Places to Visit in Central Province Sri Lanka & Top Tourist Places

Colombo

Sri Lanka is undoubtedly a gorgeous little nation on the Indian Ocean, but the city of Colombo, the country's executive and judicial centre is particularly exquisite. It is located on the island's west coast, adjacent to the Greater Colombo region, and is known as 'The garden city of the West.' It is a tiny planet in itself, with a population of over 5.6 million people. The magnificent city is the very soul of the whole country. The city of Colombo is nothing short of spectacular, with picturesque scenery, stirring mountains, luscious green tea fields, and golden beaches. The nation is brimming with breathtaking natural, historic, and cultural sights, each more picture-perfect than the last.

In Colombo, there is no shortage of tourist attractions. In reality, you will be pressed for time during your stay. It becomes quite difficult to plan your day when the city has so much to offer. From significant places like the Gangaramaya Temple, which will broaden your understanding of South Asian cultures and beliefs, to the amazing Galle Face Green popular for beautiful sunsets, the list goes on and on. Viharamahadevi Park and Independence Square are also must visit.

Colombo also offers plenty of entertaining activities, just as it offers plenty of tourist attractions. Colombo’s day tour offers a diverse selection of adventure excursions. In addition to all of the adrenaline-pumping activities like scuba diving and snorkelling, there are several opportunities to just relax and unwind like spa and yoga sessions. Except for the dry season between January and March, Colombo sees intermittent rainfall throughout the year. This is the coldest time of year, with minimal humidity, making it perfect for sightseeing in Colombo, and enabling the visitors to enjoy their trip to the maximum possible level.

Places to Visit in Colombo

Suspension Bridge Colombo

The Suspension Bridge in Colombo, Sri Lanka, stands as an architectural marvel, gracefully spanning the Kelani River and offering a breathtaking experience for locals and visitors alike. Completed in recent years, this engineering masterpiece has become an iconic symbol of Colombo's modernity and progress.

National Museum Of Colombo

The National Museum of Colombo, Sri Lanka, stands as a cultural treasure trove, showcasing the island nation's rich heritage. Established in 1877, the museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts, from ancient royal regalia to religious relics. Its exhibits span multiple eras, offering insight into the country's history, art, and archaeology. The museum's colonial-era architecture and meticulously curated displays make it a captivating destination for those eager to delve into the cultural tapestry of Sri Lanka trip.

Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green, a picturesque urban park in Colombo, Sri Lanka, stretches along the Indian Ocean, offering a serene escape amid the bustling city. The promenade, fringed by palm trees, invites locals and tourists alike to enjoy breathtaking sunset views, indulge in street food, or engage in recreational activities. This historic and vibrant green space serves as a popular social hub, reflecting the cultural vitality of Sri Lanka and providing a delightful waterfront experience. Explore the beauty and cultural richness of Sri Lanka with our curated Sri Lanka packages.

Colombo Lotus Tower

The Colombo Lotus Tower, a striking landmark in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, stands tall at 356 meters. This architectural marvel boasts a lotus-inspired design and serves as a multifunctional building, featuring observation decks, a shopping complex, and a hotel. It offers panoramic views of the city and symbolizes modernity and progress in Colombo.

Colombo Fort

Colombo Fort, the historic heart of Sri Lanka's capital, is a dynamic blend of colonial architecture and modern urban vibrancy. Originally established by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later developed by the Dutch and British, the area now houses government offices, financial institutions, and bustling markets. Amidst the contemporary hustle, remnants of the past, such as the Clock Tower and Old Parliament Building, provide glimpses into Colombo's multifaceted history, making it a compelling cultural and commercial hub.

Full Day Colombo Sightseeing Tour

40 Ratings

Starting from ₨ 17,000 ₨ 13,000 per Adult

Kandy

Rated among the major cities of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a special city. Surrounded by dense forests and mountain ranges, acquiring a height of 500 meters from the sea level, the tourist plces in this town gives you a feeling that you are living in a modern valley. Nature supports this place immensely and makes it the city with a pleasant climate. A city with lakes and special landscapes is always a delight when you plan to spend some romantic evenings and playful late nights while mooning around.

Kandy has a rich historical background covering the major events of the medieval era and colonial era. Every square inch of this nicely planned town has a piece of Sri Lankan history to share with you. You can feel the pulse of royalty in some colonial architecture and feel the divine blessings while visiting a large temple where science meets religion and together they try to explain the complexity of life. The Colonial-era constructions left an imprint on various cities of the world, current generations term these imprints as "old world charms." While moving in the capacity of a tourist, Kandy gives you this opportunity to capture the old world charm where the ambiance of the city plays a pivotal role and transports you into the world where things were easier and more enjoyable. For many of you, it can also become a travel in time when you will visit this nice city that has a mystique associated with it.

If you wish to explore the evolution of a cityscape and witness that how historical factors contribute to it, then the town of Kandy is the right place for that. Check out the map of the city drawn in 1815 and visit the present city. You will understand the point that we are trying to make here, also about the tourist places in Kandy. The town of Kandy added a value to its legacy and never changed its roots for the sake of development. This one virtue makes this town worth a visit.

Places to Visit in Kandy

Perandeniya Botanical Gardens

Peradeniya Gardens is a spacious 147 acre of natural extravaganza consisting of more than 4000 species of plants, and 10,000 varied kinds of trees, incidentally serves as the largest garden of Sri Lanka. The unique and rarest collection in these gardens is the Giant Bamboo of Burma which grows 12 inches each day to a height of 40 meters. Apart from this other amazing collections include Javan fig tree, Cannonball tree, Double Coconut Palm and about 200 other varieties of palm trees and versatile collection of flora.

The Peradeniya Botanical Garden is one prime tourist attraction of hill country and remains quite flooded with tourists every weekend. One can pack some food to enjoy an open air picnic here or can relish the cafeteria inside serving local and western cuisine.

Perandeniya Botanical Gardens

Kandy Lake

Nestled in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, Kandy Lake (Bogambara We) is a serene artificial reservoir that enhances the city's natural beauty. Constructed in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a tranquil escape. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along its scenic promenade, soak in panoramic views of the city, and appreciate the cultural significance of this iconic water feature in the heart of the hill capital.

Udawattekele Sanctuary

The Udawattekele Sanctuary, also known as Royal Park Palace is located at the hilly terrains of the Temple of Tooth Relic. The sanctuary scatters around 257 acres and is deemed as the most important Bio Reserve of the country. The sanctuary, centuries back was a kingdom named Kandyan and jungle area on the far side of the palace was known as the Uda Wasala Watta or the upper palace garden; hence the name.

The forest reserve was made into a sanctuary in 1938. Additionally, the forest’s catchment areas provide fresh water to the lake and the city avail its air purification supplies from this royal forest reserve.

Kandy Lake

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, which literally means, ‘City of Light’, is the coolest city of Sri Lanka. The picturesque landscapes of this beautiful city will surely blow your mind if you love visiting hill stations. With the highest mountain peak in Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya boasts on its natural beauty.

Nuwara Eliya is also the prime tea producing land in Sri Lanka. With is lush green terraces, it produces some high quality aromatic tea. Due to its cool climate in a hot and humid country like Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is also referred to as ‘Little England’. During the winters, the nights are chilling. But as soon as the day breaks, the place gets warm and comfortable.

In April, the natives of Nuwara Eliya celebrate Tamil New Year by taking out band carnivals on the street. If you are planning to come down to the city of lights during the festivals, you might not get an accommodation in the hotels easily.

The main attraction of this city is the highest peak in Sri Lanka named Pidurutalagala, which is 2524 m high. The other attractions include a beautiful golf course, an oasis named Victoria Park, Lake Gregory, and many more alluring tourist spots.

If you have a query like where to stay and where to eat in the city, here are some suggestions. The Blackpool Hotel, Heritance Tea Factory, Jetwing St. Andrew’s, Stafford Bunglow, etc., are few good places for your stay. Grand Indian, Salmiya, Mackwoods’s Labookellie Tea Centre, etc., are great ideas to visit and dine in.

If you want a happening nightlife in Nuwara Eliya, visit 19th Hole Pub for some good drinks. If you are wondering where to shop in this city and you can bargain hard, visit Cargil’s. There you will get a lot of stuffs cheaper than other markets. Happy shopping!

Places to Visit in Nuwara Eliya

Victoria Park Nuwara Eliya

Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, is a picturesque public park renowned for its lush greenery, vibrant flower beds, and serene atmosphere. Established during the British colonial era, the park offers a peaceful retreat with well-maintained lawns, walking paths, and a variety of flora. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, and the charming ambiance, making it a must-visit attraction in the heart of Nuwara Eliya.

Bale Bazar

Bale Bazaar in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, is a vibrant marketplace nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the hill country. Known for its bustling atmosphere and diverse array of goods, the bazaar offers a glimpse into the local lifestyle and culture.

Ambuluwawa Tower

Ambuluwawa Tower, a striking architectural masterpiece nestled amidst the lush greenery of Sri Lanka's hill country, offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty and human ingenuity. Rising majestically above the Ambuluwawa Mountain, this iconic tower is a symbol of harmony between man and nature.

Shri Bhakta Hanuman Kovil

The Shri Bhakta Hanuman Kovil in Nuwara Eliya is a significant Hindu temple nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Sri Lanka. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, a revered deity in Hinduism, the temple attracts devotees and visitors seeking spiritual solace and architectural beauty.

St. Clairs Falls, Tawalantenne

If you are planning to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life then St, Clair Falls is the perfect option for you. Also, known as the Little Niagara of Sri Lanka this is one of the wildest waterfalls here. It is one of the famous Sri Lanka tourist places visited ample of tourists every year.

There are two waterfalls namely Maha Ella " Maha Ella " (Sinhalese "The Greater Fall"), (260 ft) high and "Kuda Ella", (Sinhalese "The Lesser Fall"), which (160 ft) high and located immediately downstream of the main fall. These breath taking waterfalls are located along the Kotmale River.

Highlights: This cascading waterfalls falls under one of the six waterfalls affected by the Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project.

Location: The St Clair’s Waterfalls are located at Tawalantenne - Talawakele Rd, Sri Lanka

Price: Free entry for the waterfalls.

Central Province Sri Lanka Tours Explore All (8)

Sri Lanka Tour Package from Kolkata 2022 | Flat 25% off

6D/5N
Kandy

23 Ratings

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₹ 40,000 ₹ 30,000

7 Days Sightseeing Tour of Sri Lanka - Flat 22% off

7D/6N
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95 Ratings

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₹ 44,872 ₹ 35,000

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5D/4N
Kandy

87 Ratings

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₹ 30,556 ₹ 22,000

Anuradhapura

The remnants of Anuradhapura are unequivocally the most expressive sites of South Asia. This sprawling complex is composed of an opulent collection of architectural and archaeological marvels: gigantic brick towers, crumbling temples, humongous dagobas and archaic pools that were all constructed during the rule of Anuradhapura which went on for several thousand years. At present, most of the sites here remain in use solely as temples and holy places. Incessant ceremonies retain the very ebullience and buoyancy of Anuradhapura which is a stark reverse of the the ambience at Polonaruwa.

Present day, Anuradhapura is significantly different. It is rather engaging albeit sprawling city. Its main street is orderly in comparison to the the ugly concrete agglomerations found elsewhere. This saintly city was entrenched around a cutting from the 'tree of enlightenment' which is supposedly the Buddha's fig tree. Legends say that in the 3rd century B.C, the tree was brought there by Sanghamitta who was the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns.

Ceylonese’s religious and political capital, Anuradhapura bloomed for 1300 years but was then eighty-sixed post the invasion in 993. Shrouded in the dense jungles for several years, this magnificent tourist place with its breathtaking places to see, resorts, monuments, palaces and monasteries is accessible all over again.

Places to Visit in Anuradhapura

Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu National Park is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Sri Lanka. The topography is dominated by fifty wetlands. With low scrubs and deep forests, the park is home to numerous species of flora and fauna. The biggest attraction for tourists is the spotting of leopard and sloth bear.

The other animal species that can be found in this area are Asian Elephants, jackals, Sambar deer, water buffalo, crocodiles, spotted dear and many more. With its impressive array of bird species, the area is a haven for bird watchers.

Best for: The avid and serious safari-goers can see the elusive leopard and sloth bear.

Location: 25km north of Puttalam or 30km west of Anurdhapura. It is 4 hours drive from Colombo.

Best time to visit: February and October are the best time to visit.

Price: Full Day Jeep Safari price is LKR 10,000 per jeep.

Timing: Full-Day Safari 5.30am to 06.00pm.

Wilpattu National Park Jeep Safari From Anuradhapura

41 Ratings

Starting from ₹ 4,000 ₹ 2,716 per Adult

Dambulla

Places to Visit in Dambulla

Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave temple is also known as the Golden Rock temple is also one of the world heritage city declared by UNESCO. The cave temple is made with a massive granite outcrop. The word ‘Damba’ means rock and ‘Ulla’ means fountain, hence you can see drip of water from the main house. If you have an eye for paintings then you can also see some of the historic paintings which shows the majestic manifestation of the first sermon of Buddha.

Highlights: Don’t forget to visit the Golden temple Buddhist museum which will leave you jaw dropped with its spectacular entrance from the golden mouth of lion like beast.

Location: You can come via Ambepussa and Kurunegala which is approximately 4 hours from Colombo.

Prices: There are no prices charged for the same, however you have to pay 200 LKR for keeping the luggage.

Dambulla Cave Temple Tour

41 Ratings

Starting from ₹ 15,000 ₹ 13,512 per Adult

Sigiriya

A visit to this place will show you a 1600 years old Sigiriya Fortress which was built by King Kasyapa. This massive compound is protected by two moats and three ramparts. It is once known to be the private residence of King Kasyapa. It is 165 km from Sri Lanka. Best time to visit: this area will be early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Highlights: Sigiriya Frescoes are truly beautiful which was hand painted by the king himself depicting celestial nymphs all around the circumference. And on top of these rocks, he built for himself a white palace which stands as an epitome of beauty.

Timing: Opens daily from 7 AM to 5:30 PM.

Price: Approximate price starts from $15 to $25

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39 Ratings

Sigiriya Lions Rock Fortress Day Tour And Village Experience from Colombo

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34 Ratings

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7D/6N

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Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple Tour

41 Ratings

Starting from ₹ 15,000 ₹ 13,512 per Adult

Sigiriya

39 Ratings

Sigiriya Lions Rock Fortress Day Tour And Village Experience from Colombo

₹ 22,000 ₹ 14,293 per adult

34 Ratings

Excursion to Sigiriya

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7D/6N

29 Ratings

Scenic Sri Lanka Tour with Sigiriya and Ella

₹ 43,890 ₹ 33,000 per adult

Habarana

Most of us tend to talk about the African safari but in the process, forget that even the beautiful and one of the largest continents – Asia too consists of a range of unique ecosystems that connects to the country of India by another place called Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is known for many things especially its range of largest safaris and the beautiful city of Harbarana.

One can simply enjoy a stroll through this city by witnessing the numerous contrasts of green and ethnicity of the whole country. The elephant being one of the most significant animals there – there are numerous other animals that will come to sight too.

Harbarana is actually quite small when we speak about its geographical occupation in Sri Lanka. Situated in the Anuradhapura district, the city is perfect for visitors as not only is there a range of varied activities that they can choose from but also has numerous mid-range and up hotels aimed at package tourists. Avid travelers will know that Harbarana also serves as a departure point for numerous locations of greater interest.

Harbarana is a popular tourist destination especially for safari-lovers. There are special sessions conducted in the Habarana jungle and the Minneriya sanctuary that takes visitors through the beautiful and rich flora and fauna that is singular to the place. Other primary attractions of the place include the ruins of the fortress Sirigiriya, the roads that lie between Colombo and Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa and its delicious food.

The area has some of the best hotels and the wild life and greenery just adds extra value to the place.

Rentals in Central Province Sri Lanka Explore All (14)

Colombo Day Tour on Scooter - Flat 17% off

8H
Colombo

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₹ 2,314 ₹ 1,920

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12H
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23 Ratings

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₹ 2,913 ₹ 2,330

Kandy City Tour on Scooter | Book @ Flat 25% off

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Matale

Matale often spelled (or pronounced) as Mathale is a mid size regional city that geographically lies in the heart of the island. Located 142 km from Colombo, is nestled at an elevation of 300 meters in an expansive dense valley. Aa bland urban sprawl with a congested one way system, Matale doesn’t see too many tourists. So it is quite possible for you to wish to not dawdle here for long. However, the road that lies towards the north of the town is encrusted with an array of welcoming spice plantations where cocoa, rubber, vanilla, cardamom, cinchona and jackfruit thrive. This is not all. This Sri Lankan town is also popular for kohila (an acqutic plant/herb) as well as small benign chilies.

Traversing east of Matale, through the Knuckles range, you’ll come across some striking mountain views. The B38 goes uphill from the northern end of the town and takes you to the Rattota whereas the other roads going south west will head you to the hill villages of Karagahandala and Elkaduwa before finally leaving you to Victoria Reservoir and Kandy. It is pristine, beautiful and a little backward in terms of development, but a single visit here when touring the other cities of Sri Lanka is very well worth it.

Places to Visit in Matale

St Anthony's Church

St. Anthony’s Church is one of the most-visited places in the city. During weekends, Tuesdays and on major festivals, the church is flocked by devotees who come here from different parts of the world, as the place is believed to produce miracles. The church was constructed as a very small mud structure many years ago and it was made bigger during 1806.

Location: The church is located at Kochchikade.

Highlights:The main altar holds the statue of St. Anthony, which was brought all the way from Goa, in a safe bullet-proof glass container. Tuesdays are considered too special days here and there are special masses and benediction services in Tamil, English, and Sinhala all through the day. On week days, the church conducts Tamil and Sinhala Mass. During weekends, the church conducts Tamil, English and Sinhala masses.

Timings: Open all through the day.

Price: Entry is free of cost.