What to see in Sri Lanka: attractions of the island

The main attractions of Sri Lanka are concentrated mainly in the mountainous part of the Central Province of the island, as well as in the north-central part of the country, away from both coasts. This article contains a brief overview of the main tourist excursion destinations, designed to help the traveler with the preparation of an individual program and the optimal selection of places to visit. So, what to see in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has its own “Cultural Triangle”, which includes the three ancient capitals of the independent Sinhalese kingdoms: Anuradhapura - Polonnaruwa - Kandy. These ancient cities of Asia have a rich history and many interesting cultural and historical sites, some of which, such as the huge dagobas of Anuradhapura, were real gems of architecture of the ancient world.

In total, Sri Lanka has 8 unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites that are definitely worth seeing: 4 ancient and sacred cities: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy; The cave temples of Dambulla and Galle Fort, as well as 2 natural sites: the Sinharaja Rainforest and the Central Highlands. The following is a list of 20 objects, including the most popular tourist places in Sri Lanka, with a brief description and photographs of attractions.

Map of Sri Lanka attractions

20 main attractions of Sri Lanka

Colombo city
(Colombo city)

The city is the actual administrative, economic and political capital of Sri Lanka, while the official capital of the country is one of the suburbs of Colombo - the city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.

Colombo is located on the west coast of the island, 30 km from the international airport. The city includes 15 districts with at least 2 names: Colombo-1,2,3,4.....15 and Slave Island, Cinnamon Gardens, Pettah, etc.

The best time to visit Colombo is during the tourist season on the west coast, which runs from November to April. At this time, the minimum amount of precipitation falls.

The main places to visit in the capital are: Lake Beira, located in the very center of the city, Buddhist temples of Ashokaramaya, Gangaramaya and Seema Melaka, Victoria Park, Independence Memorial Hall, Galle Face Green walking area, Hindu and Muslim temples, floating market, national museum, Pettah area , Colombo lighthouse, Lotus Tower.

This temple is the most famous Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. The Temple of the Tooth Relic is located on the territory of the royal palace complex, being part of its architectural ensemble.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic is also called Sri Dalada Maligawa, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the main pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka.

The Buddhist temple of Sri Dalada Maligawa was founded in the 16th century during the reign of King Vimaladharmasuriya I. It is believed that whoever possesses the relic has the supreme power in the country.

The building in which the tooth was kept during the king's era was destroyed, and the tooth was transported to Dumbara. The modern building of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy was erected in the 17th century.

The Royal Botanical Gardens, located in Peradeniya, a few kilometers from Kandy, attracts more than 2,000,000 tourists from all over the world every year.

You can get from Kandy to the botanical garden by bus or train. The garden is surrounded by a tributary of the Mahaweli Ganga River and covers an area of ​​about 60 hectares.

The largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka was founded at the end of the 18th century, even before the arrival of the British, by King Kirti Sri Rajasinhe.

After the overthrow of the last Kandyan king by the British, the Peradeniya Garden was approved as a Botanical Garden for subsequent study by the British of the local flora and fauna. In the garden you can see a huge collection of plants, divided into 25 sectors.

Anuradhapura is an ancient city, the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom, located in the north-central part of the island.

The best time to visit Anuradhapura is from February to September inclusive - at this time there is the least rainfall.

The first settlement in this place arose in the 10th century BC; Anuradhapura became a full-fledged city in the 5th century BC. The capital flourished for 1,300 years, but was abandoned after an invasion in 993.

The main attractions of Anuradhapura are the giant Thuparama and Ruwanwelisaya dagobas, as well as the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree for Buddhists.

Polonnaruwa is the second main ancient city, lost for some time in the jungle, and became the capital after Anuradhapura. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka.

The transfer of the capital from Anuradhapura was carried out in 993, Polonnaruwa remained as the capital until 1293, when it was moved again, and the city was then abandoned.

One of the main attractions of Pollonaruwa is the ruins of the ancient garden city, created in the 12th century, as well as the man-made lake Parakrama Samudraya (King Parakrambahu's sea), which has an area of ​​over 2,500 hectares.

To explore the ancient garden city, as well as the architectural monuments of ancient Indian culture during the Chola reign, at least half a day is required. Bicycle rentals are available at the entrance to the park.

Sigiriya Fortress
(Sigiriya)

The rock complex in Sigiriya is called Lion Rock. The ancient city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and for many is Sri Lanka's most famous landmark.

The ancient city of Sigiriya includes a palace at the top, interesting buildings at the foot of the cliff and gardens with numerous artificial ponds in its southern part.

At the top, according to a popular legend told by guides to tourists, a royal palace previously stood where the Sinhala king Kasyapa (Kashyapa) lived. However, archaeological data does not confirm this theory. In addition to the buildings on the rock, Sigiriya has a mirror wall, ancient wall paintings, terraces, pools and gardens.

The city of Dambulla is located at the intersection of several major roads; a settlement at this site was first mentioned in historical chronicles in the 7th century BC.

The main places of the city are the ancient temples of Golden and Cave. The cave temple is located in caves on the side of a cliff, and the Golden Temple is at its foot.

The cave temple in Dambulla is the largest cave temple, best preserved to this day. The ancient temple consists of 5 caves - halls of different sizes, carved into a monolithic rock. The paintings and statues in the Cave Temple date back to the 1st century BC.

The Golden Temple of Dambulla was built in 2000 with donations from Japanese philanthropists, this Buddhist temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Below, under the statue, there is a small but very interesting museum, which contains an exhibition of Buddha statues from around the world, writings on ola leaves, paintings and ritual objects.

End of the World Plateau in Horton National Park
(Worlds end, Horton plains national park)

The best time to visit Horton Plains National Park is from December to May. In RuNet the park may also be called “Horton Plains”.

The national park is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Horton Plains was designated a national park in 1988.

The popular tourist attraction “End of the World” is a sheer cliff with a height difference of more than 1.2 km, with an organized observation deck at the top.

On a clear day, the summit offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and cliffs from dizzying heights. At a distance of 1 km from the End of the World there is an alternative "Small End of the World".

Nuwara Eliya city
(Nuwara Eliya)

Nuwara Eliya, or as it is also called, “Little England,” is a city located in the highlands of the central province of Sri Lanka.

The climate in this area, unlike the coast, is very cool, in winter there are even night frosts, the average annual temperature is about +16 C.

The main attractions of Nuwara Eliya are Lake Gregory, Victoria Park, located on the shores of the lake, endless golf courses, a Hindu temple, the oldest post office in the country, several waterfalls of different heights and countless tea plantations and factories where you can learn how the famous Ceylon tea is created .

The modern city was founded by the British in the 19th century and is now the island's leading producer of European vegetables, roses, strawberries and Orange Pekoe tea.

Ella Rock and Little Adam's Peak
(Ella Gap & Little Adams Peak)

Ella is a city located in the highlands of Sri Lanka. This area is characterized by a cool climate and a large difference in day and night temperatures.

The name "Ella" means "Waterfall" in Sinhalese, which is quite justified - the region is full of waterfalls of varying heights and depths.

The main attraction of Ella is the surrounding nature of the Ella Gap mountain range of the same name. Many tourists come to the city because of the opportunity to take exciting walks through the mountains to various natural attractions.

From Ella you can visit popular tourist sites on foot: Ella Rock, Little Adam's Peak, Ravana Falls, and also visit the Nine Arch Bridge. The bridge is located between Ella and Demodara and is within walking distance from the city.

Nine Arch Bridge Demodare
(Nine Arch bridge)

The Thirty Meter Bridge, also called the “Bridge to Heaven,” is located between the small mountain towns of Ella and Demodara.

The bridge is closer to Ella and can be reached on foot along the train tracks. The Nine Arch Bridge is operational and trains cross it regularly.

A unique feature of the bridge is that it was built without the use of steel in its structure, the bridge was erected during the First World War, commissioned in 1921.

The best time to visit the Nine Arch Bridge, that is, the driest and sunniest, are two periods: January - April and July - September.

Adam's Peak/Sri Pada
(Adam's Peak/Sri Pada)

Adam's Peak or Sri Pada is a cone-shaped rock 2,243 meters high, on top of which there is a temple containing a sacred footprint.

Sri Pada is a sacred place for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. The best time to visit it is during the pilgrimage season from December to May.

Climbing Adam's Peak is usually done at night in the pre-dawn time in order to capture the moment of sunrise, when the rock casts an even triangular shadow on the clouds.

According to the beliefs of Buddhists, the imprint of Buddha's foot is kept on the top; Christians and Muslims believe that the footprint of Adam was imprinted there when he first set foot on earth after being expelled from paradise; Hindus consider the imprint to be the footprint of Lord Shiva.

Pinnawela Elephant Nursery
(Pinnawala)

The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is located halfway between the country's largest cities of Kandy and Colombo. The Wild Asian Elephant Nursery welcomes guests daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage was founded in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Department of Environment to prevent the death of orphaned elephant calves.

The nursery was originally located in Wilpattu, but was later moved first to Bentota, then to the Dehiwala Zoo, before finally settling in its present location on a 10-hectare coconut plantation on the banks of the Maha Oya River in 1978.

Elephants are fed with fruits daily from 09:00 to 09:45 and from 12:00 to 13:45. Elephant bathing is also carried out daily from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00.

Yala National Park
(Yala National Park)

Yala is the most famous and second largest national park in Sri Lanka (the first is Wilpattu). Yala has been a national park since 1938.

Yala National Park is located in the southeast of the island near the cities of Kataragama and Tissamaharama. The park is open year-round, but is closed annually for 1 month during drought. Each year this date is determined by the Department of Wildlife Conservation, usually between mid-September and mid/late October.

Yala National Park includes 5 blocks, 2 of which are open to tourists. In the park, tourists are traditionally invited to take a jeep safari. Tours of the park on foot are not possible due to the presence of a large number of dangerous wild animals in the park.

Yala is visited to observe 215 species of birds, including flamingos and peacocks, 44 species of mammals: leopards, bears, elephants, deer, as well as many reptiles, crocodiles, etc. The best time to visit the reserve is from February to July.

Udawalawe National Park
(Udawalawe National park)

Udawalawe National Park is located on the border of the provinces of Uva and Sabaragamuwa on the banks of the reservoir of the same name. The reserve covers an area of ​​about 31 thousand hectares and is the third most visited in Sri Lanka.

Udawalawe National Park was established in 1972 to conserve the Sri Lankan Asian elephant population, and the sanctuary is also a popular bird watching destination. There are currently about 250 wild elephants living in Udawalawe Park.

Jeep safaris are available for tourists in the park; visiting the park on foot is not possible. Udawalawe Park has an elephant nursery designed to care for orphaned elephant calves, where you can watch them feed. You cannot ride elephants in the park. The most favorable period for visiting is from January to March and from June to September. At this time, the driest weather sets in.

Lighthouse Dondra
(Dondra lighthouse)

The Dondra Lighthouse is located near the southernmost point of Sri Lanka, 6 km from Matara, the largest city in the south of Sri Lanka, on the shore of Devinuwara Bay. The name of the bay is translated from Sinhala as “city of the gods”. The southernmost point of the island is only 300 meters from the lighthouse.

The lighthouse was built in 1887 by a British company. The height of the Dondra lighthouse is 49 meters, there are 7 floors inside it.

Dondra Lighthouse is one of the four international lighthouses in Sri Lanka. At the moment, the lighthouse has the status of a strategic object and entry to its top is prohibited, but you can walk around its territory.

Trincomalee city
(Trincomalee city)

Trincomalee is a large city located on the north-eastern coast of the island, located on the shores of a unique natural bay, one of the deepest in the world. Natural conditions naturally formed a topography ideal for the port.

The main attractions of Trincomalee are the fortified military Fort Frederick, many Buddhist and Hindu temples, including Koneswaram (temple of a thousand pillars), hot springs in Kanniya, a port, a bridge in Kinniya, etc.

Trincomalee is the starting point for whale and dolphin excursions on the east coast, and Pigeon Island National Park is just outside the city. The city is popular among lovers of a relaxing beach holiday, diving, and snorkeling.

The best time to visit Trincomalee is during the tourist season on the northeast coast: from April to September inclusive.

Fort and city of Galle
(Fort Galle)

Modern Galle is a large Asian port city located in the south of Sri Lanka, on the territory of which there is a Dutch fort of the same name built in the 16th century.

There are several attractions on the grounds of Galle Fort: a clock tower, a bastion, Crow Island, a national museum, Buddhist and Muslim temples, a lighthouse and a naval museum.

The Fortified Fort is a complex of military structures, sheer walls and ramparts aimed at protecting the city of Galle from threats from the sea.

Galle Fort is perfect for walking; the tour takes 3 hours. The best time to visit the fort is during the tourist season from November to April.

Sinharaja Rain Forest
(Sinharaja Forest Reserve)

The Sinharaja Biosphere Reserve is located in the southwest of the island and covers an area of ​​about 11 hectares. Biosphere reserves are also called “the lungs of the planet.”

The status of the Sinharaje Nature Reserve was first assigned by the British in 1875, it became an international biosphere reserve in 1978, and since 1988 it has been part of the UNESCO world heritage.

The Sinharaja Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many endemic species of insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, as well as birds and mammals. Primary forests grow in the rain forest.

Sinharaja receives daily rainfall, so the best time to visit is early morning to midday. Entry to the reserve is only possible with a guide.

National Zoo of Sri Lanka
(National Zoo)

The National Zoo is located in the suburbs of the actual capital of Colombo, in the city of Dehiwala. The Sri Lanka Zoo was founded in the early 20th century and is located on an area of ​​more than 10 hectares.

The zoo has a huge collection of animals and birds from all over the world, and there is an aquarium area where you can look at numerous fish.

At the zoo you can watch lion and elephant shows, they are held weekly on a fixed schedule.

Sri Lanka is a remote country on a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean. Of course, we know her better by her tea name Ceylon. But now this mysterious island has received its ancient and sacred name and invites you to visit. What to expect from Sri Lanka? It contains many different attractions. These are ancient cities and heavenly beaches, these are tea plantations and picturesque mountains, lush vegetation, spicy food and unprecedented shopping! And all this fits on one island, the impressions of visiting which we will now tell you about.

Despite its tiny size, the Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka has a scattering of attractions ranging from cultural and historical sites to culinary and exotic wonders. In terms of the brightness of impressions and the mixture of different events and interesting places, Sri Lanka is somewhat reminiscent of.

We flew to the island of Ceylon in April and decided to devote two weeks to it. We had a small plan for our independent travel around Sri Lanka, compiled in the form of an approximate route. We began our acquaintance with the country from the cultural triangle, and then planned to go towards the famous beaches of Sri Lanka. Due to the fact that our plans were slightly adjusted during the trip, the original route also changed. But our impressions were very vivid.

Read more:

The best attractions in Sri Lanka

I decided to highlight the five best, in my opinion, attractions in Sri Lanka.

1. – a town in Sri Lanka in the province of Uva. Tiny and small, but with its cuteness and tranquility, it instantly won our hearts. And now, if we say that we should go to Sri Lanka again, we mostly mean to return to Ella. This city is the absolute champion in this ranking, the main attraction, this is indisputable.

Mount Ella Rock

Why is Ella so good? If you like to sit with a cup of tea, looking at the surrounding green hills and leisurely strolling from one restaurant to another along the only street, then this is the place for you. If you like walking through the hills to see not the most outstanding, but somehow attractive sights, then the city of Ella is also waiting for you. And of course, if you not only love tea, but are interested in how it grows, then welcome to the surrounding tea plantations!

A leisurely lifestyle is what attracts Ella. That’s why you so want to come back here, rent a house and live, working on projects and walking along the intricate mountain paths. The result was an idealistic image, but this is how Ella remained in our memories of Sri Lanka.

On the road to Adam's Peak in the city of Ella on the island of Sri Lanka

2. is the main sacred place for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. It was here that the march of Buddhism across the island began. Here are the first stupas and hidden sacred caves, which are arranged in such a magical way that fresh air always flows there. The huge boulders are cut in such a way that an analogy with Peru and Bolivia and their unknown technologies that were used in the construction of megalithic masonry immediately comes to mind. This sacred historical landmark of the island, a place of power and a witness to the times.

Mihitnale

In Mikhintala you immediately understand the difference and see two time layers. There was once an ancient civilization on the island, comparable in power to those that left their mark in South America. And then another came to her place, she built from simple bricks, but understood that she needed to imitate the first buildings. And of course, among other things, there is something light and pleasant here.

It happens that in places of ancient civilization there is the dark energy of those who no longer understood the meaning of the buildings and sacrificed innocent people. This is not the case in Mihintala in Sri Lanka. Here the lotuses actually bloom and their pure aroma spreads. Perhaps it was the influence of Buddhism that defeated the dark energy, or perhaps it was never here. In any case, for us Mihintale has become the place where a state of peace comes to the fore.

Two ways of building in Mihintala, Sri Lanka. The sandstone foundation was built by unknown people, the brick dagobah was created by the Sinhalese

3. The mountain is one of the main attractions of Sri Lanka. And we also fell victims to its unusualness and attractiveness. The most hyped feature of Sigiriya is the frescoes depicting apsaras, celestial dancers. But it seemed to us that even without the frescoes, Mount Sigiriya and the palace of Kasapa, the rebellious king, are so interesting that they are still remembered. And his stone throne, carved directly from the rock, surprised us no less than anything else and remained in our memory forever.

Staircase to Sigiriya

Of course, it is much more interesting for us to look at the megalithic masonry that the palace on the top of the mountain is rich in. And we were again convinced of the multi-layered nature of Sri Lanka's historical cake.

And the climb to Sigiriya will appeal to those who love active recreation and hiking. Even if it is just one mountain, there are not convenient steps everywhere, but climbing up is good for your health and eyes, which open to green views of Sri Lankan fields and hills.

Good to know:

And this is another miracle - the throne of Kasapa. Carved from a single rock on top of a mountain. Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.

4. – an ancient city on the shores of the artificial lake Minneriya in Sri Lanka. The city is very large and beautiful, rich in attractions. Its buildings are amazing, especially the book in stone in the ancient Pali language. Closer to the lake there is a small temple with a stone lion. Of all the cities in the cultural triangle, we found Polonnaruwa the most attractive and interesting to explore.

5. . It's strange to describe a waterfall. You can, of course, indicate its height to give an idea of ​​the size of the waterfall. But is it worth it? A beautiful powerful stream in the morning rays of the sun is not a landmark of the island of Sri Lanka? We really liked the trail to the waterfall, Dunhinda itself seemed charming, and it greatly brightened up our impression of the city of Badulla, which we did not like at all and closes the ranking of our impressions from traveling around Sri Lanka.

Dunhinda Falls near Badulla, Sri Lanka

Tasty theme in Sri Lanka and shopping

While we were traveling on buses around the island of Ceylon, we constantly encountered loud sellers of everything under the sun. We noticed that wadis were the most frequently offered. As we found out, wadi are spicy lentil pies. Taking a risk, we decided to try it. How delicious it was! From then on, as soon as we heard the cheerful “wadi-wadi-wadi”, we immediately bought a whole package for ourselves and enjoyed it!

I would also like to say a few words about shopping in Sri Lanka. Our trips to markets and shops were very successful. First we visited the famous market of world brands in Nuwara Eliya, where we bought an excellent Burton jacket - high quality, beautiful and comfortable. There we bought delicious tea, which we still drink. We also visited several tea factories in Ella, where we also bought tea. Undoubtedly, tea is the main theme in Sri Lanka, and it can also be highlighted as an attraction of the island.

In a Sri Lankan cafe

We purchased durable trekking sandals from Kandy stores that lasted us quite a long time. And we love to walk! And in the capital, Colombo, we visited the House of Fashion shopping center. Again, it is surprising to say that the clothes bought in Sri Lanka lasted a very long time.

We are very happy with our shopping experience in Sri Lanka!

Good to know:

In one of the restaurants for locals

Worst impressions of Sri Lanka - what we didn’t like

The center of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the city is very popular and important for all religious people of the country. However, I personally found it very unattractive. Of course, it makes no sense to assume that a cave can be a beautiful place (although in Thailand, Laos and the USA we saw beautiful caves, religious and not so). And since we ourselves did not appreciate the holiness of the place, the impression turned out to be very average.

- turned out to be a mistake in the route. It’s not at all clear why I decided that this was a nice town. But Badulla is not pretty. At all. This is a typical Sri Lankan town - dirty, noisy. There is nothing special in the city itself, nor are there any special attractions. But there is Dunhinda Falls not far from the city, and after the nature trip I was resigned to the fact that we spent some time in Badulla. Although when we boarded the train towards Ella, I was very happy!

Other than a nice view of the sky, there's not much to do in Badulla

Negombo (Negombo) became our first city we visited in Sri Lanka. Immediately after our arrival, we arrived in Negombo and began to look for a hotel in complete darkness. We were tired, it was dark, and we were brought to some indecently dirty hotel (as is usually the case with a tuker friend), and we no longer had the strength to look for anything else. And we stayed there, and, as it turned out later, we overpaid. But I’ll be honest – it was the worst hotel in my life! Probably, even in Bolivia, during a tour of the Uyuni salt flat, we stopped in a more decent place.

We thought that if we went to the ocean, the impression would improve, but no, Negombo did not become any better. We don't even have any photos left! Although, of course, we ourselves were to blame for everything. We should have prepared better for the trip.

There is another reason to be unhappy with Sri Lanka. When we arrived in Anuradhapura, we immediately fell into the clutches of the driver Akila. He promised to take us around the cultural triangle for two days for an agreed amount and leave us in Kandy. We agreed, deciding that it would be easier if we had our own, and we would manage our time ourselves.

However, as our journey progressed, Akila reconsidered his obligations and tried to earn extra money from us. When we realized this, we decided to replay it. And they outplayed it. I wrote about this in detail in. Akila turned out to be a dishonest person, which even his compatriot admitted. Therefore, we want to warn other travelers about it. No matter how hard he tried, Akila did not spoil our mood and mood, and now we only remember him with a smile. But he, of course, believes that the Russians are just terrible people and did not fall into his traps! Oh no no no!

Yes, we really want to return to Sri Lanka. As I already said, we all dream of living in Ella for a month or two. I would like to travel around the cultural triangle again, either on the buses ourselves or with a more sane driver. See other interesting places and attractions that we didn’t get to during our first trip to the island of Ceylon. And of course, relax on the best beaches of Sri Lanka!

Read more:

• We visited the Little Adam's Peak in Ella, but we never climbed the real Adam's Peak (Sri Pada). And I would like to make an ascent on my next visit to the emerald island.
• Instead of or together with Sigiriya, we want to visit the neighboring Pidurangala Temple, which, as they say, is also interesting from a historical point of view, although not as famous as Lion Mountain.
• Last time we also skipped the port city of Galle and the beaches of Sri Lanka, choosing instead to holiday in the Maldives. The only thing left to do is to find a specific place on the island where you would like to lie in the sun and swim in the ocean.
• There is also a very vague desire to go to the Yala Nature Reserve. I don’t yet have an opinion on whether to go on a safari in Sri Lanka, or leave the safari for Africa in Tanzania, Kenya or Namibia.

As you can see, despite its size, the island of Sri Lanka is a country of great beauty, diverse in attractions and rich in impressions.

How to go to Sri Lanka - tours, tickets and hotels

We always plan our trips in advance and try to find plane tickets at a good price. You can look at the cheapest air tickets to Sri Lanka, find out the cost of hotels or choose a tour online yourself:

• Find cheap flights to Sri Lanka on the Aviasales website →
• Book hotels in Sri Lanka on Booking →
• Find a ready-made tour to Sri Lanka on the website

An island state that is located in South Asia not far from the place where the Hindustan Peninsula ends. The name of the country is translated from Sanskrit as “blessed land.” True, until 1972 this state was called differently - Ceylon. This is how the Europeans who colonized the island at the beginning of the 16th century marked this place on their maps.

The island's population is approximately 21.5 million, the vast majority of whom practice Buddhism. More than a million tourists visit the country every year. The best time to holiday in Sri Lanka is from November to April, when the northeast wind prevails here, bringing with it warm and dry weather. From May to October the island is under the rule of humid monsoons. During this period, there are tropical downpours almost continuously, and beach holidays are complicated by high waves.

What is remarkable about a holiday in Sri Lanka? Here you can look at the majestic Buddhist temples, ride an elephant, taste real Ceylon tea, sunbathe on the beach, go diving, surfing or rafting. But today we will not talk about this. We have prepared for you 8 interesting attractions that are definitely worth seeing on the island of Sri Lanka.

One of the four teeth of Buddha, preserved after the cremation of his body, is kept here. This relic came to Ceylon in 371 and since then has been carefully protected by representatives of the royal dynasty. The temple is located on the territory of the royal palace and is open to everyone who wants to worship the shrine. Of course, you will not see the tooth itself, since it is under reliable protection. It is taken outside the temple only once a year. During the colorful Esala Perahera festival which takes place in August.

In addition to the famous tooth, in the Dalada Maligawa Temple it is worth seeing a Buddha figurine made of a solid emerald, as well as ancient manuscripts.

The botanical garden is located 6 kilometers from the city of Kandy. Its area is more than 60 hectares. Here you can walk surrounded by exotic trees, flowers, palm groves and bamboo thickets. Huge pavilions with orchids and cacti, as well as a Japanese garden, are noteworthy. The garden is home to hundreds of bright tropical birds and funny monkeys who are not afraid to approach tourists. In addition, in the botanical garden you can see plants planted by famous people, for example, the iron tree of Nicholas II, the ficus of the English king Edward VII and the spruce of Yuri Gagarin.

When visiting Sri Lanka, be sure to see the world's oldest sacred tree, which is over 23 centuries old. According to Buddhist beliefs, the Bo Tree grew from a shoot taken from the ficus Budha Goya, under which insight descended on Siddhartha Gautama and he became the Buddha.

The Bo tree is located on the territory of the Anuradhapura Vihara temple complex. It is surrounded by a fence of gold and is carefully guarded. A huge number of pilgrims from all over the world come here, dreaming of getting a leaf that fell from a sacred tree.

The temple is located near the ancient Sri Lankan capital. It was built, or rather carved into the rock in the 2nd century BC. A giant rock mass hangs over the temple complex, which impresses even experienced travelers. At the foot of the cliff, guests are greeted by a huge statue of Buddha, and a staircase of amazing wavy shape, strewn with flowers, leads to the temple.

Dambulla Temple is rightfully considered one of the richest places of worship, its luxury is amazing. More than 150 Buddha statues are kept here, more than half of which are covered in gold. One of the caves is famous for the fact that drops of water rise up its walls from the source and, collecting under the ceiling, fall into the golden bowl below.

You should be very careful on the territory of the complex - thousands of monkeys feel very at ease here and are not averse to profiting from the contents of your handbag or stealing your camera.

From time immemorial, elephants in Sri Lanka have been considered sacred animals. You can see with your own eyes how these smart animals live at the state elephant nursery in Pinnawala. The most comfortable living conditions for elephants have been created here. Tourists are shown both adult animals and small elephant calves, which can be fed, of course, for a fee and at a strictly designated time. If you're lucky, you'll see elephants bathing, during which they behave not like staid giants, but like little children, splashing with water and rolling around in the mud. Since all the inhabitants of the nursery end up here for a reason, but due to injuries and other unfavorable circumstances, the money raised from tickets goes to the maintenance of the animals.

Connoisseurs of spicy aromas will definitely want to visit the Spice Garden, located in the town of Matae, near Kandy. Here you can see how the spicy plants that we are used to seeing ready-made in our kitchen grow.

During the tour, garden workers will tell you how to properly use spices and how to prepare medicines and cosmetics from them. There is a shop here where you can buy your favorite spices, get advice from an Ayurveda specialist, and even attend a relaxing massage using rare oils and herbs.

A place with such a scary name is located near Dikwella Beach. This landmark of Sri Lanka is also called “Breath of the Whale”. This unusual natural phenomenon is caused by the fact that ocean waves, falling into a deep crack between the rocks, break out and rush upward like a grandiose fountain, reaching a height of 30 meters. The action is accompanied by loud sounds reminiscent of the voice of a giant whale. The only thing to take into account is that this natural phenomenon can only be observed in strong winds. On the way here you will see many picturesque villages and get acquainted with the life of the local population.

The reserve is located in the upper reaches of the three largest rivers in Sri Lanka, eight kilometers from Ohiya. In addition to the luxurious tropical nature and diversity of the animal world, here you can see an attraction called “The End of the World.” This is an absolutely vertical cliff more than 1300 meters high, from the top of which there is a stunning view of the gorge and the river bed. Experienced tourists recommend coming to the observation deck early in the morning, when, in the light of the first rays of the rising sun, a thick fog rises from the bottom of the gorge, creating the feeling that you are really at the very edge of the world.

Sights of Sri Lanka. The most important and interesting sights of the cities of Sri Lanka: photos and videos, descriptions and reviews, location, websites.

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Sigiriya

Central Province, Sigiriya

It is impossible to ignore another historical monument, Sigiriya (“Lion Mountain”). On its top, a unique royal palace-fortress of King Kassiapa was built, striking with the delicate execution of the gallery's frescoes and the intricate elegance of the decorative elements of the interior decoration.

• The oldest country in the world, where Adam and Eve descended to Earth, attracts not only its stunningly beautiful beaches, but also an impressive number of historical monuments. Surprisingly, it is true: Sri Lanka has the largest number of places associated with the name of Buddha. For example, the Mihintale hill located near Dambula, where the ruins of an ancient temple complex lie, became the site of the beginning of the spread of Buddhism throughout Sri Lanka. Adams Peak (Sri Pada, Srivan Adipatam) with the footprints of Gautam Buddha still causes controversy among believers of four world religions, who see this artifact as a holy confirmation of their religious views and traditions.

  The suburb of Kandy is famous for Asia's largest Royal Botanical Garden, where the world's richest collection of plants from the tropical and equatorial zones of the planet grows. And this place is called very romanticly - Paradeniya. In the town of Pinnawela, which is 27 km from Kandy, the state elephant nursery attracts attention. The temple-cave complex, which became the site of the creation of the Pali Canon (Tripitaka) - one of the written monuments of Buddhism, is located in Aluvihara.

  Sri Lanka has the largest number of places in the world associated with the name of Buddha.

  The Sinharaja Biological Reserve is a piece of untouched virgin forest. A huge number of exotic plants grow here. Some trees reach a height of 50 meters. Bundala National Park combines lagoons and sandbanks under its shadow. It is home to the nesting grounds of 20,000 species of birds and the breeding grounds of sea turtles.

  Sri Lanka's oldest and largest national park, Yalla, will surprise visitors with huge populations of buffalo, sika deer, elephants, wild boars, monkeys and crocodiles, wild cats, flying squirrels and monitor lizards. If you wish, you can stay in the hotels of the park for a couple of days.

  In the town of Kozgody there are several farms where five species of sea turtles are bred. It is not for nothing that the city called Hikkaduwa is called the “Coral Reserve” and is a small mecca for fishermen who can appreciate the amazing diversity of fish, turtles, and the beauty of the local reefs. Craftsmen in the city of Ratnapura are actively involved in the processing of precious stones. At local factories you can purchase stones and order frames for a fairly low cost.

Tatiana Solomatina

What are the must-see attractions in Sri Lanka?

Good afternoon friends! I continue to tell you about such an amazing island as Sri Lanka. It attracts tourists with its vibrant nature, rich history, legends about spirits and deities. Many come in the hope of finding enlightenment and answers to troubling questions, and gaining new strength for life.

You can read about my adventures on the island in the “My Travels” section. In this article I will tell you what to see in Sri Lanka, how to see the most interesting things. Here I have collected the most iconic places, all of them are worthy of your attention. Read on for descriptions of the attractions, entrance fees and my tips for visiting them.

Every place here is an attraction, cultural and historical values ​​are at every turn, not to mention nature, beaches and the water kingdom. As I wrote, the trip to this exotic island was the best of my life. I think the same will happen to you.

Plan your vacation, don’t even hesitate. However, be sure to take into account the peculiarity of Sri Lanka, which lies in the atypical location of all iconic places, namely, at a very distant distance from the coast. In this case, you will not be able to go from the hotel on an excursion and return for dinner. Their average duration is two days. Moreover, you will spend the bulk of your time on the road, which can take about 5 hours one way.

Therefore, combined holidays are common here, that is, several days of excursion around the country with an overnight stay in different cities, and only then a beach holiday, or vice versa. There are four ways to get around:

• As part of a tour group
• With an individual guide and driver
• On your own in a rented car
• Independently by public transport

What we chose and why, I explained in the article. It says in detail the reasons for the decision, the route and the costs.

What to see in Sri Lanka?

Listing all the attractions would not be enough airtime, and visiting them even in a couple of weeks is unrealistic. Moreover, many of them are similar. Accordingly, I will talk about the most interesting and worthy of attention.

The ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura vividly reflect the history of the island. Both cities were the capitals of Sri Lanka at different times. I'll start with Anuradhapura. The city is located 208 km northeast of the capital Colombo and 81 km above sea level. It was the capital of BC. Even by modern standards, it is well planned, with clear infrastructure.

Anuradhapura has not only historical significance, but also religious significance. Buddhist pilgrims go to it, as it is their main city. Eight holy places are of interest to tourists:

• Bo tree. This tree is officially considered the oldest on Earth and is 23 centuries old. It's worth watching for self-development.
• 7 stupa-dagobas, among them the Jetavana stupa, 120 m high, is the largest brick building, slightly smaller than the Cheops pyramid. Each stupa contains relics of the remains of the Buddha, all of which are located at the sites of significant events.

The city is divided into historical (old) and tourist (new) parts. Accordingly, in the old part there are attractions, and in the new part, there is infrastructure for a comfortable stay for tourists: cafes, restaurants, hotels, shops, train stations and stations. You can also buy a tour and all tickets here if you happen to be traveling on your own.

The territory of the complex is simply huge, so it is impossible to move around on foot. You need some kind of transportation to see everything. As I already wrote – a car or a tuk-tuk. In general, all objects are located at a decent distance from each other, but if you don’t understand all this deeply, then there is no point in wandering until exhaustion. (Personally, at some point all the stupas began to look the same, but perhaps due to fatigue). All guidebooks recommend setting aside a separate day to explore it.

But the place is very beautiful, it literally fascinates with its majesty, some kind of calm and silence, despite the crowds of tourists. It’s beautiful there both during the day and in the evening, when the special lighting is turned on. Some kind of mysticism of these places begins to be felt.

Now some useful tips:

• Take socks or shoe covers with you, as you must take off your shoes when entering holy places. (Wandering around barefoot, you understand, is not very comme il faut). Also don't forget about a bag or bag for shoes.
• Clothing should cover your shoulders and knees, so make sure your clothing is cool and compliant.
• Grab a bottle of water. You will definitely want to drink.

Admission for adults is $25-30 or 3250 rupees, for children – $15.

Entrance to Isurumuniya Monastery (additional fee) – 200 rupees.

Passage to the Bo tree (separate fee) – 200 rupees.

But if you are traveling in an organized manner with an excursion or a personal guide, then all tickets have already been paid for.

Polonnaruwa

The turn to be the capital of Sri Lanka came in the Middle Ages from the 11th to the 13th centuries. Located 214 km from Colombo. This place is interesting for its complex irrigation system, thanks to which the arid area became fragrant and green. Be sure to see the artificial lake, canals and pools. It’s amazing how such complex objects could be built in such ancient times.

The main historical and religious value is the stone Gal Vihara Temple, with four statues of Buddha in different poses. The figures are huge and even realistic. You can also see the museum and collections of various household items, jewelry, coins, etc. You won’t spend a lot of time on it.

Things to consider:

The advice will be the same as for Anuradhapura. Plus, you can stay overnight in Polonnaruwa (there are hotels in the tourist area) or in neighboring Habarana. You can also have a snack there.
The complex is open from 9 am to 6 pm.

Adult ticket – $25, for children – $12.5.

Lion Mountain Sigiriya

Sigiriya is the main symbol of Sri Lanka and is considered one of the Wonders of the World. It is better to go to Sigiriya from Anuradhapura, only 65 km to the south. It is called Lion Mountain because a huge lion was carved into the rock, which is the emblem of the island. Unfortunately, only his paws “survived” to us.

At one time the city was stunningly beautiful. However, its ruins are no less impressive and so are the surrounding natural landscapes. Even before climbing the mountain, you can see pools with blooming lotuses, the remains of fountains, and gardens with colorful plants. Frescoes and rock paintings have been preserved. The views that open from the top of the mountain are truly breathtaking, with endless emerald forests opening up. Anyone traveling to Sri Lanka should definitely see Lion Mountain.

But I want to immediately point out the point - climbing the mountain. Total time is about 40 minutes (you can’t run, it’s a very steep climb). I have already written about my impressions on this matter: the steps are very steep, and in some places the structures are generally flimsy and do not inspire confidence, and the climb is quite high. Therefore, if you have any problems, then it is better to abandon this idea. Otherwise, you will simply waste time and money. It's better to take a walk around the lower part of the complex, there is something to see there.

Adult ticket – $30, for children – $15.

Entrance to the museum separately from the rock is $5.

Cave temple in Dambulla

Not far from Sigiriya, in the small town of Dambulla, there is a Buddhist temple ensemble. It includes several temples, one of them is carved right into the rock. This place is unique in its design, because it is incomprehensible to the mind how in those distant times people were able to build such a grandiose structure. Its scale is impressive. The main motif of the frescoes is episodes from the life of Buddha.

Interestingly, the temple caves are still operational and the monks perform their rituals. At the foot of the mountain there is a huge statue of the Golden Buddha, everything is decorated with flowers, the statues and frescoes inside are colorful. There is a museum downstairs, it is a modern facility. It is not necessary to visit it, if only out of a strong interest in history or to pass the time.

There are also monkeys running all over the complex; they are cute and funny. But I want to warn you that, just in case, remove all jewelry and valuable items and do not stand under trees, as they may leave unexpected “autographs.”

It is important to know:

• To deposit shoes – 25 rupees.
• There is a toilet downstairs, the entrance price varies from 20 to 50 rupees, apparently depending on the mood of the controller.
• Separate ticket to the museum - 100 rupees.
• Entrance ticket to the cave temple is $10 or 1500 rupees.

Temple of the Golden Tooth in Kandy

The city of Kandy is located in the very center of the island, it is the second largest and most economically developed in Sri Lanka. By the way, Kandy is not far from the international airport (about 100 km) Bandanarayke. Here is the main relic for all Buddhists - the Tooth of Buddha. I told the legend about him in the article, I won’t repeat it. But the city itself is very picturesque, with numerous vegetation, as it is located in a mountain range.

Also in the center you can admire an artificial lake and a forest; it is on its shore that the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is located. Previously, only the king and priests could enter the palace and temple grounds, but now it is open to tourists. The Tooth is brought out for display once a year on the full moon in August. In honor of this event, a surprisingly fabulous procession is organized with flowers, dancers, acrobats and decorated elephants. Everything is very pompous and spectacular. In addition, in the temple-museum you can see various treasures: figurines of Buddha carved from emerald, gold, rock crystal and jade. Everything inside is painted and bright. The place is definitely worth seeing. Impressive, but there are a lot of tourists here.

Helpful Tips:

• If you just want to look at the museums and the temple, come at any time, but to get to the holiday, you will have to carefully plan everything according to the lunar calendar.
• There is a strict dress code for entry, meaning clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. It is advisable that you wear trousers or long skirts without slits, in light shades. Of course, there are sarongs for rent, but it is unknown who wore them and how many times. You are also not allowed to wear shoes or hats; take care of a bag or bag for them, there is a storage room there.
• The temple is active, so you need to behave accordingly: don’t shout, don’t laugh loudly, don’t have fun, etc.
• There are many bazaars and shops in the city; if time permits, you can arrange souvenir shopping.

The museum is open from 9 to 5 pm, and the Temple of the Tooth from 5.30 to 8 pm.

Entrance to the Temple of the Tooth Relic – $25.

Entrance fee to the National Museum is 500 rupees, and 300 rupees for children.

Photo and video shooting are paid separately - 250 rupees.

Royal Botanic Garden in Paradeniya

From Kandy, it is best to head to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Paradeniya, which is 12 km away. It's definitely worth watching. It is next to the largest river in Sri Lanka. The garden combines different types of tropics, flora and fauna. There are exotic flowers, plants of bizarre shapes, funny little animals, huge trees, plants presented as gifts from prominent personalities, alleys of palm trees, all kinds of orchids. There is a special alley of indoor plants. Here you want to wander and wander, distracted from the noisy bustle and worries.

Nearby is a stunning waterfall 53.5 m high from a 10-story building. We didn't manage to see it; we were in a hurry to catch the train. But the guide said: “The place is breathtaking, it seems that you are somewhere in the Lost World and a dinosaur is about to run out of the thickets.” (Verbatim)

Important points:

• There are cafes on the territory, but it is better to bring your own snack and water, since there are not very many of them, the choice is small, and in the park there are gazebos where you can have a picnic.
• You can walk, or you can rent a golf cart.
• The time to visit is in the morning (open from 7.30 to 17.30), since in the heat you don’t have the energy to walk at all, and after lunch you won’t have time to see everything.

Entrance ticket – $10 or 1200 rupees.

Elephant nursery in Pinnawala

Another main symbol of Sri Lanka are elephants. Once upon a time, these majestic animals walked freely across the expanses of the green island. But due to poachers, there are almost none of them left in the wild. Often little elephant calves are left orphans, and some individuals are abandoned crippled. In order to preserve the population and help the cubs, a state nursery was founded in 1975. Here, elephant calves are nursed, trained, then some are sent to zoos around the world, others are kept for agricultural work, and some give birth; this is the main task of the nursery.

The elephants are taken out to bathe twice a day (10.00-12.00, 14.00-16.00). This is an amazing sight, believe me, there is something to see. The procession moves along the main street, all traffic is blocked. These gigantic animals walk right at arm's length. It is better to visit the reserve at this time, you can see how they bathe, how they are fed, if you are lucky you will see how little elephants are fed milk from a bottle, maybe feed it yourself.

Opening hours are from 8.30 to 18.30 pm.

Entrance ticket is 2500 rupees, for children - 1500 rupees.

Feed a baby elephant from a bottle - 250 rupees.

Adam's Peak

This mountain is sacred to representatives of four faiths: Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. At its top there is a 1m footprint, each religion explains its appearance in its own way. The height of the mountain is more than 2 km. But even if you are not a pilgrim or an ardent follower of any religion, you need to see this picturesque place. The views from the top are magnificent and the sunrise is breathtaking.

The visiting season is from December to May, at other times the rainy season begins, the slopes become dangerous, and the top is hidden by clouds and fog.
The ascent usually takes place in the evening into the night, in order to be at the top by dawn. The road is illuminated with lanterns, which gives it a mystical feeling.

Important Tips:

• The ascent takes more than 4 hours, is difficult and steep at times, and there are often no handrails or safety nets, so if you are not used to such stress, then think carefully before going.
• To climb, take warm clothes, light blankets, maybe even sleeping bags; the higher you go, the cooler it becomes.
• In fact, you should start the climb in the afternoon, and it’s better to spend the night at the top; in the high season there are huge traffic jams of people, and you may not be able to make it in time for dawn.
• Take food and drinks with you, because the higher you go, the more expensive they are.

Climbing the mountain is of course free.

Yala National Park

Local authorities and residents are very protective of their nature; there are many national parks on the island. Perhaps the stunning landscapes and landscapes with emerald forests, waterfalls, bright flowers and majestic mountains are the main pride of Sri Lanka. I recommend choosing Yala National Park because:

• the oldest and largest
• notable for its wide variety of exotic animals: leopards, crocodiles, elephants, squirrels, buffalos, deer, various types of unusual birds, etc.

You can travel around the park only in open jeeps; getting out of them on the territory is prohibited, it is dangerous.

Rent a jeep 5000 rupees, in a jeep from 6 people.

Additional safari fee per person is 1000 rupees.

Entrance ticket – $25 for adults, for children – $12.5.

Sinharaja Rain Forest

Another natural attraction is the Rain Forest. This is a real relict reserve; there are many endemic animals, reptiles, insects, strange plants and flowers. This is part of the forest that covered the proto-continent of Gondwanna. It is one of the last places on Earth untouched by man; you will see what the Earth looked like in prehistoric times.

Life is in full swing: huge butterflies flutter over the flowers, wonderful insects crawl away from predatory plants, lizards hide in the thickets, and snakes hide among the giant vines entwined in dense rings. The forest is buried in the shade of tall trees and spreading ferns. Every now and then it seems that you have been transported in time several million years ago, and that a tyrannosaurus rex is about to pounce from the bushes. Be sure to visit this rainforest.

The entrance to the reserve is located in 4 places. All routes end with an ascent to the highest mountain, from where amazing views open up.

Be sure to take a guide, he will tell you about all the inhabitants and help you not get lost. Also provide clothing and shoes that cover your legs, arms and neck, because there are a lot of leeches there. It is located in the very south of Sri Lanka, and is a good way to end excursions on the way to the coast.

Entrance 650 rupees.

Guide services – 1000 rupees.

Let's sum it up

Of course, these are not all the attractions worthy of attention in Sri Lanka. Find out what else you can see on the website of your local travel agency. It was from them that we bought a tour with an individual guide and were delighted. So I recommend it with full confidence.

By the way, the ocean here is choppy and the waves are big, so you need to swim with great caution. But even on the coast you will find something to do, besides “vegetable” relaxation on the beach. Almost every hotel has a turtle farm, you can watch whales and dolphins, and look at the Coral Gardens in Hikkaduwa.

By planning a route to the places described above, you will feel the atmosphere of this island, become spiritually enriched and receive a lot of positive emotions and an energy charge.

If you also traveled around the island, share your experience, write a story or review in the “Readers Travel” section. How to publish, read. Leave a comment, I would like to see the reaction of readers. Don't forget to subscribe to blog updates and share links with friends on social networks.
This is where I say goodbye for a moment, until we meet again!

Tatiana Solomatina