Joanna James
Marc Polo aptly described Sri Lanka as one of the world's most beautiful islands and no visitor to the country will disagree. Listed below are just a few places that give one an insight as to how awesome the place is; from misty mountains to golden sun-kissed beaches, this is Sri Lanka.
You will love the rustic charms of Sigiriya located in the Matale district. Home to scrub jungles, wandering herds of wild elephants and simple, charming village folks, Sigiriya holds within its folds an ancient treasure; better known as the Lion Rock Fortress, the ancient citadel of King Kashyapa, situated upon a monolithic rock rising from the depths of the forest is nothing short of amazing. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fortress is a testament to the might of Sri Lanka's ancient kings. Travel Sri Lanka with the aid of an established tour operator and you will be treated to a comprehensive experience of Sigiriya, its wildlife, ancient monasteries and the Lion Rock Fortress. Many tour specialists like Aitken Spence Travels offer excursions across the Cultural Triangle covering ancient gems like Sigiriya.
Adams Peak is a tall mountain located within the central hills of Sri Lanka. Standing at a height of 2,243 metres this is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhist; although the peak has religious significance to other faiths as well. At the peak of the mountain is a footprint, popularly thought to be that of the Buddha, although some claim it to be that of Adam or the Hindu God Shiva. The climb takes around 8 hours and is often attempted at night; the reward is one of the most amazing sunrises you will ever see. Enjoy bird's eye views of the surrounding forest cover, while the serene summit of the mountain, punctuated with the ringing of temple bells is one to savour.
Galle sits along the south coast of Sri Lanka. A sun worshiper's haven, this UNESCO World Heritage Town is a treat to explore. The most iconic attraction there is the Old Dutch Fort, facing the natural harbour of Galle. Established by the invading Portuguese in the 1600's the fort was a stronghold taken over by the conquering Dutch. The Dutch enhanced and built up the fort, and much of its splendour remains well restored and maintained to this date. The British were the last occupants of the fort leaving behind a noteworthy mark on the place. Cobblestone streets, vintage Dutch villas and ramparts that look out onto the Indian Ocean are yours to savour there.
Yala National Park is the most popular wildlife reserve in the country. The environs are a bio-diverse haven of glimmering lagoons, scrub jungle, wide open plains, lush forests and boulder strewn wild beaches where herds of elephants gather. A magical place for nature lovers and animal enthusiasts Yala is home to an exotic array of wildlife, including one of Asia's largest collection of leopards.
Polonnaruwa an ancient kingdom is a culture buffs sanctuary, home to relics of palaces, shrines and Buddha statues, the place is a treat to explore. Part of the Cultural Triangle, Polonnaruwa, a World Heritage Site, like Anuradhapura is a testament to the might of ancient kings and is not short of historical sites.
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