Anuradhapura – Taking pride in a rich cultural and religious heritage, this once renowned kingdom has become one of the Top tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. The establishment of Buddhism in the country began in Anuradhapura where even today the radiant ‘Sri Maha Bodhi’, a branch from the Bo tree under which Lord Buddha was said to have reached enlightenment stands firm.
Among many temples and monuments, The Sri Maha Bodhi temple, Ruwanwelisaya, and Jetavanaramaya are must visits mainly because of its historical significance.
Respect and discipline are highly expected so make sure to dress appropriately and remove headwear and footwear before entering places of worship. Taking pictures is generally welcomed unless stated otherwise by the authorities, therefore, be mindful if such notices are placed at the setting.
Anuradhapura can be visited all year around is April and September are considered the best months to visit due to moderate temperatures.
Polonnaruwa – Declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Polonnaruwa is well known for its’ archeological relics and ingenious irrigation system. The preserved ruins of the Royal Palace, Gal Viharaya; the rock temple with four Buddha statues, Lankathilake Temple, the statue of King Parakkramabahu I and the Parakrama Samudraya which is a manmade rain-water reservoir are some of the best attractions not to be missed.
Avoid wearing dark colored clothes and modest attire covering shoulders and legs are expected.
To avoid traveling during the monsoon season, July to November are the best months to explore the grandeur of this ancient kingdom.
Dambulla – Home to the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia, Dambulla is definitely a place worth the visit which is another World Heritage site Sri Lanka has to offer. One of the oldest Buddhist forest monastery; the Ironwood Grove Monastery is located in this area as well.
The famous rock cave temple or the ‘Golden Temple of Dambulla’ is the main attraction that will surely leave visitors overwhelmed.
The massive overhanging rock covers an area of 160 meters and has over 80 caves of which five such caves are open for visitors. 153 statues of Lord Buddha and murals beautifully depicting different stages in the life of the Buddha can be seen painted across 2100 square meters of the cave wall.
Modest attire covering shoulders and legs are advised.
The cave is open for visitors daily from 7 a.m – 7 p.m and is best visited during June to November.
Sigiriya – Sigiriya or the Lion Rock was King Kashyapa’s fortress during the 5th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Halfway up the rock is the entrance to the upper palace that is guarded with a grand lion gate and its design was such that it was used to intimidate enemies at the time.
The ruins of the upper palace can be seen even today along with the Mirror Wall that used to be highly polished enough to see the king’s reflection when he passed by. Prose and poetry written on this wall by ancient travellers can be seen along with beautiful frescoes painted on the walls of the rock.
Wear light clothing for the trip and climbing the rock in the morning hours is most suited.
February –April months are the best time to visit Sigiriya due to moderate temperatures.
Kandy – Kandy is known as the last capital held by the Royal Kingdom and was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of the famed Temple of the Tooth Relic. This is one of the most prominent temples in the country which holds a tooth relic of Lord Buddha. Worshippers are allowed two special gatherings daily each morning and evening to view the relic preserved in a golden casket. There is an International Buddhist museum in the temple premises as well.
The scenic Kandy Lake flowing next to the Temple adds more beauty to the city and the entire town is lit up during the month of August for the ‘Esala Perahara’, a spectacular procession where the sacred tooth relic is paraded on a mighty Tusker.
The Botanical Garden in Peradeniya is another top tourist attraction rich in many varieties of flora and fauna.
Wearing white or light colored modest clothing is customary for all places of worship.
Cooling temperatures are during December-April which makes it the ideal time to visit this area.
Nuwara Eliya – Established by the British in the 19th century as a home away from home for the Europeans, this town has not quite changed up to day. Resting almost a mile above the sea level the town of Nuwara Eliya overlooks the tea country. It is also the closest destination to the Piduruthalagala Mountain – also known as the tallest peak in Sri Lanka. Most frequently referred to as the “Little England”, one will be amazed to find from old Victorian buildings to man build lakes and pleasure gardens. Nuwara Eliya offers a variety of accommodation options for the people. One could reside at a small country club or an amazing hotel which was once a working tea factory. The temperature of Nuwara Eliya differs to what most of the country offers, with an average rainfall of 2,000mm and a chilly mild weather of 15.9C. Nuwara Eliya is also quite popular amongst the hindu pilgirms as the two most common hindu temples Hanuman and Seetha Amman temples are based at a quick stroll from the town. The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya would be in the month of April where a week-long event will be hosted.
Ella – Surrounded by scenic mountains and lush green tea plantations, Ella is a destination for all nature lovers. Despite being a small town, Ella has many attractions to offer.
Among breath-taking views atop Ella rock and Mini Adam’s Peak, The Nine Arches bridge is a famed attraction considered as one of the most iconic bridges in Sri Lanka where nine skies can be seen through the nine arches from underneath the bridge.
The Ravana Falls named after the legendary king Ravana is another attraction where it is believed that Sita was held captive in a cave (Ravana Cave) behind the waterfall since the king sought revenge from Sita’s husband Rama.
Even though the temperature gets warm during the day, the nights can be quite chilly so make sure to pack appropriate clothing.
March to June marks the best season to visit Ella.
Haputale – Surrounded by misty mountains and tea estates, Haputale is a serene area that not many tourists know about. It was named ‘one of Asia’s most overlooked destinations’ by CNN. Rich in bio-diversity, there are many attractions for tourists to witness. Lipton’s seat is one such attraction that overlooks the magnificent Haputale mountain range. It is a look-out point named after Sir Thomas Lipton.
Adisham Bungalow is a must visit when in Haputale. It is a Benedictine monastery which offers tours for visitors upon request. The cobblestone walls and beautiful gardens resemble England’s countryside.
Visiting a waterfall is a must when in Sri Lanka and Diyaluma Falls is conveniently located in this area. With a height of 171m, it is the third highest waterfall in the country.
Warm clothing is a must when touring Haputale.
To avoid the rainy season, visit Haputale between the months of March to August.
Mirissa – Mrirssa a few kilometres away from the city is one of the best beaches for beach lovers. The southern sea tucked away further away offers a pretty little bay with an array of coconut palms and a lovely sand tucked coast. Mirissa is also a city which is lively throughout the day, whilst the sea breeze marks its attendance during the day, the nightlife and the music takes up the evening. From Vibrant bars to low key pubs you this town gives you a variety of options to choose from. Miriss is commonly renowned for whale watching and the boats setting of the harbour quite rarely fails to get the glimpse of the blue whales and the sperm whales. Whilst the swimming and other beach sports is available in Mirissa, the town can also feel empty during the monsoon months from July – November.
Galle (UNESCO World Heritage site) – Galle is also known as the 5th largest city in Sri Lanka. The city of Galle differ from the rest of the country due to the character and the atmosphere. At the heart of the town lies the dutch fort protected by thick walls and ramparts. The Galle fort also known as the old dutch quarter is walk down the lane to the dutch period. From the massive archway entrance to the narrow streets and the red tiled villas, the fort offers a unique experience. The Galle fort has its own set of Dutch date mansions, churches, an old courthouse and the mesmerizing lighthouse. Street food at the sunset in the ramparts is not to be missed when at Galle. Galle fort is much lively than many of the other forts within the country, from the busy residents to the visitors, Galle Fort cam be quite cheerful throughout the year. Galle fort also offers a variety of different dinning options, one could sit in for a seven-course dinner or head into a local house for a homecooked meal. Galle is quite heavily lit up during the literary festival where authors from the around the country gathers once a month. The three-day program hosts unique culinary experiences to breath taking fire dances. Galle provides a variety of accommodation options both within the Galle fort and by the breath-taking beach.
Jaffna – Located in the northern part of the Island, Jaffna is a town rich in both culture and history.
Nallur is the capital of Jaffna where the famous Nallur Kovil resides which was built in 948.A.D and renovated in 1734. The Nallur festival parades God Shanmuhar in a huge chariot and attracts thousands of devotees to the city each year.
Whilst being a multi-religious city, another place of worship that should not be missed is the Nagadeepa temple in Nainathivu. A short boat ride will take you to this island that Lord Buddha himself is known to have visited.
The Casuarinas Beach is another attraction with shallow waters and soft golden sand making it one of the nicest beaches in Sri Lanka.
Jaffna has many interesting sights to see and among them is the Nilavarai Bottomless well which, according to legendary tales was created by Hanuman to quench Sita’s sudden thirst on their way to India.
The temperature in Jaffna is warm all year so make sure to pack light clothing.
June-August is the busiest tourist season due to the festivities that take place so it is best to place your bookings well in advance.
Trincomalee – Also know as the finest harbour in the world, Trinco indeed needs no exaggeration. The beauty of its beaches and the tropical climate lures visitors over and over again. The Trinco Fort initially built by the Portuguese and then by the Dutch followed by the French and finally the British holds a long history. Another highlight worthy of mention would be the Naval Dockyard for all those who love history. Strolling to the North this destination proudly owns two of the most secluded and breath-taking beaches – Nilaweli and Uppvelli. The best time to visit Trinco would be during the months of June – September. Other than the picturesque views the destination also offers a large variety of water sports. Boat ride to the pigeon island is another not to be missed experience during the stay.
Colombo – The capital of the country is more of the commercial hub. The city connects from through a fine system of roads to railway upto the international airport which is situated 20 mins away from the city. Colombo offers from shinny office blocks to colonial buildings which defines Sri Lanka perfectly. The commercial and cultural life grows at the city at a pace. From cafes down the street the city also offers variety of large chain hotels and restarants. One will never fail to notice a buddhist shrine every now then, colonial churches, hindu temples and mosques at very small town will also make its presence. Colombo fort also known as pettah is a mix of different cultures and races of people. An afternoon walk in the pettah for street food can be quite hectic, but it is worth the effort. From hospitals converted to shopping malls and theatre halls in action the night life in Colombo can be very vibrant. Landmarks such as independence square and Nelum Pokuna brings into life the architectural value.
The best way to travel within the busy streets of Colombo is with the help of a tuk – tuk. The Beira Lake in Colombo as also used ad a canal network for transportation. These canals link upto Negombo. Negombo situated 30mins away from Colombo is a vibrant town once renowned a one of the busiest fishing villages
With Smart Planners you only need to start packing up your bags and hopping on that plane to enjoy a memorable fun filled holiday in Sri Lanka, as your entire trip will be taken care of just the way you want it to be.
Connect with us on our social pages and be updated on the latest news and events.
