Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, incredible hospitality, elephants, pocket-friendly, fun trains, famous teas and delicious food make Sri Lanka irresistible. You could say Sri Lanka is hiding in plain sight. Many passengers cross overhead on their way to other destinations. But years of uncertainty keep Sri Lanka off the beaten track. Now, however, everything has changed. The country is growing fast as more and more people are discovering its myriad attractions. Nestled between India and the more fragmented parts of Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka’s history, culture and natural beauty are undeniably enticing. This is the place you shouldn’t be yet. Although it can be a little chaotic, traveling to Sri Lanka is relatively easy. English is widely spoken, so once you get used to the chaos, it’s not too difficult
Arguably, when you get off the beaten track and hop on a local bus, find a temple or tea shop in a village not marked on the map. However, there are some places that cannot be missed from any half-decent Sri Lankan itinerary. Here is our list of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Before we begin, please consider subscribing to Traveler Flight Guide. It will help us big time. Sigiriya Rising dramatically from the country’s central plains, the mysterious rocky hills of Sigiriya are perhaps the single most dramatic sight in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya dazzles visitors with the absurdity of its construction. It is a huge rock formation that has been carved and converted into a palace. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Sigiriya, also widely known as Lion Rock, serves as an excellent example of ancient urban planning.
Sigiriya is a landmark in the Cultural Triangle and perhaps Sri Lanka’s most iconic historical destination. Colombo Initially discovered by traders more than two millennia ago, Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest economic corridor and tourist destination. The island nation’s capital city combines modern urban amenities with the country’s colorful indigenous and colonial history. Colombo is a cosmopolitan gateway to Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial heritage, gorgeous tropical landscapes and delectable culinary wonders. The city’s newest mega tower, the Colombo Lotus Tower, is a great place to visit. This tall, free-standing tower offers amazing views of the city. Explore centuries-old churches, colorful temples, museums, markets and atmospheric drinking holes with serene views of the Indian Ocean that will make you think twice about going anywhere else.
Sometimes it’s as much about the journey as it is about the destination. An example of this is Ella. A small hill town located in the tea plantations of Sri Lanka. The wind in your hair and the tropical scent of traveling through emerald tea plantations on the train from Colombo to Ella is the stuff of dreams. But what awaits you is not too shabby. The city is most famous for its iconic Nine Arches Railway Bridge, a fine example of Sri Lanka’s colonial era architecture. A trek from the railway to the bridge is a popular activity, especially when trains arrive. There are numerous quaint cafes, walking trails and guest houses located in the hills for a peaceful getaway.
Marisa, an obscure old beach town on Sri Lanka’s south coast, has become a popular surfing and whale-watching destination. The beach town is located 150 kilometers south of Colombo and is dotted with palm trees, blue waters and colorful boats adorning the shores. Here’s a nice view of Marisa with a million things. Whale watching, snorkeling, surfing and bodyboarding. Spend your days enjoying fresh coconuts in your hammock, eating delicious food from beach restaurants and touring by motorbike. Sri Lanka is a land of abundant wildlife. Elephants, leopards, deer, whales and birds make the place a great habitat for wildlife. Sri Lanka’s numerous national parks ensure that flora and fauna are protected and conserved in their natural habitat.
Incredible outdoor landscapes and safari experiences can be found in the country’s large elephant- and leopard-filled national parks such as Yala, Minaria and Andoalawe. Aragam Bay The perfect break in the heart of Sri Lanka’s surf scene, the long right-hander at the southern end of Aragam Bay is Sri Lanka’s favorite wave. With several surfing spots scattered across the area for both beginners as well as experienced surfers, Aragham Bay is often referred to as a surfer’s paradise. But to fit a surf hub, there are beach bars, surf schools and board rental shops just steps away from the ocean. There are cheap, high quality beach huts to return to and some great restaurants to try Adams Peak Sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike, Adams Peak is everything to all people.
For more than a thousand years, pilgrims have trekked up to the summit by candlelight to stand in the footsteps of Buddha or Shiva or the biblical Adam, depending on which tradition you subscribe to. Think cosmically and appreciate the stunning beauty of the mountain peaks. An area of ​​religious importance, a moderate challenge for avid hikers and breathtaking scenery all around, Adams Peak is a must-see on a Sri Lanka tour. Sri Lanka’s ancient cities may have a long history, but Kandy has the power of belief. Settled on a plateau surrounded by green hills, Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka with biodiverse rainforests and tea plantations. The island’s cultural capital is famous for being home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which is said to have one of Buddha’s teeth in its central shrine.
It is the holiest place on the island for the Sinhalese. For tourists, Kandy offers more physical rewards, nostalgic strolls around the old quarter, stunning views of the central lake, museums of interest and nearby, some of the best botanical gardens on the island. Located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, Gayle is a major city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With Dutch colonial buildings, ancient churches and mosques, blonde beaches, palaces and museums, quaint boutiques and a picturesque seaside promenade, Gayle attracts locals, foreign travelers, history buffs and nature lovers alike. Admire the fine Victorian ruins in this chic neighborhood. Galle Fort is a fully preserved walled city now filled with boutique hotels, shops and restaurants. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is a great place to explore on foot. It’s hard to get lost as you’re surrounded by the ocean. From outside the fort, the town is surrounded by some amazing beaches. Like others in the country, wide sandy beaches lead to clear turquoise waters. There is even a beach right behind the iconic Gale Lighthouse. Thanks for watching. If you like the video, like, comment and share with your friends. Also, don’t forget to subscribe this channel. Thank you and see you in the next video. stay safe