Joanna James
Sri Lanka is not only beautiful but also a spiritual place for those who want more from their travel experience. Here is a list of things you can do to be at peace in mind and body while travelling through the country.
The Kandy Lake, located alongside Kandy's most hallowed site - the Temple of the Tooth, offers breathtaking views of the sky, especially during full moon nights. Take a leisurely evening stroll right around Kandy Lake with surrounding hills embracing the background. Kandy, unlike Colombo, winds down pretty early, by around 6-7 the streets become less chaotic. This will be one of the simplest and most peaceful ways to take in the beauty of Kandy Town. The beautiful Temple of the Tooth further adds to the pleasant environment, with the calming echoes of Buddhist chants reverberating in the surroundings. Once you visit this enchanting location, you'll never want to leave!
This is considered by many travelers to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Although the journey will be long (8 hours), if you book the correct seat, you won't regret it. Make sure to reserve your tickets on the second-class or third-class carriage. The carriage doors remain open, for you to catch some incredible sights of winding valleys, mountains, lush tea estates, waterfalls and pine forests. Once in Ella, don't forget to take on the spectacular Ella Rock and Little Adams Peak for more jaw-dropping viewpoints in one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Climbing Sri Pada is perhaps the holiest and most spiritual pilgrimage for all Sri Lankan Buddhists. This 7359-foot mountain holds the sacred footprint of the Lord Buddha. Taking part in this journey will be an unforgettable experience. The religious fervor is palpable as people of all ages and disabilities climb this massive mountain out of sheer faith and devotion. There is a shrine at the summit where pilgrims offer their prayers and flowers to the site of the footprint. Another highlight is the sunrise atop, which illuminates the mountain and offers breathtaking sights of the entire island.
As a predominantly Buddhist country, Sri Lanka offers a great opportunity for those on a spiritual journey seeking inner peace and meaning. You can find plenty of rural monasteries, temples and meditation centers to learn about Buddhism and even partake in residential meditation retreats. Consider visiting websites like Truly Sri Lanka to get a better idea of what to expect.
This ancient sanctuary was built by King Devanampiyatissa in 246 BCE as a peaceful sanctuary for monks to meditate in solitude. Unfortunately, for many years, it was inaccessible due to terrorist activity in the region. The Kudumbigala Monastery is located in the village of Panama, which is situated 30 kilometers south of Arugambay on the Eastern Coast of Sri Lanka. It is built high up into a rock mountain and near the Kumana Bird Sanctuary. From its plateau, you can see the thick jungle surrounding the area. There are over 200 rock caves scattered throughout its terrain, as well as the only remaining cylindrical stupa in Sri Lanka. Despite being abandoned for a while, the sanctuary is now inhabited by meditating bhikkhus who live an austere and simple lifestyle. The site's location, in the heart of nature, creates an exceptional aura perfect for meditation and inner reflection.
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.
