See the Beauty of Sri Lanka: What are the Top Must-Visit Destinations?

Discover the heaven in the island of Sri Lanka. Whether you are interested in sun and sand, wildlife and nature, or history and culture, this island paradise has it all. No matter what you are looking for, be it relaxation, an adrenaline rush or history and culture, Sri Lanka has it all.

Find out what are the best travel destinations that can unveil the splendor of this marvelous country. Discover the energetic atmosphere and the profound heritage of Sri Lanka’s capital – Colombo. Visit the historical sites and monuments of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa which reveals the history of the ancient world. Witness the majestic wildlife in Yala National Park that has leopards, elephants and many more colourful birds.

Visit Nuwara Eliya, the city of ‘Little England’ with stunning views of tea country and gorgeous buildings. Taste the spices of Sri Lankan food and join the celebrations of local festivities and cultural events.
If you are a lover of nature or a history lover or in search of a different kind of vacation Sri Lanka will not disappoint you and will leave you awe-inspired. Start your voyage and explore all the secrets of this enchanting island.

Cultural and historical attractions in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a country that is endowed with a wealth of culture and history as seen in the architectural marvels and archeological sites. Among all the places, it is necessary to mention the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, which is a bustling city that combines both ancient and modern architecture. The Galle Face Green, one of the most popular beach zones in Sri Lanka that has been a popular destination since the colonial times. Stroll through the narrow lanes of the Pettah district, where you can watch the markets come alive, observe the architecture of the British era, and listen to the heartbeat of the city.

Another amazing historical site that tourists cannot afford to miss is the Sigiriya, which is a world heritage site that dates back to the ancient period. Visit the ‘Lion Rock’ which is a huge rock which was a palace of a king in the past. During the climb, one will have the privilege of viewing the stunning sceneries of the surrounding terrains and the beautiful paintings on the face of the rock. Not far from there, the second largest city of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa, which is also enlisted as the world heritage site, exhibits the ruins of the medieval kingdoms of Sri Lanka. Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and explore the ruins of temples, palaces, and monuments that testify to the architectural and engineering genius of the ancient Sri Lankan civilization.

The city of Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, situated in the central highlands is culturally very significant. Go to the Temple of the Tooth, which enshrines a tooth of Buddha, and see how people pay their respects and how the temple functions on a daily basis. Take a boat ride on the beautiful Kandy Lake and visit the Bazaar area, which offers an opportunity to purchase souvenirs made by local artisans. The Dambulla Cave Temple, a World Heritage Site, is another attraction that should not be missed; the walls of this cave are adorned with frescoes and contain ancient statues of Buddha.

Natural wonders and landscapes in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world with many different terrains including tropical rainforests and mountains. Another natural treasure is the Ella Gap which is a mountain pass that has great views of the hills and valleys around it. Visit Ella rock or little Adam’s peak to have a view of this magnificent area, and for a serene experience take a walk through the tea estates that dominate the hillsides.

Another natural wonder is situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Horton Plains National Park. This is a high altitude plateau country having a special bio-geographical feature like the World’s End, which is a cliff that measures 880 meters deep from the valley. Go for a walk or a trek in the park to be able to see various species of plants and animals such as the sambar deer and the Sri Lankan leopard that is endemic to the country. To get the real feel of the country, go to the Knuckles Mountain Range, a world heritage site with towering cliffs, shrouded forests and tumbling waterfalls.

It is impossible to talk about the sightseeing of Sri Lanka without mentioning the ocean and the beaches. Starting from Unawatuna’s golden coast to Arugam Bay’s surf and sand, Sri Lanka’s coastline is a splendid of different varieties. Unwind on the calm beaches of Mirissa famous for its whale watching tours or head to Tangalle Beach, famous for the beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean. If you wish to explore the natural beauty of Sri Lanka, then you should definitely take a boat ride in the Bentota Peninsula and the marvelous mangrove forests of the Maduganga River.