Welcome to Sri Lanka!
“Sri Lanka is the cradle of the human race because everyone there looks an original.”- George Bernard Shaw
Can you imagine why Marco Polo was so captivated by Sri Lanka?
And what if, even today, after centuries, you too could find what you are yearning for in this little island. In case, you don’t believe us, it is high time for you to unmask the beauty and mystery of Sri Lanka, in your own little way.
Imagine discovering one of the finest islands in the world, endowed with rolling plantations, palm-studded beaches, mysterious ruins, spiritual sights, sumptuous cuisines and charming people. Endowed with a tantalizing hypnotic essence, Sri Lanka takes is fondly called as the “Wonder of Asia.”
Rich with cultural and natural marvels, Sri Lanka tourism is famous for bustling cities, majestic palaces, ancient temples, spiritual monasteries and bewitching monuments. The exotic capital Colombo, teeming with casinos and clubs, promises you a night that never ends.
From tea plantations of Horton Plains, the hippie destination of Unawatuna, Buena Vista hills to ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, travel across Sri Lanka to discover breathtaking vistas, evolution of local Buddhism and historic frescoes at Sigiriya. Spot blue whales, leopards and elephants at the country’s doorsteps and pump up your adrenaline levels.
Following are the main tourist attractions of Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura
This sacred city of Sri Lanka endows you with few of the most evocative and exotic sights of Asia. Famous for temple ruins, soaring brick towers, enormous dagobas (stupas) and ancient pools, this religious capital brings you to the land of sacred Bodhi tree.
Revered as one of the main shrine cities of Buddhism, it was revived after1870s. Do not miss to see the Bodhi Tree, the oldest surviving tree of the world. Get mesmerised by watching the sunset in Ruwanwelisaya, the magnificent stupa decorated with 1900 figures of elephants. Visit Thuparamaya, the first of innumerable dagobas built in Sri Lanka, believed to preserve the collar bone of Lord Buddha.
The ruins of Lovamahapaya, the ‘Brazen Palace’ covered with bronze tiles must be included in your travel itinerary. Make sure that you have the ethereal view of Anuradhapura from the Mihintale mountain peak.
Polonnaruwa
The ancient city of Polonnaruwa was originally enveloped by three concentric walls. Now its majestic ruins cover an extensive woodland area, including royal palace complex, cluster of religious buildings, enormous monuments and spell binding monasteries. It is also included in the world heritage site list of UNESCO.
The main monasteries in Polonnaruwa include Rankot Vihara, Menik Vihara, Jetavana and Alahana Pirivena. The captivating artificial lake of Parakrama Samudra is located to the west of the city. The waterside Potgul Mawatha offers you an ethereal view of the sunset as you take a casual stroll.
Kandy
Fondly called as the ‘cultural capital of Sri Lanka’, it is famous for its rich heritage and culture. The Temple of Tooth, one of the most sacred and ancient Buddhist shrines, is known for preserving Lord Buddha’s teeth. Built in the 17th century, daily rituals performed thrice every day add to its charm and aura.
The Gadaladeniya Temple in Kandy flaunts the artistic significance of Dravidian architecture. For nature lovers, visiting the Peradeniya Gardens is a slice of heaven. One can spot more than 300 different varieties of spices at Orchid Garden.
Learn about the Ayurvedic medicine and indigenous spices of Sri Lanka at the Spice garden in Kandy. Watch the enthralling sunrise from the Knuckle Mountains, comprising of 35 peaks and undulating valleys.
Kitulgala
This small town and a rainforest area, it is the best adventure destination in Sri Lanka. Known for being one of the wettest places in the island, it is popular for bird watching, jungle safari, white river rafting, jungle walks, waterfall jumps and casual weekend strolls.
The Kelani River has been captured in several movies, one of them being the internationally acclaimed movie ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai.’ It also offers a tempting place to swim, wash and simply play.
Kitulgala camping is highly recommended as a weekend destination. Situated close to Colombo, this leisure base is also rain forest trails, flat water rafting, adventure training camps, river expeditions and Water Fall Abseiling.
Nuwara Eliya
It is locally called as ‘Little England,’ it offers you an English village ambiance, surrealist Victorian nostalgia, rose gardens, colonial bungalows and well-tended hedgerows.
Its name means ‘the City of Light’ in local dialect. Originally it used to be hill station for Scottish and English pioneers of the famous tea industry of Sri Lanka. Sports-car hill climbs; horse racing and Sri Lankan tea must be experienced.
Colombo
The largest city and capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is famous for its rich colonial heritage, southern beaches, museums, stylish eateries and galleries. It is an excellent start of a captivating end to your Sri Lanka Travel.
Sri Lanka Travel guide recommends eating sea food at Mt Lavinia Beach in Colombo, visiting the Gangarama Vihara, getting wild at Leisure World amusement park and trying out your hand at roulette or baccarat in Colombo casinos.
Shopping in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is known for precious stones, Ceylon tea, makara handicrafts and the latest international fashion attires. Other popular items include lace, tea-sets, handloom textiles, batik, ritual masks and lacquer ware.
Festivals in Sri Lanka
Festivals are the lifeline of Sri Lanka. You can also opt for Sri Lanka tour during festivals like Thai Pongol (January), Maha Shivaratri (March), Jaffna Musical Festival (March), Sinhalese New Year (April), Dussehra (September) and World Spice Food Festival (October).
When to Reach
The best time to indulge in Sri Lanka Trip if you are visiting the east coast is from May to September while the West coast is a preferred destination from December to March.
How to Reach
Sri Lanka is accessible mainly through air. Direct flights from Asia, Europe, West Asia and United States are available to Colombo. Land transport is opted for domestic travel within the island.
In a nutshell it does not matter what you are searching for, be it adventure, spirituality or spices, Sri Lanka Tourism is the main destination for you. Set yourself free and experience the magic of this ethereal destination.
