Things to do & places to visit in North Central Province, Sri Lanka

North Central Province #5 destination in Sri Lanka 2023. The average rating score is 4.37 based on 19.1k traveler reviews, of 120 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Colombo, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 17:53.

North Central Province Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

89°F - 77°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Very warm and breezy

Feels like

47%

Chance of rain

263.0 millimeters

Amount

16.1 mph

Wind speed

80%

Humidity

12.5

Daylight length

5:49 AM

Sunrise

6:19 PM

Sunset

25%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt

What to wear

Top things to do (27)

Top destinations in North Central Province 27

See more 15 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Kalum Jeep Safari (230 reviews)
- Super experience
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM City Tours • Multi-day Tours • Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

Did the safari with Kalum it was amazing experience.. We did hurulu echo park and seen many elephants but I heard minneriya was some of gathering but I feel so much better with doing safari here.. As Kalum’s reviews saying less crowded experience absolutely true just us was with animals no any vehicle near us until three hours.. We happy with the experience and what we paid. Kalum was good guide and a good driver so respectful with wildlife.. Gd luck kalum See more..
5.0 Lanka Tour Driver (122 reviews)
- Tour driver
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Taxis & Shuttles • Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

My three family members and I had an amazing time during our one week stay in Sri Lanka. This was largely because of our driver, NIlantha. He was very patient, punctual, helpful as a translator and knew where to get the best prices for our souvenirs. All in all he was pretty amazing and if I were to return to Sri Lanka again in the future, I would definitely pick him again. Regards from Yoga and family. See more..
5.0 Lankan Wild Life Safari (117 reviews)
- Exceptional
Sunday: 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Exceptional experience. Kavinda’s knowledge of the area landscape and wildlife was superb…pointing out various birds, lizards, water buffalo, and of course, the elephants. We saw a multitude of elephants and ware extremely impressed with Kavinda’s care and tentativeness to them. He was careful not to crowd them and pointed out various behaviors. The Jeep ride was comfortable and Kavinda was alert to our needs from taking pictures to viewing the terrain. Highly recommend and would do again. See more..
5.0 Thrimal Ayurvedic Treatment Center (92 reviews)
- The best Ayurvedic treatment in Sri Lanka
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Health Clubs • Yoga & Pilates • Spas

After tired day best Place to visit. We are doing Traditional Ayurvedic Treatments for Foreigners. Place Under Control by Qualified Doctors. And Professional Male & Female therapists. when you come to Thrimal Ayurveda We will give you explain about the Ayurveda & about the Packages. Then you can decide which package suitable for you. Doctor will check your plus & Blood pressure, If it is ok then you can take the treatment. We are doing massages but it is as a Treatment. After the treatment definitely you will feeling like Reborn. If you stay around Habarana area we will give you free transport from hotel to Thrimal Ayurveda and back to the hotel. Please book the time before you come. See more..
5.0 Rana's Travel Counter & Information Center (84 reviews)
- Great guide, highly recommend
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

We give all information for the tourist about the Archaeological sites ,National parks & Road map for their travel destination.I help the tourist to find the bus stops with the bus number for their destination.At the same time, I give the small maps to find the buses & manage their travel destination. we provide taxi service(luxury vehicle). We arrange budget jeep safari(Minneriya,Kaudulla,Eco park).We provide budget hotels& taxi service(Airport drop,pick-up,excursions,round tours).We rent motor bikes & Bicycles. We book train tickets & Kandy dance show tickets. we do village/Nature tours,Elephant ride,Sri lankan Ayurveda Herbal treatments as well. See more..
5.0 Travel With Chan (67 reviews)
- Chan is more than just a driver. Highly recommended
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Safaris • Taxis & Shuttles

Travel with Chan is one of the leading Sri Lankan Travel Agent and Inbound Tour Operators In Sri Lanka. Established in 2011, located in Habarana SriLanka. Travel with Chan is specialized in customized Sri Lanka tour packages, Sri Lanka tours vacations and holidays in Sri Lanka. Choose a Tour Package or you can book Things to do in Sri Lanka. Step into the island and discover Sri Lanka , habarana See more..
5.0 Habarana Jeepes Safari (65 reviews)
- Never wanted it to end
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Safaris • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

What an experience we had! Not only was the overall experience one of a life time but our guide was exceptional! The ability he had to know where to go to get up close and the best angles to see the elephant herds was just outstanding. Nit only this but he was able to point out small lizards on the ground and birds of prey up on the tree branches water, refreshments AND cold cloths were supplied. Diffinatly worth booking with these guys if your considering doing a safari in the area. See more..
4.5 Polonnaruwa (2.607 reviews) from $49.24
- An amazing site
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings

See more..
4.5 Things to Do in North Central Province (1.997 reviews)
- Excellent birding
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

Minneriya National Park is a national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. See more..
4.5 Mihintale (1.400 reviews)
- Mihintale tour
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

We visited Mihintale with a really great tour guide, he was super friendly and showed us all over the mountain and had so much knowledge about the monks who occupied the area and how they lived. We arrived at 3ish and arrived at the top to watch the sunset. Highly recommend using O.V.Athulawansa, you can contact him via WhatsApp +94 72 406 7795 See more..
4.5 Kaudulla National Park (1.034 reviews) from $58.00
- Excellent tour. Good value for money.
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

A safari in the Kaudulla national park in Sri Lanka is a bucket-list aspiration for many tourists, which mean the place is an absolutely incredible wildlife spectacle. Located in the historic city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka, Kaudulla national park presents an ample of opportunities for travellers to spot majestic elephants in their natural habitats. In addition to the elephants, sambar deer, Sri Lankan axis deer, chevrotain, wild boar, Asian spoonbill, grey-headed fish eagle, painted stork and openbill stork are common visuals at the park. Aside from these, one could rarely capture the glimpse of leopard and sloth bear in the forest. Going on a bumpy ride through an evergreen forest of Kaudulla national park along the small trails is a great adventure, wildlife enthusiasts can’t say ‘NO’ to. The Kaudulla reservoir being the life blood to the wildlife of the park, attracts herds of elephants during the dry season from nearby Minneriya, Wasgamuwa and Somawathiya national parks. See more..
4.5 Ruwanwelisaya (1.002 reviews)
- Most Sacred Venue For Buddhists.
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

At 300 feet, it is the third biggest stupa in Anuradhapura. See more..
4.5 Dambulla Cave Temple (872 reviews)
- Great way to spend a few hours
Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

The Dambulla Cave Temple is located 24 km (30 min) from Sigiriya in central Sri Lanka. Built in about 80BC It is the largest and best preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka. Inside are 153 Buddha statues in various reposes, three statues of ancient kings, and four other statues including those of Vishnu and Ganesh. The ceiling and walls have been repainted over the centuries contain a juxtapose of imagery including those of royal life. See more..
4.5 Gal Vihara (857 reviews)
- Rock Temple with Rock carvings
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

This is one of the impressive site not to be missed when visiting g Polonnaruwa Ancient Site that is inclusive in the entrance fee of USD25. It is the rock temple with 4 massive sculptures of Buddha figure at the granite rock - 2 Buddha statues with seated position; 1 standing Buddha statue; and 1 Reclining Buddha statue. Appropriate attire is expected and no shoes are allowed at this site. Impressive work and heritage since 12th century. See more..
4.5 Sri Maha Boodhi Temple (539 reviews)
- Sacred place with relax environment...
Religious Sites

Unlike other Sri Lanka temples, this one is an active and popular location for Buddhists. It feels like a truly special place. This Bodhi tree is a sapling of the original tree and Buddhist over the world pay due respect to it as a form of being grateful. The place itself has a magic atmosphere, and it is best visited early morning or in the evening.We were among few tourists and among many worshippers and were able to experience their prayers and customns. This is very special place. See more..
4.5 Jethawanaramaya Stupa (475 reviews)
- Review of the entire Anuradhapura experience-self guided
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

We are traveling by rented tuktuk and had read that we could drive ourselves to the different sites after purchasing our ticket. We did not hire a guide, as we had read extensively and had a map. However, the map provided by the ticket counter wasn’t entirely accurate and so it was a little tricky to figure out where exactly things were, as they are quite spread out. Allow yourself a full day, perhaps find a good guide, dress appropriately for temple visits (we did not know that white dress is recommended for viewing the ancient Bodhisattva Tree, but luckily covered my black shirt with a sarong I’d brought), and bring water! There are some good food stalls next to the Moonstone site that sell cold coconuts for water, and make excellent veggie and coconut roti-highly recommend this too. An excellent day spent. See more..
4.5 Polonnaruwa Vatadage (374 reviews)
- Magnificent Ancient Structure
Spent < 1 hour Ancient Ruins • Monuments & Statues

This is one of the most preserved ruins from the Polonnaruwa Kindom, built since 12th century. It is believed to be a sacred site that hold the relic of Buddha. Vatadage is a Buddhist structure typically built in Sri Lanka during the ancient times to enshrine the relic of Buddha with circular shape and built of stone or bricks with elaborated stone carvings. The architecture is believed to have influence of Hinduism culture. We particularly love the carvings at the entrance of the staircase and the well-known moon stone carvings at the foot of the first flight of step which usually made at a Buddhist architecture. Remarkable masterpiece in the ancient world of Polonnaruwa! See more..
4.5 Ritigala Forest Monastery (309 reviews)
- Natural reserve with a great significance
Historic Sites

See more..
4.5 Abhayagiri Dagaba (205 reviews)
- Ancient Stupa
Monuments & Statues

Based on the history, this massive stupa was built in the 1st century BC. It's different than the other usual stupas in Sri Lanka. Highly recommend to visit this place if you travel to Anuradhapura. See more..
4.5 Lankathilaka Image House (184 reviews)
- Massive Standing Buddha Statue
Historic Sites

Another breathtaking structure built by King Parakramabahu I with massive standing Buddha statue more than 14 meter height. Murals can be seen at the structure and there were some scaffolding for restoration works. Worth to check out this masterpiece from the ancient world for 30-45mins. There are few massive stupas in the vicinity of this site that worth to check it out too. See more..
4.5 Avukana Buddha Statue (121 reviews)
- REALISM AND SYMBOLISH
Monuments & Statues

Likely dating from about the 8th c A.D., this 43' statue is striking. The Buddha is in the blessing position re his hands. The statue looks human but has transcendental, divine elements. The statue has a roof overhead for protective purposes but it does detract from the beauty of the artistic work. The lotus plinth or base was carved from a different piece of rock. We were there during a torrential downpour. On returning, there was an area to wash your feet and a little cloth on your shoes to dry your feet; classy. See more..
4.5 Somawathiya Chaitya (113 reviews)
- 6th annual arms giving in Somawathiya
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

Somawathiya Chaitya is a Buddhist stupa located in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. It is a place where amazing events take place as the right tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined. Due to this reason it has gained a special attraction of local and foreign tourists. My favorite place to go is Somawathi. A place that brings more freedom to the mind. See more..
4.5 Sandakada Pahana (106 reviews)
- Intricate Rock Carvings
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Buddhist religious site with influence of Hinduism culture. The significant sights at this site are the impressive rock carvings which include the famous moonstone of semicircular shape carvings at the foot of first flight of step at the staircase and the guarding gods carvings at the entrance. It is included in the entrance fee of USD25 for the Polonnaruwa Ancient site. Well worth the value as part of the UNESCO World Heritage. See more..
4.5 Medirigiriya Vatadage (98 reviews)
- Amazing to tell the least
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues • Scenic Walking Areas

This is known as the most beautiful and well preserved vatadageya complex in Sri Lanka. You can see plenty of vatadageya structures in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa ancient kingdoms. But none is as beautiful or preserved as this. Since it is located but away from Polonnaruwa ancient ruins , not many people visit here. But this is worth to visit. Recommended to visit in early mornings or late evenings as it is very hot in day time. We went close to noon and it was very hard to walk on those stone foot paths as well. See more..
4.5 King’s Council Chamber (95 reviews)
- Much better than I was expecting
Ancient Ruins

This site has so much to offer. The "ruins" are fairly well intact so there is lots to see and the detail of all the carvings is amazing. We also had a great guide so got the full history of the place. Well worth a visit for sure. See more..
4.5 Thivanka Image House (87 reviews)
- Mind blowing details...
Historic Sites

This is one of my favourite parts of the ruins at Polonnaruwa Ancient Site. Another awe-inspiring architecture built by the King Parakramabahu, The Great since 12th century. Intricate details of carvings of the exterior complex with amazing murals/ wall paintings at the interior of the structure with three massive Buddha statues housed here, hence the given name as Thivanka which literally means three curves. No photo-takings allowed inside the complex in order to protect the murals. Must-visit as part of the sites at Polonnaruwa Ancient Site with entrance fee of USD25. Well worth the penny especially for history buff! See more..
4.5 Wasgamuwa National Park (75 reviews) from $37.76
- Amazing
National Parks

Amazing Safari if you want a less touristy place to visit! We visited after reading how busy ayala can get. We had a whole jeep to ourselves so was able to swap sides depending on where the animals were. We only saw one other jeep whilst on our safari so pretty much had the park to ourselves! We saw well over 100 elephants in the wild and a few REALLY close, including baby elephants too. We saw other animals such as water buffalo, deer, crocodile, aguana, peacocks, wild boar and many different birds. We didn't see any leopards but we mainly wanted to see elephants, which we definitely did!! Great half day doing the safari!! See more..
4.5 Ranmasu Uyana (59 reviews)
- Amazing sculptors from elephants, a must see!
Ancient Ruins

Ranmasu Uyana is an amazing place. This was a swimming pool paradise made for the ancient kings of Anaradhapura. Walking around in this beautiful area you will see the ingenious water transport system. This system was capable to make waterfalls in the swimming pools! The water came from the nearby Tessa Wewa lake. One of the swimming pools has amazing elephant sculptures. This style is not common in Sri Lanka and the elephant really look alive. Not many tourist visit this area, but if you are visiting Anuradhapura it’s really worth a visit. See more..
4.0 Wilpattu National Park (703 reviews) from $58.00
- Place to sight Leopards in Sri Lanka
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

This is the largest national park in Sri Lanka. If you need to see wild animals including leopards its advisable to start your safari as early as possible. Park opens at 6.15 to 17.15. You can either have a half a day safari tour or full day. It costs 4,500LKR to 5,000LKR for a half a day safari except the ticket fee. Half a day is about 4-5 hour tour. You need to find a good safari driver who is keen on showing wild animals to you. I was lucky to have Mr Shantha who was one of them. His objective is to show you Leopards first. See more..
4.0 Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (640 reviews)
- "Serene"
Religious Sites

This city is known as the home of an offspring of the Bo tree where the Buddha found enlightenment. See more..