How to Plan Your Unforgettable Vacation to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a nation that never fails to capture the imagination of the visitor with its captivating and varied attractions. In this country, you could experience its lovely beaches, stunning natural scenery, engrossing wildlife, cultural and historical highlights, leisure sites, enticing shopping opportunities and more. Described below are some of the absorbing places you could visit during a magical holiday in this South Asian nation. 

Explore Cosmopolitan Colombo 

The obvious place at which to commence your tour of the nation’s attractions is the largest city and commercial capital, Colombo. As you might expect, this vibrant city offers an array of interesting things to see and do. You may take the opportunity to observe the absorbing colonial-era buildings which present an alluring sight. Culture and history lovers will be enthralled at the Colombo National Museum which presents a host of interesting exhibits. You may also explore commercial localities such as Pettah and attractive parks like Galle Face Green and Viharamahadevi Park. The city is also a great place to savour street food, visit art galleries and enjoy retail therapy at malls such as One Galle Face and Colombo City Centre.

Visit Kandy, the Hill Capital

The highland city of Kandy should undoubtedly be included in your list of places to visit in Sri Lanka. Taking pride of place here is the splendid Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is much venerated by Buddhists. You could also take the opportunity to stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake, while nature lovers will be captivated by the picturesque Udawattekele Sanctuary, an enchanting forest reserve with charming trails to explore. Another not-to-be-missed attraction to be found in the environs of this city is the entrancing Peradeniya Botanical Gardens with diverse flora and idyllic spots for picnics. 

Climb Iconic Sigiriya Rock 

Undoubtedly, one of Sri Lanka’s most striking and best-known attractions is the breathtaking Sigiriya rock fortress which presents an impressive sight to behold. At this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will encounter the ruins of a magnificent royal palace and gardens constructed by order of King Kashyapa. Sigiriya is also renowned for its intriguing frescoes on the rock surface which depict a series of beautiful ladies. Another highlight here is the Mirror Wall, a surface that was once highly polished and now features an absorbing collection of 'graffiti' left behind by visitors to the site, centuries ago. 

Tour the City of Galle

Your tour of Sri Lanka’s entrancing places wouldn’t be complete without visiting Galle, a coastal city that inherits a rich historical legacy having been significantly changed by the presence of Portuguese and Dutch colonialists. The highlight here is undoubtedly the splendid Dutch Fort which as its name indicates was constructed principally by the Dutch. Within this impressive structure, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will encounter narrow cobblestoned lanes lined by historical buildings, old churches, mansions, museums, interesting boutiques and cafes. It is also an interesting experience to stroll across the Fort’s massive ramparts that overlook the ocean, especially during sunset.

Enjoy Leisure at Nuwara Eliya 

A rather different kind of experience is visiting the charming town of Nuwara Eliya which is known for its pleasantly cool climate, beautiful surroundings and laidback ambience. This town is sometimes called ‘Little England’ due to its climate and collection of colonial-era buildings, while its surroundings resemble the English countryside. This colonial heritage could be seen in its Victorian-style structures, engrossing churches and enchanting gardens. The town is also known for its production of the internationally renowned Ceylon Tea with verdant tea plantations found across the lush landscapes. When seeking the best hotels in Sri Lanka, consider accommodation options such as the property of Heritance Hotels & Resorts housed in a converted tea factory, from which you could easily enjoy Nuwara Eliya’s key allures.

Go on a Safari at Yala National Park 

Wildlife enthusiasts will be enthralled at the splendid Yala National Park where you will have the chance to admire an engrossing selection of creatures of the wild. This national park is particularly known for its magnificent leopards, boasting the greatest density of these stealthy predators to be found anywhere in the world. This nature sanctuary also features many other interesting kinds of wildlife, including crocodiles, elephants, sloth bears, deer, monkeys and an outstanding collection of birds. It is always a captivating experience to undertake a jeep safari in Yala and encounter such exotic inhabitants of the wild.