Things to See

Kanday

Honoured as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Kandy (93km North - East of Colombo) is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Intimately known to Sri Lankans as Maha Nuwara, the Great City, it is home to the revered Tooth Relic of the Buddha. This ancient artifact has its own dedicated temple and makes a public appearance every year in July or August during the Kandy Perahara, one of Asia’s most magnificent festivals. It is truly a sight to behold. Bask in the dramatic dance of thousands as Kandy’s streets burst into vibrant song and dance of celebration, joined by the gentle giants of the land – beautifully ornamented elephant 

Sigiriya                 

Presiding over the Central Matale District of Sri Lanka like a watchful guardian is the ancient fortress of Sigiriya (or the ‘Lion’s Rock’), one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.. The ruins depict the country’s architectural tradition, with its vast array of gardens, reservoirs, pathways, and water gardens and and bears a close resemblance with the Ajanta caves in India. A popular tourist destination, Sigiriya offers visitors a majestic view that quite simply must be seen to be believed.

 

 

Elephants

 

 With roots entwined with Sri Lankan royalty, these elephants have been highly respected and revered throughout the history of the island. They have been featured for over 2000 years in Sinhalese heraldry and are still very visible in the coat of arms and insignias of modern institutions; regality not many animals can claim! An important cultural symbiosis has continued to exist between the elephant and humans as many are still active in the cultural and religious proceedings of the people. During the annual Buddhist festival of Esala Perahera hundreds of these lumbering giants, richly decorated with ornate jewelry and tapestry, are brought together to parade the streets of Kandy during the nights.

 

Medieval Capital of Polonnaruwa

  The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, located 142km from Colombo, is a Sri Lankan World Heritage site visited by thousands of people each year. In the 12th century AD, the medieval capital was one of the great urban centres in South Asia. Today, the huge ruins are a sight to behold. Wander among the vast monuments, study the intricate architecture and carvings, explore the incredible remains of the garden city and step back in time to imagine yourself as one of the many royal inhabitants. 

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

 Known as the birthplace of Sinhalese civilization, Anuradhapura  was once the ancient capital of Sinhalese for over 1,300 years. Today Anuradhapura is a World Heritage site visited by thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year. Worshipers still come to meditate here, drawn to the Sri Maha Bodhi Bo-tree, grown in 300 BC from the original tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment in Northern India. The bo tree is just one of the many historical and cultural treasures that can be found at Anuradhapura. 

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Experience the raw natural beauty of the last extensive primary lowland tropical rainforest in Sri Lanka, The Sinharaja Forest Reserve. It is a haven for endemic trees, birds and wildlife and a fantastic destination for visitors!

Hikkaduwa

 Located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, 98km away from Colombo, Hikkaduwa is the beach paradise you have always dreamed of escaping to. Hop on a train from Colombo fort and you'll be on your way to this internationally renowned board-surfing and partygoer's haven.

 Landscapes

Waterfalls are perhaps one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena. For ages humans have been enthralled with the mesmerizing sight of free-falling water, the thunderous roar as it smashes against the rocks below, and the images of paradise-lost it conjures. Sri Lanka is blessed to have perhaps the highest concentration of waterfalls of any country. Although they may not match the grandeur of Niagara Falls in North America, or the height of Angel Falls in Venezuela, each of the falls are distinctive in their own right. Below are some of Sri Lanka’s remarkable waterfalls.


 Hill Country

Far away from the hustle and bustle of urban Sri Lanka is the enchanting hill country. With mist-shrouded mountains, rolling tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and quaint hilltop villages, beauty is guaranteed to be found for travellers who seek it.

Parks and Gardens

Influenced by Buddhist respect for all living beings, Sri Lanka has a well-entrenched conservation ethic. Indeed this ideal is reinforced by the plethora of national parks and sanctuaries that can be found all over the island. In total there are 12 National Parks and 52 Sanctuaries, which together account for 13% of Sri Lanka’s land area! Nature enthusiasts everywhere will find that a national park safari offers the most convenient and hassle-free way to see some of Sri Lanka’s 92 mammals; 16 of which are endemic. 

Sun, Sea & Sand 

Stepping out of a cabana into the cool morning breeze as the gentle crashing of the ocean fills your ears is the stuff beach paradise seekers constantly dream of. Don’t be surprised if your worries and anxieties gently bob away as you float across the sapphire waters of the Indian Ocean. Your time spent on a Sri Lankan beach will slow to a crawl as you escape from the rigors of a city life. But enjoy it while you can, because it might all come to an end before you know it! The island's 1,330km of coastline boasts incredible beaches that are the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing holiday, with plenty of attractions and activities to add adventure to your time away. If you are searching for serenity and natural beauty, look no further.