Sri Lanka travel always offers a lot to those who choose to visit this amazing country. To give you a taste of some of the top attractions, here are the top five things you need to do during your Sri Lanka trip:

Explore Exciting Colombo – Popular Start Point for a Sri Lanka Vacation

For a quirky and cosmopolitan city that reveals the ‘real’ Sri Lanka, head to the buzzing city of Colombo. A weird mix of anarchic Asian crowds, crumbling colonial charm and the clean modern gleam of tower blocks make for a fascinating adventure. And this city also serves as a good base from which to see sights in the surrounding region, for which this intriguing city is often overlooked.

Galle Face Green Promenade – Ultimate Family Sri Lanka Travel Vacation

So for family fun there is Galle Face Green Promenade. It stretches along beside the Indian Ocean with a range of food vendors. This is a popular spot for picnicking families. Head here at sundown for a spectacular view.  Colombo Zoo, which houses a variety of different animals, and offers elephant and pony rides. It may also be popular with families. But the Turtle Conservation Villa, which protects Sri Lanka’s endangered turtles, may be a better option for concerned animal lovers on a Sri Lanka trip. Museum lovers should head for the National Museum, the Natural History Museum, or the Dutch Period Museum. While art lovers are also catered for with the Green Path Art Gallery, the Sapumal Foundation, the Lionel Wendt Memorial Art Centre and the Casa Serena Art Gallery.

Bargain at Pettah Market- for Must!

And perhaps the most fascinating area of Colombo is the Pettah. The crush and vitality of the market bazaar makes this area different to anywhere else you will find in Sri Lanka. In the Pettah you will find streets dedicated to the sale of different items. And a Tamil and Muslim flavour which is not found anywhere else in the city. So take a Sri Lanka tour to see what the city has to offer.

Make Your Way To Kandy – A Top Destination for Sri Lanka Travel Sightseeing

If you want to escape the bustle of the big city, then Kandy is a tranquil town 75km outside Colombo which could provide some welcome relaxation. On the way there, stop in at the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage. And perhaps you might also like to make a stop in Peradeniya, to see the amazing orchid collection of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Hiking, Observing Wildlife or Exploring Tea Plantation

As the town of Kandy sits on a plateau amidst the mountains, it is home to many tea-growing plantations and stretches of breath-taking rainforest. The visitor can wonder at the biodiversity of this rainforest at the Udawattakele Forest Reserve. And at the very heart of the city lies Lake Bogambara which is certainly worth a visit, perhaps early in the morning before it gets too busy. But natural beauty is not all that Kandy has to offer, the region is also famous for its religious sites with their Buddhist temples and statues. One of the most important Buddhist sites is the Temple of the Tooth which houses a tooth said to belong to Buddha.

Head for Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, Sigiriya & Gal Viharaya

North and northwest of Kandy, you will discover three of Sri Lanka tourism’s must-see sights. Dambulla Royal Cave Temple is a UNESCO listed world heritage attraction. Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, this is the best preserved cave temple complex in the country. The cave complex dates from the first century BCE, though the caves are likely to have been inhabited long before this time. Five caves here are filled with art and statues relating to the life of Gautama Buddha.

Sigiriya- 600 m High Natural Stone Column

So another important sight often included on Sri Lanka travel tours of the Cultural Triangle, and another of the country’s foremost sites is Sigiriya. This is also a UNESCO world heritage site – a rock fortress of huge historic and archaeological significance. It is believed that the site was selected by King Kashyapa (477-495 CE) for his new capital. He built his palace on the rock. After the king’s death, the site was abandoned, and then used as a monastery until the 14^th Century. Today, it is an example of ancient urban planning, and one of the most important historic sites in the country.

4 Buddhas- Cut from 1 Long Slab of Granite.

And another highlight of the cultural triangle, and something else well worth including on a Sri Lanka tour is the famous Buddhist site of Gal Viharaya, in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. It is famous for its caves, and large sculptures of Buddha carved into rock faces.

Enjoy the Ultimate Sri Lanka Travel Adventure in Yala National Park

Nature lovers enjoying a Sri Lanka vacation will be spoiled for choice when it comes to beautiful areas to explore. The country boasts many national parks and other protected areas. But perhaps the best of the bunch is Yala National Park, where you can enjoy some stunning vistas and get to grips with the sheer abundance and variety of Sri Lankan wildlife. Leopards are the main attraction here – this place has the highest density of leopards in the world. But these are not the only animals you’ll see here as you hike or take another outward bound Sri Lanka travel tour. You are also likely to see elephants, sloths and crocodiles – and many other creatures besides.

Ascend To The Summit of Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak is a hill with huge spiritual significance not just for one religion, but for several. At the summit of the peak there is a footprint cast in stone. Christians believe that it is Adam’s, Buddhists that it is Buddha’s, and Hindus that it is Shiva’s. The site is a popular place of pilgrimage for members of all these religions, especially on the night of a full moon. To reach the peak, you must climb a stunning stone staircase with over 5,000 steps. Many people begin the hike at around 2.30am in order to complete the climb by sunrise.

From Lively Modern City of Colombo to Beautiful Beaches

Of course, a Sri Lanka travel can offer far more than just the attractions mentioned above. We’ve not even started on the beautiful beaches, or the other cultural cities to explore… But the five things mentioned above are definitely top things to do when you plan a Sri Lanka travel adventure.  

As the holiday season draws close, our travel itinerary begins to flash before our eyes, demanding for travel plans to be made. Currently ranking high on the must-visit list, Sri Lanka has become a major tourist destination. With a variety of locations catering to people of all tastes, it tugs at the heart strings of nature-lovers, adventurists and those with a passion for history. With its cultural and homely vibe, Sri Lanka calls upon all to pay witness to the beauty it offers. Curious about where to go in Sri Lanka? Fret not, for Sri Lanka has a wide variety of places to visit:

• Nuwara Eliya

Located in Central Province, this place will take your breath away. Displaying a variety of natural landscapes in their raw beauty, Nuwara Eliya captivates the hearts of all those who pass through. Beautiful waterfalls, lush green plantations, and magnificent mountains the likes of Pidurutalagala – Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain. In particular, the tea plantations are one of the main tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. Sipping tea with beautiful scenery in the background – how much more picturesque does it get?

• Yala National Park

Home to a variety of animals, Yala National Park is a must-see when considering places to visit in Sri Lanka. Leopards wait anxiously to greet you, with beautiful aquatic birds chirping away in the distance. The famous Sri Lankan Elephants are also a major attraction of the park. Catch them bathing in the rivers, or if you wish to experience a tour of the entire park, take one of the safari drives, to catch a glimpse of the wildlife in its natural habitat.

• Mirissa

The perfect getaway spot for you this holiday season, Mirissa is sure to be one of the most memorable tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. With its beautiful beaches, now is the time for you to lay back, work on your tan, and experience the serenity of the island. Of course you can take a relaxing swim, but if you’re not the water type, fret not, for Mirissa is famous worldwide for its Whale and Dolphin-watching. Catch a glimpse of these fantastic creatures, relax and unwind, rid yourself of the worries back home, and make the most of a peaceful vacation instead.

• Bentota

Another site allowing visitors to experience a ‘happening’ beach-life is Bentota. Relax under the warm sun, snap those exotic ‘instagram-able’ pictures of yourself, and enjoy the scenery. Wish to turn this into a historical visit? The Galapatha Raja Temple awaits your arrival, with its beautiful architecture and cultural importance. A combination of the old and modern, Bentota has something for everyone. Curious as where to stay in Sri Lanka? There is an array of luxury hotels to choose from for a comfortable holiday.

• Kandy

Another famous historical location when considering where to go in Sri Lanka is the city of Kandy. A World Heritage Site, Kandy hosts The Temple of the Tooth, which contains a highly sought-after artifact – the tooth of the Buddha. Proving a major attraction for the followers of Buddhism, the location is also representative of the local Sinhalese culture. The nearby Botanical Gardens host a display of the Kandyan Dance and Drum Show, providing some of the greatest entertainment in the region. And if you are in search of another place to visit in Sri Lanka for a breath of fresh air – the nearby Kandy Lake will fulfill all your desires.

• Galle

Another must-visit World Heritage Site is the walled city of Galle. Offering glimpses of the 16^th century, it boasts many historically-rich locations. Your first stop should be the Galle Fort. Remaining as the largest sea fort in Asia built by the European invaders, the architecture of this fort is truly noteworthy, whilst the cobblestoned streets give an antique vibe to the whole area. Explore the area or visit the white Peace Pagoda monument. Visit the various galleries and have your fill of delicious local cuisines. Whether you are looking for a historical experience or a holiday exploring nature, the opportunity to familiarize yourselves with Sinhalese culture and cuisine, or practice whale-watching – Sri Lanka is the place to visit. And there is no need to worry about where to stay in Sri Lanka since there is no shortage of hotels and guesthouses, ranging from the inexpensive, yet comfortable, to the most luxurious. Equipped with local information, you no longer need to fret about where to go in Sri Lanka. Book your trip now, for a memorable journey. Safe travels!