Filled with lovely landscapes and breathtaking sceneries, Sri Lanka is one of the best destinations to travel in 2022. According to the famous travel magazine CNN, Sri Lanka is among the world’s top countries to visit in the coming year. Undoubtedly, there are so many beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka. They include stunning beaches in the coastal area, as well as the charming countryside in the hill country. Since there are many activities and adventures for everyone, none of the visitors to this wonderful island won’t be disappointed.
Although 2021 was a lost year for travelers, the new year brings lots of hope. After the long battle with the global COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka welcomes visitors with open hands for 2022. You can enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka without worrying about your well-being. The newly implemented travel guidelines will ensure the safety of the visitors. Full of lush green landscapes and golden sandy beaches, this lovely island is waiting for its visitors to come back.
Here we’ll show you the best places to explore the Sri Lankan culture, history, as well as charming beauty of nature. Although there are lots of beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka, we start with the best 20 of them. We hope our guide will help you to discover many of the prettiest destinations on the island.
1. Colombo
As suggested by the world-famous CNN Travel, Colombo is among one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in 2022. Although Sri Lanka’s dynamic capital is often overlooked by other major touristic cities, there are several wonderful places to visit in Colombo. It is a historical place with great multicultural landmarks including the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, the photogenic Red Mosque, and the ancient Hindu Temple.
Colombo city has some popular attractions such as Pettah floating market and 350 m high Lotus Tower, the tallest in South Asia. Furthermore, it is a very scenic place with lovely beaches. Galle Face Green beachfront is a major recreational area to visit in Colombo. if you like a warm sea bath, the gorgeous, miles-long sandy beach at Mt. Lavinia is a completely worthy place to include on your bucket list.
2. Kandy
Kandy deserves a special spot in your itinerary as the hill capital and one of the best sightseeing spots in the country. It is the second-largest city in Sri Lanka with many wonderful attractions. As the last capital of the Sinhalese dynasty, Kandy has both historical and religious importance. Above all, Kandy is home to the sacred Temple of Tooth Relic, one of the great Buddhist cultural landmarks in Sri Lanka.
Surrounded by lush green mountains, this mesmerizing city has a number of beautiful places to visit. Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful destinations in Kandy. You can spend a whole day walking around this lovely garden, showcasing over 4000 varieties of plants and flowers.
If you are an adventure lover, Ambuluwawa Tower is a famous adventure not to miss in Kandy. There are some hidden gems worthy to visit such as Nelligala International Buddhist Centre. This temple locates in a dramatic place, on top of the Nelligala rock with panoramic views of surrounding mountains.
3. Nuwara Eliya
One of the prettiest places to go in Sri Lanka is Nuwara Eliya in central hill country. Simply put, Nuwara Eliya showcases the epitome of the scenic beauty of Sri Lanka. With a multitude of gorgeous attractions from tea plantations to lovely gardens and lakes, Nuwara Eliya is a must-visit place in Sri Lanka. It is an ideal place for hiking and waterfall hunting, with so many gorgeous waterfalls.
Due to its pleasant spring-like climate and epic colonial-style buildings, it calls “Little England”. Nuwara Eliya has lots of beautiful places, where you can admire the lovely scenery. For example, Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, and Hakgala Botanical Garden are a few of the places you must visit in Nuwara Eliya.
If you travel to Nuwara Eliya at the beginning of April, you can attend the Spring Festival. During this festival, the whole surrounding becomes full of flower blooms. It’s the largest spring festival in the country, with flower exhibitions, horse races, motor races, and many more fun events.
4. Ella
Filled with mesmerizing mountainous beauty, Ella is the tourist paradise in Sri Lanka. Ella is famous for the fantastic views of the mountains, valleys, and endless tea plantations. It offers a pleasant climate throughout the year. Ella is ideal for hiking and trekking, with popular trails in Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak. The town is most famous for its iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a wonderful 100-year-old construction.
There are a number of things to do in Ella, that won’t break the bank. Since food and accommodation are relatively cheap, Ella is famous as an incredibly tourist-friendly destination. With stunning panoramic views, fresh mountain air, and friendly locals, Ella is an amazing town in Sri Lanka to wander around and explore nature.
5. Sigiriya
Sigiriya or the Lion Rock serves as the finest example of the ancient architectural skills of Sri Lankans. Declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO, the Sigiriya rock fortress is recognized as the world’s eighth wonder. Certainly, it is the most popular tourist destination in the country. This historical rock fortress locates in a peaceful setting among a massive complex of landscaped gardens, fountains, and ponds.
Sigiriya is a legendary castle built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD. You can climb up to the top of 200 m high Sigiriya rock to see the ruins of the royal palace. The wonderful paintings of Sigiriya Damsels on the rock wall are quite famous among visitors. In addition, remember to climb nearby Pidurangala rock where you can get an incredible view of Sigiriya to memorize your Sri Lanka travel.
6. Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is the first ancient capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom. Filled with great cultural landmarks, the city calls as the Sacred City of Anuradhapura. There are a number of ancient Buddhist temples standing testimony to the grandeur of the past. If you love to visit historical places, this UNESCO world heritage site should be on top of your bucket list.
The cultural landmarks in the sacred city include large Buddhist stupas such as Ruwanweliseya, Jetavanaramya, Mirisawetiya, Abhayagiriya, and many more. As well, you can see the world’s oldest human-planted tree call as Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. The sacred city of Anuradhapura is among one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, where you can learn about the great history of Sri Lanka.
7. Polonnaruwa
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is the second capital of the country, where you can see thousands of years old ruins. It considers the best archeologically planned city in Sri Lanka. For instance, there are Buddhist temples, Royal palaces, and incredible statues of Lord Buddha in this ancient city. Since Polonnaruwa is a serene place filled with a peaceful atmosphere and many historical places, it is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
8. Dambulla
Dambulla located at the heart of the Cultural Triangle is a UNESCO world heritage site in Sri Lanka. This historic city is famous for the ancient Dambulla Golden Temple, the best-preserved cave temple in the country. There are ancient statues and elegant paintings of Lord Buddha inside the caves.
If you love to see the beauty of the Sri Lankan countryside, Dambulla is one of the best places. Hot air balloon ride near Kandalama Lake is a famous activity among Sri Lankan travelers. If you are looking for a romantic hotel in Sri Lanka, the eco-tourism hotspot, Kandalama Hotel is a marvelous place not to miss in Dambulla city.
9. Galle
The centuries-old historical Galle city is one of the major tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. It is a world heritage site that gives you the feeling of going back to the Dutch colonial era. Inside the Fort, there are many ancient buildings and hotels belonging to the Dutch and British colonial periods.
Galle Fort is an intriguing architectural construction. There is an ancient clock tower and photogenic lighthouse at the Fort. Also, there are many old buildings including ancient churches and mosques which belong to different eras. Walking along the ramparts and watching the sunset is one of the best romantic things to do in Galle.
10. Tangalle
Tangalle is located in the far southern city of Hambantota. It is a mostly unexplored, less crowded area of southern Sri Lanka. There lie miles-long palm-fringed, secluded beach heavens. These beautiful quiet beaches in Tangalle are glimmering with crystal-clear water, inviting visitors.
Undoubtedly, Tangalle is the best place to enjoy a relaxing beach vacation, away from the crowded commercial beaches. According to Lonely Planet, the hidden beaches in Tangalle are the number one destination not to miss in Sri Lanka.
11. Unawatuna
Definitely, gorgeous Unawatuna Beach tops the best beaches in southern Sri Lanka. Just 6 km from the Galle, Unawatuna is quite famous as a stunning family-friendly destination. Protected by a reef barrier, it is a beautiful shallow beach without strong water currents, ideal for sea bathing.
There are plenty of sightseeing spots around Unawatuna, which attract both tourists as well as locals. For instance, the secluded Jungle Beach, Peace Pagoda, Vijaya Beach, Frog Rock, and Palm tree rope swing are highly famous among Unawatuna visitors. Without a doubt, Unawatuna Beach is a fantastic beach paradise not to miss in Sri Lanka.
12. Mirissa
Mirissa Beach town located in Matara is lined with palm trees, blue waters, and colorful fishing boats adorning Mirissa Bay. Although Mirissa was a small fishing village before, it has risen to the one of most popular surfing, diving, and whale watching destination in Sri Lanka.
Around the Mirissa coastal line, there are several lovely sightseeing spots. Epic photogenic spot Coconut Tree Hill and the gorgeous secret beach are a few of them. Since Mirissa beach is ideal for swimming and surfing, it continues to attract more and more visitors.
13. Hikkaduwa
Protected by a large coral reef, Hikkaduwa Beach is a tourist paradise and beach lovers’ delight. Hikkaduwa marine national park is home to many varieties of corals and schools of reef fish. Above all, the rainbow colors of underwater life attract visitors from all corners of the world.
Hikkaduwa Beach is famous for its vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine. Since lots of fresh seafood varieties are abundant in Hikkaduwa, you can taste yummy seafood dishes in cafes lined along the beach. If you love to play in the waves and have some fun in the sun, Hikkaduwa is among the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
14. Bentota
Bentota is a beach resort town located closer to the capital city, Colombo. With its pristine waters and lush green landscapes, Bentota Beach is ideal for a relaxing holiday. It’s famous as major watersports hub in Sri Lanka, with a wide variety of watersports. Bentota Beach is famous among tourists and locals alike. There are several gorgeous beach hotels with premium facilities in the Bentota area. If you like to enjoy your vacation with luxurious facilities, Bentota beach is ideal for you.
15. Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is the surfing capital of Sri Lanka and it is one of the most beautiful east coast beaches. It is the surfer’s paradise that offers the best waves for surfing. There are several surfing hot spots scattered across the area, for both beginners as well as skilled surfers. Furthermore, it is the only international surf competition venue on the island.
Miles long stretch of lovely beach in Arugam Bay is ideal for walking along the coast with the most incredible sceneries. There are famous sightseeing spots around Arugam Bay such as Elephant Rock. This is a spectacular place that gives panoramic views of the area. Undoubtedly, Arugam Bay tops all the surfing venues and it is among the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for surf lovers.
16. Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak located in Ratnapura is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka. This is a 2243 m tall sacred mountain, frequently visited by people of almost all major religions. It is a pyramid-like conical mountain widely known as Sri Pada, where Buddhists believe the foot-shaped indentation at the summit belongs to Lord Buddha.
At the summit, you can get a remarkable view across the mountains and valleys below. Adam’s Peak is the ultimate spot to watch the most splendid sunrise in the world. With the sunrise, you can get a glimpse of the mountain’s famous triangular shadow moving over the trees. Definitely, this is once in a lifetime chance to witness the most amazing sunrise views in the whole world.
17. Matale
Matale is an attractive hill country city blessed with natural beauty, located precisely in the middle of the country. The Knuckles Mountain Range in Matale is unarguably the most famous hiker’s paradise in Sri Lanka. If you like hiking and trekking, there are many breathtaking trails in the Knuckles Mountain Range.
Matale is popular for its relaxed, countryside vibes with lovely places for nature photography. Furthermore, this area is full of hidden gems such as spectacular waterfalls. In addition, there are lots of lovely things to do in Matale. For example, Meemure is such a rural village in a forested area with scenic beauty that you can explore only on foot.
18. Horton Plains
Located at an altitude of more than 2000 m, Horton Plains National Park is a picturesque region where you can hike and trek to go to the World’s End. On a clear day, World’s End gives a panoramic view up to hundreds of kilometers up to the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with amazing flora and fauna authentic to this region.
The never-ending grasslands in Horton Plains are home to herds of Sambar deer, as well as elusive mountain leopards. Although spotting a leopard is highly unlikely, you can see Sambar deer grazing alongside the pathways of the park. This protected area has massive cloudy forests, lakes, and waterfalls. Horton Plains is a particularly fascinating area in the country, where the atmosphere is so pristine and unspoiled with fresh air.
19. Yala National Park
Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s second-largest and most visited park in the country. Amazing wildlife in Yala is one of the major things not to miss on the island. The most wonderful thing to see in Yala is the gorgeous leopards. It is renowned for the highest density of leopards in the world. If you love to see these adorable big cats, a trip to Yala is a must-do activity.
Yala provides a home not only to leopards but also herds of elephants, deer, buffalo, and many more. It is a famous place for bird watching too. Certainly, the wild safari in Yala is highly famous among both locals and tourists. Watching the untamed wildlife hidden deep inside the jungles in Yala will be a truly memorable experience for you.
20. Udawalawe
Udawalawe National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka. It is the best place for watching elephants. Udawalawe wild safari is truly fascinating and gives you the opportunity to get close to the majestic Sri Lankan wild elephants. In addition, the surrounding area of Udawalawe Reservoir is quite beautiful and it is home to a diverse spectrum of animals.
To sum up, here is the list of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka that will transform your travel into a truly memorable experience. Although this list is limited to 20, you’ll see there’s no shortage of beautiful places in Sri Lanka. We hope this guide gives you the inspiration to visit our paradise island. After a long lockdown, the borders have opened now and this is the perfect time to pack your bags and get on the plane. Welcome guys, Let’s enjoy the lovely nature of Sri Lanka and have a wonderful time in 2022.
Text by Magnificent Sri Lanka. Images from Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, and Pixabay. All copyrights are reserved by the original authors.
