City: Sri Lanka
Top Things to do in Sri Lanka
10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Sri Lanka That You Shouldn't Miss
Coordinates: 7°N 81°E / 7°N 81°E / 7; 81
Restaurants in Sri Lanka
1. Pidurangala Rock
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,445 reviews
Pidurangala is a massive rock formation located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. It has an interesting history closely related to that of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Climbing to the top of Pidurangala Rock is more strenuous than climbing Sigiriya. If you are fit and adventurous it is a climb worth making. It will take you about two hours. There is far less to see on this site than Sigiriya
Reviewed By chrismaanas - Miami, United States
This place is amazing, It is a 30 mins hike, some areas we had to climb rocks, it is not than hard but it is pretty fun, We enter thought a Buddhist temple area, so shoulders, knees should be covered, they provide a silk if you need it. The small temple is nice, with a very strong energy and beautiful painting in the rock wall. On the hiking there are many trees, kind of jungle, another reclining Buddha is close to the top, after the final and more challenging climb, there is an amazing view waiting for you, the impressive Lion rock is there. After you can go a little bit more up and have 360 view, very impressive. People go there for Sunrise and Sunset I bet would be stunning. Note: drones are not allowed.
2. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,489 reviews
Reviewed By LesleynD - Perth, Australia
We visited Galle on a day trip from Negombo. It's very clean and surprisingly not many people around except many courting couples hidden in the nooks and crannies behind a strategically placed umbrella :) We have a lovely walk around the Clock Tower and enjoyed the views of the ocean, Internation Cricket Ground and activities going on around the fort. A few vendors around the place touting their wares but not pushy. Nice historic fort to visit for a few hours.
3. Polonnaruwa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,582 reviews
Reviewed By paulsY2649EH - Binfield, United Kingdom
Our guide took us here as part of a cultural triangle tour - medieval capital of Sri lanka - wonderful history going back 1000 years and very well presented - the history is quite superb and whilst it is quite spread (so allow plenty of time) it is well worth a long visit - ignore traders who approach you - as others have said not too busy
4. Mihintale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,383 reviews
Reviewed By malithadissa - Negombo, Sri Lanka
According to legend, it was at Mihintale – literally “Mahinda’s Hill” – that the Indian missionary Mahinda, met and converted King Devanampiyatissa in 247 BC, establishing Buddhism as the island’s state religion. Mahinda was the son of the great Mauryan emperor Asoka, sent by his father to bring word of the Buddha’s teachings to Sri Lanka. Buddhism was immediately embraced with fervour by the Sinhalese people and soon became firmly established in the island – unlike in India, its birthplace, where it would subsequently fall into terminal decline. Mihintale, on a higher plane All over the world, high places are given religious significance, with the result that devotees are always climbing steps. Sometimes on their knees. Mihintale is one such place, its various shrines connected by a total of some 1,840 steps that ultimately lead to the summit – steep enough to require deep breaths and a meditative pace. They were built in the reign of Bhathika Abhaya (22 BC–AD 7), although a later paved road provides a short cut up to the first level.there have so many histrionically place in here
5. Gal Vihara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 848 reviews
Reviewed By phait_lee - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A very serene and quiet ancient site which has 4 Buddha statues. Visiting this site brings serenity and peace. A rock temple of the Buddha situated in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. It was fashioned in the 12th century by Parakramabahu I. The central feature of the temple is four rock relief statues of the Buddha, which have been carved into the face of a large granite rock. The images consist of a large seated figure, another smaller seated figure inside an artificial cavern, a standing figure and a reclining figure. Our guide explained the 4 carved statues represent the 4 stages of Buddha. First statue on the left represents Buddha achieving enlightenment, second statue is in a seated position representing Buddha preaching, third statue is a standing Buddha contemplating suffering and the final one in reclining position represent Buddha in deathbed.
6. Sithulpawwa Rock Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Sithulpawwa rock temple is historically significant and identified as one of the greatest 2nd century sites of Buddhist scholarship. With a history of over 2200 years, this is an ancient place of worship in the Hambantota district. The modern name Sithulpawwa is derived from the ancient ‘Cittalpabbata’, ‘The hill of the quiet mind’.
Reviewed By 824sanjeewap
You have to climb a very steep stairway which is cut through a rock. When you go up you will be able to see a Dagoba which is said to have been built by King Kawantissa. In addition to this, there are more other small stupas. There is a specific cave temple that consists of beautiful ancient paintings that are believed to belong to the 3rd century BC. The drawings are done on a thin layer of plaster and have used red and yellow colors. It is stated that the rock temple which is a very sophisticated cave consisted of 12000 monks who attained the highest level in mind according to Buddhism.
7. Lankatilaka Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By isurupremaratne - Gampaha, Sri Lanka
This temple is one of the examples for early settlements of Kandyan kingdom dating back to 14th century. Since it is situated in a remote village, you can see the natural beauty of the environment. Fortunately this are is not urbanized. Around the temple, you can see the paddy fields, forests and rarely a vehicle. It feels like going to the Kandyan era. There's a large rock-writing which was written in both Sinhalese and Tamil. The main Buddha image house has a Buddha statue and paintings dating back to Kandyan era. Recommended for family trips with kids. This place has a value of archeology and history. 1.5 - 2 hours will be enough to spend. Access from Colombo - Kandy main road is very easy. If you are using public transport, get down at Pilimatalawa. Since the temple is located 4.5 km from the town, three wheeler (taxi) would be a good option. Otherwise, there's a bus (Kandy - Pilimatalawa - Daulagala raod) you can take from the Gadaladeni junction. Then, get down at Lankatilake junction and walk 300 m to reach the temple. If you are traveling by your own vehicle or taxi, use the other road which you can go to the top of the cliff. There is parking space available.
8. Nine Arches Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,671 reviews
Reviewed By 231maggieu - Oludeniz, Turkey
Brilliant place to visit.. Would recommend to walk along the railway track to the Nine Arch Bridge and then through the woods on the way back.... ????
9. Okanda Devalaya
10. Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 615 reviews
Reviewed By Brenda010 - Durham, United Kingdom
This is a very beautiful temple to worship the Lord Buddha. A very sacred area and shoes must be removed of course, however they are removed before you enter the grounds which are quite extensive so do remember to wear socks as the sand and paving stones can be very very hot! There are places around where worshippers leave flowers and gifts for the Buddha and pray. Inside the temple there is a marvellous gold sleeping Buddha covered with the finest muslin or silk. The frescos are very old and tell the story of the temple. A very beautiful sacred place.
