Off the Beaten Path: Sri Lanka's Hidden Places ✨

Waterfalls 🌊

Some of the popular, touristy waterfalls in the country are Diyaluma Falls, Ravana Falls, and Bakers Falls. 

Since Sri Lanka is dotted with more than 400 waterfalls, you're sure to find some hidden gems. 

Why not visit these less popular falls?

Gartmore Falls

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Situated in Maskeliya Town, this stunning two-tier waterfall features not only a dramatic 30-metre drop but a natural infinity pool that you can bathe in.

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Bopath Falls

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A natural swimming pool, this bo-leave shaped waterfall, is a perfect place to relax, take a dip and enjoy, and is a must-visit spot on your way to Rathnapura or Ella.

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Kadiyanlena Waterfall

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With three cascades, this stunning waterfall has natural pools at the bottom of the top two cascades. These can be reached by foot and enjoy a swim in the chilled pool down the way. However, bathing is not recommended during the rainy monsoon season, but it is still worth watching from the side of the road. It is located on alongside the Nawalapitiya-Thalawakale main road.

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Lanka Ella - Waterfall

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Lanka Ella Falls is a hidden waterfall, unspoiled by human activities due to its remote location. This fall is located about 1 km away from Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall, Bambarakanda Fall and is only on foot. Since the base of the waterfall is very deep, bathing is not recommended here.

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National Parks 🐘

Tired of national parks filled with plenty of jeeps and visitors?

Skip the extremely popular Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park, and Minneriya National Park.  

Go for these less busy, quieter options (think less jeeps, more animals - Whoopie!)

Gal Oya Valley National Park

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The most untouched National Park in Sri Lanka, Gal Oya is an unknown gem and the only national park where you can take a boat safari. You can see elephants swimming, crocodiles basking and birdlife up close.

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Kumana National Park

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An hour's drive from Arugam Bay, Kumana National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see various species of migratory birds. The national park is also famous for its leopard population. Sloth Bears and elephants can also be seen.

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Wilpattu National Park

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Located near Anuradhapura, Wilpattu National Park, is the ultimate place for wildlife lovers in Sri Lanka. It’s home to all of the exciting fauna you could want to see (including the elusive Sri Lankan leopard), minus the sky-high tourist numbers of the more popular southern parks.

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Lunugamvehera National Park

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A relatively unknown National Park, there's a high chance you'll be the only one in the park. Lunugamvehera National Park is the perfect place to see elephants and birds, minus a lot of tourists and jeeps.

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Cultural Heritages 🛕

We've all heard of Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple, and the Temple of Tooth - they are on every travelers Sri Lanka itinerary. 

Why not visit these lesser known, but equally beautiful and historical, places?

Ritigala Archaeological Site & Strict Natural Reserve

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Ritigala is a hilly forest and a place of Buddhist worship. The Rigitala Kanda (Ritigala Mountain) provides an excellent trekking journey. Find yourself on a journey through the stonework bordering the streams, dense forests consisting of medicinal herbs and trees, gardens, and courtyards with beautiful landscaping that leads the way to the temple. The Buddhist Monastery has inscriptions that date back to the 1st century BC.

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Buduruwagala Raja Maha Viharaya(බුද්ධ ප්‍රතිමාව)

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An ancient Buddhist temple that dates back to the 10th century with some of the most detailed statue works of Buddha and disciples

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Jathika Namal Uyana

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Located 15km from the historical town of Dambulla, Jathika Namal Uyana boasts the largest ironwood forest in all of Asia, and perhaps the largest rose quartz mountain, too. The area also houses the remains of a Buddhist monastery, a stupa, and a small but stunning waterfall.

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Tantirimale Rajamaha Viharaya - තන්තිරිමලේ රජමහා විහාරය

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Built nearly 2300 years ago, the temple is home to two Samadhi and reclining Buddha statues carved from large rocks. Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya (Thanthirimale Temple) is now surrounded by huge boulders and thick forest covers.

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Cities/Towns 🏛️

Almost all the Sri Lanka travel guides take you to places like Ella, Mirissa, Galle, Sigiriya, and Kandy. And it's not surprising - they are gorgeous places and worth a visit. 

But, if you want to escape the flock of other tourists, and locals, and get a more authentic and personal experience of Sri Lanka, why not visit these towns/cities, instead?

Mannar

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An island off the Northern Coast of Sri Lanka, Mannar is a must-visit destination. Skipped off on most travel itineraries, Mannar has an endless list of things to do - visit holy temples and churches, the ruins of the Arippu Fort, the still-standing Mannar Fort, the Boab Trees, and the Adam's Bridge.

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Jaffna

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A true explorers paradise, Jaffna is a city on the Northern tip of Sri Lanka. Ever since the Civil War ended, Jaffna is a must-visit off-beaten destination with beautiful scenery, incredible food, and rainbow-colored Hindu temples. The Nallur Kovil, Jaffna Fort, and Point Pedro are highlights of a Jaffna visit.

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Anuradhapura

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Established in 377 BC as the first capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is a historical place in Sri Lanka as it houses several heritage monasteries, palaces, and monuments. It is also home to the world's largest stupa - the Jeetawarnamaya Stupa.

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Polonnaruwa Ancient City

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Just over 3 hours northeast of Kandy, Polonnaruwa puffs of immense historical, cultural, and architectural value and is a place you shouldn’t miss! Don't forget to visit the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya, Polonnaruwa Vatadge, Lantatilake Temple, and Nelum Pokuna.

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Beaches 🌊

Ah - Sri Lanka has some stunning beaches in every direction. Blue water, and sandy golden beaches, lined with swaying palm trees, Sri Lanka is a haven for beach lovers. 

However, if you want to move away from the crowded beaches in Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Mirissa, Weligama, and Hiriketiya, you could try these lesser known beaches. 

Casuarina Beach

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Located 20km from Jaffna, this is a stunning white sand beach, with shallow and calm waters, lined with green Casuarina trees. It is perfect for swimming & basking in the sun.

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Goyambokka Beach

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A tranquil, serene beach located on the Southern Coast. With rocky outcrops and an abundance of palm trees, the beach is an ideal escape to embrace natural landscapes and serenity.

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Talalla Beach

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A 2-kilometer long stretch featuring a sheltered bay of crescent-shaped along with fringing palm trees, Talalla Bay is scarcely visited by tourists. Enjoy romantic walks on the beach, take a swim, surf or enjoy yoga and meditation sessions.

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Marble Beach

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Located on the East Coast, Marble Beach is a true, relatively untouched paradise. Shut out for years because of the Civil War, Marble Beach gives you sandy, golden beaches with turquoise water. There are times when the sea is calm and appears to be like the surface of marble - hence, 'Marble Beach'.

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Recommendations ✨

Here are some other off-beaten places which we recommend to visit, on your trip to Sri Lanka.

Yapahuwa Rock Fortress

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A short-lived capital of the country in the 13th century, Yapahuwa was the site of preservation of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.

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Mihintale

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Located 12 km from Anuradhapura, Mihintale (Mahinda's Rock) was the spot the Mahinda delivered Buddha's preaching to King Devanamapiyatissa, resulting in the conception in the conception of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, nearly 2000 years ago. The panaromic view from the top of the rock is gorgeous, and the temple is worth a visit for history buffs.

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Hatthikuchchi Viharaya

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Built-in the 3rd century and located in the North-Western Province of Sri Lanka, Hatthikuchchi is unique in its architecture and is considered to be one of the oldest Buddhist temple complexes found in the island country.

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There you have it! 

Sri Lanka is filled with some gorgeous hidden gems, which deserve appreciation and a totally worth a visit. Although some of these places might be a bit difficult to access, with public transport and might require a private transfer, it is definitely worth the cost and time.

So, go and explore the unknown gems of Sri Lanka. Also, feel free to explore more and you might find more unknown places in Sri Lanka 🤩 Have fun!

⭐ Thank you for reading! Feel free to give a tip if you find this content useful, or if you want customized tours to Sri Lanka, get in touch with me via Instagram (username: vandiihettii) 

Feel free to explore our other guides, to help you plan your trip to Sri Lanka.

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Arugam Bay: A Surfers Paradise

Located on the South Eastern coast of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay Arugam Bay is a famous surfing hotspot - for locals and tourists, alike. The 'surfers paradise' is one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka - and a must-visit destination - at least once in your life. Apart from surfing, there are plenty of things to do in the tourist-friendly town. You can chill by the beach, witness breathtaking sunrises, party, or even hike. It can be challenging to organize and plan a trip in an unknown country (we've all been there), which is why I have composed this guide to make life easier for you. In this guide, you will find: 🏄‍♀️ Things to do 🏠 Places to stay 🍴 Places to eat 🚗 Transport to and around Arugam Bay 🎒 Packing essentials 🦺 Safety Tips Hope this guide helps you when planning your trip to Arugam Bay! Happy Travels! 🧡

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