I have been to and experienced many countries in the world but rarely have I seen a place with as many historical sites and natural attractions as Sri Lanka. So what are you waiting for, check the weather forecast, pack your bags and go!
1.Cycling around the holy city of Anuradhapura
If you want to see what Sri Lanka was like 200 years ago, head to Anuradhapura, a city 220km from Colombo. Founded in the 6th century BC, Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first capital for over 1,000 years. The well-preserved remains of the old city are some of the most impressive in South Asia. It is home to more than 10,000 Buddhist architectural and archaeological wonders, with giant brick stupas crafted by the ancient inhabitants, ruined temples and pools surrounded by monasteries spread over 40km.2.
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The world's largest brick monuments, such as Jetavanaramaya, Abhayagiriya or Ruwanvalisaya, are often compared to the pyramids at Giza. The 2,000-year-old Jetavanaramaya stupa, which stood 122 meters high (approximately a 40-story skyscraper!), was considered the tallest structure in the ancient world. Today, it is no longer the tallest, but it is still the largest, with an area of 233 square meters.2built on brick foundations. The construction techniques used at Anuradhapura during that time are so remarkable that they have amazed many architects of the modern world. The stone Buddha statues here are some of the most classical icons of the world.
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 tree in recorded human history.
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-Getting around: The best way to explore the ruins of Anuradhapura is by tuktuk or by 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 because there are many places suitable for picnics. In addition, you should also bring a few pairs of socks because when entering some temples, tourists have to take off their shoes. If you bring socks, you can walk barefoot on the stone floor without fear of heat.
- Sightseeing: The entrance fee is 25 USD/day. However, it will take you up to 3 days to explore all the relics here. Therefore, to make the most of the day, you should visit the distant temples first.
2.Welcome the sunrise on Adam's Peak
You will surely feel more holy after reaching Adam's Peak or Sri Pada in Sri Lanka. It is a 2,234m high mountain located in the beautiful central region with a special rock structure on the top, attracting a large number of pilgrims for over 1,000 years. According to legend, this is where Buddha left his footprint when he entered Nirvana. However, Hindus believe that it is the footprint of Lord Shiva. Christians and Muslims believe that it belongs to Adam, the first person to set foot on earth after leaving heaven. Perhaps because of these beliefs, this place attracts a large number of pilgrims to the mountain all year round.
After each climb to the top of the mountain, there are wonderful experiences with extremely spectacular panoramic views. The road to the top of the mountain is steep with different levels. On average, visitors take about 2.5-4 hours to climb to the top. Although the road to the top of the mountain is very steep, it will definitely be one of the most attractive and memorable experiences in your life.
Many Sri Lankans consider climbing Adam’s Peak as a must-do at least once in their lifetime. Therefore, you will easily meet many local families with their parents and children on the peak. Many people try to climb early in the morning, so they start at around 2am to see the sunrise. It is truly an experience worth doing.
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-Time: The climbing route is very crowded from January to March. Other months will be less crowded.
-Note: Remember to bring food, especially drinking water because you may have to use it when there are no services provided during the low season. In addition, bring a jacket and hat because the weather is quite cold at the top. Don't forget to bring a torch if you want to climb at night. Although the climbing route is very safe for tourists, traveling in groups is always the smartest choice.
3.Relax on the snow-white Mirissa beach
Put your mobile phone aside, grab a book and order a fresh coconut or a beer, swing in a hammock right on the beach and relax. It is a sweet experience in Mirissa, a beautiful crescent-shaped beach that can make your dream of a tropical paradise come true.
All the hotels and motels built along the beach will give you the impression of a deserted island. There are many small cafes and restaurants serving fresh seafood along the coast. You will feel the relaxing atmosphere here in the evening, when the dining tables are set up right on the beach with candles and lanterns shining. This is a great destination for romantic dates.
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Three unmissable experiences in Mirissa:
- Sea sports: In Mirissa, there are many interesting activities such as diving or surfing because the sea water here is very clear. Thanks to the stable wave level and few tourists, this place attracts many surfers from all over the world. The best time to surf 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 operators, ensure the boat is not too crowded and have enough life jackets for all passengers. If you want a chance to see blue whales, come here between mid-December and March.
-Ayurvedic Treatments: Mirissa has many spas, Ayurvedic and yoga centers with various herbal body massages and aromatherapy treatments. Prices are affordable.
4.Visit the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya
Another great place in Sri Lanka to enjoy the cool breeze and fresh air is the mountain-surrounded city of Nuwara Eliya. The cool climate, colonial architecture, beautiful parks and gardens with neatly trimmed lawns give visitors a feel of the English countryside. In the 19th century, British tea pioneers used to come here to relax, hunt deer and fox, play golf and cricket.
Walking around the picturesque tea hills around the city, you will see women carrying baskets full of tea leaves on their backs. These are also impressive images as the surrounding scenery. After a long day of tiring work, the locals still do not forget to give visitors fresh smiles.
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-Activities: One of the activities that cannot be missed when coming to Nuwara Eliya is visiting the tea factory. You can join a tour or go alone to learn about the tea production process, tea growing techniques, different types of tea and why some teas have a bright orange color...
-Tea tasting: After the tour there will be a tea ceremony where visitors are invited to taste different types of fresh tea.
5.Visit the spectacular Sigiriya Lion Rocks
Meaning “Lion Rock”, Sigiriya is Sri Lanka’s most priceless site. It is famous for its palace ruins atop a 200m high rock surrounded by a network of water gardens and fountains, pools, ponds, courtyards and other structures. All of them demonstrate the superb skills of ancient landscape architects.
1600 years ago, this natural rock was converted into a royal fortress by King Kasyapa. The producers of the series“Game of Thrones”The fame must have been inspired by the story of this king’s life of intrigue and betrayal. The king’s palace at the top has only one entrance, through the mouth of a lion and its giant paw prints carved into the rock. Along the way, you will admire a series of outstanding murals and shrine caves. During the 2.5-4 hour ascent, your guide will answer questions about each artifact you see.
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- Sightseeing: Tickets to Sigiriya, recognized by UNESCO as the 8th wonder of the world, are sold for 30 USD/person. If this ticket price is too high for you, you can also visit the Pidurangala relic site next door. This rock relic is also as high as Sigiriya and gives visitors a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape.
-Note: It is not easy to climb the spiral stairs attached to the vertical walls in Sigiriya. Therefore, you should consider it if you are traveling with children. Don't forget to bring water, snacks and a hat.
6.Shopping at Galle Fort
Men, beware! If you are going to Galle Fort with your ladies, keep your wallets close as they will drain your wallet! It will be hard to control yourself when you pass by the jewelry, gems and dozens of handicraft shops.
The beautiful Galle Fort, covering 90 hectares, is the best preserved port in South Asia. For hundreds of years, Persians, Greeks, Indians and Chinese traded here, mainly in spices. But Galle’s “modern” history begins in 1505, when the Portuguese captured the fort, and 100 years later the Dutch took over and built the present fort with wide streets and houses.
Today, the fortress area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a source of inspiration and a destination for many foreign artists, writers, designers and photographers. It has a unique mix of small shops, colonial-style hotels, cozy restaurants, unique museums and art galleries.
Inside Galle Fort, you can buy travel and film posters from the late 1800s, textiles, handicrafts, home accessories, hand-painted paintings and masks. If you get tired of shopping, visit one of the fort’s highlights: the Dutch Protestant Church with its 300-year-old organ! You can also visit the hourly chiming Lighthouse, the Meera Mosque, All Saints Church and the former Dutch Government House.
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- Sightseeing: The fort is open to tourists. The best way to explore the fort is to walk inside the walls just before sunset. Locals and tourists often stroll and enjoy a drink or watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
-Special: If you are lucky, you can see giant lizards sunbathing along the walls. Although they look like crocodiles, they are not dangerous.
7.Watching elephants bathing in Kandy
Protected by UNESCO, Kandy has a wealth of activities to amaze any visitor, whether you are a nature lover or a temple and museum buff. You can visit a temple considered one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred sites, housing a relic of the tooth of the Buddha.
If you are looking for a less touristy and quieter place, the Royal Botanic Gardens is the ideal destination. This is one of the most spacious (60ha) and beautiful gardens in the world, easily accessible by taxi or bus. There are more than 10,000 trees of different ages, shapes and species. Among them are very rare species such as banyan trees, giant Burma bamboos 40m high, ancient Javan fig trees with roots stretching up to 1,800m.2. The blooming orchids and roses also make the garden extremely magical.
But one of the most amazing experiences you’ll definitely enjoy is watching the hundreds of elephants bathing in the river. Hundreds! That’s the estimated number of elephants living at the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage (40km from Kandy). The elephants have a pretty boring daily routine of eating and bathing twice a day. Thankfully, unlike their siblings at some elephant farms in Thailand, they’re not forced to entertain tourists by playing soccer or drawing.
The best part is watching them bathe and how they get to the river. First, they cross the road, where cars stop to let them pass. Then they follow each other along the narrow path between the souvenir shops, all the while a crowd of tourists gasps in amazement and snaps photos from a safe distance. Watching the baby elephants bathe is also fun. You can also bottle feed them, but you have to pay extra.
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Admission costs around $16 USD but it is really fun, especially if you have kids.
Article and photos:Iryna Kokota
