Sri Lanka Tour Packages offer a chance to explore this beautiful island country located in the Indian Ocean, blessed with natural wonders, ancient ruins, rich history, and adventure. With a diverse landscape comprising dramatic hills, varied species of flora and fauna, stunning beaches, and a tropical climate, it welcomes tourists from around the world.
For knowing about the history of Sri Lanka visit ancient cities like Sigiriya and Anuradhapura that will take you back to the past to immerse in the rich history and culture of the region. Imagine how the rock fortress of Sigiriya was built or learn about the sacred temples of the region and its spiritual significance.
Nature lovers can explore the dense tropical forests, wildlife sanctuaries, exotic beaches and the grand mountain peaks and the dramatic hills, all makes the place exciting to visit. Not to forget the charming tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya this will woo your senses. And for watching whales up close, visit Galle and Mirissa, the popular coastal towns of the region, here you can also enjoy surfing and other water activities.
Sri Lanka’s important cities like Colombo (which is also the capital of the country) provides a blend of different experiences, modern buildings accompanied with colonial architectural buildings, bustling markets and a lively atmosphere.
Whether you are looking for historical, religious or beach experience, you will be surely be able to have a blend of everything. Here is a guide to the top must-visit destinations in Sri Lanka for first time travelers:
Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
The Temple of the Tooth is situated in Kandy and is one of the sacred Buddhist temples in the world as it comprises of a fragment of Buddha’s tooth, which is why it is respected by the Buddhists around the world. The temple is famous for its splendid architectural design which follows Buddhism architectural style and has complex carvings. Daily prayers are conducted; tourists can attend and listen to the chanting as well.
- Timings: Opened daily from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM
- Entrance Charge for Foreigners: USD 10
How to Reach? Kandy is situated around 115 km away from Colombo; tourists can take a taxi or bus from Colombo to Kandy.
Rock Fortress of Sigiriya
Rock Fortress of Sigiriya is the most fascinating landmark that attracts tourists from around the world and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sigiriya is also referred to as the Lion Rock and was built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa. The highlight of Sigiriya rock fortress is that the rock is above 200 meters high, and has rock paintings, and beautiful gardens. On reaching the top of hill, you will be able to have a glimpse of the surrounding landscape and lush green forests.
- Timings: Opened daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Entrance Charge for Foreigners: USD 30 (approx)
How to Reach? Sigiriya is situated around 177 km away from Colombo, tourists can take a taxi or bus from Colombo to Dambulla, from here take a tuk-tuk ride to reach Sigiriya.
Dambulla Cave Temple
The Dambulla Cave Temple is the largest cave temple in Sri Lanka and one of the best-preserved cave temples in the world, making it a highlight of any Best of Sri Lanka Tour. Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, it features stunning paintings on the walls and ceilings, along with around 150 Buddha statues. The temple complex consists of five caves, each adorned with unique paintings and estimated to date back to the 1st century BC. From the top of the temple, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Timings: Opened daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Entrance Charge for Foreigners: USD 10
How to Reach? Dambulla is situated around 148 km away from Colombo; tourists can hire a taxi or take bus from Colombo to Dambulla. Tourists usually include the nearby places like Sigiriya along with Dambulla.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park is the best national park in Sri Lanka that is home to local exotic wildlife of the region like leopards, crocodiles, elephants and many species of birds. One of the highlight of Yala National Park is that it has the highest population of leopards in the world. While exploring the national park you will come across dry forests, beaches and lagoons, which make the park exotic to visit.
- Timings: Opened daily from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entrance Charge for Foreigners: USD 25 (approx)
How to Reach? Yala is situated around 300 km away from Colombo; tourists can hire a taxi or take bus from Colombo to Yala. Otherwise opt for a Safari tour Package for a hassle-free tour experience.
Galle Fort
Galle Fort is a Dutch colonial fort which was built by the Portuguese rulers in the 16th century and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The architectural design of the fort comprises of European, and South Asian architectural design. Inside the complex of the fort there are boutique shops and cafes, stroll around the streets and also visit the Galle Lighthouse, from the top of the lighthouse you can enjoy the views of the vast ocean.
- Timings: Opened daily 24 hours (outdoor areas)
- Entrance Charge for Foreigners: Free (only for exploring the common areas)
How to Reach? Galle is situated around 120 km away from Colombo; tourists can hire a taxi or take bus from Colombo to Galle.
Nuwara Eliya
Those wishing to explore the charming tea gardens of Sri Lanka should consider Nuwara Eliya, renowned for its rich tea plantations, colonial buildings, and pleasant weather—an essential stop in any Sri Lanka Tour Packages. Visitors to Sri Lanka never miss the chance to experience Nuwara Eliya, famous for its ‘Ceylon tea’ and blessed with cool, pleasant weather, mesmerizing tea gardens, waterfalls, lakes, and beautiful gardens. Tourists can tour a tea estate to learn about the tea cultivation process, preparation, and packaging. Afterwards, they can visit the stunning waterfalls, Gregory Lake, and Hakgala Botanical Gardens.
- Timings: Opened daily 24 hours
- Entrance Charge for Foreigners: Varies depending on attractions
How to Reach? Nuwara Eliya is situated around 160 km away from Colombo; tourists can hire a taxi or take bus from Colombo to Kandy then Nanu Oya and finally Nuwara Eliya.
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is an ancient city of Sri Lanka, in fact the capital of Sri Lanka in the ancient times. This ancient city is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it was a well-planned city with proper irrigation systems, and pathways and comprises of temples, palaces, and statues. One of the main highlight of this ancient city is that it comprises of a group of Buddha statues (referred to Gal Vihara) which are carved from one granite rock.
- Timings: Opened daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Entrance Charge for Foreigners: USD 25
How to Reach? Polonnaruwa is situated around 215 km away from Colombo; tourists can hire a taxi or take bus from Colombo to Polonnaruwa. Otherwise opt for a tour Package for a hassle-free tour experience.
Mirissa
Those tourists, who wish to spend the last day relaxing, opt for a beach vacation in Mirissa which located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Tourists can enjoy here sunbathing, swimming and engaging in water sports. One of the highlight of this coastal region is that it is popular for whale watching, opt for a whale watching tour wherein in you will be able to have glimpse of the blue whales, sperm whales and the dolphins. Other places to explore in Mirissa include the Secret Beach and the Parrot Rock viewpoint.
- Timings: Opened daily 24 hours
- Entrance Charge for Foreigners: Free
How to Reach? Mirissa is situated around 150 km away from Colombo; tourists can hire a taxi or take bus from Colombo to Mirissa.
Unawatuna
Another popular beach destination in Sri Lanka is the stunning beach of Unawatuna, it comprises of serene and peaceful atmosphere, golden colored sands and turquoise blue surrounding waters. Tourists can enjoy here exotic fresh seafood, swimming, and snorkeling.
- Timings: Opened daily 24 hours
- Entrance Charge for Foreigners: Free
How to Reach? Unawatuna is situated around 140 km away from Colombo; tourists can hire a taxi or take bus from Colombo to Unawatuna.
Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)
Adam’s Peak, popularly referred to as Sri Pada, is considered a sacred mountain in Sri Lanka and an important pilgrimage center for Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, and Muslims, making it a must-visit on the Best of Sri Lanka Tour. The peak is named Sri Pada because of a rock formation believed to be the footprint of Lord Buddha, God Shiva, or Adam, depending on one’s religion.
- Timings: Opened daily 24 hours (climbing starts before dawn)
- Entrance Charge for Foreigners: Free
How to Reach? Adam’s Peak is situated around 147.6 km away from Colombo; tourists can hire a taxi or take bus from Colombo to Hatton. From Hatton, you have to reach Dalhousie and then opt for a trek to the peak.
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