The island nation of Sri Lanka has long been a popular tourist attraction for its wide range of attractions, rich culture and heritage, and warm people that make your trip truly memorable. You can reach the capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo, by a short flight from Chennai (around 75 minutes).
Sri Lanka is known for its exotic beaches, golden sunrise and sunsets, surfing, history, nature, and adventure. Most people visiting Sri Lanka are mesmerised by the topography of the country and come back with a bagful of memories (and spices). Sri Lanka also attracts a lot of business travellers apart from vacationers.
Before we share the list of the top ten places to visit in Sri Lanka, we would like to stress the fact that when you travel to a foreign country, having an international travel insurance policy is important.
Many insurance providers offer Sri Lanka travel insurance plans that are designed to help you enjoy your vacation in a worry-free manner. Business travellers usually opt for business travel insurance that takes care of any unexpected emergencies. Once you have the travel insurance policy in place, plan your trip to include these ten amazing places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Here are the 10 places in Sri Lanka that you should visit:
Dambulla Cave Temple
This is the largest temple complex in Sri Lanka and has paintings and statues dating back to the 12th Century AD. The temple complex is made from white stone and is housed in a black stone mountain. The views from the top are mesmerising. It is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Yala National Park
If you are a wildlife lover, then make sure that you plan a trip to the Yala National Park in Katagamuwa. You can opt for a safari ride or even camp in the forest and have a barbecue night under the stars.
Arugam Bay
With a coastline of over 1600 km, Sri Lanka is the perfect location for water sports. With turquoise waters, azure sky, and slanting coconut trees, Arugam Bay is the picture-perfect location for water sports in the country. This is one of the top places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Galle
One of the most visited destinations in Sri Lanka, Galle is famous for the Galle Fort and a wide range of eateries and cafes and trinket shops. Sunsets at Galle are a particular favourite of travellers. This is also one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Jaffna
This city offers a peek into the religious past of the country. It has the Nallur Kovil Temple and the Nagadipa Purana Vihara that can be accessed by boat. The Jaffna Fort is also a must-visit place while here. Therefore, it is recommended places from the list of top 10 places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Temple of Tooth, Kandy
This is one of the most sacred temples for Buddhists around the world. The Temple of Tooth gets its name from the fact that it houses the conserved tooth of Buddha. It is a heavily guarded temple but is open for visitors and tourists.
Nuwara Eliya
A hilly paradise, Nuwara Eliya is popular for its mesmerising scenery and tea gardens. Green sloping hills and misty clouds make for a memorable trip.
Trincomalee
Another beautiful beach location in Sri Lanka, Trincomalee, is popular for the underwater diving tour offered by Sri Lanka Diving Tours. There are various temples and the famous war cemetery that is worth visiting too.
Polonnaruwa
The erstwhile capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa, still has ruins of old palaces, stupas, and shrines that offer a peek into the golden history of the country. A must-visit for history buffs.
Ravana Falls
One of the widest falls in Sri Lanka, the Ravana Falls is a major tourist attraction in the country. It is especially beautiful during the monsoon. So if you are travelling during that period, then don’t miss a visit to these falls.
Important Details You Need to Know When You Visit Sri Lanka
Here are some important details about Sri Lanka:
Indian Embassy
- Address: High Commission of India, 36-38 Galle Road, Colombo-3
- Contact Numbers: 2327587, 2421605, 2422788, 2422789
- Email: icc.colombo@mea.gov.in, dir.icc.colombo@gmail.com, iccrcolombo@gmail.com
Major International Airports in Sri Lanka
- Bandaranaike International Airport
- Ratmalana Airport
- Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport
- Anuradhapura Airport
- Sigiriya Airport (Dambulla)
- Koggala Airport (Galle)
Currency
The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee.
Summing Up
There are many more places that one must visit while visiting Sri Lanka. While we have tried to compile a list of the most visited places, make sure that you choose the spots based on your interests. In addition, having a travel insurance policy while exploring a diverse country like Sri Lanka can help you get protection against costs incurred for hospitalisation due to medical emergencies and other emergencies. Therefore, make sure that you choose the right travel medical insurance policy before commencing your journey.