Travel Destinations in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a wonderful tourist destination with a variety of locations to see. This island offers visitors a staggering variety of environments and tourist attractions to enjoy and experience. It is situated in the Indian Ocean off the coast of India.
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In places like Colombo and Kandy, tourists may explore the island’s interesting history, which spans from prehistoric times through the colonial era to the present. There are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this very small island where that past is still present.
Large national parks including Yala, Minneriya, and Udawalawe, which are home to many elephants and leopards, offer breathtaking outdoor scenery and safari adventures. A variety of opulent beach resorts can be found in Sri Lanka, which is also a beach lover’s heaven and is bordered by some of the most stunning beaches in the world.
Remember that the rainy season in Sri Lanka, which lasts from May through August, makes December through April often the best time to travel there while planning your journey. Visitation is also recommended during the shoulder season in September, October, and November.
1. Colombo
The nation’s capital city blends the vibrant indigenous and colonial histories of the nation with contemporary metropolitan comforts. Sri Lanka has always retained strategic significance for European commercial powers as a significant stop on the global spice trade routes. Portugal, the Netherlands, and most recently the British all colonised the country, and all of these civilizations converge with indigenous culture to create a wonderful hybrid. These influences can be tasted in the cuisine, seen in the architecture and the arts, and felt in Colombo.
There are several museums and other attractions in the city that can introduce you to Sri Lankan culture. Colombo is a coastal city, and the Indian Ocean is separated from an area known as Fort by a sizable green space and beach area right in the middle of the city. It’s a great site to visit, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, as it serves as the city’s public playground.
The Colombo Lotus Tower, a new mega-tower in the city, is a fantastic destination. It offers breathtaking views of the city and is the tallest free-standing tower in Southeast Asia. A sophisticated restaurant and a well-known food court are located in the mall at the tower base in addition to indoor and outdoor observation spots.
2. Kandy
You can study and enjoy Sri Lankan history at Kandy. The city, which lies in the centre of Sri Lanka, served as the country’s primary capital prior to colonialism and was the previous seat of the Sri Lankan royal dynasty. The “Kandyan Era” peaked between the 15th and 18th centuries, during which time the region maintained its independence while the majority of the coastal districts were colonised by European forces.
Visit the city’s National Museum of Kandy, which uses exhibits and artefacts to tell the history of the area and its inhabitants. A very revered Buddhist shrine that is close by and a component of the royal palace complex is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Mountains all around Kandy are the location of several tea plantations. Some are open for tours and samples of tea. It is encircled by rainforests as well. Within the boundaries of the city is the woodland park known as the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary. The forest reserve features a great nature centre with informative displays and miles of hiking routes.
3. Udawalawe National Park
About an hour’s drive from the Hambantota tourist area, this substantial wildlife park is located in the southern region of the nation. Due to the park’s location on the country’s wet and dry borders, the topography and ecology are diverse.
Elephants are abundant in the park, and visitors can also view crocodiles, water buffalo, and other animals there. In fact, it’s one of the best locations outside of Africa to watch elephants in the wild.
There are also leopards there, but they can be quite difficult to find or follow. In addition, there are a variety of deer and other mammals, as well as monkeys. Additionally, it’s a great location for watching birds.
There are a few modest lodgings and guesthouses both outside of and within of Udawalawe. The best times to visit are very early in the morning or very late in the afternoon. You can also go as a day trip.
4. Galle
One of the nation’s first contemporary superhighways connects Colombo with the city of Galle in around two hours of travel time. This historic trading harbour is centred on a sizable seaside fort from the 17th century and recalls its colonial past.
Galle Fort is a complete walled town that has been preserved; it is now populated by upscale hotels, stores, and restaurants (along with real residents). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety.
Since there are no cars everywhere in the Fort area, it’s a great place to explore on foot. You can’t get lost because the sea is on three sides of you.
In addition to the fort, the city is encircled by some spectacular beaches. The expansive sand beach extends into blue, clear water like others seen throughout the nation. Even a beach may be found directly below the well-known lighthouse in Galle.
5. Hikkaduwa Beach
This beach is all about water sports, including surfing, bodyboarding, snorkelling, and scuba diving, and it’s only 90 minutes from Colombo. From one of the beachfront stands, you can easily hire all the necessary equipment. The best waves are found there between November and March, making it one of the most well-liked surfing spots in the nation.
Due to the size of the beach, it never feels overcrowded. If you choose to spend the night, there are many seaside stalls providing a variety of delectable local street food, as well as many modest hotels and guesthouses.
It is renowned for its coral as well. Just offshore is the Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary, a marine preserve that is a part of the larger Hikkaduwa National Park. It was established to safeguard the region’s coral reefs.