Sri Lanka is a country that keeps on giving. After living here for 18 months and visiting all the famous tourist destinations like Sigiriya, Galle and Yala National Park, we felt it was time to explore some of the less-visited gems scattered across this beautiful island.
As a family of six, we are always searching for unique, family-friendly adventures that offer more than the usual tourist experience. We’ve been to all of the best beaches in Sri Lanka and were keen to explore more hidden gems.
We wanted unique places to visit in Sri Lanka that offered adventure, culture and natural beauty, without the crowds. So, we set out to uncover some exceptional spots for our summer holidays and we were not disappointed!
These lesser-known destinations might be more challenging to reach, but that’s part of the charm. They offer a slice of authentic Sri Lankan beauty some travellers may miss.
If you would love to explore the usual tourist route in a quieter period, check out this post and come in the monsoon season! It’s really not that bad however it makes a big difference to the number of people around.
Whether you’re seeking peaceful mountain retreats, national parks, or cultural immersion, these five unique places to visit in Sri Lanka are perfect for anyone who wants to experience Sri Lanka beyond the tourist trail.
Unique Places To Stay In Sri Lanka
1. Dickoya, Hatton
Located just outside the famous tea country town of Hatton, Dickoya is a hidden treasure for tourists seeking peace and tranquillity in the Sri Lankan highlands.
This destination offers unparalleled beauty, with rolling hills and lush tea plantations. We stayed at the Tear Drop Hotel Camellia Hills, which has the most incredible vantage point over Castlereagh Reservoir.
This place’s natural beauty is breathtaking and the best part is how secluded it feels, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the usual tourist spots. It’s one of the most unique places to visit in Sri Lanka for those looking for a quiet escape.
The hotel has an onsite naturalist who took us on a guided walk through the tea plantations, where our kids learned all about how tea is grown and harvested.
There were far fewer tourists around than Ella and Nuwara Eliya, which are also popular tea country destinations.
For those who love a little independence, there’s also the option of doing a self-guided hike. The trails are not very well established so I was particularly impressed with how incredibly accurate the map on the phone we were given was.
This felt super adventurous and was a lovely way to spend an afternoon weaving around the land above the reservoir.
One of the highlights for our kids was hopping aboard a traditional fisherman’s boat on the reservoir—an experience you won’t find in many places. The same fisherman transports the local children from one side of the reservoir to the other on the school run!
In fact, there seem to be many children in the area, all dressed in pristine white uniforms typical of Sri Lankan schools. I am always in awe of how clean they manage to keep their uniforms!
While this area is off the beaten path, it’s still accessible enough and there are several beautiful stops along the way, including a serene Hindu Temple in Hatton that’s well worth a visit.
You can’t miss it as you drive through the town, it’s called Sri Sivasubramaniya Swami Kovil.
The region is a paradise of lush green hills, misty mornings, and peaceful seclusion. It’s genuinely one of the unique places to visit in Sri Lanka if you are looking to experience the raw beauty of the hill country.
Camellia Hills has one of the most amazing views in all of Sri Lanka from both its bedrooms and main living and dining space.
This boutique hotel features just a handful of rooms making it super exclusive and has a swimming pool overlooking the view.
The staff are very attentive and there are interconnecting rooms for families. The place is small enough for parents to have dinner or a drink in the evening and leave the kids in the room without any issue.
All of the food is incredible and they are amenable to different diets. The area offers other hiking experiences which we did not have time to explore so you will find even more hidden gems.
2. Digana
Next on our list of the most unique places to visit in Sri Lanka is Digana. It is on the outskirts of Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous destinations. If you want to escape the tourist crowds, head to Digana.
Digana is an off-the-beaten-track gem that offers a far more peaceful and natural experience while still allowing you access to the tourist hub.
We stayed at the Victoria Golf Resort, and while you might think it’s just for golfers, it’s so much more than that!
Our kids loved the freedom of zooming around in golf buggies, trying their hands at pitch and putt, and enjoying various family activities.
The hiking in this area is spectacular, with one of the best trails being Peitgala. This is a bit more challenging, but if you love outdoor adventures, the climb is worth it for the stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding water, complete with tiny islands.
You don’t have to be a golfer to enjoy staying here; the resort offers a variety of accommodation options, including a private villa with a pool and even butler service.
Other accommodation includes newly built townhouses which are very close to the restaurant and bar which is handy if you are on B&B.
The views across the golf course are incredible, with mountains and jungle in the distance, making this one of the most unique places to visit in Sri Lanka.
One of the highlights of our stay was when the onsite naturalist organised a bonfire evening for our kids. They loved roasting marshmallows and hanging out in a tent playing the guitar.
There are many incredible vantage points around the grounds of Victoria Golf Resort well worth taking the time to go around and check them out, especially at sunset.
We did venture into Kandy one afternoon which was super busy so it was nice to retreat back to this area.
3. Koslanda
Located in the Sri Lankan highlands, near the town of Ella but far enough away to offer true seclusion, Koslanda is a hidden gem.
This area offers a much quieter, off-the-beaten-track alternative to the well-trodden tourist routes in Ella.
We stayed at the unique and luxurious Living Heritage Koslanda, which sits on a large estate filled with spices, herbs, and fruit trees. It’s a paradise for anyone looking for a serene, nature-filled retreat.
One of the most amazing experiences here was hiking to the estate’s waterfall—a magical spot that feels completely untouched.
The hotel’s infinity pool has one of the most spectacular views overlooking a vast expanse of the surrounding jungle and mountains.
The traditional but luxurious Sri Lankan-style accommodation, with a charming courtyard and unique rooms, added to the overall experience of being in a heritage estate.
Our kids also had a great time playing cricket and football on the open lawns, and the onsite naturalist took us to explore the farm, where everything from spices to fruits is grown.
This is a fantastic alternative to Ella for anyone looking for something quieter and more secluded.
We also took a nearby village tour, where our children loved interacting with locals and learning about village life. Koslanda offers the perfect mix of nature, culture, and relaxation, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most unique places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Check out more information on Living Heritage Koslanda here.
4. Jaffna
For a genuinely off-the-beaten-track experience, Jaffna in Northern Sri Lanka is a must-visit. Far removed from the more tourist-heavy areas in the south and west, Jaffna offers a unique cultural immersion and a slower pace of life.
This region has been less developed in terms of tourism, but that’s precisely what makes it such a unique destination. It’s an ideal spot for those who love to explore unique places to visit in Sri Lanka that feel untouched and authentic.
One of our favourite experiences in Jaffna was visiting the vibrant local market in the town centre, where we found a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices.
Our kids were fascinated by the market’s colours and smells and it was a great way for them to experience the local culture firsthand.
Another unforgettable adventure was a boat trip to Nainativu Island, home to the Nagadeepa Temple.
The boat ride itself is an experience, with views of the calm waters and the surrounding islands. The island is a significant religious site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Jaffna is known for its numerous temples, each with its unique style and history. Walking through the town, temples feel like they are woven into the very fabric of everyday life, making it a fascinating cultural destination.
As a tourist visiting a temple, rules are strictly enforced and you must cover your knees and shoulders as a woman. However, for men, they must wear a sarong and not wear any T-shirt.
We stayed at Northgate Jaffna, which is centrally located and made it easy to explore the town. The hotel offers some of the best international cuisine in the area, which was a treat after several days of local fare, especially for our kids who can be picky eaters.
The food is quite different from other parts of Sri Lanka. It is more similar to South Indian cuisine. This certainly makes Jaffna one of the most unique places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Another great option that I have seen recommended a few times is Fox Jaffna. It’s a little further out of town. However, it’s not such an issue as Jaffna is quite big!
Jaffna just looks like a small peninsula on the map but in reality, you have to do quite a bit of driving to get around all of the sites.
Talking maps, when you zoom in on Jaffna, it is really surprising to see this area is a network of multiple islands with tens of road bridges connecting the area. You can easily be driving with the sea on either side of you in many places around Jaffna.
Jaffna was in civil war until 2009 so you can sometimes feel the raw emotion and aftermath of such a horrible time, it’s palpable. This can make it feel quite different to other parts of Sri Lanka. It feels like there are more intricacies to understand.
While Jaffna might be more challenging to reach compared to other parts of Sri Lanka, with a long drive or train ride required, it’s worth it if you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.
It can also be a little difficult to get by with English in this area. As mentioned, it is less developed for tourism.
The slower pace, rich culture, and incredible history of this northern city are unlike anything you’ll experience elsewhere in Sri Lanka, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Sri Lanka.
5. Gal Oya National Park
If you’re looking for an authentic safari experience in Sri Lanka far from the usual tourist routes, Gal Oya National Park is where you need to go.
Unlike the more famous safari parks like Yala or Udawalawe, Gal Oya remains largely off the tourist map, offering a genuinely secluded and wild adventure.
This is a destination where you can connect with nature without the crowds. It’s one of those rare places where you’ll feel like you have the park all to yourself, making it perfect for those who crave an off-the-beaten-track experience.
We stayed at Gal Oya Lodge, a beautiful eco-lodge nestled within a vast stretch of land, with comfortable yet sustainable accommodations that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings.
The rooms are spread out across the property, giving each plenty of privacy and space to enjoy the quiet beauty of the area.
One of the highlights of our stay was spending time with the onsite naturalist, who took us on guided walks to explore the region’s incredible biodiversity.
Gal Oya is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and we were lucky enough to see elephants, crocodiles, and many bird species.
The lodge also has its own research centre, which was fascinating for the kids—they loved learning about the conservation work.
What sets Gal Oya apart from other parks is its boat safari, the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka. Drifting across the reservoir on a boat, we had the unforgettable experience of seeing elephants on a small, remote island.
In fact you can sometimes see elephants swimming to get to these islands in the reservoir. The boat safari and the absence of large crowds made this a truly unique and intimate way to experience a Sri Lankan safari.
For the more adventurous tourists, there’s also the opportunity to hike Monkey Mountain at sunrise. It’s a challenging climb, but the top panoramic views are breathtaking and well worth the effort. The naturalist from our lodge guided us to the top, it’s probably best to go with someone who knows the track.
The lodge provides excellent food, catering to various dietary preferences, which was a bonus for our family with differing diets.
Gal Oya National Park is, without a doubt, the ultimate off-the-beaten-track safari experience in Sri Lanka.
It’s a place where nature feels untouched, and you can fully immerse yourself in the island’s wild beauty, away from the typical tourist trails.
I hope you enjoyed reading about the most unique places to visit in Sri Lanka. We have truly loved getting off the usual tourist route and seeing more of what this island has to offer. Make sure to check out this packing list to prepare for a trip to Sri Lanka.
If you’d like to explore some of the more usual tourist places, be sure to check out the following blogs:
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