About Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura

The oldest and most famous, is situated in the North Central plains, just 200 km to the north of Colombo. Historians believe that from around 4th century BC to the 11th century AD, Anuradhapura was the capital Sinhalese and a thriving economic hub in South Asia. Although Anuradhapura history is easily traced from the 4th century BC, excavations have been able to identify artefacts from the Iron Age which easily dates back to 900 BC. It is believed that from those times the community grew and flourished to become one of South Asia’s grandest kingdoms.

Polonnaruwa

To the south is the second oldest of Sri Lanka’s Ancient Kingdoms. It has a history as old as Anuradhapura. Among its many attractions, the Parakrama Samudra (sea) is a landmark. Created by King Parakramabahu, it is the largest man-made rainwater reservoir in the country, spanning an area of 2,500 ha and remains a primary source of water for agriculture in the district. It is replete with beautiful ruins and exquisite sculpture and is one of the world’s best maintained cultural heritage sites and a definite must visit.

Sigiriya

Sigiriya, the lion’s rock further south is one of the best preserved examples of Sinhala cultural heritage, selected in the 5th century CE by King Kasyapa as his royal capital; it was abandoned at the end of his tragic reign and functioned as a monastery till the 14th century. It is claimed by enthusiast as the Eighth Wonder of the world and is anyway a world heritage site.The frescoes are probably Sigiriya’s most popular attraction. The whole face of the wall has been used as a picture gallery which to this day have been preserved.  

Dambulla

Dambulla has one of the best preserved cave temple complexes, dating from theist 1st century BC and still functions and follows monastic traditions to this day! The fascination of these caves is not only the statues but also the many intricate and delicate paintings that cover the ceiling and walls, created with indigenous traditional paints. The statues and art found within the cave truly highlight the artistic abilities of those living in the past. The temple has been in use for over 22 centuries and still holds a sense of benevolence and spirituality. Because of the history, archaeological and artistic implications, the premises were declared as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in 1991.

Kandy

As the second largest city of the island and the capital of the Central Province, Kandy has grown from being a medieval kingdom to a friendly, busy city set in forested hills and surrounded by tea plantations and close to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya. As well as the Temple of the Tooth, there are many Buddhist monasteries and Hindu places of worship to visit, and cultural dance performances to watch.The Temple of the sacred tooth relic, is the most hallowed Buddhist site in the world and is the centre of the nations buddhist culture and tradition .The yearly exposition of the sacred relic carried through the streets of the City, on brilliantly caparisoned elephants with great ritual and grand pageantry is Asia’s grandest spectacle and can only be witnessed in Sri Lanka.

Nuwara Eliya

Colombo-Kandy-Nuwara Eliya is the most scenic highland motor road of Sri Lanka. The town’s attractions include the golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, boating or fishing on Lake Gregory and the naturally landscaped Hakgala Botanical Gardens displays roses and tree ferns, and shelters monkeys and blue magpies.  Nuwara Eliya is a city in the tea country hills of central Sri Lanka.

Negombo

Negombo, just a short distance from the airport is the best place for one to acclimatise. A once thriving fish village that is now a favourite for the tourists, has a beautiful tropical coastline of palm fringed golden beaches interspersed with several leading seaside resorts. Its lagoon, which supplies the crabs and shrimp Negombo is famous for, is also a place for water sports and boat safari. A stroll through town in an evening and mixing with the friendly locals, with a bit of shopping adds to the mix!

Unawatuna

Unawatuna is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Sri Lanka and is the most “famous” beach in the country. It’s known for its coral reef, lovely banana-shaped beach of golden sand and turquoise water, surrounded by green palm trees! The Sea Turtle farm and hatchery south of town protects endangered species.

Galle

Galle, At the south western tip of Sri Lanka is easily the most recognizable sea port in all of Asia! Surrounded by the Indian ocean, it is a cultural melting pot with a history going back to 1500 BC! Its iconic landmark, the Fort, built by the Portuguese is a world cultural heritage site and is definitely a place to visit! From Galle to Point Dondra,the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka there are several world famous beaches. With a tropical landscape of beautiful bays interspersed with rocky headland ,one can find some exciting surf points, sandy beach and the added attraction of making an excursion to watch the gentle giants of the ocean the Whales, on their annual journey around the Southern tip of Sri Lanka!

Bentota

Further south and a pleasant drive along the coast is the foremost tourist resort centre in all of Sri Lanka! It’s miles of beach with world famous hotels and its lagoon, which is the home of all water sport activity in Sri Lanka with a river system that extends over 60 kilometres is the fun lover’s dream. The golden beach is Sri Lanka’s cleanest and pristine beach in Sri Lanka, with several major resort hotels catering to the visitors. Bentota lagoon is the year round calm area for all kinds of water sport and its river is a delightful boat safari of mangrove swamp and riverside habitat with the chance encounter with the elusive crocodile! The sea food is excellent!