Where is the best place to stay in Sri Lanka?
By Lauren De Almeida. May 06, 2022
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island nation located in the Indian Ocean. Although geographically and ancestrally close to India, the island nation has its own distinct culture, food, and way of life. Sri Lanka is known for the lovely smiles of its citizens, its beautiful beaches, and its incredible biodiversity. As a growing hotspot for backpackers and tourists, the nation is a hot destination in South East Asia.
The best place to stay in Sri Lanka will depend on your interest. Colombo is the capital city of the nation and houses most of the country’s wealth. As such, it is filled with great dining, world-class shopping, and a thriving nightlife. Galle is a town on the southern coast. The highlight in Galle is the Galle Dutch Fort, a fort built originally by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch. Galle Fort is a place with beautiful architecture, lovely shops, and beautiful accommodation. Mirissa is a beach town further east of Galle on the south coast of the island and is a hotspot for whale watching and diving.
On the east coast Arugam Bay, another beach town, is regarded as a surfer’s paradise and is close to Yala National Park. Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a beautiful biodiverse rain forest. It is recognized as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and is a must-see for nature lovers. Ella is a small town in the mountains towards the middle of the island that has become world famous for its beautiful landscapes and hiking trails.
Nestling in the Central Provice, Sigiriya (or Lion Rock) is an extraordinary rock fortress, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. The Golden city of Kandy is considered as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and is a popular tourist destination within the country to witness the traditional arts and crafts of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is a must-to-visit if you are interested in British Colonial history and architecture, while Negombo is a perfect place to spend some quality time with its beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere.If you are interested in where to stay in Sri Lanka, you may also be interested in where to stay in Maldives.
Best places to stay in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO
City Life / Shopping / Food
The first stop from the airport is the capital city of Colombo. One of the first things you’ll notice is how alive the city is. Everywhere you look there are shops selling delicious snacks (locally known as short-eats) and trishaws delivering passengers to and from work. Being the capital city of the small country, most of the nation’s wealth is contained within it. There are loads to see, do, and experience in the city during the day including shopping, luxury spas, and most of anything else you’d expect in a world-class city. The city is not without a rich history however, as a good part of the city is littered with beautiful colonial homes and old government buildings robust with architectural character.
Take a trip to the older trade area known as Pettah, and you’ll be immersed in streets filled with vendors inviting you to see their products, everything from beautiful fabrics to fresh produce. It should be noted that, as with most big cities, there are pickpockets in this area so please remain cautious.
For accommodation, there are several hotels right on the main strip that give you access to a good amount of shops and great dining options as well provides yours with a great view of the ocean. For those wanting to stay is hotels more luxurious, there are several options there as well.
Read more about where to stay in Colombo.
GALLE
History / Food
A city on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka, Galle is primarily known for the 130-acre fort bordering the ocean. A popular tourist destination, Galle Dutch Fort’s historic streets are paved with romance. Although a bit hot midday, the mornings and evenings have a pleasant warmth coupled with a breeze from the ocean. Take a leisurely stroll with your partner or rent some bikes and enjoy the ambience of the quaint shops and cafes on the stone roads.
While taking in the fort’s vibrant history, head over to Groote Kerk, known as the Dutch Reformed Church. This small church was built in the 1750s by the Dutch and is among the oldest Protestant churches still in use today. If you do happen to find yourself out and about at midday, there are several people selling fresh coconut water as well as stalls serving refreshing ice cream and gelato.
Dinner time is a great time to explore some local traditional foods like hoppers and Sri Lankan rice and curry. Or if you are leaning towards familiar Western foods, there are several places offering a great dining experience with different meat and fresh fish dishes. Accommodation in the fort is primarily boutique hotels, however, there is a famous and more luxurious hotel known as Galle Fort Hotel for those who prefer a traditional hotel experience.
MIRISSA
Beaches / Honeymoon / Nightlife / Surfing / Relaxation
Mirissa is a very popular beach town with visitors and is a great place to take a breathe and relax on the beautiful sandy beach. Due to the crescent shape of the coastal area, it is a delight to be able to catch both a gorgeous sunrise and sunset from the beach. Dotted with lovely hotels, cottages, and b&b’s, Mirissa is a great place to stay for a few days. The nightlife in the town is thriving with some really great places to grab a drink and unwind.
You’ll see many surfers in the area, both foreigners and locals and you can sign up for a surf class right on the beach. While in Mirissa, be sure to book a ride to go whale and dolphin watching before you leave. Food on the beach is fresh and the options range from traditional Sri Lankan to modern cafe food.
For accommodation, there are several hotels lining the beach, as well as several luxury hotels a stone’s throw away. To make the most of your stay, aim for accommodation with a view of both the sunrise and sunset.
ARUGAM BAY
Beaches / Honeymon / Nightlife / Surfing / Safari
On the east coast of Sri Lanka, surrounded by nature and wildlife, lies Arugam Bay. The bay is recognized as a surfer’s paradise and is the hotspot for foreigners and locals seeking some time outdoors. The overall feel of Arugam Bay is very relaxed, making it a great place to stay for a few days and soak up the sun. Once you’ve had your fill of the beach and near-perfect waves, you can venture nearby into the nearby world-famous Yala National Park. Be sure to bring your camera as you may see many different kinds of bird species, monkeys, elephants, crocodiles, and possibly even leopards. Be sure to have an experienced guide with you.
Another way to see some wildlife is to go on a lagoon safari. This two-hour tour by boat will give you some great views of birds and crocodiles occupying the untouched lagoons. Satisfy your appetite with the variety of options available to you on the beach. Here you will find a large number of options, including fresh juices, seafood, western food, and even serval vegan dishes.
Accommodation options are abundant, with the most desirable locations giving you a beautiful view of the sandy beach and morning sunrise on the Indian Ocean.
SINHARAJA
Nature / Relaxation
Sitting only about 4 hours away from Colombo and designated as a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Sinharaja is the most preserved rainforest in the country. Sinharaja is a nature lover and birdwatcher’s dream as 20 of the island nation’s 26 endemic, or native, bird species all live in this rainforest.
Both the animal and plant life in the rainforest are incredibly diverse. A good tour guide will tell you all about the unmapped plant ecosystem and will point out what is believed to be the earliest forms of plant life. In the rainforest, you will spot the most exotic plants the island has to offer. Be sure to take as many photos as you like, however, please take care to not damage any plant or animal life. One thing to note is that there are small leaches on the rainforest ground see you may want to purchase a pair of leach socks or another deterrent.
There are many options for accommodation just outside of the rainforest with many hotels and luxury hotels boasting beautiful views along the edge of the rainforest. Many of these hotels include tour packages in your reservation so be sure to consider that before booking through another tour guide.
ELLA
Nature / Hiking
Just 10 years ago, few locals had ever heard of Ella. This small, remote town quickly gained popularity with foreigners due to it’s abundant waterfalls, tea plantations, beautiful nearby hiking trails, and sweeping views of the valley. The first thing you’ll notice in Ella is the weather. Being in the mountains, the mornings and nights are very refreshing while the days are much less hot than other parts of the island.
The main town area is a great place to get some food, coffee, or a drink. There are 5 main hiking trails around Ella, the 2 most famous being Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock. Both of these hikes are best done in the early morning and preferably with a guide. Both hikes give you stunning views of the morning light cascading over fog-covered mountains, valleys, and tea plantations. Another major attraction in Ella is the world-famous and picturesque Nine Arches Bridge. Be sure to check the times at the train station to see when the train comes so you can get that iconic shot for yourself.
There are several famous hotels and resorts in Ella, many having a great view. One of the more extravagant hotels is 98 Acres, located in the middle of a tea plantation on the top of a mountain. Tea at 98 acres in an experience of its own so be sure to include it in your plans.
SIGIRIYA
Nature / Archeology / Sightseeing
Ideal for seekers of nature at its best, Sri Lanka’s Sigiriya is pure magic. It has the largest rock fortress in the country and some of the frescoes painted on its walls are considered priceless. The entire city is surrounded by a natural moat that makes it impregnable when it comes to invaders. The surrounding environment is almost like paradise with vegetation, waterfalls, and mountain ranges providing a breathtaking view.
106 miles away from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya makes it a perfect getaway for those seeking to relax and unwind. Currently, Sigiriya is ranked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic value and beauty. The neighborhood around is also quite beautiful with lush vegetation and a natural waterfall. You can take a walk in the garden or visit the local museum to learn more about the city’s history. Sigiriya has been an important part of Sri Lanka for many years with a history that runs back to the 5th century.
For accommodation, there are plenty of mind-blowing resorts, villas, and hotels that would make your stay in Sigiriya a memorable one. The luxurious hotels will offer you with modern facilities that you need for a comfortable stay.
KANDY
Tea Plantations / Hiking Trails / Temples
For those insearch of a vibrant culture and panoramic views of hills, valleys, lakes, and rivers, the golden city of Kandy is an ideal destination. It is the site of the country’s most sacred Buddhist shrine - The Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Kandy is also home to a number of other historical temples, museums and markets which offer an insight into the city’s. It is the gateway to the country’s hill country and holds great historical, religious and cultural significance.
Kandy was the last capital of Sri Lanka’s Sinhala kings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just 114 km away from the Bandaranayake International Airport in Katunayake, Kandy is easily accessible by road and rail from all parts of the island. Travelers can meander through the city, see ancient royal artifacts and relive a bygone era. Also it is famous for its annual Esala Perahera- an extravagant celebration of traditional dance and culture.
Aristocratic accommodation such as at the Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy provides a comfortable and luxurious base to explore this remarkable city. Plenty of other hotels and resorts in and around Kandy offer good facilities for a comfortable stay in the city.
NUWARA ELIYA
Tea Factories / Breathtaking Backdrops / Waterfalls
For backpackers and hikers in search of adventure of all sorts, Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque escape that offers a relaxed and laid back atmosphere and mostly offers the best of both worlds - a chance to explore the verdant mountains and quite tea plantations of Sri Lanka’s hill country. An upmarket destination for visitors from around the world, Nuwara Eliya also boasts.
In addition to the lush green tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya is also home to several waterfalls including Dunhinda and Mackwoods. These are great spots for a leisurely hike and a refreshing dip in the clear waters. If you are interested in getting a taste of traditional Sri Lankan culture, the tea factory tours and the Paddy Museum is well worth a visit. You can even purchase freshly made teas and other organic produce from the local farmers’ market.
If you’re looking for a little adventure, then Nuwara Eliya is the place to go. You can explore the surrounding hills on mountain biking or hiking trails, or get your adrenaline pumping with white-water rafting on the Kelani river. Accommodation gets cozy and comfortable in the highlands. Whether you’re looking for a romantic stay in a mesmerizing boutique hotel or a family friendly B&B, Nuwara Eliya has something for everyone.
NEGOMBO
Long Sandy Beaches / Dutch Culture / Seafood Delights
Those longing for white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, Negomobo will be the thrill you are looking for. The long stretch of beach is perfect to spend a day under the sun, and the calmness of the town is ideal to those who seek an escape from the concrete jungle.
The town is also home to a number of colonial-era buildings, churches and temples that offer a glimpse into its rich history. Negombo is located just north of the capital city of Colombo, making it the perfect place to start or end your Sri Lankan adventure.Meander down the lanes of Negomobo, and you’ll find a variety of interesting stalls full of traditional crafts, handmade jewelry, and local art. Negomobo is also a great place to sample locally caught seafood, as the town boasts some of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants and street food stalls.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway or an action-packed adventure, Negombo has something for everyone. Impressive accommodation ranges from luxurious resorts to smaller hotels and guest houses with every luxury amenity available. You can opt to beachside accommodation or stay in the city and visit the beach as a day trip.
Our recommended hotels in Sri Lanka
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in Sri LankaNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
