Sri Lanka, a jewel in the Indian Ocean, boasts a rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty that beckons travelers from around the globe. But embarking on a journey to this mesmerizing island nation requires careful planning. This is where our personal loans can serve as a viable option to finance your dream vacation.
In this article, we take a look at some of the most famous places to visit in Sri Lanka and show you how a personal loan online can be the key to unlocking this tropical paradise. Read on to know the best tourist places in Sri Lanka.
Top 10 places to visit in Sri Lanka with family
Here are some of the must-visit Sri Lanka tourist places that capture the essence of its beauty and charm, from the capital city of Colombo to heritage sites of Sigiriya and Galle.
1. Colombo:
Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital city, Colombo, offers a mix of modern amenities and historical sites. Families can visit the National Museum to learn about the island’s history, explore the interactive exhibits at the Colombo Dutch Museum, and enjoy leisurely walks in the peaceful Viharamahadevi Park. The Galle Face Green promenade is perfect for evening strolls and enjoying local street food. Don’t miss Pettah Market for a bustling shopping experience.
Timings |
Open 24 hours, best explored during daylight hours |
Highlights |
Modern amenities and historical sites like National Museum, Colombo Dutch Museum, Galle Face Green, and Viharamahadevi Park. Great for shopping and evening strolls. |
Location |
Western Province, Sri Lanka |
Best time to visit |
November to March |
Tip |
Don’t miss Pettah Market for a bustling shopping experience. |
How to reach |
32 km from Bandaranaike International Airport |
2. Kandy:
Known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy is home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), where families can witness traditional rituals. The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful retreat with exotic plants and a playground for children. Cultural shows featuring Kandyan dance and drum performances provide an entertaining insight into local traditions.
Timings |
Open 24 hours |
Highlights |
Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and cultural shows. Perfect for families seeking cultural immersion. |
Location |
Central Province, Sri Lanka |
Best time to visit |
December to April |
Tip |
Attend a Kandyan dance performance for cultural insight. |
How to reach |
115 km from Colombo, accessible by train or car |
3. Nuwara Eliya:
Situated in the central highlands, Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town renowned for its cool climate, tea plantations, and colonial architecture. Families can visit a tea factory to learn about tea production, take scenic boat rides on Gregory Lake, and explore the lush landscapes of Horton Plains National Park. The nearby Pedro Tea Estate and Lover’s Leap waterfall are also worth a visit.
Timings |
Open 24 hours, best enjoyed during the day |
Highlights |
Tea plantations, Gregory Lake, Horton Plains National Park, and colonial architecture. A great spot for boat rides and scenic views. |
Location |
Central Province, Sri Lanka |
Best time to visit |
March to May |
Tip |
Visit Pedro Tea Estate to learn about tea production. |
How to reach |
162 km from Colombo, accessible by car or train |
4. Sigiriya:
Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering panoramic views and ancient frescoes. Families can explore the extensive gardens surrounding the rock and visit the nearby Pidurangala Rock for a less crowded hike. The Dambulla Cave Temple, adorned with intricate Buddhist murals and statues, is a short drive away and provides cultural enrichment.
Timings |
7:00 AM to 5:30 PM |
Highlights |
Sigiriya Rock Fortress, ancient frescoes, and panoramic views. Visit the nearby Dambulla Cave Temple for added cultural exploration. |
Location |
Central Province, Sri Lanka |
Best time to visit |
January to April |
Tip |
Climb Pidurangala Rock for a quieter alternative. |
How to reach |
170 km from Colombo, accessible by car |
5. Dambulla:
The Dambulla Cave Temple complex, another UNESCO site, houses five impressive caves filled with Buddha statues and vibrant frescoes dating back centuries. It’s a fascinating cultural excursion suitable for families interested in history and art.
Timings |
7:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
Highlights |
UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, vibrant frescoes, and Buddha statues. Suitable for families interested in culture and history. |
Location |
Central Province, Sri Lanka |
Best time to visit |
December to April |
Tip |
Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the caves. |
How to reach |
148 km from Colombo, accessible by car |
6. Ella:
Known for its breathtaking views of tea plantations and waterfalls, Ella offers family-friendly hikes to attractions such as Ella Rock and the Nine Arches Bridge. The Demodara Loop and Ravana Falls are other natural wonders that children will enjoy exploring.
Timings |
Open 24 hours |
Highlights |
Ella Rock, Nine Arches Bridge, tea plantations, and Ravana Falls. Perfect for family hikes and exploring natural wonders. |
Location |
Uva Province, Sri Lanka |
Best time to visit |
March to May |
Tip |
Try the hike to Ella Rock for stunning panoramic views. |
How to reach |
200 km from Colombo, accessible by car or train |
7. Galle:
Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit destination for families interested in history and architecture. Wander through the charming cobblestone streets lined with colonial-era buildings, boutique shops, and cafes. The Maritime Museum and the International Cricket Stadium add to the city's allure.
Timings |
Open 24 hours, best explored during the day |
Highlights |
Galle Fort, Maritime Museum, and charming cobblestone streets lined with colonial architecture. Ideal for families interested in history. |
Location |
Southern Province, Sri Lanka |
Best time to visit |
December to April |
Tip |
Take a walking tour of Galle Fort for a historical perspective. |
How to reach |
119 km from Colombo, accessible by car or train |
8. Mirissa:
Mirissa’s sandy beaches and calm waters make it an ideal spot for families to unwind and enjoy water activities like snorkeling and surfing. Take a family-friendly whale-watching tour to spot blue whales and dolphins, a thrilling experience for all ages.
Timings |
Open 24 hours |
Highlights |
Calm beaches, water activities, and family-friendly whale watching tours. Ideal for families looking to relax and enjoy marine life. |
Location |
Southern Province, Sri Lanka |
Best time to visit |
November to March |
Tip |
Book a whale-watching tour early for the best seats. |
How to reach |
150 km from Colombo, accessible by car |
9. Yala National Park:
Embark on a safari adventure in Yala National Park, known for its diverse wildlife including elephants, leopards, and a variety of bird species. The park offers jeep safaris suitable for families, providing opportunities for wildlife spotting and educational experiences.
Timings |
6:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
Highlights |
Jeep safaris for wildlife spotting, including elephants, leopards, and birds. Perfect for families seeking adventure and educational experiences. |
Location |
Southern and Uva Provinces, Sri Lanka |
Best time to visit |
February to June |
Tip |
Book safaris in advance for a better experience. |
How to reach |
241 km from Colombo, accessible by car |
10. Bentota:
Known for its tranquil beaches and water sports activities, Bentota is perfect for families seeking relaxation and adventure. Enjoy boat rides along Bentota River, visit the Brief Garden for its lush greenery and sculptures, and learn about turtle conservation at the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery.
Timings |
Open 24 hours |
Highlights |
Tranquil beaches, water sports, and riverboat rides. Visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery for a family-friendly conservation experience. |
Location |
Southern Province, Sri Lanka |
Best time to visit |
November to April |
Tip |
Try jet skiing or banana boat rides for fun-filled family adventures. |
How to reach |
81 km from Colombo, accessible by car or train |
Things to do in Sri Lanka
The country is a diverse paradise offering everything from serene beaches to lush jungles and ancient temples, offering you many things to do in Sri Lanka. If you’re drawn to history and culture, start with a visit to the Sacred City of Kandy, home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most important Buddhist relics. The Sigiriya Rock Fortress, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, is another must-see with its dramatic climb and ancient frescoes. Nature lovers will enjoy Yala National Park, where you can go on safari to spot leopards, elephants, and vibrant bird species. For a more relaxed experience, head to the beaches of Mirissa or Bentota, perfect for surfing, whale watching, or unwinding by the ocean. If you’re interested in the famous Ceylon tea, a visit to the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya is a memorable experience. Sri Lanka also offers vibrant local markets, flavorful cuisine, and welcoming locals that make every visit special.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, making it a year-round destination, but the best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on which region you plan to visit. For the west and south coasts, including Colombo, Galle, and Mirissa, the dry season from December to March is ideal. If you're visiting the east coast areas like Trincomalee and Batticaloa, the weather is best between May and September. This period offers sunny days and calm seas, ideal for beachgoers and divers. The central highlands, including Ella and Kandy, enjoy cooler weather year-round, but January to April is particularly pleasant for outdoor activities and trekking. Additionally, the timing of local festivals, like the Kandy Esala Perahera in July or August, is worth considering if you want to experience traditional Sri Lankan culture. Planning your visit around these weather patterns ensures a comfortable and scenic trip.
How to reach Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is well-connected by air, with Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo serving as the main gateway. Major airlines offer regular flights from cities across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond, making it easily accessible. Once in Colombo, you can reach other parts of the country by domestic flights, trains, or buses. If you’re traveling from India, there are also ferry services that operate between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka’s northwest coast, though this option is less common. Upon arrival, visitors can easily find airport taxis, shuttle services, and rental car options to reach their accommodations or explore further. Getting around within Sri Lanka is also convenient, with a well-connected railway system linking major cities like Colombo, Kandy, and Ella, offering scenic routes.
How can a personal loan make your Sri Lankan trip a reality?
If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you must consider a travel loan from Bajaj Finance. It can provide you with the necessary financial cushion to cover all your travel expenses.
Here’s what you can expect from our personal loan:
Flexible financing:
Personal loans offer a flexible financing option tailored to meet the unique needs of your travel plans. Whether you need funds for flights, accommodations, or to manage Sri Lanka trip cost from India, a personal loan provides the financial freedom to design your dream itinerary.
Quick and convenient application process:
The personal loan application process is streamlined and efficient, allowing you to secure funds for your Sri Lankan adventure without unnecessary delays.
Minimal documentation:
Personal loans often come with minimal document requirement, ensuring that you can explore the beauty of Sri Lanka without breaking the bank.
Simple eligibility criteria:
Meeting the personal loan eligibility criteria is generally straightforward. Lenders typically consider factors such as income, credit history, and employment status. This accessibility makes personal loans a viable option for a broad spectrum of individuals seeking to finance their travel aspirations.
Conclusion
Embarking on a journey to discover the wonders of Sri Lanka is a dream that can be turned into reality with the financial support of a personal loan. From the ancient marvel of Sigiriya to the coastal charm of Trincomalee, each destination offers a unique experience that can be enhanced with the flexibility and convenience of a personal loan.
Apply now for personal loan and transform your travel dreams into cherished memories.
