Joanna James
Sri Lanka is a tiny gem in the Indian Ocean which never fails to mesmerise its visitors with its exquisite charm. The South Coast, in particular, greets you with destinations of spellbinding beauty. Here are some of the best locations that you can visit on the Southern coast of the country.
A thrilling wildlife safari is guaranteed when you visit Yala National Park, one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka. It is second to only Wilpattu National Park by its area. The tourists can visit two of its five-blocks, to which the park has been divided. Yala National Park is accoladed for its high density of leopards. However, the elusive leopard of Sri Lanka, who is an extremely secretive animal, can hardly be spotted during the rainy season. For the best chances at leopard spotting, it is recommended that you explore the region between February and March, which are usually the driest period of the year. The rare and endemic inhabitants of the Yala National Park has captivated the interest of people across the globe. Not only endemic species, but it is also home to some migratory birds and turtles as well.
A unique religious site in Sri Lanka, for its venerated by a multi-religious community including the Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and also the Veddhas, Kataragama Temple holds a significant position in the country. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan of Hindu belief and Kataragama Deity, a divine patron mentioned in Buddhism. For many a century, the pilgrims had to undertake an arduous journey by foot to reach this site. The recent developments in the area have made it more accessible. The evenings are when you should visit this cultural site of Sri Lanka when the temples come to life with various rituals and the constant ringing of bells. Pilgrims going in and out of the temples with colourful offerings are a constant sight.
You won't regret selecting Mirissa as your destination to experience one of the Sri Lanka beach holidays at its finest. Unlike other beaches of the South, which bustles in its exciting affairs, Mirissa Beach epitomises the ideal beach getaway, which is craved by tourists from near and far. It has a serene and laidback ambience and boasts of a relatively large beach where you can find an undisturbed spot to relax to your heart's content. Mirissa Beach is also the gateway to the highly-sought respite of whale watching. All in all, it is the perfect location to let your worries out in the wind and watch them fly over to the horizon as the sun casts its last golden rays in the evening.
Located within a driving distance from Mirissa town is the Mulkirigala Rock Temple, which has been recognised as an archeological site in Sri Lanka. It's easily accessible from either Tangalle or Dickwella as well. According to ancient chronicles, this temple has been built during the reign of King Saddhatissa. As the temple site is nestled on a rock that resembles Sigiriya, it is known as the "Little Sigiriya" by the locals. It encompasses five compounds within which seven viharas can be seen. Exploring the caves and the viharas of this temple premises will provide a feast for your eyes with its intricate carvings and eye-catching paintings that date back to the Kandyan period of the country.
Pretty beaches, serene diving, and exhilarating surfing opportunities- Hikkaduwa beach offers them all! Whether it's browsing through an interesting assortment of souvenirs or satiating your sweet tooth with the delectable seafood delicacies, you'd enjoy them all in Hikkaduwa. Experience the best of Hikkaduwa with the knowledgeable travel experts the likes of Walkers Tours to extract the maximum of your vacation in Sri Lanka, a paradise of a country.
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.
