Destination

Top Destinations

Sport Venue

Galle International Stadium

Set beside the 17th-century Dutch Fort and the Indian Ocean, Galle International Stadium is considered one of the most scenic cricket grounds in the world. Opened in 1876 and upgraded for Test cricket in 1998, it has hosted historic Sri Lankan victories and memorable international matches. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the sea and fort ramparts, take guided tours when games are not on, or experience the electric atmosphere of a live Test match under tropical skies.

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

Situated on the outskirts of Kandy amid rolling hills, Pallekele Stadium is one of Sri Lanka’s newest Test venues. It was built for the 2011 Cricket World Cup and offers a dramatic mountain backdrop. The ground has hosted memorable Test matches including Sri Lanka’s 100th Test

R.Premadasa Stadium

With a seating capacity of over 35,000, the R. Premadasa Stadium is Sri Lanka’s largest cricket ground and famous for its vibrant night matches. Opened in 1986 as the Khettarama Stadium, it was renamed to honour former President Ranasinghe Premadasa. This venue has hosted World Cup games and thrilling T20 clashes. Tourists can book tickets for day-night internationals to experience the electric crowd energy or simply explore the modern architecture and cricketing history exhibits.

Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium

Nestled near the famous cave temples of Dambulla, this stadium is unique for being built entirely with private funding and completed in just 167 days. It offers sweeping views of the surrounding rock outcrops and reservoirs. Opened in 2000, it mainly hosts One-Day Internationals. Visitors combining cultural tours of Dambulla and Sigiriya can also stop by this ground to see a different side of Sri Lanka’s heritage — modern sport in an ancient landscape.

Sinhalese Sports Club

Located in the heart of Colombo, the SSC Ground is the headquarters of Sri Lanka Cricket and a premier venue for Test matches. Known for its excellent facilities and lush outfield, it has staged many record-breaking innings and historic victories. Off match days, visitors can see training sessions of local players or enjoy the members’ club atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for cricket lovers who want to connect with Sri Lanka’s rich sporting culture.

P. Saravanamuttu cricket Stadium

The P. Sara Oval, originally known as the Colombo Oval, is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest cricket venues. This ground hosted Sri Lanka’s first Test match in 1982, making it a landmark in the country’s cricketing history. Surrounded by leafy residential areas of Borella, it offers an intimate viewing experience with stands close to the pitch. Cricket fans can watch domestic and international games or walk around the ground to feel the nostalgia of Sri Lanka’s early Test era.

Top Destinations

Find yourself far away

Sigiriya

Rising dramatically from the central plains, Sigiriya Rock Fortress is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. Built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, the “Lion Rock” combines ancient frescoes, landscaped water gardens and a sky palace atop a 200-metre rock column. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it rewards climbers with panoramic views of forests and lakes. Its mix of royal intrigue, art and engineering makes Sigiriya both a cultural treasure and an unforgettable adventure.

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s first royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an open-air museum of ancient stupas, monasteries and reservoirs dating back over 2,000 years. Visitors can marvel at the towering Ruwanweliseya, the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, and the massive Abhayagiri complex. Cycling between ruins at sunrise is a magical way to explore. This sacred city remains an active pilgrimage site, blending living Buddhist tradition with awe-inspiring archaeology.

Pollnnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, the island’s medieval capital, showcases the height of Sri Lankan art and urban planning. Its vast archaeological park features elegant stone temples, colossal Buddha statues at Gal Vihara, and the remains of royal palaces and lotus ponds. Cycling between these sites amid shady trees makes for a relaxed yet fascinating visit. Recognised by UNESCO, Polonnaruwa lets visitors step back into an era of prosperity and architectural brilliance.

Dambulla

Dambulla’s Golden Cave Temple is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Five sanctuaries carved into a massive granite outcrop are filled with over 150 Buddha statues and exquisite murals spanning centuries of Buddhist art. The complex sits on a hilltop with sweeping views of the countryside. Often visited en route to Sigiriya, Dambulla offers travellers a chance to experience living spirituality and ancient craftsmanship under one roof.

Yala

Yala is Sri Lanka’s most famous national park, celebrated for its high density of leopards. Spanning scrub, lagoons and beaches in the island’s southeast, it is also home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species. Guided jeep safaris at dawn or dusk offer the best chance to spot wildlife against a dramatic backdrop of rocky outcrops and ancient ruins hidden in the bush.

Udawalawa

Udawalawe is renowned for close-up encounters with wild elephants. This open savannah-like park in southern Sri Lanka also shelters water buffalo, deer and diverse birdlife. Safaris here are often less crowded than Yala, offering a serene experience and stunning sunset vistas over the reservoir. It’s an ideal stop for families or photographers who want to capture elephants in their natural environment.

Sinharaja Rainforest

Sinharaja is Sri Lanka’s last primary tropical rainforest and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It shelters rare endemic birds, butterflies, amphibians and towering trees draped in lianas. Guided treks along shaded trails reveal waterfalls, singing flocks of mixed-species birds and a sense of primeval wilderness. Nature lovers will find it a living laboratory of biodiversity and an unforgettable escape from city life.

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay on the east coast is Sri Lanka’s surfing capital. Its world-famous “Main Point” draws surfers from across the globe, while quieter beaches and lagoons host yoga retreats and wildlife. Visitors can explore nearby Kumana National Park or mingle with the relaxed multicultural community. The season runs from May to October, offering consistent waves and a bohemian vibe.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa on the southwest coast is a lively beach town famed for coral reefs, surf breaks and friendly sea turtles. Visitors can snorkel among colourful fish, dive shipwrecks, or simply relax on golden sands lined with cafés and bars. Its energetic nightlife and easy access from Colombo make it a favourite for both backpackers and families seeking sun and fun.

Mirissa

Mirissa is a crescent-shaped beach with turquoise water, ideal for swimming and surfing. It’s also Sri Lanka’s premier whale-watching destination, with regular sightings of blue whales and dolphins offshore. Palm-fringed cliffs, trendy cafés and vibrant sunsets add to its charm. Mirissa combines laid-back tropical vibes with world-class marine encounters.

Trincomalee

Trincomalee boasts pristine beaches like Nilaveli and Uppuveli and one of the world’s largest natural harbours. History buffs can visit the ancient Koneswaram Hindu Temple perched on a cliff, while divers explore Pigeon Island’s coral reefs. Whale watching and calm seas from April to September make “Trinco” a serene yet adventurous destination on the northeast coast.

Kosgoda

Kosgoda is a quiet coastal village famed for its turtle hatchery, where visitors can learn about conservation and release baby turtles into the sea. Its unspoiled beach is ideal for peaceful walks and sunset views. Situated between Bentota and Galle, Kosgoda offers a gentle, authentic alternative to busier resorts while supporting wildlife protection.

kandy

Kandy, the island’s last royal capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits among misty hills and tea plantations. The sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic draws pilgrims daily, while the annual Esala Perahera festival fills the streets with elephants, dancers and fire torches. Visitors can also stroll around Kandy Lake, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, or enjoy traditional cultural shows.

Benthara

Bentota is known for its long, quiet beach and water sports on the Bentota River. Jet-skiing, banana boat rides, and river safaris among mangroves attract active travellers, while luxury resorts offer spa treatments and romantic sunsets. Located just an hour from Colombo, it’s perfect for a weekend escape or a first taste of Sri Lanka’s coastal beauty.

Matale

Matale lies on the road between Dambulla and Kandy and is famous for its spice gardens and the colourful Sri Muthumariamman Hindu Temple. Travellers can learn how cinnamon, cardamom and pepper are grown, enjoy aromatic meals, and explore nearby Aluvihara rock temple. Matale’s blend of culture and agriculture makes it a fragrant, authentic stop in the central highlands.

Nuwara Eliya

Often called “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya sits 1,800 m above sea level amid rolling tea estates and misty hills. Built by British planters, it retains a colonial charm with its racecourse, golf club and old post office. Visitors can tour tea factories, hike to waterfalls, or enjoy cool-climate gardens. Its fresh air and scenic beauty offer a refreshing break from the lowlands.

Colombo

Sri Lanka’s bustling capital mixes colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, markets and seaside promenades. Highlights include the colourful Pettah bazaar, the Red Mosque, the Lotus Tower, and sunset at Galle Face Green. Colombo is also a hub for fine dining, shopping and nightlife, making it an ideal gateway or finale to a Sri Lankan journey.

Jaffna

Jaffna, in the far north, is the cultural heart of Sri Lanka’s Tamil community. Visitors can explore the rebuilt Jaffna Fort, ancient Hindu temples, and local markets brimming with unique northern flavours. Nearby islands and beaches offer quiet escapes. Since reopening to tourism, Jaffna has become a fascinating place to experience a different side of Sri Lankan heritage.

Ella

Ella is a laid-back mountain town with dramatic scenery, tea plantations and waterfalls. Hikes to Little Adam’s Peak or along the Nine Arch Bridge railway line provide breathtaking views. Trendy cafés, yoga retreats and homestays create a backpacker-friendly vibe. Ella’s cool climate and photogenic landscapes make it a must-stop on any hill country itinerary.

Galle

Galle is a coastal city where history meets style. The 17th-century Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, encloses cobbled streets lined with boutiques, cafés and art galleries. From the ramparts you can watch cricket matches or the ocean beyond. Galle combines colonial heritage, contemporary culture and nearby beaches into one irresistible destination.