Whether you are planning your first trip to this magic island, or are you returning for a second taste and another surf, Sri Lanka is a country that will forever surprise you. We have put together for you a list of the 6 must-see places in Sri Lanka, to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!
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Sigiriya
Emerging from the thick jungle surrounding it, Lion Rock at first only looks like a rather unique natural formation. Its history, however, will fascinate and surprise you. At the top of this nearly 200 metres tall rock ending in a plateau, King Kasyapa built his castle. Buddhist monks also used this same rock as a monastery before and after the Kings reign. At the entrance of the steep staircase that takes you up, two gigantic lion’s claws welcome you, while at the top you can admire frescos from its previous inhabitants.
The view overlooking the jungle is mesmerizing, especially at sunrise amidst the quiet of the morning, while the shy rays of the sun hit the valley below. Also worth a visit are the grounds surrounding the sacred rock, which can be discovered by foot or by bicycle. You will find a peaceful and lush setting made of water-filled canals, lily pads and monkeys jumping from branch to branch.To enjoy a view of Sigiriya rock from afar, make sure to climb also Pidurangala, its sister rock. From Pidurangala you will be able to take beautiful photos of Sigiriya Lion Rock.
Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketiya Beach is every surfer’s dream. A small, perfectly shaped half-moon bay, where an intense turquoise ocean offers constant waves. Along the beachfront, surfboard rentals and cafes built on bamboo stilts are everywhere, promising unforgettable sundowners overlooking the ocean.
The little village feels like a community, where everyone knows each other, and locals coexist peacefully with a small community of Australians who have relocated and opened few hotels and restaurants. From the little bay you can reach several points of interest such as local temples and Dondra lighthouse, the southernmost point of Sri Lanka. Time slows down in Hiriketiya. It echoes the rhythm of the waves, a calm, constant lullaby that washes all your worries away.
Kandy to Ella by train
The entire train ride from Kandy to Ella is one unmissable journey. Cutting through kilometres of unspoiled forest, this train is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. During the seven or eight hours that it takes to reach its destination, you will be admiring a sea of lush jungle vegetation, interrupted occasionally by neat tea plantations and small, colourful villages.
The doors of the train stay open, giving you the chance to dangle your feet freely while sitting on the steps or peak outside to smell the refreshing hillside air. There is always a party somewhere on the train, with music and singing and you will never get hungry as local vendors often pass with snacks and local delicacies. To live the real experience make sure to stay in second or third class, that’s where the fun happens!
Nine Arches Bridge
Set in between a forest of tea bushes and tall trees, the Nine Arches Bridge is a vision of architectural mastery. Built at the beginning of the past century, it’s one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in Sri Lanka. Easily reachable from the town of Ella, within one of the most beautiful hillside landscape of the country, this bridge has been made even more famous by the blue train which crosses it, coming or going to Kandy.
When the train passes by, the scene resembles a Harry Potter movie for how picturesque it is! The brave ones can dare to stand or sit on the edge of the bridge, right in the middle, at its highest point, to enjoy an advanced view of the surrounding forest. The rest of us, can enjoy a walk across the tracks or climb the hills on the side to immortalize the picture-perfect scene.
Yala National Park
Yala National Park is one of the biggest and most famous game reserves in Sri Lanka, home to 215 birds species, 44 mammals, with one of the highest densities of leopards in the world.If you are a fan of wildlife, Yala will be all your dreams come true. With an organized safari jeep you will be able to drive around the national park, armed with binoculars, spotting wild animals in their natural habitat.
There is nothing more intense and beautiful than seeing a family of elephants slowly making their way through the bushes to reach a watering hole, or seeing a leopard majestically roaming the plains. Visiting Yala National Park will open your eyes to the world of wildlife and give you a new perspective on the importance of animal welfare and conservation. TIP: If you are a fan of safari, check out also Wasgamuwa National Park!
Galle Fort
A little gem on the southern coastline of Sri Lanka, Galle Fort is one of the best-preserved examples of the colonial era in Sri Lanka. Built by the Dutch and lately expanded by the English, this little town has a unique charm, which will transport you back in time. Crumbling houses stand tightly in between five-star hotels built at the beginning of the nineteenth century, with wooden fans hanging from the ceiling, with a type a class and character that only vintage locations can have.
The food scene in Galle is phenomenal, offering restaurants at every level with the best of Sri Lankan cuisine. The Galle Lighthouse is one of the most famous landmarks of the country, perched on the edge of the town. It overlooks the ocean and is connected to the rest of the city through the original walls which still stand strong. These walls are the best spot to watch on the beautiful Sri Lankan sunsets.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Anastasia and Jean-Pierre have been traveling full time since April 2018, after having left their 9-5 for a life on the road.
They aim to promote conscious traveling through their stories and photographs from their adventures through South America and Asia.
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