The 10 most spectacular places to visit in Sri Lanka

Making the decision to visit Sri Lanka is the easy part, because really, what's not to love?

A 10-hour flight time, affordability, and one of the best cuisines on the planet are excellent drawcards.

If you're having difficulty creating the perfect itinerary however, the following destinations are worth taking a closer look at.

READ MORE: When to book international flights to save the most money

Best time to travel to Sri Lanka

September to October and April are the best times for exploring the whole country, according to Lonely Planet. Squeezed between the two monsoon seasons, Sri Lanka's twin shoulder seasons see agreeable weather right across the country, with fewer crowds and lower prices.

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Colombo

Some cities encourage you to flee the minute your plane lands, but Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant capital, is certainly not one of them. Teeming with architectural wonders from its colonial era, you'll want to spend time at Galle Face Green (the city's main seaside promenade), and check out the Ganaramaya Temple, shop bustling Pettah Market, and make a few reservations in Colombo's wealth of rooftop restaurants and bars. Heat getting to you? Don't miss taking a drive to Negombo - noted for its beaches -  around 40 minutes away. 

Yala National Park

Sri Lanka is home to over 20 national parks, and many regular visitors will insist Udawalawe is superior for its population of Sri Lankan elephants. While it's certainly one to add to the travel list, those short on time should earmark Yala National Park, which is not only home to Sri Lankan elephants and other fascinating wildlife (including the Sri Lankan sloth bear), but has the highest concentration of leopards in the world. Here, you can organise a day safari, or book a stay at a nearby luxury resort such as Cinnamon Wild Yala and make it a multi-day adventure. 

Sigiriya 

Strap on your walking shoes; to climb the 1200 steps to the summit of Sigiriya, also known as 'Lion Rock', you'll need stamina, plenty of water and yes, probably a little arch support. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient fortress is well worth the effort; rising dramatically above the jungle, a climb - and scramble through the crowds - will ensure you make the most of the breathtaking views of the gardens and ponds below, but also the lush hills beyond. An early morning visit before the heat gets unbearable is your best bet. 

Dambulla 

Okay yes, there are more steps to climb here - almost 400 of them - but again, the footwork required to reach the top of the iconic Golden Temple is well worth it for here you'll be able to view five ancient caves featuring over 150 Buddha statues dating back to the 1st century BCE, alongside brightly coloured religious murals and carvings. The toque macaques giving you the once over, plus the views, add to the charm of the experience of this important pilgrimage stop. 

Mirissa

Sometimes you just need a laidback seaside town to break up all the religious temples, bustling cities and ancient sites and the beachside village of Mirissa, located on the south coast, provides the perfect reset button. Have a swim at Secret Beach, surf at Weligama, watch the sunset at Parrot Rock or bar-hop at Mirissa Beach itself, but be sure to make some time for the region's watersports, and if you're here between May and November, consider booking a dolphin and whale watching tour. 

Kandy

Many travel to what is known as the Sacred City of Kandy to visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a fourth-century palace complex which houses the tooth of Buddha. While a visit to the temple gives you great insight into Sri Lankan life and Buddhist worship, it's worth leaving a little time to check out Kandy itself.

Walk the colourful, chaotic streets, take a stroll around the Botanical Gardens or Kandy Lake, and consider a stay at a rainforest resort such as Aarunya Resort. You may be tempted to visit an elephant orphanage but the truth here is that these animals are being used for commercial purposes and many animal welfare organisations have spoken out against their practices. Avoid, and see elephants in the national parks instead.

Galle

The colonial city of Galle, located on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, should come with a warning: it's never going to be great on your wallet. Obviously there are many highlights to see here: the Dutch-built, 17th-century Galle Fort, St Mary's Cathedral, and bustling cobblestone laneways teeming with Dutch-era villas and boutiques, but it's the jewellery stores that are going to get your attention. Sapphires and rubies are big news in Sri Lanka, but be careful that you're getting the real deal - it isn't unusual to be sold coloured glass for the price of a jewel.  

Tangalle

Located three hours south of Colombo, Tangalle offers tranquil, palm-fringed beaches (don't miss Tangalle Beach and Rekawa Beach), the swells of Hiriketiya Beach and plenty of spots to sit and observe, whether it's the the turtle sanctuary or Mulkirgala Rock Temple. This is your opportunity to meander around local markets, eat your body weight in fresh seafood and enjoy the peace and quiet under a tropical sun. 

Nuwara Eliya

No Sri Lankan destination piece would be complete without touching on its tea plantations, and those keen on visiting one (or five) should head to lush Nuwara Elya, a picturesque town surrounded by mountains. Nicknamed 'Little England' thanks to its British-style architecture, key attractions include the Grand Hotel, Queen's Cottage and the Hill Club, but you'll want to tour a couple of plantations which will take you through the entire tea-making process, from tea picking in the fields to drying and sorting, before indulging in  tea-tasting session.  Check out Pedro Tea Estate, Bluefields Tea Plantation and Park Green Tea Factory, which produces tea for Dilmah. 

Don't miss the train ride from Nanu-Oya to Ella, which - with its journey through mist-covered hills and endless plantations - is considered one of the most scenic in the world. 

Ella

You got the train over and now, nestled in the mountains are some of Sri Lanka's best hiking trails. Before you set off on Little Adam's Peak or Ella Rock, however, you'll want to spend some time checking out the bars and clubs in town (Ella is hugely popular with the backpacker market), visit the iconic Nine Arch Bridge and be sure to get your photo opp at Bomburu Ella, one of the most impressive waterfalls in the country. Sweeten the deal with a stay in a mountain lodge such as Mountain Heavens.

Fancy seeing Sri Lanka with a group tour? Intrepid offers a range of Sri Lanka tours, including the 15-Day Best of Sri Lanka.