We realize that now is not the best time to visit your dream destinations! So while the world stays at home and stays safe, we encourage you to continue to dream about the magic that is Sri Lanka and many other countries, and prepare to visit when the time is right!
Till then, we are sharing some great stories that will keep you inspired and entertained, starting with the ten most beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka!
1. Sigiriya
Rising from the central plains, the rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka’s single most well known scenic sight. Vertical walls soar up to a flat topped summit, of whose entry must be through the famous Lion paws.
The ruins contain an ancient civilization, once the epicenter of the kingdom of Kassapa. On the way up, you can see but not photograph (as it is strictly prohibited) a series of remarkable frescoes. The landscape that surrounds the rock are of water gardens, cave shrines and lily pad covered moats, making this one of the most scenic places in Sri Lanka.
*The UNESCO World Heritage Site is located a short drive from Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Photo Credits: Travel-with-Rizawatto
2. Yala National Park
Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous national park and is a must visit for its high density of leopard. Forming a total area of 1268 sq km of scrub, light forest, grassy plains and brackish lagoons, it’s very rich in wildlife. While the elusive cat is the star here, 215 species of birds and over 44 diverse mammals call it home.
The jungle is dry and dusty as it receives less than 1000mm of annual rainfall, with major showers from December to February. Keep an eye out for different species of birds like the Paradise Flycatcher, Bee-eaters, eagles, jungle fowls who keep giving special appearances while most of the jeeps track the bigger animals!
*Sri Lanka’s most scenic wildlife parks is in close proximity to Cinnamon Wild Yala
Photo Credits: Saranga Dinusha
3. Pidurangala
Have you even been to Sri Lanka if you have not climbed Pidurangala Rock?
Located adjacent to Sigiriya, it provides equally epic views of the surrounding area, a historic cave complex of its own and the most scenic view overlooking the famous Sigiriya rock.
Hiking Pidurangala Rock for sunrise has become something of a right of passage for those visiting Sri Lanka. It will take you 30 to 40 minutes and can be a challenging climb.
Photo Credits: Ashan Upekshaka
4. Ella
Ayubowan from everyone’s favourite hill-country village, and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka!
Must visit are the Ella Gap, Ella Rock, Mini Adams Peek, and Little Ravana Waterfall. The views through Ella Gap are stunning, and on a clear night you can even spy the subtle glow of the Great Basses lighthouse on Sri Lanka’s south coast.
After building up a hiking-inspired appetite, look forward to Sri Lanka’s best home-cooked food and a reviving cuppa of Sri Lankan tea!
Photo Credits: vivianereinhardt
5. Mirissa Beach
Mirissa Beach boasts pale sand, while its turquoise water is fringed by an arc of coconut palms. Sounds like tropical paradise? It certainly is one of the most scenic places in Sri Lanka! The west side is the most picturesque and has the broadest expanse of sand; as the bay curves around to the east it meets up with the roar of the Galle–Matara Road.
Close to the centre of Mirissa bay is a much-photographed sandbar that connects to a tiny island that you can walk to at low tide.
Photo Credits: florenciagomezs
6. Ramboda Falls
Did you know that Ramboda Falls is the 11th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and 729th highest waterfall in the world? Located in the Pussawella area and 3100 feet above sea level, this stunning site site right adjacent to Ramboda Pass and is certainly worth a visit.
Photo Credits: Charlies Stories
7. Lipton Seat
Yet another scenic place in Sri Lanka you must visit is Lipton Seat. This site in Haputale is popular among travelers far and wide, because it’s where Thomas Lipton sat down with a cup of team and proudly looked over the fruits of his endeavors. If you trek there on a bright and clear day, it certainly has a breathtaking view!
This tea plantation famous for marking the beginning of tea exports from Sri Lanka to the world.
Photo Credits: myfootprintsnl
8. Sinharaja Forest Reserve
The UNESCO listed Sinharaja Forest Reserve is the largest lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka. Known as a scenic place in Sri Lanka to visit, this biodiverse habitat is rich in wildlife inclusive of rare mammals such as Leopards, Sambar, Fishing Cat, Rusty Fishing Cat, Barking Deer, Jackals as well as 21 endemic bird species. Unlike most Sri Lankan national parks, access to the forest is only on foot accompanied by a ranger.
*Rangers can be sourced through our Wildlife arm – Cinnamon Nature Trails
Photo Credits: Die schönsten Orte
9. Polonnaruwa
Another cultural site that makes it to the most beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka is the UNESCO World Heritage site – Polonnaruwa.
You can explore with a bicycle tour, starting from the Archaeological Museum, housing a marvelous collection of bronze statues, some ancient medical instruments, and a topographical model of the city in ancient Sri Lanka, as it presumably looked like in the past.
Once you’ve taken in all the information, you should visit the palace built by King Parakramabahu I between the period of 1153 – 1186, the Parakrama Samudra, Dambulla Rock Temple and Sigiriya.
*The UNESCO World Heritage Site is located a short drive from Habarana Village by Cinnamon
Photo Credits: Swastika Samanta
10. Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy
The Temple of the Sacred Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Lord Buddha. Kept in a gold casket in the shape of a dagoba (stupa), containing a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing sizes.
Apart from the revered main temple, which is a must visit if ever you are in Kandy, the complex also includes a series of smaller temples, shrines and museums you can explore.
*The cultural site is located a short drive from Cinnamon Citadel Kandy
Photo Credits: Attractions in Sri Lanka
If you have traveled to Sri Lanka before and dream of coming back when the time is right, do share with us your inspiring moments in Sri Lanka, by posting your favourite memories on Instagram using the hashtag #SeeNowExperienceLater. Don’t forget to tag us: https://www.instagram.com/cinnamonhotels/
