Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, offers its visitors an unforgettable journey full of adventure, history, and breathtaking nature. Discover the top 10 sights you shouldn't miss on your trip to Sri Lanka.
The Sigiriya Rocks rise 200 meters into the air and offer a breathtaking view of the Sri Lankan countryside. The steps leading to the top were once part of a fortress built by a powerful king.
Today, visitors can explore this historic site while enjoying nature and the views. It is also possible to hire a guide to accompany you on a tour of the Sigiriya Rocks, providing interesting information about Sri Lanka's history and culture.
Sigiriya Rock, Sri Lanka: Facts | |
---|---|
Arrival: | By car from Colombo or Kandy |
Highlights: | Rock fortress, frescoes, lion paws |
Activities: | Hiking, historical exploration |
Wildlife: | Birdwatching |
Travel advice: | Wear comfortable shoes, visit early in the morning |
Best time to visit: | Best between November and April |
Take a journey into Sri Lanka's history by visiting the temples of Anuradhapura. The city was once the capital of the kingdom and is home to some of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in the country. One of the most famous landmarks is the Ruwanwelisaya Temple, a huge stupa dating from the 2nd century B.C.
Other impressive sites include the Jetavanaramaya Temple, one of the largest stupas in the world, and the Isurumuniya Temple, known for its beautiful rock reliefs.
The temples of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka: facts | |
---|---|
Arrival: | By car or bus from Colombo |
Highlights: | Historical temples, dagobas, bodhi tree |
Activities: | Cultural exploration, cycling |
Wildlife: | Monkeys, birds |
Travel advice: | Wear respectful clothing. |
Best time to visit: | All year round, best during the day |
The beaches of Unawatuna are renowned for their crystal clear waters and soft golden sand. Here, you can sunbathe, swim, and enjoy water sports like surfing and diving. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops where you can buy local specialties and handicrafts. Spend a relaxing day on the beach and unwind with a massage or yoga class.
The beaches of Unawatuna, Sri Lanka: Facts | |
---|---|
Arrival: | By bus or tuk-tuk from Galle |
Highlights: | Golden sand, snorkeling, sunsets |
Activities: | Water sports, relax |
Wildlife: | Sea turtles |
Travel advice: | Watch out for currents when swimming |
Best time to visit: | December till March |
The beautiful city of Kandy is known for its rich culture and history. The city is home to some of the country's most important Buddhist sites. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, where Buddha's tooth is kept. Marvel at the beauty of Kandy Lake, surrounded by green hills. Stroll the colorful Kandy market and sample local specialties. A highlight of the Kandy experience is the annual Esala Perahera Festival, with colorful parades and dances.
Kandy, Sri Lanka: Facts | |
---|---|
Arrival: | By train from Colombo or by bus |
Highlights: | Tooth Temple, Kandy Lake, Kandy Perahera |
Activities: | Cultural experience, botanical garden |
Wildlife: | Elephants, monkeys |
Travel advice: | Behave respectfully, observe entrance fees |
Best time to visit: | July and August |
Adam's Peak is known for its unique shape and spiritual significance to many religions. Climbing the mountain is challenging but well worth it for the breathtaking sunrise.
The trekking season is from December to April, and the climb can take between 3 and 7 hours, depending on your fitness. Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes and plenty of water.
Adams Peak, Sri Lanka: Facts | |
---|---|
Arrival: | By bus or tuk-tuk from Hatton |
Highlights: | Pilgrimage site, sunrise, famous stairs |
Activities: | Pilgrimage, spiritual experience |
Wildlife: | Birdwatching |
Travel advice: | Bring warm clothes for night hike |
Best time to visit: | December till April |
The historic Galle Fort bears witness to the Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial periods and offers a unique experience for history buffs. The fort is also renowned for its architecture and quaint streets, which can be explored on a walking tour. There are many galleries, restaurants, and shops where you can buy local specialties and handicrafts.
Galle Fort, Sri Lanka: Facts | |
---|---|
Arrival: | By train or bus from Colombo |
Highlights: | Historical fortress, lighthouse, Galle Clock Tower |
Activities: | Historical exploration, walks on the walls |
Wildlife: | Bats, Iguanas |
Travel advice: | Free city tours available |
Best time to visit: | All year round |
If you are looking for peace and inspiration, visit the Bahai Temple in Colombo. It symbolizes peace and harmony and provides a beautiful setting for meditation and reflection. The building is made of gleaming marble and glass and glows in various colors in the sunlight.
The Bahai Temple is surrounded by a picturesque garden with exotic flowers and trees, a true oasis in the middle of the city.
Bahai Temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka: Facts | |
---|---|
Arrival: | By cab or tuk-tuk in Colombo |
Highlights: | Bahai temple, gardens, rest |
Activities: | Meditation, spiritual reflection |
Wildlife: | Birdwatching |
Travel advice: | Keep calm, photography allowed |
Best time to visit: | All year round |
The tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya are an unforgettable experience for tea lovers. Here, you can find some of Sri Lanka's finest teas and learn about tea production. Spend a day on a plantation and see how the tea leaves are harvested and processed. Take a tour of the gardens and enjoy the beauty of the rolling countryside. Sample and buy local tea in the area's tea shops and cafes.
The tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka: Facts | |
---|---|
Arrival: | By train from Colombo or Kandy |
Highlights: | Tea plantations, waterfalls, Horton Plains |
Activities: | Tea tour, hiking |
Wildlife: | Sambar deer, birds |
Travel advice: | Bring warm clothes, note entrance fees |
Best time to visit: | March till June |
At Yala National Park, you can see lions, elephants, leopards, and many other wild animals in their natural habitat. The park is known for its high density of leopards and offers an unforgettable safari experience. You can also take a boat ride on the park's lake to admire the stunning scenery and abundant birdlife.
A visit to Yala National Park is an unforgettable experience not to be missed. Remember to bring comfortable clothes and shoes, as well as plenty of water and sunscreen.
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka: Facts | |
---|---|
Arrival: | By car or bus from Colombo |
Highlights: | Leopard sightings, elephants |
Activities: | Jeep safaris, wildlife watching |
Wildlife: | Leopards, crocodiles, elegant, birds |
Travel advice: | Apply for permits in advance |
Best time to visit: | February till July |
Mihintale is an important Buddhist pilgrimage center in Sri Lanka and home to some of the country's oldest temples. The site is situated on a hill and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Here, you can experience the history and culture of Sri Lanka and learn more about Buddhism.
Visit the Stupa, the Temple of St Mahinda, and the monastery complexes. Mihintale is also a popular place for hiking and offers a relaxing environment for visitors.
Mihintale, Sri Lanka: Facts | |
---|---|
Arrival: | By bus from Anuradhapura |
Highlights: | Historical site, Mihintale Dagoba, temple |
Activities: | Cultural exploration, stair climbing |
Wildlife: | Monkeys, birds |
Travel advice: | Respectful behavior in religious sites |
Best time to visit: | All year round |
Sri Lanka is a country of beauty and adventure. No matter what kind of traveler you are, you're sure to find something that will excite you. So pack your bags and set off to see the beauty of Sri Lanka for yourself!