DESTINATIONS

Colombo, the current capital of Sri Lanka, used to be known as the "Garden City of the East," and the colonial garden remnants of Colombo are still intact and available for sightseeing today. With history Fort and Pettah districts, Colombo is a cultural and historical stop on every traveler’s journey. It is home to a melting pot of races and multi religious and ethnic sites. If you are looking to sightsee, try refreshing new cuisines, or simply shopping, Colombo is the place for you.

Negombo is a small fishing village and beach town just within ten kilometers from the Colombo international airport. The people are friendly and there is a place to stay for people with any budget. As a fishing spot, you can visit fish markets or go on a fishing tour yourself! You can stroll and relax on the beach, or take a city tour! The possibilities are endless when you stay at the head of the tourist places in Sri Lanka.

Kandy carries Sri Lanka's sacred landmarks, cultural museums and landscaped gardens. With natural sites like tropical plantations and forests that are found along the mountain slopes, hiking and wildlife watching are common activities tourists engage in there. It is Sri Lanka's second largest city and one of the more popular travel spots, with misty skies, colorful housing, hilly areas, and historical landmarks like Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, it is no wonder people trip over themselves to come here.

You cannot leave Sri Lanka without seeing the largest cave temple system that is preserved in Dambulla, otherwise known as the Golden Rock Temple. And while you are staying there, you should see the IronWood forest, the largest rose quartz mountain range (in all of South Asia) and Na Uyana Aranya, the famous Buddhist forest monastery. For sports fans, you can visit the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, famous for being built in only 167 days. Truly a majestic tourist spot.

Galle is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Site and the gorgeously preserved Galle Fort. It is one of the major cities of Sri Lanka, with Dutch-colonial buildings, grand mansions and museums, and ancient mosques and churches. Through its winding paths you will come across impeccable cafes, pretty boutiques and restored hotels. The architecture is a mix of classic Portuguese and traditional Sri Lankan artistry. Tourists flock to Galle because it has an atmosphere that no other place in Sri Lanka can quite provide.

Yala National Park is situated in Colombo, and is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka. It goes without saying why people choose to come here. Yala is where the Mythological Ravana had established his kingdom, so it is culturally famous for tourists. It borders on the Indian Ocean and is the most visited national park in Sri Lanka. One of the most endangered species in the world, the Leopard, is said to be given sanctuary in this particular park.

The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is Sri Lanka’s second largest kingdom, and is the best planned and preserved archeological relic sites. It exudes a beauty that is reminiscent of how deeply the kingdom’s first rulers cared for their architecture and infrastructure. It has now been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. It is one of the most beautiful and clean cities in the island nation, that houses Lankathilaka temple and a massive statue of Buddha. You must see this grand city before leaving the country.

If you have some extra time, you will want to visit Anuradhapura, the home to the sprawling ruins that have ancient archaeological and architectural infrastructure that ooze with history and culture, such as the ancient pools, grand temples, and dagobas. To this day, these sites are used for religious and sacred purposes. The ruin complex had been built during the city’s thousand-year rule over Sri Lanka. One can visit and stay in Anuradhapura on a budget, and soak in the historicity.

Trincomalee, fondly called Trinco, sits on one of the best natural harbors in the world. Its magnificent deep water port has made it susceptible to attacks all throughout history, and as such it had changed colonial rulers seven times. The bay of Trincomalee now provides security and provides all sorts of activities for the sea. One should visit this place for exploration purposes of the many waterfronts and beaches, and the Trikuta hill upon which the Shiva temple sits.