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Take a visit to Sri Lanka and you’ll wish to stay there forever. The overwhelming beauty of its natural and historical attractions is something that will abandon you in pursuit of all your best words to define it. Unfazed by its small landmass, Sri Lanka is nothing short of breath-taking exquisiteness.
Here is our handpicked selection of the most awe-inspiring destinations in Sri Lanka for a complete tour of its grandeur and magnificence.
1. Nuwara Eliya: The Little England of Sri Lanka
A quaint landscape blessed with salubrious climate, mesmerising vistas of valleys, mountains and greenery perfectly describes when we talk about Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka. The stunning attractions of the city exude colonial charm while the verdant tea plantations have made it the tea capital of the world.
Also called the City of Lights, Nuwara Eliya boasts of landscapes that will take your breath away with striking meadows and thundering waterfalls. If you are searching for that invigorating retreat to just relax and unwind, Nuwara Eliya is one of those idyllic destinations to consider.
The Best Time to Plan your Trip:
February to April has moderate climate and is generally the best time to visit Nuwara Eliya.
Our Recommendation for Holiday Home:
Take a surreal retreat at this homestay surrounded by beautiful tea estates to take away a memorable holiday experience in Sri Lanka. The five-bedroom villa is bestowed with a garden, BBQ facility and a 24 hour cook to prepare all the meals that you wish for.
What makes it Exclusive?
This homestay is ideal to soak in the breath-taking beauty of the city. Guests staying here can visit Piduruthalagala mountain which is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka and some other nearby tourist attractions like Tea factory, Ambewala milk farm, Victoria and Hakgala Botanical gardens etc.
Where can you find this Stunning Stay?
The elegant homestay is located 2.5 km away from Nuwara Eliya city.
Did You Know?
‘Lovers Leap’ is a spectacular waterfall here named after a young couple who decided to be bound together forever by jumping off the cliff to their demise.
2. Kandy: Sri Lanka’s Spiritual Capital
Perched on a plateau amidst tea plantation and lush rainforests, Kandy remains one of the important religious and cultural centres of Sri Lanka. Once the capital of ancient kings, today the city of Kandy is celebrated for its sacred Buddha sites.
Beyond the famous Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) shrine and the Botanical Gardens,
Kandy is replete with some wonderful places of attraction. The amazing city is best explored with a leisurely stroll around its lake to its temples while enjoying the beautiful vistas.
The Best Time to Plan Your Trip:
October to November is the best time to plan your vacation to Kandy.
Our Recommendation for Holiday Home:
Looking to get your next inspiration for your next artistic wonder? Search no more, this homestay is an artistic haven crafted to bring out your creativity. This homestay nestled in wilderness is the most promising refuge to contemplate and rejuvenate.
What makes it Exclusive?
This homestay offering a cosy bedroom called the Creative Space is best to experience the surreal nature. As the moonlight lingers and the glittering stars adorn the sky, you’ll know that you have found your next great work in Sri Lanka’s spiritual capital.
Where can you find this Stunning Stay?
Kandy Cottage is a holiday home located at only ten minutes’ walk from the centre of the city of Kandy.
Did You Know?
Kandy is popular for its annual procession Esala Perahera, in which one of the inner caskets used for covering the tooth relic of Buddha is taken through the streets of the city with traditional dancers and drummers, flag bearers of the old Kandyan kingdom, the Nilames in their traditional dresses, torch bearers and a grandly attired elephant.
3. Yala National Park: A Biodiversity Hotspot
An important conservation area for wildlife, Yala National Park remains the most visited parks of Sri Lanka owing to its incredible natural beauty. Hosting a variety of ecosystems, Yala National Park is a delightful break away from the hubbub of city life to relax and unwind in natural surroundings.
Yala National Park is home to a variety of animals and a great place for those looking for an adventurous holiday with an enthralling wildlife safari. A must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts, Yala National Park has in its store some interesting sights to reconnoitre.
The Best Time to Plan Your Trip:
February to June/July is the best time to go to Yala National Park.
Our Recommendation for Holiday Home:
Exuding colonial allure and overlooking the spectacular backdrop of Sri Lanka’s west coast, this homestay is a perfect place to make your Sri Lanka vacation memorable. The four-bedroom villa features a beautiful garden, swimming pool and fully equipped kitchen easily accommodating upto 8 guests.
What makes it Exclusive?
Fully-staffed and equipped with modern conveniences, Ocean’s Edge is a gorgeous private villa, impeccably suited for families, groups and nature lovers looking to completely refresh and relax. Opportunities for exploratory walks along the near-deserted beach are endless.
Where can you find this Stunning Stay?
The homestay is located in Hambantota, Southern Province, Sri Lanka.
Did You Know?
King Ravana, the mythical Hindu anti-hero is believed to have established his kingdom here with Ravana Kotte, now submerged in the sea, as its boundary.
4. Colombo: The Heart of Sri Lanka
Offering the perfect laid-back holiday experience with the charm of its wonderful tourist attractions, Colombo deserves all the praise that it gets. With its history, diversity and beauty, no one goes back without a smile on their face after an enchanting visit to Colombo.
Colombo, the largest city of Sri Lanka has a lot in store for you with its splendid architecture, intermix of colonial remnants with high-rises and eclectic shopping malls. Sri Lanka’s bustling commercial hub, Colombo is a great stopover for all tourists on the quest of discovering the wonders of Sri Lanka.
The Best Time to Plan your Trip:
Colombo is a year-round destination and can be visited any time of the year.
Our Recommendation of Holiday Home:
This elegant homestay in Sri Lanka leaves no stone unturned to offer its guests a home away from home on their vacation. Comprising two bedrooms, this tastefully decorated boutique apartment is ideal to enjoy a serene retreat while enjoying the beauty of Sri Lanka.
What makes it Exclusive?
If you wish to find a place that takes care of your midnight hunger pangs, then this homestay is perfect for you. So, even if you arrive in the middle of night, the homestay has got everything sorted for you from refreshments to snacks.
Where can you find this Stunning Stay?
The beautiful apartment is located in Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka.
Did You Know?
The name “Colombo” was first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505 is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name meaning “port on the river Kelani”.
5. Galle: A Quaint Historical Gem
Retaining its old-world atmosphere, Galle is an astounding destination endowed with impressive Dutch-colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, imposing mansions and museums.
The most famous attraction here is Galle Fort founded by the Portuguese and the walled city is today renowned for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The seductive ambience of this unique city is a vacationer’s favourite wishing to soak in the beauty of Sri Lanka.
The Best Time to Plan your Trip:
February to April is the best time to visit Galle.
Our Recommendation for Holiday Home:
With the stunning beachfront built on the Indian Ocean, this homestay in Galle promises an amazing vacation for families and friends. The gorgeous villa comprises 3 bedrooms fitting up to 7 guests with a laundry list of beach activities coming as a surplus during your stay.
What makes it Exclusive?
This villa is perfect if you are fond of sun, surf and sands. With the beach on its side, guests can indulge in various activities from a leisurely stroll to watching the nesting of turtles.
Where can you find this Stunning Stay?
The homestay is located just 7 minutes from Galle and its famous UNESCO Fort.
Did You Know?
The famous Galle Fort located here was built by the Portuguese, fortified by the Dutch and then modified by the British.
6. Adams-Peak: The Holy Footprint
Boasting of being the most spectacular natural landmark and pilgrimage attraction of Sri Lanka, Adams Peak is a wonderful getaway to sightsee the wonderful landscape of Sri Lanka. Climb up this majestic peak and you’ll be enthralled by the impressive sights during your hike.
This lofty peak stand with the clouds offering a sight to behold while at the same time revered as a holy site with various legends being associated. Often referred to by several names like Sri Pada, Ratnagiri, Mount Rohana etc. this place is nevertheless a place worthy to add to your bucket list.
The Best Time to Plan your Trip:
December to April sees the most tourists visiting Adams Peak.
Our Recommendation for Holiday Home:
Exuding comfort and modernity, this homestay puts everything the city has to offer just outside your doorstep. Offering the cozy ambience of your own home, the homestay is ideal for up to 10 guests with a wide range of amenities and perks.
What makes it Exclusive?
This homestay has enough excitement for its guests to cherish their vacation. Whether you wish to just relax after some tiresome sightseeing or need to appreciate the nature at their garden, this homestay is just a delight for every tourist.
Where can you find this Stunning Stay?
This homestay is located at some distance from Adam’s Peak in Nuwara Eliya.
Did You Know?
It is well known for the Sri Pada rock formation near the summit, which in Buddhist tradition is held to be the footprint of the Buddha, in Hindu tradition that of Shiva and in Islamic and Christian tradition that of Adam or St. Thomas.
7. Udawalawe-National-Park: An Eco-Tourism Heaven
A safe sanctuary for the magnificent beasts that roam in the wild and a hotspot for a nature loving tourist, Udawalawe National Park brings holds true to every bit said about the gorgeous island of Sri Lanka. With some beautiful backdrops, Udawalawe National Park is a must visit to capture the soul of Sri Lanka’s exotic side.
It’s the best place to spot wildlife that ranges from elephants, buffaloes, crocodiles to hundreds of striking birds. The scenery here is stunning, with the dark hills of Horton Plains forming a dramatic backdrop with a number of elephants that roam freely around. If you are fond of biodiversity, you’ll not be disappointed at all visiting Udawalawe National Park.
The Best Time to Plan your Trip:
October to April can be the best time of year to take a vacation to Udawalawe.
Our Recommendation for Holiday Home:
With rooms that feature the refreshing views of the garden and lake, this place is ideal for a couple of people. This holiday homes comes along with a gamut of features like entertainment staff, restaurant and free private parking.
What makes it Exclusive?
For people choosing to stay here, you’ll not get a single moment to be bored. They offer an array of exciting activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling and fishing.
Where can you find this Stunning Stay?
This homestay is based at 9 km from Udawalawe National Park in Udawalawe.
Did You Know?
Before the designation of the national park, the area was used for shifting cultivation. The farmers were gradually removed once the national park was declared.
8. Anuradhapura: Of Ancient Ruins And Holy Places
One of the greatest monastic cities of the ancient world, Anuradhapura was hidden away in dense jungles until it was discovered to be the beautiful tourist destination it is today. Celebrated for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization, it is a must-visit to chronicle the past of this beautiful island.
The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world portrays its unique antique charm with the ruins that once embellished the city in its heyday. The sacred city with its enormous dagobas (brick stupas), ancient pools and crumbling temples showcase its splendour and grandeur leaving all the tourists mesmerised by the evocative sights.
The Best Time to Plan your Trip:
The months of April and September are considered as the best season to visit Anuradhapura.
Our Recommendation for Holiday Home:
This newly built villa called the Golden Residence is an idyllic retreat while you discover the scenic landscapes of Sri Lanka. Featuring a large garden area, optional meals and a bunch of amenities, this homestay is all that you can hope for while enjoying the perfect escapade.
What makes it Exclusive?
The best feature of this homestay that you would not face any hassles if you wish to explore around. Leading restaurants, super markets, shops are in close proximity to this place making it a great lodging for vacation.
Where can you find this Stunning Stay?
The fabulous homestay is located just 1.5 kilometre from the city and offers easy access to other attractions too.
Did You Know?
Anuradhapura has the oldest living tree known to be planted- Sri Maha Bodhi, tended continuously for over 2,000 years. It is believed to have grown from a cutting brought from the tree under which Buddha found enlightenment in Bodh Gaya.
9. Sigiriya: The Eighth Wonder Of The World
Capturing the imagination of every visitor with its unique blend of natural and man-made formation that culminates into an astonishing fortress, Sigiriya is often referred to as the eighth wonder by locals. Also called the Lion’s Rock, Sigiriya was once the epicentre of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa.
With one of the most dramatic sights that Sri Lanka has to offer, Sigiriya is certainly an ancient marvel to spectate with wonder and appreciation. Considering the uniqueness of Sigiriya UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site in 1982 featuring some remarkable attractions like the Mirror Wall, ancient frescoes, landscaped gardens etc.
The Best Time to Plan your Trip:
February to April has moderate climate and is generally the best time to visit.
Our Recommendation for Holiday Home:
Nestled in a verdant forest with a luxuriant bird life, this homestay also goes by the name ‘Kurulu Uyana’ (Bird Park) among the locals. The spacious sleeping deck easily snugs in up to 4 adults while offering a wonderful natural ambience. At your bidding, the cook here can also fix you sumptuous meals from Sri Lankan and Western cuisine.
What makes it Exclusive?
If you appreciate nature, you’ll love every moment spent here. Since you are at tree level at this unique abode, there is a gorgeous vista of the neighbouring area including the adjoining boulder garden, Pidurangala Rock.
Where can you find this Stunning Stay?
Back of Beyond – Pidurangala is just 5 minutes from Sigiriya Rock.
Did You Know?
Sigiriya is considered to be one of the most important urban planning sites of the first millennium as well as oldest landscaped gardens in the world.
10. Polonnaruwa: The Ancient Treasure of Sri Lanka
Take a tour of Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka to find the last piece that completes the labyrinth of Sri Lanka’s remarkable beauty. Once a vibrant ancient city, Polonnaruwa today offers the monumental ruins to take quick detour into the history of Sri Lanka.
Declared as a world heritage site, Polonnaruwa often serves as a backdrop for films due to its breath-taking beauty. Offering a refreshing ambience different from many other tourist destinations, Polonnaruwa is a delightful place to cherish the antique treasures.
The Best Time to Plan your Trip:
July to November is a great time to visit Polonnaruwa in Sri Lanka.
Our Recommendation for Holiday Home:
This homestay offers private rooms for their guests while promising a wonderful stay on your vacation. The rooms overlook a picturesque balcony and a beautiful garden. The accommodation comes along with homely ambience and all the conveniences are offered to their beloved guests.
What makes it Exclusive?
The distinct feature of this homestay is the overwhelming care and friendliness of the Sri Lankan family that resides here. They will instantly make people feel at home with the love and warmth showered on their guests.
Where can you find this Stunning Stay?
The wonderful holiday home is situated at Polonnaruwa, North Central Province, Sri Lanka.
Did You Know?
Polonnaruwa has been in the limelight recently with the release of the Disney documentary movie “Monkey Kingdom” in over 12,000 US Cinemas in April 2015.
