Destinations
Anuradhapura
If you are looking to be in a countryside where massive stupas and dagobas can be seen from a distance, the best place to be is Anuradhapura. Besides the dagobas and stupas, you will have the opportunity of viewing many huge irrigation tanks built by the ancient kings of Ceylon. All this and the number of comfortable hotels and villas that are in offer in the city, will make your visit more peaceful and will add to making your holiday a great time to remember.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya, a city popularly recognized as the home to one of Asia’s major archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. The Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka is also located here. If you are someone with a passion to explore ancient rock fortresses, kingdoms as well as experience the beautiful scenery and nature of the area from herds of elephants to a myriad of migratory birds, Sigiriya is the best place to be.
Pollonaruwa
No visit to the North Central Province is complete without a stopover at Polonnaruwa, the city which is very popular for ancient kingdoms and ruins. If you are an history enthusiast looking to explore historical sites, major tanks as well as ancient ruins as well experience the cool breeze blowing across many great tanks from the many hotels located here, the best place to be is in Polonnaruwa.
Dambulla
Dambulla is a town situated in the north of Matale District, Central Province of Sri Lanka. Among others, the most popular place for you to visit here in Dambulla is the amazing Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple. The temple consists of spectacular paintings and sculptors. In addition to this, a visit to the Minneriya National Park will leave you with beautiful memories.
Kandy
The city nestled in the hills. The most significant event in the whole country takes place here in Kandy, which is known as the Esala Perehara. This is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country, an event never to be missed during your travels. Besides this, the Kandy lake adds a beautiful and serene atmosphere to the this beautifully city, which was also was an ancient kingdom, ruled by the British leaders and Sri Lankan kings.
Nuwara Eliya
Popularly known as “little England,” and located in the central hill country, Nuwara Eliya is the place for you to be if you are looking for a holiday in a very cool and peaceful atmosphere. Among the many places of interests is the Lake Gregory, where many forms of water sports including boat rides are available. If you are a mountaineer, a place of interest would be mount Pidurutalagala. It will make your visit to this hill country, that more enjoyable.
Arugambay & Passikudah
Located in the Eastern province of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is on the list of the top ten surf points in the world. The best time of the year is between May and November. In Arugam Bay there are three-point breaks “The Point”, “Pottuvil Point” and “Crocodile Rock. If you are a surf enthusiast, Arugambay should be listed as the number one place to visit, while in Sri Lanka.
Trincomalee
Trincomalee is a port city situated on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. It has many tourist attractions among many are, the Fort Frederick – which was built by the Portuguese during the 17th century. located within the Fort is the grand Koneswaram Temple which stands on Swami Rock cliff, a popular vantage point for blue-whale watching.
Negambo & Chilaw
Negambo city, a major city in Sri Lanka, is situated on the west coast and at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon, in the Western Province. Negambo is a very popular tourist destination, due to the many golden sandy beaches and the beautiful hotels located on the beaches. Chilaw too offers the traveler, a myriad of treasures to explore and discover that showcase the diverse cultures, natural landscapes and amazing beaches.
Southern Coast
Southern Sri Lanka, does not in any way claim to be the superstar in the Sri Lankan tourism industry but it offers some of the very exciting tourist hotspots and you will find a countless number of things to include in your Sri Lanka south coast itinerary. It offers a mix of mix of medieval streets, modern city life and seaside promenades and pristine beaches making it easy to escape the hustle and bustle and find some solitude.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park is situated in the southeast region of the country, and lies in Southern Province and Uva Province. Yala hosts a variety of ecosystems ranging from moist monsoon forests to freshwater and marine wetlands. It is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Sri Lanka. Yala harbours 215 bird species including six endemic species of Sri Lanka. If you are a nature, bird and wild life enthusiast, visiting Yala would be of prime importance to you.
Wilpatu National Park
Wilpatu National Park is located on the northwest coast lowland dry zone of Sri Lanka. The unique feature of this park is the existence of “Willus” – natural, sand-rimmed water basins or depressions that fill with rainwater. Wilpattu is among the top national parks world-renowned for its leopard population. If you are a nature and wild life enthusiast, Wilpatu National Park should be listed as one of the most important and interesting places to visit.
Sinharaja Forest
Located in south-west Sri Lanka, Sinharaja is the country’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, but the reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians. An ideal place to visit for the nature and wild life enthusiasts.
Colombo
Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka by population. It is the financial centre of the island as well as a popular tourist destination. The city of Colombo seamlessly combines the incredible culture and history of the island with modern attractions and amenities. The city’s unique colonial history (Portuguese, Dutch, and British) adds additional layers to the mix. Ideally suited for the businessmen and for those who loves top class entertainment.