Joanna James
The little island of Sri Lanka sure packs a punch when it comes to its sights and sounds, while its sheer diversity will astound you. With so much going on in the little isle, here are some top attractions and experiences you must not miss out on!
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a place of history, betrayal and technological wonder. This staggering monolith was transformed into the seat of the nation's capital by usurper king Kashyapa. Having committed patricide, he moved the capital from Anuradhapura to Sigiriya and thus built his fortress. At the rock's summit, the palace remains, and the throne and water pools are visible to this day. The magnificent view of the surrounding thick jungles is incredible, while the palace premises has beautiful water gardens, frescoes, rock pools and much more to explore.
One of the holiest sites in the land is the Temple of the Tooth, in Sri Lanka's last independent Kingdom of Kandy. The sacred tooth of the Lord Buddha is placed in a casket of pure gold with seven layers within to protect it. Many devotees flock here, day and night, to pay homage to the Buddha. The temple surroundings are beautiful and boast incredible artwork and architecture of the Kandyan Period. You will also come across the King's Palace and the audience hall of the ancient Kandyan Kings of Sri Lanka.
Being an island, Sri Lanka is surrounded by a coastline of beautiful beaches. Head to the southern coast, where the seaside towns of Galle, Hikkaduwa, Weligama, Dickwella, Mirissa, Tangalle and Matara will have some of the best seasides on the island. If you head to the east, the cities of Arugambay, Passikudha, Kalkudah, and Trincomalee will enchant you with their spotless, secluded beaches. By offering some of the finest resorts in Sri Lanka through renowned chains like Aitken Spence Hotels, along with incredible cuisine and hospitable locals, this is a country where you can truly experience the pleasures of island living.
Sri Lanka boasts an incredible variety of native wildlife, which can be observed in its numerous renowned National Parks, including Udawalawe, Sinharaja Rainforest, Yala, Willpattu, Kaudulla, Gal Oya, Minneriya, Wasgamuwa, Bundala, and Horton Plains. Among the endemic species you may encounter are the Sri Lankan elephant, Sri Lankan leopard, water buffalo, sloth bear, Red Slender Loris, Purple-Faced Langur, Sri Lankan jungle fowl, and many more. However, it's important to ensure that your guides and safari vehicles respect the natural environment and refrain from speeding or disturbing the animals.
The first historical kingdom of Sri Lanka, dating to the 5th century BCE, is a treasure trove of ancient ruins, magnificent stupas, vast irrigation tanks, libraries, monasteries, hospitals, and more. Discover what the ancient Sinhalese civilisation was all about by hopping on a bike and scouring the fascinating scared city.
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.
