Sri Lanka: 10 Best Places to See Along the Route
Explore Sri Lanka's 10 best destinations across 1,592.9 km, from the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and the 17th-century Galle Fort to wildlife-rich Yala National Park. Travel through tea plantations in Ella, visit sacred Buddhist temples in Kandy, and discover colonial architecture in Colombo and coastal charm in Mirissa.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Historical Context (formerly Ceylon)
- End
- Hikkaduwa
- Stops
- 16
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Historical Context (formerly Ceylon)
- Ella (Tea Plantations & Hills) — Verdant hill station surrounded by endless emerald tea plantations, offering scenic walking trails and cool mountain air in the central highlands.
- Kandy Rail Journey — UNESCO-listed railway route winding through misty mountains and valleys, connecting Colombo to Kandy with stunning panoramic views of terraced landscapes.
- Ella Rock Hiking — Popular day-hike summit offering sweeping views of tea gardens, forests, and distant valleys accessible from the village of Ella.
- Colombo (Commercial Capital) — Modern port city and economic hub blending colonial architecture, contemporary development, and vibrant street culture on the western coast.
- Murugan Hindu Temple, Colombo — Sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan, featuring colorful gopura towers and serving the city's Tamil and Hindu communities.
- Yala National Park (Wildlife)
- Mirissa Fishing Port — Picturesque southern coastal village known for traditional fishing boats, whale-watching expeditions, and golden sandy beaches.
- Polonnaruwa (Ancient Kingdom) — Medieval capital and UNESCO site showcasing ruins of palaces, temples, and reservoirs from the 12th-century Sinhalese kingdom.
- Archaeological Museum & Royal Palace, Polonnaruwa — Museum preserving artifacts and sculptures from the ancient kingdom alongside reconstructed royal palace foundations illustrating medieval court life.
- Kandy & Central Highlands Gateway — Historic hill city in the highlands serving as gateway to tea country, cultural heartland, and mountain attractions.
- Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy — Most sacred Buddhist shrine in Sri Lanka, enshrining a tooth relic of Buddha within ornate golden architecture and hosting daily ceremonial processions.
- Galle Fort (17th Century) — UNESCO-listed fortification built by Dutch colonists featuring massive stone walls, colonial buildings, and lighthouse overlooking the southern coast.
- St. Mary's Cathedral, Galle — Colonial-era Christian cathedral reflecting Portuguese and Dutch architectural influences, standing within the historic fort complex.
- Sigiriya (Must-See Archaeological Site) — Ancient rock fortress rising 200 meters above plains, crowned with palace ruins and ancient frescoes dating to the 5th-century kingdom.
- Hikkaduwa — Small seaside city north of Galle along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka.
Useful for your trip
- Where to stay
- Hikkaduwa has many cheap guesthouses available if you're looking for budget accommodation near the beach.
- Transport
- Take the iconic rail journey from Kandy to Ella in a colorful carriage through lush, verdant hills for scenic views.
- Tip
- Hike to nearby waterfalls, temples, and Ella Rock for incredible views while in Ella.
- Tip
- Visit the informative visitor center at the entrance of Yala National Park for insightful displays about the area.
- Timing
- Visit Mirissa during sunrise or sunset, as it's famous for having the most stunning sunrises and sunsets in Sri Lanka.
- Food
- Go dolphin and whale watching from Mirissa, which is the largest fishing port on the south coast.
- Tip
- Start your Polonnaruwa tour at the Archaeological Museum, then visit the Royal Palace and the Sacred Quadrangle.
- Transport
- Drive from Colombo to Kandy on one of the country's most scenic roads that passes by rubber plantations.
- Tip
- See the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world.
- Tip
- Explore Galle Fort, a 17th century fortress built by Dutch colonists that sits on a promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean.
- Tip
- Visit Sigiriya's Lion's Rock plateau accessed through staircases and rooms emanating from the lion's mouth, with ponds, gardens and fountains.
Video on this route
10 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka - Travel Video