Visit Sri Lanka: what are the best things to do and see on the island as the “dark of the Indian Ocean”?
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka was an island more renowned for its tea production and spices than to be a top tourist destination in Asia. Since 2009, the date of the end of the civil war, which lasted for about thirty years, the country has undergone a major change. It becomes day after day a destination more and more taken by tourists eager for sun and seaside stay.
Apart from the beautiful beaches of the south or east, the country also has many attractions, both cultural and natural. Among them, there are no less than 7 cultural and natural places listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage, many places borrowed from the rich history of the island, a quantity of Buddhist and Hindu temples, a lush nature with natural parks and splendid landscapes. “The pearl of the Indian Ocean”, such is the nickname received when it was discovered by the Europeans, a nickname which, today, is still perfect for him.
Here is a list of 15 places of interest and must-see visits to your trip to Sri Lanka!
1. Colombo
Flickr – Indi Samarajiva
Sri Lanka’s economic capital, Colombo does not reflect, with its skyscrapers and traffic jams, the idyllic image of the island. Despite some shortcomings, the city still remains an important step during a stay on the island. It is not distinguished by beaches or hikes but by its past, its heritage and its markets. Founded by the Portuguese, it is possible to distinguish some traces of this story by going to the neighbourhood of the fort. The city is also famous for its Buddhist and Hindu temples, as well as for the Pettah district famous for its market and its stalls of fruit and vegetables.
2. Anuradhapura
Located in the heart of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is no less the cradle of the island. First capital for about 15 centuries, the city is appreciated for its spiritual dimension. Buddhism is omnipresent. Listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site, this site contains, over a dozen kilometers, a multitude of treasures such as the first stupas of the island and the cutting of the Bô tree under which Buddha reached illumination.
3. Polonnaruwa
Also located in the heart of the island, Polonnaruwa is the second historic capital of Sri Lanka. The city is known to contain a gigantic archaeological site dating back to the 11th and 12th centuries, which is also listed in UNESCO World Heritage. There are temples, basins, many statues including the four famous Buddhas of the Kalu Gal Vihara.
4. Trincomale and its region
Nilaveli Beach – Flickr – Leon Meerson
The eastern façade of the island has often been one of the most recent developments following the years of war and the natural disasters that have occurred there. Today, the Trincomale region is experiencing a real renewal. A few kilometers north of the city, the beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli are among the most beautiful of the island.
5. Sigiriya and the Lion Rock
Sigiriya and its Lion Rock are the most surprising places of interest to visit in Sri Lanka. At the top of this huge ochre-colored monolith that defies the jungle of the center of the island are the ruins of a royal palace. The existence of this strange and ancient capital is the result of a virulent opposition within the royal family of the 8th century.
6. The caves of Dambulla
Located at the top of a hill, the five caves of Dambulla are one of the holy places of Buddhism. They contain an impressive amount of statues with the effigy of Buddha and some mural frescoes. At the foot of the hill, under the imposing golden statue, is a museum of Buddhism.
7. The temple of the Dent in Kandy
Surrounded by mountains and hills, Kandy is the last capital of the island to fall into the hands of European colonizers in 1815. Kandy, it is above all the center of the country. It is also an artificial lake around which it is pleasant to walk and which adjoins the high place of Sri Lankan Buddhism, the temple of the Dent. This temple houses one of the relics of Buddha, namely its tooth, which is preserved in seven relics in the form of stupa. The tooth is shown to the public only every 7 years; next time will take place in 2015, but wait to make the queue to get there!
8. Nuwara Eliya
Are we still in Sri Lanka? This is the question we ask ourselves once we arrive at Nuwara Eliya. The highest city of the island (1900 m) is in fact an altitude station created at the end of the nineteenth century by the settlers of Her Majesty in order to escape the heat of the plains. The city benefits, not from the tropical climate on the entire island, but from a microclimate that is more clementary and specific to this region. Here, finishes the beaches, temples and elephants, and places tea plantations, British architectural style and golf courses.
9. Horton Plains
A few kilometers from Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains is a natural estate in front of its name to a British colony, Sir Horton, whose passion was to hunt elephants in the early 19th century. Today, these altitude plains are animated by a different function: protecting the environment and biodiversity often endemic. The estate offers walks through a bush located just over 2000m above sea level and which lead to impressive promontories. In good weather, it is possible to see the Indian Ocean located close to 80 km, and if you are lucky, you may see a leopard!
10. Adam’s Peak
Flickr – Gilles Clark
The peak of Adam is a sacred place for many believers, which is about 2243 m above sea level. Also called Sri Pada, meaning "sacred footprint" in Sinalais, Adam's peak would be the last earthly place where Buddha would have lived. This sacred dimension makes it an important place of pilgrimage on the island. The best time to climb Adam’s peak is to start the night climb. The 5500 downstream steps, you reach the top early, just in time to enjoy sunrise. Another good time to complete this ascent is to do it during the days of full moon (poya day); You then feel overwhelmed by the fervour of the many pilgrims that you cohabit, it is magical. At the top, and in good weather, one of the most beautiful views of the island.
11. Sinaharaja Forest Reserve
Located in the mountainous and green area of the south-west of the island, the Sinharaja reserve is a tropical or rainforest (in English) where it is pleasant to walk; But you better take a k-way with yourself! Inscribed to UNESCO’s World Heritage, it is considered symbolic as the birthplace of Sinalian ethnicity. Apart from this mythical aspect, it is especially known for its biodiversity: there are several endemic species both plant and animal. However, wildlife is hardly observable through the imposing green mass.
12. Uda Walawe
Located south of the mountainous region, Uda Walawe is one of the main natural parks on the island. Located around an artificial lake, the park is renowned for its large quantity of elephants; There are about 500. Apart from elephants, bird lovers will be able to observe many species and varieties of birds.
13. Galle
Going to Galle is a leap of a few centuries back in Sri Lankan history and its Portuguese, Dutch and English colonial past. Located southwest of the island, the old town of Galle is surrounded by ramparts, such as a fortified city by Vauban. The interior of the fort is composed of streets cut at right angles, colonial style houses with red tiles, baroque churches, ... Nothing better than a small walk on the ramparts to discover the fort.
14. The beaches of the south
The southern coast of the island is composed of a succession of beautiful beaches. This part of the Indian Ocean is sometimes accessible to swimming, but it is always necessary to ensure that the marine currents are very dangerous! There are also surf spots such as those of Arugam Bay, known worldwide and sites where turtles come to lay. The sandy beaches are lined with rows of coconut trees behind which are a few guesthouses. Paradise! Among the most heavenly ones are Mirissa, Unawatuna, Tangale...
15. Yala
With Uda Walawe, Yala National Park is one of the main natural parks on the island. Located southeast of the island near Tissamaharama, Yala houses a very diverse wildlife. On board a jeep, you can observe reptiles (crocodiles, varans, snakes), elephants, cervids, peacocks, raptors, thousands of birds, and if you are lucky you may encounter a bear or leopard.
How to go to Sri Lanka?
SriLankan Airlines operates three to four direct flights a week between Paris and Colombo. The flight duration is approximately 11 hours. Prices can vary depending on the season: you must count at least 800 to 900 € per round trip (for a plane ticket at the best price, think to take a look at our partner’s website and specialist Skyscanner ). The Qatar Airways, Etihad and Emirates companies, among others, offer the most advantageous fares, starting at € 550, but the trips have one at two stops...
Note that to cross immigration at Bandaranaike International Airport is very easy. However, it is necessary to have his passport on his own in all circumstances in Sri Lanka.
Once on site, do not count on domestic flights. Rather limited and interest-free if you want to enjoy the country's landscapes, they are not the best choice. Cheaper, trains ( Sri Lankan Railways ) and the buses are common to move from city to city or village to village, even if they require patience... Indeed the routes are very long and the crowded trains and buses. In fact, if you choose this option, including the bus, you should know that there is no ticket: you will have to buy your ticket once on the bus by mentioning your destination to the driver. You can contact the bus station directly. In the city, túk-túk and taxis are optional to consider, there again the rate is very low and you will never be waiting. Finally, for the bravest, although rare means of transport used by tourists, you have the possibility of rent your own car upon arrival at the airport. What to turn your journey into a full adventure!
Where to stay in Sri Lanka?
Colombo, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura or Dambulla, many are the cities where to stay in Sri Lanka . The choice of your foot on the ground will depend on the itinerary of your trip: whatever it is, you will find in each of Sri Lanka’s drop points a rather well-proven hotel offering, oscillating between luxury hotels, atypical houses, Airbnb or even homestays. Moreover, this Compare hotels has the best prices in terms of hotel offers: with a well-proven database, it will offer you the cheapest offers of the moment and whatever your options.
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