Sri Lanka
Discover the Wonders, where Serenity Meets Adventure
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Highlights
The World Oldest Tree
Sri Lanka is home to the world's oldest human-planted tree, the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura. Known as the oldest living human-planted tree in recorded history, it was brought as a sapling from India in the 3rd century BC by Sangamitta Theri, the daughter of Emperor Asoka. This fig tree has been tended by an uninterrupted succession of guardians for over 2,200 years.
The Elephants Gathering
Sri Lanka is the only place in the world where you can witness the incredible phenomenon known as the "Gathering" of wild Asian elephants. Each year, between July and October, hundreds of elephants migrate to the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, creating one of the largest elephant gatherings on the planet—a truly awe-inspiring sight for any nature enthusiast or wildlife lover.
- Explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Ascend this ancient rock citadel for breathtaking views and fascinating historical ruins.
- Safari at Yala National Park: Embark on a thrilling safari to witness diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and exotic birds.
- Visit Temple of the Tooth, Kandy: Experience the cultural heart of Sri Lanka by paying homage to the revered relic of the Buddha's tooth.
- Relax on Unawatuna Beach: Unwind on the golden shores of this picturesque beach, known for its clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
- Train Ride to Ella: Enjoy one of the world's most scenic train journeys through misty mountains and lush tea plantations.
- Whale Watching in Mirissa: Witness majestic blue whales and playful dolphins on an unforgettable ocean adventure.
- Explore Galle Fort: Step back in time as you wander through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, brimming with colonial charm and history.
- Sri Lankan Cooking Class: Immerse yourself in the island's rich culinary heritage with a hands-on cooking experience.
- Hike to Adam's Peak: Climb this sacred mountain at dawn for panoramic views and a spiritual experience.
- Relax in a Tea Estate in Nuwara Eliya: Indulge in the tranquility of Sri Lanka's tea country, surrounded by emerald-green hills and cascading waterfalls.
Country Information
- Colombo
- GMT +5
- Rupee
- Buddhism
- 22 Million
- Sinhala, Tamil
- Colombo
- Sri Lanka boasts a tropical climate, with two distinct monsoon seasons. From May to September, the southwest monsoon brings rain to the western, southern, and central regions. From October to January, the northeast monsoon affects the east coast. The hill country, including places like Nuwara Eliya, enjoys cooler temperatures year-round. With its varied climate, Sri Lanka offers something for everyone, from sun-seekers to cool-weather enthusiasts.
Essence of Vietnam & Cambodia
Embark on a one-night river cruise through the Mekong Delta, meandering along canals and engaging with local communities. Experience the delta’s beauty before taking a speedboat to the lively city of Phnom Penh. Discover Angkor Wat by torchlight on a unique tuk-tuk ride, offering a rare and enchanting view of the ancient temples. In Saigon, immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore the city’s vibrant streets aboard a traditional tuk-tuk. This journey blends scenic river cruises, historical exploration, and authentic local travel, providing a rich and diverse experience of Southeast Asia’s wonders.
Essence of Vietnam & Cambodia
Embark on a one-night river cruise through the Mekong Delta, meandering along canals and engaging with local communities. Experience the delta’s beauty before taking a speedboat to the lively city of Phnom Penh. Discover Angkor Wat by torchlight on a unique tuk-tuk ride, offering a rare and enchanting view of the ancient temples. In Saigon, immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore the city’s vibrant streets aboard a traditional tuk-tuk. This journey blends scenic river cruises, historical exploration, and authentic local travel, providing a rich and diverse experience of Southeast Asia’s wonders.
Highlights of Sri Lanka
Visit one of Anuradhapura‘s most revered Buddhist temple sites, Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba, where a fantastic atmosphere is created by the many visiting pilgrims. Enjoy a fascinating walking tour of Colombo‘s Pettah market where everything from electrical goods to fresh produce is sold. Climb the thousands of steps to the top of Sigiriya Rock and be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Stop at a village near Habarana for an insight into rural Sri Lankan life. Take a bullock cart to see traditional farming life and enjoy a simple local lunch.
Essence of Vietnam & Cambodia
Embark on a one-night river cruise through the Mekong Delta, meandering along canals and engaging with local communities. Experience the delta’s beauty before taking a speedboat to the lively city of Phnom Penh. Discover Angkor Wat by torchlight on a unique tuk-tuk ride, offering a rare and enchanting view of the ancient temples. In Saigon, immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore the city’s vibrant streets aboard a traditional tuk-tuk. This journey blends scenic river cruises, historical exploration, and authentic local travel, providing a rich and diverse experience of Southeast Asia’s wonders.
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Top Places to Visit
Colombo
Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and major port “Colombo” offers a fine amalgamation of historic value and contemporary settings. Explore these grounds in different angles to experience the diverse array of food – organic and made to perfection with a touch of Ceylon spice, communities signifying family unions, colourful culture and of course some authentic shopping in trading boutiques with the principle of giving back to the rural society. Colombo is on ‘fast forward’ with sky risers and new cities being built, however, the Colonial structures entwined with the timeless rich history of Ceylon would undoubtedly take you back in time.
Central Highlands
Considered a great bio-diversity hotspot, the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka made it to the list of yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The location being approximately 2500 metres above sea level creates a cooler clime and thus allows for a plethora of flora & fauna and cascading waterfalls, making it a nature enthusiast’s paradise. There are endangered and other wildlife species such as the Western-Purple-faced Langur, the Slender Loris, Sambar Deer, and even sightings of the majestic Leopard, in these montane forests.
Kandy
This is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage city which carries a rich culture, history, traditions, arts and crafts. Located in the hill country, it also offers simple scenic beauty coupled with a touch of urbanity. The city’s colonial architecture has been preserved well even in the backdrop of rapid urbanisation. Close to the city’s center is the prime landmark, the ‘Sri Dalada Maligawa’ that houses the sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Apart from the ancient monuments of the Kandyan era, the delightful jumble of antique shops and the bustling market in the city also make up for interesting places to visit.
East Coast
This heavenly coastal getaway of unspoilt, white, sandy beaches and crystal blue waters is located in the Northeast portion of the island.Apart from the turquoise beaches and watersport activities, there are historically and culturally prominent sites in Trincomalee, and other leisure activities in Passikudah one could bask on. Passikudah is considered one of the most perfect and safest spots for sea baths due to its shallow coastlines and comparatively low currents.
North / North West
North West Coast begins with the popular coastal town of Negombo, renowned for its fishing villages, seafood, lagoon and beach. Further North is the region untouched by mass tourism, however, offers a range of wildlife such as Whale and Dolphin watching in Kalpitiya, exotic migrant birds in Mannar, Wildlife sightings in Wilpattu National Park and many more. Jaffna, the Northern tip of the island, is immersed in history, landscape of its own with Palmyrah trees, rich local life and surrounding isles
Cultural Triangle
This is the heart of Sri Lanka’s history and is home to a larger concentration of proud archaeological remnants of Sri Lanka’s medieval kingdoms. This bears the UNESCO World Heritage cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla which date back to the 4th century BC. A few key locations include the unparalleled beauty of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa ruins, the spectacular panoramas of the ancient citadel in Sigiriya and the Cave temples in Dambulla.
South Coast
While you would only think of the famed beaches and adventurous water sports in the coastline, this region offers many more diverse experiences you could ever dream of. The South Western Coast is also renowned for its devil mask production, traditional puppet artistry, Moonstone mines and rubber plantations. The deep South offers Whale and Dolphin watching and all the way north to the wildlife treasures of many National Parks. Further towards the East is a Surfer’s paradise with Arugam Bay offering that perfect wave break.
Festivals & Special Events
Though Sri Lanka is a little pearl in the Indian Ocean, it’s blessed with four main religions and many other groups of ethnicities. This has protracted to us having several vibrant and traditional festivals to commemorate these distinctive occasions. Below highlighted are some of the essential ones to provide an insight of which selections classify as your “must see” and in your predilection to experience when you visit Sri Lanka along with key seasonal occurrences
