Destinations

Most Important places to Visit for tourists in Sri Lanka

Kandy

Situated in the country's highland area, Kandy is a destination popularly hailed as Sri Lanka's cultural and spiritual capital. The town is best known historically for being the last stronghold of the Kandyan empire, so it has experienced plenty of interesting events in its past, with the legacies of some still evident in its contemporary culture. The town is a fascinating place to wander around and a sightseeing attraction in its own right, however the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Temple of the Tooth is possibly the area's biggest draw card and its most photographed landmark. Kandy is four hours away by train from the capital Colombo.

Anuradhapura

This was the Sri lanka's first capital and was the island's ruling city for over a thousand years from 380 BC onwards. The remains of this ancient city are considered to be one of the county's greatest attractions and its magnificent palaces, temples and stupas are indicative of the civilised nature of the Sinhalese people who built them. The complex is home to several key attractions, including the Jetavanarama Dagoba building and the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha is alleged to have gained enlightenment. At a little over 125 miles from Colombo, Anuradhapura can be visited on a long day trip but an overnight excursion is a better option

Polonnaruwa

In the same vein as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa is an ancient city occupying a pretty lakeside location offering visitors views of temple and palace remains dating back to the Indian Chola dynasty of the 11th century. The remains are remarkably well preserved and as the city is somewhat smaller than Anuradhapura, its attractions can be experienced on an overnight trip. Polonnaruwa is 135 miles from Colombo.

Nuwara Eliya

The 'City of Light', as its name translates, is just 110 miles from Colombo and hence a popular weekend getaway for residents of the capital. The destination was developed originally as a holiday resort for members of the British Empire, its natural beauty being its main draw then and even now. Visitors can enjoy some stunning mountain scenery while participating in activities such as trekking, bird watching, horseback riding, golf and boating. A trip to Horton Plains National Park and a hike up the Pidurutalagala Mountain are both considered essential to see the best of the resort's aesthetic qualities.

Sigiriya

Sri Lankan architectural tradition is well displayed at Sigiriya, the best preserved city centre in Asia from the first millennium, with its combination of buildings and gardens with their trees, pathways, water gardens, the fusion of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements, use of varying levels and of axial and radial planning. The Complex consists of the central rock, rising 200 meters above the surrounding plain, and the two rectangular precincts on the east (90 hectares) and the west (40 hectares), surrounded by two moats and three ramparts. The plan of the city is based on a precise square module..

Yala

Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka.It is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. The park covers 979 square kilometres (378 sq mi) and is located about 300 kilometres (190 mi) from Colombo. Yala was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900, and, along with Wilpattu was one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka, having been designated in 1938. The park is best known for its variety of wild animals. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants, Sri Lankan leopards and aquatic birds..

Bentota

Bentota known for its broad golden beaches is situated in the southern coastal zone of Sri Lanka, a mere 90 minute drive from Colombo. If the idea of a vacation calls to mind an image of lazing around on the beach, indulging in mouth-watering delicacies and returning home with sun kissed skin. a tropical lagoon and a major river Bentota offers water sports possibilities nowhere else to be found. Apart from swimming, body-surfing or diving in the sea, you can jet-ski, windsurf, parasail or enjoy a romantic river safari on the river and lagoon.