Joanna James
Framed by the beautiful Indian Ocean, boasting golden sand beaches and verdant interiors, Sri Lanka is a bio-diverse haven to explore. Dig deeper and you discover culture and traditions as old as time, and an island that's home to some of Asia's most exotic animals. Listed are the best experiences.
Sri Lanka is an island and the beach is – everywhere; well right around the country anyway, and no matter which part of the coast you are on, the beach will be just beautiful. The south coast promises sandy shores framed by swaying coconut palms while going deeper south you leave behind the more popular towns and come to places like Tangalle. Hidden oases of rustic beaches which are wide expanses of sand strewn with boulders, natural pools and isolated little coves to relax on. The deep south home to accommodation options the likes of Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort is loved for its tranquillity and ease of access to historical sites and wildlife sanctuaries; these include the ever popular Yala National Park, easy to reach from Tangalle hotels and resorts.
Sri Lanka is a tropical country; hence you should expect encounters of the most exotic kind when exploring the country. The wildlife sanctuaries are very popular, with Yala located in the deep-south being exceeding popular for its bio-diverse environs and collection of one of Asia's largest leopard populations. Minneriya, Kumana, Wilpattu and Udawalawe scattered across the island are popular for their wild elephant populations, other mammals as well as a variety of amphibians, reptiles and birds which are both indigenous and migratory.
The pristine rainforests of Sri Lanka are a nature lover's haven. The islands bio-diversity has given way to varied environs, with places like the Sinharaja Rainforest, located in the southern province, being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A trek through a rainforest in Sri Lanka will treat you to a variety of endemic plants, free-roaming animals and birds of every colour and hue.
The eight wonder is none other than the Lion Rock Fortress located in the sleepy village of Sigiriya. Built in the 5th century by an extravagant and paranoid King Kashyapa, the Lion Rock Fortress is a citadel centred around a boulder rising over 500 feet from the forest floor. The citadel is famous for its rock frescos, the mirror wall, and sky gardens based at the summit of the rock. Sigiriya on its own is a marvellous site of rustic charm, home to scrub jungles, and herds of wild elephants often seen along the sides of the road. Explore one of the most tranquil villages of Sri Lanka and let the Lion Rock Fortress fill you with wonder.
The Old Dutch Fort in Galle was established by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Later taken over and enhanced by the Dutch, the place was last occupied by the British colonists. The Old Fort skirts around the natural harbour of Galle and has well-preserved its colonial style, from cobblestone streets to beautiful Dutch villas that line the roads, this ancient relic is one of Sri Lanka's most visited sites. Easy to reach from hotels in the south of Sri Lanka, the fort is home to a marine museum, charming little restaurants, wide-open greens and ramparts looking out to the sea.
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.
