Top Destinations of Sri Lanka

Your gateway to Sri Lanka’s most captivating destinations and unforgettable adventures

a stone staircase with a rock arch
a stone staircase with a rock arch

Sigiriya

  • Distance from Airport: ~170–180 km (4–5 hours by car)

  • Sigiriya is famous for the Lion Rock Fortress, an ancient rock citadel. Nearby Dambulla hosts the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning Buddhist murals and statues.

man and woman sitting beside cliff
man and woman sitting beside cliff
a path leading to a large rock formation
a path leading to a large rock formation
man in green jacket and blue denim jeans sitting on train rail during daytime
man in green jacket and blue denim jeans sitting on train rail during daytime

Colombo

  • Distance from Airport: ~35 km (45–60 minutes by car)

  • The commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo blends modern life with colonial charm. Highlights include Galle Face Green, the Gangaramaya Temple, Pettah Market, and vibrant shopping and dining options.

red concrete building
red concrete building
a building with flags on the roof
a building with flags on the roof
a boat sitting on top of a sandy beach
a boat sitting on top of a sandy beach

Negombo

  • Distance from Airport: ~8 km (15 minutes)

  • A coastal town near the airport, famous for its beaches, Dutch-era canals, and seafood. Negombo is ideal for a relaxing start or end to your trip.

a group of boats floating on top of a lake
a group of boats floating on top of a lake
A man standing on a beach next to a net
A man standing on a beach next to a net
a woman walking down a flight of stairs towards a giant buddha statue
a woman walking down a flight of stairs towards a giant buddha statue

Kandy

  • Distance from Airport: ~115 km (3–3.5 hours by car)

  • Known as the cultural capital, Kandy sits amidst lush hills and is home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. The scenic Kandy Lake and the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya are must-visits.

a large white building with a bus parked in front of it
a large white building with a bus parked in front of it
a white building with a gold roof with Temple of the Tooth in the background
a white building with a gold roof with Temple of the Tooth in the background
brown deer on green grass field during daytime
brown deer on green grass field during daytime

Nuwara Eliya

  • Distance from Airport: ~175 km (5–6 hours by car)

  • Known as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya is a hill country town surrounded by tea plantations, waterfalls, and lakes. Attractions include Gregory Lake, Horton Plains, and scenic tea estate tours.

person walking on plant field
person walking on plant field
a group of people standing next to a waterfall
a group of people standing next to a waterfall
woman in black and white stripe long sleeve shirt standing on green grass field during daytime
woman in black and white stripe long sleeve shirt standing on green grass field during daytime

Ella

  • Distance from Airport: ~210 km (6–7 hours by car)

  • Description: A small mountain town famous for breathtaking views, tea plantations, and trekking. Highlights include Nine Arches Bridge, Ella Rock, and Little Adam’s Peak.

a woman standing on a train looking out the window
a woman standing on a train looking out the window
a train traveling over a bridge in the middle of a forest
a train traveling over a bridge in the middle of a forest
An aerial view of a beach and ocean
An aerial view of a beach and ocean

Mirissa

  • Distance from Airport: ~150–160 km (3.5–4 hours by car)

  • Famous for golden beaches and whale watching (Mirissa). Unawatuna is great for coral reefs and laid-back beach vibes. Perfect for a tropical getaway.

woman in black bikini holding white surfboard walking on seashore during daytime
woman in black bikini holding white surfboard walking on seashore during daytime
man wearing black shorts beside palm tree
man wearing black shorts beside palm tree
green-leafed trees during daytime
green-leafed trees during daytime

Bentota

  • Distance from Airport: ~95 km (2 hours by car)

  • A beach paradise known for luxury resorts, water sports, and the Bentota River. Ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling, and river safaris.

a wooden deck with a table and chairs on it
a wooden deck with a table and chairs on it
a view of a beach with people swimming in the water
a view of a beach with people swimming in the water
white lighthouse
white lighthouse

Galle

  • Distance from Airport: ~125 km (2.5–3 hours by car)

  • A historic fortified city on the southwest coast. The Galle Fort (a UNESCO site), beaches, and boutique cafes make it a perfect blend of history and relaxation.

woman facing on plant near white car
woman facing on plant near white car
a group of people walking on a sidewalk next to a body of water
a group of people walking on a sidewalk next to a body of water
a group of people standing on top of a lush green field
a group of people standing on top of a lush green field

Anuradhapura

  • Distance from Airport: ~210 km (4.5–5 hours by car)

  • One of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is full of archaeological treasures, including ancient stupas, temples, and sacred Bodhi trees.

a group of people standing in front of a building
a group of people standing in front of a building
a large white dome with a clock on top of it
a large white dome with a clock on top of it