5 Must see places in Sri Lanka
Where are the must see places in Sri Lanka?
There are so many places and experiences to choose from, the list could be very long.
However, most travellers have too short a time on this paradise island to see enough.
This is why many visitors to Sri Lanka come back again and again.
The Sri Lanka Tourist boards slogan is ‘You will come back for more’.
Our 5 best must see places?
We have listed five places that we think that you must see on your first trip to Sri Lanka.
Some are prominent in guide books and we considered that we had to put on the list.
We could have put five places that you must visit whilst staying at GlenMyu Estate as there are so many amazing places within an hours drive away.
However, we understand that your time on holiday is short and we have highlighted five places you must see around the island.
1. Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara
This bridge near Ella Town has probably taken over the Lion Rock, Sigiriya as the number one place to visit on the island.
But its’s just a bridge!, I hear you say.
Nine Arch Bridge is in a stunning setting and is part of what has been coined the most beautiful train journey in the world.
The bridge is just over one hundred years old (Opened 1921).
Apparently it is just made from stone, rocks and cement as the steel that was to be used in its’ construction was redirected to be used in the First World War effort.
I guess is Scotland can have the Harry Potter Bridge at Glenfinnan Viaduct, Sri Lanka can have a stunning bridge too!
2 Lion Rock, Sigiriya
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, is known as Lion Rock.
Prior to being built as a fortress, it’s thought the rock was a Buddhist monastery.
The citadel on top of Sigiriya Lion Rock was built by King Kasyapa who ruled from 477 to 495 AD. As he was worried of potential attacks from his brother Moggallana, the rightful heir to the throne, he used the fortress as his royal residence.
The Lion Rock was once again used as a monastery after Kasyapa’s death until it was abandoned in the 14th century.
You will ascend 200 metres climbing 1,200 steps and will be met with a magnificent view.
We would recommend that you go early to avoid the heat of the sun.
Remember, you can always see the Lion Rock from Pidurangula Rock which is likely to have less tourists.
3. Horton Plains National Park, World's End
Our guests that stay with us at GlenMyu Estate love hiking at UNESCO World Heritage site, Horton Plains National Park.
The exhilarating views that you will see from Greater World’s End and Little World’s End are worth the 11 kilometre circular trek itself.
At an elevation of around 2,100 metres you will feel that you have had a good workout at the end of your walk.
Information boards highlight the landscape, flora and fauna that you are likely to see on your hike.
You will enjoy sitting watching the cool water cascading down the beautiful Baker’s Falls waterfall.
Make sure you go early to get a chance of a clearer view at both Worlds End viewpoints.
4. The Southern Beaches
There is so much variety for you to experience at the southern beaches of Sri Lanka.
Apart from catching the rays to show off when you get home, there are lots of different things to do.
Visit one of the turtle hatcheries.
Learn to surf at a surf camp
Enjoy the nightlife at one of the
Watch the sunset with your partner
Don’t forget, if you are visiting the island during May to August, you should stick to the beaches of the East and North coasts.
Beaches to visit on the Southern Coast
Here are some of the better known beaches on the south coast of Sri Lanka with links to show you what they are like.
Ahungalla Beach
Unawatuna Beach
Hiriketiya Beach
Bentota Beach
Mirissa Beach
Jungle Beach
Hikkaduwa Beach
Goyambokka Beach (Sriyanga Sanjeewa)
Mihiripenna Beach
Polhena Beach
5.Yala National Park
Yala National Park is probably the best known park on the island to do a safari and see animals. It is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka.
The park covers a total area of 1268 sq km of scrub, light forest, grassy plains and brackish lagoons.
You are likely to see a wide range of wildlife such as leopards, elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, peacocks and many more types of birds.
However, there are plenty of other safari parks around the country. So, if you want to avoid the crowds look for other parks as you travel around the island.
5 Must see places in Sri Lanka - Summary
- Watch the train pass over Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara
- Discover the history behind the Lion Rock, Sigiriya
- See the view from Little World’s End
- Enjoy the variety at the Southern beaches
- See the animals on safari at Yala National Park
Too much more to mention!
These five must see places are only just some of the amazing sights and experiences you can have on this small island.
Sri Lanka has something for everyone and we are sure that you will be back for more.
Stay at GlenMyu Estate to visit Ella, Nine Arch Bridge, Horton Plains and many more
GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.
Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country
See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.
We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.
The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more.