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PLACES TO SEE IN SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka's Top Attractions & Iconic Landmarks

The Most Iconic Attractions & Must-See Landmarks

Sri Lanka may be small in size, but it’s packed with Places to See and extraordinary attractions — ancient rock fortresses, sacred temples, wildlife parks, colonial forts and breathtaking train journeys.

If you’re wondering what to see in Sri Lanka, this guide highlights the island’s most famous landmarks and bucket-list experiences.

With BlueSun Travel and our Best Sri Lanka Holidays, we design tailor-made itineraries that connect these iconic places into one seamless journey.

1. Sigiriya – The Lion Rock Fortress

Sri Lanka’s most famous landmark.

Rising 200 metres above the jungle, Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring:

  • Ancient frescoes

  • Mirror Wall inscriptions

  • Lion’s Paw entrance

  • Panoramic summit views

📍 Located near our Sigiriya Destination Guide

2. Temple of the Tooth – Sacred Buddhist Relic

Located in Kandy, this temple houses one of Buddhism’s most sacred relics.

Visitors can witness:

  • Daily ceremonial rituals

  • Traditional Kandyan architecture

  • Cultural performances nearby

👉 Explore our Kandy travel guide

3. Galle Fort – Colonial Heritage by the Sea

Built by the Portuguese and expanded by the Dutch, Galle Fort is one of Asia’s best-preserved colonial fortifications.

Wander:

  • Cobblestone streets

  • Boutique cafes

  • Lighthouse viewpoints

  • Oceanfront ramparts

📍 Discover more in our Galle destination page

4. Dambulla Cave Temple – Golden Cave Temples

A sacred complex of cave shrines filled with:

  • Giant reclining Buddha statues

  • Ancient murals

  • Rock temple chambers

📍 Located near Dambulla in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.

5. Yala – Leopard Safari Experience

Yala National Park offers one of the highest leopard densities in the world.

See:

  • Leopards

  • Elephants

  • Crocodiles

  • Sloth bears

👉 Plan your Sri Lanka Safari Holiday

6. Ella & The Nine Arch Bridge

Ella is famous for:

  • Scenic mountain views

  • Tea plantations

  • The iconic Nine Arch Bridge

  • One of the world’s most scenic train journeys

📍 Read our full Ella Travel Guide

7. Polonnaruwa – Medieval Royal Ruins

Explore:

  • Ancient palace complexes

  • Gal Vihara Buddha statues

  • Archaeological cycling routes

A must-see within the Cultural Triangle.

8. Mirissa – Whale Watching

One of the best places in the world to see:

  • Blue whales

  • Sperm whales

  • Dolphins

Best season: November–April.

9. Nuwara Eliya – Tea Country Landscapes

Nicknamed “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya offers:

  • Colonial architecture

  • Tea factory visits

  • Cool mountain air

  • Scenic walking trails

Perfect after exploring Kandy.

10. Anuradhapura – Sacred Ancient Capital

One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Highlights include:

  • Massive stupas

  • Sacred Bodhi Tree

  • Ancient irrigation systems

👉 See our Anuradhapura destination guide

EXPLORE the ancient city

How to Combine These Places into One Itinerary

Most Australian travellers combine:

✔ Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla)

✔ Hill Country (Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya)

✔ Wildlife Safari (Yala)

✔ South Coast (Galle, Mirissa)

👉 Visit our main Sri Lanka Destinations page to explore each region in depth.

EXPERIENCE THE OLD & NEW OF SRI LANKA

EXPLORE THE
GALLE FORT

VISIT THE GALLE
LIGHTHOUSE

RELAXING
BEACHES

LEARN MORE

WHALE WATCHING
TOURS

Why Sri Lanka's History Matters to Travellers

When you visit Sri Lanka, you are not simply sightseeing — you are walking through living history.

  • Climbing Sigiriya connects you to a 1,500-year-old royal legacy.

  • Exploring Polonnaruwa reveals medieval engineering brilliance.

  • Visiting Dambulla showcases ancient Buddhist art.

  • Staying in Nuwara Eliya reflects colonial tea history.

  • Walking through Galle Fort reveals European maritime influence.

Few destinations offer such a compact yet diverse historical journey.

Sri Lanka and Australia - A Modern Connection

Sri Lanka and Australia share strong ties through:

  • Commonwealth heritage

  • Cricket rivalry and sporting history

  • Migration and multicultural communities

  • Growing tourism exchange

With direct and one-stop flights from Perth and other major Australian cities, Sri Lanka is now more accessible than ever.

For Australian travellers seeking culture, wildlife, beaches and value for money, Sri Lanka offers extraordinary diversity in a relatively compact destination.

Explore Sri Lanka's History with BlueSun Travel 

At Best Sri Lanka Holidays, we specialise in creating immersive itineraries that combine:

  • The Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Anuradhapura)

  • Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth

  • Tea country in Nuwara Eliya and Ella

  • Wildlife safaris in Yala and Minneriya

  • Relaxation on the south and east coast beaches

Our expert team ensures your Sri Lanka journey is thoughtfully planned, seamlessly connected and rich in authentic experiences.

GALLE FORT musketeer statue
GALLE FORT cannon
GALLE FORT side streets

For more information on the Places to See in Sri Lanka or to make a holiday booking enquiry, call us now:

Call 1300 799 758 now. 

Available to chat 7 days a week!

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