Things to do & places to visit in Western Province, Sri Lanka

Western Province #3 destination in Sri Lanka 2023. The average rating score is 4.23 based on 38.3k traveler reviews, of 716 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Colombo, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 1:21.

Western Province Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

84°F - 79°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze

Feels like

80%

Chance of rain

474.0 millimeters

Amount

14.6 mph

Wind speed

84%

Humidity

12.4

Daylight length

5:53 AM

Sunrise

6:19 PM

Sunset

23%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (40)

Top destinations in Western Province 100

See more 88 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Sri Lanka Driver Tours (837 reviews)
- Sri Lanka Driver Feb 2023
City Tours • Private Tours

We spent 5 days in Sri Lanka and chose to use a driver to make the moving around as stress free as possible. Hasantha and Sanjaya met us as the airport at the chosen time and got us introduced and settled. Throughout the tour Sanjaya was extremely accommodating and kind to us, regularly giving out snippets of local knowledge about the areas we passed through and stopped to point out local wildlife. His driving was safe and comfortable and he was extremely flexible when we wanted to change the plan or visit somewhere different to what we had discussed - we cannot recommend Sanjaya enough, he was great! We will definitely come back to Sri Lanka and look forward to seeing more of the country over a longer period of time next time - when we do, we will definitely use SLD Tours again. See more..
5.0 Vogue Jewellers (Pvt) Ltd (744 reviews)
- Fabulous!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

Vogue Jewellers has proven its reliability through 6 decades of serving you. Vogue Jewellers has proven its commitment to giving you not only a piece of jewellery but a beautiful experience to cherish throughout your life. Vogue Jewellers stands by its lifetime’s guarantee by being with you forever. The name Vogue was given to this jewellery boutique to signify the exquisite pieces of jewellery it has always been reputed for. Fashion forward, vibrant, beautiful and authentic in design and materials. Vogue Jewellers is a name that embodies a rich history of always giving its customers the widest range of jewellery. To the people of Vogue, selling jewellery is not a mere commercial activity. On the contrary, it is a way of life. They believe in and are committed to forging a strong relationship with each and every one of their customers. They believe in creating an experience that you will cherish throughout your lifetime. See more..
5.0 Off 2 Sri Lanka Private Tours (319 reviews)
- Knowledgeable and professional personalised tour operators. Highly recommend.
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

A very professional and considerate tour operator. They successfully organised a personalised tour of southern sri lanka within the strict covid procedures. Our driver Milinda was exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate about the country's history and wildlife. He ensures the covid safety protocols were adhered to throughout the trip. We highly recommend Off 2 Sri Lanka Tours for people to use as the restrictions now loosen in the country further. See more..
5.0 Select Sri Lanka Tours (316 reviews)
- Excellent tour operator that gave us a brilliant time in this beautiful country offering great value for money.
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours

What a brilliant time we had on trips with Select Sri Lanka. So many experiences that will stay in our memories; elephants, whales, golden beaches, sunsets, friendly people and mouth watering food. Sri Lanka has it all. Gayan the tour organiser made it all so easy and communicated frequently before and during our holiday offering suggestions and tips to give us the best time possible. Great value for money. Oshan our guide for all four trips was reliable, kind and friendly going the extra mile using his local knowledge to ensure that we really experienced additional things to maximise our time. For all these reasons, we are currently in touch with Gayan about our next holiday to Sri Lanka. I highly recommend Select Sri Lanka. See more..
5.0 Sri Lankan Safest Driver (308 reviews)
- An Excellent Tour Guide with Personalised, Friendly Service
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We booked a driver for a 2-week tour. We were collected from our first hotel by Thusith who was our driver for the duration of our holiday. He was very friendly and knowledgeable about Sri Lanka and local points of interest. Thusith was very attentive and made sure that he came with us to get tickets for attractions and offered advice and suggestions. We caught the train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, and Thusith stayed with us on the platform until we were in our seats, so that he could advise us if there were any announcements or delays. The car was very comfortable and clean, with air conditioning, and we felt safe at all times. Thusith was very attentive and we were able to adapt our itinerary on the go, if needed. Thusith was a lovely person to spend two weeks with and made us feel very relaxed and welcomed. We would not hesitate to use this service again in the future and will do so if we return to Sri Lanka. Highly recommended. See more..
5.0 Travco Adventures (285 reviews)
- Yes, SRI LANKA is safe to travel!! Kudos to Travco for a memorable trip!!
Monday: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Climbing Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing

We decided to go to Sri Lanka for my husband's birthday. As we were contemplating between making the bookings on our own or through MMT/Yatra/Thomas Cook, I stumbled upon Travel Triangle and shared the details aiming to only get a reference itinerary for the trip (as I am very apprehensive). We, initially, planned to go for 8-9 days but due to personal reasons, cut short the trip to 4 days. We met Travco Adventures (Mr. Fernandes) on Travel Triangle and oh boy! for a control freak and detail oriented person like me, Mr. Fernandes organized our trip way too perfectly and beyond my expectations. From specific category room in hotels to the comfortable car, from insta-worthy tourist spots to lip smacking food recommendation, from shopping to readiness of our driver (Mr. Mahesh), we loved and enjoyed every part of our trip. The personal meet and greet at Airport by Mr. Fernandes was a cherry on the top. My special request for a very particular cake was fulfilled as per all my specifications. I was amazed by the hospitality offered by Travco, the smile of our driver was infectious. Even my 2-year old daughter loved him. Highly recommended!! For a person like me who loves to explore different places on every vacation, I would love to go back to Sri Lanka once again, for its beauty, for its calmness, for its serenity and more so, for Travco, Mr. Fernandes and Mr. Mahesh. Kudos and cheers to them!! See more..
5.0 Negombo Cooking Class (279 reviews)
- A truly amazing cooking experience!!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Cooking Classes

We ready to help you discover the secret of Sri Lankan cuisine with our friendly team. We offer you a wide variety of choice, healthy and delicious Sri lankan foods. Here, we provide the best service quality and ‘care’ in every detail as our goal is to have you leave us only with joy and satisfaction. The class is practical, warm, fun, and gives a true taste of Sri lankan culture you’ll never forg See more..
5.0 Sri Lanka Chauffeur (275 reviews)
- Great driver and guide throughout Sri Lanka!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Taxis & Shuttles

Hello, My name is Asanka Miral and since 2005 I'm a private chauffeur for (round) tours and trips and transverses from and to the airport and other places in Sri Lanka. I have lots of experience with couples and with couples and families with young and older children. In contact with you I can make a tailor-made tour plan. This can be a highlight-tour or a more alternative tour along the more unknown places. I can speak English and German. For prices and other information you can contact me. See more..
5.0 LRS Taxi (272 reviews)
- Excellent reliable service
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Taxis & Shuttles

Thanks Leel, you are very professional, on time and accurate. Simply very happy about all arrangements, also give our regards to Gayan. Especially when we request to change the vehicle in last minute, so we can accommodate all our luggage's , you did it so professionally without any discussion. Hope you see you soon, Good luck with all Amila Fernando See more..
5.0 Spa Secret - Ayurveda & Spa (240 reviews)
- Amazing experience. Simply wonderful.
Monday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas

We prepared an exclusive spa experience for you to cherish your body & mind with traditional Ayurveda and the best western spa treatments in stylish settings. For you to look & feel better! See more..
5.0 Tuktukrental (232 reviews)
- Great organization, fun adventure
Monday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Taxis & Shuttles

Sri Lanka's only social tuktuk rental company, we match you with local tuktuk owners who provide you with their prized three-wheeler to explore this amazing country! All of the paperwork is taken care of to ensure your trip is safe and stress-free. We even organise your very own Sri Lankan Driver's Licence! See more..
5.0 Asya Tours (223 reviews)
- Fantastic!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Cultural Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

We did two full day trips with Asya tours. The guy came to our hotel and we talked through things as my partner was pregnant so not all excursions were suitable. We were picked up in a very comfy mini van type vehicle which had recliner seats in the back and the air con was very good. Tedeman Silva was our driver and he was exceptionally knowledgable. He really made our trip worthwhile and very fun/ interesting. I’d highly recommend asya tours! See more..
5.0 Romello Tours (223 reviews)
- Great service
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Taxis & Shuttles

The driver-guide with an official license with good English and own transport throughout the country. Comfortable cars , Mini Vans and buses with air-conditioning for up to 20 passengers. See more..
5.0 Ceylontusker (216 reviews)
- Tuktuk and other things
Spent More than 3 hours Gear Rentals

We rent a tuktuk for 14 days, it was amazing! The hospitality and kindness from Dayan and his cousins were absolutely perfect. Because of the Corona Virus we had to stay longer in Sri Lanka and I contacted Dayan for a taxi from Negombo to Weligama, he sent his Cousin to bring us for a good price. Dayan will be there to help you 24/7, thank you! See more..
5.0 Tsunami Photo Museum (215 reviews)
- Very heartbreaking & interesting
Art Galleries

Must warn it is very graphic but definitely worth a visit. A local man has gathered photos from locals to create the museum. He gave us a tour of the heartbreaking photos & answered any questions. Completely free to visit but a donation is very welcomed by the kind owner & his family. Not too far a walk you can also visit the memorials of people who were sadly killed on a train. See more..
4.5 Mahaweli Tours & Holidays (626 reviews)
- Siri Lanka, a wonderful experience
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Self-Guided Tours & Rentals • Day Trips

We booked a 14 day tour with Mahaweli Tours, including 7 days with a personal guide, to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. The whole trip was a wonderful experience !! From the moment we arrived until we left we were well looked after. After one day’s relaxing in Negombo, Prasad, the Manager, introduced us to our Guide - Saliya. We travelled to Sirigiya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Udawalawe, Unawatuna and Mount Lavinia. Throughout the journey Saliya gave us insight into the history , customs, religion and agricultural regions of Siri Lanka. He went out of his way to buy flowers and arrange a cake celebration for our Anniversary. Saliya introduced us to many roadside delicacies and ensured our safety at all times. Even after our 7 day tour was over Saliya followed up every day until we left to ensure that we were still enjoying Siri Lanka. Thank you Mahaweli Tours, thank you Saliya - you are more than a guide - you are a friend !! We will be back! (Andrew and Eva) See more..
4.5 Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara (621 reviews)
- Sacred and Cultural Sites
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

This place is located at a suburb of Kelaniya, where is 11km away from Colombo. We used UBER-Tuk to come here from Jami UI Alfar Mosque which saved the trouble of haggling and cost us LKR350. No entrance fee for foreigners, but we saw many local devotees here for worship and meditation. We also happened to see a blessing ceremony to a toddler done by a monk with the parents. The temple is regarded as sacred place by the locals who believed that the Lord of Buddha had visited this place. The architecture of the temple is intriguing with sculptural images. There is graffiti inside the temple that narrates the life of Buddha with famous Reclining Buddha statue inside the temple. Very interesting cultural site with intriguing architecture and history. See more..
4.5 Kalutara Bodhiya (375 reviews)
- A well maintained Buddhist place⚜️
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

The kalutara bodiya is one of the religious place which is venerated by all buddhist in sri lanka. anybody who comes from colombo or galle stop over at the sacred shrine to pay their respects by way of worshipping and offerings. here is a hollow dagoba with interesting paintings. See more..
4.5 St Anthony's Shrine (273 reviews)
- Tranquil a place to reflect
Churches & Cathedrals

One of the most visited shrines in Sri Lanka, Place of many miracles, bombed by Islamic extremists, restored to its original glory. Must visit place regardless of the faith. Weekdays mid-morning is quiet and just be still you will feel the presence. See more..
4.5 Best of Lanka (224 reviews)
- 2023 Negombo, Dumbula, Sirigiya
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Cultural Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Dolphin & Whale Watching • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We organized at 6 days trip with family and friends, total 9 of us and one infant. Best of Lanka has a very good response to our request, very accommodative, he and his driver came to welcome us in the airport, and help us the purchase local sim before send us to the hotel. If I do come back, for sure will contact best of lanka to make my trip smooth and comfortable. Place visited: Negombo- Sirigiya- Kenya See more..
4.5 Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple (198 reviews)
- Calm
Religious Sites

One of the must visit temples in Colombo. Asokaramaya Buddhist Temple is a Buddhist temple in Kalutara, Sri Lanka. It was built during the 1870s to shelter disciples of Aluthgama Sangharatne who came to hear the monk's sermons. A wealthy local resident funded the temple's construction and subsequent expansion. See more..
4.0 Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple (3.108 reviews)
- Very unusal temple with many ancient artefacts and statues
Religious Sites

A combination of a Buddhist temple and a museum. it contained many items of religious relevance, including gold, stones, elephant ivory, porcelain, Chinese statues, stamps, watches, cameras, photographs, coins, one taxidermied elephant, stereos, shells, swords, and some other very weird items. I believe many of these items were donations made to the museum. The centre of the temple was its main prayer area. The whole vibe was quite peaceful but also a little eerie. To get a good feel of the place, I'd recommend going at night or in the evening. Location - Sri Jinarathana Rd Entry fee - LKR 400 per person See more..
4.0 Galle Face Green (2.014 reviews)
- Beautiful harbor front park (no grass) Near the cooling One Galle Face mall
Parks

This is the premiere harbor front gathering place for Columbianos. It’s about a kilometer long on the harborfront where are you can watch the birds, boats and also watch the construction of new land for a new suburb in Colombo, much to the consternation of the hotels and condos that have owned this ocean view for decades. Tourists and locals alike meander along this beautiful stretch of sunsets, courting couples and families. Kids play soccer, young kids and families dabble in the water in the oceans edge and the locals size up the tourists. Protesters protest, dignitaries motorcades flash by and construction of the new harborfront grinds on. It’s a place to see and to be seen! See more..
4.0 Mount Lavinia Beach (1.510 reviews)
- Mount beach
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

Mount Lavinia Beach is located just out of the Colombo city. This beach strip has a lot to offer for the locals as well as the tourists visiting Colombo. Along the beach there are many nice restaurants pubs as well as relaxing areas. As a tourist who is visiting Colombo, Mount Lavinia Beach is a must visit. The weekends could be crowded with locals though, during the week it is relaxing and peaceful. If you would relax at a pool overlooking the ocean or the sunset, The Mount Lavinia Hotel terrace is recommended. You can use the Mount Lavinia Hotel pool for an affordable fee. See more..
4.0 Colombo National Museum (1.327 reviews)
- Exceptional museum
Speciality Museums • History Museums

This museum of Asian civilizations is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka. See more..
4.0 Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct (955 reviews)
- The Dutch Hospital Colombo - Relaxing visit
Shopping Malls

I loved every visit to the Dutch hospital as it is a great place to relax, have a meal and stroll around while doing some light shopping. There is an assortment of affordable restaurants offering amazing food for couples & families alike. A Must visit :) See more..
4.0 Independence Square (830 reviews)
- An historically significant monument of independent Sri Lanka.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Built to commemorate the independence of Sri Lanka in 1948, the classic Sri Lankan style architecture is beautiful and has withstood the test of time. The independence hall is also used by Buddhists for holding Sunday moral classes. Except for a few tourists, the independence square was deserted. The square is well maintained, clean and quiet. The architecture of the independence hall can be appreciated when you take a photo with the rof structure as the background. A must visit for every patriotic Sri Lankan and also by the tourists to appreciate the beauty of the country and the symbols of its present history. Recommended. See more..
4.0 Viharamahadevi Park (709 reviews)
- Morning walks
Monday: 7:00 PM - 6:00 PM Parks

from 5 am onward the Park wakes up with people coming for their morning jog. Definitely the best place to have your walk in the central city. Secure, clean, well lit, enough parking and plenty of space to do your own jog in peace See more..
4.0 Negombo Fish Market (623 reviews)
- Something Fishy about this Place
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Flea & Street Markets

We made our guide stop to explore this Fish Market. It was very interesting but on a hot morning a tad smelly ! It was pretty busy and an amazing amount of fish were being spread out to dry on black plastic sheets. The seagulls were well feed for sure ! The market was made of of scores of little stalls with lots of variety. There was even a small fruit section, well worth a stop & look see ! See more..
4.0 Brief Garden - Bevis Bawa (549 reviews)
- Mum and three daughters from England
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Gardens

THE HOME & GARDEN OF BEVIS BAWA The legendary garden of Bevis Bawa played host to Sir Lawrence Olivier, Vivien Leigh, Agatha Christie and to many more. The Garden at Brief still holds the stamp of his becoming personality. Pass through the tall, statue capped gateway set in the thick bamboo hedge and you enter Bevis’s universe. An then along the junglly perimeter path, through the Japanese garden, across the wide lawns and by the round pond and the water steps. Everywhere in the garden its creator’s presence is visible. Entrance Fee LKR 2,000/- per person See more..