Top 10 Must See Attractions in Sri Lanka

Starting from Colombo – commercial capital of Sri Lanka – one of the must visit attractions in Sri Lanka is the Lotus Tower. Recognized as a ‘  Beacon of Modernity “, the Lotus Tower was opened to the public in 2022, thereby being identified as the tallest structure in South Asia with a height of 350 meters. 
This unique lotus shaped design stands to symbolize modernity and the vibrant cultural heritage is not only a tower that serves as a telecommunication hub, it consists of eight storeys offering different experiences.

Here are some interesting activities you can experience at Lotus Tower;

•     Observation deck at the height of 250 meters offering 360 degree panoramic views of the vicinity
•     Revolving Restaurant 
•     Core Area Digital Art Museum
•     Lotus 5G Innovation Center
•     Gaming Arena
•     Leisure Area with Pub facilities 

Take a tour around Colombo to witness more interesting hotspots that can surely make you feel awed by what Sri Lanka has to offer.
 

Also known as Lion Rock, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, is one of the iconic landmarks in Sri Lanka identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thus making it a must visit attraction in Sri Lanka. 

Its mind-blowing architecture, creative frescoes, well designed pathways and staircases, the network of water gardens coupled with the scenic panoramic views from the top compels every visitor to wonder about the advanced engineering skills of the Sri Lankan ancestors.

In addition, the historical significance that runs back to the reign of King Kashyapa during the 5th century heightens the value of Sigiriya as a portrayal of national pride for Sri Lankans. 

Temple of the Tooth Relic, famously known as the Dalada Maligawa among Sri Lankans, is another must visit attraction in Sri Lanka, for its historical, architectural, archaeological and religious significance. Built in the 17th century, the temple was initially identified as a place of identity and governance during the Kanyan Period. This Temple protects a relic believed to be a tooth of Lord Buddha, thus making it a prominent religious destination, especially for Buddhists.  

The unique carvings, colourful paintings and stunning stonework together emphasize the craftmanship of ancient Sri Lankans. From the time you start walking towards the temple you will witness the pride and elegance of this majestic Temple. In addition, the Kandy Lake next to the Temple adds more splendour to this scenic setting

Yala National Park – ideal place for nature lovers and wildlife photographers – is the next attraction that scores well in our top 10 must visit list. This National Park is located on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka and spans over 978 square kilometres. 

Yala is not popular only for its rich biodiversity and diverse wildlife, it also includes breathtaking mountainous landscapes, natural water sources and picture perfect sceneries as you travel along the beaten tracks inside the park. 

An early morning safari ride to Yala, especially during the dry months in Sri Lanka, may offer you the chance to spot various wild animals in their natural habitat. Elephants, wildboars, spotted deer, water buffaloes, Sri Lankan bears, crocodiles, leopards and a wide variety of bird species seek shelter in this massive sanctuary.

Another must visit attraction in Sri Lanka is the infamous “ Nine Arch Bridge “ located in Ella of the Central Highlands in Sri Lanka. This bridge – a portrayal of Sri Lanka’s colonial history – is built joining two mountains using local materials such as granite, brick and wood, without a single use of steel, thus highlighting the extraordinary skill and craftmanship prevailed during the colonial period. 

The visit to the Bridge requires a 30-minutes brief walk down a tea plantation and along the railway track. Even this brief trekking experience will seem interesting with all the picturesque landscapes in the surroundings. 

Nine Arch Bridge is not the only attraction that you will come across in Ella. If you are someone in love with hiking and trekking, make sure to include a visit to Little Adam’s Peak in your trip to Ella.

No matter what, we cannot leave out the most important destination cities, which were once ancient capitals, from our top 10 must see attractions in Sri Lanka. Therefore, Anuradhapura is one such tourist attraction. 

Although Anuradhapura is a city, the many iconic landmarks nestled in this sacred destination, make the whole city a must visit attraction to both locals and foreigners alike. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura has served as a capital for hundreds of years while being a main focal point for power, trade and Buddhism. 

Here are some of the many sacred landmarks nestled in this ancient capital;

•     Sri Maha Bodhi
•     Ruwanweliseya
•     Jetavanaramaya
•     Isurumuniya Temple
•     Twin Ponds
•     Mihinthale 

Similar to Anuradhapura, another city that must be considered a must see attraction is Polonnaruwa. Being the second ancient capital in Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site for the abundance of sacred ruins, well-crafted sculptures, majestic pagodas, massive manmade lakes and intricate granite statues found in this city. 

All of these ancient landmarks together simply portray the mind blowing engineering capabilities, skills and craftsmanship of our ancient Sri Lankans. 

The must visit marvels in Polonnaruwa include;

•     Gala Viharaya
•     Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu
•     Nissanka Lata Mandapaya
•     Pabalu Vehera
•     Thiwanka Image House

Another must visit tourist attraction nestled in the Central Highlands is Horton Plains in Nuwara Eliya. Similar to the Yala National Park, Horton Plains can be identified as a National Park that provides shelter for diverse flora and fauna. However, the cool temperature and the green mountainous landscapes at Horton Plains are what make this Park different from Yala.

Horton Plains–introduced as a national park in 1988–is a place that offers an array of recreational activities for nature lovers as well as hiking and trekking enthusiasts. The Park owns the popular World’s End trail that has a circular route leading to two mountains. Horton Plains, of course, is a paradise for nature photographers as this place provides stunning views of the surroundings, including wildlife and various bird species.

Make sure to spare your time to take a trip to Nuwara Eliya to experience the misty climate and natural beauty of the Central Highlands.

If you are someone in love with beaches and sea vibes, Bentota is the ideal must visit destination for you. Since Bentota is full of fun and adventure with a lot of recreational activities to engage in–including its sandy beach–it is possible to consider the whole city as an attraction.

This city – located in the south western part of the island – is a perfect place for relaxation and adventure. The beach itself is a place to indulge in an array of water activities such as jet skiing, snorkelling and surfing. Not only that, the Bentota River is another tourist hotspot as it offers the perfect waters and setting for calm boat rides.

If you opt in for a trip to Bentota here’s what you can witness in this fun filled destination;
•     Madhu River Safari Boat Ride
•     Turtle Hatchery 
•     Kande Viharaya
•     Biref Garden by Bevis Bawa
•     Water Sports at Bentota River
•     Cinnamon Island

Last but not least, Ambuluwawa Tower–located on top of the Ambuluwawa Mountain in the Gampola region–is one of the most visited attractions in Sri Lanka. Nestled a few kilometres away from Kandy, this tower was opened to the public in 2004 for the sole purpose of promoting the whole area as a must visit tourist attraction. 

The unique architectural structure that rises approximately 48 meters to the sky, consists of a spiral staircase going around the tower, making the journey to the top a daring adventure.

Also another feature that adds more value to this tower is the 360 degree panoramic views it offers as you go to the top of the tower. View of dense forests nestled in mountainous landscapes and the mountain ranges visible at a distance will never fail to make you admire the natural beauty Sri Lanka owns.

As you can see the top 10 must see attractions in Sri Lanka prove that this is a tiny island that can offer its visitors diverse experiences. Starting from the vibrance of modern Colombo, ancient pride in Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, fascinating colonial ruins like Nine Arch Bridge, diverse wildlife exploration at Yala and Horton Plains to the breathtaking beaches and Bentota, every destination holds a unique narration that emphasizes the island’s culture and prestige. We hope you have a lovely and adventurous journey to Sri Lanka to witness this magical journey for real.