Which part of Sri Lanka is best to stay in? Guide to the best areas in Sri Lanka

Planning a vacation to Sri Lanka and not sure where to stay? Trust me, I get it. Sri Lanka is a large island with dozens of awesome regions, and choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

But I’ve visited Sri Lanka multiple times, explored almost every region, and now know exactly which areas are worth staying in. And all the hotels I recommend below are places I’ve personally stayed at or would happily stay at again.

Now, I will say that if you have two weeks to spend in Sri Lanka, I’d advise breaking down your stay into 4-5 different areas. But if you have less time, then 1-2 destinations will be ideal, as you really don’t want to be rushing around.

Just like with any vacation, the area you choose can completely change your experience. So let’s take a look at the best areas to stay in Sri Lanka and the best hotels in each one.

Which part of Sri Lanka should I stay in?

The best part of Sri Lanka truly depends on your interests. If you’re drawn to beaches, surfing, whale watching, history, and nightlife, the South Coast, featuring places like Galle, Mirissa, and Unawatuna, is ideal.

For those who appreciate stunning tea plantations, cool climates, hiking, and cultural experiences, the Hill Country, including Ella, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya, is perfect.

The East Coast, particularly Arugam Bay, is renowned for seasonal surfing, while Sigiriya and Anuradhapura are must-visits for ancient history enthusiasts. And finally, for relaxation near the airport, Negombo is convenient.

And honestly, I highly recommend staying in a few different parts of the country during your vacation here so that you get a feel for these different cities and get to experience a variety of activities.

Below, I’ve listed the parts of Sri Lanka that we’ve stayed in and would stay in again.

Colombo is likely where you will arrive on your first day in Sri Lanka, as it is just 35 km from the Bandaranaike International Airport. Colombo is a busy and vibrant city. It is divided into 13 districts, with Colombo 1 or Fort Area being the center of the city.

As the largest and capital city of Sri Lanka, Colombo serves as the economic and cultural heart of the country.

Our Colombo Highlights:

We loved our few hours at the National Museum, the biggest museum in the country – it’s the perfect spot to learn about the country’s culture and history. We also wandered around the Old Dutch Hospital, which is said to be the oldest building in the city. It dates back to 1681! There are lots of stores here and some great restaurants, too.

The very photogenic Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil is also well worth a visit. This is the biggest and oldest Hindu temple in the city. It’s dedicated to the Gods Shiva and Ganesh. We also stopped by the Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque), which is equally as eye-catching as you can tell from the photos above.

We spent around an hour wandering around the bustling Pettah Market one day, and it’s known for its vibrant street life and eclectic array of goods. The city is also home to several lush parks like Viharamahadevi Park, and the scenic Galle Face Green, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, as it looks over the Indian Ocean

Best hotels in Colombo:

We stayed at the Colombo Court Hotel & Spa. Our room was comfortable and spacious, and the next morning we loved swimming in their outdoor pool. As I said, this hotel is located close to the Dutch Hospital. A double room here costs around $50 USD per night.

One of the top choices for hotels in Colombo is the iconic Galle Face Hotel. This colonial-style 5-star hotel boasts stunning sea views and exudes historical charm.

Instead of choosing the crowded beaches of Unawatuna or Mirissa, we recommend Rekawa beach on the South Coast (close to the more popular Tangalle).

The 4 km golden sand beach here is pretty much deserted save for a few local fishermen and through the months of October to April, you may be lucky enough to witness baby turtles hatch.

It’s a wildlife lover’s heaven here, during our three days here, we saw turtles, monkeys, kingfishers, peacocks, and more.

Best hotel in Rekawa:

We stayed at the gorgeous Seven Turtles Resort and every morning and evening walked the length of the beach out front. It is here we spotted the colorful fishing boats and the colorful characters who own them.

Unawatuna, a picturesque coastal town on the Southern Coast, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s probably one of the most popular beach resorts in Sri Lanka and attracts a young, vibrant crowd.

Some other great beaches on the South Coast include:

• Bentota – A stunning, pristine beach perfect for rest and relaxation.
• Hikkaduwa – Renowned for its coral reefs and deep-sea diving adventures.
• Mirissa – Celebrated for its lively nightlife and exceptional whale-watching opportunities.
• Tangalle – A peaceful, secluded beach located approximately 100 kilometers from Galle.

Galle is a fortified city in the Southwest of the country. It was built by the Portuguese, and many of its buildings show the influence of Portuguese architectural style on Sri Lankan traditions. It is certainly a unique place and so inherently different from other cities in Sri Lanka.

Combine that with the golden sand beaches sitting below the walls of Galle Fort and the epic sunsets – Galle sure is a gem. So much so that I have to say that Galle is one of our favorite places we visited in Sri Lanka.

Our Galle highlights:

The Galle Lighthouse is at the top of most people’s Galle bucket list and for good reason – it’s eye-catching! Did you know the original lighthouse was burned down in 1936 and had to be rebuilt?! Be sure to get here for sunrise (and avoid the crowds) or sunset for the best photo opps. 

Some of the other best things to do in Galle can also be found along the fort, which runs the length of the town on the coast – here, be sure to check out the Galle Fort Clock Tower and Flag Point. Not too far from the Galle Lighthouse, you’ll find the Dutch Hospital, an old hospital that now houses some of the best restaurants and boutique stores in Galle.

Best hotels in Galle:

We stayed at Mango House Boutique Hotel by the fort in Galle (the best area to stay in Galle, in my opinion). It’s excellently rated and has a gorgeous light-filled courtyard where you can eat your meals or enjoy a drink from the bar. And I loved our room – it was very chic. It had a 4 poster bed!

One of the most renowned hotels here is Amangalla, a luxury hotel set within a beautifully restored Dutch colonial building. And Jetwing Lighthouse is another very popular hotel here. It was designed by the famed architect Geoffrey Bawa and combines modern amenities with stunning sea views.

As the second biggest city in Sri Lanka and one of the most beautiful, it’s no wonder Kandy is so popular with tourists.

We loved walking around Kandy Lake, also known as the Sea of Milk, a stunning spot a short walk from the city center and one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunrise or sunset. The walk around the lake is 3.4 kilometers long.

Our Kandy Highlights:

The Temple of the Tooth Relic is one of our must-see spots in Kandy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where the tooth of Buddha is enshrined. It’s one of the most popular tourist sites in Sri Lanka with an estimated 3,000 visitors every day!

The temple is very important to Buddhists, and it’s adorned with intricate carvings. You can find it close to the Royal Palace.

Another highlight for us here was, funnily enough, leaving Kandy. Let me explain, the train journey from Kandy to Ella (our next stop) is regularly dubbed as the ‘most beautiful train journey in the world’ by the media. As a result of its famed status, this train is typically packed to the rafters. The best spots on board are the public areas between carriages. Here you can hang out of the door. literally (be cautious, though) to get that all-important Instagram photo!

Best hotels in Kandy:

We stayed at the Hotel Suisse, a historic hotel located right on Kandy Lake. It boasts over 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens and has a gorgeous outdoor pool. Our room was spacious and very regal-looking looking and the breakfast was exceptional.

One of the top hotels in Kandy is the elegant Earl’s Regency, which boasts a stunning hillside location, luxurious rooms, and exceptional dining options. And nature-lovers may prefer the tranquil setting of the Mahaweli Reach Hotel, situated alongside the Mahaweli River and featuring lush gardens and a serene atmosphere.

A small town with a chilled-out vibe, Ella was one of our favorite places to visit in Sri Lanka. 

Everywhere you look, there are lush green hills and tea plantations. And one of the coolest spots here is the Nine Arches Bridge. Plus, the views from Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak are just epic, with misty mountains and valleys stretching out as far as the eye can see. The town itself is also full of cute cafes and guesthouses, so it’s a great place to base yourself while in Sri Lanka. The only downside, I suppose, is that it’s quite far from other parts of Sri Lanka.

Our Ella highlights:

The Nine Arches Bridge just outside of Ella is one of the most famous things to do in Sri Lanka. It’s on this glorious colonial-era viaduct bridge that the train from Kandy to Ella chugs across a couple of times a day, and most people come here to the viewpoint, which overlooks the bridge, to snap a photo! 

We also visited the Uva Halpewatte factory hidden high in the hills surrounding Ella. A tuk-tuk here from Ella town costs just $7 USD one-way. You can also pay your driver a little extra for him to wait for you & bring you back to Ella. We learned so much about the tea-making process. The views from the balcony are crazy-beautiful.

Best hotels in Ella:

We spent 4 nights at Villa Nature Hights on the outskirts of town, it was around a 10-minute walk into the town, but we loved its hillside location because the views care epic. Our room was cozy and traditional in style, the staff were helpful and friendly and it was great value for money at around $35 USD per night.

One of the standout options in Ella is the 98 Acres Resort & Spa, known for its unparalleled views of the surrounding tea estates and Little Adam’s Peak. This eco-friendly luxury resort combines rustic charm with modern amenities.

Negombo is one of the closest places you can get to the airport, as it’s just a 15-minute drive away.

Negombo is renowned for its epic beach sunsets. And we spent every evening in Negombo watching the sunset from our hotel balcony. Bliss! To us, Negombo is the best spot to watch the sunset in Sri Lanka.

Our Negombo highlights:

• Walking through the small fishing villages on the outskirts of Negombo
• Visiting Angurukaramulla Temple – the city’s largest temple that houses a huge and colorful painting of Buddha
• Going shopping on Beach Road – We picked up lots of unique souvenirs in the stores along Beach Road. The jewelry is especially beautiful.

Best hotels in Negombo:

We spent the last days of our three weeks in Sri Lanka at the Goldi Sands Hotel right on Negombo Beach. It’s a huge hotel with two swimming pools, a spa and, two restaurants. Our room had a big balcony and we loved watching the sunrise and sunset from it. The hotel is also within walking distance of many stores and restaurants along Beach Road.

FYI, we loved Greek Grill – one of the best Greek restaurants outside of Greece, in my opinion!

Famous for its impressive waves and laid-back atmosphere, it has become a hotspot for both professional surfers and beginners seeking to catch the perfect wave.

The East Coast doesn’t get as many visitors as the South Coast, as it can be quite hard to get to, and thus, it’s the perfect choice if you’re a fan of off-the-beaten-path spots like us. However, it is a fair distance from the airport (at around a 6-hour drive each way).

When it comes to picking the best hotel in Arugam Bay, The Hideaway stands out for its charming ambiance and excellent service. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this boutique hotel offers a tranquil escape with beautifully designed rooms and a welcoming atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy delicious meals at the on-site restaurant, relax by the pool, or take a short stroll to the beach.

Other lovely beaches on the East Coast:

• Nilaveli (Trincomalee) – Nilaveli, meaning “power blue waves,” was celebrated as the top beach in South Asia in 2015.
• Pasikudah – This tranquil beach is known for its serene atmosphere, stunning marine life, and inviting shallow waters.

My favorite part of our Sri Lanka trip was seeing elephants in the wild at Udawalawe National Park. Sure, there are lots of amazing national parks in Sri Lanka, but I did my research before arriving and decided on Udawalawe because it has the highest number of elephants (over 500). Udawalawe is also less crowded than the more famous Yala or Minneriya national parks.

This is one of the smallest national parks in the country – it’s around 119 square miles, and because it’s quite small, your chances of seeing elephants are higher. As I said, there are over 500 elephants in Udawalawe.

And as for tours of Udawalawe, we did this 3 hour tour and really rate it. It’s 3 hours long, and you can choose an early morning departure time (around 7 am) or an afternoon slot (around 3 pm) as those are the best times to see the elephants. It costs from $27 USD.

Now, because there isn’t much to do here besides going on safari, I recommend only spending a night or two here. It’s around 124 km from Galle, and we went from Udawalawe on to Galle.

Best hotels in Udawalawe:

We stayed at the lovely Elephant Trail on the outskirts of the park. And we loved it. Our room was light-filled and spacious and looked out into the lush countryside. There’s also a lovely wraparound outdoor pool and we ate in the restaurant for breakfast and dinner as there’s no town within walking distance. The food was great, though – so we didn’t mind at all.

As the second largest national park in the country, Yala covers approximately 979 square kilometers, and it’s a sanctuary for a whole host of wildlife species. It’s particularly famous for its population of Sri Lankan leopards, one of the highest densities found anywhere in the world. Besides leopards, on a guided tour here, you can see elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species.

I will say that we didn’t tick off Yala during our visit, as we opted for Udawalawe instead. And like Udawalawe, we only recommend spending one night here.

One of the best options for accommodation here is the Wild Coast Tented Lodge, which seamlessly blends luxury with the natural environment. This unique hotel offers luxurious cocoon-shaped tents that complement the surrounding wilderness.

Many tourists will tell you that no visit to Sri Lanka would be complete without visiting Sigiriya. Full disclosure, we didn’t make it here on our visit as we ran out of time, but I still thought it best to include it here as it’s such a popular spot.

The awe-inspiring Sigiriya rock fortress (aka Lions Rock) is often hailed as the eighth wonder of the world. This ancient marvel was ingeniously transformed into a self-sufficient city, complete with working waterways, swimming pools, and a palace. The tale of King Kashyapa, who brought this vision to life, is captivating in itself.

Constructed entirely by hand in a remarkably short span, Sigiriya has long intrigued historians. Just a three-hour journey from Colombo, this UNESCO World Heritage Site stands as one of the finest preserved examples of ancient urban life.

This is a great guided tour option for Sigiriya, you’ll get to explore the area in a tuk-tuk and visit local villages and the Dambulla Cave Temple.

Where to stay for Sigiriya:

One of the best hotels here is the Sigiriya Jungles Hotel. This luxurious resort provides an idyllic retreat with its modern amenities and stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. The property boasts spacious rooms, an inviting pool, and a variety of dining options that feature local and international cuisine.

How long should I spend in Sri Lanka?

I recommend spending a minimum of two weeks in Sri Lanka to give the country the chance to truly impress you – it will be difficult to see the island#s best spots with less time.

We spent 3 weeks in Sri Lanka, starting with two nights in Colombo. From Colombo, we went onto the country’s second biggest city, Kandy, and then to Ella, Udawalawe National Park, Galle, Rekawa Beach, and finally Negombo.

Over the course of three weeks, we worked our way through seven destinations, ending the trip in Negombo.

Last Updated on December 20, 2025 by snaphappytravel