Shopkeeper in Colombo, Sri Lanka [Image by John Gibson from Pixabay]Sri Lanka is a popular South Asian destination with attractions and activities to suit every traveler. The island nation, formerly known as Ceylon, offers exciting and historic cities, idyllic beaches and national parks full of wildlife. Here, you can read a brief introduction to everything Sri Lanka can offer you on a vacation. First, we look at some of the best cities to visit, and then explore the wildlife on offer in the country’s national parks.
Cities of Sri Lanka
1. Colonial Colombo
Beach in Colombo, Sri Lanka [Image by bestbauch from Pixabay]The city of Colombo used to be the capital of Sri Lanka but lost its status to Sri Jayawardanapura in the 1980s. However, it continues to be the island nation’s commercial center, and most countries still maintain their diplomatic missions in the city.
Busy shopping street in Colombo [Image by Kon Zografos from Pixabay]Meanwhile, Colombo’s streets retain much of the city’s colonial past with tree-lined boulevards and pretty gardens. On the newer side of the city, many museums and galleries are waiting to be explored, while it also offers excellent restaurants and hotels. Moreover, the beach promenade makes a pleasant place to stroll and people-watch.
2. Kandy in the hill country of Sri Lanka
Kandy [Image by Kanishka Ranasinghe from Pixabay]The city of Kandy nestles in the hill country of Sri Lanka and surrounds a beautiful lake. Smaller and prettier than its big sister, Colombo, Kandy features colorful houses and hotels and offers much in the way of history and culture. Explore the colorful street markets or dine in excellent restaurants while appreciating the much cooler and often misty climate.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Kandy [Image by DEZALB from Pixabay]The city has much to offer in the way of historic sites and temples, including the must-see, iconic Temple of the Sacred Tooth. This fascinating temple is said to contain the country’s most important Buddhist relic, a tooth of the Buddha.
Meanwhile, the green and lush surrounding countryside offers excellent boutique hotels, along with pleasant visits to the green tea plantations spreading down the hillsides.
3. Galle in the south
Fort district in Galle [Image by Karuvadgraphy from Pixabay]In the south of Sri Lanka, Galle is an exotic, must-visit destination, with the scent of spices in the air. However, the city is unique due to the Dutch-colonial buildings lining some of its streets. Primarily, Galle is a city of trade and art. However, its Fort district offers boutique shops, cafés and hotels owned by local and foreign artists, poets, designers and photographers, making for an exciting mix of cultures.
Wild areas and National Parks in Sri Lanka
1. Uda Walawe National Park
Asian elephant in Uda Walawe National Park [Image Travolution360/Flickr]For anyone seeking an escape from the city, Uda Walawe National Park rivals some of the best African national parks with its elephant herds, leopards, wild buffalo and sambar deer. Meanwhile, other wildlife includes crocodiles, sloth bears, jackals, monitor lizards and mongooses.
Moreover, the park overlooks the Uda Walawe Reservoir and is a place of beauty with little dense vegetation to block the views. The best way to explore is on a guided tour with an expert guide.
2. Bundala National Park, Sri Lanka
Peacock in Bundala National Park [Image Jan Arendtsz/Flickr]Bundala National Park is also a worthy visit, with its waterways, lagoons and dunes. This park hosts thousands of colorful birds with around 200 species living in the park including peacocks.
However, the national park hosts a small population of Sri Lanka elephants, as well as giant squirrels, civets and crocodiles. Meanwhile, the coastal area of Bundala is known for the five different species of marine turtles that lay their eggs in the sand between October and January every year.
3. Arugam Bay Surfers Paradise
Arugam Bay [Image by Ольга Фоломеева on Pixabay]Surfers flock to Arugam Bay, a moon-shaped cove with a famous point break on the coast of Sri Lanka. While the village is very small, it is also a great destination for beach lovers with its beachfront restaurants and guesthouses. Meanwhile, the bay is surrounded by spectacular green and lush landscapes, making it a wonderful place to explore.
Take some time out in Sri Lanka this year, exploring the cities and national parks and making wonderful memories. Learn more about the South Asian country on its official tourism website.
[…] on the lovely island of the same name in Thailand. Here, idyllic beaches await, as well as a mix of cultures, with Chinese shrines, 19th-century Sino-Portuguese buildings and more. Meanwhile, the exotic city […]
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