VI
EN
I've traveled to and experienced many countries around the world, but rarely have I found a place with as many historical sites and natural landscapes as Sri Lanka. So what are you waiting for? Check the weather forecast, pack your bags, and go!
1.Cycling around the sacred city of Anuradhapura
If you want to know what Sri Lanka was like 200 years ago, visit Anuradhapura, a city located 220km from the capital Colombo. Founded in the 6th century BC, Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka for over 1,000 years. The well-preserved historical relics of the old city are one of the most impressive sights in South Asia. It is home to over 10,000 architectural and archaeological wonders of Buddhist architecture, including massive brick stupas handcrafted by ancient inhabitants, ruined temples and pools surrounded by monasteries spread across an area of 40km.2.
v
The world's largest brick monuments, such as Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiriya, and Ruwanvalisaya, are often considered on par with the pyramids of Giza. The 2000-year-old Jetavanaramaya, standing at 122 meters tall (approximately a 40-story skyscraper!), was once considered the tallest structure in the ancient world. While no longer the tallest, it remains the largest, covering an area of 233 square meters.2Built on a foundation of paved bricks, the construction techniques used at that time in Anuradhapura were so remarkable that they have astonished many architects of the modern world. The stone Buddha statues there are among the world's most iconic symbols.
Another important destination in Anuradhapura is the Bodhi tree (Sri Maha Bodhi), where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Sri Maha Bodhi was brought from India and planted in the 3rd century BC. Since then, the Bodhi tree has been considered the most sacred and revered place, worshipped by Buddhists from all over the world. It is the oldest recorded tree in human history.
Additional information:
- Getting around: The best way to explore the ruins of Anuradhapura is by tuktuk or renting a bicycle. You can rent bicycles at most hotels and homestays.
-Note: Don't forget to bring water and a hat because the weather is very hot. You can also bring some sandwiches as there are many places suitable for picnics. Additionally, you should bring a few pairs of socks because some temples require visitors to remove their shoes. If you bring socks, you can walk barefoot on the stone floor without fear of getting too hot.
- Sightseeing: The entrance fee is 25 USD/day. However, it will take you up to 3 days to explore all the historical sites here. Therefore, to make the most of your day, you should visit the more distant temples first.
2.Watching the sunrise from Adam's Peak
You'll surely find yourself becoming more spiritually enlightened after visiting Adam's Peak, also known as Sri Pada, in Sri Lanka. This 2,234-meter-high mountain, situated in the beautiful central highlands, boasts a unique rock formation at its summit, attracting pilgrims for over 1,000 years. Legend says it's where the Buddha left his footprints upon entering Nirvana. However, Hindus believe it belongs to Shiva, while Christians and Muslims attribute it to Adam, the first to set foot on earth after leaving paradise. Perhaps it is these differing beliefs that draw such a large number of pilgrims to the mountain year-round.
Each climb to the summit offers an amazing experience with breathtaking panoramic views. The path to the summit is steep and winding, with varying inclines. On average, it takes visitors about 2.5-4 hours to reach the top. Although the climb is very steep, it will undoubtedly be one of the most fascinating and memorable experiences of your life.
Many Sri Lankans consider climbing Mount Adam a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Therefore, you'll easily encounter many local families with their parents and children at the summit. Many attempt the climb early in the morning, setting off around 2 AM to watch the sunrise. It's truly a worthwhile experience.
Additional information:
- Best time to visit: The mountain climbing trip is very crowded from January to March. Other months are less crowded.
-Note: Remember to bring food, especially water, as you may need it during the off-season when services are unavailable. Also, bring a jacket and hat as the weather can get quite cold at the summit. Don't forget to bring a torch if you plan to climb at night. Although the mountain trail is generally safe for tourists, going in a group is always the smartest option.
3.Relax on the snow-covered beaches of Mirissa.
Put your cell phone aside, grab a book, order a fresh coconut or a beer, lie back in a hammock right on the beach, and relax. It's a sweet experience in Mirissa, the beautiful crescent-shaped, peaceful beach that can turn your tropical paradise dreams into reality.
All the hotels and guesthouses built along the beach will give you the impression of a secluded island. There are many small cafes and restaurants serving fresh seafood along the coast. Especially in the evening, you'll feel the relaxing atmosphere when tables are set up right on the beach with candles and lanterns illuminating the scene. This is a wonderful destination for romantic dates.
Additional information:
Three must-do experiences in Mirissa:
- Water sports: Mirissa offers many exciting activities such as scuba diving and surfing because the seawater here is very clear. Thanks to the stable waves and lack of tourists, it attracts many surfers from all over the world. The best time for surfing is from October to March of the following year.
-Dolphin watching: Whale and dolphin watching tours are very popular with tourists. Be sure to choose reputable tour providers, ensuring the boat isn't overcrowded and that there are enough life vests for all passengers. If you want a chance to see blue whales, visit between mid-December and March.
- Ayurvedic Traditional Therapy: Mirissa offers numerous spas, Ayurvedic therapy centers, and yoga studios with various herbal full-body massages and aromatherapy treatments. Prices are affordable.
4.Visit the tea hills in Nuwara Eliya.
Another ideal destination in Sri Lanka for enjoying the cool air and fresh breezes is the city of Nuwara Eliya, nestled among mountains. With its cool climate and colonial architecture, the charming parks and gardens with their neatly manicured lawns give visitors a feeling of peaceful English countryside. In the 19th century, British pioneers in the tea industry often came here to relax, hunt deer and foxes, and play golf and cricket.
Strolling through the picturesque tea hills surrounding the city, you'll encounter women carrying baskets overflowing with tea leaves on their backs. These images are just as impressive as the surrounding scenery. After a long, tiring day of work, the locals still offer visitors warm smiles.
Additional information:
-Activities: One of the must-do activities when visiting Nuwara Eliya is visiting a tea factory. You can go on a tour or go alone to learn about the tea production process, tea cultivation techniques, different types of tea, and why some teas have a bright orange color…
- Tea tasting: Following the tour, there will be a tea ceremony where visitors are invited to sample various types of fresh tea.
5.Visit the spectacular Sigiriya Lion Rock formation.
Meaning "Lion Rock," Sigiriya is Sri Lanka's most priceless landmark. It is famous for its palace ruins atop a 200-meter-high rock, surrounded by a network of water gardens, fountains, pools, ponds, courtyards, and other structures. All of this showcases the superb skills of ancient landscape architects.
One hundred and sixty years ago, this natural rock formation was transformed into a royal fortress by King Kasyapa. (Producers of the series)"Game of Thrones"The site's fame was undoubtedly inspired by the story of this king's life filled with intrigue and betrayal. The king's palace atop the mountain has only one entrance: through a lion's den with its enormous paw prints carved into the rock. Along the way, you'll admire a series of striking murals and grottoes. During the 2.5-4 hour ascent, your guide will answer your questions about each artifact you see.
Additional information:
- Sightseeing: Entrance tickets to the Sigiriya archaeological site, recognized by UNESCO as the 8th wonder of the world, cost 30 USD per person. If this is too high for you, you can also visit the Pidurangala site next door. This rock formation is also as tall as Sigiriya and offers visitors spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
-Note: Climbing the spiral staircases attached to the vertical walls at Sigiriya is not easy. Therefore, you should consider this if you are going with children. Don't forget to bring water, snacks, and a hat.
6.Shopping at Galle Fort
Gentlemen, take note! If you're with the ladies at Galle Fort, keep your wallets tightly closed because they'll empty your purse! It will be hard to resist the temptation when passing by the jewelry shops, gemstone stores, and dozens of craft shops.
The beautiful Galle Fort, covering 90 hectares, is the best-preserved seaport in South Asia. For centuries, Persians, Greeks, Indians, and Chinese traded at this port, primarily dealing in spices. But Galle's "modern" history begins in 1505, when the Portuguese captured the fort, and a hundred years later the Dutch took over and built the present-day fort with its wide roads and houses.
Today, the fort area is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, a source of inspiration and a destination for many foreign artists, writers, designers, and photographers. It boasts a unique blend of small shops, colonial-style hotels, cozy restaurants, distinctive museums, and art galleries.
Inside Galle Fort, you can buy travel and film posters from the late 1800s, fabrics, handicrafts, household accessories, hand-painted pictures, and masks. If you get tired of shopping, stop by one of the fort's highlights: the Dutch Protestant Church with its 300-year-old organ! You can also visit the hourly-ringing lighthouse, the Meera Mosque, the All Saints Church, or the former Dutch government building.
Additional information:
- Sightseeing: The fort is free to enter for tourists. The best way to explore the fort is to walk inside the walls just before sunset. Locals and tourists often stroll around and enjoy a drink or watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
-Special Feature: If you're lucky, you might even see giant lizards basking in the sun along the walls. Although they look like crocodiles, they are not dangerous.
7.Watch elephants bathing in Kandy
Protected by UNESCO, the city of Kandy offers countless activities to amaze every visitor, whether you're a nature lover or enjoy exploring temples and museums. You can visit a temple considered one of Sri Lanka's holiest sites, housing a relic: a tooth of the Buddha.
If you're looking for a quieter, less-tourist-heavy destination, the Royal Botanic Gardens is the ideal choice. It's one of the world's largest (60 hectares) and most beautiful gardens, easily accessible by taxi or bus. It boasts over 10,000 plant species of varying ages, shapes, and types. Among them are rare species such as the banyan tree, the giant 40-meter-tall Burmese bamboo, and the ancient Javanese fig tree with roots spreading up to 1,800 meters.2The blooming orchids and roses also make the garden incredibly magical.
But one of the most amazing experiences here, and one you're sure to love, is watching hundreds of elephants bathe in the river. There are hundreds! This is the estimated number of elephants living at the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage (40km from Kandy). The elephants have a rather monotonous daily routine: eating and bathing twice a day. Thankfully, they aren't forced to entertain tourists with football or painting, unlike their counterparts at some elephant farms in Thailand.
The most enjoyable part is watching them bathe and how they make their way to the river. First, they cross the road, causing cars to stop to make way. Then, they walk in a line along the narrow path between souvenir shops. At the same time, a crowd of tourists gasps in amazement and snaps photos continuously from a safe distance. Watching the baby elephants bathe is also very interesting. In addition, tourists can also bottle-feed them, but you will have to pay extra.
Additional information:
Admission costs around $16, but it's a really fun activity, especially if you go with children.
Text and photos:Iryna Kokota
