Sri Lanka
Sri Lank has always attracted the best of the best tourist enthusiasts with its caption "The Pearl of the Indian Ocean..." Well, this is so true. It is a remarkable and splendid country. In fact, it is a Land Steeped in History.
Sri Lanka boasts a history that dates back over 2,500 years. From the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the island is a treasure trove of historical wonders. The iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to the country's architectural and artistic brilliance.
Its boasts of enchanting natural beauty, diverse landscapes range from golden beaches and lush rainforests to misty mountains and tea plantations. The central highlands, home to picturesque towns like Nuwara Eliya and Ella, provide breathtaking views and cool climates. Yala and Wilpattu National Parks offer thrilling wildlife safaris where visitors can spot elephants, leopards, and a variety of exotic birds.
Beyond its natural and cultural attractions, Sri Lanka is renowned for the warmth and friendliness of its people. Whether you're exploring bustling cities like Colombo or enjoying a homestay in a rural village, you'll experience genuine Sri Lankan hospitality.
Sri Lanka is a destination that offers something for everyone—history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich heritage, and welcoming people, this island nation is truly a gem waiting to be explored.
Lotus Tower in the Colombo
The most sought after and Must-Visit destinations cities in Sri Lanka that attract tourists besides Colombo are,
1. Dambulla
Dambulla is home to the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with intricate Buddhist murals and statues. The temple complex, set within a massive rock, offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. This spiritual site is a significant pilgrimage destination and a must-visit for history and art lovers.
View of the Rock from a distance (1km)
In the middle of the trek
The facade of the cave with lion foot on both sides
Brilliant Steep Climb on the wall of the Rock
2. Kandy
Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is best known for the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses a relic of Lord Buddha. The city is surrounded by lush greenery and the beautiful Kandy Lake, providing a peaceful escape. Every year, the Esala Perahera festival brings the city to life with a grand procession of dancers, drummers, and beautifully adorned elephants.
Tooth Relic Temple
3. Nuwara Eliya & Sita Eliya
Nicknamed "Little England," Nuwara Eliya is a charming hill town famous for its cool climate, colonial-era architecture, and lush tea plantations. Visitors can explore tea estates, enjoy scenic hikes, or relax by Gregory Lake. The town is also a gateway to Horton Plains National Park, where the dramatic World’s End viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas. It hosts a Hanuman Temple run by the Chinmaya Mission.
Sita Eliya, located near Nuwara Eliya, is a site of great mythological significance. It is home to the Seetha Amman Temple, dedicated to Sita from the Ramayana epic. According to legend, this is the place where Sita was held captive by King Ravana. The temple, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, attracts devotees and tourists alike who wish to explore the cultural and religious connections between Sri Lanka and India.
Hanuman Temple on a hill.
Sita Eliya - Hanuma Foot Step/Knee impression
A small depiction of the Sita Devi and Sri Hanuman conversation
4. Bentota
Bentota is a paradise for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Known for its golden sandy beaches, the town offers thrilling activities such as jet skiing, windsurfing, and river safaris along the Bentota River. The area is also home to luxurious resorts and Ayurvedic wellness centers, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Bentota Beach
Tour of islands in Sri Lanka - Boat Ride
Islands Map - Adventure camp
Travel, Food & Stay
The tour mostly will be complete if you plan 4 days. The Itinerary goes as follows,
Day 1: Arrival & transfer to the Chilaw, visit Muneswaram Temple and Manawari Temple on the way to Dambulla. mid-afternoon visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress and overnight stay at hotel.
Day 2: After breakfast proceed to visit Sigiriya Rock fortress and transfer to Kandy
In the evening do a city tour of Kandy
Late evening witness the cultural show
Overnight stay at– Kandy
Day 3: After breakfast travel to Nuwara Eliya, enroute visit tea plantation and waterfalls,
Enroute stop at Ramboda and proceed to Visit the Sri Hanuma Bhakta Temple. Sita
Amman Temple and the Gayathri Peedam. Overnight
stay Bentota
Day 4: Play and enjoy the Bentota Beach. After breakfast make another visit to beach and then travel to do a boat ride in Madu river which has 60 islands. You may visit the Turtle farm
and then head to the Airport for the departure
Visa:
Sri Lanka does not expect formal Visa from the SAARC countries. However, an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is required. This can be obtained online and free of cost.
Online Visa ApplicationOnce the application is submitted as individual or group, within 2 to 3 hours the confirmation is and ETA is delivered online.
Currency: Only Sri Lankan Rupees and US Dollars are accepted. Indian rupees to local currency conversion can be easily done in the Colombo Airport.
Food: It is widely popular for Non-Veg Continental and Sea Food. Vegetarians will find it difficult with variety.
Stay: 4-star hotels are preferred but 3-star hotels are good too.
Hotels suggestions:
1. Pelwehera resort Dambulla,
2. Swiss Residence Kandy
3. Ratna Beach Waskaduwa
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