Sri Lanka - Must visit places

If you are tired of the same work schedule everyday, if you love your salary but still need a break, if you hear the sound of waves even in the printer sound, if you really want your back to relax at a hammock without getting disturbed by your annoying boss, then a Sri Lanka trip is an ultimate healer. With its pristine beaches, mosaic landscape and picturesque topography, Sri Lanka has so much to offer.

Before we move forward in this post, let us first get an idea of the best time to visit:

Best time to visit Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka doesn’t experience the extremes when it comes to weather conditions. The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends upon the region you’re keen to visit. December to March is perfect time for visiting most of the country (Highlands, West Coast and South coast). May to September is ideal for visiting the Eastern Coasts.

1. The Dambulla Cave Temple- The largest temple complex in Sri Lanka

This cave temple can be easily accessed from both Colombo and Kandy. Being the largest temple complex in Sri Lanka, its statues and paintings date back to 12th Century AD. The temple complex has five rooms of different sizes; all rooms have Buddha in a different position looking calm and peaceful. The temple is built on a black rocky mountain which serves as a nice contrast with the white walls of the temple. Don’t miss the view from the top.

2. Yala National Park- Among the top tourist attractions in Sri Lanka

Here you are bound to run into a group of elephants bathing in streams, tossing their trunks wildly or leopards nestling lazily on tree branches. You could opt for the safari drives or a nature trail among the thick green foliage of forest. Some tourists also camp at Yala and enjoy barbeque under the stars. Yala is the perfect place to try your hand at wildlife photography.

Getting to Yala National Park is quite simple. All you will have to do is drive down to the Park from Colombo. Another way is by taking a bus to Tissamaharama.

3. Arugam Bay- Turquoise heaven for adventure-junkies

Arugam bay has azure skies and slanting coconut trees. If you are looking to surf in turquoise waters, Arugam Bay must be in your list of must see tourist places in Sri Lanka. It is in the southeast coast around 320 kms from Colombo.

It is the ideal place to sip coconut water, take in the scent of jasmine and allow the southern sun to tan your skin.

Besides Arugam bay, other beaches among best places to visit in Sri Lanka are Unawatuna – in the South; and Tangalla – again in the south around 195 kms south of Colombo.

4. Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa- Ruggedness amidst the greenery

Sigiriya or the mount of remembrance is a World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning places to see in Sri Lanka. This giant formation of rock rises out of nowhere towering over everything in its vicinity. It is quite a climb to the top but once up there you will get to see a panoramic view of the nearby sights and the Sigiriya fort. The rock fortress is a slice of history perched on a rock and is really worth a visit.

Not much is heard and said about Polonnaruwa, but this ancient city is no less than the Petra of the south. A gem among Sri Lanka tourist attractions, this ancient ruined city stands amidst its erstwhile sturdy columns and architecture. The best way to explore this ancient city is to hire a bike and zoom around the ruins. The site is well maintained and is a telling example of Sri Lanka’s history and culture. Polonnaruwa can be easily accessed via Sigiriya. You can take a tuk-tuk or a bus from Sigiriya. Or you can take a bus from Dambulla to Polonnaruwa.

5. Galle- A 16th century marvel

Galle is an important city in Sri Lanka and is a one-stop destination wherein you can take in all sights and sounds. One of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka is the Galle Fort. The Galle Fort area has wide cobblestoned roads and a number of eateries and cafes. Try and catch the sunset while you are there. There are a number of trinket shops and galleries that you can visit.

Another picturesque destination for sightseeing in Sri Lanka is the Japanese Peace pagoda. Quite close to the Unawatuna beach, it is a white dome of serenity.

6. Jaffna- Fly into the past

Although a bit crowded, the temple Nallur Kovil is a nice pick among best places to see in Sri Lanka. Another place of interest is the Jaffna Fort. This fort is in the center of the city and is tourist hub. If you’re in Jaffna, you cannot miss the Nagadipa Purana Vihara, the temple can be accessed by boat. One of calmest among Sri Lanka tourist attractions, the temple is surreal and a wonderful place to meditate.

7. The Commonwealth War Cemetery at Kandy- Remembering the martyrs

The war cemetery is well maintained and the grounds are well kept. Overall it is a very humbling experience. This cemetery is hard to find without a guide, but once you get there, it is worth the effort.

8. Temple of Tooth at Kandy- Treat to the eyes and soul

This temple in Kandy is iconic because of the history attached to it. With a quaint set up and interesting artefacts, this temple is worth a visit.

9. Nuwara Eliya- Getting closer to pristine nature

Nuwara Eliya is most famous for its tea gardens and scenery. With misty clouds, lush green sloping hills and a train that looks that it has come out of the Harry Potter films, Nuwara Eliya is a hilly paradise and another great addition to Sri Lanka’s tourist attractions.

10. Trincomalee- An unmissable beach getaway

If you are up for an underwater diving tour, then SLDT (Sri Lanka Diving Tours) will give you the best experience. Besides water sports there are also many temples and beaches in Trincomalee. There’s also a war cemetery which is surrounded by lush gardens, which makes it one of the best places to see in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is a best deal to take. You benefit by the currency, you eat good food, Travel is inexpensive and convenient and above all; you are a stone throw distance from home. Visit Sri Lanka for a week or for atleast 4 days. Get refreshed till the soul.