Diyaluma Falls, located near the town of Koslanda in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka, is the second-highest waterfall in the country, plunging from a height of around 220 meters (720 feet). While the waterfall itself is a breathtaking sight, the upper section of Diyaluma offers something truly unique — a series of natural rock pools or ponds, often referred to as the “7 ponds”, that have become a favorite among adventurous travelers.
The Secret Waterfall in Ella is a hidden, lesser-known cascade tucked away in the jungle near the Ella Rock or Kital Ella area. Unlike popular spots like Ravana Falls, this waterfall offers a quiet, secluded experience, often without any tourists around. It features a small, clear natural pool ideal for a refreshing dip, surrounded by lush forest.
Location: Near Kital Ella or along the Ella Rock trail (ask locals for exact path)
Access: 20–30 min hike through jungle trails; best with a local guide
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful spot
A true hidden gem, perfect for off-the-beaten-path travelers in Ella.
Meemure is a remote, picturesque village nestled deep within the Knuckles Mountain Range in central Sri Lanka. Known for its untouched natural beauty, Meemure is surrounded by dense forests, crystal-clear rivers, waterfalls, and dramatic mountain peaks.
Location: Kandy District, about 50 km from Kandy city (accessible via 4×4 vehicles)
Scenery: Mountains, paddy fields, jungle trails, and the iconic Lakegala Rock
Activities: Hiking, camping, river bathing, and cultural experiences with the village community
Vibe: Off-grid, eco-friendly, and peaceful — with no mobile signal or modern distractions
Meemure is ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers looking to explore one of Sri Lanka’s most authentic and untouched rural landscapes.
The Madu Ganga (Madu River) Boat Safari is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular and scenic eco-tourism experiences, located near Balapitiya, on the southwest coast between Bentota and Hikkaduwa.
This river safari takes you through a serene network of waterways, including lagoons, mangrove forests, and over 60 small islands, offering a rich blend of biodiversity, culture, and nature.
Mangrove Tunnels – Cruise through shady, winding paths lined with lush mangrove trees.
Wildlife Watching – Spot birds, water monitors, monkeys, and even crocodiles.
Cinnamon Island – Visit local families demonstrating cinnamon harvesting and processing.
Ancient Temple Island – Stop at Kothduwa Temple, a sacred Buddhist site on an island.
Fish Spa – Dip your feet in a tank of nibbling fish for a natural foot massage.
A Madu Ganga boat safari is perfect for nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to experience Sri Lanka’s unique wetland ecosystems and river island culture.
Let me know if you’d like this written as a travel blog, tour brochure, or Instagram caption!
The Haputale–Beralagala Viewpoint is a breathtaking scenic spot along the A4 road that connects Haputale and Beralagala, offering panoramic views of Sri Lanka’s southern plains and mountain ranges.
Stunning Elevation Views – On clear days, you can see all the way to the southern coast, with dramatic drops and rolling hills stretching out beneath you.
Location: Just a few kilometers south of Haputale, along the Haputale–Beragala Road (A4)
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for clearer skies and softer light
Cool Climate: At over 1,400 meters above sea level, the air is fresh and crisp
This spot is perfect for a quick stop during a drive or a peaceful break on your hill country journey — no hike required, just park and enjoy the view.
Let me know if you’d like directions, nearby attractions, or a more descriptive write-up!
The Negombo Lagoon, located just north of Colombo and adjacent to the Indian Ocean, offers one of the most peaceful and picturesque sunset experiences in Sri Lanka. The lagoon’s wide, calm waters reflect the vibrant evening skies, creating a stunning mirror-like effect as the sun dips below the horizon.
Golden Reflections – Watch the sky turn shades of orange, pink, and purple over tranquil waters.
Boat Rides Available – Sunset cruises or traditional catamaran rides add to the experience.
Birdlife – Spot herons, kingfishers, and egrets returning to the mangroves at dusk.
Fishing Life – Catch glimpses of local fishermen and prawn traps silhouetted against the fading light.
Location: Just minutes from Negombo town or beachside hotels
Best Ways to Enjoy:
From a sunset boat tour
At a lagoon-side restaurant with open views
On the Dutch Canal path or nearby Hamilton Canal
Perfect for couples, photographers, and travelers seeking a serene, romantic end to the day. Let me know if you want a travel caption or blog version!
The Tropical Village Tour in Sigiriya is a popular eco-cultural experience that gives visitors a hands-on glimpse into traditional Sri Lankan village life in the rural areas surrounding the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
What to Expect:
Bullock Cart Ride – Travel through lush fields and dusty village roads the traditional way.
Catamaran Ride – Glide across a serene lake bordered by paddy fields and lotus flowers.
Traditional Cooking Demo – Learn to prepare local dishes using clay pots and firewood.
Village Life Tour – Visit a local home, see chena cultivation (slash-and-burn farming), and learn about herbal medicines.
Interaction with Locals – Meet villagers, farmers, and cooks who warmly share their lifestyle and stories.
Location:
Typically takes place in Hiriwadunna or a similar nearby village, about 10–15 minutes from Sigiriya Rock.
Point Pedro, also known as Pedro Point, is the northernmost tip of Sri Lanka, located in the Jaffna Peninsula. It marks the island’s furthest point from the southern Dondra Head and is a quiet, scenic spot with a unique blend of coastal beauty, history, and northern Tamil culture.
Northernmost Point of Sri Lanka – A symbolic and geographical landmark
Scenic Coastline – Long stretches of untouched beach with coral-studded shallows and windswept shores
Off-the-Beaten-Path – Very few tourists; peaceful, raw landscapes with local fishing villages
Coral and Sand Dunes – Known for its unique sandy soil and coastal vegetation
Limited Infrastructure – No major tourist facilities, making it a great spot for explorers and photographers
Nearby Attractions:
Lighthouse – A small, inactive lighthouse overlooking the ocean
Hindu Temples – Small shrines and colorful kovils typical of Jaffna’s Tamil heritage
Agricultural Land – Point Pedro is also a hub for palmyrah palm farming and salt harvesting
Colombo was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.
Top Attractions Included in a city tour
Galle Face Green – Seaside promenade perfect for a stroll and street food.
Gangaramaya Temple – Iconic Buddhist temple blending modern architecture with traditional design.
Independence Memorial Hall – A national monument commemorating Sri Lanka’s independence.
Colombo National Museum – Home to a rich collection of artifacts and cultural exhibits.
Old Dutch Hospital – Now a trendy shopping and dining precinct in a colonial building.
Pettah Market – A bustling bazaar for local goods, textiles, and spices.
Colombo Lighthouse & Port Area – Great for views and a bit of colonial history.
Optional Add-ons
Visit to Lotus Tower – South Asia’s tallest tower for panoramic views.
Stop at Viharamahadevi Park – Colombo’s largest and oldest park.
Colombo City Centre or One Galle Face Mall for shopping.
Negombo is a modest beach town located just 10km from Bandaranaike International Airport. With a stash of decent hotels and restaurants to suit all pockets, a friendly local community, an interesting old quarter and a reasonable (though somewhat polluted) beach, Negombo is a much easier place to find your Sri Lankan feet than Colombo.
The Dutch captured the town from the Portuguese in 1640, lost it, and then captured it again in 1644. The British then took it from them in 1796 without a struggle. Negombo was one of the most important sources of cinnamon during the Dutch era, and there are still reminders of the European colonial days.
The busy center of Negombo town lies to the west of the bus and train stations. Most places to stay, however, line the main road that heads north from the town centre, with the beachside hotel strip starting about 2km north of town.
Sigiriya (Lion’s rock) is an ancient rock fortress and castle/palace ruin situated in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures. It is a popular tourist destination, also known for its ancient paintings (frescos), very similar to those in the Ajanta Caves of India. The Sigiraya was built during the reign of King Kassapa I (AD 477 – 495), and it is one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.
Major attractions of the city include the largest and best preserved cave temple complex of Sri Lanka, and the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, famous for being built in just 167 days. The city also boasts to have the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia, and the Iron wood forest, or Namal Uyana. Ibbankatuwa prehistoric burial site near Dhambulla cave temple complexes is the latest archaeological site of significant historical importance found in Dambulla, which is located within 3 kilometers of the cave temples providing evidence on presence of indigenous civilisations long before the arrival of Indian influence on the Island nation.
Kandy in Sinhala, pronounced is the English name for the city of Maha Nuvara (Senkadagalapura) in the centre of Sri Lanka. It is the capital of the Central Province and Kandy District. It lies in the midst of hills in the Kandy Valley which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka. Kandy is of both an administrative and religious city. It is the capital of the Central Province and also of the administrative district of Kandy.
The second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated the Chola invaders in 1070 CE to reunite the country once more under a local leader.
Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. From the 4th century BC, it was the capital of Sri Lanka until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles (40 km²). Anuradhapura is also significant in Hindu legend as the fabled capital of the Asura King Ravana in the Ramayana.
A Sri Lankan coastal city famous for golden beaches, Bentota is situated on the southern coastal tip of the Galle District of the Southern Province . The town is a popular tourist attraction. It is especially famous among the foreign tourists. The name comes from a mythical story which dates back to kings time saying a demon called Bem ruled this river ( tota = river bank. Bentota hosts a handful of world proclaimed hotels. It is the hosting land for the famous Sri Lankan Jeweler Aida. Bentota also delivers an ancient art of healing called Ayurveda . Bentota is also famous for its production in Toddy. An alcoholic beverage made out of cocunut nectar. Nearby Beruwala marks as the spot for the first Muslim settlement on the island, established by Arab traders around the 8th century AD. A large population of Sri Lankan Moors, many of them are gem merchants, still live in the town– particularly in the “China Fort”. Msjid-ul-Abrar , a landmark of Beruwela and Sri Lanka’s oldest mosque, was built by Arab traders on a rocky peninsula overlooking the town. Beruwala is popular for the Light House too.
Ella is blessed with some of the most beautiful views, you could find in Sri Lanka.
Only 8 km from Bandarawela, this small town is used as a base for plenty of trekking expeditions to the surrounding countryside.
A taste of the breathtaking scenery of Ella could be had, if you just walk into the Garden of the Grand Ella Motel (Formerly Ella Rest House), where you seem to be standing at the edge of the world, and everything around you seems to disappear at your feet.
Another fine view is from the Ambiente Hotel, where the wide doorway, opens out to the mountains, creating a dramatic cinematic like experience, on entry.
Some of the places you could see in Ella are the Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam’s Peak and Bambaragala Peak among the other many varied pleasant walks with stunning scenery.
Yala National Park is a national park in Sri Lanka. The reserve covers 979 km², although only the original 141 km² are open to the public. It was established in 1894 as a Game Sanctuary. Much of the reserve is parkland, but it also contains jungle, beaches, freshwater lakes and rivers and scrubland. The latter zone is punctuated with enormous rocky outcrops. The range of habitats give rise to a good range of wildlife
Galle”Gaul”, and in Sinhalese IPA is a town situated on the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, 119 km from Colombo. Galle was known as Gimhathiththa before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century, when it was the main port on the island. Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, during the Dutch colonial period. The major river is Gin River Gin Ganga which starts from Gongala Kanda and passing villages such as Neluwa, Nagoda, Baddegama, Thelikada, Wakwella and kisses the sea at Ginthota.
The story of the Galle Dutch Fort; a UNESCO World Heritage Site reverberates through every traveller’s photos and captions. Initially built by the Portuguese in the 16th century during their conquests, the fort was later fortified and conquered by the Dutch in the 17th century, until it later fell to the might of the British.
Nuwara Eliya meaning “city on the plain (table land)” or “city of light”, is a town in Sri Lanka. It is located at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft) in the central highlands and is considered one of the most important locations for Tea production in Sri Lanka. The town is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka.
Arugam Bay is a bay situated on the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka’s southeast coast. The bay is located 320 km due east of Colombo. It is a popular surfing and tourist destination. Due to its popularity among low budget tourists, the area has managed a slow recovery. By private initiatives only. The main road through town has still not been repaved. Work is in progress to improve road access to the area. But in Arugam Bay itself, little has changed. As late as May, 2009 no help has been received from any official source or international organizations. An exception is uncoordinated support for fishing folk as well as many school rebuilding programs, resulting in a continuation to provide only separatist schools for each community.
