Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

01. Arugam Bay

Arugam bay is one such beach where you must witness a sunset that will remain in your memory forever. Surrounded by the lush green tree cover and a relaxing environment this place will be the ideal spot to spend some quality time with your family or a loved one. Take a dip in its crystal clear blue water and have a grand time.

Timing: Open throughout the day

How to Reach: Colombo – Arugam Bay (bus ride / hired taxi)

Things to Do: Water sports activities like parasailing, Jet Skiing, boat rides etc.; try local delicacies at nearby restaurants; walk on the beach etc.

How to Reach Arugam Bay:

o reach Arugam Bay, a popular beach destination in Sri Lanka, you have a few transportation options depending on your starting location. Arugam Bay is located on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Here are the common ways to reach Arugam Bay:

By Air: The nearest airport to Arugam Bay is the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) in Hambantota. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Arugam Bay, which is approximately a 3 to 4-hour drive.

By Train: Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Arugam Bay. The closest railway station is in Pottuvil, which is about 4.5 kilometers away from Arugam Bay. From the railway station, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to reach Arugam Bay.

By Bus: There are regular bus services that operate from major cities in Sri Lanka to Pottuvil, which is the nearest town to Arugam Bay. From Pottuvil, you can take a tuk-tuk (Auto) or taxi to reach Arugam Bay.

By Private Transportation: You can also hire a private car or taxi from any location in Sri Lanka to reach Arugam Bay. This option provides flexibility and convenience, especially if you have a group or prefer a more comfortable journey.

It's advisable to check the latest transportation schedules and availability before planning your trip, as they may be subject to change. Additionally, consider the time of year and weather conditions, as certain routes may be affected during monsoon seasons.

Photo of Places to Visit in Sri Lanka by pradeeprajha

Outdoor Activities in Arugam bay :

Surfing:

Arugam Bay is the most popular surf spot and is also the only international surf competition venue in Sri Lanka. It is also rated as one of the top ten surf destinations in the world. It has also hosted most of the international surfing competitions in Sri Lanka since 2004.

The best surf seasons for surfing the dry season and the best time to surf Arugam Bay is May to September. The best waves arrive in July, August, and September. More of the surrounding breaks are also working then due to the bigger swells. The winds are typically offshore in the morning, swinging onshore at lunch and dying off for the sunset surf. If you like surfing, you can learn about surf lessons, Guiding, photography and many more at a surf camp.

Lagoon Safari:

Going on a 2 hour lagoon safari is one of the popular things to do in Arugam Bay. The beautyful untouched lagoons, Kottukal or Urani, Holds mny crocodils, elephants can be spotted, and other wildlife. Yala National Park is quite close to Arugam Bay and a pefect place tospot even more wildlife like leopards.

Climb up Elephant Rock:

The Arugam Bay area owns many great bays, Elephant Point is one of those. Elephant Rock is located at the end of this bay and a great place to get up and have a view of the whole area. Getting there is not the most obvious road, the good part is that it only takes 20 minutes.

Kudumbigala Monastery:

A monastery located in the middle of the jungle. Sounds great right? You will need about 45-minutes from Arugam Bay to get to the foot of the rock. The climb is not the easiest but you will have a view over the whole region..

See and help the fishermen:

In the low season, the fishermen will be at the main beach every morning. Go check out how they weigh their catch of the day, which directly goes to the restaurants. And give them a hand to drag the boat on the beach.

Arugambay Beach:

Lovely Arugam Bay, a moon-shaped curl of soft sand, is home to a famed point break that many regard as the best surf spot in the country. It's a tiny place, with a population of a few hundred, and everything is dotted along a single road which parallels the coast.

Slippers in Arugambay:

The Arugambay is a fashionable rubber sandal made with Canvas Strap The strap is made by Organic canvas. 3 Layered comfort rubber footbed. It is finished with the famous Arugambay brand Logo at the toe.

Villas and Hotels in Arugam bay:

Arugambay is a beautiful Area.If you re travelling to arugam bay you will find a large number of hotels with all the modern amenities in the area.

02. Temple of the Tooth Relic:

UNESCO world heritage sites where one of the most significant one is the place where Gautam Buddha’s tooth are kept. This makes it a very prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site and is visited by devotees from all over the world throughout the year. Situated in the thriving city of Kandy this temple is probably one of the most unique places of worship in the world.

Timing: 5:30 am – 8:00 pm

Entry Fee: 1,000/-

How to Reach: Colombo – Wattala – Kegalle – Rambukkana – Temple of tooth relic

Things to Do: Explore the beauty of the temple; offer prayer and have Darshan at the shrine; observe the serene beauty etc.

03.World's End Nuwara Eliya:

Lovingly referred to as ‘city of lights’ this place which is perched amongst the most stunning beauty. The highland terrain here reminds the travelers of a British highlands due to the presence of old British bungalows and other colonial structures. The place is replete with well-trimmed and maintained tea gardens that boasts of being one of the most important centre for the tea Industry in Sri Lanka. Now it is one of the most peaceful Places that you can go in Sri Lanka.

How to Reach: Colombo – Wattala – Mirigama – Kegalle – Ramboda – Nuwara Eliya

Things to Do: Visit places like – Lake Gregory; lover’s leap waterfall; Galway’s land national park etc.

04. Ella

Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka governed by an Urban Council. It is approximately 200 kilometers east of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 1,041 metres above sea level. The area has a rich bio-diversity, Every sight here stunning and breathtaking from every perspective and is undoubtedly one of the mesmerizing places to visit in Sri Lanka.

How to Reach: Colombo – Ratanpura – Balangoda – Ella

Things to Do: Nine Arches Bridge; Ravana Waterfalls, Ravana Caves, hiking on Ella Rock etc.

05.Mirissa

Mirissa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka, located in the Matara District of the Southern Province. It is approximately 150 kilometres south of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 4 metres above sea level. Mirissa's beach and nightlife make it a popular tourist destination.

How to Reach: Colombo – Malabe – Beruwala – Galle – Mirissa

Things to Do: Visit Parrot Rock Bridge; whale watching Mirissa Beach; snorkeling in Polhena Beach etc.

06.Yala National Park:

This national park is well known for its high density of leopards and contains grassy plains, lagoons, forests, stretches of coastline and so much more, makes this place a must visit. Ride across the Sri Lankan wilderness on a jeep and experience the well preserved natural beauty here.

Timing: 6 am to 6 pm

Entry Fee: -

How to Reach: Colombo – Beruwala – Galle – Tangalle – Hambantota – Yala National Park

Things to Do: Bird watching; animal spotting; jeep safari etc.

07.Trincomalee:

If you are one of those people wish to explore the adventurous side of Sri Lanka then a visit to this paradise is a must. Here you can indulge in water sports activities, go beach hopping throughout the coastline or want to experience the aquatic collection then a visit to this place is a must. Apart from this you can also visit a few temples that are situated around this area and can be visited.