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Sri Lanka
Island of
Endless Discoveries
Key Places in the Island to visit
Sri Lanka
2 weeks or less - Kandy, from here you can visit Dambulla/Sigiriya as aday trip / Ella /Udawalawe & Southern Beaches OR from Ella go toArugumbay based on Season (Mid Apr to Mid Oct)
2-3 week stay - Kandy / Dambulla (do Anuradhapura,polonaruwa&Sigirya based at Dambulla)/ Kandy / Hatton (to Climb Adams peak andcome back)/ Ella / Udawalawe / Mirissa / Unawatuna / Hikkaduwa /Colombo OR Arugumbay/ kumana / Trincomallee - based on season (MidApr to Mid Oct)
3-4 week stay - Jaffna / Anuradhapura & Polonaruwa / Dambulla &Sigiriya/ Kandy /Hatton (to Climb Adams peak and come back) Ella /Udawalawe / Mirissa / Unawatuna / Hikkaduwa /Colombo ( ORArugumbay/ kumana / Trincomallee - based on season (Mid Apr to MidOct)
Kandy
was the last bastion to hold the British from conquest, and as a result theLast Kingdom in the Island, a lovely place you can walk around and its mostrecommended places are - The White Buddha Statue, Udawatte kellesanctuary, Royal Botanical gardens, Kandy lake & Cultural show in theevenings, Temple of the tooth (the Palace that was turned into a place ofworship). The Esala Perehera is held in August, and if you have got yourtimings right should be a must see.
Ella
Quite a popular place with backpackers, as you can see the Nine archbridge, Ella Rock, Little Adams peak, Ravana Cave, Ravana Pool Club,Dowa Rock Temple.
Anuradhapura
The first Kingdom in the Island, where the Banished price Vijaya Chose toRule Sri Lanka. It also has the has historical importance, having the "OldestDocumented planted Tree in the world".. The Sri Maha Bodhi was planted in288BC as symbol of bringing the Teachings of the Buddha to Sri Lanka.This site has many Stupas as Buddhism flourished after the introduction.
Polonnaruwa
Another Great Kingdom where the famous King, Parakramabahu the GreatRuled. : Polonnaruwa Rājādhaniya was the Sinhalese kingdom thatexpanded across the island of Sri Lanka and several overseas territories,from 1070 until 1232. His famous words "Let no water drop that falls fromthe rain make it to the sea without being useful to the mankind" led to thebuilding of more than 2000 lakes to support the cultivation of paddythrough the drought.Has a lot of archaeological sites, you would need a day to cover.
Dambulla
The most famous Dambulla cave temple decorated by paintings and goldBuddha statues by a king to thank the monks for hiding him whilst undersiege. Many religious places to cover, can be done in half a day due to theclose proximity to each other
Ritigala
Ritigala is a mountain in central Sri Lanka which is home to an ancientBuddhist monastery. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery dateback to 1st century BCE. It is located 43 km away from the ancientmonastic city of Anuradhapura. Ideal for a hike...
Sigiriya / Pidurangala
Sigiriya a natural fortress later transformed to a castle by a king, as it's aWorld Heritage site, it is expensive to walk in but the frescoes on the wallsalong with the garden and pool on the top of the rock gives you an idea ofhow this king reigned. Having said this, this History is Challenged by the
"mystical Tales of the Great King Ravana" who is credited withoriginally building this great monument...approx. 8000 years prior...Pidurangala which was also used by monks to meditate gives you a similarview and a nice view of Sigiriya, less pricey option if you are just going forthe view
Pinnawala
The Elephant orphanage here would let you see many elephants, but youridea Of freedom might be questioned by the locals idea of an orphanage
Adam's Peak
Though it's claimed to be graced by many gods of each faith, it's a mustthat you do too. The task of reaching the top gives you a sense ofachievement, and seeing the sunrise and to be above the clouds (dependingon the weather) makes it all the more satisfying.
A must do whilst in Sri LankaAround this area you could also see many tea plantations and do try andvisit a Tea Factory to see how tea is made.Stay in Nallathaniya so that you dont need a tuk or a taxi at 2am...
Nuwera Eliya
NE is also called "little England" as it's a bit cold and misty and landscapeand building styles are with English Architecture. Interesting places to seewould be worlds end & Hortain Plains.
Arugumbay ( Apr-Oct)
A surfers paradise during season. A little village which definitely has a lovelyvibe and a great party place.Lots of little bays which gives you an ideal destination to unwind and enjoy.Would recommend to rent a scooter to go around.
Getting to Arugumbaycan be done from Ella by Bus (Bus can be a bit complicated as you need tochange busses at least twice so would suggest you do taxi share OR youcan get a direct bus from Colombo which would leave colombo at night foryou to be there in the morning. (8pm to 3:30am)
Hiriketiya Beach
A lovely bay, which you have trees by the beach. As it's a bay it's quite safeand a lovely beach to relax. Quite a Party place..all year long !!
Hikkaduwa (Oct-apr)
A party hub by the beach so would suggest you visit this during season.
Weligama / Mirissa
These beaches in the South are in close proximity, Weligama is ideal forsurfing during the Season and Mirissa is known for its parties.
Jaffna
Quite different from the rest of the country with dark green palm trees. Abeautiful place that is best visited by train. (From Mt Lavinia Railway
Station would take you there in approx 7 hours or you could catch sametrain from Anuradhapura)** Train times need to be checked
Kitulgala & Kalpitiya
Though situated miles apart, for the people looking for adventure sports,Kitulgala is ideal place for white water rafting, whilst Kalpitiya isknown for kite surfing.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
This is a forest reserve and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is ofinternational significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserveand World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Situated approx 3 hours fromColombo via the Highway. We would recommend you go to the townDeniyaya to enter the reserve for a guided tour... to Embrace Nature.
Madu Ganga
Ideal for a boat ride through mangroves, learn about cinnamon cultivationand bird watching... surely will be a hit in time to come 🙂
National Parks
The Island is blessed with many national parks where you see different typeof wild animals from Elephants, buffalo to Leopards. Yala is the mostfamous of these, but we believe it's too crowded, so recommend a placesimilar in Wilpattu, where you might be lucky enough to see Leopards.
Whilstthe first two are dense forests, the more open plains of Udawalawe, Minneriya and Habarana National parks will give you a chance of seeing aherd of Elephants instead.If you are in Arugumbay would suggest you go to Kumana National Park.
Trincomalee
Trincomallee BeachOne of the best beaches in Sri Lanka... this along with other beaches on theeast gives you clear white sand. This is also a famous place for diving, Whale watching & Snorkeling
The beach, the pool, the rooftop — and new friends waiting to meet
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