. It is located 1 km from the small fishing village of Kudawella, and 28 km from Matara town.
In addition, several amazing Buddhist temples are located in the city; Weherahena Temple, Wewrukannala Temple, and Paravi Duwa Temple. Parawi Duwa Temple is located at sea and accessible only by cable-stayed footbridge.
The Dondra Lighthouse is located at the southern tip of Sri Lanka. This lighthouse has a touching height of 160 feet. It is the tallest one in the country.
6. Hambantota
Hambantota is one of the major touristic cities in southern Sri Lanka, located around 240 km far from Colombo. Although it was an underdeveloped city earlier, now it is undergoing rapid development. A new airport, a new seaport, an international conference house, an international cricket stadium were built under this project. The whole Hambantota area got a new look under these projects with four-lane wide roads.
There are several attractions in the Hambantota area. Kataragama sacred ground, Udawalawa, Yala and Bundala National Parks are closer to Hambantota city. Yala National Park is world-famous for its high density of gorgeous leopards.
Since Hambantota belongs to the arid zone, it gets very little rainfall. It gets rain only from inter-monsoons in April and October. The distinctive feature in this area is acres-long salt-producing evaporation ponds with large salt plains. The hot climate over 30 °C throughout the year is ideal for sea salt production. The first wind farm in Sri Lanka locates in Hambantota.
Southern expressway or Colombo-Hambantota main road can use to enter Hambantota city. The coastal railway line is available only until Beliatta. The remaining distance to Hambantota city should be covered by another means of transport.
7. Ratnapura
Ratnapura is the capital of Sabaragamuwa Province, around 100 km far from the main Colombo city. It is one of the major touristic cities in Sri Lanka. Ratnapura is the center of the Sri Lankan gem industry, highly famous among gem buyers and traders. Most importantly, it is a world-famous destination for Rubies and Sapphires. Most of the gem deposits in Sri Lanka find in the Ratnapura District, which led it to call the city of gems.
One of the lovely attractions in the Ratnapura area is Bopath Ella, 30 m high, Bo leaf-shaped marvelous waterfall. This is a hugely famous place for many foreign and local visitors.
Nearby Sinharaja rain forest and Udawalawe National Park are easy to reach from Ratnapura. Adam’s Peak or sacred Siripada Mountain is the other most popular destination in Ratnapura. During the pilgrimage season, thousands of devotees climb Adam’s Peak to worship the footprint of Lord Buddha.
Since Ratnapura is located in the wet zone, it receives heavy rains from South Western Monsoon from May to September, causing heavy floods from the beginning of May. There are several roads to reach there, but a railway line isn’t available to reach Ratnapura.
8. Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is one of the major touristic cities and a very popular destination among both local and foreign visitors. It locates 200 km from Colombo city and it is the capital of the north-central province. As well, it is the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka with many epic cultural landmarks. Anuradhapura is a UNESCO world heritage site with 8 great Buddhist temples of worship. The ancient ruins and gigantic Buddhist Stupas are still well preserved in the city.
Ruwanweliseya is one of the world’s tallest remaining ancient monuments, standing at a height of 103 m. The oldest historical tree in the world, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, deeply rever by Buddhists is located at Anuradhapura. It is a branch from the Sri Maha Bodhi tree at Buddha Gaya in India under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. In addition, many ancient ruins of palaces, temples, and Buddha Statues can be seen throughout Anuradhapura City.
Since Anuradhapura is located in the dry zone, the mean temperature is around 30°C and receives rain from inter-monsoon rains in October, then south-eastern monsoon from December to March. Anuradhapura is convenient to reach by railway or highway.
9. Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka, located 170 km far from Colombo. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the major touristic cities in Sri Lanka. Certainly, this calm and serene city stands as testimony to the great architectural techniques of ancient rulers.
The city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best-planned archaeological relic cities in the country with many ancient ruins spread throughout the city. The ruins of King’s Palace, Vatadage, Hatadage, Rankoth Wehera, and many other ruins give a proud feeling of Sri Lankan history. Polonnaruwa is a major touristic city belonging to the cultural triangle, which attracts many visitors.
The amazing ancient construction of Parakrama Samudra, a huge lake built by King Parakramabahu locates at Polonnaruwa. The climate here is the same as in Anuradhapura with high temperatures and less rainfall, which receives from inter-monsoon rains in October and south-eastern monsoon from December to March. To reach Polonnaruwa, one can use either the highway or the Pulathisi intercity express train which runs daily from Colombo Fort to Polonnaruwa station.
10. Sigiriya
Sigiriya locates closer to Dambulla around 150 km far from Colombo, is the most famous touristic city in Sri Lanka. This 200 m high giant rock fortress is highly famous as the 8th wonder of the world. On the top of the rock, the ruins of King’s palace, and the beautiful Frescoes of Sigiriya Damsels can be seen. These thousands of years old Sigiriya Damsels frescoes are miraculously well preserved, showing the past glory and ancient artistic skills.
Above all, the royal garden extends to a few hundred meters from the base of the rock. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful landscaped gardens in the world. It has an extensive network of moats, ponds, and fountains and a well-engineered hydraulic system.
Another attraction in Sigiriya is the Pidurangala Rock Temple. Pidurangala Rock is slightly lower than Sigiriya and is the best photogenic spot to enjoy a panoramic view of Sigiriya Rock and its surroundings.
Without a doubt, Sigiriya is a major touristic base to access many attractions easily. Dambulla, Kandalama Lake, Minneriya, and Kaudulla national parks are easily reachable from Sigiriya. Inter-monsoon rains in October and South-Eastern monsoons from December to February bring rain to the Sigiriya area. There are no direct buses or trains to Sigiriya. The closest train station to Sigiriya is Habarana, 15 km away. If you are traveling by bus, use Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, or Trincomalee destination buses and get off at Habarana to reach Sigiriya.
11. Batticaloa
Batticaloa is one of the major touristic cities on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka. It is located around 111 km from the main Colombo city. Batticaloa Lagoon is a 56 km long large lagoon and it intersects by 288 m long Kallady Bridge, which is the main access path to the city. This bridge is a part of the A4 Colombo-Batticaloa highway; the longest highway in Sri Lanka at the length of 430 km. There are two bridges new and old one, which runs parallel to each of them.
Arugam Bay is one of the top ten surf destinations in the world and a hugely famous attraction in this area. It is the only international surf competition venue in Sri Lanka. In addition, Sri Lanka’s famous beach destination Pasikudah is located on the eastern coast. Pasikudah is a protected bay from the ocean, with a flat, sandy bed that extends up to 200 m from the shore. Other lovely beaches in this area are Kallady Beach and Kalkudah Beach.
72% population of Batticaloa is Tamil, 25% are Muslims and the remaining are Sinhalese. It has a hot climate and it receives rain from inter-monsoon in October and South-Eastern monsoon from December to February.
12. Trincomalee
Trincomalee is the capital of the eastern province, located 240 km from the capital of Colombo city. It is a port city with a large and safe, natural harbor and one of the major tourist cities on the eastern coast.
Trincomalee is one of the finest harbors in the world, accessible to all kinds of crafts. Above all, the city has some of the most picturesque and scenic beaches found in Sri Lanka. The unspoiled and clean beaches in Nilaveli and Uppuveli, 16 km and 6 km north of the city are among the best beaches of Sri Lanka. The Pigeon Island Marine Park is located 1 km away from the Nilaveli beach.
As well, Marble Beach is a gorgeous hidden beach on the eastern coast with clear water and a brightly shining surface. With shallow seas spreading out hundreds of meters into the sea, these beaches are perfectly safe for water sports. Whale watching is another attraction that Trincomalee is famous for.
There are many Hindu temples in Trincomalee, including the famous Koneswaram temple. Moreover, it gives pleasure to see large numbers of spotted deer roaming freely throughout the city and they are perfectly sociable with humans.
13. Jaffna
Jaffna is the capital of Northern Province and the main city in the Jaffna peninsula, located around 400 km from Colombo. The northern tip of the island is located at Point Pedro in Jaffna. After ending the long civil war in 2009, Jaffna has become a peaceful and rapidly developing city, attracting many visitors.
To clarify, 99% of the population of Jaffna are Tamils, and other ethnicities represent only 1%. There are many Hindu temples in Jaffna, including the socially important Nallur Kandaswamy temple.
The city is surrounded by Jaffna Lagoon and the whole peninsula is made of limestones. This area was earlier submerged by the sea and then raised from the sea bed long ago. The entire landmass of the Jaffna peninsula is flat and lies at sea level with grey, yellow, and white porous type limestone.
On the other hand, the environment in Jaffna is totally different from the southern region, with a dry climate and less rainfall. Instead of Coconut palms, the towering Palmyra palms are dominating in this region. It has the highest average temperature in Sri Lanka at 28 °C. The annual rainfall is brought by the North-East monsoon from December to February.
To sum up, here we have mentioned the top cities in Sri Lanka you should include in your Sri Lankan itinerary. Since each city has its own unique beauty and attractions, try to visit as many cities as you can. Happy traveling to Sri Lanka guys!
Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka, Images by Wikimedia Commons, Pixabay, Copyrights reserved by original authors.
