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.
The capital of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, Anuradhapura is an impressive major city set on the banks of the Malvathu River. This is an important heritage area, recognised by UNESCO. The city developed around the sacred, third-century ‘tree of enlightenment, Sri Maha Bodhi, said to be the oldest tree on earth, looked after for 2000 years. A massive collection of ancient ruins encompasses monasteries, palaces, and other monuments, and is surrounded by beautiful green jungle. Numerous sites are still used for religious ceremonies today. Must-sees include the massive Abhayagiri Dagoba, (‘Hill of Protection’), the stunning Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, guarded by the statues of 344 elephants; and the Jetavanarama Dagoba, which was, at the time of construction, the third-largest building in the world (after the two pyramids), and was the site of one of the first Buddhist sermons.
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.
Kandy is a beautiful city located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is considered to be the cultural capital of the country and is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions that are worth visiting.
One of the most famous attractions in Kandy is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This temple is believed to house a tooth relic of the Buddha, and it is one of the most sacred places of worship for Buddhists around the world.
Another popular attraction in Kandy is the Royal Botanical Gardens, which are located about 5 km from the city center. The gardens are home to a wide variety of plants and trees from all over the world, and visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk among the beautiful flowers and foliage.
Kandy is also known for its beautiful architecture, and there are a number of historic buildings and temples worth visiting. The city's colonial history is evident in buildings such as the Queen's Hotel and the Old Kandy Market, while the Lankatilaka Vihara and the Gadaladeniya Temple are two of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the area.
In addition to its cultural attractions, Kandy is also a great place to experience Sri Lankan cuisine and shopping. The city's vibrant markets and food stalls offer a wide variety of local dishes and snacks, while the city's handicraft shops are a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts.
Overall, Kandy is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Sri Lanka who is interested in history, culture, and natural beauty.
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.
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.
Watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean at exquisite Bentota Beach. This stretch of tropical coastline on the west coast of Sri Lanka offers pristine beaches fringed by a string of resorts, well hidden in the tropical foliage bordering the beach. Water sport activities are on offer for adrenalin seekers, otherwise head to the Bentota River to explore the mangrove waterways, where you'll find a plethora of colourful birds and a variety of small reptiles. If you’re looking for the ‘Riviera’ of Sri Lanka, this is it.
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.
