Joanna James
Sri Lanka is a dream tropical destination in the Indian Ocean. If you want to experience its beating heart, you need to dive into its culture, nature, and localrhythms. Here are 7 things to do in Sri Lanka that go beyond sightseeing and connect you with the island’s soul.
The ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya is situated in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most iconic sites in the island. Once the palace of a renegade king, Kashyapa, this 5th century rock fortress has the ruins of royal chambers surrounded by symmetrical water gardens. As you climb up the narrow stairways you’ll pass vibrant frescoes, the mysterious “Mirror Wall” and breathtaking views that stretch to the horizon. Climbing the rock is both a spiritual and physical journey – and one of the most memorable experiences in Sri Lanka.
If you come in July or August don’t miss the Esala Perahera, one of Asia’s biggest and most spectacular religious processions. Held in the hill capital of Kandy, this centuries old festival honours the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Night after night the city comes alive with fire-dancers, whip-crackers, traditional drummers and beautifully decorated elephants.
Considered to be one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys, the Kandy to Ella ride goes through slow, winding routes. You will go through emerald tea plantations, over old stone bridges and into cool highland forests. As you hang out of the open doors (a Sri Lankan custom) you’ll feel the breeze in your hair and see the beautiful greenery of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Unwind after your journey in some of the best hotels in Sri Lanka situated in the hills, such as Aitken Spence Hotels.
For history buffs, Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals are a window into a bygone era. In Anuradhapura, you can walk among thousand-year-old stupas, stone monasteries and the sacred Bodhi Tree – said to be the oldest documented tree in the world. Polonnaruwa with its perfectly preserved temples, reservoirs and giant Buddha statues is like a medieval kingdom come to life.
Travellers will find the most incredible wildlife in Asia in Sri Lanka’s safari parks. One of the top places to go is Yala National Park in the south east – known for its, elephants, leopards and crocodiles. In quieter Wilpattu you’ll find an untamed wilderness with ancient “villus” (natural lakes) and forest tracks. You can enjoy memorable sights such as herds of elephants bathing at sunset or a leopard lounging in the treetops.
For many Sri Lankans, Adam’s Peak is considered a holy mountain. At the top is a footprint shaped impression believed to be the Buddha or Adam depending on the tradition. Pilgrims climb the 5,500 steps at night with lanterns to reach the top by dawn. As the first light of the sun rises over the mountains and casts a perfect shadow of the peak onto the clouds below a hush falls over the crowd. Standing at the top of Adam’s Peak at sunrise is an experience you will never forget.
Sri Lanka’s greatest treasure might be its people. Generous and warm, Sri Lankans welcome visitors like old friends. To really feel the heart of the island, skip the touristy restaurants and have a meal with a local family. Whether it’s a fragrant jackfruit curry in Jaffna, spicy coconut sambal in Galle or crispy hoppers in Colombo, you’ll taste not only the island’s culinary diversity but its hospitality, as you enjoy shared laughter and steaming cups of Ceylon tea.
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.
