Destination: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia
Sri Lanka’s history goes back 3,000 years, with evidence of prehistoric human settlements that date to at least 125,000 years ago. It has a rich cultural heritage. Sri Lanka’s geographic location and deep harbors have made it of great strategic importance, from the earliest days of the ancient Silk Route.
Because its location made it a major trading hub, it was already known to both Far Easterners and Europeans. The Country’s trade in luxury goods and spices attracted traders from many nations, which helped to create Sri Lanka’s diverse population
Today, Sri Lanka is home to diverse cultures, languages, and ethnicities. The Sinhalese are the majority of the nation’s population. The Tamils who are a large minority group, have also played an influential role in the island’s history.
During the protohistoric period (1000–500 BCE) Sri Lanka was culturally united with southern India and shared the same megalithic burials, Pottery, iron technology, and farming techniques. This cultural complex spread from southern India along with the Dravidian clans.

Following are the main tourist attractions of Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura

This sacred city of Sri Lanka endows you with a few of the most evocative and exotic sights of Asia. Famous for temple ruins, soaring brick towers, enormous dagobas (stupas), and ancient pools, this religious capital brings you to the land of the sacred Bodhi tree.

Revered as one of the main shrine cities of Buddhism, it was revived after1870s. Do not miss to see the Bodhi Tree, the oldest surviving tree in the world. Get mesmerized by watching the sunset in Ruwanwelisaya, the magnificent stupa decorated with 1900 figures of elephants. Visit Thuparamaya, the first of innumerable dagobas built in Sri Lanka believed to preserve the collar bone of Lord Buddha.

The ruins of Lovamahapaya, the ‘Brazen Palace’ covered with bronze tiles must be included in your travel itinerary. Make sure that you have an ethereal view of Anuradhapura from the Mihintale mountain peak.

Polonnaruwa

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa was originally enveloped by three concentric walls. Now its majestic ruins cover an extensive woodland area, including a royal palace complex, a cluster of religious buildings, enormous monuments, and spell-binding monasteries. It is also included in the World Heritage Site list of UNESCO.

The main monasteries in Polonnaruwa include Rankot Vihara, Menik Vihara, Jetavana, and Alahana Pirivena. The captivating artificial lake of Parakrama Samudra is located to the west of the city. The waterside Potgul Mawatha offers you an ethereal view of the sunset as you take a casual stroll.

Kandy

Fondly called as the ‘cultural capital of Sri Lanka’, it is famous for its rich heritage and culture. The Temple of Tooth, one of the most sacred and ancient Buddhist shrines, is known for preserving Lord Buddha’s teeth. Built in the 17th century, daily rituals performed thrice every day add to its charm and aura.

The Gadaladeniya Temple in Kandy flaunts the artistic significance of Dravidian architecture. For nature lovers, visiting the Peradeniya Gardens is a slice of heaven. One can spot more than 300 different varieties of spices at Orchid Garden.

Learn about the Ayurvedic medicine and indigenous spices of Sri Lanka at the Spice Garden in Kandy. Watch the enthralling sunrise from the Knuckle Mountains, comprising 35 peaks and undulating valleys.

Kitulgala

This small town and rainforest area is the best adventure destination in Sri Lanka. Known for being one of the wettest places on the island, it is popular for bird watching, jungle safari, white river rafting, jungle walks, waterfall jumps, and casual weekend strolls.

The Kelani River has been captured in several movies, one of them being the internationally acclaimed movie ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai.’ It also offers a tempting place to swim, wash, and simply play.

Kitulgala camping is highly recommended as a weekend destination. Situated close to Colombo, this leisure base also has rainforest trails, flat water rafting, adventure training camps, river expeditions, and Water Fall Abseiling.

Nuwara Eliya

It is locally called ‘Little England,’ it offers you an English village ambiance, surrealist Victorian nostalgia, rose gardens, colonial bungalows, and well-tended hedgerows.

Its name means ‘the City of Light’ in local dialect. Originally it used to be a hill station for Scottish and English pioneers of the famous tea industry of Sri Lanka. Sports-car hill climbs; horse racing and Sri Lankan tea must be experienced.

Colombo

The largest city and capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is famous for its rich colonial heritage, southern beaches, museums, stylish eateries, and galleries. It is an excellent start to a captivating end to your Sri Lanka Travel.

Sri Lanka Travel guide recommends eating seafood at Mt Lavinia Beach in Colombo, visiting the Gangarama Vihara, getting wild at Leisure World amusement park, and trying out your hand at roulette or baccarat in Colombo casinos.

Shopping in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is known for precious stones, Ceylon tea, Makara handicrafts, and the latest international fashion attires. Other popular items include lace, tea sets, handloom textiles, batik, ritual masks, and lacquerware.

Festivals in Sri Lanka

Festivals are the lifeline of Sri Lanka. You can also opt for a Sri Lanka tour during festivals like Thai Pongal (January), Maha Shivaratri (March), Jaffna Musical Festival (March), Sinhalese New Year (April), Dussehra (September) and World Spice Food Festival (October).

When to Reach

The best time to indulge in a Sri Lanka Trip if you are visiting the East Coast is from May to September while the West Coast is a preferred destination from December to March.

How to Reach

Sri Lanka is accessible mainly through air. Direct flights from Asia, Europe, West Asia, and the United States are available to Colombo. Land transport is opted for domestic travel within the island.

In a nutshell, it does not matter what you are searching for, be it adventure, spirituality, or spices, Sri Lanka Tourism is the main destination for you. Set yourself free and experience the magic of this ethereal destination.