This bustling, fishing town on the west coast of Sri Lanka (and close to the Bandaranaika International Airport), had a rather turbulent colonial history involving the Dutch, Portuguese and British due to the cinnamon trade. In fact, the wild cinnamon that grew in the region was described as ‘the very best in the universe as well as the most abundant’. The remnants of this colonial period remain with the strong Catholic Church influence in the town. The Negombo Lagoon and the many canals offer superb birdwatching, the town’s Old Quarter is worth a visit, and the community is friendly and welcoming.
Situated in the northern Matale District of Sri Lanka, the small village of Sigiriya is best known for its proximity to the magnificent Sigiriya ‘Lion Rock’. The village offers some comfortable accommodations and a variety of restaurants for visitors to enjoy when stopping over to view the famous rock. This ancient rock fortress rises abruptly from the lush landscape and reaches over 200 metres in height. Crowning this massive outcrop are the ruins of an ancient civilisation, which are considered one of the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning and have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can walk through the lily-dotted moats, lush gardens and cave shrines, through the grand lion-paw entrance, and climb the series of steep staircases passing beautiful murals painted on the sheer rock walls, and enjoy exploring the ruins and soaking up spectacular views of the surrounds.
Situated in the Kandy District in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, Gampola serves as the capital of this beautiful island. The town is set amidst Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands and is home to the Ambulawawa Mountain, which is renowned as a tourist hotspot and boasts an amazing tower resembling a Buddhist stupa crowning its peak. Gampola is renowned for the Saliyalapura Temple which houses the longest sleeping Buddha statue in South Asia. Visitors can explore religious history at the famous temples of Lankathilaka, Gadaladeniya and Embekka Devalaya. Don’t miss the archaeological remains scattered in the surrounding area including the Aladeniya Temple, famed for its wooden door frame; and the Lupandeniya Viharaya, which are Gampola-era stone sculptures.
Bright green hills, thick dark forests, farmlands, and traditional homes characterise the landscapes of Dickoya. This photogenic little town lies in the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka’s Central Province and is known for its fertile tea plantations, spectacular views, and charming historic churches. Delve into the colonial and religious past by stopping in at the 18th-century Christ Church, which features gorgeous stained glass windows and contains a well-preserved bible dating from 1878. The church is one of the oldest Anglican churches in the country. Warleigh Church, with its serene atmosphere, pipe organ, and antique furniture, is also worth a visit. Attractions nearby include the magnificent St. Clair Major Falls and Devon Falls, and the Castlereigh Reservoir, decorated with wonderful hiking trails and lookout points.
Ella is a delightful little town nestled in Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, located in the Badulla District at an elevation of 1,041 meters above sea level. It's famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, cool climate, and cultural attractions that cater to all kinds of travelers.
The town's most prominent feature is its picturesque location, surrounded by lush green tea plantations and misty mountains. The journey to Ella is an adventure in itself, as visitors can take a scenic train ride from either Kandy or Nuwara Eliya to Ella, considered one of the most beautiful train rides globally, with stunning views all along the way.
The town is also a paradise for hikers, with several trails, including the famous Ella Rock hike, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Besides hiking, visitors can also relax and rejuvenate at the many yoga and meditation centers and indulge in traditional Ayurvedic treatments.
Ella is also rich in cultural attractions. The Ravana Ella Cave is a must-visit, as it's believed to be where the demon king Ravana hid Princess Sita in the epic Ramayana. A short hike through a waterfall leads to the cave.
One of the best experiences in Ella is hiking Little Adam's Peak, which offers stunning views of the hills and tea plantations. It's a relatively easy hike that takes about 30-45 minutes to complete. The summit is named after the larger Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) and is a great alternative for those who want to avoid the more challenging climb to the summit of Adam's Peak.
The Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the Demodara Bridge, is another must-visit attraction in Ella. Built during the British colonial period, the bridge is an engineering marvel made of brick, cement, and stone, spanning a picturesque valley surrounded by tea plantations. Visitors can watch trains pass over the bridge from a nearby viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the bridge and the surrounding landscape.
Overall, Ella is a charming and picturesque town that offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all interests.
Yala, Sri Lanka, is a picturesque region located in the southeast corner of the island nation. This beautiful area boasts stunning landscapes, majestic wildlife, and extraordinary cultural attractions. One of the must-visit destinations in Yala is Buduruwagala, a fascinating complex of ancient Buddhist rock carvings that date back to the 8th century. Visitors can marvel at the intricate details and impressive size of the sculptures, which include a towering 51-foot-high image of the Buddha. For nature lovers, Yala National Park is the island's undisputed centrepiece, with a leopard density that's reportedly higher than anywhere else on this planet and a varied landscape from dense forests to moist wetlands. For the spiritually inclined, Kebiliththa in Block 4 of the Yala National Park is a place considered highly sacred by Buddhists and Hindus alike, who flock here to meditate.
Located in southern Sri Lanka, just south of the historic town of Galle, and a one hour drive from the capital, Colombo, the coastal town of Unawatuna offers magnificent beaches, unique wildlife and excellent, chic restaurants. Boasting several incredible palm-lined, white sanded beaches, including an enormous rope swing from the palms at the Dalawella and Wijaya Beach, Unawatuna is an idyllic destination for swimming, lazy days of sunbathing, and enthralling photographic opportunities. At the Sea Turtle Farm and Hatchery, animal lovers can see the delightful endangered species in their natural habitat. A wide range of world-class establishments including hotels, shops and bars make the town a trendy and sociable destination. Make sure to watch the sunset from the heights of the historic Galle Fort wall, an incredible architectural wonder with Dutch, Portuguese and British influences.
Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, has a range of tourist attractions to offer visitors. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Colombo:
- Gangaramaya Temple: A beautiful and well-known Buddhist temple, Gangaramaya features a museum, library, and several impressive buildings and shrines.
- Galle Face Green: This scenic promenade is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It is a great place to enjoy an evening stroll, watch the sunset, and sample local street food.
- National Museum of Colombo: The museum showcases the country's rich history, art, and culture. It has a wide range of exhibits, including artifacts from the ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka.
- Old Town Hall: The colonial-era building now serves as the Colombo City Hall. It is a stunning piece of architecture and has been beautifully restored.
- Viharamahadevi Park: This public park is located in the heart of the city and is a popular spot for picnics, jogging, and relaxing. It also features a children's play area and a statue of Queen Viharamahadevi.
- Pettah Market: This bustling market is a great place to experience the vibrant local culture and sample traditional Sri Lankan food. Visitors can buy everything from spices and souvenirs to clothes and electronics.
- Beira Lake: This picturesque lake is located in the heart of Colombo and is a great spot for a relaxing boat ride or a peaceful stroll around the perimeter.
- Mount Lavinia Beach: This popular beach is located just outside the city and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Colombo. It offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and a range of water sports activities.
These are just a few of the many attractions that Colombo has to offer. The city is full of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka.
