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Ella
One can't bid goodbye to this beautiful town without visiting the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory. The largest of all the tea factories in Sri Lanka, Uva is known not only for its picturesque surroundings but also for its delicious teas. The town also boasts of several vantage points from where you can relish the birds-eye view of the surrounding places. One of such spots is Porawagala, which offers you a sneak-peek into the dense forests, valleys, and green pasture land. Ella also houses a large number of temples and monasteries which offer a sneak-peek into the culture and traditions of this place.
Muthiyangana temple, Dhowa Rock temple, and Mahamevnawa Monastery are some of the popular spiritual spots in the town. With its unique blend of beauty, spirituality, peace, and adventure, it has emerged as the most sought-after tourist location in Sri Lanka. Whether you wish to head for an enthralling hike or soak in the spectacular sunset view, this place has something for everyone. The beautiful town of Ella is home to several old-style bridges and structures from the World War era which add its visual appeal. If you want to take a break from your hectic life and escape into nature, Ella is a perfect holiday destination for you.
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Sigiriya
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Sabaragamuwa
Sabaragamuwa is a province in Sri Lanka, the island country and is one of the first level administrative places of the country. Apart from being a destination of civil importance, this place is a pure retreat for tourists, mainly because of its indigenous yet important culture which it has to showcase.
A home to various natural cascading waterfalls, elephant orphanages and sites of religious importance like temples and shrines, Sabaragamuwa is a place where you will have one of the most unique experiences. It is indeed not like most of the tourist places which are over-crowded and expensive, but is full of purity and calmness, with everything authentic.
This place will show you a perfect blend of culture, respect and perseverance of wildlife, adventure and everything else you wish to see on an off-beat destination tour. This place is suitable for tourists of all age group and preferences because what it has to offer cannot be a disappointment for any one. Right from nature’s serenity to adventures to man-made tourist pleasures, this place is a retreat for all who seek to have a vacation where they can successfully unwind their souls by taking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life which everyone is fed up of.
Negombo
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Kalpitiya
Often ensconced within tags to the effect of being “the future of Sri Lanka tourism”, Kalpitya has of late ascended unprecedentedly in the global tourism radar. The town which is located in the North Western province of the country, is essentially a remote peninsula consisting of a total of fourteen islets. The Kalpitiya beach is the indisputable highlight of the quaint town, and is reached by a lagoon that is connected to the aforementioned islets that comprise it.
The beach, a slice of paradise in Sri Lanka dotted with coastal palm trees and blanketed by a spotlessly blue sky that is so characteristic of it, is still relatively not as popular as you would guess, albeit its popularity like the town itself is on a trajectory of steady and steep ascent. As far as activities are concerned, one would never tire of the immense range of possibilities that the beach offers.
There is of course the run of the mill list of activities one would check off at any coastal destination, but the beach is especially famous for its aquatic biodiversity, and is home to an immense number of marine species that abound in its waters. Visitors can go on casual swims and even take it to snorkeling to view the underwater life up close, and jeep excursions covering a massive terrestrial range of the peninsula are famous too.
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Tangalle
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia is the second largest municipality of Sri Lanka after the capital city Colombo. With a decent population, this suburb of Colombo lies immediately south of the Colombo Municipality. The colourful suburb is an amalgam of certain principal urban communities and suburbs that are combined for the administrative purposes. Home to the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka which still happens to be the largest of the kind in Asia, the Mount Lavinia and Dehiwala are both located along the Galle Road Artery which runs along the coast leading you to the South of the country.
This Municipality of Sri Lanka comprises of 7 key areas including Mount-Lavinia, Ratmalana, Kalubowila, Nedimala, Attidiya, Kohuwala and Dehiwala. All of these destinations have a number of places to see to keep you engaged and interested. Not too far away from the Colombo city, you definitely must come here for a day trip or even stay here overnight in one of the prominent resorts, guesthouses or hotels located here.
Point Pedro
Point Pedro is a beautiful town that lies in the Jaffna District of Sri Lanka. It lies in the northern most point of the island. In the year 2004, this area was badly devastated by the Tsunami. Locals say that fishing boat were located 1 km inland. Here the shore line is magnificent given its coral reef offshore and misty white sandy beach. The sea here is shallow and not a very good spot for swimming. From here, you’ll pass through the succession of the tiny hamlets where you can even spot few sharks.
The crumbling Point Pedro is the second town in the Jaffna peninsula. It has a few evidences of an ingrained colonial style. The settlements are poor and irregular here. However, you may struggle to find a place to eat. The town has a bus station that is located 100 meter southwards. Eastern coast of the town is 3 mile wide with a 20 mile long beach that is brimming with sand dunes that may go up to a height of 100 feet often sprawling to Thalayady. The soil here is porous and has a water table deep underground which has an estimated one billion litres of fresh water. Given its geography, Point Pedro is a great tourist attraction of Sri Lanka.
Jaffna
Jaffna is slowly and steadily re emerging as the citadel of the Hindu art, culture and tradition. Despite all odds, it is once again welcoming the visitors and looking forth to rise again. It is an unimposing, intriguing as well as the most unfrequented destination that can be a roughly rewarding place to invest days when you wish to experience, discover and live the Tamil and Sri Lankan culture.
Certainly, decades of embargoes, war, emigration as well as loss of life and property have deeply affected the historic Tamil town. More so, for tourists who come here from the south, the impact of all this is very evident given its bombed churches, ruined homes as well as the civic buildings pockmarked by the shrapnel and bullets which are every bit part of the scene.
Around one in five structure of the city has faced the war damage. However, all this has now been left behind and the people see Jaffna for its insights into the Tamil people. It is also an ideal base for the forays to the idyllic islands just towards the west as well as the trips along the coastline along with the lagoons of the nearby peninsula.
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Gampola
Gampola is a small town that is located in the Kandy District. Nestled in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, the town is governed by the Urban Council. In the mid 14th century, the King Buwanekabahu IV made Gampola the capital of the island. This island was ruled for four years by the King. The last king of the region was the King Buwanekabahu V. He was in charge of the island for some 3 decades. A separate city was built in Kotte during the same time by a noble referred to as the Alagakkonara. In the Saliyalapura Temple of Gampola the longest sleeping Buddha statue is located which attracts a number of Buddha followers.
Gampola is a very small town of Kandy so there are barely few attractions found in this region. However, the little attractions that it does have can capture your eye. So, why not visit the place and decide for yourself? You can be assured to find some phenomenal tourist attractions located here. So, do go ahead and plan a visit.
Moratuwa
Moratuwa is the biggest suburb of the Colombo city. Located on the South Western Coast of Sri Lanka, Moratuwa lies in close proximity to the Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia. Lying 18 km South of the Colombo City Centre on the Galle Road or the Galle Colombo main highway. Surrounded by water on three sides, except towards the northern end of the city, Moratuwa is enveloped by Moratu river on the south, Bolgoda lake on the east and Indian Ocean on the west. Sparsely populated, the suburb has a number of places to see and things to do to keep the visitors engaged for long, making it one of the most attractive tourist destination of Sri Lanka.
The birth place of a hero, Veera Puran Appu who rose against oppression against the British in Kandy, Moratuwa comprises of 24 key areas – Puwakaramba, Thelawala, Angulana, Indibedda, Kaduwamulla, Moratuwella, Willorawatta, Moratumulla, Katubedda, Idama, Dahampura, Kaldemulla, Lakshapathiya, Soys Puwakaramba apura, Uswatta, Katukurunda, Borupana, Koralawella, Rawathawatta, Uyana, Kadalana, Egoda Uyana, Molpe and Lunawa. All of these areas have an array of attractions that keep the visitors engaged.
Moratuwa is also a prominent trading and fishing center. Sea food here is a hit so you must try the mouth watering sea food at one of the top rated restaurants of the suburb.
Kadugannawa
Kadugannawa is a small town situated in the Kandy District in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is governed by the Urban Council. Situated along the A1 road that lies west of Peradeniya, the town does not have too many places to see and things to do however, visitors can still undertake a day trip to explore this lesser known city of Sri Lanka. Very well connected to the other parts of the country, you can easily reach the Kadugannawa via the Kadugannawa Railway Station that makes the town easily accessible for the tourists coming here.
On the direction of William Francis Dawson, the first modern highway on the Colombo Kandy road was built in the year 1820. This highway has also worked well to facilitate ease of transportation within the city. Sadly, before the completion of the highway, William Francis Dawson passed away. In his memory, the Dawson Tower was constructed in the Kadugannawa.
Kadugannawa is a town that most visitors tend to drive through without stopping by. However, if you take our advice, this city is worth taking a break as it has some unsual tourist attractions that can catch your attention. So, while you are out exploring Colombo, do take a stop over and visit this beautiful town.
Nawalapitiya
Nawalapitiya is a small town located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. Located in the Kandy District, the town is governed by the Urban Council. Situated at a distance of 38 km from Kandy and 112 km from Colombo, the town lies about 589 meters above the sea level.
Since, it lies in proximity to Mahaweli Ganga, Nawalapitiya can also be identified as the Peace Town. Here the population is multi cultural mix which has about 14% Muslims, 38% Tamil and 47% Sinhalese. All these people are peacefully coexisting with each other which makes it an exemplary in front of the whole world.
The town holds a pivotal place in locomotive transportation in Sri Lanka as this is one of the three transport division headquarter of the railway. The Nawalapitiya Railway station happens to be the second longest station of Sri Lanka the first one being the Rambukkana. Given the fact, the railway network of the city is huge, it passes through several towns and cities of Sri Lanka. So, if you are on a holiday in any one of the town or city that lies in this network, you must take a train and visit Nawalapitiya. Though the places to see here are less but you must still take a stopover and visit it at least once.
Other Attractions
Nestled close to the Udawattakele Sanctuary, The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is one of the most important shrines of Sri Lanka. Also named as Dalada Maligawa, this temple is based in the royal palace of the Kingdom of Kandy. Housing the legendary Budda tooth, the temple is a World Heritage site though very little are the remnants of the original temple built around 1600. Amazing ornamentation with golden fence and extravagant Canadian architecture makes it a blissful sight for the visitors. Dedicated monks unanimously chant the prayers of Malwatte and Aegirine , three times every day, during dawn, noontime and evening at the inner temple. Every Wednesday a holy symbolic bath of the Relic is done is fragrant water and that water is distributed among the visitors known to have healing powers.
Adam's Peak
Located at a height of more than 2000 metres, the Adams peak is a mountain with religious and cultural significance. It is known to be a holy place for Hindus, Buddhists, and Muslims and has a conical shape. With the best views from the top, this mountain also comes with six hiking trails worth exploring.
Top Experiences To Do in Adam's Peak
These two national parks in Sri Lanka are only a half hour drive from each other. Situated in the North Central Province, these parks are located near the ancient Minneriya and Kaudulla Tanks. The area has an abundance of scrubs and jungles with wetlands. Home to toque macaques, crocodiles, elephants and sambar deer, these two parks are rich in biodiversity. Though leopard and sloth bears are also sheltered in the area, it is hard to spot them.
You simply can’t overlook the spectacular view of the shady areas along with some good and natural greenery which is available in some of the view beaches of Sri Lanka like polhena located 160kms from colombo. Just let yourself loose in the shady areas of Polhena and enjoy the calmness and quietness of the sea. You can surf into both the fast left and right handers over a reef break which can reach upto 6 ft. You can also watch the popular cetaceans which are not easily available in other beaches.
Hakgala Botanical Garden, located in Sri Lanka, is a serene and enchanting botanical haven situated near Nuwara Eliya. Spanning over 28 hectares, it boasts a diverse collection of flora, including exotic orchids, roses, and ferns. Established in 1861, the garden features meticulously landscaped sections, a picturesque lake, and the famous Hakgala Peak. Visitors are captivated by the vibrant colors and fragrant blooms, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility amidst stunning surroundings.
Just walk into the Golden age by entering the city of Polonnaruwa which is not only its capital but also an ancient kingdom of the Sri Lanka too. You will find some of the ancient remains of palaces, shrines and stupa. Each of these historical remains is blessed with a glorious past of their own.Once you have reached the place it will keep you glued to it that you wouldn’t even realize when time flies by.
Top Experiences To Do in Polonnaruwa Sacred City
If your nostrils are blown up with the strong fragrance of cinnamon you can be rest assured you are in Negombo. This beautiful beach town 30 kms from Columbo is a perfect reminder of all the European days and is close to Bandaranaike International airport which solves the problem of connectivity, allowing you to be there without much hassle.
Negombo beach is far less when compared to the beauty of other Sri Lankan beaches. For all the fish eating lovers, this is a perfect place to gorge some of the best fishes. Since most of the fishing is done not from the open sea but from the northern end of the lagoon, you would find renowned lobsters, crabs and prawns.
Highlights: You shouldn’t be missing the chance to visit one of the finest eating joint in Negombo, ‘Lords’ where you will find dishes prepared from a combination of western and eastern flavours.
Dating back to the mid 900s, the Nallur Kandaswamy temple has its origin by the Chola Queen Sembiyan Mahadevi. This temple is located in Jaffna, Sri Lanka has Lord Muruga as the main deity. The temple is known for its Dravidian architecture and continues to be a primary form of attraction for tourists visiting Jaffna. Here, Lord Muruga has a unique manifestation in the form of a spear, popularly known as Vel.
The Pettah Floating Market in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a vibrant tapestry of colors, aromas, and culture.
Top Experiences To Do in Pettah Floating Market
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Bluefield Tea Factory in Sri Lanka is a wonderful place to explore the world of Ceylon tea. Surrounded by lush green tea plantations, this factory lets visitors see how fresh tea leaves turn into the delicious tea we enjoy every day. A guided tour takes you through each step, from plucking the leaves to drying and packaging them.
Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya, located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, is one of the country’s most revered and sacred pilgrimage sites. This temple is dedicated to Kataragama Deviyo, a deity worshiped by both Buddhists and Hindus, making it a unique symbol of religious harmony. The temple is situated in the town of Kataragama, near the banks of the Menik River, surrounded by lush forests and the peaceful atmosphere of the Yala National Park.
Gem Museum
The Gem Museum in Sri Lanka stands as a testament to the island nation's rich legacy in gemstone mining and craftsmanship.
Top Experiences To Do in Gem Museum
Colombo has 3 types of open deck tours. They are – Glimpse of Colombo, Heritage of Colombo and Colombo at night. As the name indicates, the first tour covers the top tourist attractions of the city. In the heritage tour, you will get to witness some ancient architectural wonders. Colombo at night takes viewers through the brilliant monuments of the city during the weekends.
Sri Lanka is one of the finest places in the world where wildlife can be watched at its best. In the dry lowlands of the island lies the Wasgomuwa National Park with its flourishing flora and fauna. It demonstrates a rich biodiversity.
Stretching over 36,900 hectare this national park is home to 23 mammal species and a number of birds and vegetation species. It is renowned for large families of elephants. Though it will be difficult to get sight of leopard and sloth bear, the endemic purple-faced langur can be observed easily.
Puppet shows are closely related to Sri Lankan culture. Hence this museum is largely responsible for upholding the folk values and traditions of the island nation even today. Since the demand for these shows is quite high, it is better to book your seats early. This place is sure to bring great joy and entertainment for tourists of all age groups. One has to visit the museum to see the expertise with which artisans manage their multi-coloured and attractive puppets.
Ruwanwelisaya, located in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is a sacred Buddhist stupa. Dating back to 140 BCE, it stands as a testament to ancient craftsmanship and religious significance. The large hemispherical dome, adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by a serene courtyard, attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Ruwanwelisaya stands as a symbol of Sri Lanka's rich cultural and religious heritage, drawing visitors to its spiritual ambiance.
Casino
A visitor’s delight, Colombo is a place of many beautiful tourist attractions. When you are here, do not miss to visit the casinos of the place. These are perfect joints to keep you entertained with their world-class interiors and customised services. The four most attractive casinos in Colombo are Bally’s, Bellagio, MGM Colombo and Marina Colombo. Bally’s is located right in the heart of the city, Bellagio on the main Duplication Road, the highly-sought after MGM, in close vicinity to Majestic City Shopping Mall and Marina, a high-profile casino on the Marine Drive.
Timings: The joints are opened 24/7 on all days of the week.
Price: Approximate price starts from just LKR 100 onwards at joints like Bally’s. That’s not all! You get to taste some awesome dishes as well, while you try your luck at these places.
The Buddhist Museum in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, is a significant cultural and spiritual landmark, located near the iconic Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This museum offers visitors a comprehensive journey through the history and evolution of Buddhism, not only in Sri Lanka but across Asia.
The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing artifacts, scriptures, and art forms that highlight the rich Buddhist heritage. Its galleries house an impressive collection of Buddha statues, intricate paintings, ancient relics, and models of historic Buddhist structures. Each exhibit is thoughtfully curated, reflecting the deep connection between Buddhism and Sri Lankan culture over centuries.
One of the museum's standout features is its emphasis on the Mahayana and Theravada traditions, the two major schools of Buddhist thought. Visitors can explore displays that detail the life and teachings of the Buddha, as well as the spread of Buddhism across the region. The museum also includes interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that enhance understanding for all age groups.
Spread across 979 square kilometres, the Yala National Park is one of the largest national parks in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most visited, thanks to the 200 bird species and 44 animal species that live here. This park continues to attract tourists from across the world for its pristine atmosphere and the lush greenery.
Nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Bambarakanda Falls, the island nation's tallest waterfall at 263 meters, stands as a captivating highlight on Sri Lanka tour itineraries. Accessible through Haldummulla, the journey unveils scenic landscapes and tea plantations. Visitors relish the refreshing mist and serene atmosphere, making it a tranquil stop. Serving as a base for treks to nearby mountains, Bambarakanda offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Sri Lanka's diverse landscapes and seeking a picturesque escape into the country's pristine wilderness. The falls add a majestic touch to Sri Lanka tours, inviting travelers to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of this natural wonder.
Considered as one of the most captivating waterfall in Sri Lanka Dunhinda Falls is a must visit for you in Sri Lanka. This is one of the another best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Cascading from a height of 64 meters creates the most majestic scene when it falls in the pool. Escape to this paradise which is just 5 km from Badulla town. This area was home to the indigenous people – the Veddha tribe. For the best view of the waterfall you can visit this place in the month of June and July.
Located 35 kms northwest of Batticaloa Pasakudah and Kalkudah are beaches which are quite marvellously adorned with white sands, coral reefs and palm trees all around. The shallow water of the beach makes it an ideal bathing site. Pasakudah beach is known to have a lot of tourists because of its longest stretch of shallow coastline. Pasakudah beach comes under ‘Special Economic Zone’ with some 14 luxury hotels surrounding it. The waters of these beaches are heated upto bathtub temperatures which makes it ideally suited for swimming. Kalkudah on the other hand was completely destroyed during the civil war of 2004.
Buduruwagala
Buduruwagala, located in the Monaragala District of Sri Lanka, is a remarkable ancient rock temple that dates back to the 10th century. Its name means "the rock of Buddha images," and it is renowned for its massive rock-cut statues, which are considered some of the finest examples of Mahayana Buddhist sculpture in the country.
Nestled atop a serene hill in Aluthgama, Sri Lanka, Kande Vihara Temple is a revered Buddhist site known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking architecture. The temple's centerpiece is its magnificent seated Buddha statue, towering over 160 feet, making it one of the tallest in Sri Lanka. Surrounding the statue are intricately painted murals that depict tales from Buddhist scriptures, adding a touch of artistic grandeur to the sacred space.
Nestled in the lush hills of Nuwara Eliya, the Edinburgh View Point offers breathtaking panoramic vistas of Sri Lanka's central highlands. This serene spot is named for its striking resemblance to the picturesque landscapes of Edinburgh, Scotland, with rolling green hills and misty horizons. Located near tea plantations, the viewpoint is perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts seeking tranquility away from bustling tourist hubs.
