The only thing that makes Sri Lanka a little island is that it lies in the Indian Ocean. The nation, formerly known as Ceylon, has mountains, golden sand beaches with swaying coconut palms, and rubber and tea plantations. It also has an ancient civilization.
You can see colonial buildings from the time the Portuguese, Dutch, and English ruled the island while you were there. Many elephants will be there, some of which will participate in local festivals, and if you’re lucky, a leopard or two in a wildlife refuge. Listed below is a list of Sri Lanka’s top tourist destinations:
- Sigiriya
Sigiriya ought to be of the must-see destinations to visit in Sri Lanka for want to be archaeologists. An almost 180 meters (600-foot) high plateau sits on the steep slope on which this ancient settlement is perched.
This pinnacle, which watches over the jungles below, is referred to as Lion’s Rock. There are also ponds, gardens, and fountains.
This venerable rock stronghold was once a monastery and dates to the third century BC. Later, they converted it into a royal home. The location is regarded as the world’s eighth wonder by the locals.
2. Bentota
Bentota is a multi-faceted tourist destination on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, with coconut palms that sway in the breeze. Bentota, one of Sri Lanka’s most well-known beaches, is, first and foremost, an Indian Ocean beach resort with an abundance of water sports available, including surfing, sailing, and snorkeling.
A sea turtle hatchery and conservation center that keeps track of five of the seven sea turtle species found worldwide is an excellent place to go when you need a swap of scenery. Magnificent gardens, a fortification built in the 17th century, and a Buddhist temple built in the Middle Ages.
3. Nuwara Eliya
Sri Lanka’s tea is well known. There is no better place to learn about tea than in Nuwara Eliya, the town’s origin. Nuwara Eliya, at the height of 1,900 meters (6,100 feet) and a moderate temperature, is where most of the nation’s tea is produced.
Learn about tea production by visiting a tea plantation. This hill country, hamlet, was founded in the 19th century and quickly earned the nickname Little England due to its popularity as a haven for British colonists.
Travel is best done in April because visitors are most plentiful to take advantage of the flowers and the Sri Lankan New Year. Laxapana, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous waterfalls, is one of the additional locations.
4. Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is an old holy city built around a piece of the Buddha’s fig tree. Anuradhapura, which dates back to the third century BC, was founded by the head of a Buddhist nuns’ order.
After being attacked in the late 10th century, this beautiful city of palaces, temples, and monuments was left in ruins after flourishing for 1,300 years. Like Machu Picchu in Peru, natives were aware of it, but few outsiders were until it was “discovered” by Europeans many centuries later. Since then, these incredible ruins have been excavated and are open to the public for viewing.
5. Colombo
Since more than 2,000 years ago, when Colombo’s sizable natural port made it popular with ancient traders from Italy to China, it has served as the nation’s commercial hub. Although the legislative capital is in a neighboring city, it is frequently referred to as the country’s capital.
Colombo is a well-liked tourist attraction and was once ruled over by colonies, first the Portuguese and later the British. Galle Face Green, a strip park beside the Indian Ocean, is among the most well-liked attractions. It would help if you did not miss the famous for its blend of ethnic architectural forms Gangaramaya Temple.
6. Yala National Park
Yala National Park is a wildlife refuge located around 240 kilometers (150 miles) from Colombo, where animals dominate the roost, the earth, and the sky. Numerous activities are available in Yala. The first part of your trip will be a safari where you can view some of the species that are more common here than everywhere else, such as elephants, water buffalo, and leopards. Due to the leopard breeding season, the park closes in September.
In addition, 215 different bird species may be found in the park, including seven locals. The Sithulpauwwa ancient rock temple, where 12,000 monks formerly resided, and the Magul Maha Viharaya, the site of a former royal wedding, are among the top attractions in addition to the wildlife.
7. Mirissa
Mirissa may answer your thoughts of a tropical paradise vacation with swaying coconut trees, stunning golden sand beaches, and days spent rocking away in a hammock. There aren’t many things better than this.
This crescent-shaped slice of heaven is renowned for having some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful sunsets and sunrises. There aren’t any opulent resorts to deface the scenery, so all that’s left is the beach and the peace throughout the day. The tempo quickens at night. The major fishing port on the south coast is Mirissa, an excellent location for whale and dolphin viewing
8. Polonnaruwa
Usually, “beauty” and “beast” go hand in hand, but at Polonnaruwa, beauty is best paired with “rubble.” The remains of this ancient garden city can be seen in Polonnaruwa, the second-oldest kingdom in Sri Lanka.
Some of the best wrecks in the nation are those from the 12th century. In Polonnaruwa, visitors to the city’s numerous temples mixed with vendors selling strange products.
The Archaeological Museum is an excellent place to start your trip in Polonnaruwa. Next, go to the enormous (50 structures) Royal Palace to see its impressive audience hall. Another must-see place in this area is the wonderfully ornamented Sacred Quadrangle.
9. Kandy
The Central Highlands and its tropical plantations, which cultivate tea and rubber, are accessible from Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second-largest city. A road regarded as one of the most amazing in the nation passes through rubber plantations if you travel from Colombo.
One of the holiest Buddhist temples in the world, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, is located in Kandy, the final capital of the ancient kings. Taking the tooth artifact throughout the city is a big, vibrant festivity. Kandy was a crucial setting in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which would interest movie lovers.
10. Galle
A fortified city is often compared to Galle as a model. The 17th-century Dutch colonial fort in Galle is the city’s most well-known landmark. The fortress, perched on a rocky outcrop with a view of the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its distinctive architectural design.
However, the stronghold is more than just a picturesque location because it now serves as a home for courts and enterprises. With around a third of the city’s properties owned by foreigners, Galle is gaining recognition as an artistic community and for its ex-pat population.
The St. Mary’s Cathedral, built by the Jesuits, a natural port, Sri Lanka’s oldest lighthouse, a marine museum, a notable Shiva temple, and others are among the top sights.
