Central Province

 

Sigiriya

Often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. Rising 200 meters above the plains, this ancient rock fortress was built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD. The site features the famous Lion’s Gate, the Sigiriya Frescoes of celestial maidens, and the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti. At the summit lie the ruins of the royal palace with stunning panoramic views. The surrounding water gardens, boulder gardens, and terraced gardens reflect advanced urban planning and hydraulic engineering.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Located in Kandy, this sacred Buddhist temple houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha, making it one of the most venerated religious sites in the world. The temple is an architectural masterpiece with Kandyan-style carvings, murals, and golden roofs. The relic is kept in a heavily guarded casket and brought out during rituals. The annual Esala Perahera festival features a grand procession of elephants, dancers, and drummers, showcasing Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.

Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya

Just outside Kandy, the Royal Botanical Gardens span 147 acres and are home to over 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, palms, medicinal plants, and exotic trees. Originally established as a royal pleasure garden in the 14th century, it later became a scientific garden under the British. Highlights include the Avenue of Royal Palms, the Great Lawn with giant Java fig tree, and the Orchid House. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and a peaceful escape from the city.

Horton Plains National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Horton Plains is a breathtaking montane plateau located 2,100–2,300 meters above sea level. Covered with cloud forests and grasslands, it is home to unique wildlife like the Sri Lankan sambar deer, purple-faced langur, and many endemic bird species. The park’s most famous attraction is World’s End, a dramatic 870-meter cliff offering stunning views. Other highlights include Baker’s Falls and the Kirigalpoththa and Totapola peaks. Horton Plains is also the headwaters of three major rivers: Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe.

Ambuluwawa Tower

Ambuluwawa is a biodiversity complex and multi-religious sanctuary located near Gampola. At its peak stands the Ambuluwawa Tower, a white spiraling structure that resembles a DNA strand. Climbing the narrow spiral staircase to the top is thrilling, offering panoramic views of mountains, rivers, and forests. The site also features shrines for Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam—symbolizing religious harmony in Sri Lanka.

Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue

Overlooking Kandy city, this massive white Buddha statue sits on Bahirava Kanda hill. Standing 27 meters tall, the statue is visible from many points in the city. Visitors can climb to the base of the statue for panoramic views of Kandy, including the Temple of the Tooth and the lush hills surrounding it. At night, the illuminated statue adds to Kandy’s charm.

 

Ramboda Waterfall

Located in the Pussellawa area between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, Ramboda Falls is one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful waterfalls. It cascades in multiple tiers with a total height of about 109 meters. Surrounded by tea plantations and forests, Ramboda is an ideal stop on the Kandy–Nuwara Eliya route. Visitors can also explore nearby viewpoints and tea estates.

Gregory Lake, Nuwara Eliya

Built during the British colonial period under Governor William Gregory (1873), Gregory Lake is a scenic centerpiece of Nuwara Eliya. Visitors can enjoy boat rides, swan paddle boats, jet skiing, and cycling along the lakeside. The lake is surrounded by landscaped gardens, making it perfect for picnics and leisure walks. In the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

Kandy Lake

Built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, Kandy Lake is an artificial lake located in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth. Its calm waters and shaded pathways make it a scenic retreat. Legends say the king built it by destroying paddy fields and created an island in the center as his royal pleasure garden. Today, it’s a favorite spot for evening walks and photography.

Bomburu Ella Waterfall

Also called Perawella Falls, Bomburu Ella is the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka, consisting of multiple cascades. Located near Nuwara Eliya, it’s surrounded by forest and tea plantations. The falls are about 50 meters high and 200 meters wide, making them a spectacular sight during the rainy season. The trek to the falls adds to the adventure, passing through lush landscapes.

Lover’s Leap Falls

Situated in Nuwara Eliya, Lover’s Leap is a 30-meter-high waterfall with a romantic legend. According to folklore, a prince fell in love with a local maiden, but their love was forbidden. The couple leapt to their deaths from the falls, giving it the name. Apart from its tragic tale, the falls are a picturesque attraction offering sweeping views of Nuwara Eliya town and surrounding tea plantations.

Udawattekele Sanctuary

A historic forest reserve located behind the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Udawattekele was once the royal forest of the Kandyan kings. Today it is a wildlife sanctuary with over 80 bird species, mammals like monkeys and porcupines, and numerous plant species. The sanctuary also has meditation hermitages and rock caves once used by Buddhist monks. It’s a peaceful green escape within the bustling city.

Sita Temple 

Located in Seetha Eliya, near Nuwara Eliya, this Hindu temple is dedicated to Goddess Sita from the Indian epic Ramayana. According to legend, this is where Sita was held captive by King Ravana. The temple features colorful Dravidian-style architecture, shrines of Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, and footprints believed to belong to Hanuman. Surrounded by forests and streams, it remains a sacred site for Hindu pilgrims and a cultural attraction for tourists.