Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an island country in the northern Indian Ocean off the coast of South India in South Asia.Sri Lanka has maritime borders with India to the northwest and the Maldives to the southwest. Sri Lanka is one of 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world. Although the country is relatively small in size, it has the highest biodiversity density in Asia.
A remarkably high proportion of the species among its flora and fauna, 27% of the 3,210 flowering plants and 22% of the mammals, are endemic. Sri Lanka has declared 24 wildlife reserves, which are home to a wide range of native species such as Asian elephants, leopards, sloth bears, the unique small loris, a variety of deer, the purple-faced langur, the endangered wild boar, porcupines and Indian pangolins.
Historic Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the first kingdom of the country and the most celebrated historical city that features a large repository of ancient ruins. A centre for Buddhism and ancient culture, it contains one of the largest structures of the ancient world, the Ruwanweliseya Stupa and the city is famed for having the oldest authenticated tree, the Sri Maha Bodhi. Polonnaruwa, the second kingdom of Sri Lanka is an equally significant heritage site that showcases ancient ruins, structures and legacy. Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy are together named the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. They are the most important historic places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Best Down South Wildlife Tourist Attractions
The Yala National Park, the second largest national park in the country is also the most visited national park on the island, providing some of the best wildlife safaris. The elephants of Yala are a main attraction while its leopard density is one of the highest in the world. Six national parks and three wildlife sanctuaries lie in the vicinity of Yala. Its diverse ecosystems range from wet monsoon to freshwater and marine wetlands. Yala too is a birdwatchers paradise.
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Historic Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Anuradhapura
Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya
One of the must-see world famous Sri Lanka tourist attractions, the rock fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a specimen of stunning engineering and construction. Standing 200 metres above the forested plain, the flattened summit is an ideal place for amazing picturesque views. Skilfully constructed moats, ramparts and water gardens are spread out at the bottom, creating elegance and testimony of a once flourished royal palace.
Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is the first kingdom of the country and the most celebrated historical city that features a large repository of ancient ruins. A centre for Buddhism and ancient culture, it contains one of the largest structures of the ancient world, the Ruwanweliseya Stupa and the city is famed for having the oldest authenticated tree, the Sri Maha Bodhi.
Polonnaruwa, the second kingdom of Sri Lanka is an equally significant heritage site that showcases ancient ruins, structures and legacy. Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy are together named the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. They are the most important historic places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Places to Visit in Hill Country
The mountainous landscape of the central hills provides a mild climate for the globally renowned Sri Lankan tea, exclusive golfing and a diverse culture. Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second largest city and is known for its fresh air, cool climate and the most scared temple grounds of Buddhism. The Kandy city and the countryside provide glorious views, making it perfect for a laidback holiday.
Nuwara Eliya of the hill country is another favourite destination on the island and a top of the list places to visit in Sri Lanka. Considered by many as the tea capital of the country the lush green tea estates endlessly scatter around the region. The highest plateau on the island, Horton Plains in Nuwara Eliya is a National Park of mystic beauty.
Best Beaches to Visit in Down South
Sri Lanka as an island in the great expanse of the Indian Ocean is down south. Galle, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Beruwela, Unawatuna and Tangalle make coveted Sri Lanka tourist attractions. Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Weligama and Mirissa are fantastic surfing locations while Hikkaduwa reefs provide a snorkelling adventure like never before. The Dondra Point of down south is a main port for whale watching in Sri Lanka with great chances of spotting sperm whales and blue whales.
