Central Province

Jathika Namal Uyana, located near Dambulla, is a unique eco-heritage site famed for its vast Ironwood (Na) forest and the largest pink quartz mountain range in South Asia. Spanning over 260 acres, this sacred site was once an ancient meditation retreat for Buddhist monks, dating back to the 8th century. The forest is filled with towering Na trees—the national tree of Sri Lanka—symbolizing purity and resilience, while the shimmering pink quartz hill adds a mystical charm to the landscape. Visitors can climb the quartz ridge to enjoy panoramic views of the lush greenery and the distant Dambulla plains. The serene environment, combined with its rich biodiversity and spiritual history, makes Jathika Namal Uyana a perfect destination for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking peace and reflection amidst Sri Lanka’s timeless natural beauty.

Pidurangala Rock, located just north of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Sri Lanka. Rising from the lush plains of the Cultural Triangle, this massive rock formation has deep historical and spiritual roots, once serving as a monastery during the reign of King Kashyapa in the 5th century CE. The hike to the summit takes about 30–45 minutes, leading past ancient cave temples, reclining Buddha statues, and remnants of monastic dwellings. The final ascent involves a short scramble over rocks, rewarding climbers with an unmatched view of Sigiriya rising dramatically against the horizon. Less crowded than its famous neighbor, Pidurangala provides a peaceful and authentic experience for nature lovers and photographers alike. Ideal for sunrise or sunset visits, it beautifully combines history, adventure, and natural splendor in the heart of Sri Lanka’s ancient landscape.

Horton Plains National Park is a national park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka that was designated in 1988. It covers an area of 31km² and borders Thotupalakanda Nature Reserve. It is located at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 m and encompasses montane grassland and cloud fores.

Hakgala Botanical Garden is one of the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. The other four are Peradeniya Botanical Garden, Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, Mirijjawila Botanical Garden and Seetawaka Botanical Garden. It is the second largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka.

Lake Gregory sometimes also called Gregory Lake or Gregory Reservoir, is a reservoir in the heart of the tea country hill city of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka. Lake Gregory was created during the period of British Governor Sir William Gregory in 1873. The lake and the surrounding area make up the Gregory Lake Area.

The Pedro Tea Estate, located near Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka, is a popular tourist destination known for its rich history and traditional tea production methods. Established in 1885, it’s one of the first places where James Taylor, the pioneer of Ceylon tea, perfected the art of tea cultivation.

Lover’s Leap Waterfall in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, is a 30-meter high waterfall perched on the edge of Piduruthalagala Mountain. It’s known for its captivating legend of a forbidden love story where a prince and a village girl leapt from the falls, seeking eternal union. The waterfall is located about 3 kilometers from Nuwara Eliya city and is accessible by various means, including taxi, tuk-tuk, scenic walk, or bicycle.

Seetha Amman Temple, or Seetha Eliya Seethai Amman Thirukkovil, also known as Ashok Vatika Sita Temple, is an ancient Vaishnavite Hindu temple located in the Nuwara Eliya District of Central Sri Lanka. The temple’s folklore is deeply connected to the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

Sri Dalada Maligawa, commonly known in English as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the Royal Palace Complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.

Ambuluwawa is a significant landmark and biodiversity complex in Sri Lanka, known for its unique multi-religious sanctuary and the iconic Ambuluwawa Tower. Located in the central highlands, it offers panoramic views from its peak, 3567 feet above sea level. The complex includes a Buddhist stupa-like tower, along with a Christian Church, a Hindu kovil, and a Muslim mosque, showcasing interfaith harmony.

Udawattakele Forest Reserve often spelled as Udawatta Kele, is a historic forest reserve on a hill-ridge in the city of Kandy. It is 104 hectares large. During the days of the Kandyan kingdom, Udawattakele was known as “Uda Wasala Watta” in Sinhalese meaning “the garden above the royal palace”.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya are about 5.5 km to the west of the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. In 2016, the garden was visited by 1.2 million locals and 400,000 foreign visitors. It is near the Mahaweli River. It is renowned for its collection of orchids.

The Ceylon Tea Museum is located in the former Hanthana Tea Factory, which was originally constructed in 1925. It is situated 3 km south of Kandy. Hanthana was one of the first successful areas to cultivate tea following the failure of coffee production on the island.

The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, located at the Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a prominent white statue of Lord Buddha, standing at 88 feet tall. It’s positioned in the Dhyana Mudra, or meditation pose, and can be seen from almost anywhere in Kandy, making it a popular tourist destination. The temple, built in 1972, and the statue, completed in 1992, are both significant religious and cultural sites in Sri Lanka.

Lankatilaka Vihara is a Buddhist temple situated in Udunuwara of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located on Daulagala road approximately 4 km away from Pilimatalawa junction and a few kilometres from the buddhist temple, Gadaladeniya Vihara.

Gadaladeniya Raja Maha Viharaya is a historic Buddhist temple located near Kandy, Sri Lanka, renowned for its unique blend of Sinhalese and South Indian Dravidian architectural styles. Built in the 14th century during the reign of King Bhuvanekabahu IV, the temple is primarily constructed of stone and features beautifully carved pillars, intricate frescoes, and a majestic seated Buddha statue. Perched atop a rock outcrop, it offers serene views and stands as a testament to the island’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

Embekka Devalaya was built by the King Vikramabahu III of Gampola Era in Sri Lanka. The Devalaya is dedicated to Kataragama deviyo, a form of Kartikeya. A local deity called Devatha Bandara is also worshiped at this site.