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.
Sandwiched between the bustling capital of Colombo and the thriving city of Kandy in Sri Lanka's central highlands, the attractive town of Kegalle serves as the main commercial centre of the Kegalle District and the gateway to the naturally beautiful central hill-country. The town offers panoramic views of the lush rolling hills, which are dotted with an array of unusual temples - many of which have been built around natural caves. Other popular attractions in the area include the exquisite Algama Falls, which feature lovely natural swimming pools; the gorgeous Wewaladeniya Viharaya temple, located in the middle of town; a number of beautiful spice plantations; and the nearby village of Molagoda, which is renowned for its traditional clay-based handcrafts.
Due to its high altitude, the city of Bandarawela is blessed with a cooler, less humid climate than the rest of Sri Lanka. This pleasant climate makes it an ideal base for travellers touring the nation’s extraordinarily beautiful Hill Country. The city is far from a tourist trap and has a wonderfully authentic Sri Lankan feel and the atmosphere of a colourful, bustling market town. Bandarawela’s star attraction is undoubtedly the Dowa Temple. This remarkable 2000-year-old cave shrine is carved into solid rock and is adorned with Sri Lankan Buddhist murals and an extraordinarily ornate Buddha statue carved into the rock face. Not-to-be-missed attractions include the impressive Horton’s Plains National Park; the area’s numerous lovely tea plantations, many of which welcome visitors; and the picturesque landscapes of the famously beautiful surrounding Hill Country.
Tissamaharama, also known as Tissa, is a major starting point for wildlife safaris in Sri Lanka’s most famous national park, Yala, officially known as Ruhuna National Park. Surrounded by rice paddies and ancient temples, Tissamaharama is known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural surrounds. Aside from its plentiful cultural and religious offerings, it is also a nature lover’s paradise. The Tissa Lake attracts flocks of roosting egrets, and a safari in the Yala National Park is a must. It covers an area of 1 260 square kilometres, but only one fifth is open to visitors. The remainder is designated as a natural reserve home to various wildlife, including elephants, leopards, sloth bears, water buffalos, wild boars, golden jackals, and spotted deer.
Weligama is a serene and unspoilt seaside town, with a lovely beach that stretches around a wide, half-moon-shaped bay. It’s an interesting blend of an authentic fishing village and an upscale resort town - with a dusting of five-star accommodation complemented by a traditional coastal culture. It’s located just a 40-minute drive from the cosmopolitan city of Galle - one of southern Sri Lanka’s premier tourist destinations - and offers both a tranquil diversion from the city’s pulsating pace and smorgasboard of activities. If it’s rest and relaxation you’re after, you need look no further than Weligama’s pristine shores. Don’t forget to pick up some of the handcrafted lace for which the town is renowned.
