Travel to Sri Lanka
It is not possible to see everything that Sri Lanka has to offer in a single trip – we don’t suggest you try. What follows is a selective taste of the island’s highlights: outstanding religious and cultural sites, memorable scenery, wildlife and spectacular festivals.
1) Yala National Park
The country’s most popular and rewarding national park, home to birds, monkeys, crocodiles and elephants, as well as the island’s largest population of leopards.
2) Cricket
Take part in a knock-around on the beach, or join the crowds of cricket-crazy spectators for a Test, or one-day international in Colombo, Kandy.
3) Adam’s Peak
One of the island’s foremost pilgrimage sites, this soaring summit bears the revered impression of what is said to be the Buddha’s own footprint, and offers the island’s most magical, and enigmatic views.
4) Big Buddhas
The Buddha’s superhuman attributes are captured in sequence of massive statues which dot the island, from the majestic ancient figures of Gal Vhara, Aukana and Sasseruwa to the contemporary colossal at Dambulla,Wewurukannala and elsewhere.
5) World’s End
Marking the point at which the hill country’s southern escarpment plunges sheer for almost a kilometer to the plains below, these dramatic cliffs offer one of the finest of the hill country’s many unforgettable views.
6) Rice and Curry
Eat your way through this classic Sri Lankan feast with its mouthwatering selection of contrasting dishes and flavors.
7) Ayurveda
Sri Lanka’s ancient system of healthcare uses herbal medicine and a range of traditional techniques to rejuvenate the body and promote holistic well being.
Anuradhapura
From immense dagobas to mysterious forest monasteries, this vast ruined city bears witness to great Sinhalese civilization which flourished here for almost 1500 years.
9) Bawa hotels
With their memorable blend of modern chic and superb natural settings, the hotels of architect Geoffrey Bawa exemplify contemporary Sri Lankan style at its most seductive.
10) Birds
Travel to Sri Lanka and experience one of Asia’s classic birdwatching destinations. Sri Lanka has bird species ranging from delicate bee eaters and colorful kingfishers to majestic hornbills.
11) Galle
Sri Lanka’s most perfectly preserved colonial townscape with sedate streets of personable Dutch-era villas enclosed by a chain of imposing rampages.
12) Kandy Esala Perahera
One of Asia’s most spectacular festivals, with huge procession of magnificently caparisoned elephants accompanied by ear splitting troupes of Kandyan drummers, plus assorted dancers and acrobats.
13) Ella
Travel to Sri Lanka also offers one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful village, offering verdant walks amongst the surrounding tea plantations and a marvelous view through Ella Gap to the plains below.
14) Kataragma
Join the crowds thronging to the colorful nightly temple ceremonies at this remote pilgrimage town, held sacred by Budhhist, Hindus and Muslims alike.
15) Bentota
The pleasantly unspoiled southern end of Bentota beach is home to the island’s finest selection of luxury beachside hotels.
16) Arugam Bay
Crashed-out little east coast beach retreat, with a sociable atmosphere, world-class surfing and wide range of absorbing attractions in the surrounding countryside.
17) Polonnaruwa
If you travel to Sri Lanka, you will discover it is home to the island’s finest collection of ancient Sinhalese art and architecture, from the giant Buddha statues of the Gal Vihara to the remarkable religious buildings of the Quadrangle.
18) Whale-watching, Mirissa
Head out to sea in search of majestic blue and sperm whales, which migrate to and fro around southern Sri Lanka, and can regularly be seen within a few miles of the coast.
Travel to Sri Lanka? Wait, there is more!
19) Sigiriya
Climb the towering rock outcrop of Sigiriya, home to the fascinating remains of one of the island’s former capital, complete with ancient graffiti, elaborate water gardens and perfectly preserved frescoes of voluptuous heavenly nymphs.
20) Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage
One of the island’s most popular attractions, Pinnewala is home to the world’s largest troupe of captive elephants best seen during their twice daily river bathing sessions.
21) The Pettah
Colombo’s colorful and chaotic bazaar district offers an exhilarating slice of Asian life, crammed with shoppers, traders, tuktuks and bewildering assortment of merchandise.
22) Kandyan dancing and drumming
Traditional Sinhalese culture at its most exuberant, with brilliantly costumed dancers performing carefully stylized dances to an accompaniment of explosively energetic drumming.
23) Kandy
Beautifully situated amidst the central highlands, this historic city remains the island’s most important repository of traditional Sinhalese culture, exemplified by the great Esala Perahera festival and the Temple of the tooth.
24) Unawatuna
The island’s most popular backpacker beach boasts a sheltered swathe of sand tuckered into a picturesque bay, and a lively cluster of beachfront cafes and guesthouses.
25) Dambulla
Travel to Sri Lanka also includes these five magical cave temples are a treasure box of Sri Lankan Buddhist art, sumptuously decorated with a fascinating array of statues and shrines the country’s finest collection of murals.
