Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean known for its spectacular beaches, thousand-year-old Buddhist temples, abundance of wildlife, and rich archaeological history. The plethora of water sports, breathtaking sunsets, sprawling tea gardens, and mouth-watering Sri Lankan food will surely make you fall in love with this gorgeous place.
The island’s coastline stretches for approximately 1,340 kilometers (832 miles) and is dotted with palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Additionally, the island is known for its marine life, and visitors can enjoy whale watching in Mirissa or diving and snorkeling along the stunning coral reefs. The beach towns of Weligama, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, and the scenic fort city of Galle are perfect for a laid-back vacation.
Colombo is Sri Lanka’s capital and usually the entry to the island nation offering many attractions including temples, gardens, malls & casinos and a brilliant nightlife.
Kandy, the spiritual capital of Sri Lanka is famous for the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Buddhist places in the world. Nearby Dambulla Cave Temple is another UNESCO world heritage site which displays over 150 priceless Buddha statues, intricate sacred cave paintings, and huge murals. It is Sri Lanka’s best-preserved Buddhist shrine within ancient caves.
Ancient cities like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya are UNESCO World Heritage Sites dotted across the country that showcase impressive archaeological ruins, including towering stupas, ancient palaces, and intricately carved temples. The Cultural Triangle, encompassing these destinations, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
Colombo
Discovered initially by traders two millennia ago, Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest economic corridor and tourist destination. As the island nation’s capital city, Colombo is a cosmopolitan gateway to the wonders of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial heritage, splendid tropical landscapes and delectable cuisines. The city is well connected to other places in Sri Lanka by rail and road.
It is in Colombo that you can find it all; from the Lotus Tower, South Asia’s tallest freestanding structure, world-class casinos like Bellagio and Ballys, and cinnamon plantation hiking trails. The city identifies with the classic form of urban tourism and offers a great experience of sightseeing, shopping and nightlife. Taking an open deck bus tour is the best way to sightsee around the city on a day of pleasant weather. Against the ocean at Galle Face Green Promenade, Galle Fort and Lighthouse showcase astonishing Victorian relics in a snazzy neighbourhood with cafes. Pettah Market, acclaimed as a shopaholic’s abode by tourists and locals, features vibrant oriental themes and colourful shops.
Kandy
Settled on a plateau encircled by lush mountains, Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka with biodiverse rainforests and tea plantations. Around 4 hours by road from Colombo, the city is famed for the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Buddhist places in the world. Kandy is bountiful in nature with national parks like Udawattekele Sanctuary, and mystical cloud-laden peaks like Hanthana Mountain Range. Truly, the city is an epicentre of cultural, historical, spiritual and nature tourism.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya, often referred to as the “Lion Rock,” is an ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka. It is located between Dambulla and Habarane and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Rising dramatically from the surrounding plains, Sigiriya is a colossal rock formation standing around 200 meters tall. Its sheer vertical walls and flattened summit once served as a fortified royal citadel.
Sigiriya dates back to the 5th century AD when King Kashyapa chose this site as his capital and built a magnificent palace atop the rock. The fortress was abandoned after his death and transformed into a Buddhist monastery. There is a huge gateway shaped like a lion, and the place derives its name from this gateway. The rock fortress showcases the advanced engineering and architectural prowess of ancient Sri Lankan civilization.
Galle
Tucked into the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, Galle is a major city and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Blessed with imposing Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient churches and mosques, blond beaches, mansions and museums, quirky boutiques, and a convivial seaside promenade, Galle attracts locals, foreign travellers, history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Galle consists of a new side and an old side. The old part inside the walls, called Galle Fort, or the Dutch Fort, is the highlight of the city. It is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a fortress wall that offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Inside the fort, visitors can explore the Dutch Reformed Church, the Old Dutch Hospital (now a shopping and dining complex), and various colonial-era houses and mansions. The Galle Lighthouse stands as a prominent landmark near the fort. It provides picturesque views of the coastline and the Indian Ocean.
Ella
Tucked into Badulla District, Ella is a charming laidback town drawing travelers to Sri Lanka’s highlands with tea plantations, mountain jungles, and a cool climate. At an elevation of 1,041 meters, this wildlife-rich town has ancient caves, centuries-old secluded temples, and the famous Ella Gap – a cleft between two hills overlooking lofty views. Ella is just 200km from Colombo, and its central location makes it a great starting point for exploring Sri Lanka’s beautiful hill side.
The town is most famous for its iconic nine arches railway bridge which is a fine example of colonial-era construction in Sri Lanka. A trek down the railway track to the bridge is a popular activity, especially around the time the train arrives. There are numerous quaint cafes, walking trails and guest houses nestled in the hills for a peaceful getaway. One can also visit the famous Lipton’s Seat where the tea mogul Sir Thomas Lipton would oversee his ever-expanding empire.