Sri Lanka Hidden Gems: Unique Places to Avoid the Crowds

Sri Lanka is rapidly gaining popularity as a travel destination—and it’s easy to see why. With its welcoming locals, rich history, flavorful cuisine, and stunning landscapes, the island has something for everyone.

What captivated me the most in Sri Lanka? The wildlife. Nowhere else—not even in Borneo—have I seen such an incredible density of animals. Sri Lanka is a true paradise for nature lovers.

Traveling around Sri Lanka is fairly easy, yet most travelers tend to follow the same well-known routes. While places like Ella are stunning, they can also feel overcrowded and less authentic.

If you’re looking for a more unique, off-the-beaten-path experience, I’ve put together a list of 5+ Hidden Gems in Sri Lanka where you can escape the crowds and discover the country’s true magic.

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>>> Sri Lanka Itinerary: This 10 Days in Sri Lanka Itinerary helps you fit all below hidden gems to your plans.

1. Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Just a few hours from Colombo and the coast lies a hidden gem—Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka’s only rainforest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But here’s the coolest part: most of the wildlife here is found nowhere else in the world!

During my month in Sri Lanka, trekking through Sinharaja became one of my core memories. We spotted rare blue magpies, tarantulas, giant snakes, snails, and so much more. If you’re a wildlife lover, this place is pure magic.

That said, exploring Sinharaja isn’t as simple as just showing up. It’s a massive rainforest with multiple entrances, so planning ahead is key. Check out my full travel guide before visiting!

If you have the time, I highly recommend staying overnight. I stayed at the Rainforest Mount Lodge due to its great location and cozy bungalows.

Location of the Sinharaja Forest Reserve

2. Natural Pools of the Diyaluma Falls

I told my host in Ella that I was looking for hidden gems in Sri Lanka. He immediately told me I had to visit Diyaluma Falls and swim in the natural pools at the top of the waterfall. Since locals know best, I listened to him and went there the next day.
(By the way, I stayed at Ella Breeze Homestay– they make the best coconut roti!)

Located close to Ella, Diyaluma Falls is surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes. To reach the swimming spots at the top of the waterfall, you need to hike for 30 minutes. Once you get there, you’ll find natural pools at multiple stages where you can take a dip.

We self-drove to Diyaluma Falls, and it was one of the highlights of our Sri Lanka trip. If you’re visiting Ella, taking a day trip to Diyaluma Falls is an absolute must.

Location of the Diyaluma Falls

3. Rekawa Beach

It felt like forever to find the perfect hidden beach in Sri Lanka. We checked out all the beaches around Galle and Unawatuna, but none of them felt right. After spending what felt like half my lifetime on Google Maps, I finally discovered Rekawa Beach—a picture-perfect, clean, and empty beach near Tangalle.

We spent several days relaxing on the beach, enjoying the shady spots provided by the palm trees, and having the kilometer-long stretch of beach almost all to ourselves. Although the strong waves make the water here less ideal for swimming, there’s a rock pool that’s perfect for a dip.

The Rekawa Beach is a nesting site for turtles that come ashore every night. We chose not to disturb the turtles by going out at night, but we were lucky enough to see baby turtle hatchlings heading towards the sea during the day.

Rekawa Beach is definitely one of Sri Lanka’s hidden gems—visit it before it becomes more popular.

Recommended Stay: Heaven in Satinwoods

Location of the Rekawa Beach

4. Wild Elephants around Sigiriya

This isn’t your typical activity, and you’ll need a tuk-tuk or a driver for this one.

Elephants roam in large numbers around Sigiriya, so I wanted to find a way to see them in the wild, without being part of a safari.

Once we figured out where they were, we drove around the area, and we were lucky enough to encounter them freely wandering along the roads!

Note: Please remember, they are wild animals. Do not attempt to get too close. Always keep a safe distance and respect their space.

Possible Location of the Wild Elephants

5. Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka has a rich history, with several ancient cities that remain incredibly well preserved—almost like a mystery of how they were built. You could easily spend days exploring them without ever getting bored.

We visited the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa as a day trip from Sigiriya. Since Polonnaruwa is massive, you can explore it by bike or tuk-tuk, which is highly recommended.

Location of Polonnaruwa

Conclusion: Hidden Gems in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is still full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From the wild beauty of the Sinharaja Rainforest, where you can see rare wildlife, to the peaceful Rekawa Beach, home to nesting turtles, Sri Lanka is a country full of surprises.

Whether you’re swimming in the natural pools at Diyaluma Falls, spotting elephants near Sigiriya, or wandering through the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, there’s always something new to experience.

After spending a month exploring and searching for these hidden spots, I’ve completely fallen for Sri Lanka. It’s a place I’d be happy to visit again and again.

Happy travels—and I hope you get to explore these hidden gems too!