Sri Lanka off the beaten path - highly recommended

The title says it all: What you find on this page is a list of Sri Lanka's off-the-beaten attractions, lonesome places undisturbed by the crowds.

First, we list the most rewarding of those less-known sites, top-ranked (3***stars). - Further below, you find more proposals worth a detour (2**stars)
 (If you like to see smaller places of interest (1*star) additionally, then click here - but please be patient: it takes a long time to load this long list)

Within each of the two main categories (3***star and 2**star), the places of interest are presented in 3 sub-categories:
1. The hidden treasures we recommend most can truely be called off-the-beaten-path insider tips (green background)
2. Places loved by several independent travellers can be rated "less-known" or "less-frequented" (yellow background)
3. Some of the better known sites that occasionally occur on shortlists of group tour itineraries are still not overcrowded (reddish background)

Last introductory note: You can find the same off-the-beaten-path destination plus smaller sites (1*star) just as links sorted in a table here...

Most recommended places of interest  -  3***stars

almost secret, very rarely frequented by tourists

Dimbulagala

27 km
east of Polonnaruwa

In between Polonnaruwa and Pasikuda, there is a heritage site that’s really not crowded, though it’s one of the island’s most attractive destinations at all. Actually, you could spend an entire day hiking around in Dimbulagala, visiting dozens of places of interest in this isolated range. Some are quite picturesque, e.g. Maravidiya. Some have great vistas, e.g. Akasa Chetiya. Some are small but special, e.g. Pulligoda frescos. Some are of utmost historical significance, namely Namal Pokuna. Attached to the monastery is a museum.

Maduru Oya

64 km
southwest of Pasikuda

Spending some days in Polonnaruwa or Pasikuda, you could consider a very special kind of safari experience, though it requires a lot of driving hours. The Maduru Oya National Park to the south of Dimbulagala but with ist maingate at the opposite side (direction Mahiyanagana) is the only large national park on the island that is never crowded with jeeps. It’s the best chance to experience Sri Lanka‘s wildlife in a completely undisturbed way.

Thiriyai

45 km
north of Trincomalee

In the hinterland of Trincomalee, there are several places of interest for heritage travellers. All of them deserve to be called off-the-beaten-path destinations. The most impressive one is the circular temple on top of a hill within the quite large archaeological site of Thiriyai (Tiriyaya). This is the best preserved so-called Vatadage from the Anuradhapura period, an absolute must-see for heritage enthusiasts and neverthesless almost undisturbed throughout the year.

Deanston

48 km
east of Kandy

Even tourists who have not time enough for hiking in the Knuckles Range could consider a half-day excursion to Medamahanuwara and Hunasgiriya and Deanston in the southern foothills of Knuckles Range. Hiking only very short distance will be rewarded with astonishing vistas. Surprisingly, not many foreigners come to know these places when preparing their tours. Great places such as Deanston are still off the beaten path. An excursion to Deanston can easily be expanded to include Corbett’s Gap and Meemure as well.

Pilikuttuwa

35 km
northeast of Colombo

Asked for a highly recommendable insider tip concerning off-the-beaten-path destinations in the surroundings of Colombo, the answer is: the forest and cave moanstery of Pilikuttuwa. The rare visitors are fascinated by the idyllic setting and the austere lifestyle of the monks and enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of this place. Exploring the area requires two shorter hikes going a little bit uphill and downhill.

rarely visited, often found undisturbed

Pidurangala

1 km
north of Sigiriya

One of the greatest places in Sri Lanka is in only 1 km distance from Sigiriya: the neighbouring rock known as Pidurangala once a Buddhist monastery outside the city walls of Sigiriya. There is a lot to see in Pidurangala, a ground-level excavation site of typical monastic buildings from the late Anuradhapura period, painted caves with long relining Buddhas, prehistorical rock shelters, a gorgeous recling Buddha made of brick in one of the rock shelters. Most amazing are the vistas from the very top, even more spectacular than from Sigiriya.

Ridigama

43 km
northwest of Kandy

One of the most imposing cave temple in Sri Lanka, second only to Dambulla, is the Rdee Vihara near the village of Ridigama. The silver monastery is worth a detour for several reason. Besides the painted caves, it has a picturesque small temple from the Polonnaruwa period. The Ridivharaya temple is mentioned in some pocket guides and therefore visited by some independent travellers. But busloads of tourists are rarely seen in Ridigama. Most visitors are Buddhist pilgrims.

Rasvehera

43 km
northwest of Dambulla

The beauty of the rock-cut Sasseruwa Buddha in Rasvehera can not rival that of the more famous „twin“ statue in Aukana. Having said that, we can claim that most travellers like the Sasseruwa Buddha even more. The reason is the beauty of the surroundings. The Sasseruwa Buddha stands at a natural platform high above ground level, offering vistas to the wilderness. Rasvehera is a tranquil place. Much less tourists come here than to Aukana. Rasvehera has also some intersting painted caves and is nature sanctuary rich in elephants.

Nainativu Island

33 km
west of Jaffna

Nainativu Island

Nainativu Island has plenty of visitors. However, it’s not yet touristy. The reason is: Most visitors are Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, the latter venerating the Buddha-visited site of Nagadeepa. The nearby Nagapooshani Amman Kovil is very colourful, similar to Tamil temples in South India. A special appeal of this Hindu temple is that it is situated at the seashore. Starting from Jaffna, Delft island and Nainativu Island could be visited on one single day.

Delft Island

35 km
west of Jaffna, as the crow flies

A boat excursion to Delft Island, is quite popular with those travellers who find their way to Jaffna. A safari on the island will allow you to see the feral horses the island is famous for and also one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive Baobab trees. Furthermore, remnants of the Portuguese and the Dutch colonial period will be visited on a round tour on the island. Though included in most Jaffna itineraries, Delft is still a remote island and you will be almost undisturbed during your safari.

not overcrowded, thought not untouched by tourism

Yapahuwa

73 km
south of Anuradhapura

For heritage travellers, this is definitely the number one destination along the Kurunegala-Anuradhapura road (A28). The medieval citadel of Yapahuwa is sometimes called „Sri Lanka’s second Sigiriya“. The former city walls surrounding the rock are still intact. The large sculptural decoration of the imposing grand staircase is a major attraction of Sri Lanka. Tthe 360 degree panorama from the top is amazing. Most visitors are surprised, how  undisturbed this great heritage destination still is.

Mulgirigala

18 km
north of Tangalle

There are several places in the hinterland of the Deep South that are rarely visited, waterfalls and forest hermitages in particular. However, the most important heritage destinations are not off the beaten path any more. Mulgirigala in the hinterland of Tangalle and Situlpahuwa in the vicinity of Yala National Park are nevertheless worth visiting. And though frequented by foreigners, they cannot be called overcrowded. 

Aukana statue

36 km
northeast of Dambulla

Aukana Buddha is well-known and often visited, particularly in the most recommendable morning hours. The imposing rock-cut Buddha is not the tallest of Sri Lanka’s rock-cut statues, but concerning volume, it’s definitely the largest one and it’s extremely well designed. Aukana attracts many heritage tourists. Nevertheless it’s not yet overcrowded and can be even lonesome at times. When travelling to Aukana, you will drive the road on the crown of the Kalawewa, which is Sri Lanka’s most famous historical tank, though not the largest one.

Nallur

2.5 km
northeast of Jaffna

The main attractions of Jaffna town are the Dutch Fort and the Kandaswamy temple in the suburb of Nallur, which is actually the older city. Nallur was once the residence of the princes of Jaffna. As said, there are only few off-the-beaten path recommendations for Jaffna and Nallur. Maybe, one example of a site left out on some typical Jaffna itineraries is the Mantri Manai in Nallur, believed to be the residence of high-ranking officials of the former Jaffna principality.

Further recommendations regarding off-the-beaten path sites in Sri Lanka  -  2**stars

almost secret, very rarely frequented by other tourists

Dambadeniya

30 km
southeast of Kurunegala

Dambadeniya is an unpretentious village at the road from Negombo to Kurunegala. But it was once Sri Lanka's capital in the mid and late 13th century. It’s worth climbing the once fortified rock, the vistas to the coconut and paddy cultivation area are magnificent. The nearby wooden temple, at the place of a former tooth temple, is from the Kandyan period, it contains some of the best Kandyan paintings you can find in the western plains.

Arankale

26 km
north of Kurunegala

Arankale is a quite lovely archaeological site from the Anuradhapura period. Next to Ritigala, it’s the second most important excavation of an ancient meditation monastery of the strange Pansukulika fraternity, with remnants of characteristic double platforms, meditation pathes, a bath and an Ayurvedic hospital. The most picturesque part is the cave hermitage of Maliyadeva, who was Sri Lanka’s last Buddhist saint.

Madagama

49 km
west of Trincomalee

halfway between Mihintale and Trincomalee is the rock and monastery of Madagama. It seems not to be amazing when seen from a distance. But this almost unknown place is one of the most delightful places anywhere in Sri Lanka. Apart from some cave temples at the northern foot of the rock, the view from the very top to the Vanni plains is really charming. Most of all, a saddle at the vertical southern sloe of the rock is worth discovering. It has further hermitages and a pond within a rock shelter.

Maligatenna

35 km
northeast of Colombo

The nearby Maligatenna is also a forest monatery with some monk cells in caves and a painted cave temple. However, walking to the stupa on the very the top reqires some more strains, as this is actually the highest elevation in the Gampaha District. But the scenic beauty of the path through the rock formations and the vistas from the very top are unforgettable.

Dedigama

32 km
south of Pinnawela

Dedigama, not often frequented by foreign travellers, has the largest ancient stupa of western Sri Lanka. It's said to mark te birthplace of Parakramabahu the Great. Dedigama is one of the few stupas the relic chamber of which was opened by archeologists. Some of the treasures found inside the stupa are in the National Museum in Colombo now, but a large part is kept in a museum near the stupa, which is small but worth visiting.

Rufus Kulam

37 km
north of Arugam Bay

In contrast to wildlife parks, entry is free at Rufus Kulam. Though not large, Rufus Kulam is one of the most enchanting lakes in Sri Lanka. This is one of the very few places on the island, where exciting wildlife observation is possible without jeep and without ranger. Wild elephants come often to this lake in the evening hours. Also deer and wild buffalos can often be seen here. It’s also worth a half-day detour from Pottuvil or Arugam Bay without any further visits.

Varana

37 km
east of Colombo

Another meditation monastery in the same area is Varana (Warana). Distances are shorter here, but there are more painted caves open to visitors, if a monk or helper provides the keys. Actually, the Meda Maluwa („middle terrace“) of Varana has the largest cave temple of the Western Province, but the sculptures and paintings are not comparable in quality to those of Dambulla or Ridigama or Degaldoruwa in the centre of the island.

Maligawila

63 km
north of Kataragama

Burduruwagala between the south coast and Ella in the hillcountry are the largest group of rock-cut Buddhas on the island. However, the largest free-standing Buddhas are further east. Maligawila close to Buttalam is still a pilgrimage site in the first place, not a tourist hub. This will allow you to observe the ceremonies of Buddhist devotees and take pictures of locals instead of fellow tourists. For lovers of Buddhist art, Maligawila is certainly a must.

Kiralagala

55 km
east of Anuradhapura

Highly recommendable for heritage enthusiasts is a visit of the archaeological site of Kiralagala. It’s located 43 km northeast of Mihintale. However, when travelling from Anuradhapura or Mihintale to Trincomalee or Nilaveli Beach, a visit of Kiralagala only requires a small detour, of less than 10 kms. Kiralagala is the ancient Weherabendhigala. It seems to have been the first large monastery of the hermit brotherhood known as Pansukulikas, where typical features of Pansukulika architecture occur for the first time.

Manakanda

40 km
north of Dambulla

This is another Pansukulika monastery is not far away from the much more famous one of Ritigala, only 20 km further west. Astonishingly, the archaeological site of Manakanda, though comparable in size and quality to Ritigala, is missing in most pocket guides. Maybe, that’s the reason why there is why almost never any tourist shows up in Madagama, though it’s really not far away from the traffic hub where the roads from Anuradhapura to Kandy and from Polonnaruwa and Habarana to Aukana and Yapahuwa meet.

Kandarodai

13 km
north of Jaffna

Kandarodai alias Kadurugoda is a detour from Jaffna city, which can be easily combined with vitis of Keerimalai or Jambukola. Those interested in architectural heritage and cultural history should not miss to visit Kandarodai to the north of Jaffna town. The finds at this archaeological site were significant. The restored stupas are unique. They are small, but there are numerous of them, more than at any other place of the same size.

Paramakanda Rock

4 km
northwest of Anamaduwa

Anamaduwa is a city in northwestern Sri Lanka, rarely visited by foreign tourists. The Paramakanda Vihara close to the city is one of the few archaeological sites in Puttalam District. Paramakanda has  a cave temple. However, the major attraction is the panoramic view from the rock. The top of the rock is easily accessible by a modern stairway.

Mannakethi

5 km
north of Kitulgala

Mannakethi Ella is a rarely visited waterfall near Kitulgala. It's not easy to find. Actually, it's one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful waterfalls. Except from periods of heavy rainfall, the lower fall is a typical horsetail waterfall of 60 m height. In contrast, the upper Mannakethi falls are wide cascades. Bathing in the pool below the upper falls is not dangerous, as the currents are not strong and the cliff of the lower falls is in 50 m distance.

Lahugala

20 km
west of Arugam Bay

The  national park of Lahugala-Kitulana is too small for jeep safaris but has some obervation spots to see wild elephants. Lahugala has an important excavation site, too. The so-called Magul Maha Viharaya is surrounded by legends from a distant pass. The parents of the national hero, Dutthagamani, are said to have marries here. The buildings are from much later centuries. One remarkable feature is Sri Lanka’s only moonstone depicting mahouts sitting on the backs of elephants. Lahugala is on the way to Gal Oya.

Pettagangala

45 km
east of Colombo

A very hidden though not entirely tranquil place in the Siyane Korale area is the sacred logan of Pettagangala. It’s a quite spectacular scene and almost never visited by foreigners, but often there is some noise from the nearby quarry and the immediate surroundings are not as lonesome as those of the three moansteries mentioned above.

Lakshapana Fall

9 km
west of Norton Bridge

Not far from Aberdeen Falls, though not in the same river valley, are the Lakshapana Falls. It's a 129 m tall horestail waterfall formed by the Maskeliya Oya. The amount of water is reduced due to a hydropower project. A stairway of several hundred steps leads from the car park to the pool at the base of waterfall. It is possible to walk to the top of Lakshapana Falls, too.

Salgala

40 km
northwest of Kitulgala

Further south and not far from the Kelani river valley and its tourist hotspot Kitulgala is the ancient forest monastery of Salgala. Though mentioned in some pocket guides, it's still almost untouched. Salgala can only be visited during morning hours, as it is a place of meditation for the monks living here permanantly or coming for a visit for classes. Salgala is one of the best places to study the live of hermits, forming a central part of the Sinhalese Buddhist culture.

Divaguhawa

21 km
north of Ratnapura

Divaguhawa is considered one of the places visited by the Buddha. The first chapter of the Mahavansa mentions he stayed one day at the foot of Siri Pada (Adam's Peak). The Kandyan tradition of 16 places visited by the Buddha has it that this was in a cave. Only recently, the Batathota Lena was identified as this cave. To archaeologists it is known as a finding place of the prehistoric Balangoda culture. Divaguhawa is a very large cave room, including separate temples for Hindu deities. From the cave openong, you have an impressive view to Adam's Peak.

rarely visited, often found undisturbed

Hatthikucchi

40 km
south of Anuradhapura

The quite picturesque historical pilgrimage site of Hatthikucchi, situated between Yapahuwa and Anuradhapura, is not completely off-the-beaten path any more, but most visitors are surprised to be able toe experience this charming ensemble of ruins surrounded by rock boulders in perfect tranquility. The rock-shelter with the perfect view to the valley is believed to have been the hideout of the legendary King Siridanghabo.

Gal Oya

81 km
northwest of Arugam Bay

Gal Oya further inland is Sri Lanka’s only national park that can be explored by boat. Boat excursions in the afternoon allow observations of wild elephants, some of them even swiming to islets close to the shores. Early morning boat safaris are better for bird observations. Prior booking of boats is advisable, as rangers and boats are not always available. There are several days a year without any foreign guests in Gal Oya. Insofar it’s still off the beaten path, though mentioned in almost all pocket guides.

Sithulpahuwa

17 km
east of Kataragama

Sithulpahuwa is a former monastery of some historical significance, as it was the major forest monastery of the southern kingdom known as Rohana. Important Mahayanist sculptures are still in situ. For heritage travellers in the Deep South, Sithulpahuwa is definitely a must-see. Two stupa-crowned rocky hills in the wilderness of Yala National Park are a much frequented Buddhist pilgrimage site. Nonetheless, the charming ancient site is not yet crowded with noisy busloads of tourists.

Tantirimale

42 km
northwest of Anuradhapura

Thantirimale to the northwest of Anuradhapura is most notweworthy for one of only three surviving rock-cut Buddhas in reclining posture. It's therefore sometimes called "Sri Lanka's second Gal Vihara". The giant statue is probably from the Polonnaruwa period, a much smaller seated Buddha carved from another rock surface definitely is. The wavy surfaces of the dark granite rocks and the valleys filled with water make Tantirimale an alluring historical site. A footpath leads to a cave with very rare examples of prehistoric paintings in Sri Lanka.

Kudumbigala

43 km
south of Arugam Bay

It’s quite common to combine a morning safari in Kumana National Park with a visit of Okanda Beach and Kudumbigala Rock. Though several travellers do so, Okanda is still a very lonesome beach and Kudumbigala, one of the loveliest ancient sites of Sri Lanka, isn’t crowded, either. Besides being a heritage destination and the best vantage point in the region, Kudumbigala is also a nature reserve. Sloth bears inhabiting this region are said to come close to the monastery from time to time.

Kalupokuna

17 km
east of Dambulla

Kalupokuna, also called Kaludiya Pokuna of Sigiriya, is close to the famous Heritance Kandalama Hotel. That’s why sometimes busgroups or several independent travellers find their way to this archaeological site amidst a nature and bird sanctuary. Nonetheless, chances are not too bad to expereince the beauty of this location completely alone. And it’s a charming place indeed, coming close to picturebook visions of lost temples in the jungles.

Namal Uyana

17 km
northwest of Dambulla

Namal Uyana is a nature reserve with sparse remnants of an Anuradhapura-period monastery. Some guests fall in love with this place, others are disappointed. There are scenic views from the top of the hill and the streams in the jungle are picturesque at places, too. However, Namal Uyana is remarkable for two items. It is crowded with iron wood, the precious timber Sri Lanka is famous for, and it has the largest rose quartz hill in South Asia.

Kuruwita

13 km
north of Ratnapura

Kuruwita, 13 km north of Ratnapura, has several nearby attractions, of which Bopath Falls is frequented by many weekend travellers. But most of them are Sri Lankans, as this is a waterfall close to Colombo. Only 1 km further north are the very rarely waterfalls known as Dodam Ella. The Delgamuwa Rajamaha Vihara just to the southwest of Kuruwita served once as the safe haven of the tooth relic. The sacred tooth was hidden in a millstone that can still be seen in the temple.

Aberdeen Falls

17 km
southeast of Kitulgala

Among the more than a hundred waterfalls of the highlands, let’s highlight 3 different regions. Near Norton Bridge are the deep chasms of Lakshapana and Aberdeen Falls. Reaching the bottom requires climbing lots of stairs at both sites. Aberdeen Falls can be the destination of a hiking tour starting at the Ginigathena Pass. Car parks are availabke at both sides of the river, but for taking photos you cannot avoid the climbs.

Yudaganawa

47 km
north of Kataragama

When travelling from Buduruwegala to Maligawila, there are two archaeological sites in the Buttala area that are almost on the way. They are rarely visited, though one of them, the giant stupa of Yudaganawa, is very imposing. Actually, this is the largest stupa in the southern half of the island. The current shape, not a dome, is the result of restaurations carried out in the heydays of the Polonnaruwa period. A smaller and older stupa and some typical temple ruins can be seen at the Dematamal Vihara at the opposite side of Buttala.

Beli Lena

5 km
north of Kitulgala

There are some remote places even in the touristy Kitulgala area, for example Beli Lena. This is a picturesque site due to a waterfall in front of one of the caves. However, Beli Lena is an archaeological site in the first place. Remnants of the prehistoric Balangoda culture have been excavated here.

Munneshvaram

2.5 km
east of Chilaw

Munneshvaram is one of the most important Hindu shrines in Sri Lanka. It's also visited by some Buddhists. The main temple in the suburb of Chilaw is dedicated to Shiva. It's one of the five Ishvaram temples on the islands to the southeast of India. Apart from the Shiva temple, there are further temples in Munneshvaram, for example dedicated to Kali.

not overcrowded, thought not untouched by tourism

Ritigala

31 km
northeast of Sigiriya

Ritigala near Habarana is an archaeological site which is on the shortlist of many heritage travellers and deserves to be. It’s a quaint place today. Once it was the largest monastery of a specific kind, inhabited by the mysterioues brotherhood that was called Pansukulikas in ancient chronicles. They were full of disdain for works of art, showing their contempt by ornating only one item with careful carvings, the urinal stones of their monasteries. Nonetheless, the almost megalithic stones of their monastic buildings were hewn precisely and quite elaborately.

Medirigiriya

32 km
north of Polonnaruwa

The most rewarding excursion from Polonnaruwa to a neighboruing archaeological site is to Medirigiriya. It’s mentioned in all pocket guides. Medirigiriya has one of the most imposing typical Sinhalese Vatadages. This one is centuries older than the more famous Vatadage of Polonnaruwa. What’s special about Medirigiriya is that there are many ancient Buddha statues still in situ. If you are a true explorer, you could discover many more of them in the area between Medirigiriya and the Kaudulla tank.

Kalptiya Peninsula

170 km
north of Colombo

Taking the fastest route (A3 and A12) from Colombo or Negombo to Anuradhapura, the peninsula of Kalpitiya is definitely worth a relaxing detour. It’s Sri Lanka‘s best place for Dolphin watching and for kite surfing alike. The sandy beaches are long and most of them have remained lonesome. To the north of Kalpitiya Peninsula, there are several small islets that can be reached on boat excursions.

Nalanda Gedige

26 km
south of Dambulla

Nalanda Gedige is in only 2 km distance from the A9 main road from Dambulla to Kandy. It's not large, many guided tours don't take notice of it. This may come to a surprise, as the Nalanda Gedige is remarkable for at least three reasons. It’s Sri Lanka's only ancient temple completely built of stone. It’s known as "Abu Simbel of Sri Lanka", it had to be reconstructed at a higher altitude due to a reservoir project. It’s a rare example of a temple on the island that is tantric and has a carving depicting a copulating couple – or more precisely: triple.