North of Colombo
The remains of this 17th-century Dutch fort are impressive, but are currently occupied by the Sri Lankan navy, so the interior is off limits.
Must-see attractions in Sri Lanka
Colombo
The large Grand Mosque is the most important of Colombo's many mosques. The mosque is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times and Fridays.
The Ancient Cities
The remains of a quincunx of buildings, laid out like the five dots on a die, sits beside the path leading from the museum to the stairway.
Negombo
The fading pink chamber of St Mary’s Church, in the town centre, has some thunderous religious ceiling paintings covering the nave.
The East
This is a colourful little Hindu temple, where the priest will probably be as happy to see you as he would Lord Ganesh himself.
Jaffna
Easily overshadowed by the nearby Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, this temple tries hard to be noticed with especially vibrant colours.
Galle
A striking building that dates from 1683, over its doorway is a cockerel and the crest of Galle. It's not open to the public.
Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre
Jaffna
The solitary Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre was quickly rebuilt after government forces retook Jaffna in 1995.
Galle
Small southwestern bastion, which was once topped with a windmill (used to draw water to clean Galle's streets).
Trincomalee
Fishy interest is provided at the raucous daily fish market near the bus station. Early mornings are busiest.
The Hill Country
The 6m-high Katugas Falls, 3km north of town, are quite scenic, but crowded on Sundays and public holidays.
Galle
Small tomb, dedicated to Dathini Ziryam, which is located outside the northwest section of the Fort walls.
Colombo
In a modern multistorey building, this market lacks the vibrant charm of Pettah's other market offerings.
Jaffna & the North
A grand mosque awash in aqua tiling, with shiny gold onion domes. It's at the centre of the market area.
Batticaloa
The vaguely Mexican-looking, earth-toned St Anthony’s is one of Puliyanthivu's most striking churches.
North of Colombo
About 7km south of Chilaw, this roadside Hindu shrine has building-sized statues of Vishnu and Hanuman.
Galle
East-facing bastion, with fine views of Galle harbour. Look out for blocks of coral in its walls.
Vannarpannai Vaitheeswaran Kovil
Jaffna
This beautiful temple with a restrained colour palette dates back to the Dutch colonial period.
Polonnaruwa
This minor monastery consisted of a stupa, relic house, image house, refectory and dispensary.
Galle
This leafy, shady square is still a hub of legal activity and has several lawyers' chambers.
Polonnaruwa
This minor ruined Hindu temple is one of many Indian-influenced temples in Polonnaruwa.
Batticaloa
This sturdy 1838 Methodist church is an atmospheric part of Batti's colonial heritage.
Colombo
Colombo’s vivid white and domed 1928 Old Town Hall overlooks Viharamahadevi Park.
Colombo
In the heart of Fort, this fenced colonial estate is where the president lives.
Polonnaruwa
This minor Hindu temple is one of Polonnaruwa's many Indian-influenced temples.
Polonnaruwa
The ruins of Nissanka Malla’s palace have almost been reclaimed by the earth.
Polonnaruwa
This minor ruin is one of Polonnaruwa's many Indian-influenced Hindu temples.
Nuwara Eliya
Located just south of Victoria Park, this temple has a small white stupa.
Jaffna & the North
A shambolic temple. The view of the lake is the one reason to bother.
