Sri Lanka Destination Guide

Sri Lanka Destination Guide

If you like lots of colour, the ocean, forests and warm weather, then Sri Lanka is the place for you. Vivacious and vibrant, this pear-shaped island just south of India is like a "teardrop" in the Indian Ocean. Formerly known as Ceylon, this land is an eclectic mix of the old and new. Ancient ruins blend in with modern structures. Traditional values and norms intermingle with modern lifestyles making this a land of intriguing juxtapositions.
Come and explore this beautiful island nation and enjoy the wonderful hospitality of its people!

Our Sri Lanka Destination Guide below, together with our Sri Lanka Tour Suggestions will tell you all you need to know about the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. For tips on how to get around in Sri Lanka, read our Sri Lanka Transportation guide. For more local transport information and transport providers, take a look at our Colombo and Southern Coast transport guides.


Things to See & Do in Sri Lanka

So, whether you are looking to sunbathe and relax on a sandy beach, get some sporting action in the warm waters, experience history in the several ancient ruins that abound this nation, or marvel at the most exquisite gems, Sri Lanka has something to satisfy every kind of traveller.

* Colombo
* Galle
* Kandy
* Nuwara Eliya
* Polonnurawa
* Ratnapura
* Sigriya
* Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
* Sunny Beaches of Sri Lanka
* Sacred Sites in Sri Lanka
* Adventure Tourism in Sri Lanka
* Anuradhapura
* Dambulla
* Matara
* World Heritage Sites

Colombo

Crowded streets, noisy traffic and people on their way to work - Colombo is every bit the bustling, modern metropolis. If you are an international traveller, then this is also your entry point to Sri Lanka. This important port is also the commercial and financial capital of the country.

The city still retains several influences of its colonial past, dominated by the British, Portuguese, and Dutch. It is a quaint mix of the old and the new. Infamous for its unruly traffic and erratic power cuts, the city has several beautiful Buddhist and Hindu temples that are worth a visit.

Galle
The story of Sri Lanka's colonial past is narrated in the Dutch and Anglican influences evident in this city. Located on the south-western tip of the country, Galle was the main port of transportation in ancient times. A fortified city built by Europeans, Galle is a classic example of blending European architecture and South Asian tradition. The Fort has been declared a World Heritage Site. The city is also famous for the Galle International Stadium, a pious site for all devout cricket fans!

Kandy

Also known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy (at an altitude of 488 m and 115 km from Colombo) is steeped in history. Located in the centre of the country, Kandy is also one of Sri Lanka's most scenic cities. This beautiful town comes to life during the vibrant and colourful ‘Kandy Perahara', a cultural festival held during the months of July and August. During this festival the tooth relic of Buddha is taken out in a grand procession through the streets of the city. The sacred relic is carried in a beautiful casket by a majestic tusker which leads the way, while pilgrims line the streets to pay their homage. Traditional dancers, dancing to the beats of several drummers, bedecked elephants and flag holders are all a part of this magnificent parade. The procession moves along the streets for seven consecutive nights and concludes on the day of the August full moon.

If you are visiting this city at any other time of the year, you can visit the several ancient shrines that abound this city. About 5 kms from Kandy, surrounded by the Mahaweli River, are the Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Lined with verdant palms and fragrant spice trees, these gardens boast of an enticing collection of tropical foliage.

Kandy, originally known as Senkadagala pura, was named after a hermit, Senkada, who lived there. Many Sinhalese refer to it as Mahanuwara, meaning the Great City. The name Kandy comes from the word Kanda in Sinhala, meaning a hill, and was derived by the colonial rulers. The Sinhalese kings of Kandy promoted and protected the local culture. The city fell to the British in 1815.

Nuwara Eliya

Reminiscent of a colonial past, Nuwara Eliya (at an altitude of over 6000 ft) is the most famous hill resort in the country. Also known as the tea heartland, this city overlooks Mount Piduratalagala, the highest peak in Sri Lanka. The cool temperatures here make for a great escape from the hot and humid summer.

The Horton Plains National park is a must see for nature lovers. Catch a glimpse of the leopard or other wild animals, explore the many beautiful waterfalls or trek through the mountainous region. Peer through your binoculars to identify various species of birds in this area, stroll through the rose garden at the Hakgala Botanical Gardens (also known for its rare ferns) or just savour the fresh, crisp air. Whatever you may choose, Nuwara Eliya makes the perfect summer getaway.

Polonnurawa

Polonnurawa-located at a distance of 216 km from Colombo-was the capital of Sri Lanka in medieval times. Used by the Sri Lankan kings as a 'country residence' from the 7th century, Polonnurawa became Sri Lanka's capital in the 11th century AD.

During its time the city was fortified with three concentric walls, beautified with parks and gardens and sanctified by many a shrine and sacred place. The city and the surrounding area were watered by a unique irrigational complex known as the Sea of Parakrama (Parakrama Samudra).

Ratnapura

Quite literally the city of gems, Ratnapura, 103 km from Colombo, is famous for several varieties of gems that are mined in this area. Whether you want to buy some or just browse around and learn more, a visit to the market is a must. Here you will find a wide variety of gems from rubies, sapphires, and cat's eye to amethyst, zircon, garnet, aquamarine and many more. The National museum in Ratnapura also houses an impressive collection of gems.

Sri Lanka is ranked among the top 5 gem-bearing nations in the world and has the greatest concentration of gems on earth.

Sigriya

Sigiriya, which means the "lion rock" offers a glimpse into the urban planning and designs of the 5th century AD. A world heritage site, Sigiriya essentially comprises the ruins of an ancient city and palace complex atop a huge rock shaped like a lion, which rises 200 metres above the ground. Several murals line the stairs that wind to the top of this huge rock. From here you can spot ruins of the ancient palace complex. The lush green forests and mountains that surround this area make for a panoramic view.

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

Twenty-five acres of land with large coconut trees on the banks of the Maha Oya River is your best chance of getting an up-close and personal view of several majestic elephants. In an attempt to conserve the dwindling elephant population, (now placed at around 3000) the Sri Lankan government started this orphanage to provide a safe haven for those baby elephants that had lost their mothers or herds in the jungle.

Afternoon is a good time to visit as watching the babies being bottle-fed milk is an experience not to be missed. After the feed, the herds set off towards the river for their daily bath and this is where you will get to watch the pachyderms in their element.

Pinnawela is located at about 80 km northeast of Colombo and is thought to have the largest herd of captive elephants in the world.

Sunny Beaches of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island and that means a coastline of long sandy beaches. The sandy stretch north of Negombo, north of Colombo, is known for its delectable sea food. Bentota beach is the best spot to enjoy a variety of water sports such as wind surfing and water skiing. For some snorkelling action, head south to the best reefs in Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna. Watch dolphins frolic in the water at Kalapitya. If you are looking for some peace and quiet, however, head to the wide beach at Mirissa.
Ambalangoda, Beruwala, Kalkudah, Mt. Lavinia, Nilaveli, Trincomalee and Weligama are some other interesting beaches that you can visit. With so many to choose from, Sri Lanka is the beach lovers' haven.

Sacred Sites in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's diversity extends not only to its culture, but also to the religious beliefs of its people. Four religions prevail here: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.

As a result, there are several places of worship in this country. Most of these are sacred Buddhist sites, which have attracted travellers from across the world. The most important of these is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, which houses the sacred relic, the tooth of Lord Buddha.

Sri Pada or Adam's Peak in the Ratnapura district is the other most scared site to many Buddhists and Hindus. The peak season for this pilgrimage is April, when you will see lines of pilgrims manoeuvre the steep climb in the wee hours of the morning to watch the sun rise. The temples at Bagoda, Buduruwagala, and Dowa Cave are among the other must see sacred sites in Sri Lanka.

Adventure Tourism in Sri Lanka

If you thought that travelling to Sri Lanka is all about culture and history, then wait, this beautiful island has a lot to offer the adventure traveller. From windsurfing, diving, snorkelling to trekking, caving and mountain biking, Sri Lanka has it all.

For a breathtaking view of magnificent coral reefs, mysterious wrecks of ships and a host of tropical fish, snorkel in the waters off the beaches on the southern coast. The Arugam bay is a favourite among surfers. Take a boat ride deep into the ocean to observe whales and dolphins in their natural habitat or manoeuvre through the rapids at the Kelani River.

If the sea is not your element, then explore the many hiking/trekking trails and caves that abound in this island paradise. Set off on a wildlife safari, explore the protected rainforests or just enjoy the chirp of the melodious bulbul. Whatever your taste, you are sure to take back indelible memories from this land of splendid natural beauty.

Anuradhapura

This ancient city, 206 km north of Colombo, takes you back in time. Famous for its well preserved ruins of the Great Sri Lankan Civilization, Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka till the 8th century AD.
Home to some of the largest dagobas (a dome enshrining the sacred relics of Buddha) and monasteries, today this city is an important and sacred destination for Buddhist pilgrims. Several new monasteries dot this city and are the perfect place to stop to meditate, reflect and reconnect with your inner self.

A dagoba is a dome-shaped Buddhist monument used to enshrine sacred relics - the bodily remains of the Buddha, articles used by Him and other such objects. A dagoba is built on a pedestal and has a spire on top. It is crowned with a pinnacle. A dagoba is the Sri Lankan nomenclature for a ‘stupa' in other Buddhist sites.

Dambulla
The town of Dambulla forms one leg of the cultural triangle and is famous for the world's largest statue of Buddha and the Dambulla Rock temple. You can view exquisite artistic skill and detail reflected in the collection of statues and paintings that date back several centuries. Spread over five caves, this collection is a combination of art done over numerous different periods. If art is not for you, then the eighty caves that surround this area are yours to explore. Better still, you could rest your tired feet and sit down for an introspective session, while you soak in the serenity of the caves.

Dambulla is also the nature lover's delight. Deep in the jungle a little away from Dambulla is the oldest garden in Sri Lanka, the Iron Wood Forest. Dambulla is also home to a beautiful quartz mountain range called the Rose Quartz Mountain Range, famous for its multi-coloured quartz deposits.

Matara
About 160 km away from Colombo, on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, is the beautiful city of Matara. Plush with paddy fields, well manicured tea estates, aromatic spice plantations and clean beaches, this city is a nature lover's delight. The Nilwala River is the main artery of life in this area. Get a breathtaking view of Crow Island where the local fisher-folk go about their daily work or swim at the Polhena Reef surrounded by coral.

World Heritage Sites

Sri Lanka has a long and rich cultural history spanning several centuries. Remnants of centuries past merge effortlessly with modern day Sri Lanka. Hence, a visit to the seven world heritage sites declared by UNESCO is an absolute must. Six of these are cultural sites, while one is a nature site.

Experience the glory of the great Sri Lankan civilization as you walk through the ruins of the greatest monastic city of the ancient world, Anuradhapura.

The impeccable craftsmanship of artists in medieval times is on display in the ruins of Polonnaruwa. Sigiriya is the perfect example of flawless urban planning. The sacred city of Kandy and the Golden temple of Dambulla tell the tale of Buddhism, while the old town of Galle is the perfect example of a fortified city.

The Sinharaja forest in South-west Sri Lanka is the only existing tropical rainforest in the country. Hosting a wide variety of rare species of trees and animals, this heritage site is the ultimate delight of the nature lover.