As well as being blessed with glorious sandy beaches and fantastic sunny weather, Sri Lanka has so much to offer; abundant wildlife, ancient ruins from an interesting history, cultural highlights and not to forget, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Here at Destina, we love Sri Lanka as a holiday destination and share with you 6 places not to be missed…
#1 Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Often classed as the 8th wonder of the world, set in the middle of the cultural triangle, this huge rock towers above the jungle below. The Sigiriya Rock Fortress can be spotted from afar and at the top of the rock are the ruins of the Royal Palace. Climbing up the various staircases to the top is rewarded with fantastic views of the gardens and plantations below. Often referred to as Lion Rock, there are carvings of the lion’s paws at the entrance.- Definitely a must-see on your Sri Lanka itinerary.
#2 Yala National Park
This is Sri Lanka’s most famous National Park and is filled with grassy plains, light forest and shallow lagoons hosting the perfect environment for a variety of wildlife including buffalos, crocodile and monkeys. Yala is famed for a high density of Leopards although these elusive creatures can be hard to spot. Spotting an elephant walking by one of the lakes in Yala can be a real highlight of the trip. .
#3 Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Once known as the Royal Capital of Sri Lanka, the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa boasts a number of temples and religious Buddhist sights. This ancient city was ruined in the late 13th century and is today an exciting guided walk around what remains. There are various buildings to see, including The Sacred Quadrangle; a circular relic house guarded by Buddhas at every entrance for protection. This beautiful peaceful place is great for exploring the rich Sri Lankan history.
#4 Kandy
Kandy is the 2nd largest city in Sri Lanka and is one of the most significant due to its religious background. The most famed attraction here is the ‘Buddhist Temple of the Tooth’ which is thought to hold a tooth relic of the Buddha himself. People flock from all over the world to see this and it’s a real spectacular. Kandy also plays host to various other temples/ artefacts and is set upon a large lake, providing you with a moment of spirituality and calm within the bustling city.
#5 Dambulla Rock Caves
Again set within the cultural triangle, the Dambulla Caves are a far cry from a normal tourist attraction. Millions of years old, these caves are filled with statue upon statue of the Buddha and the ceilings and filled with colourful paintings.A feast for the eyes, it’s definitely worth a visit.
#6 Nuwara Eliya
Also known as “Little England” there is a definite old colonial feel to Nuwara Eliya. Located high up in the hills of Sri Lanka’s central province, this cooler climate is home to large tea plantations many of which still in operation today. 19th Century plantation houses have been converted into boutique hotels and are a great place to be served traditional high-tea. Nuwara Eliya is also the gateway to the Horton Plains National Park with breathtaking scenery including Worlds End and Baker Falls.
So, for your Sri Lankan holiday, think beyond the beautiful beaches and check out the above attractions. Immerse yourself in the local culture and Sri Lankan history to truly enhance your trip to this amazing destination. Why not travel by private car and let your driver be your very own personal tour guide suggesting many other places of interest along the way.
For more information on Sri Lanka, or to organise your next dream holiday contact Destina today:
