Sri Lanka might be a small Indian Ocean island, but this is the only small thing about it. The nation, formerly known as Ceylon, features an ancient civilization and golden sandy beaches with swaying cocoon palms.
During the island trip, from the period the Portuguese, Dutch and English dominated, you will explore colonial architecture. You can also see many elephants, including elephants who are part of local festivals, and maybe a leopard or two, if you are lucky, at a wildlife sanctuary.
Here’s a look at Sri Lanka’s best places to visit:
No. 10. Hikkaduwa
North of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka is Hikkaduwa, a remote seaside town of Hikkaduwa.
The area is crammed full of cheap guesthouses, tourist shops and many cafes and restaurants, and it’s full of tourists who come for a bit of sand and a chilled out day. The area is filled with inexpensive guest houses, tourist shops and plenty of cafes and restaurants for a chilled-out night.
It may have lost its charm after visitors began arriving here in the 1970s, but it could be the spot for you if you would like to spend some days by the water.
No. 9. Ella
Located in a beautiful environment, Ella is a charming place to spend your time with wooded hills, sweeping valleys and picturesque thermal plantations. The train journey to Ella from Kandy is legendary and carries you up the lush green hills in a colourful cab.
Ella herself might be small, however, it’s definitely well worth your time if you like hiking or simply relaxing in the peaceful and calm nature. Walk to some of the nearby waterfalls and temples and the top of Ella Rock for amazing views.
No. 8. Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is an ancient holy town built round the fig tree of Buddha.
The founder of a group of Buddhist monks established Anuradhapura in the third century BC. This splendid city has been flourishing in the late 10th Century for 1,300 years, but it has been abandoned following its invasion.
Like the Machu Picchu of Peru, it was well known to local people, but not to many until many centuries later it was “discovered” by Europeans. These fantastic ruins have been excavated since that time and are accessible to the public.
No. 7. Colombo
Since more than two thousand years since its great natural port became popular with the ancient trades from Italy to China, Colombo has been Sri Lanka’s commercial capital. This is often known as the capital of the country, but in a nearby town, there is the legislative capital.
Colombo is a popular tourist destination governed by the first Portuguese and then British . The region combines urban centres and skyscrapers with majestic colonial constructions.
In the region there are a number of architectural styles with the Hindu Temple of Murugan as one of the strongest.
No. 6. Yala National Park.
Yala National Park is about 250 miles from Colombo, a haven for wildlife.
It has the largest leopard number in the country, and it is very possible that it is observed. Elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles pursue them quite closely, while leopards are the main attraction here.
The park is divided into five sections, some of which were attached to Yala until 1938, when it finally became a national park. Make sure you make room for interesting offerings from the environment and visit the very helpful visitor centre in the park entrance.
No. 5. Mirissa
If you’re looking for a holiday in a tropical paradise, Mirissa could be the answer to your dreams: swinging coconut palms, beautiful golden sand beaches, days spent rocking in a hammock. This crescent-shaped slice of paradise is renowned for Sri Lanka’s most beautiful sunsets and sunrises.
There are no lavish facilities, so it’s just you and the ocean during the day.
Night’s pace picks up. Mirissa is South Coast’s main fishing port and a popular place to watch dolphins and whales.
No. 4. Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s second oldest state, is renowned for the remains of this ancient garden city. The 12th-century ruins are among the country’s best known. Polonnaruwa was a place where, in many temples, exotic merchants mingled with worshippers.
Start your Archeological Museum tour, then proceed to the Royal Palace with its well-preserved audience hall. The breathtaking Holy Quadrangle is another must-see here.
No. 3. Kandy
The gateway to central hills and tropical forests, which cultivate both tea and rubber, is the Kandy, the second-largest city in Sri Lanka. On the route that is known to be one of the country’s most beautiful routes, you can enter rubber plantations from Colombo.
The Temple of the Tooth Statue, one of the most revered Buddhist prototypes of the world, is the last seat of the ancient kingdoms. The tooth is a remnant of a big colourful festival in the region. Film buffs could be interested in learning that Kandy was a base in Indiana Jones and the Doom Temple.
No. 2. Galle
The most popular attraction in Galle is its fort of the Netherlands founded in the 17th century. The fort is located in a promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean and its architectural style. Galle is seen as a prime fortified town example.
Nevertheless, the fortress isn’t just another beautiful place; it holds courts and companies today. Galle is recognized as a city of arts and its culture of expatriates.
The natural harbour, the oldest lighthouse in Sri Lanka, marine museums and the Jesuit Temple Shiva, St. Mary’s Cathedral have also been among the main historic attractions.
No. 1. Sigiriya
Archaeologists who want to find Sigiriya have to put Sri Lanka on their list of must-see sites. Built on a steep slope, this old town is topped by a almost 600 meters tall plateau. This hill, which overlooks the below jungles, is known as Lion’s Peak.
This ranges from the third century BC when it was a temple. The old rock structure remains. It became a royal house later on. The site is accessible from the lion’s mouth through staircases and rooms. You will see also wetlands, parks and baths. The locals recognize the location as the world’s eighth miracle.
