Where to go in Sri Lanka?

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Sviat Oleksiv
February 23, 2022

Sri Lanka is a very multifaceted island. It hides not only golden beaches, romantic sunsets, crystal clear ocean, and unique culture. Here you will also find a great variety of transport, food, and scenery. So everything that you simply cannot miss during your trip to Sri Lanka in this article.

How to get around the Island?

  1. Tuki Tuki (there are such here in India) - up to 3 passengers. In the city in one direction -100 rupees if you go to neighboring towns then 700/800 rupees - 15 km. You don't have to look for them, they will find you. They are everywhere, and when you are here, you will understand.
  2. Easy and cheapest to get to other cities by train -40/80 rupees that 15/30 km The schedule can be viewed here. The trick in trains is that the door is not closed, and you can sit or stand in the aisle and watch the jungle or take the best photos.
  3. Buses run every 15 minutes; the price is about -200 rupees per 30 km. They can stop on the road anywhere.
  4. Car, scooters, or bikes are available for rent. But there is a lot of traffic, and you need to drive on the left

More useful information about Sri Lanka, you can read in the article:

  • top 20 sri lanka lifehacks

And let's see the TOP 10 best locations on the Island.

1. Dalawella Beach

This beach shows how the media can promote a popular resort from a normal exotic beach, which Sri Lanka has enough. This beach has featured advertisements, glossy magazines, and renowned Instagram bloggers! And it's all because of a few rope ropes tied to the low, bending down to the ground palm trees... It may appear unremarkable, yet it is still worth viewing with your own eyes. Even better if you know how to bike. Furthermore, this pleasure is simply three dollars...

The beach is near the city of Unawatuna, and you may walk there from there. If you are traveling from Colombo, the bus ride will take approximately 2 hours, but you will not be disappointed. You can also remain in one of the hotels near the beach if you want to relax and not come back. Dalawella Beach is a large length of sand that stretches for 700 meters and is 10 to 25 meters wide. It has become world-famous for its rope swings and attracts large throngs of tourists during the summer, although pleasure is far from its only advantage. It's especially popular with tourists because of its excellent golden beach, crystal clear ocean, and friendly locals.

Swimming is safe for everybody thanks a smooth, practically ideal entrance. Small waves and wind are common on the beach, but they do not cause discomfort to visitors and can provide a good learning environment for beginners, but not for specialists.

There are various boulders among the sand on the beach that tourists prefer to climb and photograph against the backdrop of sunset with fascinating scenery. This is an excellent location for family vacations.

2. Ella

Ella is a city located in Sri Lanka's highlands. This region has a cool climate with a big temperature range between day and night.

In Sinhala, the word "Ella" means "Waterfall," which is entirely appropriate with the region's number of waterfalls of all heights and in full flow.

Ella's greatest attraction is the natural beauty of the Ella Gap mountain range, which carries the same name. Many visitors come to the city for the chance to go on interesting hiking tours across the mountains to see numerous natural features.

You may walk from Ella to popular tourist attractions such as Ella rock, little Adam's Peak, Ravana waterfall, and the Nine Arch Bridge. The city is within walking distance of the bridge, which connects Ella and Demodara.

3. Nine Arches Bridge

The 25-meter Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the "Bridge to Heaven," connects the small mountain towns of Ella and Demodara. It has a height of 945 meters above sea level.

The bridge is closer to Ella and may be visited by walking along the railway tracks for about 3 kilometers. The nine-arch bridge is functional, with trains running several times per day.

The bridge's unusual feature is that it was constructed without the use of steel in its framework. It was created during World War I and commissioned in 1921.

4. Sigiriya

Lion Rock is the nickname of the rock formation in Sigiriya. The ancient city of Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is widely regarded as Sri Lanka's most iconic monument. There is a palace on top of the cliff, interesting buildings at the foot of the cliff, and gardens with multiple artificial ponds and a running water system.

Useful Information

You can get to Sigiriya by bus or by bus, so this trip takes almost the whole day. Or you can rent a car with a driver. It's better to get to the fortress early to get away from the burning sun and the crowd of tourists—box offices in the park open at 7 o'clock. The ticket costs $ 30 and can be paid in rupees, euros or dollars. The journey to the top will take about 40 minutes.

A view from the mountain is worth seeing for yourself. First, the fortress-palace. This is something extraordinary. The mystery of its creation is still unsolved. In addition, the top offers a fantastic view of the island, its mountains, and national parks. Bring a bottle of water, and the park will not sell. There will also be no need for sun protection and a cap or hat.

5. Galle

Galle is a city famous for its fort and lighthouse. The walls of the port city, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, were built by Europeans. There you will find the atmosphere of "little Europe" and of course branded stores in the city!

The fort from the 17th century is the key attraction. Behind the fortress walls there stand residential areas with temples, administrative buildings, a prison, and a lighthouse.

Flag Rock, on the fort's southern edge, is one of the most popular places to watch the sunrise.

6. Mirissa Beach

Mirissa will always be one of the best beaches. The beach is breathtaking. There are five beaches and coves to choose from. Each one is lovely.

Swimming with children is possible in some locations. Fans can try surfing in designated areas. There are two surf spots in the area. Turtle Bay is a bay where you can always see some turtles which swim somewhere there. Yes, Mirissa is a fantastic snorkeling spot. There is the white beach, black sand, and enormous coral that you may gaze at for hours.

Mirissa has grown in popularity as a tourist resort. This means that the tourists will find everything they need. Small stores, souvenir shops, a supermarket, pharmacies, ATMs, alcohol shops, and various guesthouses and hotels catering to multiple tastes and budgets are all available. There's even a tourist police force!

There is a port at Mirissa. This is the only location from which whale-watching cruises can be taken. The harbor itself is a vibrant and colorful environment with many boats—the best place for taking photos.

You should buy fresh fish in the port in the morning. I also advise you to visit Perot Rock and the coconut grove.

Mirissa is still a tiny village. The city of Weligama is located on one side of Mirissa (10 minutes on transport). The central town of Matara is on the other side of the mountain (20 minutes by car). The cities have everything you might be needed. Hospitals, for example.

7. Secret Beach Mirissa

Secret Beach is a small, isolated bay that is visibly separated into two sections by a jumble of massive stones. The beach has golden sand, coral fragments, and spiky shells (specific footwear is recommended!). The sea is shallow and transparent, and numerous tidal pools are close to the coast. Visitors to the beach bar can expect free loungers in exchange for the purchase of food and drinks. Sports equipment and fishing tackle are available for rent.

The beach is beautiful and evocative, and it is encircled by a dense palm grove that provides welcome shade. You can spend the whole day here. But remember to wear sunblock and insect repellent (the jungle is full of mosquitoes).

A beautiful path goes to the beach, with monkeys, black squirrels, and other members of the local species that can be seen along the way. If you don't feel like walking, a rickshaw service is available.

8. Yala National Park Sri Lanka

Yala is Sri Lanka's most well-known and second-largest national park (the first is Wilpattu). Since 1938, Yala has been a national park.

Yala National Park is located near the cities of Kataragama and Tissamaharama in the southeast of the island. The territory of the park is modeled as a miniature copy of the entire island; it presents all the natural landscapes of Sri Lanka.

Yala National Park is divided into five parts, two of which are open to visitors. Tourists are regularly asked to go on a jeep safari in the park. There are a high number of dangerous wild animals, walking tours of the park are not possible.

There are 215 bird species, including flamingos and peacocks, 44 mammal species, including leopards, bears, elephants, and deer, as well as many reptiles, crocodiles, and other animals.

There is even own Yala Beach.

9. Unawatuna Beach

Unawatuna is often regarded as Sri Lanka's best beach. It was named "the best in the world" by Discovery Channel. The tranquil lagoon is 5 kilometers from Galle, Sri Lanka's old fort. A polished beach vacation is successfully mixed with the chance to see various attractions. Both seasoned tourists and those with few impressions to compare will appreciate the beautiful natural aquamarine pool with a gently golden beach. The bay is full capes and sheltered from the sea by a ridge of coral reefs, making for a peaceful and quiet vacation.

The tiny lane behind the coconut palms provides an additional barrier against the main thoroughfare's hustle and bustle. At the same time, getting to Unawatuna is simple by walking between the little shops, cafes, and eateries. Tourists are mainly "wild," just like the beach. Although there can be many people during peak season, the local beauty and amenities appeal to families with children, solitary travelers, and couples in love. Swimming is safe: there are no strong currents, and the beach has soft sand.

The beach does not have any stylish hotels or restaurants, and the rest of the area is rather simple, which is why so many visitors enjoy it. They do, however, have some basic amenities:

  • There is a shower and a toilet.
  • Several eateries hire out sun loungers and umbrellas.
  • Water sports and amusement are developed in all places.
  • Discos and parties are held regularly, most of which are themed.
  • Swimming, surfing, yoga, going to the market, cooking workshops, fantastic beer, and coconut with a straw are all options.

Tourists with various types of equipment attentively investigate the underwater world. Turtles, moray eels, sharks, blue whales, and other smaller species can all be seen. The proximity of coral thickets to the coast allows "surface" researchers of the bottom to observe all of the tropical residents through the glass bottom of the boats, so they lose nearly nothing from their impressions.

Everything works together to create a relaxing environment. You may relax on a sun lounger next to the ocean with a cocktail in your hand or climb the boulders along the beach to splash in the surf. At sunset, to the sound of the primordial ocean, eternal thoughts arrive here.

10. Hikkaduwa Beach

Hikkaduwa is a small town located 100 kilometers south of Colombo. The most popular resort in Sri Lanka offers hotels for all tastes and budgets, as well as clean beaches and fun vacations. The tourist infrastructure in the area is quite advanced. The city beach is well-known for the appearance of sea turtles, which you may feed with your hands. The local coral reef and sunken ships are of huge interest to divers.

Hikkaduwa Beach Surfers flock to the resort because of the consistent waves and the level bottom with no unsafe sections. Those who have never tried to surf before can enroll in the "young fighter course" right here. Divers go several kilometers deep into the ocean to examine highly inhabited underwater reefs, which include a large number of ships that have sunk there throughout time.

Wildlife enthusiasts can observe the birth of a new generation of big tortoises on the beach or hand-feed the adults as they compete for the yummy morsel.

There are sun loungers and umbrellas near the beach cafes where you may have a bite to eat seafood, lie in the shade, appreciate the ocean's vastness, and take part in a sunset party.