Destinations & Activities
Explore Sri Lanka’s most popular travel regions from beaches and mountains to ancient heritage cities. Discover top destinations, activities, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites in each region.
South Coast Sri Lanka
Major Destinations & Activities
- Mirissa – whale watching, snorkeling, beach relaxation
- Galle – Galle Fort walks, museums, architecture
- Unawatuna – swimming beaches, coral reefs
- Hikkaduwa – snorkeling, surfing, turtle watching
- Weligama – surfing, stilt fishermen
Heritage Sites + UNESCO Listings
- Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
West Coast Sri Lanka
Major Destinations & Activities
- Bentota – river safaris, water sports, beaches
- Kalutara – lagoon experiences, peaceful beaches
- Negombo – Dutch canal, lagoon tours, fish market
Heritage Sites + UNESCO Listings
- No UNESCO sites here, but the region has strong colonial heritage influences
Hill Country Sri Lanka
Major Destinations & Activities
- Ella – Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak
- Nuwara Eliya – tea plantations, waterfalls, city tour
- Kandy – Temple of the Tooth, botanical gardens
- Haputale – Lipton’s Seat, scenic viewpoints
Heritage Sites + UNESCO Listings
- Temple of the Tooth (UNESCO)
- Central Highlands of Sri Lanka (UNESCO) – Horton Plains, Peak Wilderness
Cultural Triangle
Major Destinations & Activities
- Sigiriya – rock fortress climb
- Dambulla – cave temples
- Polonnaruwa – ancient ruins
- Anuradhapura – sacred temples & stupas
Heritage Sites + UNESCO Listings
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
- Sacred City of Anuradhapura
East Coast Sri Lanka
Major Destinations & Activities
- Trincomalee – snorkeling, whale watching
- Nilaveli – Pigeon Island Marine Park
- Pasikuda / Kalkudah – shallow turquoise beaches
- Arugam Bay – surfing, lagoon tours
Heritage Sites + UNESCO Listings
- No UNESCO sites, but rich Tamil cultural heritage
North Sri Lanka
Major Destinations & Activities
- Jaffna – temples, forts, islands, food
- Delft Island – wild horses, coral formations
- Point Pedro – northernmost point of Sri Lanka
Heritage Sites + UNESCO Listings
- • No UNESCO sites, but historically and culturally significant
South Coast Sri Lanka
Major Destinations & Activities
- Mirissa – whale watching, snorkeling, beach relaxation
- Galle – Galle Fort walks, museums, architecture
- Unawatuna – swimming beaches, coral reefs
- Hikkaduwa – snorkeling, surfing, turtle watching
- Weligama – surfing, stilt fishermen
Heritage Sites + UNESCO Listings
- Galle Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
West Coast Sri Lanka
Major Destinations & Activities
- Bentota – river safaris, water sports, beaches
- Kalutara – lagoon experiences, peaceful beaches
- Negombo – Dutch canal, lagoon tours, fish market
Heritage Sites + UNESCO Listings
- No UNESCO sites here, but the region has strong colonial heritage influences.
Hill Country Sri Lanka
Major Destinations & Activities
- Ella – Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak
- Nuwara Eliya – tea plantations, waterfalls, city tour
- Kandy – Temple of the Tooth, botanical gardens
- Haputale – Lipton’s Seat, scenic viewpoints
Heritage Sites + UNESCO Listings
- Temple of the Tooth (UNESCO)
- Central Highlands of Sri Lanka (UNESCO) – Horton Plains, Peak Wilderness
Cultural Triangle
Major Destinations & Activities
- Sigiriya – rock fortress climb
- Dambulla – cave temples
- Polonnaruwa – ancient ruins
- Anuradhapura – sacred temples & stupas
Heritage Sites + UNESCO Listings
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
- Sacred City of Anuradhapura
East Coast Sri Lanka
Major Destinations & Activities
- Trincomalee – snorkeling, whale watching
- Nilaveli – Pigeon Island Marine Park
- Pasikuda / Kalkudah – shallow turquoise beaches
- Arugam Bay – surfing, lagoon tours
Heritage Sites + UNESCO Listings
- No UNESCO sites, but rich Tamil cultural heritage
North Sri Lanka
Major Destinations & Activities
- Jaffna – temples, forts, islands, food
- Delft Island – wild horses, coral formations
- Point Pedro – northernmost point of Sri Lanka
Heritage Sites + UNESCO Listings
- No UNESCO sites, but rich Tamil cultural heritage