Joanna James
With a dizzying range of things to do and see, Sri Lanka attracts every kind of traveller. Outlined by the Indian Ocean, the country has a tropical climate and a diverse range of landscapes.
Located south of India, Sri Lanka is a multicultural nation. The country is home to several ethnicities and religions. Rich culture, history and wildlife are the three main components of Sri Lanka's touristy allure. The landscape ranges from forests to mountains to beaches. The weather is typically hot, but the upcountry has a milder climate. The country has a spiritual and religious character. All over Sri Lanka are numerous religious and historic sites, and most of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As for accommodation, Sri Lanka offers a lot of choices, including the likes of Avani Kalutara Resort.
With an unlikely feature for a temple, a car museum, Gangaramaya Temple is one of the leading spiritual spots in Colombo. Visited by hundreds of locals every day, the temple is appealing to tourists as well. The vintage car museum has a Rolls-Royce Ghost and a Mercedes. The temple also has several displays of old coins, jewellery and clay sculptures. The purpose of the temple is to house Buddha's hair relic. The month of February is the best time to visit the temple.
One of the most iconic sites in Sri Lanka, Dambulla Cave Temple is a must-visit on any Sri Lankan tour. The temple comprises five caves; each cave is filled with statues of Buddha and Hindu deities. The outstanding feature of the cave is its mural collection; the golden Buddha statue found at the base of the temple is another highlight.
An eye-catching religious site found in Colombo, Red Mosque is known for its incredible architecture. It's built of bricks and painted in red and white. The exterior and the interior of the building consist of eccentric patterns. A visit to Red Mosque will give you an insight into the country's daily religious practice.
If you are staying at a Kalutara beach resort, you should definitely visit Bodhinagala Forest Hermitage. Apart from being a spiritual site, the place also serves as one of the natural places in Sri Lanka. This Buddhist sanctuary is located on the banks of the Kalu River deep inside the forest. Many Buddhist monks reside here, and they have separate living quarters and a separate section for meditation.
This is one of the most historically, culturally and spiritually important sites in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya is an ancient fortress that was once home to a king. Historians believe that the palace was built in the 4th or 5th century. One of the fascinating features of the site is the staircase that's carved out of the rock itself; it's shaped like a lion. At the top of the rock is the palace, which is considered one of the best examples of first-millennium urban planning.
The forest-clad mountain is one of the must-visit places in Sri Lanka. A large footprint is found at the top of a mountain, which is the main feature of the site and the reason why thousands of locals visit the site. The rock also offers the best panoramic views of the area. The hike can be a challenge, but the reward you get at the top of the rock will be worth that challenge. The period between December to May is the best time to visit the place.
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.
