Hundreds of tourist attractions

55K km towards down south through Galle road from Colombo, you will find Beruwala beach called “Golden Mile ”. This is a pristine beach of golden sand. Many opportunities for water sports such as water scooter rides, windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing, and deep-sea fishing and many more. Beruwala beach is a better place to relax for seas shore tourists.

This a historic cave in the world. By excavating this cave, unearthed skeletal remains and tools of prehistoric humans dating lived back over 37,000 years ago. If you are interested in this story, you should visit this site. It is 72 km from Colombo and there are good road conditions near the cave.

One of the very rare waterfalls in the Western province in Sri Lanka. It is around 68 km from the heart of Colombo. It is a small waterfall with 8 meters. The best features are stream pool, the ruined bungalow of the British owner and especially, there are many birds are living around the waterfall. The smallest bird in Sri Lanka Pale-billed flowerpecker could see around the waterfall. It is one of the places that many tourists miss in their journey.

Kalutara Bodhi is a sacred Bo tree which is believed as one of the 32 saplings of Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi planted around 2^nd century BC in Anuradhapura. It is located in a bank of Kalu Ganga and a religious and beautiful place to visit on the way o Bentota.

Negombo Dutch port originally built by Portuguese and later redesigned by Dutch in 16 centuries. If you are interested in historical architectural ruins over 300 years old, this is one of the best places. This port was a strategic location in line with Galle, Colombo, and Jaffna ports. In the British era, they built a Prison in this location and today, only a few remain at the location.

This is one of the oldest shrines in Sri Lanka. This was built in the 1800 century. There are many stories about the church and today, this shrine is one of the most preferred churches on the Island. It is in the middle of the busy Colombo city and on Tuesdays, hundreds of devotees are visiting the church.

Mihintale is connected to the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. The Mihintale area was turned in to a sanctuary for Buddhist monks with royal patronage. There are many ruins of buildings and other developments for monks in this area. Among those, the hospital at the foot of the mountain, the residence, great stairway, the alms hall, the relic house are main locations and many more to see. The cultural value is very high in this location.

This temple is dedicated to “Mariamman” the goddess of rain and fertility. It was built in 1874 and both Hindus and Buddhists interested in this temple.

Aluviharaya Rock Cave temple is located 157 km from Colombo city towards the center of Colombo and 30 km away from Kandy. “ The Thripitakaya”, the sacred scripture of Buddhism was written by the Buddhist monks in this cave temple. The main cave is 25 feet length and 10 feet in height. The library in the temple with many antiques has many buddha statues made of clay, brass and even by gold.

Planning to go Kayaking? Tangalle Lagoon is one of the perfect places in Sri Lanka for Kayaking. A quiet fun-filled cruise is guaranteed if you start early morning before the sun gets too hot. You will be able to witness a lot of birds and wildlife such as water monitors, water buffaloes and a stunning view too. Tired of the beach holiday you have been spending for many days? You must definitely try this.

Another great beach with not a lot of tourists. You might find friendly locals on the beach but it is better to avoid the weekends to avoid the overcrowding. Situated close to the town of Matara this shallow beach Is family-friendly allowing safe swimming from kids to adults.

Another perfect beach for surfers closer to Mirissa.

Best beach for surfers from beginners to professionals, unlike other surfing destinations in Sri Lanka, you might not find many restaurants and bars here but sure have enough places for your needs. The sand is clean and white. The Marriot Hotel is doing a great thing on the beach having spotlights directly to the sea to allow the night surfing.  This huge beach makes you feel like the whole beach is to yourself.

This an artificial lake in the center of Kandy city. This is an oasis in the middle of the Kandy city. Built-in the 1800s by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe the lake has a magnificent view which one would never get tired of. You can take a nice and calm walk along the lake and also observe the Temple of the Tooth and its architecture.

There are 203 soldiers died during the world war I & II were buried in Kandy War Cemetery. There are good reviews about the location by the tourists who paid their respect for the soldiers to rest in peace here in Kandy War Cemetery.

This is a place where you can see Kandy city in a panoramic view including the lake and temple of tooth. A famous location among the tourists. It is a must-visit place in Kandy

This a temple in the royal palace complex in Kandy which houses the sacred relic of the tooth of the Lord Buddha. In the Buddhist, the culture and the history, sacred relic of the tooth of the Lord Buddha is one of the most religious inheritance. Also, it has a strong history too. There are many religious activities are there around the temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The Kandy Esala Perahara ( a pageant ) is one of the most beautiful activity. This is a World Heritage Site nominated by UNESCO. This is a must-visit site in Sri Lanka not only as a place to visit but also a site with historical, cultural, religious value. In addition, the natural beauty around the temple is adding a great atmosphere to the same.

One of the best beaches for an endless walk like a duck pond. Clean and quite relaxing beach. Fishery harbor and Ussangoda National Park is bordered to the beach.

This is the smallest national park in Sri Lanka. This is a unique national park in many ways, red soils, and even the surroundings. You might not see many animals like in Yala, Udawalawe This is the land where the legendary King Ravana is believed to have landed his airborne chariot according to the Hindu Ramayana trail. A lot of birdlife can also be observed.

This zoo was opened recently and you will be happy to see how freely the animals are wandering around in the park, a perfect place to visit with your family for up-close and personal wildlife. Lions, Zebras, Deer, Elephants and many other animals that are not endemics can be seen in the park. Air-conditioned safari busses are available inside the park to see the animals comfortably.

Located in Dondara, this lighthouse is something not to be missed when touring down south. This remarkable photo location can be visited anytime but going inside the lighthouse is restricted due to security reasons. You can visit this while visiting Wewurankula Temple as the walk is only about 10 minutes from there. The lighthouse is also considered the tallest in down south.

The best time to visit this place is when the sea is rough or else you will be disappointed, during the season you can witness this phenomenon once every 10 minutes. Situated in Dickwella, this natural phenomenon happens only in few places on earth, Hunmanaya blowhole is both a tourist and local attraction please take safety precautions and do not pass the safety railing. Since Dickwella is a fishing village you can visit the local fish stalls in the area as well.

Situated in Matara, you will automatically draw yourself to this temple as a beautiful, large 93 meters tall, seated Buddha statue is in place to welcome you. A quiet peaceful temple, also one of the oldest in the country. There are beautiful paintings relating to the religion inside. The temple is crowded during full moon Poya days as the local worshippers attend to the pooja ceremony.

If you would love to read a book, listening to the waves absorb the calmness along with some sunbath, then the Secret Beach is just for you. Hidden and with most beautiful surroundings, there is a bit of a difficult walk to get this point but surely you will not regret it. Which is the very reason this called ‘The Secret Beach’.

An awesome location to view a sunrise or a sunset. You might find it a bit scary to climb but it is a lot of fun. Located right in Mirissa beach you must give the climb a try and feel the excitement.

Another great picturesque location in Mirissa.  The name itself gives you an idea of what the place looks like. This hill with coconut trees has a breathtaking panoramic view. You must take a selfie here to add to your travel album.

A place to be educated about snakes, of course, if you dare, you can touch them carry them on your neck and get to know the purpose of these reptiles for the environment that we are all afraid of.  A simple fact being the protection of fields by preying on rats, preventing agricultural losses and protecting urban areas. There are great stories of this farmer who from generation to generation has been catching and breeding snakes for education purposes.

A nice and clean beach with white sand, less noise and less crowded. Another Surfing destination especially for the beginners, but during the off-season the sea is a little rough so have to be a little aware. If you don’t find the beach in Mirissa or Unawatuna comfortable, Kabalana could be one of the great choices.

Mirissa beach is one of the main tourists’ attractions in Sri Lanka. Beach is the main factor and the restaurants, parrot Island, coconut tree hill, day excursions to Yala national park, Singharaja Forest, snake farm, fishing village, whale watching, stilt fishermen, Galle Fore attractions have been given more value to the location. Direct access airport via Southern Expressway is another advantage in respect of time-saving.

Moonstones are hecatolite or sodium-potassium aluminum silicate that displays pearly and opalescent schiller. Sri Lankan moonstones are renowned in the world for their blue shine. Meetiyagoda is the main moonstone location. It has a mine and a display outlet with various moonstones with a workshop for cutting and polishing. It is a great experience with how the moonstones are coming to your ring from the mine.

Mask making is a popular traditional industry in Sri Lanka. Masks are handcrafted by skilled craftsmen who have inherited the industry from their forefathers. Ariyapala Mask Museum is a library that has a collection of masks in all traditions. A workshop is also located in the museum and tourists can buy those handcrafts as their souvenirs from Sri Lanka.

Martin Wickramasinghe 1890-1976 is a novelist in Sri Lanka. One of his dreams was to create a folk museum and later, the Martin Wickramasinghe Trust created a folk museum. A series of photographs, antique furniture, souvenirs, awards, etc of Martin Wickramasinghe are in the museum. In addition to those, variety objects grinding stones, traditional clay pots, old wooden carts, horse carriages, rickshaws, masks, and many more traditional objects are available in the museum.

This is a 12 acres promenade in Colombo city limit which stretches for 500 meters. It was built in 1859 and mainly used for recreational activities such as horse races, golf, ruby, and Cricket. Today, it is popular among the children, kite flyers, teenagers, lovers, vendors and especially among the families as an evening outing destination. One of the best places for seafront walking in the evening for a stress-free life. Also, it is filled with street food outlets with yummy finger-licking food verities such as kottu roti, prawns, etc. etc.

This is a Buddha Temple with a grand stupa built on a top of a hill with a panoramic view 21 kilometers away from Vaunia. The temple is built by Kind Devanampiyatissa and renovated in the 20th century.

The surrounded area of the Kokkilai Lagoon including the lagoon is designated as Kokkilai National Park. The extent of the land is 4,930 acres. The sanctuary is surrounded by mangrove swamps, seagrass beds while other area consists of scrub and open forest. Elephants and also many migrating birds are found in the sanctuary.

This is an ancient allegedly planted by Arab Traders and believed to be over 700 years old. The local community around the area is called this tree as an elephant tree since it is tough and gnarled resembles the skin of an elephant. Also, it is called upside-down tree due its branches are looking alike routs.

Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu is a 400 years old church considered as the holiest catholic church on the Island. This church is just over 300 kilometers away from Colombo and just 2 hours journey from Anuradhapura. It is a journey via beautiful flat roads in the northern province.

The Chundikkulam and the surrounding area was demarcated as Chundikkulam sanctuary. It was affected by the civil war in Sri Lanka and later it was decided to extend as a National Park. Many birds are in this park and especially the immigrant birds are visible at the season.

Ellawala fall is a beautiful and small fall in the jungle. It has a pool like an area where a truly natural environment to have a bath. Ellawala falls located 5 kilometers away from Wellawaya. Also, this is an isolated waterfall from many of the tourists.

Ridi Viharaya is a Buddhist temple built in 2^nd CE by King Dutugamunu as gratitude for providing silver for the construction of Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura which is the main stupa in the Buddhist culture in Sri Lanka. Ridi Viharaya is located in Ridigama known as the village which had a silver ore.

Yapahuwa Rock Fortress is a transit Kingdom of ancient Sri Lanka. It was built in 1272 on a granite rock rising around 100 meters from the low lands surrounded. Yapahuwa is not only a palace but also a military stronghold.

The world tallest Buddha statue is located in the ancient Kingdom of Sri Lanka ( 14^th Century ), today called, Kurunegala. This statue is on the “Athugala” meaning Elephant Rock overlooking at Kurunegala city. The statue is 67.5ft tall and carved on a granite stone.

55kms towards down south through Galle road from Colombo, you will find Beruwala beach called “Golden Mile ”. This is a pristine beach of golden sand. Many opportunities for water sports such as water scooter rides, windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing, and deep-sea fishing and many more. Beruwala beach is a better place to relax for seas shore tourists.

Wadduwa beach is a combination of gold sand beaches, coconut trees, and blue sky. Couples, families and friend groups will love for this beach and verity of hotels, spas, retreats are available in luxury and budget categories. It is another best location for relaxation.

The most beautiful 50 acres green land, Viharamaha Devi park is one of the main relaxing parks in the middle of Colombo. It has a history from early The 1900s since many first-class cricket matches played against England and Australia during 1927 1935. Also, in world war II, it was occupied by British and Australian troops. Presently, it is a great place to be in Colombo city with a green and wall free open park. A better place to walk in an evening with loved once.

As per the available information, Dutch Hospital is the oldest building in Colombo. It was built in 1681 has the Dutch hospital to serve the officers and other staff working for Dutch East India Company in Sri Lanka. The building has five wings and designed to avoid heat and humidity inside the building. Today, it was renovated and became one of the best Shopping Precinct in Sri Lanka aiming for the high-end market. Most of the best restaurants local and international brands are available here and the best place for dinner or lunch.

Colombo National Museum was established in 1877 and the building was designed on Italian architectures. Many pieces of evidence and remains are available as evidence for the rich culture and heritage of Sri Lanka. There are many divisions namely Ethnology, Anthropology, Botany, Entomology, Zoology, and Geology. The Museum is located in the middle of Colombo city.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is a main sacred and religious temple near Colombo.  This temple has a history from 5th century BC. It is believed that Lord Buddha has hollowed Kelaniya during the third visit to Sri Lanka. The wall paintings and especially sculptures in the temple is a different experience. It is only  12 km and 40 minutes’ drive from the middle of Colombo city.

The city Mount Lavinia was picked from the name of beautiful “LOVINA” who was a local mestizo dancer. Sir Thomas Maitland, Governor-General (1805-1811) sets his eyes upon “Lovina” and it was a nice love story that was not allowed to be free. The Governor’s house was named “ Mt Lavinia House ” which is now becoming one of the famous hotels in Sri Lanka, “The MT Lavinia Hotel “ and later the city was developed to a modern city in Sri Lanka. The Mt Lavinia beach is popular with the Mt Lavinia hotel and probably the best beach in Colombo suburbs. Clean beach, can swim and bath, the best place to see the sunset, many restaurants around with quality cuisines. This is for an evening walk, dinner out on the beach and not like Bentota, Unawatuna, and Nilaweli.

Another one of Sri Lanka’s favorite surfing destinations. A wide range of bars and restaurants are available here. Surfing instructions? Yes, there are surf schools available right at the beach for your convenience whether you a beginner or a professional. Powdery sandy beach, quiet and nice. If you are looking for a place to surf, get a tan, have some seafood and a beer, welcome to Narigama beach!

Ahungalla is a peaceful fishing village. You will find locals with amazing hospitality. A golden sandy beach with coconut and palm trees, recommendable for walks and sea bathing too. January to April is the perfect time for sea bathing as the sea is not rough and offers the quality of a swimming pool. This approximately 3 Kms long beautiful beach is perfect for a romantic walk not to mention with a range of luxury and standard hotels.

Another perfect hideout to visit during your beach stay in Galle, Unawatuna or Koggala. Over the hill from Unawatuna take a short hike for about 10 minutes through the forest to get to this magnificent beach with calm water. If you are looking for an isolated beach to relax this could be the perfect spot as it is surrounded by the forest.

Would you like to swim with Turtles? Yes, you can in Mihiripenna. The place also offers a natural water pool ideal for average swimmers and kids. If your beach stay is in Galle, Koggala or Unawatuna, you must visit Mihiripenna beach. There is a rope tied to a coconut tree along with a tire hanging this has become a signature of Mihiripenna beach, you could see a lot of kids even adults taking a swing for fun. Would you dare to take a swing while your partner could take a snapshot?

A visit to this museum is worthwhile to know the marine history of the country. You can find a lot of artifacts and get to know the importance of 5000 years of Galle’s history and how it has been as a seafaring town. Situated in the longest Dutch building in South Asia which was built in 1672, there are more shipwrecks yet to be discovered and surely will be displayed soon. The artifacts will surely draw your attention in an hour or two you spend here.

You are on a beach vacation in Unawatuna, I know, Unawatuna is most famous for its unique beach but take a little time off from the sea and visit this magnificent Rock cave temple you will surely feel relaxed. Yatagala Rajamaha Viharaya is a little similar to the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, the temple is not visited by tourists very often. As you enter the temple you can find a Buddha statue 9 meters in Hight, take the stairs up the hill you can have a wonderful view of the area. The temple walls are covered with sculptures and paintings. A visit to the ancient temple is definitely worth it.

A mountain in Galle relates to the Hindu Mythical story ‘Ramayana’. Legend says this is a piece of the Mountain that Lord Hanuman carrying while flying over Sri Lanka. For a view of the beautiful Galle area, this is the peak to be on but unfortunately, it is not allowed to go to the top, but the peaceful surrounding will definitely offer you a perfect place for photography.

Sri Lanka is a Cricket crazy country and the Galle International Stadium is known to be one of the most picturesque grounds in the world also as one of the luckiest grounds for the Sri Lanka Cricket team. The ground has a great past but was officially declared as a Cricket Stadium in 1927. During the Tsunami in 2004, the ground and the stadium were badly damaged but provided shelter for hundreds abandoned at the time. Bordered by the sea you can get a beautiful view of the ground from the top of the Galle Fort.

This is another one of the oldest protestant churches in the country. Beautifully built in 1755, and the most interesting part is the floor of the church is paved with tombstones from Dutch cemeteries, there is also a carved wooden memorial dedicated to the commander of Galle in the era. The building has not changed a bit since it was built about 250 years ago and this is the second oldest church in Sri Lanka after St. Peter’s church in Colombo. You will not miss this site during a Galle city tour as this is situated in the fort itself.

The exact date of when the Dutch Hospital in Galle was built is unknown but it dates back to the 1640’s. The colonial-style two-story building has been used as a Hospital by both Dutch and British back in the day. Presently this is an arcade offering shop for handcrafts, clothing and also includes quality restaurants and bars. So, if you are enjoying a city tour of Galle, this the place for you to stop by for a short break, buy some souvenirs and have your favorite meal or drink.

This is the main landmark of Galle, if you are visiting Galle, you must get few shots here for your travel album. The lighthouse and the Galle Fort which is a world heritage site are visited by hundreds of locals and tourists every day. Built-in 1938, the lighthouse is still in operation. Very next to the lighthouse there is a beach to have a safe swim if you are interested.

Situated in the busiest Colombo market area, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is a place of worship for Muslims. Built-in 1908, the mosque is commonly called as the Red Mosque, this appears as a hot spot for photographers as this is a landmark of Colombo. To get here, you have to come through Main Street and if you are entering from the city center side it is on to your left. In the evenings you can find street food stalls around the Mosque area, you should try these delicious Patties, Samosas and Rolls served hot.

If you are visiting the Fishing village in Negombo this ride is a must-do along with that, take a boat ride through the Dutch Canal to witness the fishing activities of the locals, and the birdlife here is amazing also makes a perfect spot to take pictures. You might find the smell in the area is a bit bad but other than that you will surely enjoy the boat ride. The canal is similar to the canals in the Netherlands.

Being one of the major attractions in Colombo, the Old Parliament building is situated in the heart of the Colombo city. If you are taking a walk through the Galle Face green almost at the end of the walk opposite the Galadari hotel you could see this brilliant architecture colored in brown. The building was operating as the parliament of Sri Lankan from 1977 to 1983 which later moved to the Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte. In the Garden, you would be able to find several bronze statues.

This 17^th Century church was built in 1749. As you enter the premises the Dutch craftmanship is visible, the gravestones of governors can also be seen and the floor is made of granite flagstones. Situated in the Pettah area this is the only Dutch church in the country which is still in service. This is now named the ‘Christians Reformed Church of Sri Lanka’.

Geoffrey Bawa was one of the most influential and important architects of Asia. His unique designs merge insides and outsides, building and landscape. His designs are sensitive and sustainable. One of his main achievements is the “Lunuganga Garden”. This is his house with a collection of interesting artifacts, the architecture of the place itself gives you an idea of his work if you are not familiar with it. There are tours organized involving only the Bawa properties. This is a place not to be missed while you are in Colombo.

You are on a business tour and are interested to play a little golf in your spare time? The Royal Colombo Golf club is the only option for you in Colombo, about 20 minutes from the heart of the city Royal Colombo Golf club offers you a well-maintained best Golf course with excellent caddies and friendly staff. This traditional Golf club was established by the British in 1879. With Golf lessons, a fitness center and you can also call this a perfect spot in Colombo for bird watching.

Sri Lanka as a country is famous for Cricket as we became the world champions in 1996 as well as T-20 world champions in 2014. If you are a Cricket fan, there is a Cricket museum in Colombo dedicated for the Cricket lovers. You can see all the major achievements of the Sri Lanka team as you enter the museum. The museum will be open for visitors daily from 0900hrs to 1700hrs.

Another very popular and beautiful temple among the locals, the actual age of the temple is unknows, some say it dates back to the 15^th century. The Bodhi Tree in the premises is special as it is one of the 32 saplings from the Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura. Interesting ancient structures and statues are found in the temple, as you walk inside you will find a chamber to your left with the walls covered in religious murals. Quite an interesting place but located outside Colombo approximately a 40-minute drive.

Long story short, in 1815 King Sri Wikckrama Rajasinghe the las king, was captured by the British rulers and celled here prior to transporting him to India. This spot is hard to miss as it is in the center of the city opposite the World Trade Centre with the parking lot itself. The British kept the king in this small cell separately to prevent rebellion. You can find pictures of the King with the queen if you peek through bars of the cell.

This Anglican church was built in 1887 with stones of the era which still stands solid is located within close proximity of the Prime Minister’s residence. This can be called the landmark in Kollupitiya. There are candles and blessed water on the sides kept for the visitors. A quite and a peaceful place which is a must-visit.

Situated in the heart of Colombo, the National art gallery consists of two huge halls, one is for the permanent painting and the other for the exhibitions held occasionally by Sri Lankan artists. In the permanent paint section, you can find a collection of beautiful & intriguing paintings that have great values. As the permanent painting collection is not much, we would like to recommend you to visit the gallery when a temporary exhibition Is going on as our island has plenty of excellent artists. The open art street in Colombo is a great example of this.

The history of Sri Lankan currency is offered in this museum. Focused on coins and notes used back in the era. The entrance is free for the place so it is definitely worth a visit. There is a collection of modern commemoration coins and information on them as well.

A building belonging to the 1800s, a small museum with steam-powered roller, gas lamps used during the era with no electricity, street plate names used approximately 150 years ago and other ancient stuff that you might find interesting. The place is not maintained well but the gothic architecture of the building resembles the British era which is pretty impressive.

The place was the Dutch Governor’s residence in the 17^th Century, the unique colonial architecture of the building is simple enough to understand this belongs to the Dutch era. The beautiful patio garden will surprise you by the time you have reached the museum as this is situated in the center of the busiest market place in Colombo. You can witness the art effects belonging to the Dutch era. It is advisable to take a walk up to the museum due to the busy streets.

A perfect getaway from the busyness of the city! The garden which is filled with beautiful plants and trees will immediately make you forget that you are in the city. If you are a bird lover this place will blow your mind as the wetland of the park is with filled birdlife stopping hereby for water. The calmness is definitely something to take in to relax especially when you are in the city. The Urban Wetland park the correct place you can reach just within 30 minutes from the center of the city.

Situated in the middle of busy Colombo, even though the church is not very old the beautiful gothic architecture and a well-maintained garden will definitely draw your attention whether you are a Christian, Hindu or Buddhist. On Sundays, you can see a massive crowd attending mass service.

Located just walking distance from the Galle Face Green, the 95-foot-high lighthouse was built in 1952. Due to security reasons, you are not allowed to climb to the top but you will still be able to observe this structure belongs to the Dutch era. So, while taking a walk through the Galle Face Green you can also have a peek into this as well.

A Place quite popular among the locals, this is a South Indian style temple and the oldest Hindu temple in Colombo. The fine architecture and the colorfulness make the temple so special. There is also a wedding hall which can accommodate 1000 guests, so if you are interested in witnessing a Hindu wedding you will be able to, of course, if a wedding ceremony happens at the time you visit. The Temple is situated in the heart of the city which you can visit during your city tour.

If you think this must be the busiest railway station in Sri Lanka? You are correct. This is the starting point of any train anywhere in Sri Lanka. Built in 1877 when the trains operated only down south. There have not been any significant changes in the structure of the railway station as you can still see the hard pillars, bridges of olden days. If you need any information on schedules, ticket prices this is the place you should call to get assistance with. They announce the arrivals and departures of the trains in all three languages – Sinhala, Tamil & English so if you are a first-timer in Sri Lanka it will not be a hassle for you if you carefully listen to the announcement.

A place in Colombo where you can get an idea of village life. It is open from 9.00 AM to 9.00 PM every day and yes there are people living and working in this artificial village. Karunarathne Mahagamarala is ahead of the village. Like in olden days, you will find the round-shaped housed with a garden in the center of the house which we call “Meda Midula”. There are women frying, making sweets and if you are interested you can get a cooking demonstration as well. If you are in Sri Lanka on a very short visit and do not have enough to discover the actual village life, this is the place to visit.

A picturesque roadside in Colombo? Surely it is the Nelum Pokuna open art gallery. Located behind the Colombo National Museum, this is a place visited by both local and foreign art lovers. All paintings are by the local artists many of them are university students who are trying to sell their artworks to cover their day to day expenses, and the difference here is you can purchase a good quality, beautiful painting for a very reasonable price. Even if you do not purchase any paintings, a snap of the shop of this street is really worth it for your Sri Lanka tour album.

Located very next to the Independence square memorial hall, this is mainly a shopping mall with branded stores but surely you will find the colonial architecture and the surrounding of the place amazing. There are international and local cafes and restaurants to select your favorite meal after a long Colombo city tour, not to mention there is a well-equipped movie theatre as well if you need to watch the latest movie.

This beautiful temple is situated in the heart of the city, on a tiny island in the middle of the Beira lake. Both tourists and locals find this place an ideal location for photography and an icon of Colombo. Designed by Geoffery Bawa in 1976 the carvings inside resemble the Kandyan era. On a Full moon Poya day, you can see the temple is lit with tiny oil lamps which makes it looks magnificent. This is a quiet and relaxing place you can find in the middle of the city is a must-visit but remember to wear appropriate clothing as it is a place of worship.

Built for the commemoration for Independence of Sri Lanka, this is situated in Cinnamon Gardens, in the heart of the city which you can visit during your city tour. Morning and evenings, you can see the locals come here for jog and bit of exercising. The statue of the first Prime minister of Sri Lanka can be seen facing front. There are interesting carved pillars that hold the room of the hall.

This is a Hidden Hindu temple situated in the heart of the city. You can see beautiful wood carvings and specially dedicated temple for Lord Shiva. It is built in South Indian granite which is also a specialty. If you are doing a Colombo city tour this is a good place to visit to know the traditions of Hindus. The temple is well maintained and a nice site.

You can call this the most hectic yet market place in Sri Lanka, from fruits, clothing, toys lottery tickets, you name it, as pet the Sri Lankan says ‘It is available in Pettah’. The prices are cheap hence the locals travel all the way to Pettah from various parts of the country to purchase the goods. The Loudness and walking through crowds will make you soon understand the busy life of locals. The main bus station is also situated in Colombo so it is easy to get here from anywhere as the last stop would be Pettah.

Being an Eco-Tourism destination in Sri Lanka the Minneriya national park spans over 8890 hectares. The evergreen forest is home for Sambar Deer, Elephants and Leopards. Over 300 Elephants and a huge flock of birds gather around Minneriya tank to drink and play in the water during the dry season is a major attraction in the park. This is a place where you will be able to witness most No. of Asian Elephants. The bird record here is over 170 species including migrating birds such as Kentish Plovers, Wood sand Pipers, and Common Sandpipers, etc. This is a must safari you should do if your stay is in Sigiriya, Habarana or Dambulla areas. Dry mixed evergreen forests, grasslands, and wetlands is the vegetation of the national park.

This has been famous for spotting Leopards in their natural habitat. It is also the oldest and the biggest national park in the country. Many of the big mammals are found here such as Sloth bear, Elephants, Spotted Deer, and water Buffalos, out of all the main attraction here is the Sri Lankan Leopard there is a high chance of spotting a leopard feeding on a prey, waiting for a prey or resting on a tree during your safari. The area spans over 131,000 hectares and the safaris are best to be done early morning or evening. Natural lakes, cliffs, open grasslands, and thick forest will not disappoint you deciding on your safari here. Anuradhapura is the closes place if you are looking for star class accommodation, but in Wilpattu also there are camping sites as well as guest houses available.

We can say Bandarawela is located right in the middle of the hill country, with interesting walking trails and the cool climate you will surely not be bored in this place. A visit to Ravana falls, Dowa Temple and even to Ella rock is not far from here. Bandawwela can also be reached by train which will allow you to get a much better view of scenic beauty. The locals depend mainly on agriculture for a living. Vegetables such as carrots, Leaks, Cabbage and Beet Route are grown here through-out the year. Surrounded by Tea plantations people are also involved in jobs at Tea Factories and plantations. Bandarawela is another perfect getaway from your busy day to day life.

Another ideal spot in the tropical island for water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, and diving. The beautiful beach welcomes both foreigners and locals to take a break from their busy lives. If you are looking to get a tan April and October will be the ideal months as you will find the hottest sun during these months. The Hot water springs and Pigeon Island national parks are also the main tourist attractions in Nilaveli. You do not have to worry about accommodation in the area as there is a range of great hotels and resorts ranging according to your budget.

This is one of the oldest Bird Sanctuaries in the country. This can be named as the main bird watching site in Sri Lanka as well. There are about 150 species of birds including endemics and 54 migratory birds. if you are visiting this the Sanctuary the best time would be early morning, this is not only going to be a bird-watching excursion as you will get to climb rocks and so some walking in the jungle which is going to be quite interesting for and approximately 3 hours. Not only birds there are over 20 species of Mammals and reptiles you would also be able to see. This was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. If you base yourself in Tangalle the sanctuary is about 20 Kms from the Tangalle city.

In 1989, the Forest was declared a World Heritage site and a National Wilderness area. Sinharaja gives the meaning ‘Lion King’ in Sinhalese. Most of the countries endemic species are found here. 95% of Sri Lanka’s endemic birds claim Sinharaja their homeland, making this place a great spot for Bird watching lovers. Sinharaja is also an Echo Tourism destination. The forest spans over 18,900 acres. There are two main trails you can do in Sinharaja which leads to peak Maulawella and Sinhagala eventually you will find both these trails interesting. About 8 endemic mammals are found here among them there is a chance of frequently spotting a Badger Mongoose, Torque Macaque, Dusky Striped Jungle Squirrel, Purple Faced Leaf Monkey.

The national park is situated in the Central province and it has the highest plateau in Sri Lanka. The 3160 hectares was declared as a National park in 1988. Mountains Kirigalpoththa and Thotupola are in the borders of this park. There are 57 species of Flora and out of the 29 are endemics. The best time to visit the park is early morning as by afternoon the visibility is poor due to misty conditions. Mammals such as Giant Squirrels, Elks, Wild Hare, Wild Boar, Porcupine, and deer, if you get lucky enough even Leopard can be spotted. This is also a great place for the Bird watchers as there 87 species of Birds including 14 endemics. So, if you can spare half a day for the visit to this park surely you will not regret.

In 1856 the reserve was designated as a forest. This can be called the best spot for the Bird Watching lovers. There are over 80 bird species in the reserve, reptiles can also be seen such as Hump Nosed Lizard, Green Forest Lizards & Sri Lankan Kangaroo-Lizard. Famous for extensive avifauna, there is a variety of Flora species as well. The forest is historic and holds religious importance due to the three Buddhist Meditation Hermitages lies inside it. You can find the ancient Rock Shelter Dwellings which were used by Buddhist monks back in the day. The Sri Lanka forest department has a nature education center which is visited by school children daily.

Covering an area of 6216 hectares, Bundala National park is located in the Hambantota district approximately 250 Kms from Colombo. The Jungle is home for a vast range of birds as well as for Spotted deer and Grey Langur Monkeys. This is a resting and feeding point of many wintering birds as the wetlands, lands and sea meet. If you have a closer look on the shore there are tell-tale signs of Turtles have come and laid their eggs the previous night. There are 383 plant species including 6 endemics. If you are lucky enough you would be able to spot a Leopard feeding on a deer or other small animal. A small population of Elephants can also be seen in their natural habitat. Sloth bears, Spotted Deer, and Jackals are also among a whole lot of other interesting animals.

Wasgamuwa National Park is one of the ideal spots for bird lovers. Bordered by Amban and Mahaweli Rivers, The Wasgamuwa national park spans over 36,900 hectares. According to reports, there are over 143 species of birds in the park including endemic birds such as Ceylon Jungle Fowls and Red-Faced Malkoha can be commonly spotted. Fifty odd species of butterflies including nine endemics surely refresh your eyes with their colors as you find the dry zone a bit tough. Even though it is a sanctuary of birds you can spot other animals like Elephant herd approximately up to 150 they migrate here from Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks also deer, Sambar Deer, Crocodiles, wild boar, etc. The nearest town to the park is Polonnaruwa, so if you have a stay in the ancient city do not forget to visit this park.

This botanical garden is situated along the Badulla road in the Nuwara Eliya district, has been established in 1861. As you enter the garden you can see a mixture of beautiful flower beds well maintained. A fine hedge formed of the Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) of Califonia is seen opposite to the flower beds near the entrance. Two giant specimens of silver-leaved New South wales turpentine tree from Australia can be seen planted. Several kinds of Azalea and the common Camellia (Camellia japonica) are notable tall shrubs visible on the grassy slope behind the main border.  A walk in this garden in a cool climate will definitely relax your mind & soul.

Claiming for the longest beach in Sri Lanka, Koggala is a place most of the tourists do not explore much. Place amid a large lake and a reef, Koggala has its unique beauty. Apart from the beautiful beach, you can visit the Kataluva Purvarama Maha Viharaya temple which was built in the 13^th Century and of course, it is less than 10 Km from here to the Virgin White Tea plantation. This was the birthplace of Martin Wickramasinghe who was a famous author in Sri Lanka, there is also a museum with his arts and traditions open for public. You can enjoy a less crowded quite beautiful beach if you base yourself here.

Hikkaduwa has been a tourist destination in Sri Lanka for a very long time as there were very limited hotels and resorts down south unlike now. The sun-seekers and wave lovers find Hikkaduwa a paradise as this is the best location close to Colombo with best-surfing waves. There is a range of restaurants and bars to experience a delicious seafood plate and to have your favorite drink not to mention also a range of hotels from star class to homestays. For snorkeling enthusiasts, this would be the best place between November to March as the visibility is good during the period. There are many dive schools providing quality equipment and experienced dive guides, so if you looking for a vacation with sun, sea and some activities Hikkaduwa is the place for you.

Ambewela is a hill station, located in the Nuwara Eliya District. The area is also called “Little New Zealand” as it has the look of New Zealand with cows eating grass in the meadows. Due to the high altitude, the mean annual temperature in the area is below 17°C. Frost is common during Winter. Home for local dairy farms, Ambewela is also the highest (in altitude) and widest grassland in Sri Lanka which is also a service center to the New Galway tea planting district. Situated en-route to Horton Plaines and World’s End there is a high chance you will be able to spot Mammals such as the Sambar Deer, Leopard dominate the majority of the forest covering the area. Similar to Horton Plains and Ohiya, this site is also one of the Important Bird Areas in the country, making the area a famous location for birdwatching as well.

Gangaramaya is one of the oldest and most beautiful Buddhist temples you will find in the heart of Colombo, this was started in the 19^th Century by the scholar-monk Hikkaduwa Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera. He laid the foundation to convert this temple to an institute of international reckoning.  The next chief incumbent was the Ven. Dewndara Keerthi Sri Sumangala Jinaratana Vacissara Thera, the teacher of the Ven. Galboda Gnanissara, who worked for what Gangaramaya is today: This is the main tourist attraction in Colombo.

Bentota is approximately 101 Kms from the airport. You will find the town of Bentota once you cross the bridge over the River Bentara. Amazing greenery with tall coconut and palm trees and the prime beach will make anyone fall in love with the place. The Bentota beach is an ideal place for water sports such as windsurfing, snorkelling, diving and water skiing. You can experience calm seas during winter from November to April, the area offers a range of 5-star luxury hotels to standard guest houses or homestays for travellers to choose according to their budget.

Take a boat ride through the Mangroves of Bentota, you will witness the diverse wildlife such as Water Monitor Lizards, River birds even a crocodile in their natural habitat while cruising through the third-longest river in the country. Absorb the nature and enjoy the Mangroves which play a huge part in preventing soil erosion by acting as a natural barrier. This was well proved when the Tsunami strikes down south in 2004. The biologists and ecologists find this place a treasure trove for the fertile soil in this region. There are many undiscovered species in the depth of this mangrove forest.

Anuradhapura is considered as the first prominent ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka. It is a world heritage site and famous for it well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sinhala civilization. It is also considered as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. According to historical records, the city was first founded by the Prince Anuradha. Later it was made the capital by King Pandukabhaya about 380BC. Anuradhapura era is considered as one of the golden eras for Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka during the rule of King Devanampiya Tissa. The king himself donated land for a great monastery in the heart of the city. This is only the beginning of great monuments in Anuradhapura.  Today they are well preserved and maintained where travelers from around the world come to visit.

Nagadeepaya translated into means “Land of the Snakes”, but don’t worry there is no actual threat to anyone. During ancient times Nagadeepaya was resident of the “Naga” tribes, also one of the country’s sixteen holiest Buddhist shrines. According to Mahavamsa, Lord Buddha has visited Nagadeepaya to settle a dispute between two warring Naga kings. The place he visited is now turned to a temple and sacred to all Buddhists around the world. The half of the fun is getting to Nagadeepaya, through a causeway to the island of Kyats where the Nagadeepaya is situated. From Kyats, you will be taking a boat ride to Nainativ, where you will get to visit Nagadeepaya. During the civil war, it was not possible to visit Nagadeepaya, but now you can visit it safely.

Nallu Kandaswamy Temple is a significant Hindu temple, located in Nallur, Jaffna, in the northern province of Sri Lanka. Lord “Murugan” the presiding deity of love, war and beauty is in the form of the ‘Vel’ in the sanctum. It has reigned over the land for thousands of years. The temple was originally founded in 948AD. Nallur was a capital with an extremely defensive fort and a city that served the kings of Jaffna. The present temple was built in 1734AD. The golden era of the temple began during the 1890s with the takeover of the temple’s administration by Arumuga Maapaana Mudliyar, who started renovating it to its former glory.

Delft is an oval-shaped island in the northern part of Sri Lanka. It is a flat island surrounded by shallow waters and beaches of coral chunks and sand. To access the island, one has to sail from Karikadduwan Jetty in Punkudutivu island of Jaffna. Life on the island is simple and in line with nature. The growing rock, a stone said to naturally grow is wrapped in a shimmering cloth, is treated as sacred as it takes the form of a cobra. You can also visit the Giant’s Foot, a thrilling print in rock. The Baobab Tree, with its charming outstretched arms, captivates the onlookers with wonder. It is a native of Africa, believed to have been introduced by Arab traders’ eons ago. These are among the few wonders of the island.

Polonnaruwa holds another mystic attraction to all travelers due to the fact that it was ruled by ancient kings of Sri Lanka for over 800 years. It is the second most ancient kingdom of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa was first established by the Chola dynasty and it is declared as a world heritage. During the rule of Vijayabahu I, trade and agriculture flourished, because the king was so adamant that no drop of water falling from the heavens was to be wasted. Hence during his time irrigation systems were built that are superior to today. Visitors from around the world visit Pollonaruwa to see its ancient architectural wonders and to observe the wild animals and nature.

Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in Asia and attracts over 2 million visitors annually. It is world-famous for its collection of Orchids and the garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, spices, medicinal plants, and palm trees. The origin of the botanical garden dates as far back as 1371 during King Wickramabahu the 3rd era. The classical Avenue of Palms is located in this garden. One tree with a significant history is Cannonball Tree planted by King George V of the United Kingdom and Queen Mary in 1901. We recommend all travelers to take your time, pack your own picknick and have a relaxing day with nature.

Being the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka this is the most visited by both locals and foreigners. Yala is a wildlife sanctuary and also one of the first national parks in Sri Lanka famous for the variety of wild animals. The park is important for the conservation of Sri Lanka elephants, Sri Lankan Leopards, and aquatic birds.  Of all the national parks in Sri Lanka, Yala gives the best opportunity to witness Sri Lanka’s broad variety of wildlife. Yala is not only famous for its Flora and Fauna, but it is also famous for its past civilization, King Ravana, but the mythical Hindu anti-hero is also believed to have established his kingdom in Yala.

Negombo is famous for its long sandy beaches and centuries-old fishing industry. The shallow waters of the Negombo lagoon provide safe sheltering for seafaring vessels. The Negombo fishing village also was known as Lellama by the locals is located across the lagoon bridge, near the old Dutch gate. This is the second-largest open-air fish market in Sri Lanka. It will give visitors first-hand experience and insight into the local fisher community. The market is loud, vibrant, colorful and smells like fish. You will get to witness fishermen bringing in their day’s catch and how the whole sellers and restaurateurs trade with them. Cycling around the village is also a highly recommended fun activity.

Sri Lanka is famous for her spices. Stroll through our spice gardens enjoying the aroma of cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, nutmeg and get overwhelmed by them. Introduced new products and overwhelm your senses. The visitors are provided with an insight into an age-old industry of spice productions, which attracted many European and Asian merchants to the island of spices. Over 15 different spices are found in Sri Lanka and many of them are traded in the international market. The gardens will introduce you to the different spices and their use, they will also allow you to see how they are grown, harvested and produced, you will also get the opportunity to buy high-quality spices for an affordable price.

The Lipton’s seat lookout is one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive viewpoints. It was named after the Scottish Tea Barron, Sir Thomas Lipton, it was his favorite lookout point. On a misty and cloudy day, of course, it won’t be easy to get a good view, so we always advise you to go for an early morning walk. From Lipton’s seat, you can see no fewer than seven different provinces. During the walk to the Lipton seat, you will get to meet the tea plucking ladies and get to know more interesting facts from the locals. You will also get to enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea on top of the hill from the local vendors. With the best view and the best tea, what more we have to ask for?

Unawatuna is most famous for its sandy beaches and corals. It is home to endangered purple-faced langur, a shy monkey species that can only be found in Sri Lanka. Unawatuna is a seashore dotted with thousands of trees, coconuts, and palms and rich in biodiversity. Even though the town is small, it has great shopping vendors, guesthouses, trendy restaurants and a lot of activities to choose from. The wide stretched beaches offer good swimming spots and sunbeds to rest and sunbathe. There is also a little walk to a Pagoda statue overlooking the bay. The beach is directly connected to the city center with a lot of restaurants and bars so, at the end of a relaxing day, you can have a delicious meal and enjoy your favorite drink.

The waters around Sri Lanka is filled with marine life. Sri Lanka is a marine enthusiast’s dream come true. Five out of the seven types of sea turtles call nests on our beaches. All of them are among the endangered list. You get to see Leatherbacks, Green Turtles, Loggerheads, Hawksbills and Olive Ridley Turtles in Sri Lanka. The turtle care center in Kosgoda is one of the 18 turtle hatcheries along with the southern coast of Sri Lanka. So why we are recommending you to visit Kosgoda, because you get to see all of the above five species there. The center functions mainly as a hatchery and make huge efforts to increase the rate of hatching and survival of baby turtles in their very initial stage.

The latest metropolitan of South Asia, Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo hosts more tourist attractions than any other city in the country. Few of the attractions are National Museum, Galle Face Green, Viharamahadevi Park, Dutch period museum, Dutch Hospital, Federation of Self Employees market in Pettah, Old City hall, House of Geffory Bawa, Seema malakaya Meditation center, Jaami-Ul-Alfar Mosque, Pelican Perches, Wolvendaal Church, St Anthony’s church, University of Colombo and newly opened Lotus Tower. Colombo is most famous for its colorful nightlife, restaurants, clubs, and entertainment. A walk along the Galle face coastal line during the night is a good suggestion to get a beautiful view of the city. Don’t forget to go shopaholic among the latest shops.

Dambulla, a town that is quite near to Sigiriya is world-famous for the cave temple. It is also the central point of distribution for vegetables in Sri Lanka and quite a busy city 24 by 7. Dambulla cave temple the main attraction of the town was originally built in 80BC. It is the biggest and best-preserved cave temple which is also a world heritage site. There are 153 Buddha statues found inside the temple. Other attractions are Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia and the Iron Wood Forest also known as Na Uyana Arana. Dambulla is more recommended for a stopover rather than a complete stay in the town.

Hiriwaduna village is a place most tourist visits to experience first-hand a rural village of Sri Lanka and their day to activities. Hiriwaduna has a tropical rainforest climate and a beautiful rural area in the Habarana city. The tour normally starts with a Bullock cart ride to the village lake and from there you will get to experience a boat ride. After a short walk within the paddy fields and vegetable cultivation, you will visit a home of a local. You will get the opportunity to relax and enjoy a pure Sri Lankan meal. This will be an opportunity for foreigners to experience and understand the local way of life in rural Sri Lanka. You will get to see that they are closer to nature and enjoy the simplicity of life.

Pidurangala – Pidurangala is a huge rock formation that can be sited a few kilometers from Sigiriya. Unlike Sigiriya, it is far more difficult to climb but it is not less beautiful with regards to the view. Once you have climbed to the top, you will get a magnificent view of Sigirya and the surrounding. Pidurangala has been inhabited by Buddhist Monks for over two thousand five hundred years. During the time of King Kashyapa the ruler who built Seegiriya, Pidurangala was refurbished and offered to the monks who used to live around Sigiriya with an enlarged temple and monastery. Later King Kashyapa was cremated near the entrance to Pidurangala and a stupa was built there.

The famous destination for White Water Rafting, Kitulgala is the must-visit destination for anyone who wants an extra dose of adrenaline in their blood. Kitulgala is famous for white water rafting and also as the location of the Academy Award-winning masterpiece “Bridge on the River Kawaii”. You get to ride the tides of the Kelani river and also you can do confidence jumping, stream sliding, waterfall abseiling, Jungle trekking, bird watching, cave exploring and enjoying a river bath too. Kitulgala is very famous for campers and backpackers. And also one of the wettest places in the country. The town got its name from the famous solitary fishtail palm known as Kitul in Sinhala, aka Caryota urens. Visitors get to enjoy “kittul Nakuru” a delicious sweet product made out of Kitul.

Adam’s peak known as Sri Padian Sinhalese, the sacred footprint is a rock formation near the summit, which in the Buddhist tradition is held to be the footprint of the Buddha. In Hindu tradition that of Hanuman or Lord Shiva and in some Islamic and Christian tradition that of Adam, or that of St. Thomas. It is located in a beautiful hill country and has been a focus for pilgrimage for more than 1000 years. It is also known as “Samanala Kanda” aka “Butterfly hill”, where butterflies go to rest in peace. There is a season to go on pilgrimage to Adam’s peak. Words are not enough to explain the beautiful view of the sunrise from Adam’s peak it is like living up in the clouds.

Tangalle is a regionally important fishing port and it is situated in one of the largest bays of the island. In the center of the town you can find a Dutch fort that is now being used as a prison. It is also famous for its wide-open beaches which are perfect for romantic strolls and to relax. You can find various seafood and other restaurants around the city where you can enjoy mouth-watering meals. You can have a bath in the natural swimming area in Parewella, visit Mulkirigala Raja Maha Viharaya and visit the only blowhole in Sri Lanka at Hummanaya. Kalamaetiya Bird Sanctuary is quite nearby to the Tangalla town and also you get to observe the turtles in Rekawa.

Kalpitiya is a fishing town consisting of 14 islands. During ancient times it was famous for maritime trade and associated with smuggling escapades. A well-preserved fortress from the Dutch era is now occupied by the Sri Lanka Navy. A vibrant annual festival at St. Anne’s church in Thalavila attracts the greatest number of visitors from around the world to Kalpitiya. Kalpitiya is a marine sanctuary and a tourist attraction for dolphins and whale watching. You can witness an amazing sunrise with dolphin watching experience and Bar Reef snorkeling.  Leaping pods of all from Spinner dolphins to Bottlenose dolphins can be witnessed. They will swim along with your boat; it will be like swimming with the dolphins.

Pidurutalagala, Mount Pedro in English is the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. It also has a forest reserve surrounding it which is also the only ultra-prominent peak of the country It is also an ultra-high security zone and is protected by a large military base because it’s the summit is home to the central communications array of the Government of Sri Lanka and armed forces. It serves as a significant point in the country’s radar system. Even though it’s strictly off-limits to the general public, during certain periods of time passes of administration can be obtained for a drive to the top. Trekking is strictly not allowed. Once the vehicle enters the limits of the Security Point at the base it has to be driven without stopping or anyone disembarking from the vehicle till the Upper-Security Point at the mountain’s summit. The drive is worth all that because of the picturesque view with many beautiful flowering trees and plants.

Sri Lanka’s greatest historical chronical, Mahavamsa reveals that Mahiyanganaya was visited and blessed by Lord Buddha. While traveling to Mahiyanganaya, on the road from Kandy to Padiyathalawa across Hunnasgiriya one will encounter the famous 18 hairpin bends. Mahaweli, the longest river of Sri Lanka flows through Mahiyanganaya. The Mahaweli irrigation project has provided farmlands for the residents. One of the sixteen most venerated Buddhist Stupas of the country is Mahiyangana Stupa, which is believed to be enshrined with Buddha’s hair relic. Dambana a village in Mahiyanganaya is one of the biggest tourist attractions for the Mahiyangana city. It is home to the Sri Lankan Aborigines also known as the “Vedda” community.

Kumana National Park in Sri Lanka’s number one destination for bird watching. The geography of the park, being surrounded by over twenty lagoons and tanks support the extensive birdlife of the national park. A unique collection of Flora & Fauna can be observed in the park and its environmentalists and wildlife lover’s dream come true to observe them and go on a safari into the park. Apart from being around with the birdlife, Kumana is also home to some of the mammals found in the adjacent Yala National Park such as Elephants, Leopards, Golden Jackal, Wild Boar, European Otter as well as the endangered Fishing Cat. The park provides excellent feeding and resting habitats for a large number of endangered wetland species, including three turtle species. Historically, Kumana is a part of an ancient civilization that goes back to the 3^rd century BC.

Arugam Bay’s literal Tamil translation is, “Bay of Cynodon” also known as the Bermuda Grass. It is quite an interesting story to find out from the locals how the name was made. It is a major fishing town in Sri Lanka and famous for surfing, local beaches, lagoons, and historical temples. A moon-shaped curl of soft sand is home to a famed point break that many regards as the best surf spot in the country. Due to this Arugam Bay is one of the most favorite surf destinations in the world and also hosts the only international surf competition venue on the island. But it is not only made for surfers but also for anyone who wants to enjoy sandy beaches, mouth-watering food and to relax with the sun-kissed skin and wind blowing the worries away.

Batticaloa is known as the “Land of the singing fish”, due to musical sounds that related to fish or aquatic creatures in the lagoon. It is one of the major commercial cities in the eastern part of the country. And it is home to Pasikuda and few other famous tourist destinations with golden beaches and lot of wind and sun. There are three lagoons and several islands that belong to Batticaloa. And the city boasts of a rich and proud history dating back to great kings and conquerors from neighboring India. It later became a center of Portuguese Burgher culture, supported in the modern era by the Catholic Burgher Union. It is a city of excellence when it comes to life, education, religion and many more.

Pasikuda is a very beautiful coastal resort town situated in the northwest of the island. It is a small Tamil hamlet and a popular tourist destination for all who desire golden beaches and sunshine. It is also fast becoming an investment hub as both locals and foreigners are showing interest in developing tourism in the town. Pasikuda is known to have one of the longest stretches of shallow reef coastlines in the world. You can walk kilometers into the sea because the water is only a few inches deep and the current is relatively weak compared to the other coastal areas of the island. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to relax and work on their tan.

Trincomalee has been one of the main centres of Sri Lankan Tamil language speaking cultures on the island for over two millennia. It is one of the oldest cities in Asia. The city is built on a peninsula with a natural harbour, unlike any other harbour in the Indian Ocean, it is accessible in all weathers to all craft. Maybe that is why it was approached by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. Trincomalee house the famous Koneswaram Temple, a great place of worship for Hindu’s all around the world. Cities architecture shows some of the best examples of interaction between native and European styles. The largest Dutch fort in the Island is also situated in Trincomalee. With the sunny climate, you will get to enjoy and make tons of memories.

Pigeon Island National Park is one of the two marine national parks in Sri Lanka. An interesting fact about the history of the name is that it derives from the rock pigeon which has colonized it. The park hosts some of the best remaining coral reefs of Sri Lanka. In the beginning, the park was a sanctuary later it was redesigned as a national park. There is a range of flora and fauna found on the island. The main attraction of the island is scuba diving. The clear waters around the island make it one of the best destinations for scuba diving. The boat ride from the main island to Pigeon Island is also full of incidents, such as the sighting of reef sharks and turtles. Pack your self snacks and drinks and have a great time.

Kandy, broken from Kanda in Sinhala simply means the hill. I think that would clearly outline the geography of the city. Kandy is a major tourist attraction and world-famous for the Kandy Perahera. This extravagant parade is happening once a year, a magical event that is one of the main events of our culture. Tens of thousands of visitors around the world visit Kandy during the month of July to witness this event. Kandy also hosts and protects Lord Buddha’s tooth in a beautiful palace, which is sacred to all Buddhists around the world. Sri Lankans believe that relic brings prosperity and protects the island. Royal Botanical Garden & Udawaththakele, a forest behind the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of Tooth), are few other attractions in Kandy that will create pleasant memories for visitors.

Nuwara Eliya, a city in the hill country is also called Little England due to the similarity between the two climates. The city is all about beautiful landscapes and cool climates. It is also the heart of the tea plantation industry of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya hosts the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka and some wonderful waterfalls making any visitor fall in love with her. To name a few famous attractions of Nuwara Eliya are Gregory lake, Golf Club, Grand Hotel, Race Course & Haggala Botanical Garden. You will also get to visit Strawberry farms and pick your own strawberries and observe how your tea is plucked and sent to you while enjoying a hot cup of Ceylon tea.

Eth Athuru Sevana – Elephants are beautiful creatures. They are kind, intelligent and gentle in ways we can’t even imagine. Maybe that’s why they have become an endangered species due to our activities. We in Sri Lanka takes protecting elephants seriously and actively take part in it. Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home is there for that purpose only. It is called Eth Athuru Sevana in Sinhala meaning a sanctuary for elephants. The specialty of this home is that unlike in Pinnawela elephants’ orphanage, the elephants who come into this home will be re-introduced to the wild. The transit home is a lively place with a lot of activities taking place throughout the day. The most anticipated is the feeding time and visitors get to feed the baby elephants.

Sigiriya the Lion Rock of Sri Lanka is officially the 8^th wonder of the world. It is a rock fortress listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. It is world-famous among historians as the best-preserved examples of ancient urban planning. Sigiriya was selected by King Kashyapa as his capital during the years 477 – 495 CE. The whole face of the wall has been covered with paintings of over 500 ladies. This is considered as one of the world’s biggest frescoes. Even though most frescoes have been lost forever, still some remain to enchant us with the attention to detail of the artist. As per historians, originally the wall was polished so the king could see his reflection which was named as the mirror now it is covered with hundreds of poems written by visitors. Among the oldest landscapes in the world lies the gardens of Sigiriya.

Would you like to swim with Turtles? Yes, you can in Mihiripenna. The place also offers a natural water pool ideal for average swimmers and kids. If your beach stay is in Galle, Koggala or Unawatuna, you must visit Mihiripenna beach. There is a rope tied to a coconut tree along with a tire hanging this has become a signature of Mihiripenna beach, you could see a lot of kids even adults taking a swing for fun. Would you dare to take a swing while your partner could take a snapshot?

There are so many awesome experiences one can gain in Udawalawa National Park. It is difficult to select one experience out of it and call it the best one. Because the park lies on the boundary of Sri Lanka’s wet and dry zones, it is framed by soaring highlands and comprised of grasslands and bush forests. Explorers get to see a collection of Flora, Mammals, Birds, Reptiles & Fish in their natural habitats. While we cannot select one favourite activity, however when we go on safari to Udawalawa, it would be unfair if we do not bring up our gentle giants of the earth, Elephants. Udawalawa is one famous destination to see elephants up close and personal in their natural habitats.

Whales are magical creatures, they are the largest marine animal on the planet, compared to them we humans are so insignificant. The Dondra point in Mirissa qualifies as one of the most frequent location to spot whales makes Sri Lanka the best destination for whale watching. You will get to see Blue Whales, Bryde’s Whales, Sperm Whales, Killer Whales and Fin Whales. Even though November to April is the perfect time period to spot whales, there are chances of spotting these giants thorough out the year. Due to the popular demand which increased the number of visitors, the Sri Lanka coast guard has doubled their being vigilant about all activities. You get to create tons of memories with the gentle giants of the ocean without worries. It’s a once in life time experience.

Galle, the capital of Southern province. Before the Portuguese ruling of the country it was also considered a major port because of the natural harbour. The city is a fusion of the Portuguese & native architecture and maybe that is why it has become a must visit tourist attraction. The Galle fort which is the biggest feature of the city is considered as a world heritage and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by a European occupier. While in Galle you can visit National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral and Galle International Stadium. Tourists prefer the famous Tuk Tuk tour in the city which will gain you first-hand experience about the city and the locals.

Ella is a small town situated at an elevation of 1041 meters above sea level. Ella is considered as one of the musts visits of Sri Lanka due to its rich bio diversity, varieties of flora and fauna and its cool climate. Surrounded by tea plantations, forests, hills and clouds that covers, the town is like a picture out of a fairy tale with the misty mountains and spectacular natural views. Ella is most famous for the view through the Ella gap which is stunning and on a cloudless night you can see the glow of the Great Basses lighthouse on Sri Lanka’s south coast.  There is a selection of waterfalls, tea plantations and temples an adventurer can visit in Ella. It is also one of the preferred destinations for hikers and back packers.

Pinnawala elephant’s orphanage has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. The orphanage is situated on a 25-acre coconut plantation adjacent to the Maha Oya river. The main objective of the orphanage is to care for orphaned elephants due to various reasons. Currently a herd of over hundred elephants are being taken care of by the orphanage. The visitors get to see the elephants up-close and personal. You get to feed the baby elephants and play with them; I believe that they are the cutest in the animal kingdom. The river bath time of the gentle giants is a real treat and an awesome experience. It is recommended to have your snacks and drinks in the café overlooking the river. It is overall a relaxing experience.

One of the best beaches for an endless walk like a duck pond. Clean and quite relaxing beach. Fishery harbor and Ussangoda National Park is bordered to the beach.