Tourist Destination

Tourists Destinations

Discover the diverse wonders of Sri Lanka as you journey through its iconic tourist destinations :  

 1. Nuwara Eliya 

Dubbed "Little England" due to its cool climate and colonial-era bungalows, Nuriwaya Eliya boasts a landscape far more dramatic than Britain's. Mist-shrouded mountains and terraced tea plantations surround the former hill station, while world-class brews are abundant. Visit historic colonial mansions, and embark on scenic hikes to iconic landmarks such as Horton Plains and World's End.

Importance:

• Nuwara Eliya holds significant historical and cultural importance as a colonial-era hill station, established by the British during the 19th century. Its cool climate and scenic beauty attracted British colonists seeking respite from the tropical heat of the lowlands.

• Designated as the "Little England" of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is renowned for its colonial architecture, lush tea plantations, and picturesque landscapes, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Activities to Do:

• Tea Plantation Tours: Explore Nuwara Eliya's lush tea plantations, where you can learn about the process of tea cultivation, plucking, and processing at renowned estates such as Pedro Tea Estate and Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Centre.
• Historic Colonial Mansions: Visit historic colonial mansions and landmarks, including the iconic Grand Hotel, Gregory Lake, and St. Clair's Falls, which offer insights into Nuwara Eliya's colonial heritage and architectural elegance.
• Scenic Hikes: Embark on scenic hikes to iconic landmarks such as Horton Plains National Park and World's End, where you can enjoy panoramic views of misty mountains, verdant valleys, and cascading waterfalls.
• Leisurely Walks: Indulge in leisurely walks along picturesque lakeshores, such as Gregory Lake, where you can enjoy boating, picnicking, and horseback riding amidst serene surroundings.
• Golfing: Tee off at the historic Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, one of the oldest golf courses in Sri Lanka, set amidst lush greenery and scenic vistas.

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2. Sigiriya

Explore the ancient rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya. Rising majestically from the central plains, Sigiriya offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich history and architectural brilliance. Ascend the iconic Lion Rock, adorned with ancient frescoes and landscaped gardens, and marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Immerse yourself in the tales of kings and conquerors that echo through the ancient ruins of this remarkable fortress.

Importance:

• Sigiriya holds significant historical and cultural importance, dating back to the 5th century AD when it served as a royal palace and fortress.

• Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, Sigiriya is renowned for its well-preserved ruins, stunning frescoes, and intricate water gardens, showcasing the advanced engineering and artistic skills of its creators.

Activities to Do:

• Climb the Lion Rock: Ascend the iconic Lion Rock, a massive monolith towering over the surrounding landscape. The climb to the summit involves ascending steep staircases and narrow pathways, offering panoramic views of the lush countryside below.

• Explore the Frescoes: Admire the ancient frescoes that adorn the walls of Sigiriya's rock face, depicting celestial maidens known as "Apsaras". These vibrant paintings provide insight into the artistic achievements of the ancient Sri Lankan civilization.

• Visit the Water Gardens: Wander through the landscaped water gardens at the base of Sigiriya, featuring intricate fountains, pools, and irrigation systems designed to mimic the royal pleasure gardens of the past.

• Learn about the History: Immerse yourself in the tales of kings and conquerors that echo through the ancient ruins of Sigiriya. Explore the archaeological remnants scattered throughout the site, including the remains of the royal palace, audience halls, and defensive structures.

• Enjoy Birdwatching: Sigiriya is home to a diverse array of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Keep an eye out for colorful kingfishers, majestic eagles, and other avian inhabitants as you explore the surrounding forests and wetlands.

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3. Ella 

Discover the serene hill station of Ella, nestled amidst the emerald tea plantations of Sri Lanka's hill country. Known for its breathtaking scenery and laid-back atmosphere, Ella is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Take a leisurely stroll through lush green valleys, embark on scenic hikes to iconic landmarks such as Ella Rock and Little Adam's Peak, or simply unwind amidst the tranquility of this picturesque paradise.

Importance:

• Ella's significance lies in its stunning natural beauty and tranquil ambiance, offering visitors a retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
• Surrounded by verdant tea estates, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls, Ella provides a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and exploration.

Activities to Do:

• Scenic Hikes: Embark on scenic hikes to iconic landmarks such as Ella Rock and Little Adam's Peak. These moderately challenging treks offer panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, tea plantations, and distant mountain ranges.
• Waterfall Exploration: Visit nearby waterfalls such as Ravana Falls and Diyaluma Falls, where you can swim, picnic, or simply marvel at the cascading water amidst lush greenery.
• Tea Plantation Tours: Take a guided tour of a tea plantation and learn about the process of tea cultivation, harvesting, and production. Sample freshly brewed Ceylon tea while soaking in the stunning vistas of rolling hills carpeted with tea bushes.
• Scenic Train Ride: Experience one of the world's most scenic train rides aboard the Ella to Kandy train, winding through misty mountains, tea estates, and picturesque villages.
• Birdwatching: Ella is a paradise for birdwatchers, with a diverse range of avian species inhabiting its forests and gardens. Keep an eye out for colorful kingfishers, endemic species such as the Sri Lanka wood pigeon, and migratory birds during the winter months.
• Yoga and Wellness Retreats: Indulge in rejuvenating yoga sessions amidst the serene surroundings of Ella, with several wellness retreats and yoga centers offering classes and workshops to promote relaxation and mindfulness.

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4. Galle

Galle is a city on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It’s known for Galle Fort, the fortified old city founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century. Stone sea walls, expanded by the Dutch, encircle car-free streets with architecture reflecting Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. Notable buildings include the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church. Galle Lighthouse stands on the fort’s southeast tip.

Importance :

•  Today, the Galle Fort is a designated World Heritage site and is the largest remaining colonial-era fortress     in all of Asia.

• The Fort area is known for its iconic lighthouse, stunning views of the ocean, shops, cafes and vibrant cultural scene.

• The ramparts of the Fort are over 2.5 Km in circumference and provide a pleasant and interesting walk. The historian Sir Emerson Tennant claimed that Galle was the ancient biblical city of Tarshish. This city is said to have traded with King Solomon, the Persians and the Egyptians.

Activities To Do :

• The best way to get away from the monotonous life in the city is to cycle through the quaint village of Galle. Lagoon and Village cycling in Galle is a perfect way to spend your weekends. Ride at your own pace and you will be able to cover 12 km easily. 

• A stroll on the streets will let you experience the beautiful architecture of the colonial style buildings that still exudes the warmth and charm. Visit National Maritime Museum, stop by Meera Mosque and enjoy delicacies at Lucky Fort Restaurant and Galle Fort Hotel Restaurant.

• Canoeing is a beautiful experience in Galle and also one of the best activities to do in Galle. Unawatuna is an astounding island where most of the adventure sports happen in Galle. It is brimmed with canals, lagoons, beaches, rivers and reservoirs.

• Visiting Maritime Archeology Museum is one of the best things to do in Galle if you’re a fan of museums and century-old objects. The museum houses models of boats, ships and century-old items retrieved from shipwrecks , and a huge collection of antique jewelry, cameras, typewriter, etc. But one thing the museum is well known for is its collection of traditional crafts like beeralu lace embroidery.

• Rumassala Sanctuary is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Galle. The sanctuary is a mix of wild exotic plants, medicinal herbs and beautiful shrubs. You can also see many rare species of birds here amidst the wild.To reach the sanctuary, you have to drive at the Jungle Beach Road which runs along the Jungle Beach and gives beautiful views of the blue ocean. 

• Whale watching is an intresting fun activity  in Galle. Sri Lanka is surrounded by the ocean which makes it more accessible to observe these huge sea mammals and quite a number of dolphins too. You have to start quite early to the beach to catch a boat. If you have come to Galle for a holiday then most of the Hotels provide a trip to ‘whale watching’. Otherwise, you can get into the beach directly and go for it.

• Another best things to to do in Galle in Scuba Diving. Water is aplenty in Sri Lanka and Galle is  such as Scuba Diving. This sport is an underwater experience where divers wear oxygen apparatus and dive deep into the sea to observe the sea species living underneath. The noiseless world under the water is soothing and is a kind of meditation.

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5. Kandy

Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka. It's set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. The city's heart is scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake), which is popular for strolling. Kandy is famed for sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) shrine, celebrated with the grand Esala Perahera annual procession. 

Importance :

• Kandy is both an administrative and religious city and the capital of the Central Province.

• Kandy is the home of the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world & was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988.  

Activities To do : 

• The temple of the Sacred Tooth relic conserves the most important relics that have ever been in conservation - the tooth of Buddha. Considered the most religiously extraordinary place among Buddhists, the temple attracts tourists from all corners of the world. With a gold roof, this World Heritage site stands tall in architectural language.

• Going deep into Sri Lanka, in the west of Kandy, is the location of the Alagalla Mountain Range. Hikers are eager to climb this 3,744-foot (1,440 meters) peak that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the country and the mountain ranges. This is easily one of the most thrilling and breathtaking adventurous activities you can indulge in Kandy. 

• To learn about the history and the growth, the culture, and study how Buddhism spread through Asia, the International Buddhist Museum is the best place you can visit in the world. It is one of a kind Museum that exhibits artifacts, artworks, and other items related to Buddhism. For the establishment of the World Buddhist Museum, seventeen countries came together and encased the exhibits of their nations.

• Nestled in the heart of Kandy, Sri Lanka, Kandy Lake (Bogambara We) is a serene artificial reservoir that enhances the city's natural beauty. Constructed in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe, the lake is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a tranquil escape. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along its scenic promenade, soak in panoramic views of the city, and appreciate the cultural significance of this iconic water feature in the heart of the hill capital. Kandy Lake is an artificial lake built by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1807.

• Botanical Garden in Pokhara, which was once the favorite place of the Kandyan Queen is situated in Kandy's suburb of Peradeniya. This Garden holds over 4000 species of plants, especially orchids which are among the most superior plants in Asia. This botanical garden makes the Orchard collection and the Palm trees the highlight. Not just flowering plants, this garden has an extensive collection of medicinal plants and spices which can be spotted all across the area. 

• Another one of the entertaining things to do in Kandy with family is exploring the Ceylon Tea Museum, which was built back in 1925. After the failure of coffee cultivation, at the Hatana land, it became one of the first areas that started the tea cultivation. After the closure of the factory, it was abandoned. After being abandoned for more than a decade, it got recently revamped. The tea museum consists of four floors, exhibiting the exhibits of the tea pioneers, James Taylor and Thomas Lipton.

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