Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Highlights

Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture. Colombo, the commercial capital, offers landmarks like the historic Fort district, the beautiful Gangaramaya Temple, and the vibrant Pettah Market. Beyond the capital, explore the stunning landscapes of the Central Highlands, the unique Sigiriya Rock Fortress, or the historic city of Anuradhapura. Don`t miss the beautiful beaches along the southern coast, the unique wildlife of Yala National Park, or the stunning tea plantations in the Hill Country. Sri Lankan cuisine, known for dishes like rice and curry, hoppers, and a variety of seafood, is flavorful and diverse. Whether you`re exploring an ancient city, spotting wildlife in a national park, or relaxing on a beautiful beach, Sri Lanka offers a unique and enriching travel experience.

Top 10 Attractions

Adams Peak

Also known as Sri Pada, this is a 2,243 m (7,359 ft) tall conical mountain famous for the "sacred footprint", a rock formation near the summit, which in Buddhist tradition is held to be the footprint of the Buddha. The trek up the mountain is a popul... more

Also known as Sri Pada, this is a 2,243 m (7,359 ft) tall conical mountain famous for the "sacred footprint", a rock formation near the summit, which in Buddhist tradition is held to be the footprint of the Buddha. The trek up the mountain is a popular pilgrimage route at dawn.

Anuradhapura Ancient City

The city of Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, is famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. The city houses palaces, Buddhist shrines, and well-preserved dagobas (stupas), providing a glimpse into th... more

The city of Anuradhapura, one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, is famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilization. The city houses palaces, Buddhist shrines, and well-preserved dagobas (stupas), providing a glimpse into the island`s rich history.

Beira Lake

Located in the center of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, Beira Lake is a large lake that offers beautiful views and serene surroundings. The lake is home to several species of birds and is a popular spot for rowing. more

Located in the center of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, Beira Lake is a large lake that offers beautiful views and serene surroundings. The lake is home to several species of birds and is a popular spot for rowing.

Colombo National Museum

The largest museum in Sri Lanka, it houses collections of important artifacts such as the regalia of the country, including the throne and crown of the Kandyan monarchs. It is a key stop for anyone interested in the history and culture of Sri Lanka. more

The largest museum in Sri Lanka, it houses collections of important artifacts such as the regalia of the country, including the throne and crown of the Kandyan monarchs. It is a key stop for anyone interested in the history and culture of Sri Lanka.

Dambulla Cave Temple

The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a World Heritage Site that contains more than 150 Buddha statues. It`s the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, with murals covering an area of 2,100 sq... more

The Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a World Heritage Site that contains more than 150 Buddha statues. It`s the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, with murals covering an area of 2,100 square meters.

Galle Dutch Fort

Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Inside the fort, visitors can explore the charming narrow streets, Dutch colonial buildings, the lighthouse, and the many boutiques and... more

Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers. Inside the fort, visitors can explore the charming narrow streets, Dutch colonial buildings, the lighthouse, and the many boutiques and cafes.

Horton Plains National Park

This is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. Its dramatic landscape includes scenic vistas, rocky outcrops, and the famous "World`s End", a sheer precipice with a 900-meter drop. more

This is a protected area in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and is covered by montane grassland and cloud forest. Its dramatic landscape includes scenic vistas, rocky outcrops, and the famous "World`s End", a sheer precipice with a 900-meter drop.

Independence Memorial Hall

This national monument in Colombo was built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on February 4, 1948. It is a venue for Indep... more

This national monument in Colombo was built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from the British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on February 4, 1948. It is a venue for Independence Day celebrations and other national functions.

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

This historic mosque in Colombo is one of the oldest mosques in Sri Lanka and a popular tourist attraction in the city due to its unique design and beautiful architecture. Its candy-striped red and white pattern is visible from far away and serves as... more

This historic mosque in Colombo is one of the oldest mosques in Sri Lanka and a popular tourist attraction in the city due to its unique design and beautiful architecture. Its candy-striped red and white pattern is visible from far away and serves as a landmark in the Pettah district.

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi

In Anuradhapura, this sacred fig tree is said to come from the southern branch of the historical Sri Maha Bodhi in India under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting dat... more

In Anuradhapura, this sacred fig tree is said to come from the southern branch of the historical Sri Maha Bodhi in India under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. It is the oldest living human-planted tree in the world with a known planting date and has been tended by an uninterrupted succession of guardians for over 2,000 years.

Knuckles Mountain Range

Named for its series of folds and peaks which resemble the knuckles of clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District, it offers some of the most rugged and breathtaking landscapes in Sri Lanka. The range is home to a wide var... more

Named for its series of folds and peaks which resemble the knuckles of clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District, it offers some of the most rugged and breathtaking landscapes in Sri Lanka. The range is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, especially endemic species.

Minneriya National Park

This park is an ideal place for sightseeing and different forms of safari due to the abundance of elephants. Additionally, it is home to a wide range of birds and other animals, making it a haven for wildlife lovers. more

This park is an ideal place for sightseeing and different forms of safari due to the abundance of elephants. Additionally, it is home to a wide range of birds and other animals, making it a haven for wildlife lovers.

Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations

Nicknamed "Little England", Nuwara Eliya is known for its cool climate, picturesque landscapes, and sprawling tea plantations. Visitors can tour the tea factories, enjoy the lush greenery, and sample some of the world`s finest teas. more

Nicknamed "Little England", Nuwara Eliya is known for its cool climate, picturesque landscapes, and sprawling tea plantations. Visitors can tour the tea factories, enjoy the lush greenery, and sample some of the world`s finest teas.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

This orphanage, nursery, and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants is located in Pinnawala. Visitors have the opportunity to watch these majestic creatures during feeding and bathing time. more

This orphanage, nursery, and captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants is located in Pinnawala. Visitors have the opportunity to watch these majestic creatures during feeding and bathing time.

Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura. The archaeological treasures of the city offer a mix of both Buddhist and Hindu influences, and its well-preserved monuments continue to give detailed insight into... more

Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura. The archaeological treasures of the city offer a mix of both Buddhist and Hindu influences, and its well-preserved monuments continue to give detailed insight into the country`s ancient culture.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Sri Lanka`s most iconic landmarks. Known as the "Lion`s Rock," it`s an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs.... more

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Sri Lanka`s most iconic landmarks. Known as the "Lion`s Rock," it`s an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens and reservoirs. Its frescoes, mirror wall, and the gigantic lion paws halfway up the rock make it a unique architectural marvel.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

This national park is a biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It`s the country`s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest, and more than 60% of its trees are endemic. Many endemic wildlife species, including birds, insects, am... more

This national park is a biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It`s the country`s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest, and more than 60% of its trees are endemic. Many endemic wildlife species, including birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals can also be seen here.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

This temple in Kandy is a significant Buddhist site that houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. During the annual perahera procession, the relic is paraded through the streets of Kandy on a royal elephant, in one of Sri Lanka`s most iconic festival... more

This temple in Kandy is a significant Buddhist site that houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. During the annual perahera procession, the relic is paraded through the streets of Kandy on a royal elephant, in one of Sri Lanka`s most iconic festivals.

Udawalawe National Park

This national park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir. It is known for its large herd of Sri Lankan elephants and also provides habitat for many species of birds, reptiles, and... more

This national park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe Reservoir. It is known for its large herd of Sri Lankan elephants and also provides habitat for many species of birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Yala National Park

Yala National Park is renowned for its variety of wildlife, especially leopards and elephants. It also hosts a range of ecosystems including moist monsoon forests, dry monsoon forests, semi deciduous forests, thorn forests, grasslands, fresh water an... more

Yala National Park is renowned for its variety of wildlife, especially leopards and elephants. It also hosts a range of ecosystems including moist monsoon forests, dry monsoon forests, semi deciduous forests, thorn forests, grasslands, fresh water and marine wetlands, and sandy beaches.

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