As a traveler, Asia and its many countries, may have likely piqued your interest. You may have thought of going to India, or to Thailand, or to Japan, or even to Korea for your next trip. However, you might want to consider altering your planned itinerary to explore some hidden gems of the region — like Sri Lanka. There’s more to the nation beyond pristine water and lush green landscapes, as deep inside is a rich culture waiting for you to explore by yourself, with family, and even with friends. Just what are some best places in Sri Lanka for you to visit?
Sri Lanka Unveiled: Top Places To Visit In Your Stay
What exactly is in Sri Lanka, anyway? Sri Lanka is an island country located in South Asia and was originally known as Ceylon. Possessing a rich culture with roots in Hinduism and Buddhism, mixed with influence after being under British colonial rule, Sri Lanka possesses quite a unique set of traditions and cultural norms unique to the country. It’s known for its stunning tea gardens, mountains with lush forests, and giant statues of Buddha that can be found in multiple parts of the country. Sri Lanka certainly possesses quite a lot of stunning landscapes to explore.
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Your inner traveler will definitely have a list of potential places to include in your itinerary. However, there appears to be more than meets the eye in terms of Sri Lanka and its tourism. You may read more about potential tours you can find, or continue along to find locations you may want to consider when going to Sri Lanka. Here are some of those best places:
- See the cityscape in a retreat to Galle: Sri Lanka has some British roots given its colonial history, and the colonial city of Galle shows this in full view. The town has a lot of delightful Dutch-era villas, beautiful villas in Galle, and charming seaside views that can be nothing short of breathtaking. The Galle Fort, now a World Heritage Site, can be visited by viewers who want to see for themselves a fort built by Europeans at the height of their conquests. The city has other good spots too, such as the Galle International Stadium, St. Mary’s Cathedral, and even its natural harbor.
- Get to know Sri Lanka’s beautiful wildlife at Yala National Park: Some might consider a zoo to be a “typical” place to visit when traveling, but Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park is an exception. It’s the place to be if you want to see the largest population of leopards worldwide, and it’s also an important location for aquatic birds and the famed Sri Lankan elephants. Other animals to see include crocodiles, monkeys, and other forms of wildlife that play around its forest areas and grassy plains. It’s also one of the world’s largest wildlife preserves, making it quite a sight to see — especially when on a tour.
- Go to Lion’s Rock, or Sigiriya, to see the country’s majestic sights: Sri Lanka is known for its gorgeous forests and mysterious ruins, and no other place is as majestic as Sigiriya. Known as Lion’s Rock, Sigiriya itself is a rock palace and fortress in the Matale district. People can climb up its ancient ruins, which are themselves considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see just how majestic the lush greens surroundings of Sri Lanka are. This is best for hikers, or those who want the thrill of an adventure where they actually get to see an ancient rock fortress in full view.
- Get to know pilgrims in Adam’s Peak: Sri Lanka is known to have a culture deeply rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism, and Adam’s Peak is one of the best ways to get to know this side of Sri Lanka intimately. Adam’s Peak is a pointed mountain situated along the center of the country, having a 2,243-meter ascent. It’s a common Buddhist pilgrimage route, as it’s said Buddha himself has an impression of his footprint near the summit of the peak. The goal here is to get to the top of the mountain before dawn arrives, where a magnificent sunrise will greet you for your success.
- See the magnificence of Sri Lankan culture in Polonnaruwa: If you’re one for aesthetics, Polonnaruwa might be up your alley. This is especially given the place is a site of magnificent Sinhalese architecture and art in the form of well-preserved statues, temple ruins, and tombs. Polonnaruwa was known as a religious and commercial hub of Sri Lanka. It’s an important piece of history that it’s also declared a World Heritage Site.
Visit Sri Lanka To Experience The Magic
If you really want to spice up your travel experience, Sri Lanka has a lot of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Regardless if you’re an avid traveler or not, Sri Lanka has the potential to amaze and wow you with its pristine beauty and culture. The very homely and natural appeal of its locations are perfect for anyone looking for solace and comfort, even in a foreign environment. Be sure to consider the above places when considering your options to travel to Sri Lanka.