Anastasia Smith
During your visit to Sri Lanka, you will have the opportunity to experience several hidden gems rarely visited by tourists such as Peacock Hill, Dolukanda Mountain, Thalpe Beach, Sembuwatta Lake and more; these natural wonders will entrance the discerning nature lover.
An outstanding choice with which to start your exploration of Sri Lanka’s hidden treasures is Peacock Hill which you will find at Pussellawa in proximity to the highland town of Nuwara Eliya. Climbing up this picturesque mountain would be fairly easy and should take you half an hour or less. Once you have reached the summit, you can experience spectacular views across the mountains and the charming villages below. If you arrive here at the time of sunrise or sunset, you can take some memorable photographs of these stunning images.
Another lesser-known attraction in the island nation is Dolukanda Mountain which is noteworthy for its dramatic scenery and archaeological and historical significance. This mountain is associated with the legendary Indian epic the Ramayana as according to folklore, it was brought over from the Himalayas by Lord Hanuman. The trekking trail you will follow when ascending this mountain will take you through an ancient Buddhist shrine; accordingly, you should inform one of the monks regarding your visit and be modestly dressed.
A rather different kind of hidden gem is Thalpe Beach located near Galle which is known for its splendid rock pools. This beach may be regarded as one of the loveliest beaches in Sri Lanka but it isn’t a well-known tourist attraction. As you might expect, these rock pools would be marvellous for taking a dip in the waters. For a tranquil and secluded experience, Thalpe Beach which is also known for its outstanding cleanliness will be an excellent choice.
Nature lovers will be enthralled at the lovely Sembuwatta Lake which you will find in Sri Lanka’s hill country. This artificial lake is filled with spring water and is bordered by lush tea estates and a forest reserve. You will see that the picturesque verdant mountains, scenic tea plantations and dense pine forests create an enchanting backdrop. You could also engage in activities like boating and ziplining in the environs of the lake adding to its allure.
Another marvellous experience that you could enjoy during your visit to Sri Lanka is observing turtles at Rekawa Beach. You will find that several different kinds of threatened sea turtles including the hawksbill, loggerhead, leatherback, olive ridley and green varieties visit this beach. Particularly in the nesting season extending from April through September, you would have good opportunities to observe turtles here and join volunteers in their conservation efforts. For your stay in Sri Lanka, luxury resorts along the south coast to consider from which you could easily visit this idyllic shoreline include properties like Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort.
The main Diyaluma Waterfall may be regarded as a major tourist attraction in the island nation drawing many sightseers with its striking, magnificent appearance. There will also be splendid landscapes surrounding this natural wonder to explore. However, not many visitors take the opportunity to make their way to the upper Diyaluma Falls which is rather more challenging to reach. With the assistance of knowledgeable locals or guides, you could reach this more remote area of the waterfall and admire the inspiring views.
