Top 6 Places to Visit in Sri Lanka – Highlights of an Enthralling Nation

This lovely botanical garden is sure to strike the interest of the plant and nature lover. The largest garden of its kind in Sri Lanka, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is a beautiful and meticulously maintained attraction with many features of interest. Extending over 60 hectares and containing as many as 4,000 varieties of plants, these gardens present a captivating sight for the visitor. The remarkable palm avenue and orchid house are just two of this garden's attractions. With so much to see you will never be bored at the Botanical Garden.

Avid sightseers will undoubtedly be entranced by the splendid Galle Fort. Visiting this remarkable attraction is like stepping back into an earlier time. This fortress by the seaside dates to Sri Lanka's colonial era, having been initially constructed by the Portuguese in 1588 and subsequently strengthened by the Dutch. You will have the opportunity to stroll through the cobblestone roads and walk along the walls of the fortress which is sure to be a pleasant experience. You will also be able to experience stunning sunsets at Flag Rock.

The fortress at Sigiriya which is also called the Lion Rock may be counted amongst Sri Lanka's most important archaeological attractions. The striking rock is a spectacular sight for the visitor as it looms over the surrounding areas. The remnants of the once magnificent palaces and gardens still provide a suggestion of their glory during their heyday. The famed Sigiriya frescoes and the mirror wall are two more features to be seen at the site. If you make the effort to ascend to the top of the rock you will be able to enjoy the remarkable views.

Your tour of Sri Lanka's sightseeing attractions would not be complete without experiencing the renowned Adam's Peak. Adam's Peak is a pilgrimage destination for the local Buddhists as well as adherents of other religions; innumerable devotees undertake the climb to the summit of the mountain. Buddhists believe that the footprint of Buddha is to be found on the peak of the mountain. It is also a magnet for sightseers as it is an inspiring experience to climb to the summit and observe the amazing sunrise.

If you enjoy visiting religious attractions make it a point to experience the Kalutara Temple which boasts several features of interest. This site is also referred to as Kalutara Bodhiya which is a reference to the sacred bo tree which is present here. The Kalutara Chaitya or stupa has the distinction of being one of the few stupas on the globe to be hollow. Another attraction at this site is its splendid selection of paintings depicting scenes from Buddhist literature. As you experience the places to visit in Kalutara an accommodation choice to consider from which Kalutara Bodhiya would be within easy reach would be Anantara Kalutara Resort.

This remarkable complex of cave temples which is also referred to as the Golden Temple may be considered to be one of Sri Lanka's best preserved and loveliest temples. Interestingly this monastery has been a pilgrimage destination for no less than 22 centuries. Sri Lanka's largest complex of cave temples, the Dambulla Cave Temple is always an interesting experience for the visitor. Here you will find a host of intriguing statues and magnificent frescoes within the caves.