With its endless beaches, warm blue waters, varied wildlife and rich cultural history, Sri Lanka is fast becoming the go-to destination for thousands of travellers around the world. And sure, you can enjoy the simple pleasures of a sunbathing holiday. But you should also consider that Sri Lanka is a place for exploration, adventure and discovery.
Visit The Residents Of The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala is located in Sri Lanka’s Kegalle District, around an hour’s drive from Kandy and easily accessible from Colombo. The town is home to an elephant orphanage, where visitors are invited to observe the elephants bathing, take photos and even feed the babies. This is the perfect adventure for animal lovers and nature buffs.
Climb The Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist spots, and you’ll understand why when you see it. A rocky outcrop rising 600 feet high and lined with narrow steps that take visitors to its summit, the “Lion’s Rock” is both a unique geological formation and a historical site that will fill you with wonder. After mounting the hundreds of stairs, passing by numerous frescoes and carvings on the way, visitors reach the top to discover the remains of an ancient palace. It’s no surprise that this amazing place is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Wander Through The Ruins At Anuradhapura
Though Colombo is Sri Lanka’s modern day capital, in the 4th century BC it was Anuradhapura that stood at the centre of this beautiful island nation. Today, much of Anuradhapura has been modernized, but it is still home to numerous ancient ruins and carvings that can be freely explored by tourists. Whilst there, don’t forget to make a visit to the sacred Bodhi tree, which has stood in place for over 2000 years and is worshipped daily.
Explore The Tea Plantations At Nuwara Eliya
Sri Lanka is a country famed for its hot climate but there are certain regions where the temperatures dip a little lower. Nuwara Eliya is one such place; a tea plantation town high in the hill country of the Central Province, shrouded by mountain mists. Nuwara Eliya was settled by British colonialists during the 19th century and today the Victorian influence is still evident in the town’s buildings. But the main attractions here are the lush, green tea plantations, where tourists can explore the tea-making process and, of course, sample a cup themselves.
Watch A Traditional Sri Lankan Dance Performance at Kandy Lake
Kandy is the largest city in Sri Lanka, and it is home to popular tourist destinations such as Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Set aside a few days to properly tour this wonderful part of the world, and make sure you book a ticket to Kandy’s Cultural Show, where you can get into the local rhythm with some traditional dancing.
With so many exciting Sri Lanka holidays to choose from, there’s never been a better time to get your adventure started. And if you’ve already visited, leave a comment with any experiences of your own!
