New year’s eve is the best time when people try to forget all their sorrows and hang out with friends and beloved ones with great joy and happiness. To feel the flutter of excitement on the new year’s occasion, head to Sri Lanka. One can get a rejuvenating and off-world experience whilst spending the Sri Lankan trip on new year’s eve. Sri Lanka is a perfect destination spot for couples who want to ring in the new year on the most popular tropical island. From spectacular mountain ranges to copious beachside locations, Sri Lanka has every single option to spend a great new year. We have curated some of the best places in Sri Lanka for new year. Have a glance!
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Best Place For New Years Eve In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of the most prevalent destinations for its artistic diversity of places. Several people across different parts of the world prefer visiting Sri Lanka to spend the new year exceptionally. With incredible adventures, exotic beaches, massive wildlife across popular national parks, and delicious food, Sri Lanka offers a myriad of options to the tourists to celebrate the special occasion joyfully. Explore the beauty of this finest island for the 2024 new year celebration in Sri Lanka. Check our best suggestions on where to celebrate new year in Sri Lanka. Take a look!
1. Sigiriya
Sigiriya is the most popular ancient city situated on a steep slope in Sri Lanka. It is a must-visit sightseeing spot in the country with breathtaking locales. With some extra effort, try to climb to the peak of the Sigiriya rock to acquire a 360-degree view of the most beautiful surroundings. Sigiriya is popularly known as Lion’s Rock where the tourists can spot a mammoth lion’s paws at the entrance of the fortress. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site to witness the prominence of this place since 1600 years.
2. Galle
Galle Fort is one of the most popular attractions built in the 17th century by Dutch colonists. In recent times, it has turned into the best tourist destination spot in Sri Lanka. Witness the fantastic view of the sea from the fort and walk across the fort area filled with food stalls and book stores. Enjoy some finest drinks and delicious food available in the shops. One must see the breathtaking sunset view from the Galle Fort. Take part in some of the interesting activities in Galle to ring in the new year 2024 amid immense excitement. One can even try some street food if they don’t mind filling their stomach with some extra calories. However, when visiting some best places in Sri Lanka, it could be hard for the tourists to resist their food cravings.
3. Yala National Park
Explore the great wildlife in the Yala National Park and witness some elephants, leopards, and more. Situated in the South-East region of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is one of the most visited places for wildlife adorers. People can spot an extensive range of species including buffaloes, crocodiles, monkeys, and a variety of birds in this national park. To get a rare experience, explore the depths of the forest on a safari. Yala National Park is almost 240 kilometers from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka.
4. Kandy
Kandy is the second biggest city in Sri Lanka with a vast area covered with tea and rubber plantations. The tourists visiting this city from Colombo can spot plenty of rubber plantations that add charm to the locality. People who are pretty much spiritual can visit one of the sacred Buddhist temples in the world i.e., the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Ring in the new year with your friends and family amid the most sacred location in Kandy. Moreover, this temple has immense significance in history. Witness the beauty of this marvelous city in Sri Lanka on this auspicious occasion.
5. Colombo
Colombo is the best place for new years eve in Sri Lanka. The commercial capital city of Sri Lanka is a must-visit tourist spot for most tourists as it offers a plethora of adventurous options. The highly excited travelers explore this city to enjoy the 2024 new year celebration in Sri Lanka. With eclectic culture, rich history, and culinary views, Colombo is the most appealing city in Sri Lanka. Some of the key attractions of Colombo include the National Museum, Beira Lake, Gangaramaya Temple, and more. Travel across different streets of Colombo to enjoy scrumptious street food. Spend some peaceful time in the serene atmosphere at Galle Face Green on the warm green grass. Ring in the new year by switching yourself into the spiritual mode by visiting the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple in Colombo. This temple is quite popular for its blend of indigenous architectural styles.
6. Polonnaruwa
Enter into the Golden age exploring the city of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka. The tourists can find a plethora of ancient palaces, stupas, and shrines in the city. One can even visit the most popular archaeological park comprising a lot of tombs, temples that feature hundreds of ancient structures. If you are a bit interested in knowing about the history and ancient places, Polonnaruwa is the right destination spot. It’s truly routine to visit the popular hill stations and beaches in Sri Lanka. To make your holiday trip slightly different, explore the ancient temples, and take a dip into the rich history of the country. The Sacred Quadrangle is another spectacular place to visit in Polonnaruwa on the special new year’s eve.
7. Beira Lake
Beira Lake is the best place in Sri Lanka for new year where people can indulge in a plethora of activities like picnics, fun-filled options, pilgrimage, adventure, and more. Take an incredible boat ride in Beira Lake to ring in the new year amid peace and a serene atmosphere. Spending the best time near the lake renders a great soothing experience to the tourists. People can spot cute little ducks and swans in the lake and take a beautiful ride in the lake.
8. Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is the most prominent ancient city situated in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. Take a peek into the rich history of Sri Lanka by visiting this well-preserved city during the 2024 new year’s occasion. It is another best place where the visitors can witness copious temples, ancient buildings, ruins of old pools, stupas, and more. Despite Sri Lanka looks small on the map, there are several best places for 2023 new years eve in Sri Lanka. This place has gained utmost significance because of the Bodhi tree. It is popularly referred to as the tree of enlightenment in Anuradhapura.
9. Bentota
Bentota is the best place in Sri Lanka that gives amazing party vibes to the tourists. One can find a plethora of beaches in Bentota that are perfect for carrying out their new year’s eve celebrations. Soak yourself in the golden sand and enjoy the beautiful weather near the beach. Enjoy watching the stunning view of the sea and try indulging in some adventurous activities with your friends. Bentota is a coastal town situated in the Galle district of Sri Lanka. With a plethora of coconut trees, cool breeze, and spectacular views, Bentota renders a mesmerizing sight to the tourists. People can indulge in some fun-filled water-based activities like sailing, snorkeling, surfing, and more.
10. Unawatuna Beach
Sri Lanka is a haven for copious beaches that aids the visitors relax from the stressful days throughout the year. At the end of the year, chill out near Unawatuna Beach and ring in the new year exceptionally. Take a dip in the fresh water and walk on the warm sand in one of the best beaches of Sri Lanka. Try some delicious dishes and taste the finest cocktails in any of the nearby restaurants and cafes in Unawatuna beach.
11. Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is widely known as ‘Mini England’. With crisp cooling weather and fabulous views of stunning waterfalls, green mountains, and more, Nuwara Eliya offers a slew of options to celebrate new year’s eve uniquely with friends and beloved pals. If you are a newly-wed couple, Nuwara Eliya is the right romantic destination spot for new year’s eve. This place is also prevalent for tea plantations and the tallest mountains in Sri Lanka. Make sure you brew a cup of hot tea enjoying the chill weather in Nuwara Eliya. Explore the beauty of Warwick Gardens in Nuwara Eliya after spending some quality time at the beach.
12. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a perfect destination spot for tourists that render an incredible experience. One can witness several baby elephants playing in the water in different places. Spotting the baby elephants with their mothers is a cute sight to watch amid the spectacular natural beauty. With a wide range of plant species, thousands of trees, and more, Peradeniya Gardens is a vast land in Sri Lanka.
13. Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak is situated in central Sri Lanka. It is well-known for its tallest and conical mountain. With lush greenery and rock formations, Adam’s Peak is a spectacular sight for tourists. From the highest mountain range, every person can witness the beautiful sunrise and stunning sunset views. If you prefer trekking to this Adam’s peak, you will be exhausted. The best time to visit this place is between December and January. Adam’s Peak has been the most significant pilgrimage spot for the last 2000 years. As per the traditions and customs of the Buddhists, Adam’s Peak is a notable footprint of Lord Buddha.
14. Arugam Bay
Spend some quality time near the beach and relax watching the epic waves. Arugam Bay is one of the noteworthy spots in Sri Lanka that renders a relaxing vibe to the tourists. People can ring in the new year in this serene atmosphere. One can even indulge in some adventurous events to welcome the new year exceptionally. Make sure you visit the Tsunami Hotel near Arugam Bay to taste the delicious rice and curries. If you are a nature adorer, explore the beauty of Kumana National Park amid utmost excitement.
15. Mirissa
Mirissa is one of the most spectacular beaches with captivating sunrise and sunsets. The visitors can spot dolphins near the beach whilst spending some chill time with your friends and family. In a crescent shape, this beach is situated in the Matara District. It’s an ideal destination to party all night during new year’s eve. This beach is fully crowded with tourists and locals rejoicing in the fantastic music on new year’s eve night. Despite being a small village, Mirissa appears just like a paradise to the tourists. If you have a habit of fishing, explore this small fishing village in Sri Lanka. People can find different types of fishes such as Jackfish, Indian Mackerel, Tuna, and more. Make sure you enjoy the special delicious fish cuisine in the nearby restaurants. At midnight, ring in the new year in a relaxing mode on the beach. Stay away from the loud parties and head out to Mirissa for peaceful new year’s eve celebrations.
Well, this is everything you need to know about the best place in Sri Lanka for new year. Hopefully, this article has given enough details about the 2024 new year celebration in Sri Lanka especially in the noteworthy places of the country. For more new places to celebrate new year’s eve in the world, stay in touch with this website.
Are there any firework displays accounced for Colombo or elsewhere?