The Galle Dutch Fort happens to be one of the treasured historical monuments of Srilanka located on the southern coast of the country. The fort was constructed by the Portuguese in the course of their reign in Srilanka and was later renovated by the Dutch. The fort is one of the most important UNESCO world heritage sites out of many in Srilanka. This is because of its wonderful illustration of European Architecture and South Asian Traditions of the 16th and 19th century.
The fort displays an amazing amalgamation of age-old architecture and antiquity in the middle of astounding natural beauty.You will come across a number of lively shops, cafes, exhibition halls, lifestyle stores, and villas, which adds to the beauty of the place. It would be just amazing to move by the walls witnessing the intricate artworks and sheer craftsmanship. At the present time, the fort is still home to multi-ethnic and multi-religious population, as some properties inside the fort are still owned by many Dutch people and local Srilankan people as well.
Highlight: One can pack some food to enjoy an open air picnic here or can relish the cafeteria inside serving local and western cuisine. The Peradeniya Botanical Garden is one prime tourist attraction of hill country and remains quite flooded with tourists every weekend.
Timings: Opened daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Price: Approximate price starts from 2353 LKR for adults and 1177LKR for child
Highlights: A safari to this natural park will surely leave you jaw drop as you will be able to witness Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, Leopards, and Elephants in big numbers.
Prices: Approximate price starts from 3700 LKR
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This hatchery in Galle has outer walls covered with themed murals portraying vibrantly coloured turtles. Inside, you will find a series of turtle preservation tanks. Every tank is accompanied with a precautionary sign board for visitors. The tourists visiting the hatchery are regularly guided through a live demonstration of depicting the entire life-cycle of sea turtles and their conservation period. The place functions as daycare for all those newborn sea turtles who opened their eyes here for the very first time. The hatchery homes to several small water tanks for protecting these newly born sea turtles.
Gradually, five different varieties of Sea Turtles are found here at the Sea Turtle Hatchery in Sri Lanka – Olive Ridley, Green Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, and Leatherhead Turtle. All the injured sea turtles are protected within a separate tank, which is specially reserved for their protection. Every member working here at the Galle Sea Turtle Hatchery is trained with the basics of helping all the sea turtles who are in thorough need of medical assistance or all those who are pregnant.
Running alongside the picturesque costs, the park is celebrated among various tourists as an extraordinary spot to relish upon a number of activities including gazing at the mesmerizing sunset, enjoying delicious street food, picnics, taking a tour of the ancient Galle Fort, kite flying, volleyball, and many more adventures.
The origin story of this enigmatic urban park goes way back to the 18th century. It was Sir Henry Ward, Governor of the British Ceylon who had first proposed the notion of constructing this park. The park is now a go to spot for tens of hundreds of localities and international tourists for various recreational activities.
From delicious delicacies of Srilanka to multitudes of beach adventures, visitors are found here having a time of their lives. What makes the place even more special is it's fun ambiance that allows even the little ones to open their wings and fly.
In other words, it doesn't matter if you are a sports fanatic looking to indulge in some thrills or a food fanatic craving for some flavorful munchies, you will find everything here at the Galle face green. Additionally, some of the most prominent events including hosting the largest artificial Christmas Tree in the world during Christmas are held on this ground.
Manawari Temple
Located in Chilaw in Puttalam, Manavari Temple is a typical Tamil temple with significant importance for Hindu pilgrims from India who travel along the Ramayana trail. The temple is connected to Lord Rama and was the first site where Lord Rama established and prayed the Lingam.
Known as Ramalingam, it is the only lingam in the world named after Lord Rama other than the one in Rameshwaram, India. It attracts a lot of local & Indian tourists and pilgrims for being a famous mythological site and one of the most divine places to visit in Sri Lanka with family.
Best time to visit: December to March
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Highlights: Elephant Transit Home which is the elephant orphanage which has housed 25 baby elephants who have lost their parents. Pinnewala, is the spot where you can spot elephants quite closely because usually elephants are bottle fed there.
Best time to visit: July and August
Prices: is Rs.2195 along with 12%vat.
Sigiriya
Highlights: Sigiriya Frescoes are truly beautiful which was hand painted by the king himself depicting celestial nymphs all around the circumference. And on top of these rocks, he built for himself a white palace which stands as an epitome of beauty.
Timing: Opens daily from 7 AM to 5:30 PM.
Price: Approximate price starts from $15 to $25
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Thirukoneswaram Temple
The Thirukoneswaram temple is one of the most sacred places to visit in Sri Lanka with family. Located high above the bay, this temple attracts visitors not only for its religious significance but for awe-inspiring surroundings as well. It is known as the Kailasa of the South for being one of the five ‘Pancha Ishwarams’ (abodes of Lord Shiva).
The temple is famous for the celebration of Navratri and Shivaratri festivals as well as for its annual Thirukoneswaram Ther Thiruvila Festival, a chariot festival held in April and lasting for 22 days.
Best time to visit: March to June and specifically April for its annual chariot festival
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Beira Lake
Offering spectacular views, high rising buildings stand crystal clear on the horizon to give the lake a dimension. Everything in and around the lake sums up to become a eye-candy masterpiece of Colombo. It offers a full package of fool-proof fun which can cover the areas of adventure, pilgrimage, picnic, boat ride and ample serene time with yourself.
It is a place which welcomes people of every age with a warm heart. Children can come here in the excitement of having a family picnic whereas teens can get jolly with the thought of capturing a number of pictures. Adults can also enjoy some alone time during the famous boat ride, however the alderlies will not miss the nearby Budhha temple.
Don’t worry! Now there are no crocodiles but several other species of flora and fauna. You can easily spot egrets, storks, cormorants, pelicans, monitor lizards, and a variety of fish in and around the lake. Along with that there are several places inside the lake premises which you would be interested in visiting.
Also, the lake is surrounded with various important attractions of Colombo which are must to be explored by tourists from foreign places and locals alike. You can visit the lake anytime between 07:00 am to 06:00 pm and cover all the places in its proximity.
Highlights: Don’t forget to visit the Golden temple Buddhist museum which will leave you jaw dropped with its spectacular entrance from the golden mouth of lion like beast.
Location: You can come via Ambepussa and Kurunegala which is approximately 4 hours from Colombo.
Prices: There are no prices charged for the same, however you have to pay 200 LKR for keeping the luggage.
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A chance to connect with the mighty ocean is the Dondra Head Lighthouse. The coconut trees, Bougainvillea flowers and soft breeze blowing all around is the place for this mighty Lighthouse. This lighthouse was built during the Colonial times and was hence formerly known as Ceylon.. It is one of the four international lighthouse in Sri Lanka. People have to climb 196 steps to reach the top of it.The serenity of the lighthouse is far removed from the regular hustle and bustle of the city.
Location: Situated 6 km southeast of Matara town.
Highlights: The breath-taking view of the ocean from the top is simply a show stealer. To climb the lighthouse, you have to take prior permission from the Ports Authority.
Price: Approximate price starts from 500 LKR.
Chundikulam National Park
Situated in the northern territory of Sri Lanka, Chundikulam became a national park in 2015 after the civil war was over. It is a lagoon partially surrounded by mangrove swamps and seagrass. For being in the dry zone of the country, the park is home to diverse flora such as Palmyra and palm plantations, etc.
Here, you can also spot a variety of wild animals such as sloth bears, leopards, deer, crocodiles, and birds like godwit, flamingo, gull, stilt, sandpiper, ibis, etc. Amongst the places to see in Sri Lanka with family, this park is a must-visit for nature and wildlife lovers.
Best time to visit: April to October
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Location: Approximately a 5 hour drive from Colombo
Highlights: You shouldn’t miss the chance to see the statue of Parakramabahu I who had his reign during the golden age. You can also witness a spectacular view of the Lotus Pond with its lotus shaped petals built on 4 tiers, the majestic view is not supposed to missed.
Ravana Falls
Sri Lanka is abundant with the legends of Ramayana. So much so that even the natural landscapes have compelling stories associated with them. The Ravana Falls and the nearby caves are said to be some of the places where the demon god Ravana hid. These legends and the striking landscape of this Ella attraction pulls many travellers to them.
The waterfall is around 82 ft. in height and is layered in three tiers. The third tier is approachable after a sharp rock climb and rewards with some amazing views of the dense greens and the rocky landscape.
Location: A 23, Ravana Wildlife Sanctuary, Ella
Timings: March- June, December- February
Price: There is no entry fee