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12 Must-Visit Cities in Sri Lanka

Sanjeewa Padmal (Seerendipity)
7 Best Colombo Excursions, Sri Lanka Tourism, 10 Must-Visit Cities in Sri Lanka

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We have been getting the email with a question like “What are the must-visit cities in Sri Lanka?” and “What are the important cities in Sri Lanka?” Therefore, it thought of crafting this blog post under the heading “must-visit cities in Sri Lanka.”

The tourism industry of Sri Lanka is recovering fast from the recent collapse due to the terrorist attacks on churches and a few leading hotels on the easter Sundays (April 2019). USA Today had chosen Sri Lanka as the best winter holiday destination for 2019, which is a clear sign of improved security and recovery of the industry.

The tourists are no longer concern about security and booking are growing day by day. Sri Lanka had been a popular holiday destination for many centuries. The pristine beaches around the island, the plethora of crumbling historical monuments, and delicious Sri Lanka meals have been attracting a large number of travellers.

Sri Lanka is popular as a destination with friendly and welcoming people, and the historical monuments, ancient temples, colonial edifices, and untamed wilderness are some of the reasons for you to think of Sri Lanka as the venue for your next trip.

Sri Lanka is surrounded by palm-fringed sandy beaches, green-capped mountains, wildlife reserves teeming with leopards and primaeval rainforests all of it within easy reach of your doorstep. The cities in Sri Lanka offer the best of both worlds, while the island’s rich cultural heritage shines through wherever you go.

12 must-visit cities of Sri Lanka?

  1. Kandy
  2. Sigiriya
  3. Galle
  4. Jaffna
  5. Nuwara Eliya
  6. Beruwala
  7. Anuradhapura
  8. Polonnaruwa
  9. Matara
  10. Trincomalee
  11. Hatton
  12. Dikoya

1. Kandy among the Must Visit Cities in Sri Lanka

Kandy is the cultural hub of Sri Lanka and is also the Buddhist stronghold, with the majority of the population with the devotion to Buddhism. Kandy is the 5th largest city on the island and one of the most beautiful Sri Lankan cities. The city is surrounded by mountains and bright coloured houses dot the mountains. At the centre of the city are the Tooth relic temple and the Kandy lake, both are leading tourist attractions in the city.

Kandy was the last kingdom of Sri Lankan monarchy, Kandy is a UNESCO world heritage site and has a fascinating blend of old and new. Historical structures, colonial buildings and modern strictures are standing next to each other in this ancient city. The tooth relic temple, which is one of the most beautiful buildings with typical 16th-century Kandyan style resides here with many ancient Buddhist temples.

Annual Esala Perehera (Esala procession), one of the most beautiful pageants in the world takes place in Kandy in the month of July/August every year. The Esala procession is a religious event and attracts more than half a million people to the city during the 10 days, during which a copy of the sacred tooth relic taken on the street around the temple. The event is participated by hundreds of beautifully dressed elephants, dancers, musician and devotees.

Kandy is a leading Buddhist city with many dozens of temples and it also offers many other tourist attractions such as Royal botanical garden, tea plantations, Kandyan cultural show, Udawattakele sanctuary etc.

2. Sigiriya Rock -the iconic tourist attraction

Sigiriya rock fortress is a UNESCO world heritage site and it is one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. This 5th-century rock fortress showcases characteristics of ancient urban planning. The archaeological site is divided into 3 major areas water gardens, boulder gardens and the rock.  

Sigiriya rock fortress one of the most important historical sites on the island and it is located in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. Sigiriya rock fortress complex was built in the 5th century AD by King Kashyap. Sigiriya rock fortress is one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world and the visitors can see swimming pools, fountains, granite caves, paintings and remnants of many other ancient structures.

3. Galle – a must visited place on the south coast

With much of the city surrounded by lagoons and the Indian Ocean, Galle is a scenic place; the city has a laidback vibe despite being a commercial hub. The Dutch-infused city of Galle is on the south coast of Sri Lanka.

Galle is visited by many thousands of travellers every month due to the inheritance of Mediterranean-style architecture, Galle is a major city that developing fast, it has been among the few cities that had been able to attract the attention of colonial rulers. Galle was the administrative capital of Sri Lanka During the Dutch rules from 1656 to 1796.

Galle Fort is the major tourist attraction in the city, where every tourist makes a cycling or walking tour, which is a perfect opportunity to wander along the cobbled narrow streets that flanked by Dutch build mansions, shops, churches and many other structures. This relaxed Sri Lankan city is a perfect introduction – or antidote – to the immense, restless energy of Sri Lanka. With much of the city surrounded by lagoons and the Indian Ocean, Batticaloa is a scenic place; the city has a laidback vibe despite being a commercial hub.

Venturing on a Galle trip is the best way to explore not only Galle fort but also many other important places such as Madu estuary, museums, moonstone mines, sea turtles conservation centres and pristine beaches such as Hikkaduwa.

Hanuman Ji-Seetha Amman temple and Ashok Vatika

Hanuman Ji-Seetha Amman temple and Ashok Vatika– 4 days tour

4. Must visit cities Northern province of Sri Lanka- Jaffna

With much of the city surrounded by lagoons and the Indian Ocean, Jaffna is a scenic place; the city has a laidback vibe despite being a commercial hub. Jaffna is the capital of northern Sri Lanka and it is recommended to make a visit if you have time.

It was behind the closed door for many decades due to the political unrest and since 2009 the city is open to the rest of the world. Now it is safe to go there and civilian life is also back to normal. Jaffna is predominantly a Tamil city and it is the stronghold of Sri Lankan Tamil community.

The Nallur temple of Jaffna- a bewildering and elaborate complex- It is one of the most impressive Hindu temples on the island. With much of the city surrounded by lagoons and the Indian Ocean, Batticaloa is a scenic place; the city has a laidback vibe despite being a commercial hub.

5. Must visit cities in Sri Lanka mountains- Nuwara Eliya

Many dozens of Theodor styled beautiful mansions sitting on the hills overlooking the Gregory lake. Their beautifully landscaped gardens are decorated with beautiful and colourful flowers such as rose, dahlia. Most popular and most prominent Theodor styled bungalow in the city is the grand hotels, which had been the official holiday residence of English governor, after the independence, it was converted to a hotel.

The city is not all about colonial British colonial heritage; it also has many dozens of ancient monuments such as Sita temple, Ashok Vatika. A stunning place to visit.

6. Must visit cities in Sri Lanka west coast- Beruwala

Beruwala is a sleepy town on the west coast of Sri Lanka and sitting near the popular beach resort of Bentota. Beruwala is the home to the most sacred and oldest mosque on the island.

The mosque sits near the beaches or Beruwala close to the harbour and plays and major role in the culture of Sri Lankan Muslims. It attracts a large number of Muslims in the holy month of Ramadan; This serene mosque provides a place for reflection and inspiration. The city of Beruwala is a frenetic fusion of people, markets and activity.  

7. Must visit cities in Sri Lanka cultural triangle- Anuradhapura

The historical city of Anuradhapura rises in the desert-like dry zone land in the north-central province of Sri Lanka. Enticing visitors to its crumbling historical monuments, the gigantic historical Dagobas or Stupas looms over the modern part of Anuradhapura, these dagobas came to being many millennia ago.

Anuradhapura had been the ruling capital of Sri Lanka from 3rd century BC to 10th century AD.  This historical city was a learning centre for Buddhism in the world and attracted students from all around the world. The huge and sprawling ancient temples hide many dozens of Buddhist monuments, religious paintings, palaces, gardens, and intricating wooden and granite stone sculptures.

8. Must visit cities in Sri Lanka cultural triangle – Polonnaruwa

Filled with history, the timeworn, historical city of Polonnaruwa is the 2nd most ancient capital of Sri Lanka. It had been the ruling capital of the island in the 10th and 11th century AD. It had been a glorious city during its heyday.

The city was well built and managed under the patronage of wealthy King, however, the south Indian invading armies had been the main reason for its downfall in the latter part of 11th century AD. The kings of Sri Lankan decided to abandon the city due to the unceasing south Indian invasions and moved their capital to the mountains.

This old-world city is an inviting glimpse into Sri Lankan history. Take a bike and make ride along the gravel street in the ancient capital and be inspired by the gigantic palaces, temples, Dagobas, stone sculptures and many other monuments.    

9. Must visit cities in Sri Lanka south coast- Matara

Sprawling and dynamic, Matara is the epitome of Sri Lanka’s future development goals. Matara is an administrative capital of the south coast and centre of business and education.

Matara is brimming with rich culture and heritage, it has a very colourful history and hides many ancient structures, some are dating back to many millennia. Matara is a student city strives for the Sri Lanka of the future, same times it is celebrating its heritage and traditions.

There are many ancient temples to explore in Matara, one of the noteworthy here is the Weherahena temple, believed to be resided by monks way back in 2nd century BC. Star fort located near the main bridge is a colonial building in the shape of a star, today it is a museum with many important exhibits.  

10. Must visit cities in Sri Lanka -Trincomalee

Trincomalee positioned in the eastern part of Sri Lanka and it is the capital of the eastern province of the island. Sitting next to the Trincomalee natural harbour, it had been an important trading outpost in the orient.

The Fredrik fort of Trincomalee was built by Dutch in the 16s and is where travellers can witness one of the most popular Hindu temples on the island, Koneswaram temple. Take a walk to the Koneswaram temple and be inspired by the dedication of Sri Lankan Hindu community to their religion.

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