The second major city in Sri Lanka (the other being Colombo) lies at the centre of the Kandy Plateau, an area of beautiful tropical tea plantations. A magnificent must-see feature of the area is Kandy Lake, to the north of which lies the golden-roofed Temple of The Tooth (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important place for Buddhist worship, as it is said to house a tooth relic of Buddha). Other fascinating places to visit include the Ceylon Tea Museum, the Buddhist Publication Society, the Ayurvedic centre in the Amaya Hills nearby, the Kandyan Art Association and Cultural Centre, where craftspeople can be seen at work, and the Kandy Muslim Hotel, which offers the finest spiced curries served with naan or Rotis.
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.
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.
The large port town of Tangalle, in the southern province of Sri Lanka, offers locals superb fishing opportunities from a haven of sandy beaches, interspersed with photogenic rocky outcrops (giving the town its name - which means ‘projected rock’). Remnants of Dutch colonialism can be seen in the architecture; for example, in an old fort functioning as a prison today. The town serves as a starting point for a visit to the rock temple of Mulkirigala, situated on a rocky crag some 16 kilometres to the north. The temple consists of seven caves on five terraced levels, where visitors can view a number of large reclining Buddha statues interspersed with smaller sitting and standing figures, as well as some fantastical wall paintings.
Located in southwestern Sri Lanka just 20 minute drive from Colombo airport, Kotugoda is a charming town surrounded by coconut plantations, rice paddies, and tea fields. The sleepy village makes a perfect laid-back base for trips to the stunning Negombo Lagoon, pristine beaches, wonderful fish markets, and enthralling sacred temples, cultural sites, and museums. Sample local Sri Lankan cuisine such as seeni sambal and chicken curry, enjoy a spot of high-tea overlooking the valleys, walk among the breathtaking Wallawwa formal gardens, or indulge in a massage at one of the local luxury spas. Other popular activities include bird watching, fishing, guided nature as well as city tours of Colombo in the south and Negombo in the north.
