Sri Lanka is that joyful tear in the middle of the Indian Ocean, standing intact and strong. Travellers from all over the world come to this location because of its unmatched cultural heritage and traditions. You wouldn’t regret choosing Sri Lanka because of the gorgeous mountains, beautiful oceans, lusher gardens, and traditional temples.
You will find something to cherish in Sri Lanka, whether it be the beauty of the natural world or the tranquilly found in the temples. The locations would fit your mood and provide a lovely time period known as a memory. Read on to learn why May 2023 is the ideal time to visit Sri Lanka. Below are a few of Sri Lanka’s must-see tourism sites.
In May, here are the top 12 places to visit in Sri Lanka:
1. Colombo
The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is situated on the island’s western coast. This city has a stunning skyline that runs beside Lake Beira and comes to life at night. The Lotus tower, with a height of roughly 350 metres, is the highest structure in South Asia and draws the most tourists.
Visitors can visit the structure all year long, and it is lit up on special occasions. The early centuries saw the colonisation of Sri Lanka by Portugal, the Netherlands, and also by Britain. One of Sri Lanka’s greatest tourist destinations in this city, which requires a special one-day bus or taxi journey. You might also be interested in these 10 things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka
2. Kandy
The country’s central region has a sizable city called Kandy, which was originally Sri Lanka’s capital. Because of its outstanding tourist destination, the “Temple of the Tooth Relic”—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—it is often referred to as the “Sacred City of Kandy”.
This attraction is special in its own right and is extremely important to spiritually inclined individuals and those with a passion for history and architecture. If you appreciate stunning views of mountains and tea plantations, Kandy is one of the top Sri Lankan destinations. It is a location where you can experience Sinhalese culture directly.
Read Also: Where to Visit in Sri Lanka During October
3. Nuwara Eliya
The 19th-century hill station in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, is one of the most gorgeous tourist sites in the country and still emits a colonial aura thanks to its golf course, mock-Tudor buildings, and gentlemen’s clubs. It is one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka to travel by scenic train. During Covid, it is one of the safest times to visit Sri Lanka.
While riding the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, take the breathtaking views of the nearby tea plantations, waterfalls, and imposing mountains. It would be too much fun to stop after the ride! The best way to appreciate Kandy’s natural beauty is through trekking. If you’re seeking the top sites to see in two days, Nuwara Eliya should be on your list.
4. Polonnaruwa
The next place on the list is a city noted for its temples and is another of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist sites. You may easily while away the day at the Polonnaruwa ruins fantasising about life back then. It’s difficult not to be in awe of the ruins here because they are so well-preserved and chock-full of historical artefacts, including hundreds of tombs, temples, statues, and stupas.
Everyone is aware of Sri Lanka’s reputation as a nation of temples and the many monuments and cultural sites that serve as excellent tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa is one such popular tourist destination where one may observe daily life in Sri Lanka.
5. Galle
Galle, a significant city in Sri Lanka, is a one-stop location where you can experience the country’s sights and sounds. The Galle Fort is among Sri Lanka’s top tourist attractions. You can find wide cobblestone streets, restaurants, and cafes in the Galle Fort neighbourhood. While you are there, make an effort to see the sunset.
You can explore a variety of souvenir stores and art galleries. One of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist destinations is it. The Japanese Peace Pagoda is another beautiful site for tourists to see while on vacation in Sri Lanka. It is a serene white dome that is quite near the Unawatuna beach.
6. Sinharaja Forest Reserve
The Sinharaja Forest Reserve sometimes referred to as the “Kingdom of the Lion”, is a paradise for people who appreciate the great outdoors and wildlife. Several of Sri Lanka’s indigenous bird and mammal species can be found there. The clouds that bring rain are always cloaking the forest.
This Forest Reserve is estimated to serve as the habitat for more than 50% of Sri Lanka’s indigenous mammals and 95% of its endemic birds. It is a well-known destination in Galle. You may take in the splendour of vast, lush, and abundant evergreen rainforests as well as the tranquil pace of wildlife.
7. Bentota Beach
Bentota beach, 65 kilometres from Colombo, offers a unique experience in the middle of a typical environment. Have a relaxing dip in the typical golden sand as you listen to the magnificent sound of the vast Indian Ocean slamming on the coastline. You’ll be speechless in awe of the captivating sea view.
Try your hand at adventure sports that are available next to the palm trees if you want to break up the monotony of your routine. As it is a very popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka, you should not skip visiting it. Both a boat tour of the Bentota River and a visit to the Kasgoda Turtle Hatchery are options.
8. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Is there anything more adorable than watching young elephants relax in a river? One of the top sights to see in Sri Lanka is the Pinnawalla Elephant Orphanage, and with good reason. It won’t be difficult to believe if you decide not to leave this paradise. You can take any public transportation to get to this location, which is 13 kilometres from Kegalle.
It is a highly well-liked tourist spot that offers guests a unique experience. A once-in-a-lifetime experience is seeing the young elephants getting into trouble and wandering around. Nothing like this is available anywhere else. There are numerous small details in this place that will win you over when you visit.
9. St. Clairs Falls
St. Clair Falls is the ideal alternative for you if you want to get away from the stress of everyday life. One of the area’s most dangerous waterfalls is also called Little Niagara of Sri Lanka. A lot of tourists travel there each year because it is a well-liked tourist attraction in Sri Lanka.
Maha Ella, also known as “The Larger Fall” in Sinhala, is 260 feet high. Kuda Ella, also known as “The Smaller Fall”, is 160 feet high and just below the main fall. The Kotmale River is home to these magnificent waterfalls. Of the six waterfalls impacted by the Upper Kotmale Hydropower Project, this flowing cascade is one that it falls under.
10. Yala National Park
On Sri Lanka’s southernmost shore is where you’ll find Yala National Park. The most typical animals here are elephants, monkeys, wild cats, leopards, and birds. This park is one of the top tourist destinations because it is home to the greatest number of leopards in the entire globe.
While driving through the lush, green forest, surrounded by the sound of birds and falling water, you can join a guided jeep trip and see some of the lovely wildlife. The summer months would be the ideal time to travel. It is one of Sri Lanka’s greatest tourist destinations if you like the outdoors and animals.
11. The Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla cave temple is the most well-known among Sri Lanka’s top tourist destinations. It is among the most popular tourist location in Sri Lanka. The greatest temple complex in all of Sri Lanka, some of the statues and murals inside date all the way back to the 12th century AD.
The temple complex consists of five different-sized halls, each of which features a different stance of the Buddha, who appears serene and calm. The temple is situated on a dark, rocky mountain, which creates a lovely contrast with the temple’s white walls. Don’t overlook the top-level vista. Both Kandy and Colombo have easy access to the temple.
12. Arugam Bay
With its 1600 miles of coastline, Sri Lanka is perfect for water sports like windsurfing and speed boating. Arugam Bay contains coconut trees that are slanting and blue skies. Arugam Bay is a must-visit tourist destination in Sri Lanka if you are interested in surfing in turquoise waters. It is 320 kilometres southeast of Colombo on the coast.
It’s the perfect spot to drink coconut water, breathe in the aroma of jasmine, and let your skin get tanned by the southern sun. Besides Arugam Bay, other beaches in Sri Lanka that are among the greatest to visit are Tangalla, which is located 195 kilometres south of Colombo, and Unawatuna in the south.
The Bottom Line
Explore Sri Lanka, one of the most stunning countries on earth, and take part in immersive experiences and sightseeing trips. The top tourist destinations in Sri Lanka present the nation’s best aspects, including its wildlife and somewhat unfamiliar old sites. Visit these top tourist destinations in Sri Lanka in May 2023 to delight your senses in the country’s rich heritage and diversified beauty.
Visit Sri Lanka to learn more:
- Sri Lanka’s Tourist Destinations to Visit in December 2024
- 10 Things To Do in Sri Lanka In August 2025
- Sri Lanka’s 5 Popular Hill Stations to See
- Top 10 Wildlife Places in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka’s Top 10 Famous Yoga Retreats
- Top 9 Events And Festivals In Sri Lanka
- 10 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Jaffna
- Top 20 Hotels in Sri Lanka for Honeymoon
- Sri Lanka Tourist Places to See in January
- Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in February
- Sri Lanka Destinations to Visit in November
