As a popular travel destination, Sri Lanka offers travellers a breathtaking array of attractions. From natural wonders to heritage sites, here’s a rundown of the best highlights in the country.
Kandy
Occupying the Central Highlands of the country, the hill capital known as Kandy is not only home to the Kandy Lake but also the Temple of the Tooth. As an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic temple housed within a former palace is not the only highlight in the area as the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Udawattekele Sanctuary are two nature hubs that all travellers must explore.
The Cultural Triangle
Whether you sign up with Walkers Tours or a similar tour operator or explore this area independently, the Cultural Triangle is easily the most engaging region of Sri Lanka. Home to not one but two ancient capitals, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the sheer number of temples, centuries-old ponds, palaces and monasteries make spending time in this part of the country a dream come true.
Safari Tours
When it comes to Sri Lanka tours that are for adrenaline junkies, safaris in one of the country’s nine national parks more than fits the bill. From Yala National Park and its birding haven Kumana to the vast herds of elephants occupying Udawalawe National Park, the wealth of opportunities these safari adventures offer tourists to spot majestic creatures in the wild is truly impressive.
The Beaches
Hikkaduwa Beach, Unawatuna, Bentota and the south coast beaches are not the only white, sandy pieces of paradise that are accessible to visitors as the north-eastern beaches of Pasikudah and Arugam Bay are just as breathtaking.