Joanna James
A drop of paradise in the shape of a teardrop in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka never fails to leave its many visitors enthralled with its myriad of wondrous treasures. Experience the best of the South Asian nation and feed your appetite for exploration in the idyllic teardrop island.
A UNESCO World Heritage site and a place of historical and archaeological significance in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya — or Lion Rock, as most tourists to the country know it — is one of the most visited landmarks in the island nation, which apparently sees a whopping million visitors every year. It involves a good 1,000 steps to get to the top of the 180 metres high rock fortress — a workout that certainly won't be easy but will be totally worth it once you are greeted by the mind-blowing panoramic views at the top.
The gateway to the central highlands and the cultural capital of the South Asian nation, Kandy — a city without which no Sri Lanka itinerary would ever be complete. The one thing that puts Kandy on the map for most of its tourists is the world-renowned Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic — or Sri Dalada Maligawa, as the locals would call it — which houses a precious relic to all Buddhists around the world, a tooth of the Lord Buddha himself.
Nestled high away in the misty hills of the central highlands, Nuwara Eliya is like no other in the tropical country of Sri Lanka. The cosy chilly weather, emerald-green tea fields and the host of quaint colonial buildings make you feel like at an old-world British town, which has earned the city the utterly appealing little moniker, Little England. The gorgeous scenery and idyllic ambience have even the locals making frequent trips to the hill country station as they too can't seem to get enough of the allure.
As the home to Sri Lanka's only international airport, Colombo is just the gateway into the country for most tourists and skip right away for a city far afield. Go contrary to popular opinion and spend a fine day or two in the bustling economic capital of the island nation and treat yourself to a vibrant city getaway.
Hikkaduwa on the southwest coast is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the island nation and arguably one of the best places to stay in Sri Lanka, thanks to the presence of splendid hospitality establishments offered by popular chains such as Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. Head to the gorgeous sandy shores, lounge under swaying palms and bask in the soothing sun, savouring a slice of sun, sand, and sea in the idyllic teardrop island.
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A travel writer who has a pas...
