Joanna James
Sri Lanka has been listed as the number 1 travel destination by Lonely Planet and for all good reasons. It is in short, a paradise waiting to be explored. Here are a few destinations to check off.
A small fishing town on the southern coast of the island and is ideal for a laid-back holiday to enjoy some glorious tropical sun, blue seas and everything in between. The town is easily reachable from either Colombo or the airport as it has access to the southern expressway. As for accommodation options, there are plenty of hotels in Kalutara that will fit any budget; from hostels to luxury hotels like Anantara Kalutara Resort.
From Kalutara, this town is less than an hour away and is known for its colonial charm that is well preserved- high arched doorways, cobblestoned roads, iron doors are seen in almost every corner of the Dutch Fort; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk down the roads and explore the many vibrant cafes and niches that are always buzzing with people. Go towards the lighthouse to catch the sunset- the pictures turn out post-card worthy and is absolutely beautiful!
Further down south is another coastal town that is always brimming with locals and tourists. It is a surfer's paradise as the waves are ideal for any level of surfers. A popular spot near the Mirissa beach is the Coconut Tree Hill- a small patch of a cliff that faces the Indian Ocean and is filled with coconut trees. You will find many photo enthusiasts taking various pictures here. The best time to visit it would be just before the sunset when you can witness the beautiful silhouettes of the swaying trees against the sky that could be described as a painting.
This is a biodiversity central of the country and has been named as a Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO. It is said that it is the last viable primary tropical rainforest and therefore, is under strict conservation. For those who are interested in the wildlife and flora of the country, it would a great experience to visit.
Moving away from the southern coast, about 4-5 hours away from Kalutara is a town named Kandy which located in the central province of the country. It is a highland and is nestled amidst beautiful lush green mountains. The city was the last capital of the ancient Kingdoms and to date, a lot of traditions are still preserved. It is also home to the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) which houses the sacred relic of Lord Buddha's tooth and therefore, is a prime site of worship.
Another beautiful town in the uphills, Ella is a place many hikers visit due to the presence of many trails and scenery. During the recent past, it has become quite popular and is always buzzing with visitors. Some of the places one must visit are the Nine Arch Bridge- that is entirely built from only stones and has a Harry Potter feel to it when a train passes through the tunnel, the Ella Rock- a hike that takes you through beautiful scenery and Ravana falls, to name a few.
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