The sights of Sri Lanka are spread throughout the island. Sri Lanka is unusually rich in both natural and cultural attractions. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka along the entire coast of the island or go to the very center of the island to see completely different attractions of this extraordinarily beautiful island: many cultural monuments and natural landscapes - including the wonderful mountainous regions of Sri Lanka with many green tea plantations, fresh air, waterfalls. What is there in Sri Lanka? Everyone, I am sure, will find attractions here to suit their taste.
Sights of Sri Lanka.
Lion Mountain Sigiriya
Located in the center of the island of Sri Lanka and one of the most famous attractions of Sri Lanka. This mountain is shaped like a lion and is 370 meters high. There is an interesting climb up the mountain along special paths that the locals made right in the center of the rock. When you start to climb, the height begins to take your breath away, especially when you see the small paths in the distance along which you just walked to the mountain. The rock is called the lion rock because its upper part is made in the shape of a lion. Currently, all that remains of the lion are its paws. The story goes that King Kasyapa lived at the top of the mountain. At the top of the mountain was his palace and gardens and various pools. From below, the rock does not seem so wide, but when you reach the top, you see that there is plenty of space for comfortable living. We walked around all the buildings at the top in about 30 minutes. From the top there are amazing views of the surrounding nature.
Price:$30 per person
Working hours: 08.30 – 17.30, daily
Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya, Kandy
Another attraction of Sri Lanka is, near Kandy. The garden is located on 60 hectares of land, and you can come here to spend half a day leisurely walking along the beautiful paths of the royal garden. In the garden there are 3 alleys of palm trees, an alley with crooked trees, many different cacti, there is also a suspension bridge along which you can walk, swinging in different directions, and under the bridge you can see many small chipmunks. Also here you will see beautiful sakura trees and many pink flowers on the grass. In the garden itself you can also visit the orchid greenhouse, which houses many different species of these wonderful flowers. For Russians, this place will be interesting because Yuri Gagarin himself planted a tree in this garden in 1961 and it is still growing here.
Price: 1100 rupees
Working hours: from 7.30 to 17 every day
Horton Plateau (Horton Plains), End of the World
- a national reserve of Sri Lanka, which is located at an altitude of 2300 meters. And for me this landmark of Sri Lanka has become the most beautiful and interesting! Just imagine - you are walking in a national park in the mountains, where there is fresh, clean air, you are surrounded by various animals, for example, deer and barbed monkeys, and this is a rather rare species of monkeys, there is stunning nature and waterfalls all around. What could be better? A walk through the reserve is a 10-kilometer path. Along the way you will see the small End of the World, the big End of the World, Bakers Falls, and you may also meet various animals - deer, monkeys, leopards, giant squirrels, roe deer, wild boars and more than 20 species of exotic birds. The End of the World is a place on a cliff that abruptly drops down, the small End of the World at 328 meters and the large End of the World at 1312 meters. A river and other mountains are visible in the distance. Amazing views!
Price: 3000 rupees + 250 rupees per car
Working hours: from 6-18.30, ticket office - from 6 to 16.00
Elephant nursery in Pinnawala
Located in the suburbs of Kandy - the small town of Pinnawela and this is a truly amazing place! Here you can watch 85 elephants (I have never seen so many before!), how they bathe and eat. Elephants are very, very cute animals and I am always happy when I have the opportunity to see these wonderful big goodies again. Yes, yes, elephants, they are such kind and sweet animals. When the nursery sheltered several elephants, and has since grown to a very large orphanage. The elephants are cared for here, and people can interact and see the elephants not in a cage, which is usually the case in most zoos, but right next to them, without any barriers. And this is actually wonderful! Twice a day, elephants go to the river to swim and you can watch them or even feed them. You can see how big elephants help little ones wash, rinse themselves and their children from their trunks. I really liked this place!
Price: 2500 rupees - adult, 1250 rupees - child
Working hours: from 8.30 to 17.30 every day,
Elephants bathing: from 10-12 and from 14-16
Feeding the elephants: at 9:15, 13:15, 17:00
Nuwara Eliya - attractions of Sri Lanka in the mountains.
- another one of my favorite attractions in Sri Lanka. It is located in the mountains and is surrounded by tea plantations. Everywhere you look, green tea blooms and you can see the locals picking it. In Nuwara Eliya, you can enjoy the views from the observation deck, from which you can see 4 waterfalls, and you can also see the river in the distance. Here you can see a wonderful sunset. If you want, you can go to waterfalls and swim in fresh, cool water, for example, Ramboda waterfall, it is located very close to the observation deck. Another famous place in Nuwara Eliya is the tunnel in the mountain, which we passed through several times on a moped. And if you want to relax somewhere near the water, then in Nuwara Eliya there is a large Lake Gregory, which is surrounded by mountains and cute houses, which makes you feel like you are walking through Europe.
Tea plantations - Ceylon attractions of Sri Lanka
How can you go to the island of Ceylon, which is what Sri Lanka used to be called, and not see the endless tea plantations with your own eyes! It is here that the Ceylon tea we know is grown and then harvested. Tea plantations are one of the main attractions of Sri Lanka. They can be seen in the mountainous regions of the country. Some of the most famous plantations are. I think you have often seen them on the Internet, especially their inscription made in the style of Hollywood letters. Although you can go to any other plantations, because there are a lot of them in the area. But we went specifically to Mackwoods. Usually people walk around the plantations without any problems, try different types of tea for free, and also buy tea for family and friends as a gift.
Temple of the Tooth Relic
If you want to visit local temples, you can go to, which is located in Kandy and is a historical site and one of the most popular cultural attractions of the island. According to legend, the tooth of Buddha himself is kept in this temple, although no one has seen this tooth for a long time. It is carefully guarded, since recently there was an attempt to blow up the temple and destroy the Buddha's tooth. Unfortunately, the terrorists managed to detonate the explosive device, but the Buddha's tooth remained intact. It is brought out to services twice a day, but it is always in a closed box. After visiting the temple, you can take a walk around the famous Kandy Lake, it is located in the center and was originally rectangular.
Price: 1000 rupees
Working hours: 5.30-20.00, puja (service) - 5.30-6.45, 9.30-11.00, 18.30-20.00
Galle Fort
And the city of Galle itself can be visited if you are vacationing on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, in places such as Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa. It is located approximately in the middle between all these settlements, but closest to Unawatuna. Galle Fort is currently under UNESCO protection. It was built over 150 years and many of the buildings that were erected first by the Portuguese and then by the Dutch have survived to this day. Here you can see a working lighthouse, which warns ships about shoals day and night. You can walk along the beautiful embankment, walk to the clock tower, and to the main gate, which was already built by the British. There is also the opportunity to walk around the town of Halle itself, which is very reminiscent of Europe. Narrow cobbled streets, houses, cute cafes - everything is like in Europe. Here you will find cuisine for every taste.
Hikkaduwa
is a small resort town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Known for its beautiful beaches and the fact that there is an opportunity to watch turtles both in a special turtle farm and swim with them right in the ocean. Turtles swim very close to the shore and you can swim to them on your own. For example, I saw three very large turtles at the same time and was simply delighted with this place! You can also go snorkeling and surfing in Hikkaduwa.
Surfing in Sri Lanka
Of course, in Sri Lanka you can always go surfing, and at any time of the year! This is a very fun sport and I can confidently say that once you catch your first wave, you will want to surf more and more.
It is no secret that the sights of Sri Lanka are one of the main magnets for tourists. Although the island has many beautiful beaches, there are still many places in the world where the beaches are even more beautiful, but these places do not have as many amazing attractions as Sri Lanka.
There is hardly any country in the world that has as many UNESCO World Heritage Sites per unit area as Sri Lanka. The country with its thousand-year history has a large number of ancient religious sites, including unique temple complexes.
The attractions of Sri Lanka are very diverse. This country has a lot to offer not only to culture lovers, but also to active tourists, nature lovers and art lovers. So you will definitely find something to see in Sri Lanka.
There are so many attractions in Sri Lanka that it is simply impossible to describe them in one article. Even listing all the attractions of this country and not forgetting anything is very difficult. Therefore, in this article we will present to your attention only the most famous and most popular attractions of Sri Lanka. If you are asking a question about what you must see in Sri Lanka, then this article is for you.
How to visit the attractions
Of course, there will always be people who want to visit everything on their own. But in Sri Lanka it is not as easy to get to most attractions as it might seem at first glance. The fact is that attractions here are rarely located close to transport stops, so you often have to travel a long distance on foot, by tuk-tuk or other transport.
In most cases, it is better to explore the sights of Sri Lanka during excursions, as it is more profitable and convenient. For example, during one two-day excursion you can immediately visit such places as an elephant nursery. Botanical Garden, Temple of the Tooth Relic, Dambulla Temple and Sigiriya. If you get to all these places on your own, it will take a lot of time and effort.
Would you say that excursions in Sri Lanka are expensive? In general, yes, but if you buy group excursions, their cost will be relatively small. At least $140 per person for a 2-day excursion is quite a normal price.
True, at the moment in Sri Lanka group excursions for Russian-speaking tourists are conducted only by the company Lanka Tour .
Sights of Sri Lanka on the map
Before we start talking about the main attractions of Sri Lanka, it is worth noting that Sri Lanka is a fairly large island. This means that you will have to travel quite a long time to get to some attractions. In principle, almost all of Sri Lanka's attractions can be reached from anywhere on the island in a day, but in most cases the more logical option is a 2- or 3-day trip to the places that interest you most. In this case, you will not have to return to your accommodation every time in order to go again to see other attractions the next day.
In order to properly plan a route around the island, you need to know where the sights of Sri Lanka are located on the map. The maps of Sri Lanka's attractions presented on this page will allow you to understand how best to combine visits to the main attractions of the island. Don't forget to zoom in on the map to see all the little details.
Cultural triangle
If you want to visit the old royal cities and ancient capitals, ruins, countless temples, shrines and dagobas, then you need to take a tour of the Cultural Triangle, visiting places like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya and Kandy.
Tourists are often interested in what must-sees in Sri Lanka. It seems to me that a tour of the cultural triangle is the most mandatory for tourists who go to this island. The corners of the Cultural Triangle are Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, but other interesting places can be visited during the tour. The excursion will last at least two days, but you can base yourself in a city in the interior of Sri Lanka and travel to different places every day for relaxing sightseeing.
This is where our story about the Cultural Triangle ends, but in this article you will read a lot of interesting things about all the main attractions that are usually attributed to this region of Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya - Lion Rock
Sigiriya has a fascinating secret waiting for you. In 1982, the rock was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you look up at the entrance to the complex, your breath stops as Sigiriya strikes you with its appearance.
Sigiriya Rock - Lion Rock. Its height is 370 meters. There are two reasons to climb this rock: the monolith offers you a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside from above, and the remains of a fortress await you at the top.
Directly after entering, you will first pass through a symmetrical park with a pleasure garden and a rock garden at the foot of the mountain. On the way up, you will first pass the mirror wall, whose name comes from the fact that when the sun shines, the polished surface, coated with egg white and wild honey, glistens.
The iron spiral staircase will take you to part of the wall and Sri Lanka's most famous wall paintings: the colorful cloud maiden rock murals. These are filigree paintings of swimming women from the 5th century. Of the original more than 500 paintings, only 21 paintings have survived to this day. The rest were destroyed by vandals.
You then reach the Lion's Terrace with the Lion Gate and its blades, which adjoin the entrance to the Royal Palace and thus the final steep staircase. The paws are the only thing left of the once 14-meter lion. It is difficult to take a photo here as tourists are constantly walking up and down.
The last staircase causes fear among many tourists. Not all travelers decide to climb it, and those who do decide to do so often cling tightly to the railing and carefully climb up. The fact is that the ladder is, as it were, attached to the rock, so many people have doubts about its reliability.
Climbing to the top of Sigiriya Rock is actually more difficult than many people assume. But it's worth it.
Information and ticket prices to Sigiriya:
1. The complex is open daily from 7:00 to 17:30
2. Admission is $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 6 to 12.
3. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the Sigiriya Museum
4. In summer it is recommended to climb the rock early in the morning
5. You must allow at least 3 hours for the ascent and descent
6. Take plenty of water and don't forget sunscreen
Pidurangala Rock - an alternative to Sigiriya
Just 1 km north of Sigiriya is the 200 meter high Pidurangala rock ridge. The Golden Rock was once a retreat for Buddhist monks. It is an alternative to Sigiriya for tourists who find the $30 entrance fee too expensive. Unlike Sigiriya, entrance to the Pidurangala complex costs only 1000 rupees, which is about 4 times cheaper.
There is a temple at the foot of Mount Pidurangala, and from the top of the rock there is a beautiful view of Sigiriya.
Note that it is completely wrong to single out the best rock from Sigiriya and Pidurangala, because both these places are completely different.
Polonnaruwa - ruins of the old royal city
Polonnaruwa is located on the 2,500 hectare Parakrama Samudra Dam, which was artificially created by King Parakrama Bahu I. The attractions at Polonnaruwa are among the most important and most visited in Sri Lanka.
The archaeological ruins at Polonnaruwa are widespread and ideal for exploring by bike. There are huge stupas, extensive parkland and various temples, testifying to Polonnaruwa's once great importance.
During the 12th century, the Buddha's tooth reliquary was located in Polonnaruwa. You can find it today in the Kandy Temple. Several kings ruled in the old royal city, which has been part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982.
The modern town of Polonnaruwa, with a population of 13,000 inhabitants, is nothing special and is unlikely to be noticed by tourists.
The museum that sells tickets to Polonnaruwa gives you a very good overview of the history of this royal city.
Information and ticket prices to Polonnaruwa:
1. The complex is open daily from 07:00 to 17:30
2. Admission is $25 for adults.
3. Tickets can be purchased at the museum near the Royal Palace
4. To explore the complex by bicycle you must allocate at least 4 hours
Dambulla Cave Temple
In Dambulla you will find a unique temple complex with numerous Buddha figures. There are a total of five cave temples and numerous Buddha figures. The complex was built when King Walagama Bahu, who was forced to leave the capital Anuradhapura, fled to the rocky caves of Dambulla, which today are among the most important attractions in the Cultural Triangle.
At the foot of the granite rock is the Golden Temple, on which stands the 30-meter-tall Golden Buddha. There is a museum inside, but I personally didn’t find anything interesting in it. On the left there is a path that leads to another temple. The climb here is difficult, so you need to have good shoes. The path passes partly over mirror-smooth rock, so flip-flops and sandals are not appropriate here.
When you reach the temple, you will have to get rid of your shoes, cover your shoulders and legs, and remove your headdress. Only then will you be able to enter the cave temple complex.
The largest of the five caves is 60 meters long and 30 meters wide and contains many different figures. The walls and ceiling of the cave are decorated with scenes from the life of Buddha and the history of Sri Lanka.
Entrance ticket to the Dambulla temple complex costs 1,500 rupees for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance from 07:30 to 12:30 and after lunch from 13:00 to 18:00. To visit the temple complex, 1.5-2 hours is usually enough.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is divided into a modern new city of over 55,000 inhabitants and an ancient area where the first capital of Sri Lanka was once located. Because the Bodhi tree is revered there, Anuradhapura is considered a sacred place. Since 1982, the city has also been included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
Attractions are very common throughout the ancient city area, so we recommend exploring Anuradhapura by bike, tuk-tuk or chauffeured car. It is simply unrealistic to explore all the sights of Anuradhapura on foot in one day.
Countless ruins today testify to the important city that Anuradhapura once was. Major attractions in Anuradhapura include some stupas and Sri Maha Bodhi, a branch of the Bodha tree from India. Many pilgrims consider it the holy tree of Sri Lanka, so you can see many Buddhists here. Bodhi Tree (Tree
We recommend that you visit Anuradhapura only if you have enough time to do so or if you are very interested in the culture and history of the country.
Entrance fee for visiting the temple complex is $25 for adults, entrance to the Bodhi Tree area (Rs. 200) and Issaramuniya Vihara Temple (Rs. 200) are paid separately. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the Jetavaneram Archaeological Museum. You should allocate at least 6 hours to explore Anuradhapura, provided that you explore the city by some kind of transport.
Tea plantations in the highlands
Until the British arrived in Sri Lanka, the highlands in Nuwara Eliya consisted of tropical forests and jungles. The British cleared everything out and turned the "Highland" into a large tea plantation. Its landscape is beautiful. Even if many people are annoyed by the narrow serpentines, this place looks great.
We encourage you to visit a tea factory to learn more about tea cultivation in Sri Lanka. A good factory is McCwood, where they talk in detail about the cultivation and production of tea.
In addition, visiting a tea plantation promises you another benefit - here you can buy cheap tea.
Beautiful beaches
If you ask different experienced travelers about which beach in Sri Lanka is the most beautiful, they will all name completely different beaches. Some people like Mirissa, some like Unawatuna, and some are crazy about Hikkaduwa, Arugam Bay and Tangalle. This suggests that Sri Lanka really has a lot of beautiful beaches. Some beaches are long and clean, others are short but wide... In general, Sri Lanka has beaches for every taste.
Unfortunately, not all beaches in Sri Lanka are suitable for swimming. Some beaches allow you to swim, while others are more suitable for surfing.
As a rule, tourists consider the beaches of Sri Lanka only in the context of choosing a place to relax, but few see them as attractions. In fact, the beaches are very beautiful attractions in Sri Lanka. If you are vacationing at a particular beach, then it would be easy for you to visit other beaches as well. It is quite possible that you would like one of these beaches, and you would want to come to this particular beach next time.
Yala National Park
There are many national parks in Sri Lanka, but in this article we decided to briefly talk about the most popular and most interesting of them. Yala National Park in southeastern Sri Lanka is famous mainly for its leopards. Bears, elephants, crocodiles and many other species of animals are also found here. The park is popular and, unfortunately, often overcrowded. Almost all tourists enter the park through the main entrance at the same time.
In Yala National Park you have the option of booking a morning safari or an afternoon safari before sunset. Unlike Africa, no one here will tell you that the best time for a safari in the park is early in the morning. Moreover, some guides will tell you that it is better to book a safari in the afternoon, as they simply do not want to go to the park at night.
Unfortunately, the organization of safari in Yala National Park leaves much to be desired. The fact is that there are regular traffic jams if an animal suddenly appears. At the same time, only tourists sitting in the first cars will be able to see the animal.
Rock Ella
From the cozy village of Ella in the highlands of Sri Lanka, you can hike to Ella Rock. The path to it runs along the railway line, through tea fields and a waterfall. Many guides offer their assistance, which can be a little annoying. However, guide services are usually inexpensive. Although you can do without them, with a guide the trip will be faster, safer and more interesting.
Kandy - the cultural capital of Sri Lanka
You can love Kandi or hate her. There is no third option here. The cultural capital and last royal city of Sri Lanka is Kandy. Here is the main sanctuary, a dental temple with a sacred tooth relic believed to be the tooth of Buddha. For the Sinhalese, this is the holiest place on the island. The rest of Kandy also has a lot to offer, so it makes sense to stay in this city for at least one night.
Conveniently located, Milk Lake (Kandy Lake) invites you to take a stroll to escape the hectic city for a short time.
Many people use Kandy as a starting point for a tour of the Cultural Triangle, but I personally think that Dambula or Habarana are better suited for this.
Galle Fort
The charming old town of Fort Galle in the south of Sri Lanka is another place that can inspire any tourist. The Dutch once built the streets and buildings here, and the Sinhalese gave them vibrancy. The resulting mixture is wonderful. After the tsunami, which damaged most of the old city, almost everything was rebuilt. Only the uneven cobblestones were replaced with flat paving stones.
Small shops, galleries, restaurants and other establishments in Galle Fort invite you to linger for a few hours. Many tourists come to Galle Fort not only to explore this interesting place, but also for shopping. At the same time, here you can buy not only souvenirs, but also spices, clothes, retro postcards and posters.
Pinnawela Elephant Nursery
One of the most popular tourist spots in Sri Lanka is the Pinnawela Elephant Sanctuary, located near Kandy. This nursery houses elephants that would not be able to survive in the wild alone. The site of the nursery is an old coconut plantation, which has an area of about 25 hectares and can accommodate between 70 and 80 elephants. Visitors can get up close to the elephants here and watch them while bathing or feeding. Another interesting event takes place in the morning, when baby elephants are fed milk from huge canisters.
A visit to the Pinnawela Elephant Nursery is not only recommended for animal lovers and children. Honestly, I doubt that this place will leave anyone indifferent.
Colombo
The port city of Colombo is the economic and political center of Sri Lanka. The city is located on the western coast of the country and, under European colonial rule, developed into the most important metropolis in Sri Lanka.
Colombo has a population of approximately 650,000 inhabitants and is located on a peninsula on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, joined by a protected natural harbour. Already in the 5th century, this city was engaged in spice trade with Asian and Arab countries. In the eighth century, merchants of Muslim origin settled in Colombo. Even today, the colorful market area of Petta is dominated by residents of the Muslim faith. Colonial occupation of Colombo began in the 16th century by the Portuguese. To protect the port facilities, they built a fort, which survives to this day only in fragments. In the early 19th century, the British conquered Sri Lanka and made Colombo the capital of the colony. The city was subsequently expanded and subsequently became one of the most important spice ports in the Asian region.
Colombo is mainly characterized by three urban districts that meet at the central station. The oldest area is called Colombo Fort and is named after an old Portuguese fortress. Only a few remains remain of the historical fortification walls. The urban district is the banking and business center of Colombo. The President's office and some attractions are located here. The streets with old colonial buildings are especially attractive. Today, the historic buildings primarily house department stores and commercial spaces. The area is dominated by the twin towers of the Colombo World Trade Centre, one of the tallest buildings in South Asia. The oldest building in the area is the Galle Face Hotel, which was founded in 1864 and features impressive Victorian architecture. There is a narrow beach in front of the green promenade where numerous snake charmers meet.
One of the most attractive areas of Colombo is Petta. The bustling market area borders the port area and is largely inhabited by Muslims. Unlike Colombo Fort, the streets and alleys of Petta are full of bustle. Traders' stands sell various types of goods. Petta also has a covered bazaar with a clock tower at the entrance. It is located on a roundabout. The clock tower was donated by a wealthy merchant family from India who achieved great wealth through trade with Sri Lanka.
An oasis of calm in the bustling Petta area is the Dutch Colonial Museum. Once upon a time, a Dutch governor lived in a beautiful palace. Today the rooms house an exhibition on the history of Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka.
The Town Hall is an impressive monument to Colombo's recent history. It was built in 1946, modeled after the American Capitol, and is located in the Cinnamon Gardens area. Next to the imposing building you will find the National Museum of Sri Lanka. The exhibition halls are located in a magnificent colonial building with a beautiful facade. The National Museum contains countless artifacts found during various archaeological sites in Sri Lanka. The sign of the colossus is a powerful clock tower. It was built by British colonial owners in 1857 and served as a lighthouse until 1952. A clock was added to the tower in 1914.
Adam's Peak
The attractions of Sri Lanka are very diverse. In addition to numerous historical, cultural attractions, as well as national parks, Sri Lanka has amazing natural sites. One of them is Adam's Peak.
Adam's Peak is a 2200 meter high mountain with a bald top, one of the holiest places in Sri Lanka. At its peak there is a place of pilgrimage, in which representatives of different faiths often participate.
The holy mountain is known in Sri Lanka as Sri Pada. The name "Adam's Peak" was given to the mountain later. A giant mountain with a height of 2243 meters rises in the southwest of the island above the lowlands of Ratnapura.
The term "Sri Pada" means "holy foot". This name was given to the mountain because of the mountain depression at the top, which is considered to be the Buddhist footprint of the Buddha. Buddhists believe that Buddha left this mark on the mountain during his third and last visit to Sri Lanka.
The supposed footprint of Buddha is located at the site of a monastery on the top of a mountain. What makes this sanctuary special is the fact that apart from Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and Muslims also visit this place of pilgrimage. Hindus even consider the depression at the top of Adam's Peak as a trace of God Shiva.
When Arab sailors visited Sri Lanka on a voyage in the 7th century, they described the island as a tropical paradise. The depression on Mount Sri Pada has been named by Muslim believers as the mark Adam left behind after he returned to earth after leaving heaven for the first time. This is where the name Adam's Peak comes from.
Christians learned about the sacred mountain later and interpreted the depression at the summit as the footprint of the Apostle Thomas, who was one of the first to attempt to travel to the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka.
There are two different routes to climb Adam's Peak. The traditional pilgrimage route begins in the lowlands of Ratnapura. It is long and complex. The more popular route is the northern route. This path will take you to the top through countless stone steps and narrow paths. You should allow four to six hours for the climb, and a few more hours for the descent. The classical pilgrimage season begins with the full moon in December and ends with the same lunar phase in May of the following year. Believers begin the climb at night to watch the sunrise at the top. The road is electrically lit and there are numerous tea rooms along the way where you can relax during the arduous climb. Using the traditional pilgrimage route is not safe. Already in earlier centuries, people died of exhaustion on the road because they were not physically ready for such an ordeal or fell off cliffs.
There's no point driving up to Adam's Peak if you don't plan on climbing to the top. The most impressive moments await you right at the top at dawn. At this time, pilgrims kneel and pray. On clear days you can see the sun rising over the mountains in the east. This moment provides a spectacular view on the western side - the cone-shaped mountain casts a bright triangular shadow far into the depression. True, the probability of seeing this picture is not very high, because clouds accumulate at the top of Adam's Peak at an altitude of 2243 meters. In clear weather, the view from the top of the mountain is magnificent and you can even see the city of Colombo, 65 kilometers away.
Paradenia - a paradise for botanists
The university town of Peradeniya is located near the city of Kandy and has one of the most impressive and beautiful botanical gardens in Asia. We are talking about the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya.
Peradeniya is located approximately five kilometers from Kandy city center and has the largest university in Sri Lanka. Approximately 8,000 students attend this university, which is the second oldest in the country after the University of Colombo. The botanical garden is "attached" to the university and is one of the most beautiful of its kind in the entire Asian region. It was founded in 1824 by British colonial masters and is located on a peninsula in the Mahaweli River, which is the longest river in Sri Lanka and has a total length of over 330 kilometers. The botanical garden's enormous biodiversity and scenic beauty of the park attract more than 1.2 million visitors every year.
The Peradeniya Botanical Garden covers an area of 62 hectares and is surrounded on three sides by the Mahaweli River. The varied soil composition of the peninsula allows many different plant species to flourish, which were brought here from all subtropical and tropical regions of the Earth. The different soil characteristics of the area are due to the changing directions of the river's flow, which have deposited various sediments and sand layers over the centuries. In addition, a mild climate with a balanced combination of sunshine and precipitation has a beneficial effect on plant growth. The Peradeniya Botanical Garden today houses over 4,000 different plant species. The main attractions of the park are the rich village of over 10,000 individual specimens and various varieties of orchids. The entire area is served by the University of Peradeniya and serves for research purposes. It is used by locals and tourists to relax and explore a variety of plants.
After entering the botanical garden through the main entrance, you will first enter the spice garden. Cinnamon, pepper, vanilla and ginger thrive here. There is also a nutmeg tree here, which is more than 100 years old. Opposite the spice garden there is an orchid house and some outbuildings. To the east of the botanic garden you will find manicured parkland with lawns and hedges reminiscent of the landscaping of gardens on the British island. In the center there is the so-called “Great Circle”, which divides the main path of the garden into two equal halves.
In the southeastern part of the park you will find so-called memorial trees. These are plants that were planted by prominent visitors to the botanical garden. Among them were British Queen Elizabeth II, Indian President Indira Gandhi and the last Russian Tsar Nicholas II.
As you follow the main axis of the garden in a northerly direction, you will pass along an avenue of palm trees. Here you will see the so-called cabbage palms, which grow in South America and the Caribbean. Behind them is a wooded area in which many Banyan trees with their characteristic aerial roots thrive. In the center of the huge grassy lawn you will see the mighty Javafeige plant, which is one of the main attractions of the botanical garden. The powerful plant was planted in 1861. Another palm grove awaits you in the southwestern part of the park, where the path is lined with huge fan palms. The palms reach heights of up to 25 meters and are therefore among the largest of their kind in the entire world. In the west of the garden you can admire the giant bamboo, which reaches a height of 40 meters and a thickness of 24 centimeters. In the immediate vicinity is a pond whose shape is the geographical outline of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is a remote country on a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean. Of course, we know her better by her tea name Ceylon. But now this mysterious island has received its ancient and sacred name and invites you to visit. What to expect from Sri Lanka? It contains many different attractions. These are ancient cities and heavenly beaches, these are tea plantations and picturesque mountains, lush vegetation, spicy food and unprecedented shopping! And all this fits on one island, the impressions of visiting which we will now tell you about.
Despite its tiny size, the Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka has a scattering of attractions ranging from cultural and historical sites to culinary and exotic wonders. In terms of the brightness of impressions and the mixture of different events and interesting places, Sri Lanka is somewhat reminiscent of.
We flew to the island of Ceylon in April and decided to devote two weeks to it. We had a small plan for our independent travel around Sri Lanka, compiled in the form of an approximate route. We began our acquaintance with the country from the cultural triangle, and then planned to go towards the famous beaches of Sri Lanka. Due to the fact that our plans were slightly adjusted during the trip, the original route also changed. But our impressions were very vivid.
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The best attractions in Sri Lanka
I decided to highlight the five best, in my opinion, attractions in Sri Lanka.
1. – a town in Sri Lanka in the province of Uva. Tiny and small, but with its cuteness and tranquility, it instantly won our hearts. And now, if we say that we should go to Sri Lanka again, we mostly mean to return to Ella. This city is the absolute champion in this ranking, the main attraction, this is indisputable.
Mount Ella Rock
Why is Ella so good? If you like to sit with a cup of tea, looking at the surrounding green hills and leisurely strolling from one restaurant to another along the only street, then this is the place for you. If you like walking through the hills to see not the most outstanding, but somehow attractive sights, then the city of Ella is also waiting for you. And of course, if you not only love tea, but are interested in how it grows, then welcome to the surrounding tea plantations!
A leisurely lifestyle is what attracts Ella. That’s why you so want to come back here, rent a house and live, working on projects and walking along the intricate mountain paths. The result was an idealistic image, but this is how Ella remained in our memories of Sri Lanka.
On the road to Adam's Peak in the city of Ella on the island of Sri Lanka
2. is the main sacred place for Buddhists in Sri Lanka. It was here that the march of Buddhism across the island began. Here are the first stupas and hidden sacred caves, which are arranged in such a magical way that fresh air always flows there. The huge boulders are cut in such a way that an analogy with Peru and Bolivia and their unknown technologies that were used in the construction of megalithic masonry immediately comes to mind. This sacred historical landmark of the island, a place of power and a witness to the times.
Mihitnale
In Mikhintala you immediately understand the difference and see two time layers. There was once an ancient civilization on the island, comparable in power to those that left their mark in South America. And then another came to her place, she built from simple bricks, but understood that she needed to imitate the first buildings. And of course, among other things, there is something light and pleasant here.
It happens that in places of ancient civilization there is the dark energy of those who no longer understood the meaning of the buildings and sacrificed innocent people. This is not the case in Mihintala in Sri Lanka. Here the lotuses actually bloom and their pure aroma spreads. Perhaps it was the influence of Buddhism that defeated the dark energy, or perhaps it was never here. In any case, for us Mihintale has become the place where a state of peace comes to the fore.
Two ways of building in Mihintala, Sri Lanka. The sandstone foundation was built by unknown people, the brick dagobah was created by the Sinhalese
3. The mountain is one of the main attractions of Sri Lanka. And we also fell victims to its unusualness and attractiveness. The most hyped feature of Sigiriya is the frescoes depicting apsaras, celestial dancers. But it seemed to us that even without the frescoes, Mount Sigiriya and the palace of Kasapa, the rebellious king, are so interesting that they are still remembered. And his stone throne, carved directly from the rock, surprised us no less than anything else and remained in our memory forever.
Staircase to Sigiriya
Of course, it is much more interesting for us to look at the megalithic masonry that the palace on the top of the mountain is rich in. And we were again convinced of the multi-layered nature of Sri Lanka's historical cake.
And the climb to Sigiriya will appeal to those who love active recreation and hiking. Even if it is just one mountain, there are not convenient steps everywhere, but climbing up is good for your health and eyes, which open to green views of Sri Lankan fields and hills.
Good to know:
And this is another miracle - the throne of Kasapa. Carved from a single rock on top of a mountain. Sigiriya, Sri Lanka.
4. – an ancient city on the shores of the artificial lake Minneriya in Sri Lanka. The city is very large and beautiful, rich in attractions. Its buildings are amazing, especially the book in stone in the ancient Pali language. Closer to the lake there is a small temple with a stone lion. Of all the cities in the cultural triangle, we found Polonnaruwa the most attractive and interesting to explore.
5. . It's strange to describe a waterfall. You can, of course, indicate its height to give an idea of the size of the waterfall. But is it worth it? A beautiful powerful stream in the morning rays of the sun is not a landmark of the island of Sri Lanka? We really liked the trail to the waterfall, Dunhinda itself seemed charming, and it greatly brightened up our impression of the city of Badulla, which we did not like at all and closes the ranking of our impressions from traveling around Sri Lanka.
Dunhinda Falls near Badulla, Sri Lanka
Tasty theme in Sri Lanka and shopping
While we were traveling on buses around the island of Ceylon, we constantly encountered loud sellers of everything under the sun. We noticed that wadis were the most frequently offered. As we found out, wadi are spicy lentil pies. Taking a risk, we decided to try it. How delicious it was! From then on, as soon as we heard the cheerful “wadi-wadi-wadi”, we immediately bought a whole package for ourselves and enjoyed it!
I would also like to say a few words about shopping in Sri Lanka. Our trips to markets and shops were very successful. First we visited the famous market of world brands in Nuwara Eliya, where we bought an excellent Burton jacket - high quality, beautiful and comfortable. There we bought delicious tea, which we still drink. We also visited several tea factories in Ella, where we also bought tea. Undoubtedly, tea is the main theme in Sri Lanka, and it can also be highlighted as an attraction of the island.
In a Sri Lankan cafe
We purchased durable trekking sandals from Kandy stores that lasted us quite a long time. And we love to walk! And in the capital, Colombo, we visited the House of Fashion shopping center. Again, it is surprising to say that the clothes bought in Sri Lanka lasted a very long time.
We are very happy with our shopping experience in Sri Lanka!
Good to know:
In one of the restaurants for locals
Worst impressions of Sri Lanka - what we didn’t like
The center of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the city is very popular and important for all religious people of the country. However, I personally found it very unattractive. Of course, it makes no sense to assume that a cave can be a beautiful place (although in Thailand, Laos and the USA we saw beautiful caves, religious and not so). And since we ourselves did not appreciate the holiness of the place, the impression turned out to be very average.
- turned out to be a mistake in the route. It’s not at all clear why I decided that this was a nice town. But Badulla is not pretty. At all. This is a typical Sri Lankan town - dirty, noisy. There is nothing special in the city itself, nor are there any special attractions. But there is Dunhinda Falls not far from the city, and after the nature trip I was resigned to the fact that we spent some time in Badulla. Although when we boarded the train towards Ella, I was very happy!
Other than a nice view of the sky, there's not much to do in Badulla
Negombo (Negombo) became our first city we visited in Sri Lanka. Immediately after our arrival, we arrived in Negombo and began to look for a hotel in complete darkness. We were tired, it was dark, and we were brought to some indecently dirty hotel (as is usually the case with a tuker friend), and we no longer had the strength to look for anything else. And we stayed there, and, as it turned out later, we overpaid. But I’ll be honest – it was the worst hotel in my life! Probably, even in Bolivia, during a tour of the Uyuni salt flat, we stopped in a more decent place.
We thought that if we went to the ocean, the impression would improve, but no, Negombo did not become any better. We don't even have any photos left! Although, of course, we ourselves were to blame for everything. We should have prepared better for the trip.
There is another reason to be unhappy with Sri Lanka. When we arrived in Anuradhapura, we immediately fell into the clutches of the driver Akila. He promised to take us around the cultural triangle for two days for an agreed amount and leave us in Kandy. We agreed, deciding that it would be easier if we had our own, and we would manage our time ourselves.
However, as our journey progressed, Akila reconsidered his obligations and tried to earn extra money from us. When we realized this, we decided to replay it. And they outplayed it. I wrote about this in detail in. Akila turned out to be a dishonest person, which even his compatriot admitted. Therefore, we want to warn other travelers about it. No matter how hard he tried, Akila did not spoil our mood and mood, and now we only remember him with a smile. But he, of course, believes that the Russians are just terrible people and did not fall into his traps! Oh no no no!
Yes, we really want to return to Sri Lanka. As I already said, we all dream of living in Ella for a month or two. I would like to travel around the cultural triangle again, either on the buses ourselves or with a more sane driver. See other interesting places and attractions that we didn’t get to during our first trip to the island of Ceylon. And of course, relax on the best beaches of Sri Lanka!
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- We visited the Little Adam's Peak in Ella, but we never climbed the real Adam's Peak (Sri Pada). And I would like to make an ascent on my next visit to the emerald island.
- Instead of or together with Sigiriya, we want to visit the neighboring Pidurangala Temple, which, as they say, is also interesting from a historical point of view, although not as famous as Lion Mountain.
- Last time we also skipped the port city of Galle and the beaches of Sri Lanka, choosing instead to holiday in the Maldives. The only thing left to do is to find a specific place on the island where you would like to lie in the sun and swim in the ocean.
- There is also a very vague desire to go to the Yala Nature Reserve. I don’t yet have an opinion on whether to go on a safari in Sri Lanka, or leave the safari for Africa in Tanzania, Kenya or Namibia.
As you can see, despite its size, the island of Sri Lanka is a country of great beauty, diverse in attractions and rich in experiences.
How to go to Sri Lanka - tours, tickets and hotels
We always plan our trips in advance and try to find plane tickets at a good price. You can look at the cheapest air tickets to Sri Lanka, find out the cost of hotels or choose a tour online yourself:
- Find cheap flights to Sri Lanka on the Aviasales website →
- Book hotels in Sri Lanka on Booking →
- Find a ready-made tour to Sri Lanka on the website
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, and rich excursion programs are being organized.
Travelers discovered many interesting places that abound on the island. We will tell you about the most interesting sights of Sri Lanka, compile a list of “must-see” places and ask prices for local excursions.
What to see as a tourist in Sri Lanka on your own
To get a feel for the atmosphere of the island, break away from the tour group and explore the area on your own. There are plenty of cultural sites here - some of them are even included in the famous UNESCO list.
There is the concept of a “cultural triangle” - this is the region within which most of Sri Lanka’s attractions are concentrated. The vertices of this “triangle” are:
- Kandy (ancient Sinhalese capital in the central part of the island);
- Polonnaruwa (eastern Sri Lanka);
- Anuradhapura (the forgotten northern capital).
You can get around the island by trains (regular and luxury), taxis, buses and tuk-tuks. Many travelers, having visited, rent motorcycles, bikes and scooters - their fuel consumption is insignificant (or zero), and the speed of movement is quite high for a small piece of land.
A liter of gasoline in Sri Lanka costs about 150 rupees.
Buses here are commercial and government. The average fare will be about 250 rupees (approximately 125 our rubles).
Travel to Galle and Bentota
The ancient town of Galle is famous for its unique natural beauty and snow-white beaches. There are also plenty of ancient monuments here.
What can you see in Halle? 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 strive to get to Colombo to see the sanctuaries there. Indeed, Buddhism is deeply rooted in Sri Lankan culture, and the local temples are admirable.
Here is a list of “must-free” attractions in Colombo, the unofficial Sri Lankan capital:
- Gangarama Temple. You can get here completely free. This is an important religious center for all followers of Buddhism - future monks are trained here. The complex consists of a temple, library, classrooms, meditation rooms and a museum. Be sure to check out 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 Tsunami Victims. The memorial was erected on an island not far from the Gangarama temple. An island with Buddha rises in the middle of an artificial pond.
- Galle Face promenade. It is located on the coast of the canal connecting the ocean and Lake Beira. Locals play cricket and fly kites on the embankment.
- Independence Hall. A symbolic place for local residents. The exposition of the Hall is dedicated to the history of the island and liberation from the colonial regime. The museum is located in the Cinnamon Gardens park complex.
Leaving Colombo in a northeast direction, you can get to the picturesque town of Kandy. The distance between the 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 a pond.
There are other places worth seeing in Kandy:
- 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 remaining from the body of the Enlightened One. The cost of the excursion is 1500 rupees.
You can come to the Temple on your own by taking the 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 located in the town of Peradeniya - bus 644 goes there from Kandy. - Arts Association Hall. A very unique place. Here you can watch the exorcism of spirits, ritual chants, cobra and mask dances.
The hall is located at 72 Sangaraja Mawatha.
Many tourists prefer to travel by tuk-tuk.
Five attractions you must visit
Shi Lanka has many attractions and excursions around them. Some of them can be called strange, others are associated with Hinduism or Buddhism, and others allow you to experience natural beauty.
Here is a list of places in Sri Lanka that a traveler should definitely see:
Excursion program - galloping along whale tracks
Whatever hotel in Sri Lanka you stay at, you will be offered a rich excursion program.
Here are the most popular destinations:
- Colombo ($130-170);
- Sigiriya ($65-115, together with Dambulla - up to 240);
- Cave temples of Dambulla (160-240);
- Kosgoda Turtle Farm (150-215);
- Royal Botanic Garden (130-200);
- Fort Galle (55-115);
- Spice Gardens (90-130 “green”);
- Elephant Nursery (30 bucks);
- Sinharaja Rain Forest (140-195 Washington Tugriks)
- Adam's Peak (225-270);
- Tea plantations (60-200).
In any resort town you can book a whale watching excursion. The pleasure will cost 60-100 dollars, and they will take you 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 attractions in Sri Lanka, but if you want to arrange an independent tour, you should think about renting a car.
It is convenient to join excursions, but there is a downside - you will overpay. The situation is worst in Negombo - excursion prices there are significantly inflated. Have a nice trip!
An island state that is located in South Asia not far from the place where the Hindustan Peninsula ends. The name of the country is translated from Sanskrit as “blessed land.” True, until 1972 this state was called differently - Ceylon. This is how the Europeans who colonized the island at the beginning of the 16th century marked this place on their maps.
The island's population is approximately 21.5 million, the vast majority of whom practice Buddhism. More than a million tourists visit the country every year. The best time to holiday in Sri Lanka is from November to April, when the northeast wind prevails here, bringing with it warm and dry weather. From May to October the island is under the rule of humid monsoons. During this period, there are tropical downpours almost continuously, and beach holidays are complicated by high waves.
What is remarkable about a holiday in Sri Lanka? Here you can look at the majestic Buddhist temples, ride an elephant, taste real Ceylon tea, sunbathe on the beach, go diving, surfing or rafting. But today we will not talk about this. We have prepared for you 8 interesting attractions that are definitely worth seeing on the island of Sri Lanka.
One of the four teeth of Buddha, preserved after the cremation of his body, is kept here. This relic came to Ceylon in 371 and since then has been carefully protected by representatives of the royal dynasty. The temple is located on the territory of the royal palace and is open to everyone who wants to worship the shrine. Of course, you will not see the tooth itself, since it is under reliable protection. It is taken outside the temple only once a year. During the colorful Esala Perahera festival which takes place in August.
In addition to the famous tooth, in the Dalada Maligawa Temple it is worth seeing a Buddha figurine made of a solid emerald, as well as ancient manuscripts.
The botanical garden is located 6 kilometers from the city of Kandy. Its area is more than 60 hectares. Here you can walk surrounded by exotic trees, flowers, palm groves and bamboo thickets. Huge pavilions with orchids and cacti, as well as a Japanese garden, are noteworthy. The garden is home to hundreds of bright tropical birds and funny monkeys who are not afraid to approach tourists. In addition, in the botanical garden you can see plants planted by famous people, for example, the iron tree of Nicholas II, the ficus of the English king Edward VII and the spruce of Yuri Gagarin.
When visiting Sri Lanka, be sure to see the world's oldest sacred tree, which is over 23 centuries old. According to Buddhist beliefs, the Bo Tree grew from a shoot taken from the ficus Budha Goya, under which insight descended on Siddhartha Gautama and he became the Buddha.
The Bo tree is located on the territory of the Anuradhapura Vihara temple complex. It is surrounded by a fence of gold and is carefully guarded. A huge number of pilgrims from all over the world come here, dreaming of getting a leaf that fell from a sacred tree.
The temple is located near the ancient Sri Lankan capital. It was built, or rather carved into the rock in the 2nd century BC. A giant rock mass hangs over the temple complex, which impresses even experienced travelers. At the foot of the cliff, guests are greeted by a huge statue of Buddha, and a staircase of amazing wavy shape, strewn with flowers, leads to the temple.
Dambulla Temple is rightfully considered one of the richest places of worship, its luxury is amazing. More than 150 Buddha statues are kept here, more than half of which are covered in gold. One of the caves is famous for the fact that drops of water rise up its walls from the source and, collecting under the ceiling, fall into the golden bowl below.
You should be very careful on the territory of the complex - thousands of monkeys feel very at ease here and are not averse to profiting from the contents of your handbag or stealing your camera.
From time immemorial, elephants in Sri Lanka have been considered sacred animals. You can see with your own eyes how these smart animals live at the state elephant nursery in Pinnawala. The most comfortable living conditions for elephants have been created here. Tourists are shown both adult animals and small elephant calves, which can be fed, of course, for a fee and at a strictly designated time. If you're lucky, you'll see elephants bathing, during which they behave not like staid giants, but like little children, splashing with water and rolling around in the mud. Since all the inhabitants of the nursery end up here for a reason, but due to injuries and other unfavorable circumstances, the money raised from tickets goes to the maintenance of the animals.
Connoisseurs of spicy aromas will definitely want to visit the Spice Garden, located in the town of Matae, near Kandy. Here you can see how the spicy plants that we are used to seeing ready-made in our kitchen grow.
During the tour, garden workers will tell you how to properly use spices and how to prepare medicines and cosmetics from them. There is a shop here where you can buy your favorite spices, get advice from an Ayurveda specialist, and even attend a relaxing massage using rare oils and herbs.
A place with such a scary name is located near Dikwella Beach. This landmark of Sri Lanka is also called “Breath of the Whale”. This unusual natural phenomenon is caused by the fact that ocean waves, falling into a deep crack between the rocks, break out and rush upward like a grandiose fountain, reaching a height of 30 meters. The action is accompanied by loud sounds reminiscent of the voice of a giant whale. The only thing to take into account is that this natural phenomenon can only be observed in strong winds. On the way here you will see many picturesque villages and get acquainted with the life of the local population.
The reserve is located in the upper reaches of the three largest rivers in Sri Lanka, eight kilometers from Ohiya. In addition to the luxurious tropical nature and diversity of the animal world, here you can see an attraction called “The End of the World.” This is an absolutely vertical cliff more than 1300 meters high, from the top of which there is a stunning view of the gorge and the river bed. Experienced tourists recommend coming to the observation deck early in the morning, when, in the light of the first rays of the rising sun, a thick fog rises from the bottom of the gorge, creating the feeling that you are really at the very edge of the world.
