Top Destinations in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a beautiful island country with a rich history and culture. It is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world, as well as ancient ruins, bustling cities, and charming villages. Here are some of the top destinations in Sri Lanka that you should not miss:
Kandy
Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Temple of the Tooth Relic: This is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka and is home to a tooth of the Buddha. The temple is a must-see for any visitor to Kandy.
Royal Botanical Gardens: These gardens are home to a wide variety of plants and flowers, including many that are native to Sri Lanka.
Esala Perahera: This is a grand procession that takes place in Kandy every year in July or August. The procession features floats, dancers, and musicians and celebrates the sacred tooth relic.
Sigiriya
Exploring Sigiriya, Sri Lanka: Unveiling the Best Places to Visit and Things to Do.
Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya emerges as a captivating destination that seamlessly blends history, nature, and adventure. Here, amidst the enchanting surroundings, lies a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. If you're planning a journey to Sigiriya, here are some of the finest places to visit and activities to immerse yourself in:
Lion Rock (Sigiriya Rock Fortress): Ascend the ancient staircases of the Lion Rock to stand in awe of its architectural marvels and panoramic vistas. Adorned with captivating frescoes and surrounded by lush gardens, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into a bygone era.
Pidurangala Rock: For an alternative viewpoint, conquer Pidurangala Rock. This lesser-known gem offers breathtaking panoramas of Sigiriya and its surroundings, making it a favorite among hikers and photographers.
Sigiriya Village Tour: Immerse yourself in the local way of life by embarking on a Sigiriya village tour. Engage with local communities, witness traditional craftsmanship, and savor authentic Sri Lankan cuisine prepared with warmth and love
Sigiriya Ayurvedic Treatments: Sigiriya is a popular destination for Ayurveda treatments, a traditional system of medicine from India that focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit. There are many Ayurvedic clinics and resorts in Sigiriya that offer a variety of treatments, including massages, herbal baths, and detoxifying therapies.
Elephant Rides: Experience the sheer delight of interacting with these gentle giants on an elephant ride. Traverse the lush landscapes atop these majestic creatures, creating unforgettable memories.
Yala
Go on a safari in Yala National Park. This is the most popular activity in Yala, and for good reason. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. You're almost guaranteed to see some amazing animals on a safari in Yala.
Ella
Ella is a beautiful town in Sri Lanka's hill country. It's surrounded by mountains, tea plantations, and waterfalls. There are many things to see and do in Ella, here are a few suggestions:
Hike Ella Rock: This is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Visit Little Adam's Peak: This is a shorter and easier hike than Ella Rock, but it still offers great views.
Take a train ride to Demodara: This scenic train ride passes through tunnels and over bridges, with stunning views of the Ella Gap.
Ella Zip Line (Flying Ravana): Flying Ravana is a zipline adventure park located in Ella, Sri Lanka. It is the first and longest zipline in Sri Lanka, with a length of 550 meters (1,800 feet) and a height of 82 meters (269 feet). Riders can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour) as they soar through the air over the lush green hills of Ella.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is an ancient city in Sri Lanka that was once the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom. It is home to many ancient ruins, including temples, monasteries, and palaces. Here are some of the things you can do and places you can visit in Anuradhapura:
Visit the Mahabodhi Temple: This is the oldest and most sacred Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. It is said to have been built in the 3rd century BC by King Ashoka of India.
See the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa: This is the largest stupa in Sri Lanka. It was built in the 3rd century BC by King Dutugamunu.
Explore the Jetavana Monastery: This was once the largest monastery in the world. It was built in the 3rd century BC by King Mahasena.
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka that was once the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom. It is home to many ancient ruins, including temples, palaces, and monasteries. Here are some of the things you can do and places you can visit in Polonnaruwa:
Visit the Gal Vihara. This is a complex of three large statues of the Buddha, carved out of a single rock. It is one of the most impressive sights in Polonnaruwa.
See the Royal Palace. This was the residence of the king of Polonnaruwa. It is a large complex of ruins, but you can still get a sense of its former grandeur.
Explore the Lankatilaka Temple. This temple is famous for its intricate carvings. It is a beautiful example of Sinhalese architecture.
Visit the Vatadage. This is a circular building that was used to house sacred relics. It is a unique structure that is well worth seeing.
Sinharaja
Sinharaja is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka that is home to a unique biodiversity. It is the last remaining lowland rain forest in Sri Lanka, and it is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including many that are endangered or endemic to Sri Lanka.
Go for a nature walk. There are a number of trails in Sinharaja that are perfect for hiking and nature walks. This is a great way to see the forest and its wildlife up close.
Visit the Sinharaja Discovery Centre. This is a great place to learn about the history and ecology of Sinharaja. There is a museum, a library, and a number of trails that start from the center.
Spot wildlife. Sinharaja is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, monkeys, and birds. If you're lucky, you may be able to spot some of these animals on your visit.
Take a boat trip on the Gin Ganga. The Gin Ganga is a river that flows through Sinharaja. A boat trip is a great way to see the forest from a different perspective and to spot some of the wildlife that lives along the river.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is a hill station in Sri Lanka's Central Province. It is known for its cool climate, tea plantations, and colonial architecture. Here are some of the things you can do and places you can visit in Nuwara Eliya:
Visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens. This garden is home to a wide variety of plants, including orchids, roses, and tree ferns. It is a beautiful place to walk around and enjoy the scenery.
Go for a hike in Horton Plains National Park. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and birds. It is a great place to go hiking and enjoy the views.
Take a tea factory tour. Nuwara Eliya is known for its tea plantations, and there are a number of tea factories that offer tours. This is a great way to learn about how tea is made and to sample some of the local produce.
Visit the Gregory Lake. This lake is a popular spot for boating and fishing. It is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Mirissa
Go whale watching: Mirissa is a popular spot for whale watching, as it is located in the path of migrating whales. You can go on a boat trip to see sperm whales, blue whales, and dolphins.
Visit the Turtle Hatchery: Mirissa has a turtle hatchery where you can learn about sea turtles and see them hatch. It is a great place to learn about conservation efforts and to see these amazing creatures.
Relax on the beach: Mirissa has a beautiful beach that is perfect for relaxing. You can swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the view.
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka for its snorkeling and diving. The waters are clear and warm, and the coral reefs are home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and rays.
Colombo
Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and is a vibrant city with a lot to offer visitors. Here are some things you can do and places you can visit in Colombo:
Gangaramaya Temple: This Buddhist temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Colombo. It is known for its beautiful architecture and its collection of religious artifacts.
National Museum of Colombo: This museum houses a collection of artifacts that tell the story of Sri Lanka's history and culture.
The Lotus Tower: The Lotus Tower, also known as Nelum Kuluna in Sinhala, is a 356-meter (1,170 ft) tall communications tower in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia and the tallest building in Sri Lanka. The tower was officially opened on September 16, 2019.
