• Sri Maha Bodhi Tree The sacred fig tree grown from a sapling of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
  
• Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba One of the most iconic stupas in Sri Lanka, built by King Dutugemunu.
  
• Jetavanaramaya Stupa Once the tallest brick structure in the world, built by King Mahasen.
  
• Abhayagiri Monastery Complex A sprawling monastery with an impressive stupa and ancient ruins
  
• Thuparamaya Stupa The first dagoba in Sri Lanka, said to enshrine Buddha’s collarbone relic.
  
• Isurumuniya Temple Famous for its rock carvings, including the "Isurumuniya Lovers.”
  
• Mirisawetiya Dagoba Built by King Dutugemunu to commemorate his victory in battle.
  
• Lankarama Stupa A smaller stupa with unique architecture surrounded by stone pillars.
  

• Royal Palace Complex The remains of ancient royal residences, including the King’s Audience Hall.
  
• Kuttam Pokuna (Twin Ponds) Ancient bathing pools showcasing advanced hydraulic engineering.
  
• Samadhi Buddha Statue A serene statue depicting Buddha in deep meditation.
  
• Moonstone at Abhayagiri A beautifully carved moonstone symbolizing the Buddhist path.
  

Scenic & Offbeat Locations:

• Nuwara Wewa A picturesque reservoir ideal for a quiet evening walk.
  
• Tissa Wewa Another ancient reservoir, surrounded by lush greenery.
  
• Ranmasu Uyana An ancient royal garden with the intriguing "Star Gate" carving.
  
• Mihintale A sacred mountain where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka. It's slightly outside Anuradhapura but worth visiting.
  

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic – A UNESCO World Heritage Site housing Buddha’s relic, central to Kandy’s spiritual identity 
• Royal Palace Complex of Kandy – Historic Kandyan royal residence adjacent to the Temple, featuring ornate architecture 
• Udawattakele Forest Reserve – A historic forest sanctuary just above Kandy, rich in wildlife and spiritual retreat spots
  
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya – Vast colonial-era gardens admired for its orchids, palms, and botanical diversity 
  
• Bahirawakanda Sri Maha Bodhi Viharaya (Buddha Statue) – Prominent Buddha statue towering over Kandy offering panoramic views 
  
• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – A nearby animal sanctuary where you can observe and interact with rescued elephants 
  
• Ceylon Tea Museum – Delve into Sri Lanka’s tea heritage with exhibitions and tastings 
  
• Kurunegala →
  
• Kandy Lake & Kandy Viewpoint – Scenic lakeside strolls and elevated viewpoints for sweeping vistas
  

• Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya (multi-faith complex) – A rare pilgrimage site venerated by Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims alike 
  
• Kiri Vehera Stupa – A serene, ancient stupa among Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage destinations 
  
• Sella Kataragama Temple & Valli’s Cave – Hindu devotional sites intertwined with myth and nature
  
• Sithulpawwa Rock Temple – A mountaintop Buddhist monastery dating to the 2nd century with cave dwellings and murals 
  
• Tissa Wewa Reservoir – A historic reservoir from the 3rd century BCE, ideal for relaxing and birdwatching 
  
• Yala National Park Safari – Regional wildlife adventures with leopards, elephants, and rich biodiversity
  
• Lunugamvehera National Park – A neighboring safari park renowned for elephants and pristine natural landscapes 
  

• Matara Fort & Dutch Church – Colonial-era fortifications and church reflecting Portuguese-Dutch influence (widely known site).
  
• Weherahena Temple – A modern Buddhist temple known for its grand interior and large Buddha statue (common regional highlight).
  
• Polhena or Paravi Duwa Beach & Island Temple – Tranquil coastal gems featuring a beach protected by coral reef and a Buddhist shrine on a tiny islet (regionally popular).