Best Tourist Attractions in Sri lanka 2023

Sri Lanka is an island nation in South Asia. A very popular destination name in the travel world today. Beaches with breathtaking natural beauty, landscapes and rich cultural heritage make Sri Lanka very attractive to tourists from all over the world. Now i tell you Best Tourist Attractions in Sri lanka.

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the administrative capital of Sri Lanka. Its main city is Colombo. Sri Lanka is famous for production and export of tea, coffee, coconut, rubber. Some of the notable places to visit in Sri Lanka are Colombo, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Polonnaruwa, Adam’s Peak, Sigaria Rock, National Museum of Sri Lanka etc.

Best Tourist Attractions in Sri lanka

One of the tourist attractions in Sri Lanka is the Kelanya Raja Mahavihara Buddha Temple located in Colombo. Every January in the month of January religious ceremony Perahera is held in this temple. Don’t forget to visit Kandy when visiting Sri Lanka.

The Temple of Tooth, The Old Well Palace Compound, Lankatilka Temple, Embeka Temple are must-see places. Kandy is called the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. The cost of traveling to Sri Lanka is lower than many other countries.

Colombo | Best Tourist Attractions in Sri lanka

If you want to get a mix of traditional traditions and modernity in Sri Lanka, there is no alternative to visit Colombo. There is traditional quietness as well as modern brilliance. If you are interested in history, culture, Buddhist philosophy, etc., leave a whole day for the National Museum.

The National Museum building is very beautiful, probably built during the colonial period. In front of the museum is a white meditating Buddha statue under a banyan tree. For those interested in Buddhist philosophy, there is much to see, hear, and learn all over Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is considered to be the cradle of the Theravada Buddhist philosophy.

Gull Face Green Beach is also one of the notable beauties of Colombo. Apart from the blue sea and ocean waves, there are various water sports facilities. Although the area has now become a commercial center the appeal of its Portuguese and Dutch period forts has not diminished. Numerous attractions in this area can be seen with little effort on foot.

People fly kites in the afternoon in a large field next to the sea, young people sit and make love, parents come for a walk with their children. Very pleasant environment.

12 km from Colombo. The farthest beach is called Mount Lavinia. The Governor’s House built in 1805 is located here. which has now become the Mount Lavinia Hotel. A zoo famous for its elephant show is named Dehiwala Zoo. Spread over 11 acres, the zoo houses rare species of animals.

Besides, Kelanya Raja Mahavihara is worth visiting in Colombo. The religious ceremony Perahera is held here every year in the month of January.

Nuwara Eliya | Best Tourist Attractions in Sri lanka

Nuwara Eliya located 175 km from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is a favorite place for tourists. Tourists flock to this city, known as the country of tea, to stay in a pleasant environment away from the dusty cities of Sri Lanka.

The English and Scots started the first tea plantations here because of the beautiful cool climate. This place also called “Mini England”.

How to get around

Surrounded by natural beauty, the green tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, high and low hills are enough to impress any tourist. You can explore on foot some beautiful bungalows built by the British, royal style hotels, rows of bushes, flower and fruit gardens. All in all, this village looks as beautiful as a picture.

Some recent structural changes have enhanced the beauty here. Places worth visiting here include Haratan Plains National Park, Lake Gregory, Lover’s Leap Waterfall, Victoria Park, Pedro Tea Factory, Hakgala Botanical Garden, Rambada Jharna and Seetha Amman Temple.

There are tourist guides for tea garden tours. If you want you can see all the steps of tea processing. The tea produced here is recognized worldwide for its quality and flavor. So don’t go without buying tea when visiting here.

Here is a golden opportunity for trekking fanatics. But those who are afraid of trekking can also easily trek here, because the slopes of the hills here are quite smooth. Most of the tourists prefer trekking through the hilly tea plantations. And at that time the beautiful scene of picking tea leaves will be seen and also the sweet smell of tea leaves is very nice.

A variety of flora and fauna can be found in Victoria Park. It is basically a botanical garden, where there are almost 100 years old trees. Some different species of birds are also seen at the same time.

If you have time and desire, you can go hiking on the mountain. There are several waterfalls here and the experience of hiking over these waterfalls is one to remember for a lifetime. Some of the notable fountains are – Lover’s Leap, Aberdeen Fountain, St. Clair’s Fountain. If you want, you can also go boating in the lake.

The Grand Hotel is the oldest building in Nuwara Eliya. And the architecture of the Grand Hotel is just like catching the attention of tourists. So if you have time, don’t miss the opportunity to stay at this hotel for one night. Also, don’t make the mistake of having tea at the Grand Hotel. There is an opportunity to play golf and billiards, the favorite sports of the British.

Also from here you can go to Hakgala Botanical Garden. You will see different types of roses, ferns, badar and blue doils. One can also visit the Hindu Seetha Amman Temple, which houses various religious idols. You can also go to densely populated sanctuaries like Galway National Park. There will be opportunities to see many guest birds and near-endangered animals, including bulbuls and flycatchers.

How to get to Nuwara Eliya

First, the plane must land at the Bandaranayake airport in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Then from there you can choose either rail or road to reach Nuwara Eliya.

There is no direct train to Nuwara Eliya, so first take the train from Colombo to Nanu Wa. Nanu Wa, 10 km from Nuwara Eliya. It takes about 6-7 hours to travel from Colombo to Nanu Wa by train. From Nanu Wa you can get a taxi to Nuwara for 250-300 Sri Lankan Rupees.

If you want to go at a lower cost, you can take a bus. In that case, the rent will be about 30-35 Sri Lankan rupees! To get to the Bye Road, take a taxi, car or bus from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya via Kandy or Hatton town. It takes about 6 hours to get to Nuwara Eliya by bus, but the road is bumpy.

There are several good quality hotels and home stays to stay in Nuwara Eliya. For example, in places like Fairy Hostel, Hill View Guest Inn, Moon Plain Inn, Beck Packers Nest Nuwara Eliya, Mangala Flora, Country Lodge, Peach Villa, Sydney Rest, you can get a good room for two people for 700-1500. Again a night stay at the Colonial Hotel in Nuwara Eliya will add a different dimension to the experience.

Sigiriya | Best Tourist Attractions in Sri lanka

Sigiriya, recognized as a World Heritage, is at the top of all the tourist spots preferred by those who visit Sri Lanka. Created about 2 billion years ago, this place in Sri Lanka is visited by thousands of tourists due to its archaeological importance. Sigiriya is a wonderful creation of nature and human imagination.

The ancient fortress of Sigiriya is located between the cities of Dambulla and Habarane at an altitude of 200 meters above ground level and 370 meters above sea level. From the mid-3rd century AD to 477 AD, these rocks housed Buddhist statues.

Then in the second half of the 5th century, King Kasyapa ordered the construction of a royal palace here on the rock. The fort and surrounding palaces, gardens and other structures carry the history of that time.

Basically this rock is molten magma, which has solidified into rock. There were once numerous volcanoes but now only Sigiriya Rock and Pidurangula Rock remain. On the northern side of the rock is a narrow road where a lion’s footprint was found in 1858, since then the place has been called Sigiriya. Sigiriya comes from the word ‘Sinha Giri’ and means lion stone.

How to get around Sigiriya

The most remarkable aspect of the architecture of the Sigiriya fort is that it is designed on a square module. There are red stone forts and ruins of an ancient palace surrounded by gardens, water tanks and other ancient structures.

The fort wall has been built over an area of about 15 hectares near the rock. A terrace has been made on the slope of the hill by cutting stones and there is a terraced garden next to this stone, which is very popular with tourists.

Besides, the whole place is rich in archeology, there is a Royal Park on the western side of the fort, it would not be wrong to call it Anand Bagan. An ancient pool here makes the place more attractive. The Royal Park is surrounded by three forts and two moats.

How to go Sigiriya

Sigiriya can be reached by plane, bus or taxi from Colombo, Sri Lanka. Colombo to Sigiriya is 177 km, takes 4-5 hours depending on the vehicle. It takes about 1 hour to go to Sigiriya by taxi from Colombo airport to Sigiriya airport by plane. And in case of going by train, from Colombo Fort Station to Habarana Railway Station you can take a taxi to Sigiriya. It takes an hour and a half.

By bus, take a bus from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to Dambulla then take a taxi to Sigiriya. Bus leaves every 15 minutes from 6.30 am to 6 pm. It takes 4 hours.

Where will you stay

There are several hotels and homestays to stay in Sigiriya. For example – Maheshma Homestay, Sigiriya Safari Homestay, Alia Hotel & Spa, Iho Banana Rest, Green House Resort, Dhanusi Homestay, Bandula Home Stay, Da Nilamoni Lodge, Green Wood Hotel Sigiriya will get a room for 2 people between 10 Dollar.

Climbing the rock costs Sri Lankan Rupees 50 for locals and 30 Dollar for non-Sri Lankan tourists (Sri Lankan Rupees 5000). The Sigiriya rock climbing office is open from 7 am to 5.30 pm.

Adam’s Peak | Best Tourist Attractions in Sri lanka

Adams Peak is located in the Ratnapura district of Sripada province on the southwest border of Sri Lanka. Which is 2243 meters or 7 thousand 358 feet high and looks like a corner. Not only Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Buddhists – this peak or hill is also very sacred to the followers of these three religions.

It is believed that Hazrat Adam (A.S.) descended directly from heaven on Mount Adam. Surrounding the peak is a vast expanse of greenery, with occasional hills and low hills. There are numerous small rivers and mountain springs around the hilltop. All in all a magical sight.

Adams Peak has a huge boulder. Its height is 8 feet. Above it are the footprints which are believed to be the footprints of Adam (pbuh). The footprint measures approximately 5 feet 7 inches, length and width 2 feet 6 inches.

Muslims in many countries believe that Hazrat Adam (as) first set foot on that mountain in Sri Lanka when he was sent to earth. That is why Muslims look at that mountain with infinite respect. And that is why it is named Adam’s Hill.

Each of these mountains has a secret. Reaching the footprints at the top of this mountain is a very risky adventure. But many have gone there taking risks. They were surprised to see the footprints with their own eyes.

Also to see are Holy Footprints, Bhagava Cave, World Peace Pagoda and Unearthly Sunrise. Climbing Adams Peak is very dangerous. The path to reach the top goes through the forest. That forest is dangerous in many ways. There are poisonous insects. But there is a metal staircase near the top. It has like 5000 steps.

When will you go

The peak time for pilgrims is from December full moon or full moon to April full moon. Besides, crowds are always high during holidays and full moon. Many start the journey or hike at night so that they can watch the sunrise in the morning. If you want you can go hiking during the day, there is accommodation in the cave at night.

Take sleeping bag and food. Watch the sunrise and back the next morning. But always try to avoid rain. Because the journey will become risky as well as you will miss the natural beauty of the surroundings. At least 13 waterfalls will be seen on the way up.

How to go Adam’s Peak

You can take a bus from Colombo Bus Stand or board a bus from Good Shed Bus Department located near Kandy City Post Office. If you want to go by train, you have to take the Colombo – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya line train and get down at Hatton. A number of private buses run from Hatton to the foothills, a distance of about 33 km.

Brave trekkers use the Hatton route for the ascent and the Ratnapuru route for the descent. This second path is used only for tracking. There are a few food stalls along the way where water and food are available.

After reaching Hatton by train, Dalhousie can be reached by bus or tuk-tuk. It takes about an hour and a half to reach by bus and an hour by tuk-tuk. Bus fare is $0.65 and Tuktuk is 7-11 Dollar. Be sure to take warm clothes, food for the night and sleeping bag while going.

Kandy | Best Tourist Attractions in Sri lanka

Kandy is called the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Kandy is the second largest city in Sri Lanka. 115 km from Colombo. This city is far away. Sri Lanka’s most colorful festival ‘Esala Perahera’ is held here. South of Kandy is the highest area of the country ‘Nuwara Eliya’. It can be called the center point of the famous tea industry of the country.

Huge lake in the center of Kandy city. Scattered around the lake are the Temple of the Buddha’s Tooth, the Sinhala Cultural Center (where traditional dances are held regularly), the Udawattakele Sanctuary and more. Udawattakele Sanctuary has a lot of fauna. A group of monkeys roams around in a place near the entrance. But they are very harmless monkeys.

Tooth Relic Temple can be visited from Kandy city. One of the holiest places in Sri Lanka. The tooth of Gautama Buddha was brought and placed in this temple by Princess Hema Mali and her husband Prince Dant. How many battles after that! The red eye of a foreign power has seen this soil, its traces are everywhere around the temple. There is also the bodhi tree of Tathagata.

History aside, this temple is a witness of heavy beautiful, masterful sculpture. Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya is just nine minutes away from there. Covering an area of about 147 acres, this garden has more than three hundred orchids, numerous trees – it is a feast. If you are interested in plants and trees, you should keep a whole day to explore this place.

A road runs along the side of the lake into the town. A little further along that road, past the Temple of the Tooth, there is a mosque. Opposite that mosque is a “rice hotel” branded restaurant called Salgado. Here are the best candy string hoppers available. Along with lunu-chilli, coconut chutney etc.

Further north from Kandy are the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and the famous cave temple town of Dambulla.

Sights of Kandy

How to go Kandy

Kandy can be reached in a few hours by train from Colombo. On the way the train goes uphill so it takes more time but on the way back it goes downhill so the journey is over in less time. If possible, try to sit in the special coach that has a view from inside the train.

A good place to stay in Kandy is Swarnanankara Mawatha. Budget friendly accommodation is available here for backpackers, the quality of the accommodation is quite good. Some hotels have free Wifi.

Anuradhapura | Best Tourist Attractions in Sri lanka

Anuradhapura is famous for its ancient civilization and archaeological sites in Sri Lanka. UNESCO has declared it as a World Heritage Site. The city is located on the banks of the historic Malvathu Wa River, 205 km north of Colombo, the current capital of Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura is one of the cities in the world that is still inhabited since ancient times. The city was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. During this period, Anuradhapura was one of the most influential cities in South Asia in terms of political, commercial and civic facilities.

Among the monuments that tourists marvel at in Anuradhapura, the eight places are called the Eight Mahasthapanas. These eight mahastapanas are Srimahabodhi, Ruanvelishva, Thuparamaya, Lovmahapaya, Abhaygiri, Dagab, Jetavanaram, Mirisavetistupa and Longkaram.

Raja Basab greatly increased the civic amenities of Anuradhapura. He dug many dighis for the citizens. There were dammed canals to supply water to these reservoirs. There was a garden in the city. Among these gardens, Ranmasu Garden was used only by members of the royal family.

There was a separate garden for common townspeople. There were several hospitals for the treatment of common people. In the 4th century AD, King Upatishya II built a shelter for the disabled. The next king Buddha was a master of medicine.

Among the ancient structures of Anuradhapura that tourists still find special interest in are the Ratna Palace, Dakshinastupa, Ishurumuniya, Magul Uana, Queen’s Palace and Temple, Selasetia, Kiribath Vihar, Nakvihar, Kuttam Pakuna, Samadhimurti, Toluila Murti etc.

There are three types of structures within the ruins. The first type of structure is the bell-shaped temple building, the second type of structure is the palace and the third type of structure is the dighi with elaborate embankment. There are sitting altars and various sculptures in the ghat.

Currently, Anuradhapura has about 56 thousand 632 inhabitants of different races including Sinhalese, Sri Lankan Tamils, Indian Tamils, Sri Lankan Moors. It is said that the capital of the demon king Ravana described in the Hindu epic Ramayana was in Anuradhapura. Later Rama burnt the capital.

Every day numerous tourists visit this ancient city and are mesmerized by the unparalleled feats of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization.

When will you go to Sri Lanka?

Due to the geographical location of Sri Lanka, the weather is very good. Its climate is temperate because of the sea around it. It receives adequate rainfall in the months of October and November. So tourists should avoid this time. The best time of the year to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March.

Sri Lanka has almost the same temperature throughout the year. Coastal and lowland areas have an average temperature of 26-30 degrees Celsius. Temperatures are relatively low (18-22 degrees) in higher areas like Kandy. Humidity is always high throughout the year.

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