Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a tiny island with a population of approximately 21Mn situated in the Indian Ocean right below India. Total area of Sri lanka is just 65,610 sq.Km but it is an island with a wide diversity in many perspectives. Whether you wanna visit beaches, mountains, cultural locations, religious locations, warm climate, cold climate, wild life.. Sri Lanka has it all ! The country is rich in cultural/ religious diversity as well which allows a tourist to get a holistic view on all cultures/ religions around the world. Sri Lanka is also ranked as the No 01 country to visit in 2019 as per Lonely Planet. I've listed the following locations as the must visit locations in this beautiful country,

On top of Manigala Mountain

1. Knuckles Region & Kandy

If you are a nature lover and a hiker, this is the place to be! Knuckles region is covered with beautiful mountains with lush green forests and flora.. The climate is cold and the air is unpolluted.. Ideal conditions for a hiker. You may select a wide variety of hikes depending on your preference. The most popular hike in this region is the Five peaks hike - covering the 5 peaks of knuckles mountains. Other popular mountains include Manigala, Wangedigala, Dumbanagala, Meemure etc.

On top of Dumbanagala mountain

Kandy is one of the main cities of Sri Lanka with a comfortable climate and is on the way to Knuckles Region. The main attraction of Kandy is the "Temple of the sacred tooth relic - Dalada Maligawa" which is where the sacred tooth of Lord Buddha is preserved. Other attractions of Kandy include Royal Botanical gardens, Kandy Lake etc..

2. Jaffna & Trincomalee

Jaffna is filled with rich culture especially relating to Hinduism and is home to some of the finest unpolluted beaches of Sri Lanka. Popular locations in Jaffna are Nallur Kovil, Nagadeepaya, Dabakola Patuna, Jaffna Fort, Public library, Casuarina beach etc. The Colombo - Jaffna train ride is highly recommended if you wanna enjoy some scenic views.

Nagadeepa Temple

Trincomalee is a popular destination for its beautiful beaches and marine life and is located on the way to Jaffna. Main attractions of Trincomalee include Koneshwaram Kovil, Nilaveli beach, Pigeon Island etc. If you are into snorkeling & scuba diving, Trincomalee might interest you!

Trincomalee

3. Ella & Nuwaraeliya 

Ella is one of the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka, mainly due its beautiful location and the nice climate. Must visit places in Ella are Ella rock, Nine Arches bridge, Rawana falls, Diyaluma Falls, Babarakanda Waterfall etc. If you are risk taker, you may visit the Rawana cave which is also called the "Nil Diya Pokuna" to enjoy an underwater pool which has been preserved for centuries. Train ride from Colombo - Ella is highly recommended and it is one of the best train rides in the world due to its scenic views.

Train ride to Ella

Nuwaraeliya is one of the main towns in this region and located close by to Ella. Main attractions are Horton Plains National park, Piduruthalagala mountain (tallest mountain of Sri Lanka at a height of 2,524 M) Lake Gregory, Victoria botanical garden, Lovers Leap etc. This region is also home to the world famous "Ceylon Tea" !

Swimming in "Nil Diya Pokuna"

4. Colombo

If you wanna do some shopping and enjoy luxury, Colombo is the place to visit. Colombo is the business capital of Sri Lanka, thus has a wide variety when it comes to shopping, restaurants, luxury hotels, night life etc. Places to visit in this area depends on your taste. Popular malls in Colombo are the Majestic City, Liberty Plaza, Colombo City Center, Marino Mall, Odel etc. The skyline of Colombo is changing rapidly highlighting the fast pace of development.

Colombo Skyline

5. Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa

Anuradhpura  & Polonnaruwa are historical cities known for its cultural heritage especially relating to Buddhism. The world famous Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (the sacred fig tree in the Mahamewna Gardens) is located in Anuradhapura and these two cities have a lot of history as they are two of the main kingdoms of ancient Sri Lanka. Other attractions in Anuradhapura are Mihintale, Ruwanwali Saya &Isurumuniya. Main attractions of Polonnaruwa are Gal Vihara, Watadage, Sigiriya etc.

Sri Lankan Sloth Bear

You may also visit the Wasgamuwa National Park (closer to Polonnaruwa) and Wilpattu National Park (closer to Anuradhapura) if you want to enjoy some wild life. Wild life in Sri Lanka is also diverse and gives shelter to many species such as Elephants, Tigers, Bears, Birds etc.

Asian Elephant

In addition to the above places, if you are into surfing - "Arugam Bay" & "Weligama" might interest you. If you are into Kite surfing, "Kalpitiya" might be the spot for you!

Sigirya Rock - ranked as the 8th wonder of the world