Joanna James
Sri Lanka takes you on a magic carpet ride, across scrub jungles, golden beaches, chilly hills and vast open plains and highlands, while history, exotic animals and culture pervade across the island.
Sri Lanka is an island, and a beach area can be found just about anywhere you go near the coast. Hence, it is rare for Sri Lanka holiday packages to not include a tour of the beach. The most popular is the south coast, while the west coast is closest to the international airport and the east coast is steeped in history, and yet to turn into busy tourist hubs. Whether you are in the commercial capital Colombo or exploring a temple in the deep south, there are plenty of beaches to visit in sunny Sri Lanka.
Wildlife in Sri Lanka is just as exotic as the nation; there are a number of wildlife reserves offering animal and nature lovers, the thrill of jeep safaris into the wilds. Yala, Wilpattu, Minneirya, Udawalawe, Bundala are all havens for wildlife. Yala the most popular is home to one of Asia's largest leopard populations, while Bundala is a birders paradise and in Minneriya one can watch herds of migratory elephants. Experience the true essence of Sri Lanka's wildlife by taking a tailor-made holiday tour; there are several tour specialists like Travel Design by CDC, ready to accommodate your needs.
The rainforests of Sri Lanka are verdant havens; lush jungles housing tropical foliage and environs rich in biodiversity, these sanctuaries are treats to explore. Treks into the jungles are very popular amongst environmentalist eager to discover these, tropical splendours. The Sinharaja Rainforest the largest on the island is one to check out. The place is a treasured UNESCO World Heritage Site and lauded for its high density of biodiversity, free-roaming animals, plenty of birdlife and endemic plants to discover.
That's right folks! The "Worlds 8th Wonder" is right here in Sri Lanka! The Lion Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, built in the 5th century is one to be reckoned with, and you don't want to miss exploring this fabulous ancient citadel. Built in the middle of a forest, spanning across a monumental rock of over 600 feet, the fortress is a testament to the marvels of ancient infrastructure. Discover marvellous irrigation systems, cooling systems, gardens and ponds at the summit of the rock, and murals famous the world over, at the Sigiriya Fortress; a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Old Dutch Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, is in the city of Galle. Hence, a visit to the place includes sun, sand, sea and history. A colonial relic, well looked after, the fort was constructed on the border of the Galle harbour, by the Portuguese colonist, later taken over and fortified by the Dutch who influenced much of the infrastructure there today, the fort was last held in possession by the British. Discover cobblestone streets, vintage churches, Dutch villas, an old lighthouse and lots of little treasures, culture buffs will love to discover.
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