Sri Lanka, in the southeast of India, is a unique “ark” of nature and is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Its written history goes back over 2550 years, but from much earlier there were already developed civilizations that left behind carefully planned cities such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, magnificent palaces with advanced architecture, huge artificial dams and reservoirs that are considered wonders of hydraulic engineering, impressive stupas, cave temples, monuments and works of art, such as Gal Vihara, the Sigiriya frescoes and the Mihintale statues. It is no coincidence, after all, that there are 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the island.
Sri Lanka is often referred to as a microcosm of South Asia and is often called the “pearl of the Indian Ocean” or “the teardrop of India,” a country that has always been sought after for its strategic importance and rare beauty. For such a small island (about the size of Ireland), the diversity is impressive, as one can do everything from rock climbing to surfing, diving, whale watching, and hiking through lush jungles—all in the same day. The island is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, with champagne-colored sand, palm trees, and the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, including Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Bentota.
If you are not a fan of beaches and sports, you can start your tour from the so-called “Cultural Triangle”, a name used for the area in the central and north-central part where the most important archaeological and historical sites are located. The triangle is formed by three main capital cities: Anuradhapura, which is the oldest, medieval Polonnaruwa and Kandy, which was the last royal capital. Between them there are many other great monuments, such as Sigiriya and the cave temples in Dambulla.
The Polonnaruwa Archaeological Park
The city developed mainly in the 11th and 12th centuries, when its kings transformed it into an organized capital, with impressive palace complexes, monasteries, tanks and temples. It was planned with extraordinary precision and is characterized by the extensive use of irrigation systems, with the greatest example being the large Parakrama Samudra tank, which still supplies the area with water. Today, it is one of the best preserved archaeological sites in Sri Lanka, where you can wander among the ruins of royal palaces, huge stupas, Buddhist temples and stone colonnades, to understand the importance of the city as a political, religious and cultural center of its time.
The most prominent and photographed monument in Polonnaruwa is the Gal Vihara, which is considered a masterpiece of Sinhalese sculpture. A complex of four Buddha figures carved on a single granite front, during the reign of Parakramabahu I. It includes the 7-meter standing Buddha, the impressive 14-meter reclining Buddha depicting parinirvana, a richly decorated seated one, as well as a fourth figure in a small cavity in the rock.
Anuradhapura and Sigiriya
In the north-central part of Sri Lanka lies the ancient city of Anuradhapura, one of the oldest continuously inhabited capitals of the country, which was abandoned around the 10th–11th century, after repeated attacks, and gradually covered by jungle. In the 19th century, it was discovered by the British and began to be restored. Today, it is an important destination for both Buddhist pilgrims and travelers who come to see the temples, monuments and sacred relics.
One of the rarest sights of the area is the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, a branch of the ancient Bodhi tree of India, under which the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. It is considered the oldest recorded and continuously cared for tree in the world. Particularly impressive are the huge stupas that dominate the ruined city. Among them, the majestic Ruwanwelisaya stands out, one of the most important and sacred in Sri Lanka. If you want to avoid the crowds that usually exist at this stupa, prefer smaller sanctuaries where daily ceremonies and offerings are held. Just outside Anuradhapura is Mihintale, the sacred hill where, according to tradition, Buddhism began in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. The climb is rewarded with stunning views, especially at sunrise.
About 80 kilometers to the southeast rises above a plain the famous Sigiriya, an impressive rocky monolith that reaches 200 meters. At its peak is the ancient 5th-century fortress-palace of King Kasyapa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and perhaps the country’s most famous attraction. It is known as the “Lion Fortress,” as its entrance was once guarded by a huge stone lion, of which only its impressive paws survive today. At the top of the hill are the foundations of the royal palace, the famous water gardens, the intricate hydraulic mechanisms, and the large royal pool—a sample of advanced engineering of the 5th century.
The most famous element of Sigiriya, however, are the frescoes of the Virgins, female figures with beautiful jewelry and earthy tones, painted on plaster in a natural recess of the rock. The frescoes are accessible via a spiral staircase and are considered a masterpiece of ancient Sinhalese art.
Dambulla Caves
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, these caves are the largest and best-preserved complex of cave temples in Sri Lanka. According to tradition, they were the long-term home of the exiled King Vallagamba in the 1st century BC, who took refuge there until he regained his throne. When he regained power, he built the impressive temple, laying the foundation for one of the island’s most important religious centers. The complex consists of five large caves, covering a total area of over 2,000 square meters, which are covered in extensive murals depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, historical episodes and symbols of Buddhism. The artistic detail and vivid colors make Dambulla one of the greatest examples of monastic painting in the country.
Inside the caves are 157 statues of Buddha, in different sizes and poses, from small seated figures to imposing representations. The colossal 15-meter-long statue, carved directly into the rock, which dominates the largest of the caves, stands out. Inside, one also finds statues of deities and ancient kings, a sample of the long-standing cult use of the space.
Stop at the spice garden in Matale
Sri Lanka has been one of the most important hubs of the world spice trade for centuries. The famous Ceylon cinnamon, along with pepper, cloves, nutmeg and cardamom, attracted Arab traders since ancient times. The island’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean made it sought-after, leading to Portuguese conquest in the 16th century, followed by Dutch and finally British rule. The colonialists established plantations and systematically cultivated spices, turning them into a major export product. Matale is located on the road between Kandy and Sigiriya, and there you can get an interesting insight into Sri Lanka’s famous horticultural and medicinal tradition. The area is known for its traditional spice gardens that spread across the tropical slopes. You will see up close how these precious plants are grown and harvested, and your guides will tell you about their therapeutic uses in Ayurveda.
Green Kandy
The “Holy City of Kandy” was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings before the British conquered the country in 1815 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is built on the Mahaweli River, the largest river in Sri Lanka, and on the banks of an artificial lake created in 1807 by converting old rice fields into a water mirror. The lake shimmers like an elaborate jewel around the city, embraced by green hills. Kandy is considered the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka and an important center of pilgrimage for Buddhists. At its center is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), the most important Buddhist temple in the country, where the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha is kept – in a series of golden boxes. The tooth itself is extremely rarely exhibited; you will see its ornate case and then you can tour the complex with its arcades, murals, wood carvings and ceremonial halls. The ideal time to visit is in the evening, when the worship ceremonies are performed by candlelight.
A few kilometers outside the city, next to the banks of the Mahaveli River, lie the Royal Botanical Gardens, which cover approximately 147 acres and include more than 4,000 species of plants. There is one of the largest collections of orchids in Asia, along with impressive palm trees, rare tropical trees and a huge garden of bamboo and ferns. The city is also famous for its traditional dances that have their roots in ancient rituals and are closely linked to the island’s Buddhist and folk traditions. You can attend a performance and see the artists dressed in impressive costumes and wearing elaborate silver jewelry. They dance to the rhythm of drums, telling myths, religious stories and heroic deeds of kings. Some performances include the impressive “fire dance”, where artists walk barefoot on burning coals, a spectacular practice associated with ancient purification and protection rituals.
Colombo, a city of contrasts
Although the capital is Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Colombo is the largest city and the financial center of Sri Lanka. Located on the west coast, it is a bustling, fast-paced city of extreme contrasts. Its port is one of the most important in the Indian Ocean. Colombo has a rich colonial heritage and is a melting pot of races, religions and cultures – representing the best and the worst that the country has to offer.
The city is a contrast in itself, with mansions, lush gardens, excellent dining options, shopping malls full of expensive designer boutiques, next to slums, streets filled with exhaust fumes and street markets. The experiences it offers are similar: From a tuktuk ride, a visit to the Pettah market and a meal of Kottu (one of Sri Lanka’s most popular street food), to golf at the 129-year-old Royal Colombo Golf Club. And from afternoon tea at one of the colonial-style hotels overlooking the Indian Ocean, to massages at the spas operating in the city.
A must-see is the National Museum in a neo-baroque building that was built specifically for this purpose in 1877. The halls invite visitors to explore each of Sri Lanka’s historical kingdoms, with signs explaining interesting details, such as the meaning of the mudras (gestures and postures) of the Buddha statues. The galleries on the upper floor are dedicated to the country’s arts, crafts and culture, and there is a small Natural History Museum in the garden.
A notable religious monument is the Gangarama Vihara, decorated with magnificent brass works, stone sculptures and other Buddhist artwork. A walk is worth taking in Mt Lavinia, one of Colombo’s most relaxed suburbs, full of seafood restaurants on the beach: it was named after Lovinia, the gypsy dancer who had a secret love affair with one of Sri Lanka’s rulers. As for the nightlife, it also reflects this modern identity of the city, as they operate from casinos to chill-out bars and clubs for fun until dawn.
Take the train from Colombo to Kandy and Ella
This 213km journey, which takes 8-9 hours in total, offers one of the most exciting experiences in Sri Lanka. The Main Line was created in the 19th century by the British to transport coffee and later tea from the plantations in the highlands to the port – in fact, the rugged terrain made it difficult to build and tunnels, bridges and archways had to be built through the dense jungle. The train starts from the lowlands of Colombo, leaves behind the tropical heat and densely built suburbs and climbs through rice fields and villages with small stations that seem to have remained untouched since the colonial era. After Kandy, it continues deeper into the mountains, where the landscapes are magical. It glides between endless tea plantations, mist-shrouded slopes and narrow gorges. Small villages appear like strokes in the greenery and waterfalls form white lines on the slopes.
Arrival in Ella is the culmination of the journey, a moment when the landscape changes again. The small mountain village is spread out in a lush valley and has the unique privilege of offering views of the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, which are, in fact, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hills here seem softer, the light more diffused and the pace of people’s lives is very relaxed.
The area is a paradise for those who love nature and walking. The trails to Little Adam’s Peak are easy and offer panoramic views. The more adventurous attempt the demanding climb to Ella Rock. From Ella station, travelers can walk along the tracks to the legendary Nine Arches Bridge, one of the most beautiful examples of colonial railway architecture, hidden in the dense jungle. Ella has developed in recent years into one of the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka, and small cafes, guesthouses and restaurants are spread along the road, creating a pleasant, youthful atmosphere. Despite its fame, however, the settlement has not lost its authentic character: in the mornings, when the hills are covered in mist, the workers on the tea plantations descend into the fields, reminding us that it remains a traditionally rural place.
National Parks
Sri Lanka has one of the most developed systems of protected areas in Asia, with ten national parks that preserve its biodiversity and are important ecotourism destinations. Two areas, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the Central Highlands, have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The National Parks include different ecosystems – from dry forests and savannas, to mountainous highlands and coastal wetlands – offering refuge to elephants, leopards, sloth bears, rare primates, crocodiles and more than 500 species of birds.
The most famous is Yala National Park, famous for its high density of leopards. Minneriya is famous for its concentration of wild elephants during the dry season (peaking in August and September) when the animals come in search of food and water at the park’s reservoir, creating a truly magnificent spectacle. Wilpattu, the country’s largest park, is characterised by forests, lakes and quiet trails. To the south, Bundala is an important wetland for migratory birds, while Lunugamvehera acts as an important “corridor” for animals moving from Yala to Udawalawe. Gal Oya offers the opportunity for rare boat safaris where visitors can see elephants swimming from island to island in the reservoir. Horton Plains, in the Central Highlands, impresses with its misty plateaus and the famous World’s End point, a vertical canyon with a cliff approximately 870 meters high: there, the feeling that the ground ends abruptly literally gives the impression of the edge of the world and of course the view takes off.
Sports and Beaches
The Indian Ocean island is a popular destination for those looking for a combination of water sports and outdoor activities. Surfing is one of the most popular, and areas such as Arugam Bay, Weligama and Hikkaduwa attract surfers from all over the world thanks to their consistent waves and distinct summer and winter seasons. Snorkeling and diving are also popular on the vibrant coral reefs and shipwrecks of Trincomalee, Unawatuna and the southwest coast. Rafting and canyoning in Kitulgala attract those looking for river adventure. Whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa and Trincomalee is another popular travel feature.
The island’s coastline is approximately 1,340–1,600 kilometers and includes a multitude of beaches, coves and small harbors. There are three beaches that stand out for their beauty and services: Unawatuna, on the south coast, is one of the most famous, with golden sand, calm waters and tropical trees that reach the shore. It is organized, with many beach bars, small restaurants, shops and the settlement a few meters away. The sandy beach of Mirissa, also on the south coast, is famous for its semicircular shape and its clear blue waters. It is also organized and is the starting point for whale watching excursions. Finally, Nilaveli, on the northeast coast near Trincomalee, is considered one of the most pristine beaches in Sri Lanka. It has fine white sand, crystal-clear shallow waters and offers views of Pigeon Island, which is a popular snorkeling destination.
