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Welcome to the jewel of the Indian Ocean, where vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality converge to create an unforgettable tapestry of experiences. Our “Best Destinations in Sri Lanka” page is your gateway to a land steeped in rich history, adorned with pristine beaches, lush greenery, and a kaleidoscope of flavors.
Embark on a virtual journey with us as we unveil the top destinations that define the essence of Sri Lanka’s allure. From the ancient wonders of Sigiriya and the sacred city of Kandy to the golden shores of Bentota and the untamed beauty of Yala National Park, each locale we showcase promises a unique and enchanting encounter.
Sri Lanka’s first capital which dates back to the 5thCen.BC.the ancient city was a model of planning with precincts set aside for huntsmen, scavengers, heretics as well as for foreigners. During the period it remained one of the most stable &durable centres of political power & urban life are South Asia. The city is sacred to the Buddhist world is surrounded by monasteries, manmade reservoirs & houses the oldest documented tree in the world, the sacred Bo tree. Some of the highlights are : Sri Maha Bodhi-, Isurumuniya Rock temple, Brazen Palace, Samadhi Buddha, Ruwanveliseya, Abeygiri stupa, Jethavanarama, Thuparama, Twin ponds.
Sigiriya (Lion’s rock) is an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin situated in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, structures & reservoirs,. A popular tourist destination, Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient paintings (frescos) which are reminiscent of the Ajanta Caves of India. Sigiriya was built during the reign of King Kassapa I (AD 477 – 495), and it is one of the seven World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. Attractions are: Mirror wall, Frescoes, Royal gardens of Sigiriya, Lion staircase, swimming pool & King’s throne on the summit.
Sri Lanka’s medieval capital which rose to fame in the 11th Cen AD. Polonnaruwa shows the interesting blend of the influence of the south Indian Hindu culture on the Sinhala Buddhist art & architecture in the scattered shrines and monuments still venerated by devotees. Polonnaruwa suffered from invasions by Cholas & Pandyans from time to time. Main attractions are: Gal Vihare complex, Siva temples, Kiri Vehera, Lankatilake, Circular Relic house, Pothgul Vehera,Royal Palace complex, Stone book,
which was un opened for the last thirty years due to civil war. All travel restrictions lifted for foreigners & locals. All roads re-constructed, hotels built and Jaffna is becoming a major destination in the island. Jaffna is famous for its rich cultural heritage, salubrious climate & could be reached by air or land. Main attractions are: Jaffna Dutch Fort, Public Library, Nallur temple, Nilaveri, Keerimalai, Delft, Naagadeepa temple, Casuarina Beach.
Dating back to the 1st Cen. BC, this is the most impressive cave temple in Sri Lanka. It has five caves in number, under a over-hanging rock housing the biggest collection of Buddha statues in one place. All cave roofs are painted with religious images depicting Jathaka stories. A 14m reclining Buddha statue is carved in rock in the first cave. In the second cave sixteen standing & forty seated Buddha statues are found.
Unlock the beauty of Sri Lanka with our meticulously designed tours. Dive into rich culture, relax on pristine beaches, and let the magic of this island captivate you. Secure your spot now and let the adventure unfold!
Mihintale is known as the cradle of Buddhism and is located 11 kms from Anuradhapura. You have to climb 1840 granite steps to reach the summit. Arahat Mahinda Thero from India preached Buddhism to King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale in the 3rd Century BC. And the ruins of a hospital complex, remains of over 68 caves and stupas are found at Mihintale. During the month of June, lot of Buddhist pilgrims arrives at Mihintale.
The hill capital of Sri Lanka, a World Heritage city & is the most visited tourist destination in the island. Dalalada Maligawa, which enshrines the tooth relic of Lord Buddha, the holiest shrine in the Buddhist world is located in Kandy. According to history the tooth relic was brought to Sri Lanka in the reign of King Keerthi Sri Megawarna @ Anuradhapura (301 – 328). Other attractions are – the Royal Botanical Gardens, which covers 57 hectares & houses over 4000 species of plants, Pinnawala elephant orphanage, feeding & bathing times for elephants is at 0915 hrs& 1315 hrs. Museum – a building of historical & architectural interest & houses an interesting collection of Kandyan period. Some of the Buddhist temples in the area are Gadaladeniya, Embekke, LankatilakeVihare & Degaldoruwa. Also the Asgiriya& Malwatte chapters.
Known as Little England due to it’s mean temperature of 13.8C (57F) & is located 1, 896m above sea level. The British converted Nuwara Eliya to a English town. English-style pubs, a golf course, alke for trout fishing, a race track, British style buildings etc. More than foreigners, locals visit here for holidaying especially during April/May. 20 kms away is Horton Plains, ideal for trekking up to World’s End, a sudden end precipice which drops straight down about 900 m with the magnificent view of the plains below. Also the Hakgala Gardens connected with Valmiki’s epic Ramayana is found close to Nuwara Eliya.
Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, one hour drive from the International airport.. And most of the banks, airline offices, shops & hotels are located here. The major attractions are the fort, Pettah, old parliament, Galle face, Dutch & National Museum & Dutch hospital. Other attractions are the BMICH conference hall, Gangarama temple, Dewatagaha Mosque, Wolfendhal Church & Ponnambalam Vanneswara temple. 10 kms away from the city Kelaniya Temple is located, & it’s history goes back to 2, 566 years & Lord Buddha visited eight years after attaining enlightenment. Nearest beach resort is Mount Lavinia & the Zoological Gardens is located 10 kms from the city.
Unlock the beauty of Sri Lanka with our meticulously designed tours. Dive into rich culture, relax on pristine beaches, and let the magic of this island captivate you. Secure your spot now and let the adventure unfold!
– From ancient times Ratnapura is known as the City of Gems. Gem mining has been the long – established major industry in the region. The world’s most precious & rarest gems were found in Ratnapura. Rubber & tea plantations surround the area. Adam’s Peak & Sinharaja rain forest is easily accessible from Ratnapura.
Galle, a World Heritage City, owes its glory to it’s harbour. History suggests that Galle is the Tarshish of the Bible. Because of it’s strategic position of the Galle harbour in relation to the sea routes, it was the island’s chief port of call from as early as the 14th century. Galle is famous for its harbour, Dutch Fort, handicrafts, lace making, ebony carving & gem cutting, polishing.
Kitulgala lies on the western slope of the central hills belonging to the Kegalle District. It is popular among tourists & locals for white water rafting. The Kelani River flows fast for a few kilometres across Kitulgala with lots of rapids leaving it best for white water rafting. Kitulgala came into International fame due to the fact that the academy award winning ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ was filmed on the Kelani River near Kitulgala by David Lean in 1950s. Other activities at Kitulgala is bird watching & trekking.
Located a short distance from Matale town, Aluvihare signifies the greatest single event since Buddha’s demise (Parinibbana). It was here that the Tripitaka (scriptures) were committed to writing in the 1st Cen, BC during the reign of King Walagambahu. The Tripitakas are the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta PItaka &Abidhamma PItaka. You could observe ola books, styluses used to write on ola leaves, rock carvings and many Buddha statues
74kms from Kandy, lies Mahiyangana & is a venerated place for the Buddhists as Lord Buddha’s first visit after enlightenment was to Mahiyangana. The Stupa was built over the Hair relic of Lord Buddha. The Stupa, after the Parinibbana or passing away of the Buddha, was transformed to be the Mahiyangana Cetiya after Thera Sarabhu brought the Collar Bone of the Buddha from the funeral Pyre & enshrined in it.
Adam’s Peak is a mountain, 7362ft high, and is considered sacred by adherents to the island’s four major religions. Buddhists believe it’s the foot print of Lord Buddha, Christians & for Muslims, it’s the foot print of Adam, and for Hindu’s its Lord Shiva. The season starts in December & ends in May. Pilgrims very old and the very young included climb the sacred mountain annually.. Most of the pilgrims climb at night to witness the glorious sunrise as it produces the famous spectacle of the shadow of the peak.(37 kms from Hatton).
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with UNIVERSAL TRAVEL BUREAU . Immerse yourself in new cultures, savor unique experiences, and capture moments that will stay with you forever. Let this be the chapter where you craft enduring memories that resonate long after your journey concludes.
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