Anuradha Silva
Sri Lanka is a small island and no part of the country is too far to visit. Certain areas such as the far North and the far East might be too taxing for a weekend getaway in Sri Lanka, but there are countless locations which are perfect. Here are some below.
Galle is located in the South of Sri Lanka, and is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Known for its connection with art and literature, Galle offers up a a variety of experiences, from art galleries, quirky eateries, cute little inns and B&Bs to luxury and unique experiences. Traveling to and from Galle is very easy either by public of private transportation.
Bentota is located 64km away from Colombo and is a beautiful beach destination. Preferred by locals and foreigners alike, Bentota offers a total sun, sand and sea experience like no other. There are countless beach resorts, and traveling to Bentota will take less than a couple hours either by private or public transport. The train ride is especially picturesque.
Kandy is about 3-4 hours away from Colombo in the hills of Sri Lanka. Kandy is regarded as one of the most cultural locations in Sri Lanka. Hence, you will not see a lot of modern forms of entertainment but there is so much to see in terms of cultural attractions. Accommodation is also found aplenty with numerous hotels in Kandy to suit any budget and requirement.
Negombo is located to the North of Colombo, very close to the Bandaranaike International Airport. Known for its beaches and fun loving people, Negombo is a popular weekend destination. It is very easily accessible by rail and road, and there are many things to see, such as the Angurukaramulla Temple. It is a very fun town with lovely accommodation and entertainment options.
Sigiriya is part of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, located in the Central Province. It is about 5-6 hours away from Colombo by road, and there are many things to do and see. Perfect for a weekend getaway, the whole area of Dambulla emanates the feeling of being an ancient kingdom (which it was), and the architecture and surroundings match.
Yala is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. It is the perfect place to visit to get a glimpse of the fascinating wildlife of Sri Lanka, such as elephants, leopards, aquatic birds, bears and other types of animals. It is about 300km away from Colombo but is the perfect destination for animal lovers. There are various forms of accommodation, from luxury lodges to authentic tent experiences.
Ella is a trending destination nowadays among youngsters. The world-famous nine arch bridge is on the way to Ella. It is located around 200km away from Colombo but the tea plantations and waterfalls of Ella make for very picturesque scenery and stunning landscapes making the journey very worthwhile. It is perfect for trek lovers and hiking enthusiasts.
Nuwara Eliya is the coolest town in Sri Lanka, with climates similar to those of England. Located high in the hills, Nuwara Eliya has the most stunning sceneries with waterfalls, misty hills and mountains covered in tea plantations. It is also a popular location for horticulture and roses are grown. Accommodation is very unique with colonial bungalows and tea factory themed hotels.
