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Updated by Joanna James on Mar 16, 2024
Headline for Top 6 most beautiful cities in Sri Lanka - Add them to your must-visit list!
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Joanna James Joanna James
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Top 6 most beautiful cities in Sri Lanka - Add them to your must-visit list!

Sri Lanka, the jade pendant of the Indian Ocean is a stunning destination with mountains to hike and beaches to lie on. Here are the 6 most beautiful cities on the island.

1

Kandy

Kandy is a cultural and religious city in Sri Lanka. Known as the capital of the hill country, the city is most famous for its gleaming white Buddhist shrine Sri Dalada Maligawa, also referred to as the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. The temple is believed to hold a tooth relic of the Lord Buddha and is kept preserved at the heart of the temple. Once a year, the temple is paraded through the streets of Kandy is a grand cultural procession. Surrounded by green mountains, the city resembles a mountain of fairy lights at night. Adjacent to the temple, you'll find a man-made lake, built by the last king of Sri Lanka.

2

Nuwara Eliya

Further away from Kandy, amidst the towering mountainous peaks and a colder climate, you'll find the quiet city of Nuwara Eliya. Most of the buildings and hotels in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka stem from the British colonial era and was once referred to as Little England by the colonists. If you're staying in the main city, hotels such as Cottage 42 are only 5 minutes away, making it convenient to visit nearby attractions such as the old post office and the Victoria Gardens. While you're here, make sure to hike up one of the most iconic mountains such as Little Adam's Peak, or Horton Plains. Check out a local tea factory and embark on a tea tasting tour while you're here!

3

Galle

Marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town of Galle has been carefully preserved since the colonists dominated the land. The fort, originally built by the Portuguese, that once protected the city from outside invaders, fell to the hands of the Dutch, who later fortified it. Walk along the ancient ramparts and you'll come across the towering Galle Lighthouse on one end, and the Galle Clock Tower on the other end, both standing against the tests of time. Within the protective walls of the fort, you'll find museums, quirky cafes, breezy bars, splendid restaurants, galleries and boutique shops, all of which play an important and unique part to the lovely, ambience of Galle.

4

Mirissa

A fisherman's village, the sunny, coastal town of Mirissa has boldly made its way to the tourist limelight. Mirissa, located south of Galle, is most famous for whale and dolphin watching. Embark on a tour and you'll be able to see the largest animal in the world here; the blue whale. You might also spot several other types such as the bryde whale, sperm whale etc. While cruising, keep your eyes open for playful spinner dolphins or bottlenose dolphins welcoming you to the ocean!

5

Trincomalee

On the east of the island, you'll find the sunny, white sandy beaches of Trincomalee. Iconic for its massive waves that attract surfing enthusiasts from around the world and the island, Arugam Bay is a surfing haven. Pasikudah Bay, on the other hand, is a calm bay that allows its visitors to wade a few metres into waist deep water. Both towns are in Trincomalee and are ideal for those looking for their daily dose of vitamin sea.

6

Ella

Head back to the mountains and visit this quiet village; Ella. The city is most known for its Nine Arches Bridge and Ella Rock. Don your hiking shoes and explore the rugged pathways. You'll also get a mesmerizing view of the Ravana Ella Falls from Ella Rock.