5 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka - Tourist hotspots not to be missed!

Unlike the hotter climate in the coastal areas of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya, the hill country offers a charming escape with pleasantly cool climes to help visitors unwind. If you are a tea enthusiast, you are certainly in the right place! Nuwara Eliya is the tea production hub of the island, therefore, you can tour a tea factory of your choice and learn the process that takes place from plucking tea leaves until it reaches the shelf. But that's not all...if you are a lover of nature, you can also enjoy safaris to Moon Plains, hikes to explore waterfalls and much more. 

If what you are after is a quiet beachside vacation, Mirissa is just the right place for you! Enjoy one of the most pristine, unspoiled beaches of Sri Lanka with a stay at Lantern Boutique Hotel or any other boutique hotel offering direct access to the golden shores. Witness sunsets that are absolutely mesmerising and also indulge in the wonderful local and international cuisine at a restaurant in Mirissa. The southern coast waters are warm and rich in marine life as well and are popular for whale and dolphin watching from November to April. 

For all the history lovers out there, Polonnaruwa offers an amazing collection of archaic ruins to explore and learn about. Expect to see ruins of an audience hall, a palace and even temples from the 12th century. Gal Viharaya, Vatadage and King Parakramabahu's palace are some of the most popular attractions here. For a glimpse of herds of elephants, you could also visit the Minneriya National Park for an unforgettable experience. 

Also located in the hill country of Sri Lanka, Kandy is known to be the cultural capital of the country. The Kandyan kingdom was the last surviving kingdom of the island before the British took complete control over Ceylon at the time. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the palace along with the Kandy Lake are what bring visitors to this city. Apart from this, you can also enjoy a stroll on the streets which are pretty easy to navigate and admire the remnants of colonial-style buildings that stood the test of time. Kandy also offers a wonderful experience at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya and a peek into history at the Kandy Museum. 

For nature enthusiasts, Yala National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness Sri Lanka's diverse wildlife in its natural habitat. Embark on a thrilling safari through the park's varied ecosystems, where leopards, elephants, and a multitude of bird species roam free. The untamed beauty of Yala promises encounters with creatures like the illusive Sri Lankan Leopard and the Sloth Bear indigenous to the island.