Anuradhapura, city, north-central Sri Lanka. It is situated along the Aruvi Aru River. The old section of Anuradhapura, now preserved as an archaeological park and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, is the best known of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities. In the immediate vicinity are huge bell-shaped dagobas (Buddhist commemorative shrines, or stupas) built of small sun-dried bricks as well as temples, sculptures, palaces, and ancient drinking-water reservoirs. The city also contains an ancient pipal tree that is believed to have originally been a branch of the Bo tree at Bodh Gaya (Bihar, India), under which Gautama Buddha attained Enlightenment. The Bo tree branch was planted at Anuradhapura about 245 BCE, and it may be the oldest tree in existence for which there is any historical record.
Anuradhapura was founded in the 5th century BCE and was the Sinhalese capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th century BCE until the 11th century CE, when invasions from South India forced the shifting of the capital. The city was abandoned and overrun by jungle; in the 19th century it was rediscovered by the British and subsequently became a Buddhist pilgrimage centre. The revival of the city began in earnest in the 1870s. The contemporary city, much of which was moved during the mid-20th century to preserve the site of the ancient capital, is a major road junction of northern Sri Lanka and lies along a railway line. The city is the headquarters of Sri Lanka’s archaeological survey, and tourism is a significant factor in its economy.
Galle is a historic port city located on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. The city has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why.
Galle offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. The city’s colonial architecture is a major draw, with its Dutch-style buildings, ramparts, and fortifications. The Galle Fort is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and visitors can explore its narrow streets, boutique shops, and restaurants.
The city is also home to several museums and galleries, such as the Galle National Museum and the Maritime Museum. These museums offer a glimpse into the city’s history and culture, with exhibits on art, architecture, and Sri Lankan life.
Overall, Galle is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Sri Lanka’s rich history and natural beauty. It offers a unique blend of colonial architecture, beaches, and culture that is sure to impress.
Jaffna is a vibrant city located in the northern province of Sri Lanka, known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. The city is famous for its historical sites, pristine beaches, and unique Tamil culture.
Visitors can explore the ancient Nallur Kovil, a Hindu temple known for its ornate architecture and colorful festivals. Another popular attraction is the Jaffna Fort, a 17th-century Portuguese fort that offers stunning views of the city and the sea.
Jaffna is also home to several beautiful beaches, including Casuarina Beach and Neduntheevu Beach. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the fresh seafood caught by local fishermen.
For those interested in learning about Jaffna’s history and culture, there are several museums and cultural centers worth visiting. The Jaffna Museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the region’s past, while the Jaffna Public Library showcases the city’s literary heritage.
Finally, no trip to Jaffna would be complete without trying the local cuisine. From delicious seafood dishes to spicy curries and traditional sweets, Jaffna’s food is a unique blend of Tamil, Sinhalese, and Portuguese influences.
Overall, Jaffna is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant and dynamic city that offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. It is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and culture, and visitors can explore its museums, temples, and monuments.
One of the best ways to experience Colombo is by taking a walking tour or buy a Tuk Tuk the city’s many attractions, such as the bazaar area and the Colombo Museum. The Lotus Tower is a must-see landmark, and visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city from its observation deck. For shopping enthusiasts, Colombo offers a range of options, from department stores to street markets, where visitors can find branded garments for a fraction of the price.
The city’s dining scene is also a must-experience, with a variety of restaurants offering a range of cuisine options. The Ministry of Crab and the revolving restaurant at the top of the Lotus Tower are popular dining spots. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely walk on the Galle Face Green, a popular sea-facing promenade and try out some local street food.
Colombo’s active nightlife is limited to the weekends, but Park Street Mews is a great spot for evening drinks. For those looking for an adventure, the Colombo Dunes ATV Track at the Port City is a must-visit. Overall, Colombo has something to offer for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for tourists visiting Sri Lanka.
Kandy is a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka, known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The city offers a blend of ancient temples, vibrant markets, stunning gardens, and scenic hills. The Temple of the Tooth, located in the heart of Kandy, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant Buddhist sites in the world. Witnessing the evening ceremony, where the sacred tooth relic is unveiled, is a truly unforgettable experience.
The city also boasts the beautiful Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, where visitors can admire a vast collection of tropical plants and flowers. Kandy’s cooler climate makes it a perfect escape from the tropical heat, and its location amidst the hills provides spectacular panoramic views. Additionally, visitors can explore the rich history of Kandy by visiting the Royal Palace of Kandy, the Museum of Kandy, and the Garrison Cemetery.
Kandy’s market area is a vibrant and bustling place where locals and tourists come to shop for souvenirs, clothing, spices, and fresh produce. The market is an excellent place to immerse yourself in the local culture, taste traditional snacks and sweets, and try your bargaining skills.
Visitors to Kandy can also visit one of the city’s gem museums to learn about Sri Lanka’s rich history and expertise in gemstone mining and cutting. The Gem Museum in Kandy is one such place, where visitors can view a wide variety of precious and semi-precious stones, learn about the different cuts, and even purchase a piece of jewelery to take home as a souvenir. Kandy’s gem industry is world-renowned, and the city is an excellent place to shop for gems, including sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.
Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, known for its cool climate, stunning landscapes, and tea plantations. The town is often referred to as “Little England” due to its colonial architecture and influence.
Nuwara Eliya offers a unique experience that is different from other destinations in Sri Lanka. Visitors can explore the lush green tea fields that cover the hillsides and learn about the process of tea production. The town is also home to several tea factories, where visitors can see how tea leaves are processed and packaged.
Nuwara Eliya is also a great place for outdoor activities, such as hiking, bird watching, and cycling. Horton Plains National Park is a popular destination for hiking and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The park is home to several species of wildlife, including sambar deer, leopard, and endemic bird species.
The town itself is worth exploring, with its colonial-style buildings, gardens, and parks. The Victoria Park is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, with its beautiful flowers, trees, and birdlife. The town also has several historic sites, such as the St. Xavier’s Church and the Holy Trinity Church.
Finally, Nuwara Eliya offers a unique culinary experience, with its traditional English-style breakfasts and tea-time High Tea. Visitors can enjoy fresh-baked scones, cakes, and sandwiches, along with locally grown tea.
Overall, Nuwara Eliya is a charming destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, colonial history, and tea culture. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique experience in Sri Lanka.
Unawatuna is a coastal town situated on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, known for its picturesque beaches and great vibes. It’s a popular destination among travelers for its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs that are ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Apart from its natural beauty, Unawatuna is also a place with a vibrant nightlife and a lively atmosphere. The beach is lined with numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes, where you can enjoy local delicacies, seafood, and drinks while soaking up the tropical atmosphere.
In addition to beach activities, Unawatuna also offers a range of cultural and historical attractions, including ancient temples, colonial-era architecture, and nature reserves. You can explore the nearby Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
One of the must-see attractions when in Unawatuna is the traditional practice of stilt fishing, a unique fishing technique that has been passed down from generation to generation. The stilt fishermen can be seen perched on wooden poles along the coast, patiently waiting for their catch. The sight is a photographer’s dream, and capturing the stilt fishermen in action is a must for anyone visiting Sri Lanka. Unawatuna is an excellent place to witness this tradition as there are several stilt fishermen along the coast. It’s best to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to catch the fishermen in action and to get the best lighting for your photos. Some fishermen may charge a small fee for posing for pictures, but it’s worth it for the unique experience and stunning photos you’ll get to take home. So, don’t forget to pack your camera and head to Unawatuna to witness and capture this unique Sri Lankan tradition.
Mirissa is a small coastal town located in the southern coast of Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere, and whale watching opportunities. The town is a popular destination among travelers for its serene beaches, warm waters, and great beach vibe.
Mirissa is an ideal place for beach activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. The palm-lined sandy beaches offer plenty of spots to relax and enjoy the tropical surroundings. The town is also known for its seafood restaurants and beach bars, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and drinks while taking in the beautiful scenery.
One of the main attractions of Mirissa is whale watching, which is possible from November to April. During this time, you can witness blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat. It’s an unforgettable experience that attracts visitors from all over the world.
In addition, Coconut Hill in Mirissa is a crazy social media hotspot with breathtaking views, while the town’s lively nightlife and beach parties make it a popular destination for travelers seeking a fun and vibrant atmosphere.
Overall, Mirissa is a perfect destination for beach lovers looking for a lively and vibrant atmosphere.
Negombo is a coastal city located just 20 minutes away from the Bandaranaike International Airport, making it an ideal destination to start or end your stay in Sri Lanka. The city is famous for its long and wide sandy beaches, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Negombo is also known for its delicious seafood, which is available in many restaurants along the beach. Visitors can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood dishes, including prawns, lobsters, crabs, and fish.
The city has a lively nightlife, with plenty of pubs and bars offering live music and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy a range of drinks, from local beers to exotic cocktails, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
One of the main attractions of Negombo is its fish market, where visitors can witness the fishermen bringing in their daily catch and negotiating prices with buyers. The market is a bustling hub of activity, with an array of different fish, shellfish, and other seafood on display.
Negombo has a rich Christian heritage, dating back to the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th century. The city has a number of historic churches, many of which were built during the colonial era.
Overall, Negombo is a perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing beach vacation, as well as those interested in experiencing Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture and cuisine. With its close proximity to the airport, it is an ideal place to start or end your Sri Lanka adventure.
Passikudah is a stunning coastal town located on the east coast of Sri Lanka, known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. The town is a popular destination among travelers for its serene beaches, turquoise waters, and a wide range of activities to enjoy.
Passikudah offers excellent diving opportunities, including the chance to explore several shipwrecks located in the area. These shipwrecks are home to a variety of marine life and offer a unique and thrilling diving experience.
Passikudah boasts a range of other activities and attractions, such as kayaking, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.
Overall, Passikudah is a perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing beach vacation, as well as those interested in adventure and exploring Sri Lanka’s rich marine life and cultural heritage.
Arugambay is a coastal town located on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka, known for its beautiful beaches, world-class surfing, and rich cultural heritage. The town is a popular destination among surfers for its excellent waves, which are considered among the best in the world.
The surfing season in Arugam Bay runs from April to October, with the best waves typically occurring between June and August. There are several surfing points in the area, including Main Point, Elephant Rock, and Peanut Farm, which offer a variety of waves suitable for surfers of all levels.
Apart from surfing, visitors can also enjoy a range of other activities in the area, such as visiting the Kumana National Park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and birds.
During the surfing season, Arugam Bay also offers a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars and restaurants in the area offering live music and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy delicious local / seafood cuisine and refreshing drinks while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Arugam Bay’s long and wide beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and leisurely walks, and there are plenty of accommodations available in the area to suit all budgets and preferences.
Overall, Arugam Bay is a perfect destination for surfers and beach lovers seeking a unique cultural and natural experience, as well as those interested in exploring Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife and nightlife.
Hirikatiya is a picturesque crescent-shaped bay located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It has become one of the hottest destinations on the south coast in recent years, thanks to its stunning beach, great vibe, and excellent surfing opportunities. The beach is surrounded by lush palm trees and crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Hirikatiya is particularly popular among beginner surfers, as the waves are relatively gentle and consistent. There are several surf schools and rental shops along the beach that offer equipment and lessons for those who want to try their hand at surfing. The town also has a vibrant nightlife, with beach bars and restaurants that offer delicious food and drinks while taking in the tropical atmosphere.
Apart from surfing and beach activities, Hirikatiya also offers opportunities for exploring the nearby attractions, such as the historic Dondra Lighthouse, the nearby nature reserves, and traditional Sri Lankan villages. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday or an adventure-packed surfing trip, Hirikatiya is the perfect place to visit on your next trip to Sri Lanka.
