The tiny tear drop formed island within the Indian ocean has change into the newest hotspot for vacationers. After the top of the 30 years civil warfare, and all of the journey advisories lifted, vacationers simply cannot wait to move out to the unique island of Sri Lanka. The pleasant and hospitable folks of Sri Lanka, of their flip, with fingers folded and ‘Ayobowan’ on their lips are able to make your vacation probably the most memorable you’ve got ever had.
Tourism in Sri Lanka can, broadly, be divided into three classes. The seashores, the cities of cultural, historic and spiritual significance and final however positively not the least, the character reserves. Don’t be fooled by the dimensions of the nation. The tiny island is wealthy with locations to go to from all these three classes. Be part of me as I unravel the wonders of Sri Lanka.
The bustling metropolis of Colombo is the biggest in Sri Lanka. It’s about an hour’s drive from the Bandarnaike worldwide airport. Similar to different metropolitan cities, Colombo is a hub of exercise. There are various locations value seeing. It being a coastal city, you possibly can get pleasure from gorgeous views of the ocean together with the throngs that head to Galle Face greens within the night. If abandoned seashores are what you might be after, then you possibly can head to different locations, which shall determine later in my record. Apart from that, you possibly can go to the Nationwide museum, the Nationwide zoological gardens, and the Independence sq. which was constructed to mark Sri Lanka’s freedom from the British. You possibly can store your coronary heart out at Majestic Metropolis, Liberty plaza or Odel. It’s simple to commute across the metropolis, with buses, radio taxis and auto rickshaws known as tuk-tuks domestically, available.
Sri Lanka is not nearly seashores. In the event you journey inland there are a lot of treasures to be found. If you’re a fan of the cooler local weather, there aren’t many locations in Sri Lanka however Nuwara Eliya would positively be considered one of them. Nuwara Eliya is a hill station situated within the centre of Sri Lanka, just a bit to the south. When Sri Lanka was below the rule of the British, that is the place a lot of the British got here for a super summer season getaway. The affect of the colonial period can nonetheless be seen within the metropolis, whether or not it could be within the nickname ‘Little England’ or within the structure or within the varied actions which you could immerse your self in whereas there, comparable to boating, golf or horse driving.
One other crucial facet of Nuwara Eliya is that it is likely one of the most necessary cities so far as tea manufacturing is anxious. So be ready to see infinite stretches of tea plantation on either side if you are approaching Nuwara Eliya. Do not forget to drop in on one of many many tea factories dotted alongside the way in which there, such because the Labukele Tea property. The folks there’ll gladly speak you thru the method of constructing tea from choosing the leaf, to processing it, whereas they present you round their property. Put together to be baffled by the range and flavours of tea you should buy there.
So far as vacationer locations are involved, Nuwara Eliya has many. For individuals who are acquainted with the Hindu mythological epic of Ramayana, the ‘Seetha Kovil’ or the Sita temple could be a spot of curiosity. Based on legend, king Ravana of Sri Lanka kidnapped queen Sita from her kingdom in North India and introduced her to Sri Lanka. It’s believed that it was right here, the place this temple is situated, that he stored her. There’s a big foot mark there as properly, believed to be of Lord Hanuman. Even the direst non-believers will expertise an odd and outlandish sensation overcome them as they stand there watching the luxurious inexperienced mist-covered hills, questioning what all this place should have been witness to for therefore many centuries.
Just a bit forward of the Seetha Kovil is the Hakgala Botanical Backyard, which is one other attention-grabbing place to go to. Unfold over a big space, it is sufficient to hold the character lovers on the market occupied for hours.
After Colombo, the town of Kandy (known as Maha Nuvara domestically) is a very powerful in Sri Lanka. There isn’t any scarcity of issues to do and locations to go to right here. Traditionally, Kandy is necessary because it was one of many final kingdoms to stay unbiased from colonization. On the way in which from Colombo, it is going to be the primary main city that you simply encounter whereas travelling in direction of the Central Highlands.
The very first thing you’ll discover about Kandy will most likely be the massive lake within the centre of the city. Bordering this lake on one aspect is likely one of the most necessary pilgrimage locations for Buddhists, the temple of tooth or Sri Dalada Maligawa. It’s believed that, alongside the period of many centuries, the holy relic of Lord Buddha’s tooth after travelling many miles from India, after which inside the island itself for the sake of defending it from the individuals who needed to destroy it, discovered its ultimate resting place on this temple. It was declared a UNESCO world heritage web site. You possibly can see the assorted rituals which can be carried out within the temple 3 times a day, roughly round 5.30 and 09.00 within the morning and 06.30 within the night.
The annual competition of the Esala Perahera, which falls on the total moon round July or August, is in honour of this relic. This complete pageant is a sight to see with the normal Kandyan dancers, superbly adorned elephants, fireplace acts and what not. Additionally it is attention-grabbing to notice that every time the tooth relic has been taken out for public exposition, it has nearly all the time rained.
There are various good inns dotted across the lake on all sides. In shut proximity to the temple of tooth is the trendy Kandy metropolis centre, and the buying complicated, which is an efficient instance of the attractive mix of contemporary and historic that this excellent city is.
A suburb of Kandy is the city of Peradeniya. It’s dwelling to the illustrious College of Peradeniya and the Royal Botanical Gardens, the biggest within the island.
Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are two cities which, along with Kandy, full the so known as cultural triangle of Sri Lanka. If you’re a historical past buff, and have an interest within the historic heritage of Sri Lanka, these locations are to not be missed. Each of those cities are UNESCO world heritage websites and had been as soon as flourishing capitals of historic kingdoms of Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura was the primary historic capital of Sri Lanka, and the ruins that may be seen right here at this time inform the story of a wealthy and secure kingdom which prospered from 4th century BC until the eleventh century AD when it was sacked by the South Indian Chola kingdom after which the capital moved to Polonnaruwa. The reign of King Parakramabahu I in Polonnaruwa was thought of the golden period of Polonnaruwa.
Each cities have many temples, water tanks and ponds, stupas, statues of Kings and Lord Buddha and ruins of palaces scattered round and are positively value visiting to get an thought of the wealthy historic and archeological significance of those two cities. To not be missed in Anuradhapura, is the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, which is alleged to have grown from a sapling introduced in third century BC from the sacred Bodhi tree in Gaya, India below which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. In Polonnaruwa, the Parakrama Samudra is a spot value visiting. It’s truly a reservoir which was constructed within the 4th century AD to maintain the city self reliant however appears as huge as an ocean, therefore the identify ‘Samudra.’
One other positively not-to-be-missed place in Sri Lanka and in addition a UNESCO world heritage web site is Sigiriya or the Lion Rock. As you method, you’ll be shocked at this fifth century palace which sits on prime of a 600ft rock and is seen for miles round because it rears its head out within the midst of miles of lush inexperienced flat land. It’s mentioned to have been constructed by King Kasyapa, who feared invasion by his half-brother and constructed this palace for his personal safety. You possibly can marvel on the quite a few rock shelters or water gardens on the base or as you climb up the 1200 odd steps to the highest, gaze on the frescoes mid-way to the highest and the mirror wall which as soon as upon a time acted as a mirror for the king however now has change into a spot for graffiti exhibiting historic Singhalese script. The lion gate, known as so due to the massive lion paws on the entrance, leads you to the summit which is a big flat space scattered over that are the ruins of historic palace, together with an historic throne and a pool. The view from the highest is breathtaking. You possibly can even see Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa within the distance. Usually, it’s so windy that you simply really feel you will be blow away. Don’t forget to take water together with you as there aren’t any outlets on the way in which. Apply loads of solar block, and put on full-sleeved clothes and a cap. These precautions are needed not solely to guard you from the blazing solar, but additionally from occasional wasp assaults.
There may be way more to the city of Dambulla than cricket! Sure, there’s a global customary cricket stadium right here however do you know that this historic city additionally homes a world heritage web site? Dambulla, situated close to Sigiriya, can also be well-known for its cave temples. These cave temples are located round 160m above the city. The 5 most necessary caves listed here are clustered collectively and may be seen after paying a small price for the ticket. Many guides can be found who will familiarize you with the historical past of the place and the symbolism of the assorted statues of Lord Buddha and different gods and goddesses. It’s attention-grabbing to ponder over the truth that a few of these caves date again to the second century B.C. and had been utilized by King Valagamba as shelter throughout his time in exile.
If we speak concerning the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, then Sigiriya and Dambulla kind the centre of this triangle. It will be smart to base your self in Sigiriya and journey and uncover Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa on day journeys.
One other place value visiting in Sri Lanka is Adam’s peak, a 2,243m excessive mountain situated close to the southern finish of the Central highlands. What’s the most wonderful factor about this mountain is that it teaches us the unity of religions. It’s honored by folks of all religions alike. The mountain can also be known as ‘Sri Pada’ or ‘holy footprint’ which refers back to the imprint on the summit of the mountain. Buddhists imagine that that is the footprint of Lord Buddha, Hindus imagine it to be the footprint of Lord Shiva, it’s the footprint of St. Thomas for the Christians and for the Muslims it’s the footprint of Adam, the primary man. One of the best time to climb the mountain is round December to March when camps and higher amenities are offered. A lot of the pilgrims begin climbing round midnight and attain the summit in time to see the spectacular dawn. Ensure to take loads of heat garments. Pilgrims then descend instantly as as soon as the solar comes out, the warmth usually will get insufferable.
Sri Lanka is wealthy in natural world and residential to many wildlife sanctuaries and pure reserves, a few of that are the Gal Oya Nationwide Park the place massive herds of elephants may be seen, Yala Nationwide Park with one of many highest leopard densities on the earth, and Ravana Ella wildlife sanctuary which comprises the well-known Ravana falls and caves, vital to the Hindu epic of Ramayana. All these locations have gorgeous landscapes and are wealthy in pure wealth. It’s arduous, due to this fact, to pick one to put in writing about. Nevertheless, Sinharaja Biosphere reserve is likely one of the most important amongst these, not solely as a result of it’s a UNESCO world heritage web site, but additionally as a result of it is likely one of the previous few rainforests left on the earth. As a result of density of the vegetation there are fewer animals to be seen however it’s a botanist’s dream come true for many who wish to research the crops of rainforests, lots of them native to Sri Lanka restaurants in Colombo.
One other place value mentioning right here is the Pinnawela elephant orphanage which may be visited on the way in which to Kandy. It’s dwelling to greater than 100 elephants. You possibly can benefit from the sight of the elephants fortunately marching their strategy to the financial institution of the river Ma Oya for his or her bath, which occurs twice a day. You may as well feed them milk from a bottle with the help of the mahouts or helpers. Do your bit to assist out and make a donation of bananas or milk for the elephants! The entire expertise of seeing these light giants frolic within the river will really be unforgettable.
The nation newly free of the clutches of ethnic battle now has many locations open for vacationers which, earlier, had been even out of the attain of the locals. One such place is the northern district of Jaffna, domestically known as Yaalpaanam. It may be thought of an island linked with the mainland of Sri Lanka by a slender strip of land known as the elephant go. Jaffna has many shallow lagoons and offshore islands. Some of the necessary islands could be Nagadipa on which is situated a holy Viharya or Buddhist shrine. You possibly can take in the tradition and traditions of the Sri Lankan Tamils right here in Jaffna. Different locations value seeing are the Jaffna fort, and the Nallur Kandaswamy temple, a Hindu temple situated within the outskirts of Jaffna. Prayers are carried out right here punctually six occasions a day, ranging from 5 within the morning and the final prayer being at six within the night. One of the best interval to go to this temple could be in July/August when the annual competition is held.
It being an island, the ocean is rarely far off in Sri Lanka. And for those who love seashores then you’ll be spoilt for decisions right here. One of the simplest ways to go about it might be to land at this time worldwide airport in Sri Lanka, close to Katunayke and head for the town of Negombo, after which you’ll be able to journey south alongside the coast and uncover the numerous coastal cities and benefit from the seashores. You can be passing by the industrial capital of Colombo, which will not be probably the greatest locations if seashores are what you might be after, however additional down are the cities of Mount Lavinia, Bentota, Balapitiya, all of which have loads of price range inns and plenty of actions to maintain you occupied with. Additional down is Hikkaduwa the place you possibly can see corals in glass-bottom boats, and Galle, not solely well-known for its seashores but additionally for an historic fort. Near Galle is the Unawatuna seashore which is taken into account probably the greatest on the earth not solely due to its splendidly musical identify however due to its sheer unspoiled magnificence, coral reefs and alternatives for scuba diving. Additional down, the seashores of Mirissa, which can also be well-known for cinnamon cultivations, and Dondra, the southernmost level of Sri Lanka and residential to a towering lighthouse, are sizzling spots for dolphin and whale watching. The Arungam Bay is legendary for internet hosting many worldwide stage browsing competitions.
Trincomalee, a port metropolis situated on the japanese coast of Sri Lanka, boasts of the attractive Nilaveli, Uppuveli and Pink rock seashores with pink boulders. Throughout June to September the shores of Trincomalee additionally turns into a sizzling spot for whale and dolphin watchers. There are various inns throughout Sri Lanka that are related to this sport and may give you help to make your expertise unforgettable. Not solely is Trincomalee dwelling to Fort Fredrick, the biggest Dutch fort in Sri Lanka, it additionally has many locations necessary for Hindus and Buddhists such because the Koneswaram Hindu Kovil and the Seruwila temple. Positively to not be missed is the Naval museum and the Hood’s tower which was a lookout level for the British navy, therefore gives a beautiful 360-degree view of Trincomalee. Trincomalee is necessary as a result of it’s a pure harbor, in truth the fifth largest on the earth. Be able to face a number of routine checkpoints as it’s situated inside the areas that had been a part of the ethnic battle.
If buying is what you might be after, then you should buy tea, obtainable in lots of flavours. The native handicrafts are another choice. The Batik work produced domestically is gorgeous. Batik is a material artwork which makes use of wax and dye. You should purchase wall hangings, sarees, and different objects that are made utilizing this artwork. The dear stones and jewelry obtainable listed here are one other factor value contemplating. In reality, the city of Ratnapura (actually, the town of gems) is well-known for its rubies, saphires and emeralds. You may as well take dwelling a wide range of good high quality spices. There are various spice gardens dotted across the nation the place you possibly can you study extra concerning the cultivation and makes use of of a wide range of spices.
One small island however many causes to go to. So head to this stunning nation in your subsequent trip.