Joanna James
Sri Lanka is a little island packed full of the most marvellous adventures, from exotic wildlife reserves to misty mountains and the most stunning sandy beaches. Sri Lanka has much to offer and each destination is unique, with diverse attractions to be discovered as you continue to explore.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Lion Rock Fortress was built around the 5th century by King Kashyapa. Based on a huge rock column rising over 500 feet from the forest floor, this elaborate citadel is located within the sleepy village of Sigiriya; a place of rustic beauty, the little town is made-up of scrub jungles, charming little villages and wild elephants often seen crossing the main roads. Explore the wonders of Sigiriya from its world famous wall frescoes to sky gardens and lotus ponds located at the summit of the rock.
Galle is located along the southern coast of Sri Lanka, home to a gorgeous natural harbour; the place was a colonist stronghold for many years. Ideal to explore on a day trip from seaside resorts in Sri Lanka which are located along this coastal strip, Galle's most iconic attraction is the Old Dutch Fort. Built around the harbour in the 16th century by the Portuguese, this fort was held by the Dutch and British until Sri Lanka gained independence. Galle is a beautiful place of fisher villages, rocky cliffs, sandy shores and coconut palms doing a lazy dance in the wind.
Kalutara is considered the gateway to the beautiful southern coast of Sri Lanka. A town located along the south-west coast, Kalutara is where the River Kalu meets the Indian Ocean. The Kalutara Bridge symbolises the start of the town and ends with the famous Kalutara Bodhiya occupying both ends of the road. Easy to reach from hotels such as The Blue Water Hotel and Spa, this town is home to a vintage Edwardian manor, historical temples and waterfalls hidden within lush woodlands.
Yala is your quintessential wildlife experience in Sri Lank. A ruggedly handsome place of scrub jungles, glistening lagoons, wide open plains and boulder-strewn jungle beaches; the wildlife sanctuary is home to a variety of animals ranging from leopards to sloth bears and elephants to wild boar. There are amphibians, reptiles, mammals and a large variety of birds and a jeep safari into the jungle will turn out to be very rewarding and full of many experiences. Don't forget your cameras for this is one of the most exotic locations in the country.
Polonnaruwa was one of the islands ancient kingdoms, steeped in Buddhist history the place is home to many relics and statues of the Buddha. Huge tanks built by ancient kings provide irrigation to paddy and vegetable cultivators in the area and look like humongous land-locked seas where one can enjoy the gushing breeze and sights of wildlife. Explore vintage temples, relics of palaces and large gardens where Buddhist monks once meditated.
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