Sri Lanka is a beautiful island country located in the Indian Ocean which is famous for its diverse history, culture and scenic beauty. It is famous for its golden sandy beaches, ancient temples, and greenery and is one of the most beautiful places to visit. Sri Lanka offers everything from adventure to relaxation and from cultural experience to the sun, sea and sand for every kind of tourist. Sri Lanka is rich in festivals, wildlife, and hill stations, and therefore many tourists seek to get to Sri Lanka for an exotic holiday. Attractions in Sri Lanka offer diverse experiences for all types of travelers.
It is always fun and even at the same time challenging to plan for a tour around Sri Lanka because of the numerous places of interest. Starting from the amazing Sigiriya Rock Fortress right up to the serene beaches of the south, there are many places to visit. Choosing a Sri Lanka tour package means you do not have to look for the best places to visit in Sri Lanka on your own and also you will not have to worry about anything during your vacation. Most of these packages will give you a taste of the best in Sri Lanka and they will take you through history, wildlife and beautiful sceneries. Nature lovers will find unique attractions in Sri Lanka to explore.
This means that the attractions of Sri Lanka are not only the iconic places, but also friendly people, culture, and an opportunity to discover new places. From the historical sites such as the ruined city of Polonnaruwa, the markets of Colombo, scenic train journeys through the green hills, Sri Lanka holiday packages are an opportunity to do all this and much more. There is so much to explore in Sri Lanka that it’s perhaps one of the very few places in the world that guarantees tourists a vacation of their lifetime. Cultural enthusiasts can immerse themselves in historic attractions in Sri Lanka.
Here are the Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Sri Lanka
1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya or the Sigiriya Rock is one of the best known landmarks of Sri Lanka and is classified as the World Heritage site. This is an ancient rock citadel standing 200 meters above the jungle and provides a view into Sri Lanka’s monarchy. Just as a warm-up for the trekking, climbing Sigiriya is quite a challenge in its own right. You will walk through the remains of royal gardens, paintings of heavenly women, and the grand Lion’s Gate, then the remains of the king’s palace. At the top, get an opportunity to view the surrounding forest, other small and big lakes and distant mountains, all these are beautiful to behold. Sigiriya is a must-visit for Sri Lanka tour packages because of its historical and scenic value.
2. The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
Kandy which is also known as the city of Senkadagala is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic that is sacred to Buddhists across the globe. The temple has a tooth of Lord Buddha as one of the most important religious sites in Sri Lanka. The building itself is in Sri Lankan colonial style and people can observe the routine of the temple, especially the evening pooja when the relic is worshiped with gifts. When you visit the city during the Esala Perahera festival, the city is also filled with colourful processions, dancers, drummers, and decorated Elephants to display the cultural side of the island. For anyone interested in spirituality and culture, Kandy and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic cannot be missed.
3. Yala National Park
For the lovers of wildlife, Yala National Park is a place to visit in Sri Lanka. This park is situated in the southeast part of the island and occupies approximately 979 ki of the area and is represented by dry forests, wetland and grass areas. It is most popular for its high density of leopards and therefore is one of the best destinations in the world for leopard viewing. Apart from leopards, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and over 200 species of birds are also found in the park. Jeep safari in Yala allows watching the exotic fauna of Sri Lanka in the wild and appreciating the views of the park. Sri Lanka tour packages include guided safaris which are rather helpful in terms of organization and expertise of the guide.
4. Galle Fort
Galle Fort is a historical building situated on the south-west coast of Sri Lanka. This is a Portuguese colonial structure that was later strengthened by the Dutch in the 17th century and it is a world heritage site. The fort has a mix of European and South Asian architecture, and if you take a walk along the e cobblestone roads one would feel like he has gone back to the dark ages. Within the fort area there are churches and mosques, colonial mansions and old warehouses which have been turned into shops, cafes and art galleries. One can also walk along the walls in order to get a glimpse of the Indian Ocean and see beautiful sunsets. It is one of the most picturesque areas of the island and the visit to Galle Fort is especially included in Sri Lanka tour packages that are historical.
5. Ella
Ella is one of the beautiful sites in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is famous for its natural beauty. Located amidst stunning tea gardens and shrouded peaks, Ella is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most rewarding walking trails. A visit to the Nine Arches Bridge is a must; it is a railway bridge that spans over valleys, and is ideal for photography when the train passes through. If you want to be more adventurous, climb up Little Adam’s Peak to get a bird’s eye view of the other hills and valleys. It is also a place for waterfalls like Ravana Waterfall which is a mountain waterfall, which is beautiful for tourists to sit and relax. Besides, Ella is very picturesque, and it is quite relaxed, and there are many adorable cafes and unique accommodations. For those who like natural landscapes and silence, Ella should be listed as one of the most important places for visiting in Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka is a country that is full of beautiful scenery, alive with cultural and historical heritage. It ranges from the ancient city of Sigiriya to the wildlife parks of Yala, the hill country of Ella and much more for the different categories of tourists. Whether it is the rich cultural sites you are interested in, wildlife, or the beautiful beaches of the island, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. Families enjoy the variety of attractions in Sri Lanka suited for all ages. Adventure seekers will love the outdoor attractions in Sri Lanka. Relaxation and leisure are key aspects of the attractions in Sri Lanka. Wildlife enthusiasts can discover stunning attractions in Sri Lanka. Food lovers can experience culinary delights near popular attractions in Sri Lanka. Visitors often praise the breathtaking beauty of attractions in Sri Lanka.