Joanna James
Enveloped by the infinite blueness of the ocean and blessed with natural beauty, culture and history, Sri Lanka is an island worth exploring. Here are some of the best places to visit in the country.
There is something about Galle that is entirely unique and appealing. The sea is the city's steady companion while its colonial heritage adds an extra dimension of richness to the area. If you want to bask in the glory of the sea, good food and discover Galle's colonial heritage, visit the Galle Fort. The fort is a World Heritage site and is considered the biggest remaining sea fort in the Asian region. Wander further into Galle to visit the Kanneliya rainforest where a multitude of waterways create a thriving atmosphere for wildlife and unique flora. To explore Galle and the rest of the country in comfort look for a_ Sri Lanka car rental _service.
Yet another UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya, also known as Lion's Rock used to be a rock fortress, shelter and a beautiful palace for King Kashyapa who commissioned the construction on the rock centuries ago. As you climb up the ancient rock royal residence, you will be able to admire beautiful frescoes on the rock face and the famous mirror wall with its ancient graffiti. On top of the rock, there is an ancient landscaped water garden with ponds and water fountains that sometimes still work.
Mirissa beach is a concave of silky sand surrounded by salty turquoise depths. It is a seaside village where you can enjoy a laid-back beach holiday. If you visit Mirissa between November and April, you can go whale and dolphin watching. Don't forget to try fresh seafood and go for refreshing dips in the sea. Mirissa is a great place to learn surfing as well. There is a number of boutique hotels in the area where you can spend a few days at peace.
This is not exactly a place but the train ride is scenic with picture-perfect vistas of tea plantations, hills and charming villages. The views change rapidly as the train chugs on through numerous bridges and dark tunnels. A train ride from Kandy to Ella is a veritable adventure. Once you finish the train ride you could pick up a car from a vehicle provider such as_ Malkey Rent a Car_ and proceed to explore the region at will.
The cultural triangle of today was once made up of prosperous and grand kingdoms. You can still see the remnants of the glory days of Sri Lanka as you explore the cultural triangle. Discover the massive reservoirs built thousands of years ago that still function and provide a source of water to farmers in the area and ruins of once majestic temples.
Towards the centre of the island lies a lush hilly region where natural beauty and cultural activities blend into a harmonious union. Now a bustling commercial city, Kandy was once a royal capital where the last king of Ceylon lived. The area is covered in lush green vegetation and a number of cultural attractions beckon visitors to know the region's past glory and present beauty.
Chilly weather and charming views are the top characteristics of Nuwara Eliya. You can visit this region to escape the heat and curl up by a fireside with a bowl of fresh strawberries and a cup of the finest tea in the world.
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.
