After so many days of gathering information for the most uncommon and hidden places someone could visit, we finally decided to compile all these places and provide them to you.
This is not for the usual traveler looking to visit the most common places, but someone seeking more of an adventure and curiosity.
Sri Lanka is full of hidden gems, and if you want to get off the common path and get your hands dirty, this guide is for you!
It’s not always simple to find unique places in a country, particularly when most content out there highlights the same must-see landmarks and top tourist sites.
But this is different,
Without further blabbering, let’s go see some hidden places you can visit this year.
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#1 The Manigala Trekking Experience
Nestled near Pitawala Gama, along the road to Illukkumbura, lies Manigala, a popular hill station located within the Knuckles Range. (not a commonly visited area)
The journey to this haven of natural splendor begins from Riverston, winding its way from the Knuckles Conservation Center through mountains, plains, and parks, offering a glimpse into the biodiversity-rich ecosystem of the Dumbara or Knuckles Range.
Starting the trek from the picturesque Rathinda village, you immediately meet a steep climb over craggy rocks. The path ahead promises adventure and discovery, and also scary (always have a guide).
But what makes Manigala extra special?
The story.
According to local legends, this is no ordinary mountain. About 5,000 years ago, King Ravana himself is said to have landed his mythical flying craft, the Dandu Monara, right here. Some even call it Ravanathenna, hinting at a time when it was believed to hold unimaginable power.
Whether you believe the stories or simply enjoy a touch of folklore, these tales add a magical aura to the hike.
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#2 Uncommon Dolphin Watching in Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya is one of the best locations in Sri Lanka to see pods of dolphins and sperm whales.
Kalpitiya gives you an opportunity to watch hundreds of dolphins swimming alongside and diving under your boat, riding waves, jumping, spinning, twirling, and leaping out of the water in a magical display, which is a magnificent experience you will never forget in your lifetime. (best time to visit is between mid-October to May)
Kalpitiya is near where the continental plates meet close to land, so the chance of meeting dolphins without having to travel too far is quite high!
Some facts that are good to know:
-The peak dolphin watching season is from November to May
-Peak whale visibility is mainly in March.
-We recommend leaving early so that you can be at the “naval hut” by 7.30 when they open
There is a “naval hut” on the beach that you have to drop by and register in the morning before heading out.
#3 The far north Delft Islands
A Delft Island (Neduntheevu in Tamil, how the locals call it) experience involves a journey from Jaffna to a remote island known for its wild ponies (a sight you shouldn’t miss), coral walls, ancient Baobab trees, and Dutch colonial ruins, providing a glimpse into a tranquil, rustic, and historically rich rural life in Sri Lanka.
The journey to Delft begins at Kurikadduwan harbour, about an hour south-west of Jaffna. After a bumpy, enclosed, hour-long ferry ride, you arrive on the mysterious, isolated, outlying coral and limestone island.
Although Delft has not yet fully embraced modernity, or indeed tourism (or maybe it’s vice versa, and tourists haven’t yet embraced Delft), we feel it only adds to the rustic charm of the island.
There’s plenty to see and do, the locals are wonderfully friendly, and it’s entirely possible to fill a day of sightseeing without any hassles. Just don’t arrive expecting to find food – despite the island’s 6,000 full-time inhabitants, the island is devoid of any restaurants!
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#4 On a Jeep ride to Willpattu
Some might argue that going on a safari in Sri Lanka isn’t exactly an uncommon activity—and that’s true. However, while Yala is the most famous destination for wildlife safaris, many travelers overlook Wilpattu, the country’s largest national park!
That alone makes it a more offbeat choice, even if it isn’t exactly a hidden secret.
Wilpattu, like Yala, is a national park and is open for jeep safaris during the day. It’s located in Sri Lanka’s north-west, conveniently close to both Kalpitiya (mentioned above) and Anuradhapura.
You get to see countless bird species and lots of interesting mammals. And also, if you’re lucky, you might get to see the elusive leopard. There are even special leopard safari tours you can join in the hopes of seeing it.
#5 The Dambulla Cave Temples
The Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple are the most well-preserved in Sri Lanka. This complex of caves is also the largest and should definitely be on your radar when visiting Sri Lanka.
This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, though not as widely recognized as some of the others.
Known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, the site features more than 80 caves, many of which were inhabited by monks as far back as the 1st century B.C.
The caves will absolutely take your breath away. If you are interested in Sri Lankan heritage, and especially Buddhist culture and history, we strongly recommend visiting.
So there you go — five spots most travelers don’t even hear about when they come to Sri Lanka. They’re the kind of places that make you feel like you’ve stepped off the guidebook and into something real.
If you’re planning a trip and don’t just want the usual tourist trail, we’d love to help you find more of these hidden gems.
No pressure, just a simple free call with one of our travel experts to chat about what you’d love to see and do. Who knows — your next adventure in Sri Lanka might be one of these secret treasures.
Book your free call and let’s start planning.
Editorial Staff’s at Travelco Leisure are specialists in Sri Lanka tourism.
