Joanna James
With all the beaches, wildlife parks and historical sites in Sri Lanka, it can be hard to choose just a few to fit into a busy itinerary. Here are six must do things while in Sri Lanka.
Originally built as a fortress for a king hiding from his brother, Sigiriya has become one of Sri Lanka's most iconic historical sites. The architecture and planning within Sigiriya are known for being highly developed for its time, the gardens are well maintained, and the frescoes and mirror wall hold much cultural and historical importance. Be warned, however, that the climb to the top is far from easy; some areas require climbing steep stone steps, which may be a challenge for some. The view from the top; the sprawling green landscape of the surrounding city, makes the tough climb worth it.
Elephants can be seen in many places in Sri Lanka; both wild and tame. For those who wish to see elephants roaming in their natural habitat, the Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park is worth a visit, especially as they provide the chance to see a wide variety of wildlife. The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is another tourist favourite, as it allows guests to get up close and personal with elephants. The most spectacular sight is seeing them in the wild, so a trip to one of Sri Lanka's national parks is a must do while travelling on this beautiful island.
Tea is one of the most important crops in Sri Lanka and has worked its way into being a key part of the daily lives of many locals. A trip to the hill country will let you see the beautiful tea plantations with the tea pluckers hard at work climbing the steep steps, and some estates even welcome guests to get a closer view of the process. Visiting the Ceylon Tea Museum is a great way to see everything involved in the process of turning fresh leaves into the tea leaves we all know, from the history to the machinery. Finish off your tour with a hot cup of tea and a view you won't find anywhere else in the world.
With so many beaches in Sri Lanka, there are plenty of different water sports to try out, from surfing down in Arugam Bay to jet skiing in Negombo. Many Sri Lanka hotels situated on the coastline provide facilities to their guests to experience these water sports, and staying at places such as Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts will make it far simpler to organize. Researching the beaches you will visit in Sri Lanka is the best way to ensure that you can enjoy the water sport of your choosing.
Sri Lanka's unique cuisine is definitely worth tasting. Whether it is a freshly made kottu, a spicy Jaffna Crab Curry, or a honey-sweet kavum, the tiny island nation has a variety of flavours and ingredients that make up some of the most delicious food. Be sure to try the as much authentic Sri Lankan food as possible.
Sri Lanka is a top destination for dolphin watching and whale watching. From the months of May to September, the Trincomalee coast is the perfect place to see friendly spinner dolphins who love to swim alongside boats. March to May is the ideal time to spot the giants of the ocean; blue whales and sperm whales. This is a once in a lifetime experience, and definitely, an adventure not to be missed if in Sri Lanka.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
