Interesting places in Sri Lanka. What to visit in Sri Lanka - a list of "mandatory" excursions and attractions. Botanical Garden of Peradeniya

Sri Lanka is an ancient state with a thousand-year history. The tourism industry is developing here by leaps and bounds - hotels and amusement parks are being built, beaches are being improved, rich excursion programs are being organized.

Travelers have discovered many interesting places that abound on the territory of the island. We will tell you about the most interesting sights of Sri Lanka, put together a list of "mandatory" places to visit and ask the price of local excursions.

What to see a tourist in Sri Lanka on their own

To feel the atmosphere of the island, fight off the tour group and do your own exploration of the area. There are enough cultural objects here - some of them are even included in the famous UNESCO list.

There is the concept of "cultural triangle" - this is the region within which the majority of Sri Lankan attractions are concentrated. The vertices of this "triangle" are:

1. Kandy (the ancient Sinhalese capital in the central part of the island);
2. Polonnaruwa (east of Sri Lanka);
3. Anuradhapura (forgotten northern capital).

You can move around the island by trains (regular and superior), taxis, buses and tuk-tuks. Many wanderers, having visited, rent motorcycles, bikes and scooters - their fuel consumption is negligible (or zero), and the speed of movement for a small piece of land is quite high.

A liter of gasoline in Sri Lanka costs about 150 rupees.

Buses here are commercial and state. The average fare will be about 250 rupees (about 125 our rubles).

Journey to Galle and Bentota

The ancient town of Galle is famous for its unique natural beauty and white sand beaches. Enough here and ancient monuments.

What can you see in Galle? Be sure to pay attention to the following places:

Galle is a port and resort town in the Bentota region. There are many turtle farms, museums and Buddhist temples scattered here, and if you wish, you can go to the Bentota Ganga River and arrange a luxurious safari.

What to see in Bentota? Here are the most interesting places in the region:

Many travelers tend to get to Colombo to see the sanctuaries there. Indeed, Buddhism is deeply rooted in the culture of Sri Lanka, and local temples are admirable.

Here is a list of "must-free" attractions in Colombo - the unofficial capital of Sri Lanka:

• Gangarama Temple. You can get here absolutely free. This is an important religious center for all followers of Buddhism - future monks study here. The complex consists of a temple, a library, classrooms, meditation rooms and a museum. Be sure to take a look at the Temple Elephant and the Wall of Meditating Monks.
  You need to get to the temple through the center of Hikkaduwa. Having found the bus station, walk for another ten minutes - and you are there.
• Monument to the Victims of the Tsunami. The memorial was erected on an island, not far from the Gangarama temple. The island with the Buddha rises in the middle of an artificial pond.
• Embankment Galle Face. Localized on the coast of the channel connecting the ocean and Lake Beira. Locals play cricket on the waterfront and fly kites.
• Independence Hall. A symbolic place for the locals. The exposition of the Hall is dedicated to the history of the island and the liberation from the colonial regime. The museum is located in the Cinnamon Gardens park complex.

Leaving Colombo in a northeasterly direction, you can get to the picturesque town of Kandy. The distance between cities is 115 kilometers.

The main city attraction is an artificial lake created by the last ruler. The Summer Palace is located on an island in the middle of the reservoir.

There are other places in Kandy worth seeing:

• Temple of the Tooth Relic. Everyone has probably heard about this sanctuary. According to tradition, the capital of Sri Lanka was proclaimed where the Sacred Tooth was located. This is one of the eight parts left from the body of the Enlightened One. The cost of the tour is 1500 rupees.
  You can come to the Temple on your own by taking a train to Colombo. You will spend 500 rupees and four hours on the road.
• Royal Botanic Garden. Almost one hundred hectares are planted with rare plants (cacti, orchids, giant trees, ferns and bamboos).
  The Garden is localized in the town of Peradeniya - the 644th bus goes there from Kandy.
• Arts Association Hall. A very original place. Here you can watch the exorcism, ritual chants, cobra dances and masks.
  The hall is located at 72 Sangaraja Mawatha.

Many tourists prefer to travel by tuk-tuks.

Five attractions you must visit

There are many sights and excursions in Shi Lanka. Some of them can be called strange, others are associated with Hinduism or Buddhism, others allow you to join the natural beauties.

Here is a list of places in Sri Lanka that the traveler should definitely see:

Excursion program - galloping along the whale trails

In whatever hotel in Sri Lanka you stay, you will be offered a rich excursion program.

Here are the most popular destinations:

• Colombo (130-170 dollars);
• Sigiriya (65-115 dollars, together with Dambulla - up to 240);
• Cave temples of Dambulla (160-240);
• Kosgoda Turtle Farm (150-215);
• Royal Botanic Gardens (130-200);
• Fort Galle (55-115);
• Spice Gardens (90-130 "green");
• Elephant nursery (30 bucks);
• Sinharaja Rainforest (140-195 Washington Tugriks)
• Adam's Peak (225-270);
• Tea plantations (60-200).

In any resort town you can book a whale watching tour. Pleasure will cost 60-100 dollars, and you will be taken to a protected area near Tangalle. Many interesting excursions depart from Hikkaduwa and Negombo. Here is a list of options and prices:

Summarize. There are a lot of sights in Sri Lanka, but if you want to arrange an independent tour for yourself, you should think about renting a car.

It is convenient to join excursions, but there is a downside - you will overpay. Worst of all, the situation is in Negombo - excursion prices there are thoroughly overpriced. Have a nice trip!

Tatyana Solomatina

What are the must-see attractions in Sri Lanka?

Good afternoon friends! I continue to tell you about such an amazing island as Sri Lanka. It attracts tourists with its vibrant nature, rich history, legends about spirits and deities. Many go hoping to find enlightenment and answers to exciting questions, to draw new strength for life.

You can read about my adventures on the island in the “My Travels” section. In this article I will tell you what to see in Sri Lanka, how to see the maximum of interesting things. Here I have collected the most iconic places, all of them are worthy of your attention. Read descriptions of attractions, entrance fees and my tips for visiting them.

Every place here is a landmark, cultural and historical values ​​at every step, let alone nature, beaches and the water kingdom. As I wrote, the trip to this exotic island was the best in my life. I think you will too.

Plan your vacation, don't even hesitate. However, be sure to take into account the peculiarity of Sri Lanka, which consists in the atypical location of all iconic places, namely, at a very remote distance from the coast. In this case, you will not be able to leave the hotel for a tour and return for dinner. Their average duration is two days. Moreover, you will spend most of the time on the road, which can take about 5 hours one way.

Therefore, a combined holiday is common here, that is, several days of excursions around the country with an overnight stay in different cities, and only then a beach holiday, or vice versa. There are four ways to move:

• As part of a tour group
• With private guide and driver
• On your own in a rented car
• By public transport

What we chose and why, I explained in the article. It is written in detail, the motives for the decision, the route and costs.

What to see in Sri Lanka?

No “airtime” is enough to list all the sights, and it’s unrealistic to visit them even in a couple of weeks. Moreover, many of them are similar. Accordingly, I will talk about the most interesting and noteworthy.

The ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura vividly reflect the history of the island. Both cities at different times were the capitals of Sri Lanka. I'll start with Anuradhapura. The city is located 208 km northeast of the capital Colombo and 81 km above sea level. It was the capital before our era. Even by modern standards it is well planned, understandable infrastructure.

Anuradhapura has not only historical significance, but also religious. Buddhist pilgrims go to it, as it is their main city. Of interest to tourists are eight holy places:

• Bo tree. This tree is officially considered the oldest on Earth and it is 23 centuries old. Worth a look for self-development.
• 7 stupas-dagobas, among them the Jetavana stupa is interesting, 120 m high, it is the largest brick building, slightly smaller than the pyramid of Cheops. Each stupa contains relics of the remains of the Buddha, all of which are located on the sites of significant events.

The city is divided into historical (old) and tourist (new) parts. Accordingly, in the old part there are sights, and in the new one, infrastructure for a comfortable stay of tourists: cafes, restaurants, hotels, shops, railway stations and stations. Here you can buy a tour and all tickets, if you suddenly travel on your own.

The territory of the complex is simply huge, so it is impossible to move on foot. Need some kind of transport to see everything. As I already wrote - a car or a tuk-tuk. In general, all objects are located at a decent distance from each other, but if you don’t understand all this deeply, then there is no point in wandering to exhaustion. (Personally, at some point, all the stupas became on the same face, but perhaps because of fatigue). All guidebooks recommend setting aside a separate day for its inspection.

But the place is very beautiful, it fascinates with its majesty, some kind of calmness and silence, despite the crowds of tourists. It is beautiful both during the day and in the evening, when they turn on a special backlight. Some kind of mysticism of these places begins to be felt.

Now for some helpful tips:

• Take socks or shoe covers with you, as you need to take off your shoes when entering holy places. (Wandering around barefoot, you know, is not very comme il faut). Also, do not forget about a bag or bag for shoes.
• Clothing should cover the shoulders and knees, so think about clothing that is not hot and complies with the rules.
• Grab a bottle of water. You will definitely want to drink.

Entrance for adults - $ 25-30 or 3250 rupees, for children - $ 15.

Entrance to the Isurumuniya Monastery (separate fee) - 200 rupees.

Passage to the Bo tree (separate fee) - 200 rupees.

But if you are traveling in an organized manner with an excursion or a personal guide, then all tickets have already been paid.

Polonnaruwa

The turn to be the capital of Sri Lanka fell on the Middle Ages from the 11th to the 13th centuries. Located 214 km from Colombo. This place is interesting for its complex irrigation system, thanks to which the arid region has become fragrant and green. Be sure to look at the artificial lake, canals and pools. It's amazing how in such ancient times they could build such complex objects.

The main historical and religious value is the stone Temple of Gal Vihara, with four Buddha statues in different poses. The figures are huge and even realistic. You can also see the museum and collections of various household items, jewelry, coins, etc. Do not spend a lot of time on it.

What to consider:

The advice will be the same as for Anuradhapura. Plus, you can stay overnight in Polonnaruwa (there are hotels in the tourist area) or in neighboring Habaran. You can also eat there.
The complex is open from 9 am to 6 pm.

Adult ticket - $ 25, for children - $ 12.5.

Lion Mountain Sigiriya

Sigiriya is the main symbol of Sri Lanka and is considered one of the Wonders of the World. It is better to go to Sigiriya from Anuradhapura, only 65 km to the south. It is called Lion Mountain because a huge lion was carved into the rock, which is the emblem of the island. Unfortunately, only his paws "survived" to us.

At one time, the city was of stunning beauty. However, its ruins are no less impressive and the surrounding natural scenery too. Even before climbing the mountain, you can see pools with blooming lotuses, the remains of fountains, gardens with colorful plants. Frescoes and rock paintings have been preserved. The views that open from the top of the mountain are truly breathtaking, endless emerald forests open up. Everyone who travels to Sri Lanka must see the Lion Mountain.

But right away I want to note the point - climbing uphill. The total time is about 40 minutes (you won’t be able to run, it’s a very steep climb). I already wrote about my impressions about this: the steps are very steep, and in some places the structures are generally flimsy and do not inspire confidence, and climbing quite high. Therefore, if you have any problems, then it is better to abandon this venture. Otherwise, you will just waste your time and money. It is better to walk along the lower part of the complex, there is something to see.

Adult ticket - $ 30, for children - $ 15.

Entrance to the museum separately from the rock - $ 5.

Cave temple in Dambulla

Not far from Sigiriya, in the small town of Dambulla, there is a Buddhist temple ensemble. It includes several temples, one of them is carved right into the rock. This place is unique in its design, because it is incomprehensible to the mind how in those distant times people were able to build such a grandiose structure. Its scale is impressive. The main motif of the frescoes is episodes from the life of the Buddha.

Interestingly, the temple caves are still working, and the monks perform their rituals. At the foot of the mountain there is a huge statue of the Golden Buddha, everything is decorated with flowers, the statues and frescoes inside are colorful. There is a museum downstairs, it's a modern facility. It is not necessary to visit it, if only for a strong interest in history or to pass the time.

Monkeys run all over the territory of the complex, they are cute and funny. But I want to warn you that just in case, remove all jewelry and valuables and do not stand under the trees, as they may leave unexpected "autographs".

It is important to know:

• To deposit shoes - 25 rupees.
• There is a toilet downstairs, the entrance price varies from 20 to 50 rupees, apparently, depending on the mood of the controller.
• Ticket separately to the museum - 100 rupees.
• Entrance ticket to the cave temple is $10 or 1500 rupees.

Temple of the Golden Tooth in Kandy

The city of Kandy is located in the very center of the island, it is the second largest and most economically developed in Sri Lanka. By the way, Kandy is not far from the international airport (about 100 km) Bandanaraike. Here is the main relic for all Buddhists - the Tooth of the Buddha. I told the legend about him in the article, I will not repeat myself. But the city itself is very picturesque, with numerous vegetation, as it is located in a mountain range.

Also in the center you can admire an artificial lake and a forest. It is on its shore that the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is located. Previously, only the king and priests could enter the territory of the palace and temple, but now it is open to tourists. The Tooth is taken out for display once a year on the full moon in August. In honor of this event, an amazingly fabulous procession is arranged with flowers, dancers, acrobats and decorated elephants. Everything is very pompous and spectacular. In addition, in the temple-museum you can see various treasures: Buddha figurines carved from emerald, gold, rock crystal and jade. Inside, everything is painted, bright. The place is definitely worth seeing. Impressive, but there are a lot of tourists here.

Helpful Hints:

• If you just want to look at the museums and the temple, come at any time, but to get to the holiday, you will have to carefully plan everything and according to the lunar calendar.
• There is a strict dress code for entry, that is, clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. It is desirable that you have trousers or long skirts without cuts, light shades. Of course, there is a rental of sarongs, but who wore them and how many times is unknown. Also, you can’t walk in shoes and hats, take care of a bag or a bag for them, there is a left-luggage office.
• The temple is active, so you need to behave accordingly: do not shout, do not laugh out loud, do not have fun, and so on.
• There are many bazaars and shops in the city, if time permits, you can arrange souvenir shopping.

The museum is open from 9 to 5 pm, and the Temple of the Tooth from 5.30 to 8 pm.

Entrance to the Temple of the Tooth Relic - $25.

Entrance ticket to the National Museum is 500 rupees, and 300 rupees for children.

Photo and video shooting is paid separately - 250 rupees.

Royal Botanical Gardens in Paradenia

From Kandy, it is best to move to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Paradeniya, which is 12 km away. It's definitely worth watching. It is next to the largest river in Sri Lanka. The garden combines different types of tropics, flora and fauna. Here are exotic flowers, plants of bizarre shapes, funny little animals, huge trees, plants presented as a gift from outstanding personalities, alleys of palm trees, all kinds of orchids. There is a special alley of indoor plants. Here you want to wander and wander, being distracted from the noisy bustle and worries.

Nearby is a stunning waterfall with a height of 53.5 m from a 10-storey building. We did not manage to see it, we hurried to the train. But the guide said: “The place is breathtaking, it seems that you are somewhere in the Lost World and a dinosaur is about to run out of the thickets.” (Verbatim)

Important points:

• There are cafes on the territory, but it is better to grab your snack and water, as there are not very many of them, the choice is small, and there are gazebos in the park, you can have a picnic.
• You can walk or rent a golf cart.
• The time to visit is in the morning (open from 7.30 to 17.30), since in the heat there is absolutely no strength to walk, and in the afternoon you will not have time to see everything.

Entrance ticket - $ 10 or 1200 rupees.

Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawala

Elephants are another main symbol of Sri Lanka. Once upon a time, these majestic animals freely walked through the expanses of the green island. But because of poachers, there are almost none left in the wild. Often, little elephants are left orphans, and some individuals are left crippled. In order to preserve the population and help the cubs, a state nursery was founded in 1975. Here, elephants are nursed, trained, then some are sent to zoos around the world, others are kept for agricultural work, and someone gives offspring, this is the main task of the nursery.

Elephants are taken out for bathing twice a day (10.00-12.00, 14.00-16.00). This is an amazing sight, believe me, there is something to see. The procession moves along the main street, all traffic is blocked. These gigantic animals walk right at arm's length. It is better to visit the reserve at this time, you can see how they bathe, how they are fed, if you are lucky you will see how little elephants are fed with milk from a bottle, maybe feed them yourself.

Opening hours - from 8.30 to 18.30 pm.

Entrance ticket 2500 rupees, for children - 1500 rupees.

Feed a baby elephant from a bottle - 250 rupees.

Adam's Peak

This mountain is sacred to representatives of four faiths: Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. On its top there is a footprint 1m, each religion explains its appearance in its own way. The height of the mountain is more than 2 km. But even if you are not a pilgrim and an ardent adherent of any religion, you need to see this picturesque place. The views from the top are magnificent and the sunrise is breathtaking.

The season to visit is from December to May, at other times the rainy season begins, the slopes become dangerous, and the peak is hidden by clouds and fogs.
Climbing mainly takes place in the evening at night, in order to be at the top by the very dawn. The road is lit with lanterns, from this there is some kind of mystical feeling.

Important Tips:

• The ascent takes more than 4 hours, is difficult and steep at times, and there are often no handrails and insurance, so if you are not used to such loads, then think carefully before setting off.
• To climb, take warm clothes, light blankets, you can even sleep, the higher, the cooler it gets.
• In fact, it is worth starting the ascent even in the afternoon, and it is better to spend the night at the top, in the high season there are huge traffic jams of people, you may not be in time by dawn.
• Take food and drinks with you, because the higher, the more expensive they are.

Climbing the mountain is of course free.

Yala National Park

Local authorities and residents are very protective of their nature, there are many national parks on the island. Perhaps stunning landscapes and landscapes with emerald forests, waterfalls, bright flowers and majestic mountains are the main pride of Sri Lanka. I recommend choosing Yala National Park because:

• the oldest and largest
• notable for a wide variety of exotic animals: leopards, crocodiles, elephants, squirrels, buffaloes, deer, various types of unusual birds, etc.

You can travel around the park only in open jeeps, it is forbidden to get out of them on the territory, it is dangerous.

Jeep rental 5000 rupees, in a jeep from 6 people.

Surcharge for safari per person Rs 1000.

Entrance ticket - $ 25 for adults, for children - $ 12.5.

Sinharaja rainforest

Another natural attraction is the Rainforest. This is a real relic reserve, there are many endemic animals, reptiles, insects, outlandish plants and flowers. This is part of the forest that covered the great continent of Gondwana. It is one of the last places on Earth untouched by man, you will see what the Earth looked like in prehistoric times.

Life is in full swing: huge butterflies flutter over flowers, wonderful insects crawl away from predatory plants, lizards hide in thickets, and snakes hide among giant vines wrapped in dense rings. The forest is buried in the shade of tall trees, sprawling ferns. Every now and then it seems that they were transported in time several million years ago, and a tyrannosaurus is about to pounce from the bushes. Be sure to visit this tropical forest.

The entrance to the reserve is located in 4 places. All routes end with a climb to the highest mountain, from where amazing views open up.

Be sure to take a guide, he will tell you about all the inhabitants and help you not to get lost. Also consider clothing and shoes that cover your legs, arms, and neck because there are a lot of leeches. It is located in the very south of Sri Lanka, and this is a good way to complete excursions on the way to the coast.

Entrance 650 rupees.

Guide services - 1000 rupees.

Summing up

Of course, these are not all sights worthy of attention in Sri Lanka. Look for what else you can see on the website of the local travel agency. It was from them that we bought an excursion with an individual guide and were delighted. So I recommend it with full confidence.

By the way, the ocean here is restless, and there are big waves, so you need to swim with great care. But even on the coast you will find something to do, except for a "vegetable" holiday on the beach. Almost every hotel has a turtle farm, you can watch whales and dolphins, look at the Coral Gardens in Hikkaduwa.

By making a route through the above places, you will feel the atmosphere of this island, enrich yourself spiritually and get a lot of positive emotions and energy charge.

If you also traveled around the island, share your experience, write a story or review in the section "Readers' Travels". Read how to publish. Leave a comment, I want to see the reaction of readers. Do not forget to subscribe to blog updates and share links with friends on social networks.
On this, I say goodbye for a while, until we meet again!

Tatyana Solomatina

Sri Lanka is a country located in South Asia. It has a warm climate, and the weather depends on the monsoons - steady winds. Tourists come here for a relaxing holiday on the beaches and to get acquainted with the original culture of the country. Knowing the location of popular resorts, attractions and islands will allow you to enjoy the exotic atmosphere of Sri Lanka and learn a lot of new things during one trip.

A little about Sri Lanka

Near the southeastern coast of the Hindustan peninsula is the state of Sri Lanka, which occupies the large island of the same name and a complex of small parts of the land. The total area of ​​the country is 65,610 km², and more than 21 million people live in this territory. Sri Lanka has a subequatorial monsoon climate, diverse flora, and many historical sites. Therefore, the state is a popular tourist destination.

Beach holidays are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Sri Lanka.

The flora and fauna here is diverse. Exotic plants in dense forests, many elephants and beautiful birds attract tourists to the island. At the same time, the cities have a developed infrastructure, there are hotels of various levels, modern shops and entertainment complexes.

The official name of the country

Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka - this name is full and official, it is used in politics, science, international documents. Sri Lanka - this is the name of the country in everyday speech, as well as the island on which the state is located.

Features of geography and capital

The shores of the country are washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean. The island is separated from Hindustan by the Polk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. A shallow in the Polk Strait - Adam's Bridge - many centuries ago connected the island to the continent, but in 1481 it was destroyed by an earthquake.

The main part of the territory of Sri Lanka is made up of coastal lowlands. The highest mountain located in the center of the island is the Pidurutalagala peak, reaching a height of 2524 m. The mountain rivers are quite powerful, and on the plains the streams are short and calm. The largest rivers are Mahaweli Ganga, Aruvi Aru and Kalu.

The capital of the state is the city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, which is often called briefly - Kotte. This place is a suburb of the country's largest city - Colombo. The capital covers an area of ​​17 km 2, more than 115 thousand people live here. The infrastructure of the capital is quite developed, tourists can stay in one of the many hotels.

Kotte is located near the equator. The climate here is tropical, characterized by high humidity and heat. In June and August, it rains almost daily, increasing the risk of natural disasters both in the city of Kotte and throughout the country.

What language is spoken in Sri Lanka

The official languages ​​in the country are Sinhalese and Tamil, which are spoken by the locals. English is widely spoken in large cities and resort areas, so tourists can communicate in English with employees of airports, hotels and restaurants, tour guides and guides.

Current currency

The Sri Lankan rupee is the current currency in the state. One such unit is equal to 100 cents. In large cities, bank cards of international payment systems are also accepted for payment.

Religion in Sri Lanka

About 76.7% of the country's inhabitants consider themselves Theravada Buddhists, and 8.5% are Muslims. It is also home to 6.1% Catholic Christians and 7.8% Hindus. Temples, churches and cathedrals are found in many cities.

Timezone

Sri Lanka is in the UTC+5:30 time zone. The time difference between the Russian capital and the Asian country is 2 hours. At the same time, in Moscow there is 2 hours less time than on the island.

The best regions, islands and cities of Sri Lanka for tourism

When traveling to the island of Sri Lanka, tourists should pay attention to cities and regions that are distinguished by a rich history, many attractions and developed infrastructure.

Colombo city - former capital

Colombo was the capital of the country for many years, but in 1982 its suburb - Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte - became the main one. At the same time, Colombo remained a significant city, there is a port and a well-developed infrastructure. Bandaranaike International Airport is located 35 km from the city. A popular and inexpensive means of transportation in Colombo is the local transport "tuk-tuk".

To purchase souvenirs, tourists should go to special hypermarkets or the Laksala market. Of the attractions worth noting:

• Buddhist temples;
• skyscrapers;
• stupa Sambodhi Chaitya;
• Maritime Museum;
• National Museum of Colombo;
• Viharamahadevi park;
• Colombo National Art Gallery.

There are also beaches in Colombo, and in the suburban coastal zone they are cleaner than near the port.

World Trade Center Colombo is famous not only in Sri Lanka, but also in many countries. The twin towers are the tallest buildings on the island and are 152 m high. Nearby is another tall building - the Bank of Ceylon. These attractions are located in the Fort Business District.

The city of Negombo is the center of fishing

The city of Negombo is located 40 km from Colombo and ranks 5th in size in the country. It is interesting for excursions, as well as for fishing. In the southern part of Negombo there are cafes and restaurants where you can try fresh seafood dishes.

Of the attractions here you can see:

• cathedral of st. Mary;
• new pier;
• ruins of a Dutch fort built in 1672

Travel around the city is carried out by tuk-tuks, and you can get to other cities by bus or rail.

Kandy city: surrounded by rice fields

The city of Kandy was founded in the XIV century, is the capital of the Central Province and has several interesting sights:

• the temples of Gangaramaya, Degaldoruwa;
• waterfall Ratna 101 m high;
• Ash and Nitre caves;
• Rantambe Nature Reserve;
• lake, on the shore of which you can see the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Around the city there are fields where rice is grown. Folk crafts are also developed here, tourists can buy bamboo, silver, carved wood items as souvenirs.

Port city of Galle

The port city of Galle does not belong to the beach resorts, but is an important tourist center. The main attractions here are buildings with beautiful architecture. For example, interesting:

In addition, Galle is famous for its natural beauties:

• Unawatuna Beach, near which the turtle farm is located;
• Sinharaja rainforest is a biosphere reserve, because primeval forests are preserved here.

From Galle, you can go on a guided tour of the jungle or on a safari on horseback, as well as jeeps. From sports beach activities are available:

• surfing,
• kayaking,
• rafting,
• diving.

Romantic Bentota

The city of Bentota is located on the southwestern coast of the country and is considered the most romantic resort in Sri Lanka. Here you can relax on Paradise Beach, visit the Conffi Marina water sports center, where you can learn water skiing, banana or canoeing. The center organizes various types of fishing and sea cruises.

Tourists should also look at the ruins of the Galapata-Vihara complex, created in the 12th century. There are beautiful drawings on the walls of the premises. The complex has statues of Buddha.

City of Trincomalee

The resort town of Trincomalee is located on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Tourists can rent a boat and go to Pigeon Island for snorkeling and diving. For swimming and relaxing, Uppuveli beach is suitable, which is considered the most comfortable and clean in Sri Lanka.

As part of the tour, you can visit Fort Frederick, above which there is Mount Swami. The ancient Hindu temple Tirukoneswaram Kovil is located here. The ruins of the Velgam-Vihara complex, which was built in the 1st century, are located 13 km from the city.

Anuradhapura - at the junction of old and new

Anuradhapura City is the capital of the North Central Province and Anuradhapura District. Tourists are interested in the old part, where there is an archaeological zone and several temples. The sacred place is the Mahabodhi Temple. Hotels and other modern infrastructure facilities are located in the new part of the city.

Sri Lanka has many resort towns. Most of them are located along the coast of the country.

famous temples of sri lanka

The rich history, original culture of Sri Lanka lead to the fact that there are many interesting architectural, cultural, historical and natural sites. Especially beautiful temples located throughout the country. While traveling, you should pay attention to such objects as:

• the Golden Temple of Dambulla is considered the largest in South Asia, one of the few attractions in the central part of the country. This place has been sacred for pilgrimage for 22 centuries. It is located in the Central Province, in the city of Dambulla (148 km from Colombo). There are about 150 Buddha statues in the caves, half of which are covered with gold;
  Dambulla Temple is the largest in South Asia
• Temple of the Tooth Relic located in Kandy is one of the main shrines in the country. Interesting legends are associated with this place, which you can learn from guides or local residents. The temple is open to visitors from morning to evening. Here you can see the stupa in which the tooth of the Buddha is kept;
  There are many legends associated with the Temple of the Tooth Relic and its relic.
• The Hindu temple of Kandaswami, founded in 948 and dedicated to the god of war Skanda, is located near the city of Jaffna in the Northern Province, namely in Nallur. The building has a bright design, as the walls are painted in red and yellow, and the top of the structure is complemented by statues of the gods. This temple is in the Hindu architectural style;
  Kandaswami temple is made in bright colors and is a popular place for believers
• the beautiful temple of Gangaramaya, founded at the end of the 19th century, is located in Colombo. The architecture of the building is a mixture of Chinese, Indian, Thai styles. Near the entrance there are statues of various deities on elegant pedestals, and the rooms are decorated with paintings. Tourists can see this building during a city tour;
  Temple in Colombo is characterized by interesting architecture
• the stone temple of Gal Vihara will interest tourists in the city of Polonnaruwa (in the North Central Province). This city was the capital of Sri Lanka in the Middle Ages. Ancient craftsmen carved 4 huge Buddha statues in a granite rock, which look unusual and majestic. They adorn the ancient city;
  
  Buddha statues, carved by ancient masters right in the granite rock, amaze the imagination
• the bright, beautiful and famous Jami Ul Alfar mosque, made in the South Indian style, is located in Colombo. The building was built in 1909. Red and white colors alternate in decoration, and pointed towers adorn the building.

Sights of Sri Lanka at the junction of nature and civilization

There are interesting places to visit in Sri Lanka, where the works of human hands are successfully inscribed in a beautiful landscape. One of them is the Victoria Dam, located upstream from the mouth of the Maaveli River. The construction of this structure was completed in 1985. During the work, 30,000 people were resettled. The length of the dam along the ridge is 520 m, and the width of the ridge is 6 m. The height of the object reaches 122 m.

The Royal Botanical Garden of Paradenia, founded in 1821, is the largest and most beautiful on the island. The territory of the park is divided into 5 thematic zones, the total area is 60 hectares. Many tourists tend to look at this beautiful place.

Mountains and waterfalls of Sri Lanka

Buildings with beautiful architecture, ancient ruins and temples are widespread in Sri Lanka and are popular sites for tourism. No less interesting are the natural attractions. The island is interesting for high mountains and waterfalls located in its central part:

• Mount Sigiriya is a plateau in the center of the island, reaching a height of 170 m above the surrounding plain. At the top of an impregnable rock there is a fortress built in the 5th century AD. e. king Kassap. There used to be beautiful and extensive gardens around the mountain. Now this place is popular with tourists as a natural site, excursions are organized here;
  On Mount Sigiriya there are ruins of an ancient fortress
• St. Clair waterfall, which has a height of 80 m, is located on the Kotmale River. The width of the stream is also 80 m. This natural attraction is located among the extensive tea plantations. Tourists tend to come here to look at the bright greenery of tea bushes, learn about the cultivation of this crop and see a beautiful waterfall;
  St. Clair Falls is beautiful and frequented by tourists
• Mount Adamov Peak, reaching a height of 2243 m, is located in the Sabaragamuwa region. Various legends are associated with this place, and for Buddhists the mountain is sacred. Pilgrims come here every year, although the climb to Adam's Peak is difficult;
  Mount Adam's Peak is considered sacred by Buddhists.
• the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, Aberdeen, reaches a height of 98 m. The surroundings of the waterfall are very picturesque, which attracts tourists here. The waterfall is named after the Scottish city of Aberdeen;
  Aberdeen Falls is the highest in the country
• Mount Pidurutalagala, or Pedro, the highest on the island (reaching a height of 2524 m), has a domed shape. It is located near the city of Nuwara Eliya. At the top is the main television broadcaster of the country. Tourists visit this place as part of excursions to the sights of the country.

The nature of Sri Lanka is diverse, there are many beautiful places. Travelers can make fascinating excursions to the most famous objects. Tracking (race walking) and other outdoor activities are also common on the island.

Sri Lanka in different seasons

Summer in Sri Lanka is characterized by stuffiness, heat and rainy weather. The sea is rough at this time, but the weather is suitable for surfing. Hiking and long excursions are sometimes difficult for travelers to tolerate, as the air humidity is high. Therefore, it is worth relaxing in the city of Colombo or another large settlement, studying its sights.

At the beginning of autumn in Sri Lanka it often rains and the weather is hot. In November, the rainfall decreases, which allows you to visit many cities and see the sights. For example, you should go to the Royal Botanical Gardens or Kumana National Park, located on the southeast coast. This place is important for nesting, breeding and migration of many bird species.

From December to March, tourists from different countries travel to Sri Lanka, because at this time there is little rain, and the average air temperature is +24 ° C. Excursions to the St. Clair waterfall or the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, a visit to the Dutch fort in Galle or the port of Colombo will allow you to get to know the nature and culture of the country better.

The beginning of spring is optimal for relaxing by the sea, diving. To do this, you should visit the beaches of Negombo or Bentona. An excursion to the Ravana waterfall will interest many travelers.

Short trip plans

In any country in the world, holidays can be both short and long, but in a short time you can feel its atmosphere:

• in one day it is best to relax on the beaches of the suburbs of Colombo. During this time, tourists have time to dine at local restaurants, visit museums, walk around the business part of the city;
• a trip of 3-5 days is a good opportunity for excursions. For example, you should go to Mount Sigiriya or to the Pinnawala National Park, and then see the interesting objects of the capital or another large city;
• a week-long stay in Sri Lanka is a good opportunity for a comfortable holiday on the beaches, kayaking or rafting, surfing and diving. Shopping, lunches in restaurants with traditional cuisine diversify the rest.

Entertainment for children

The island has attractions and recreation options that are optimal for adults and children. It is important to plan the trip, taking into account the weather conditions.

Attractions suitable for visiting with children:

• the Hakgala Botanical Garden is located in the Nuwara Eliya district of the Central Province, where there are many rare plants and a beautiful landscape;
• the Pinnawala zoo is located next to the elephant nursery, where you can ride them or just look at other wild animals;
• Leisure World water park in Kaluaggala has swimming pools, various slides and attractions;
• The National Zoological Garden of Sri Lanka includes many species of animals and occupies a large area (located near Colombo);
• Yala National Park covers an area of ​​about 1000 hectares and is characterized by a rich wildlife.

Galle has a well-developed infrastructure The city of Kandy is located in the Colombo Valley and is the largest city in Sri Lanka Negombo has clean and beautiful beaches The city of Trikomalee is popular for tourism

Paradise, blessed land, the world of Buddhism, fragrant Ceylon tea and various spices - this is how the island of Sri Lanka appears to its guests. Despite the fact that this amazing island has a very tiny size, a whole scattering of miracles is concentrated here - these are the most diverse sights of Sri Lanka, on the basis of which your first acquaintance with this country will take place. Despite the fact that Sri Lanka, being an island nation, is famous for its beautiful beaches, there is something to see in Sri Lanka and beyond them. Everyone will find something interesting for themselves - both lovers of culture, art, nature, and fans of outdoor activities.

What to see in Sri Lanka Firstly

It is rather difficult to list all the famous sights of the country, and choosing what to see in Sri Lanka in 1 day is not an easy task at all. For this purpose, a rating of the most interesting sights with a brief description was compiled, which will be discussed later.

1. Golden Temple Dambulla

The cave temple of Dambulla, carved directly into a high 300-meter rock, includes 5 caves connected to each other. In the main of the caves lies a large statue of the Buddha, as well as several other statues. In another room, you can observe an unusual phenomenon: water from a cave source flows upwards along the walls of the cave, refuting all the laws of physics. The cave pagoda is more than 2,000 years old, and its numerous statues are part of one of the greatest collections of Buddha sculptures.

2. Sigiriya

In the central part of the island of Sri Lanka there is an important attraction that has become the hallmark of the country. This is Sigiriya, or "Lion Rock", located on the site of a volcano that fell asleep millions of years ago. The frozen lava formed a plateau where an ancient castle was erected in the first centuries of our era. The ruins of this fortress have survived to this day, but even from the ruins one can judge the former grandeur of the structure. The entrance to the castle was once carved in the shape of a huge lion, but today only its paws can be seen - this is all that remains of the stone giant.

3. Adam's Peak

Among all the excursions in Sri Lanka, climbing the sacred mountain - Adam's Peak is especially popular. This place of worship, located at an altitude of 2.2 kilometers, has become a reason for the pilgrimage of representatives of four religions, including Christianity. On the first steps, the participants of the ascent are greeted by a Buddha statue, and then travelers will have a difficult path - about 6 thousand steps, which take about 4 hours to climb. The path, which begins closer to night, ends with a bewitching dawn, and at the top, visitors have the opportunity to see the footprint, which, according to legend, was left by the enlightened Buddha himself.

4. Kumana National Park

In the southeastern region of Sri Lanka there is a national park, which is famous for the variety of feathered inhabitants inhabiting it - about 250 different species in total, among which are different types of inhabitants of swamps, lakes and ponds, as well as land inhabitants. In addition to birds, there are many reptiles, as well as mammals, the largest of which is the Sri Lankan elephant. Extensive water and wetlands are surrounded by a drier zone of tropical forests. Those who wish can stay in the park for a few days - for this purpose there is a campsite in the park.

5. Kandy Valley

Reviews of connoisseurs of natural beauty indicate that one of the bewitching beauty places of Sri Lanka is located a hundred kilometers from the capital city of Colombo. We are talking about the beautiful Kandy Valley, in which the ancient city of the same name is located, which was once the legendary capital of the island kingdom. In its center is an artificial lake, and in the middle of it, an ancient palace rises on an island. Hiking is a convenient way to discover the original culture and natural beauty of Kandy, especially since there are many educational trekking routes in the vicinity.

Check out the beautiful views of Sri Lanka in this breathtaking video!

6. Yala National Park

The special pride of the inhabitants of Sri Lanka is the natural reserves, among which the Yala National Park has become a pearl. Among the 12 other reserves, Yala is considered the oldest, the second largest on the island. The territory of the park is a flat landscape, mostly dry soils with small oases. Only its western part is accessible to visitors, while the eastern part is reserved for the work of natural scientists. In total, the park is inhabited by more than 2 hundred species of birds and 44 species of mammals, among which the largest is the Ceylon elephant.

7. Port of Colombo

Continuing the journey, it is worth paying attention to the city of Colombo on the west coast of Sri Lanka. It is the most populous city on the island and is best known for its seaport, the largest and oldest in all of South Asia. Just think - Colombo became a trading port more than 2 millennia ago, and to this day it is the busiest on the island. 24 hours a day, without any breaks, the port does not stop its work. Such a high responsibility in work is also explained by the fact that Colombo also serves as a naval base in Sri Lanka.

8. St. Clair's Falls

Choosing what to visit in Sri Lanka from natural beauties, it is impossible to pass by one of the treasures of the island - St. Clair Falls. Until some time, St. Clair was the widest waterfall in Sri Lanka, but with the opening of the hydroelectric project, the volume of water has noticeably decreased in it. But despite this, the width of the falling cascade is impressive and is about 50 meters. Flowing through picturesque tea plantations, St. Clair is divided into two segments - large and small. Going down from the main tourist road to the plantation, you can find a bewitching view of the falling water stream.

9. Temple of the Tooth Relic

One of the most important relics of the island is the tooth of the Buddha, kept in the city of Kandy, in the temple of the same name. This relic was brought to the island from India in the 4th century AD, and to this day miraculous properties are attributed to it. Detractors, having learned about the amazing properties of the shrine, repeatedly tried to destroy the tooth, and with it the Buddhist faith. But none of these plans was ever realized, the tooth remained intact. The temple itself rises on the shore of a beautiful lake, has a rich decoration, and every day several times a day a demonstration of the sacred tooth is held here for the faithful parishioners.

10 World Trade Center Colombo

The largest and most developed city in Sri Lanka, Colombo, offers great opportunities for purchasing quality products - souvenirs, food, textiles and other groups of goods at minimal prices. And it is not surprising that the World Trade Center is located in Colombo. This is the tallest building on the island, its height exceeds one and a half hundred meters, and its execution meets the highest international standards. The complex consists of 2 high-rise buildings and a connecting block, it houses shopping centers, offices, upscale Sri Lankan hotels and many restaurants.

11. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

The turbulent political situation and many years of internecine war in Sri Lanka also affected nature - war and famine contributed to the reduction of the elephant population. Caring people took on the mission to save these large mammals, and in 1975 the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was founded. Elephants, left without mothers, and adults, crippled by explosions and injured by poachers, got here. The elephant orphanage today has become one of the best attractions in Sri Lanka, where visitors willingly come to see the elephant care procedure and even participate in this process.

12. Pinnawala Zoo

If you happened to be in the town of Pinnawala, then you will definitely find where to go in Sri Lanka , besides the elephant nursery. Indeed, quite recently, in 2015, a zoo with open enclosures appeared here. Due to the proximity of the well-known elephant orphanage, this attraction quickly gained popularity. Despite the fact that living conditions have been created for animals that are close to natural, and they are allowed to roam almost freely over a spacious area of ​​​​several hectares, all areas of the zoo are equipped with strict safety standards.

13. Royal Botanical Garden in Paradeniya

The most lush and spacious botanical garden in Sri Lanka - Peradeniya - appeared in the distant 18th century. Its territory of 60 hectares is replete with a wide variety of exotic plants, in total there are more than 4 thousand species. Trees, shrubs, flowers are marked with introductory signs, and at the entrance there is a bright guide map, by which you can find out the location of the gardens and other necessary information. Walking in Peradeniya is an opportunity to walk through the heavenly fragrant land, getting acquainted with different cultures and eras of gardening.

14. Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations

Once upon a time, a wild tropical forest grew on the site of Nuwara Eliya plantations. Later, having found out that in these parts there are extremely favorable conditions for growing tea, the English colonialists brought the first tea bushes here. For centuries, the traditional technology of growing, collecting and processing high-quality tea has been sacredly observed here. Guides of Sri Lanka will take you to the best plantations of Nuwara Eliya, bring you to the tea factory, where you can see with your own eyes the step-by-step process of making tea. In addition, here you can visit a museum where you can get acquainted with various tea varieties, or a shop where you can buy any of the presented varieties.

15. Victoria Dam

In 1978, the construction of the highest dam in Sri Lanka began on the Mahaweli River, the main tasks of which were to supply the region with water and generate hydroelectric power. After 7 years, the grandiose construction was completed, and the 122-meter Victoria Dam contributed to the formation of a large reservoir. You can see the incredible, impressive water release from the top of the dam: the automatic system regularly opens the locks at the moment the waters of the reservoir reach the upper allowable threshold, and then the dam turns into an incredible artificial waterfall.

16. Ravana Waterfall

One of the popular tourist destinations is excursions in Sri Lanka to numerous waterfalls, and the best time to visit them is the monsoon period, when they become the most full-flowing. Despite the wide variety of waterfalls on the island, reaching a height of 270 meters, tourists fell in love with the relatively small 40-meter Ravana waterfall. The thing is that this picturesque attraction has its own interesting legend, according to which, a pot filled with gold is stored right under the water cascade, and on certain days, when the water recedes a little, this vessel comes to the surface.

17. Bentota Beaches

The coastal city of Bentota is located in the Southern Province of the island, 65 kilometers from Colombo. Any tourist who comes here will appreciate the main advantage of this place.

Its clean sandy beaches with high-end and mid-range hotels located right by the sea. It is worth emphasizing the convenient geographical position of Bentota - a small distance from the modern metropolis of Colombo allows, without delving too far into the wilds of pristine nature, to enjoy a paradise vacation on the sea coast, but at the same time there is always the opportunity to comfortably get to the nearest civilization.

Sights of Sri Lanka: what else to visit in Sri Lanka

The main attractions of Sri Lanka were briefly listed above, but of course, this is not all - those who wish to continue their acquaintance with these lands can endlessly find more and more interesting places .

18. Negombo Beach

At the mouth of the Negombo lagoon is the beach of the same name, the main one on the west coast of the island. It is also a popular resort, which is often used as an intermediate point for trips around the island. This is explained by a very convenient location - the airport is within easy reach from here, only some 7 kilometers. Hotels along the beach offer different levels of services to suit all budgets, making this place accessible to any traveler. Of the entertainment, various water sports are very popular and, of course, diving among the well-preserved coral reefs. Local restaurants offer delicious dishes made from the freshest seafood.

19. Dutch fort in Galle

Vacationers on the southern beaches of Sri Lanka are advised to visit the world-famous historical landmark of the island - Galle Fort, the largest fortification in Asia. Initially, the fortress was built by the Portuguese at the end of the 16th century, but with the arrival of the Dutch it was almost completely rebuilt, and since then for 2 centuries it has served as the main port of Sri Lanka. Today it is a whole tourist area of ​​the city of Galle, where there are many shops, restaurants, offices and a market. But despite this, a calm atmosphere always reigns here, conducive to a quiet unhurried walk.

20. Holy City of Anuradhapura

A very significant attraction in the world of Buddhism in Sri Lanka is the city of Anuradhapura, once the former capital of the ancient Sinhalese state. The holy city has experienced a lot in its lifetime - both prosperity and plunder by the invaders. And only in 1980 began the restoration of its ancient ruins. Buddhist pilgrims to Anuradhapura are attracted by the ancient cave temple of Isurumuniya, built in the 4th-3rd centuries BC. Numerous tourists who do not profess Buddhism also find a lot of interesting places for themselves: these are numerous ancient monuments - statues, sanctuaries-stupas, palaces, artificial reservoirs that have become part of the glorious history of the city.

21. Mountain park Mihintale

Just a dozen kilometers from Anuradhapura there is another historical place - the Mihintale mountain range, where a lot of ancient Buddhist buildings are concentrated - more precisely, what remains of them today. Having overcome about 2 thousand steps, you can see many buildings that were once part of a large monastic complex: several stupas, a statue of Buddha, a hall of alms and a hall of relics, caves, museums and monasteries. A walk through the sacred places of Mihintale invariably conveys the atmosphere of peace and grandeur that these monuments carried through the millennia.

22. Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Another historical place that will be affected by the recommendations of this rating is located two hundred kilometers from Colombo. This is the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, the city of Polonnaruwa, the first settlements of which began to form as early as the 2nd century BC. The main monument of Polonnaruwa is the Gal Vihara temple with 4 giant Buddha statues carved out of the rock. In the ancient Palace of Pakakrambahu, the royal residence was located: three-story ruins are all that remains of it today. Among the several stupas located here, the Rankotvihara Dagoba stands out - the highest in Polonnaruwa and the fourth largest on the island.

We have given in this article the main sights of Sri Lanka with photos with names and descriptions: each of the places mentioned will add something new to your experience and become a guide to this amazing land of extraordinary nature, multifaceted culture, ancient relics and bright exotics.

What to see in Sri Lanka: sights of the island

The main attractions of Sri Lanka are concentrated mainly in the mountainous part of the Central Province of the island, as well as in the north-central part of the country, away from both coasts. This article has compiled a brief overview of the main tourist excursion destinations, designed to help the traveler with the preparation of an individual program and the optimal selection of places to visit. So what to see in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has its own "Cultural Triangle", which includes three ancient capitals of independent Sinhalese kingdoms: Anuradhapura - Polonnaruwa - Kandy. These ancient cities of Asia have a rich history and many interesting cultural and historical sites, some of which, such as the huge dagobas of Anuradhapura, were real gems of the architecture of the ancient world.

In total, Sri Lanka has 8 unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites that you should definitely see: 4 ancient and sacred cities: Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kandy; Cave Temples of Dambulla and Galle Fort, and 2 natural sites: Sinharaja Rainforest and Central Highlands. The following is a list of 20 objects, including the most popular tourist places in Sri Lanka, with a brief description and photographs of attractions.

Sri Lanka attractions map

20 main attractions of Sri Lanka

City of Colombo
(Colombo City)

The city is the actual administrative, economic and political capital of Sri Lanka, while the official capital of the country is one of the suburbs of Colombo - the city of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.

Colombo is located on the west coast of the island, 30 km from the international airport. The city includes 15 districts with at least 2 names each: Colombo-1,2,3,4.....15 and Slave Island, Cinnamon Gardens, Pettah, etc.

The best time to visit Colombo is during the tourist season on the west coast, lasting from November to April. At this time, the minimum amount of precipitation falls.

The main visited places of the capital are: Beira Lake, located in the very center of the city, Buddhist temples Ashokaramaya, Gangaramaya and Sima Malaka, Victoria Park, Independence Memorial Hall, Galle Face Green walking area, Hindu and Muslim temples, floating market, national museum, Pettah district , Colombo Lighthouse, Lotus Tower.

This temple is the most famous Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. The Temple of the Tooth of the Buddha is located on the territory of the royal palace complex, being part of its architectural ensemble.

The Temple of the Tooth Relic is also called Sri Dalada Maligawa, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the main pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka.

The Sri Dalada Maligawa Buddhist Temple was founded in the 16th century during the reign of King Vimaladharmasuriya I. It is believed that whoever possesses the relic has the supreme power in the country.

The building in which the tooth was kept in the era of the king was destroyed, and the tooth was transported to Dumbara. The modern building of the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy was erected in the 17th century.

The Royal Botanical Gardens, located in Peradeniya, a few kilometers from Kandy, attracts more than 2,000,000 tourists from all over the world every year.

You can get from Kandy to the botanical garden by bus or by train. The garden is surrounded by a tributary of the Mahaweli Ganga River and covers an area of ​​​​about 60 hectares.

The largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka was founded in the late 18th century, before the arrival of the British, by King Kirti Sri Rajasinhe.

After the overthrow of the last Kandyan king by the British, the garden of Peradeniya was approved as a botanical garden for subsequent study by the British of the local flora and fauna. In the garden you can see a huge collection of plants, divided into 25 sectors.

Anuradhapura is an ancient city, the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom, located in the north-central part of the island.

The best time to visit Anuradhapura is from February to September inclusive - at this time the least amount of precipitation falls.

The first settlement in this place arose in the 10th century BC, Anuradhapura became a full-fledged city from the 5th century BC. The capital flourished for 1300 years, but was abandoned after an invasion in 993.

The main attractions of Anuradhapura are the giant dagobas of Tuparama and Ruvanvelisaya, as well as the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, sacred to Buddhists.

Polonnaruwa is the second main ancient city, lost for some time in the jungle, and became the capital after Anuradhapura. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka.

The transfer of the capital from Anuradhapura was carried out in 993, Polonnaruwa remained in the status of the capital until 1293, when it was again transferred, and the city was abandoned after that.

One of the main attractions of Pollonaruwa are the ruins of the ancient garden city, created in the 12th century, as well as the man-made lake Parakrama Samudraya (King Parakrambahu Sea), which has an area of ​​over 2,500 hectares.

It takes at least half a day to explore the ancient garden city, as well as the architectural monuments of ancient Indian culture during the reign of the Cholas. There is a bike rental at the entrance to the park.

Sigiriya fortress
(Sigiriya)

The rock complex in Sigiriya is called Lion Rock. The ancient city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and for many is the most famous landmark of Sri Lanka.

The ancient city of Sigiriya includes a palace on the top, interesting buildings at the foot of the cliff and gardens with numerous artificial reservoirs in its southern part.

At the top, according to a popular legend told by guides to tourists, there used to be a royal palace where the Sinhalese king Kasyapa (Kashyapa) lived. However, archeological evidence does not support this theory. In addition to the buildings on the rock, Sigiriya has a mirror wall, ancient wall paintings, terraces, pools and gardens.

The city of Dambulla (Dambulla) is located at the intersection of several major roads, the settlement on this site was first mentioned in historical chronicles in the 7th century BC.

The main places of the city are the ancient temples of the Golden (Golden) and Cave (Cave). The cave temple is located in the caves on the slope of the cliff, and the Golden Temple is at its foot.

The cave temple in Dambulla is the largest cave temple, preserved to our times in the best way. The ancient temple consists of 5 caves - halls of different sizes, carved into a monolithic rock. The paintings and statues in the Cave Temple date back to the 1st century BC.

The Golden Temple of Dambulla was built in 2000 with donations from Japanese patrons, this Buddhist temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Below, under the statue, there is a small but very interesting museum, which contains an exposition of Buddha statues from around the world, inscriptions on ol leaves, paintings and ritual objects.

World's End Plateau in Horton National Park
(Worlds end, Horton plains national park)

The best time to visit Horton Plains National Park is from December to May. In Runet, the park may also be called Horton's Plains.

The national park is a protected area of ​​the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Horton Plains was designated as a national park in 1988.

The popular tourist attraction "End of the World" is a sheer cliff with a height difference of more than 1.2 km, with an organized observation deck at the top.

On a clear day, the summit offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and cliffs from a dizzying height. At a distance of 1 km from the End of the World there is an alternative "Small End of the World".

Nuwara Eliya city
(Nuwara Eliya)

Nuwara Eliya, or as it is also called, "Little England" is a city located in the highlands of the central province of Sri Lanka.

The climate in this area, unlike the coast, is very cool, in winter there are even night frosts, the average annual temperature is about +16 C.

The main attractions of Nuwara Eliya are Lake Gregory, Victoria Park, located on the shores of the lake, endless golf courses, a Hindu temple, the oldest post office in the country, several waterfalls of different heights and countless tea plantations and factories where you can learn how the famous Ceylon tea is created. .

The modern city was founded by the British in the 19th century and is now the leading producer of European vegetables, roses, strawberries and Orange Pekoe tea on the island.

Ella Rock and Little Adam's Peak
(Ella Gap & Little Adams Peak)

Ella is a city located in the highlands of Sri Lanka. This area is characterized by a cool climate and a large difference between day and night temperatures.

The name "Ella" means "Waterfall" in Sinhala, which is quite justified - the region is full of waterfalls of different heights and full flow.

The main attraction of Ella is the surrounding nature of the Ella Gap mountain range of the same name. Many tourists come to the city because of the opportunity to make exciting hiking trips through the mountains to various natural attractions.

From Ella, you can visit popular tourist sites on foot: Ella rock, small Adam's Peak, Ravana waterfall, and also visit the Nine Arch Bridge. The bridge is located between Ella and Demodara and is within walking distance from the city.

Demodare nine-arch bridge
(Nine Arch Bridge)

Thirty-meter, also called the "Bridge to Heaven", is located between the small mountain towns of Ella and Demodara.

The bridge is closer to Ella and can be reached on foot along the railway tracks. The nine-arch bridge is active, trains run regularly on it.

The unique feature of the bridge is that it was built without the use of steel in its structure, the bridge was erected during the First World War, commissioned in 1921.

The best time to visit the Nine Arch Bridge, that is, the driest and sunniest, are two periods: January - April and July - September.

Adam's Peak / Sri Pada
(Adam's Peak / Sri Pada)

Adam's Peak or Sri Pada is a cone-shaped rock with a height of 2.243 meters, on top of which there is a temple that contains a sacred footprint.

Sri Pada is a sacred place for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. The best time to visit it is during the pilgrimage season from December to May.

Climbing Adam's Peak is usually done at night before dawn in order to capture the moment of sunrise when the rock casts an even triangular shadow on the clouds.

According to Buddhist beliefs, the imprint of Buddha's foot is kept at the top, Christians and Muslims believe that Adam's footprint is imprinted there when he first set foot on earth after being expelled from paradise, Hindus consider the imprint to be the footprint of Lord Shiva.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
(Pinnawala)

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is located halfway between the country's largest cities of Kandy and Colombo. The nursery for wild Asian elephants welcomes guests daily from 8:30 to 17:30.

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was founded in 1975 by the Department of Environmental Protection of Sri Lanka in order to prevent the death of baby elephants left without parents.

Initially, the nursery was located in Wilpattu, but later it was moved first to Bentota, then to the Dehiwala Zoo, after which it finally found its current location in 1978 on a 10-hectare coconut plantation on the banks of the Maha Oya River.

Elephant fruit feeding is held daily from 09:00 to 09:45 and from 12:00 to 13:45. Bathing of elephants is also held daily from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00.

Yala National Park
(Yala National Park)

Yala is the most famous and second largest national park in Sri Lanka (the first is Vilpattu). Yala has been a national park since 1938.

Yala National Park is located in the southeast of the island near the cities of Kataragama and Tissamaharama. The park is open all year round, but is closed for 1 month each year due to drought. Each year, this date is determined by the Department of Wildlife Protection, usually between mid-September and mid-/late October.

Yala National Park includes 5 blocks, 2 of them are open to tourists. In the park, tourists are traditionally invited to take a jeep safari. Tours of the park on foot are not possible due to the presence of a large number of dangerous wild animals in the park.

Yalu is visited to observe 215 species of birds, including flamingos and peacocks, 44 species of mammals: leopards, bears, elephants, deer, as well as many reptiles, crocodiles, etc. The best time to visit the reserve is from February to July.

Udawalawe National Park
(Udawalawe National Park)

Udawalawe National Park is located on the border of the provinces of Uva and Sabaragamuwa on the banks of the reservoir of the same name. The reserve covers an area of ​​about 31 thousand hectares and is the third most visited in Sri Lanka.

The Udawalawe National Park was established in 1972 to conserve the Sri Lankan Asian elephant population, and the reserve is also a popular spot for bird watching. At the moment, about 250 wild elephants live in Udawalawe Park.

Jeep safaris are held in the park for tourists; visiting the park on foot is not possible. Udawalawe Park has an elephant nursery set up to care for orphaned baby elephants, where you can watch them feed. Elephant riding is not allowed in the park. The most favorable period to visit is from January to March and from June to September. at this time the driest weather is established.

Lighthouse Dondra
(Dondra Lighthouse)

Dondra Lighthouse is located near the southernmost point of Sri Lanka, 6 km from Matara, the largest city in the south of Sri Lanka, on the shores of Devinuwara Bay. The name of the bay is translated from the Sinhala language as "the city of the gods". The southernmost point of the island is only 300 meters from the lighthouse.

The lighthouse was built in 1887 by a British company. The Dondra lighthouse is 49 meters high and has 7 floors inside.

Dondra Lighthouse is one of the four international lighthouses in Sri Lanka. At the moment, the lighthouse has the status of a strategic object and entry to its top is prohibited, but you can walk around its territory.

City of Trincomalee
(Trincomalee city)

Trincomalee is a large city located on the northeast coast of the island, located on the shores of a unique natural bay, one of the deepest in the world. Natural conditions have naturally formed a relief that is ideal for the port.

The main attractions of Trincomalee are the fortified military Fort Frederick, many Buddhist and Hindu temples, including Koneshwaram (temple of a thousand pillars), hot springs in Kanniye, a port, a bridge in Kinnia, etc.

Trincomalee is the departure point for whale and dolphin excursions on the east coast, in the immediate vicinity of the city is Pigeon Island National Park. The city is popular with lovers of a relaxing beach holiday, diving, snorkeling.

The best time to visit Trincomalee is during the tourist season on the northeast coast: from April to September inclusive.

Fort and city of Galle
(Fort Gale)

Modern Galle is a large Asian port city located in the south of Sri Lanka, on the territory of which the Dutch fort of the same name built in the 16th century is located.

There are several attractions on the territory of Galle Fort: a clock tower, a bastion, Crow Island, a national museum, Buddhist and Muslim temples, a lighthouse and a naval museum.

The fortified fort is a complex of military structures, sheer walls and ramparts aimed at protecting the city of Galle from threats from the sea.

Galle Fort is perfect for walking tours, the inspection time is 3 hours. The best time to visit the fort is during the tourist season from November to April.

Sinharaja Storm Forest
(Sinharaja Forest Reserve)

The Sinharaja Biosphere Reserve is located in the southwest of the island and covers an area of ​​about 11 hectares. Biosphere reserves are also called the "lungs of the planet".

For the first time the status of the Sinharaja reserve was assigned by the British in 1875, it became an international biosphere reserve in 1978, since 1988 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Sinharaja Game Reserve is home to many endemic species of insects, amphibians, reptiles, fish, as well as birds and mammals. Primary forests grow in rainforest.

Sinharaja has daily rainfall, so the best time to visit is early morning before noon. Entrance to the reserve is possible only with a guide.

Sri Lanka National Zoo
(National Zoo)

The National Zoo is located in the suburbs of the actual capital of Colombo, in the city of Dehiwala. Sri Lanka Zoo was founded at the beginning of the 20th century, it is located on an area of ​​more than 10 hectares.

The zoo has a huge collection of animals and birds from all over the world, there is an aquarium area where you can look at numerous fish.

In the zoo, you can watch shows of lions and elephants, they are held weekly according to a fixed schedule.