Sri Lanka for First Timers

Every place below is pinned on the interactive map with its exact location. You can browse it for free, and copy the whole map into your own Ikuzo account to adapt it to your trip.

Cultural Triangle

Sigiriya Lion Rock

Sri Lanka's most famous sight, a 5th century palace on top of a 200m rock with frescoes and the lion paw staircase. Go at 7am opening to beat the heat and the crowds, allow 2 to 3 hours.

Pidurangala Rock

The classic sunrise hike with the best view OF Sigiriya, about 30 minutes up with a short scramble at the top. Much cheaper than Sigiriya, bring a headlamp and cover shoulders past the temple.

Dambulla Cave Temple

Five caves packed with over 150 Buddha statues and ceiling murals, a UNESCO site and an easy stop between Kandy and Sigiriya. Shoes off and knees covered, watch your snacks around the monkeys.

Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Compact medieval capital with the stunning Gal Vihara rock Buddhas, best explored by bicycle in half a day. Flatter and easier to cover than Anuradhapura if you only pick one ancient city.

Anuradhapura Sacred City (Ruwanwelisaya)

Sri Lanka's first capital, a vast sacred city of giant white stupas and the 2000 year old Bodhi tree. Distances are big, hire a tuk tuk or bicycle and start with the Ruwanwelisaya stupa.

Ritigala Forest Monastery

Atmospheric ruins of a forest monastery climbing a jungle covered mountain, far quieter than the big sites. Easy detour between Anuradhapura and Sigiriya, allow about 1.5 hours on foot.

Minneriya National Park

Famous for The Gathering, when hundreds of wild elephants meet around the reservoir from roughly July to October. Book an afternoon jeep safari from Habarana or Sigiriya, other months try nearby Kaudulla instead.

Aukana Buddha Statue

A 12m standing Buddha carved from a single granite rock in the 5th century, one of the finest statues on the island. Quick and peaceful stop between Anuradhapura and Dambulla.

Kandy & Hill Country

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Sri Lanka's holiest Buddhist temple, home to a tooth of the Buddha inside the old royal palace. Time your visit with a puja ceremony at 5.30, 9.30 or 18.30, dress with knees and shoulders covered.

Kandy Lake

Pleasant 3.5km loop around the royal lake right next to the Tooth Temple, with monitor lizards and egrets along the shore. Best in the early morning or at sunset.

Royal Botanic Gardens Peradeniya

One of Asia's great botanical gardens, 60 hectares of giant bamboo, orchid house and a spectacular palm avenue 20 minutes from Kandy. Allow a relaxed 2 hours, flying foxes roost in the tall trees.

Kandy to Ella Scenic Train

Often called the most beautiful train ride in the world, 6 to 7 hours through tea country from Kandy to Ella. Reserve 2nd or 3rd class seats a few days ahead, sit on the right side leaving Kandy.

Nine Arch Bridge

Iconic colonial era viaduct curving through the jungle near Ella, a 30 minute walk from town. Check train times locally and arrive 20 minutes early to see one cross the bridge.

Little Adam's Peak

The easiest hike in Ella, about 45 minutes each way through tea fields to a panoramic ridge. Perfect for sunrise and combines well with the Nine Arch Bridge on foot.

Ella Rock

Ella's tougher hike, around 4 hours return partly along the railway tracks with a huge view over the gap. Start early, wear proper shoes and consider a local guide as the trail is confusing.

Pedro Tea Estate

Working tea factory just outside Nuwara Eliya with short tours showing how Ceylon tea is made, plus tastings over the plantations. Mornings are best since the machines run early.

Horton Plains & World's End

A 9km loop across misty highland plains to the World's End cliff, an 870m sheer drop. Arrive at the gate by 6am, clouds usually swallow the view after 10, bring warm layers.

Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)

Sacred 2243m pilgrimage mountain climbed by night up 5500 steps to watch sunrise from the summit shrine. Season runs December to May from Dalhousie, start around 2am and expect crowds on full moon days.

South Coast

Galle Fort

UNESCO listed Dutch fort town with rampart walls, colonial streets, cafes and boutiques. Walk the walls at sunset from Flag Rock, staying a night inside the fort is worth it.

Galle Lighthouse

Photogenic 1939 lighthouse on the southeast corner of the fort ramparts, framed by palm trees. A natural stop on the wall walk, best light in the morning.

Unawatuna Beach

Sheltered golden bay 10 minutes from Galle, one of the safest swimming beaches on the south coast. Lively with restaurants, walk up to the Japanese Peace Pagoda for the view.

Mirissa Beach & Whale Watching

Laid back beach town and the base for blue whale watching trips, best from November to April. Boats leave around 6.30am, pick a responsible operator and take sea sickness pills.

Coconut Tree Hill

The famous palm grove headland on the edge of Mirissa, one of Sri Lanka's most photographed spots. Go at sunrise to have it almost to yourself, 15 minutes on foot from the beach.

Weligama Beach

The best beginner surf beach in Sri Lanka, a long gentle bay lined with surf schools renting boards by the hour. A lesson here is a first trip classic, waves work most of the year.

Hiriketiya Beach

Horseshoe shaped jungle bay near Dickwella that became the coast's trendiest corner, good surf for beginners and improvers. Small and popular, come early in high season.

Stilt Fishermen of Koggala

The iconic stilt fishing poles stand in the surf along the Koggala coast. Today most fishermen pose for photos rather than fish, expect to give a small tip, best at sunrise or sunset.

Hikkaduwa Beach

Long established beach town with surf, a coral sanctuary for snorkeling and sea turtles that swim close to shore. Easy to reach by train from Colombo or Galle.

Tangalle Beach

Quieter end of the south coast with long wild beaches and coves. Currents can be strong, swim where locals do, and nearby Rekawa beach has nightly sea turtle nesting visits.

Wildlife & East

Yala National Park

Sri Lanka's most famous safari park with the world's densest leopard population, plus elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles. Book a morning jeep from Tissamaharama, the park usually closes in September.

Udawalawe National Park

The most reliable place in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants, with sightings almost guaranteed year round. Less crowded than Yala and an easy stop between the hill country and the south coast.

Elephant Transit Home

Rehabilitation center where orphaned elephant calves are raised and released back to the wild, a far more ethical visit than elephant riding parks. Come for the feeding times, usually 10.30, 12 and 2.30.

Arugam Bay

World class surf town on the east coast with a long right hand point break and a mellow travelers scene. Season is May to September, opposite to the south and west coasts.

Pasikuda Beach

Shallow calm bay on the east coast where you can wade far out in waist deep water, ideal for swimming. Best from May to September when the west coast gets its monsoon.

Koneswaram Temple

Colorful Hindu temple perched on Swami Rock above the sea in Trincomalee, with a giant Shiva statue and clifftop views. Remove shoes, and look for whales offshore between May and October.

Colombo

Gangaramaya Temple

Colombo's best known Buddhist temple, an eclectic mix of shrines, relics and a museum stuffed with donated treasures. Combine with the Seema Malaka pavilions floating on Beira Lake next door.

Galle Face Green

Colombo's seafront lawn where families fly kites and street food carts sell isso wade prawn snacks. Come at sunset when the whole city seems to turn up.

Red Mosque & Pettah Market

The candy striped Jami Ul Alfar mosque rises out of Pettah's chaotic bazaar streets, Colombo's most photogenic corner. Visitors welcome outside prayer times, dress modestly, then wander the market lanes.

Lotus Tower

South Asia's tallest tower at 350m, shaped like a lotus bud with an observation deck over all of Colombo. Clearest views in late afternoon, it lights up after dark.