|
Among Sri Lanka's most popular tourist destinations are not only its beaches, but also the wildlife in the national parks, the tea highlands with numerous waterfalls and, as the major cultural attractions, the nation's 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are:
--- Anuradhapura was the island's ancient capital for 1400 years. Three of Asia's largest stupas and the most excellent works of ancient sculptural art in situ are among the highlights.
--- Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital, comes closest to fairytale ruined city overgrown by the jungle, the highlights are the landmark circular temple and the unique group of rock-carved Buddha statues called Gal Vihara.
--- Sigiriya is Sri Lanka's most amazing heritage site situated on and around the island's most impressive isolated rock with vertical escarpments on all sides. In a pocket-like cave high above the ground the ancient frescoes called cloud maidens are among the most alluring and fascinating works of art in Asia.
--- The caves of Dambulla house literally hundreds of Buddha statues and the rock surfaces are covered by the arguably largest ancient single mural of the world, incredibly rich in detail and of highest quality among the paintings of the Kandyan style.
--- Due to the Temple of the Tooth Relic the Sacred City of Kandy is the most important Buddgist pilgrimage site on the Buddhist island. Seeing and hearing the ceremonies that are open Buddhist and non-Buddhist visitors alike is an unforgettable travel experience. In Kandy yoz should not miss a cultural show of Kandy dance that combines dance and acrobatics in a unique way.
--- Galle in the very southwest of the island is the best preserved large colonisl fort in Asia. The fortifications of the old town of Galle allow a walk all around the Dutch fort mostly along the seaside. Many colonial buildings are used as museums, restaurants or hotels.
--- Sinharaja forest reserve is the largest tropical rain forest on the island, extraordinarily rixh in tree and fern species and birdlife, with numerous endemics. Sinharaja is also one of the best hiking areas of Sri Lanka, with jungle pathes to viewpoints and waterfalls.
--- The montane forest reserves of Horton Plains and Peak Wilderness and Knuckles Range form the World Heritage Site called Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. Apart from being biodiversity hotspots of a completely different kind than the lowland forests, the saif three reserves are also Sri Lanka's most exciting montainous hiking areas.
Horton Plains is Sri Lanka's only place of interest that is both a World Heritage Site and a national park. It's also the only large national park in the highlands and the only large national park in which hiking is permitted. |
Among Sri Lanka's 26 areas declared national parks, there are 10 for wildlife safaris:
--- The most popular and most beautiful national park is Yala in the south, it has the world's largest leopard density and best chances to spot them.
--- Very popular is also Minneriya between Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, because it has the largest herd of Asian eleohants between July and October.
--- From October to December, the same elephants gather in the nearby national park of Kaudulla in comparable large numbers. The much less frequented Wasgomuwa National Park has large elephant herds between November and April.
--- A very remote large national park inhabited by numerous elephants is Maduru Oya in the east.
--- Throughout the year, Udawalawe National Park in the south is inhabited by around 250 elepjants living in small herds or as lonesome males. It's a popular safari region.
--- Kumana to the east of Yala and Bundala to the west of Yala are national parks very famous for their birdlife.
--- Gal Oya is Sri Lanka's only national park offering boat safaris, elephants can be seen coming to the lake and sometimes swimming to small islets.
|
Sigiriya
|
Dambulla
|
Kandy
|
Nuwara Eliya
|
Ella
|
National Parks
|
Negombo
|
Wilpattu
|
Anuradhapura
|
Mihintale
|
Polonnaruwa
|
Pasikuda
|
Riverston
|
Knuckles Range
|
Kitulgala
|
Nuwara Eliya
|
Adam's Peak
|
Haputale
|
Arugam Bay
|
Gal Oya
|
Weligama
|
Sinharaja
|
Bentota
|
Colombo
|
|
# Many holiday makers starting their round tour in Negombo arrive their in the morning or in the early afternoon, they can enjoy a boat safari in the Muthurajawela wetlands in the late afternoon. The wetlands are situated at the southern end of the Negombo Lagoon.
|
|
# The Elephant Orphanage or one of the Elephant care centers in Pinnawela can be visited either on day trips from Colombo or Negombo or from Kandy or on the way from those two airport cities to Kandy or to Sigiriya.
|
|
# For those who travel from Pinnawela via Kurunegala to Dambulla or Sigiriya, a detour to Padavigampola might be worth considering, for those interested in megalithic cultures it’s a must. The Gal Messa in Padavigampola is Sri Lanka’s only huge domen.
|
|
# On way from the airport and Negombo to Kurunegala is Dambadeniya, almost never considered worth a stop, though there are two major attractions, a temple with excellent Kandyan murals and ruins on an isolated rock that also offers wonderful panoramic views
|
|
# On the inland route from Negombo to Anuradhapura or to Dambulla and Sigiriya travelers often cross the town of Kurunegala at the foot of an impressive monadnock called „elephant rock“, its large white Buddha statue, an excellent viewpoint, can be reached by vehicles.
|
|
# The inland route from Negombo to Anuradhapura allows to visit Yapahuwa rock and fortress, which is 8.5 km (6 miles) away from Maho on the Kurunegala-Anuradhapura road. Yapahuwa can also be visited on a day-trip from Dambulla (or Kandalama or Sigiriya).
|
|
# Halfway between Yapahuwa and Anuradhapura, Haththikuchchi can be reached on a detour of only 7 km (4 miles) up and down. Situated between rocky hills, it's one of the most idyllic archaeological sites in Sri Lanka. Haththikuchchi was a pilgrimage site already in ancient times.
|
|
# Apart from the coastal road via Puttalam and the inland route via Kurunegala, there is a third option to travel from Negombo to Anuradhapura, namely a direct road from Chilaw via Anamaduwa to Galgamuwa. Anamaduwa has a very scenic temple rock called Paramakanda.
|
|
# Directly at the road is the temple of Gonagiri. It has a ruined cave temple from the Kandyan period in a hidden depression. But in the first place Gonagiri attracts visitors with a picturesque S-shaped row of new monk statues seemingly climbing the rock.
|
|
# Kiralagala, not far from the Anuradhapura-Trincomalee road, is an important excavation site of buildings of the double-terrace type. This archaeological site is the ancient Veherabandigala, which was probably the first monastery of the Buddhist fraternity called Pansukulikas.
|
|
# Though very close to the Anuradhapura-Trincomalee road, Madagama is almost never visited by foreigners. because they simply don't know about it, though this is a place of breathtaking beauty, an unforgettable experience of a living heritage in a spectacular natural setting.
|
|
# Ritigala is the highest peak in the northern half of Sri Lanka and an archaeological site at its eastern slopes. The ruins in the jungle form the largest of the mysterious Pansukulika monasteries of Sri Lanka. Ritigala is not far away from the Anuradhapura-Polonnaruwa road.
|
|
# Not many Ritigala enthusiasts know that there is a second Pansukulika site slightly further west, not far from the busy junction, where the roads from Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and Kandy meet. Surprisingly, Manakanda has remained to be a true off-the-beaten attraction.
|
|
# Climbing the neighbouring rock of Sigiriya, Pidurangala, has become increasingly popular, because it’s the best viewpoint to Sigiriya and an attraction in itself. But Pidurangala also has a huge Buddha made of brick under an overhanging rock, cave temples, and ruins in the jungle.
|
|
# Not so many know that a small picturebook location of „ruins in the jungles“ is very close to Dambulla and Sigiriya. In Kaludiya Pokuna you can explore an archaeological site with sounds of birdlife rather than of noisy tourism as your background music.
|
|
# Nalanda Gedige, famous for Sri Lanka’s only ancient illustration of a sexual act, is the only fully preserved building from the Anuradhapura period that is entirely made of stone. Because of its replacement due to a dam project, Nalanda earned the nickname „Abu Simbel of Sri Lanka“.
|
|
# Aluvihara near Matale is believed to be the place where the first completely preserved text version of the Sacred Scriptures of Buddhism was laid down in writing. A palm-leave manuscript museum is attached to the temple, which is otherwise embedded in a group of rocks.
|
|
# Driving through Matale, don't miss to stop for a photo at the Muthumariamman Kovil. Outside Nuwara Eliya, it's the largest Hindu temple in the central region of Sri Lanka. The characteristic feature of a Tamil temple is the tall gateway tower called Gopuram.
|
|
# Those staying a full day in Kandy often like to visit Sri Lanka’s largest Botanical Gardens, which are in the suburb of Peradeniya. The so-called Royal Botanical Gardens, situated in a loop of the Mahaweli river, are rich in tree species and famous for the orchid house.
|
|
# Hindagala is a very rarely visited cave temple very close to Kandy. The upper cave is completely decorated with murals in the Kandyan style and the rock surface above the cave has a large painting from the Anuradhapura period. Regrettably, after it was damaged by a bushfire.
|
|
# The newly erected Sandagiri Seya, situated near the Hanthana mountain pass, is the largest stupa in the area of Kandy. Like other modern stupas, it has a large interior hall. This detour can be easily combined with visits of the Ceylon Tea Museum and the International Bird Park.
|
|
# Among those who have time enough in Kandy, the detour to the colourful Nelligala Buddhist temple atop a hill has become increasingly popular. It's an international Buddhist Center also open to Mahayana Buddhism, not only Theravada Buddhism of Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
|
|
# Degaldoruwa is among the cave temples with best Kandy paintings, only second in quality to Dambulla. A half-day excursion from Kandy to Degaldoruwa can be combined with visits of Galmaduwa and Victoria Dam, which has small Mahaweli irrigation scheme museum.
|
|
# Kandy holiday makers who have more than half a day left for excursions often like to see the three Western Temples of Embekke, Lankatilaka and Gadaladeniya from the second half of the 14th century and to combine it with a visit to a tea factory in Pilimathalawa.
|
|
# The watch tower and new temple of Ambuluwawa can be reached on detours from Kandy or on the way from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya or Kitulgala. Ambuluwawa is the backyard mountain of Gampola. The temple on the top is new and integrates chapels of all world religions.
|
|
# On the popular scenic mountain route from Kandy via Gampola and Pussellawa to Nuwara Eliya, Ramboda is to be passed anyway, well known for waterfalls such as the Upper and Middle and Lower Ramboda falls and Poona Falls and panoramic views such tea bush viewpoint.
|
|
# Mani Katthitheri alias Kondagala of Labookellie is an open-air Hindu shrine on a rock high above Labugolla. It's an even better viewpoint than from the scenic mountain road to Nuwara Eliya. Reaching the summit takes half an hour from the main road.
|
|
# Many travelers like to enjoy a highland train journey from Kandy to Haputale or Ella. We recommend to start the train journey in Kotagala (or Talawakelle or Hatton) instead of Kandy to save time by focusing on the by far most scenic part of the railway line in the high tea regions.
|
|
# Devon Falls and St. Clair’s Falls can be seen from observation points at the road that runs from Nuwara Eliya via Hatton to Adam’s Peak or Kitulagala. St. Clair's Falls, also known as Sri Lanka's "Little Niagara" can also be seen from the railline (but Devon Falls not).
|
|
# In the immediate vicinity of Nuwara Eliya, just behind the race course area, is Gregory Lake , a park for leasure, pretty popular with local families for weekend picnics. Gregory Lake is also a good place for fun activities, particularly for the kids.
|
|
# Moon Plains, the only jeep safari opportunity in Sri Lanka’s central highlands (for scenic views, not so much for wildlife) can be reached easily from Nuwara Eliya. An observation tower is placed on the very top. An experimental farm is close to Moon Plains entrance gate and public car park.
|
|
# The Hindu shrine of Sita Eliya and the Hakgala Botanical Gardens are on the way from Nuwara Eliya to Ella or Haputale or Badulla. The Seetha Amman Kovil in Sita Eliya is a pilgrimage site of utmost importance for Indians, because it's believed to be Ashoka Vatika, the abode of Sita
|
|
# Bomburu Ella not far from Hakgala is the most spectacular waterfall in the surroundings of Nuwara Eliya. Actually, it's an entire series of waterfalls formed by the same river, inviting for a hike. Another waterfall, Rawan Ella, is only in a few kilometers distance.
|
|
# The road running down from Ella through the Ella Gap to destinations in the southern lowlands crosses a bridge near the Ravana Ella Falls. They can be seen from the road. Walking to the upper cascades is not without risks, several accidents occured in this area.
|
|
# Buduruwagala is not far from Wellawaya. The detour that can easily be integrated on the way from Ella to Yala or Udawalawa national parks or to the south coast. Buduruwagala consists of seven large rock-cut Mahayanistic sculptures, the central one being the talles in Sri Lanka.
|
|
# The main attraction of Yudaganawa archaeological site near Buttala is southern Sri Lanka’s largest stupa. It is said to mark the place of a historical battle between the two royal brothers Dutugemunu and Saddhatissa. Nearby are further ruins of a former Buddhist monastery.
|
|
# The restored Buddha statue of Maligawila is the largest ancient one in Asia. A Mahayanist statue nearby is of almost equal size. Maligawila is 17 km away from Buttala, which is en route when traveling from Ella to Kataragama or from Ella to Yala to Arugam Bay.
|
|
# Staying in the area of Tissamaharama for a safari in Yala National Park, you might like visit Kataragama, the most famous pilgrimage site of southern Sri Lanka. The Kataragame Festival in Juli is one of the greatest annual pageants in Sri Lanka.
|
|
# If not taking lodge there for a Yala safari anyway, the beach of Kirinda is worth a detour from Tissamaharama. For beach holiday makers who like to undertake a lot of wildlife excursions in different national parks and sanctuaries, Kirinda is definitely the best choice.
|
|
# Within half-day distance from Tissamaharama are the beach and fishing port of Hambantota, which is now well known for its new port city. Hambantota also harbours Sri Lanka’s only botanical garden that is dedicated to the flora of the dry zone.
|
|
# Ussangoda between Hambantota and Tangalle is an almost barren land. Only very rare grass species can grow on this serpentine soil. To protect them Ussangoda was declared national park. Ussangoda is an attractive lonesome coast, a camping site is nearby.
|
|
# Ramba Vihara in 12 km distance from the southern coastal road is a significant archaeological site of southern Sri Lanka, a small museum and a modern temple are part of the site. Ramba Vihara is not a must-see on the shortlist of everyone, it’s a place for fans of temple excavations.
|
|
# Hiriketiya is one of Sri Lanka’s few horseshoe-shaped beaches and also one of the few beaches far away from traffic noise. Holiday makers who like to take surfing classes should consider to spend some more days there. Alternative options for them would be Weligama and Hikkaduwa.
|
|
# The Hoomaniya Blowhole is a pseudo-geyser, a natural phenomenon on coasts that is even rarer than genuine geysers. Don't underestimate the power of the sudden eruptions. You have to keep a few meters distance from the small hole, because fatal accidents already occured.
|
|
# Holiday makers staying in a southern beach resort between Tangalle and Weligama sometimes consider a detour to the lovely rock and cave temples of Mulkirigala. It's only a few-hours excursion from Tangalle or Matara or Embilipitiya, the latter being inland near Udawalawe.
|
|
# Dondra Head near Matara is the southernmost point of Sri Lanka on a lovely coast and crowned by a lighthouse. A relaxed detour to Dondra takes less than an hour in total when driving on coastal road anyway.
|
|
# Holiday makers who enjoy relaxation or Ayurvedic treatments in southwestern or southern beach resorts between Beruwela and Mirissa, for example in Hikkaduwa, most often visit the Old Town of Galle, which is Asia's best preserved Dutch colonial fort.
|
|
# Seenigama is a village just north of Hikkaduwa. It has a small Buddhist temple on an islet and another temple of a regional deity on the beach. Closeby is the Tsunami memorial at the place where a train was derailed by the waves, which resulted in the worst railway accident in history.
|
|
# Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka’s Hippie Beach of the 1970s, is one of the island’s few places where coral reefs keep the water shallow and safe for children. Those who do not stay overnight here, could consider a glass bottom boat excursion to the coral reef, though it's not spectacular.
|
|
# Many guests traveling along the southwest coast enjoy a boat safari in the wetlands and on the lake of Madu Ganga, which can be combined with visits of a turtle hatchery and the Meetiyagoda moonstone mine or a mask manufacturer in Ambalangoda.
|
|
# Travelers taking the coastal road from Galle to Colombo or holiday makers in Bentota and Beruwela like to visit the gardens of the Bawa brothers. Lunuganga Garden was the weekend residence of the architect Geoffrey Bawa, Brief Garden the home of the artist Bevis Bawa.
|
|
# Travellers visiting or passing Sri Lanka’s gem city Ratnapura should not miss to take a break at the large Maha Saman Devale, which is the largest temple in the Kandyan style outside Kandy and the traditional starting point of Siri Pada pilgrimages.
|
|
* Travelers who stay in Colombo or Negombo can reach the surprisingly lonesome area of Siyane Korale with several off-the-beaten path attractions on day excursions or on the way to Kandy. The most enchanting places in this area to the south of Gampaha are the delightfully located forest monasteries of Pilikuttuwa and Maligatenna, both inhabited by reclusive monks, the meditation monastery of Varana also in a charming setting and the spectacular balancing rock of Pettagangala.
|
|
|
* Staying in Dambulla or Sigiriya or traveling from Negombo via Kurunegala to the Dambulla area, one can consider a detour to Arankale archaeological site, which is one of charming places of ruins in the jungle, once a monastery of the enigmatic Buddhist brotherhood called Pasukulikas. The characteristic feature of their monasteries is a meditation double-platform called Padhanagara. The landmark cave temple of Arankale is named after the island's last Buddhist saint, Maliyadeva.
|
|
|
* Arankale is situated at the foot of the table mountain of Dolukanda, the summit of which is one of the most rewarding hiking destinations, with spectacular escarpments and several panoramic viewpoints, the northernmost of which is both a sunrise and sunset point. The entire hike up and down takes 4 to 6 hours. Dolukanda is also popular with campers, who often stay overnight in a cave on the plateau, which is spacious enough for around a dozen sleeping bags.
|
|
|
* An easier hike of only one hour up and down and not steep is from the Selagama Estate ticket counter to the so-called Hulangala Mini World’s End, which, as all „World’s Ends“ in Sri Lanka, is a vertical escarpment and a viewpoint. The hike can be continued to the top of the Hulangala mountain, which takes one hour more. A shorter hike goes to the upper cliff of the Yatawatta Biso Falls. Hulangala is to the south of the Kurunegala-Dambulla road, near the direct route to Matale, whereas Arankale and Dolukanda are to the north of the Kurunegala-Dambulla road, at a secondary route to Yapahuwa.
|
|
|
* To the northeast of Mihintale, bordering the very lonesome Vanni region, are several isolated groups of rocks in the plains. Their rock shelters (called „caves“ in Sri Lanka) once served as abodes of reclusive monks, like in many other regions of the island. The forest monasteries in the lonesome region in the far north and east of Anuradhapura District are a living heritage, as they are inhabited by monks today. Due to their tranquility - and very rarely visted by foreigners - they are perfect places for meditation. To name a few of those serene archaeological sites, Handagala Kanda has the most rock shelters and ancient inscriptions, one cave of Thambalagollewa („Little Dambulla“) is decorated with sculptures and murals in the Kandyan style, Madagama (already mentioned above) is one very steep rock with ancient and inhavited caves on all sites.
|
|
|
* Travelers who spend a night or more in Trincomalee or the nearby beach resorts of Upulveli and Nilaveli should not miss an excursion to the ruins of the ancient temple of Thiriyai (Tiriyaya). The hill is crowned by the Girihandu Seya, one of the three best-preserved examples of an ancient circular temple, which is another type of Buddhist architecture that is almost unique to Sri Lanka. The other two well-preserved temples of this type are the iconic Vatadage of Polonnaruwa and the landmark edifice of Medirigiriya.
|
|
|
* Medirigirya to the northeast of Sigiriya and to the north of Polonnaruwa is mentioned in several pocket guides and thereby known to many independent travelers. Nonetheless, it’s not crowded with tourists and among the island’‘s most important ancient sites it still deserves to be called off-the-beaten-path. Apart from the landmark circular temple, there are images houses with ancient statues in situ and an ancient Ayurvedic hospital.
|
|
|
* Talking about Polonnaruwa, which is on the shortlist of must-sees of every cultural traveler in Sri Lanka, we want to highlight a nearby attraction that in our opinion is among Sri Lanka’s major tourist attractions, though almost never visited. Dimbulagala is an isolated small mountain range with great hiking options and several attractions. Among others, thera are the ruins of a historically very important Buddhist monastery, a large modern monastery with a museum, and a cave with ancient paintings from the Anuradhapura period, which is rarely found in Sri Lanka.
|
|
|
* Narangamuwa in the northeastern foothills of Knuckles Range is the starting point for the full-day hike to Meeriyagolla Peak, which is also known as Narangamuwa Lakegala. The climb needs the help of hands in parts, but no mountaineering. Meeriyagolla is definitely one of the most exciting hiking destinations in Sri Lanka. For this full-day hike, you should stay two nights in the area of Hettipola, which is close to Wasgomuwa National Park.
|
|
|
* A much easier to reach hiking destination is Mathalagala, one of the least-known and most scenic destinations in Sri Lanka, which only takes 3 hours from Narangamuwa up and down. Starting from Meemure, the Mathalagala hike takes altogether 5 hours or more. Mathalagala is a side path of only 1 km branching off from the 6.5 km long Narangamuwa-Meemure trail. But the road distance between Narangamuwa and Meemure is actually around 100 km
|
|
|
* Hanthana, already mentioned above, is not really an insider tip, because the Ceylon Tea Museum is situated in this mountain range and the recently opened International Bird Sanctuary is in short distance from the museum. However, the Hanthana hiking trail, though in very few kilometers distance from the city center of Kandy, is more frequented by locals than by foreigners. Hikers staying in Kandy, however, should not miss the opportunity of panoramic views of all mountain ranges of the Central Province, that is only possible from here. The Hanthana hike is a half-day activity for travelers who stay in Kandy. Combined with Sandagiri Seya and Tea Museum and Bird Park it takes a full day.
|
|
|
* Kondagala to the south of Kandy belongs to the Loolecondera Tea Estate, Sri Lanka’s first tea plantation. The hike to the summit of Kondagala rock is short and steep, but it’s maagable within only half an hour from the small car park near Lipton seat. Kondagala is rarely visited by foreigners, but you will often meet locals on the summit. This scenic place belongs to the central range of Sri Lanka’s highlands. Not far from the starting point of the short hike is Taylor's Seat, a wonderful lookout to the east and northeast.
|
|
|
* Frotoft Estate is situated at the western slopes of the abovementioned central mountain range, high above the valley of Kotmale. Frotoft viewpoint is an unforgettable sight for sure, though most travelers never come to see it. The good is: Instead of traveling the main road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya via Ramboda, as most tourists do, you could take the alternatve side road via Frotoft, that branches off near Rothschild tea factory and meets the main road again near Bluefield tea factory. The bad news is, the Frotoft road is very bumpy, not recommendable for cars and vans. The best way to visit Frotoft is to stay overnight in Pussellawa or Ramboda and to combine the visit with a hike to Chariot Path:
|
|
|
* Even higher than the Frotoft viewpoint and tea factory are the school and old hospital of Frotoft. Here is the starting point to Chariot Path. Don’t be confused, „Chariot Path“ is indeed the name of the destination, which is a grassland ina mountain saddle, not the name of the track itself. Chariot Path deserves to be called amazing indeed. It’s a natural clearing covered with grass in a montane rain forest, and views into different directions. The hike from the Frotoft Old Hospital to Chariot Path and back takes about four hours.
|
|
|
* A dozen kilometers away from the Kandy - Nuwara Eliya main road and accessible only by using a very bumpy side road is the Dunsinane Tea Estate. It’s lonesome and untouristy, though it harbours a unique attraction, a Hindu temple with sculptures of deities integretad in a waterfall. Dunsinane Falls are also named Pundala Oya Falls after the river. It consists of two large cascades, the temple and a road bridge are in between them.
|
|
|
* Uda Pussellawa is the name of both a town and Sri Lanka’s remotest tea region between this town and Nuwara Eliya, with Ragala in the center. Geographically, this tea region to the east of Nuwara Eliya belongs to the Narangala mountain range, which branches off from the central main range exactly at Sri Lanka’s highest point, Mount Pidurutalagala. Like Nuwara Eliya, Uda Pussallawa is a high-grown tea region. It’s almost on no round tour itinerary, but it’s possible to drive from Nuwara Eliya via Uda Pusselawa (instead of Hakgala) to Bandarawela and Ella and Badulla.
|
|
|
* Ella holiday makers can undertake a day trip to the town of Badulla and the attractions in its surroundings, such as Dunhinda Falls, Spring Valley, Namunukala mountain, or Bogoda Bridge. Dunhinda Falls to the north of the city can be reached from the Mahiyangana road, from there it's a short hike of only a few kilometers up and down. The tea plantation area Spring Valley in the south of Badulla is the starting point of climbs of Mount Namunukula, the highest peak far and wide. Bogoda Bridge is the oldest surviving wooden bridge of Sri Lanka, leading to a cave temple. Not far from Bogoda is Narangala mountain, the grass-covered peak is an excellent hiking destination, very popular with young people.
|
|
|
* Madulsima Mini World’s End in Badulla District is one of the most scenic locations in the southeatern part of the highlands and required only a short hike to reach the lookout. The cloud formations seen from above are most amazing in the months around February. However, Madulsima is a little bit away from the standard round tour routes. It can be visited on a detour from Ella to the southeast coast destinations around Arugam Bay. But to experience the sunrise hours with the best views to the changing cloud formations, an additional overnight stay close to Madulsima is worth considering, though only simple accommodation and camping is available nearby.
|
|
|
* Lahugala is one of the most important archaeological sites of the southern half of Sri Lanka. In particular, it’s famous for the largest decorated moonstone of the south. Some of the carved elephants are depited with their mahouts riding on them, which can not be seen on moonstones anywhere else. Lahugala is not far from the inland main road to Pottuvil and Arugam Bay. The road crosses the small Lahugala-Kitulana national park anyway. So a visit of the archaeological site does not require an additional overnight stay. (We have not listed it above in chapter III for the simple reason that the road to Arugam is not covered there.)
|
|
|
* Holiday makers who spend a few days or more in Arugam Bay or Pottuvil or Panama should consider an excursion to the Kudumbigala rock and forest monastery in the immediate hinterland of Okanda Beach and close to the main entrance of Kumana National Park. A half-day safari in Kumana can easily be combined with a vist of Kudumbigala. The rock of Kudumbigala is easy to climb without using hands. The wonderful vantage point is crowned by an ancient brick stupa of an un usual shape, resembling Himalayan Chorten forms.
|
|
|
* Kumana National Park is Sri Lanka’s best destination for those who like to observe birdlife or crocodiles. Usually, some elephants can be sighted, too. But chances to spot leopards are much lower than in neighbouring Yala National Park. Kumana, however, is much less crowded than Yala. True nature lovers should consider an overnight stay in Kumana National Park, which van be arranged on request. There are several suitable campsites in the Kumana National Park, mostly close to the Kumbukkan river, which marks the border to Yala. Most guests, however, come for a half-day safari and stay in hotels or guesthouses of Pottuvil or Arugam Bay or Panama.
|
|
|
* Sithulpahuwa, manageable as a half-day-trip from Kataragama or Tissamaharama or Kirinda Beach, was once the most important forest monastery in the southern kingdom of Rohana. It’s situated within the boundaries of Yala National Park but can be reached without safari. Due to its scenic location on two rocky hills with a pond between them, Sithulpahuwa is of much appeal. Historically important are the inscriptions and Mahayanist sculptures.
|
|
|
* Bundala is a wetland national park to the west of Kirinda, not far from Yala national park. Bundala is rich in birdlife in particular but also a place to see Sri Lanka’s two different species of crocodiles, Indo-Pacific saltwater crocodiles and mugger crocodiles. The best way to visit Bundala National Park is a morning safari. Bundala National Park is a wetland area of four lagoons. A Bundala safari also crosses the adjacent Wilmanna Sanctuary, which is a scubland area with several ponds.
|
|
|
* Udawalawe National Park is not at all off-the beaten path. Because of its large elephant population and the transit homw caring for hurt baby and juvenile elephants and becaus of the proximity to the south coast beaches, Udawalawe attracts many visitors. However, we list this destination as requiring an additional overnight stay, because it’s more than a half-day excursion from the southern beach resorts and most Udawalawe guests stay one night near the park entrance. An Udawalawe excursion from the south coast can be combined with a visit of the Ramba Vihara, which was already mentioned above.
|
|
|
* Some travelers like to visit Ratnapura, the gem city of Sri Lanka, and stay one night there for further excursions in the foothills of Siri Pada. They could consider to stay a nicht in Kuruwita for visiting Bopath Falls and Dodam Falls, which are close-by, or for excursions to the cave temple of Divaguhawa, one of the 16 Buddha visited sites on the island, or Batadomba Lena, a prehistoric cave in a nice setting, inviting for a hike. Kuruwita's Delgamuwa Temple was once safekept the Sacred Tooth Relic, then hidden in a grindstone.
|
|
|
* Most travelers passing through Kitulgala on their way from Kandy or Nuwara Eliya to Colombo or the southwest coast only break theit journey for a 1 hour white water rafting tour. However, there are much more activities on offer in Kitulgala, such as canoeing and canyoning and waterfall abseiling. So one or two overnight stays in Kitulgala are a must for adventure holiday makers. Excursion destinations in the immediate surroundings are the prehistoric caves of Beli Lena and the hidden waterfalls of Mannakethi.
|
|
|
* In between Kitulgala and Norton Bridge, which is on the way to Adam’s Peak, there are two tall waterfalls known as Aberdeen and Lakshapana in only a few kilometers driving distance from each other. Aberdeen Falls can also be accessed by starting a hike at Kirigathenna Pass between Kandy and Kitulgala.
|
|
|
Find a list of 270 Sri Lanka travel destinations & attractions: CLICK HERE Our illustrated list of places of interest is sorted by travel regions, more precisely: by 22 most recommendable places for overnight stays. All 270 sights are within day-trip distance from one of those 22 major locations. (Please understand: Loading 270 images requires more seconds than usual.) |
|
|
|
Lanka Excursions Holidays
Registration Number SLTDA - TA - 02179
255/24, "Green Park" Dawatagahawatta, Thimbirigaskatuwa, Mahahunupitiya East, Negombo, Sri Lanka
Office: +94 31 223 991 Hotline: +94 71 6097795 [email protected] Lanka Excursions Holidays office hours 8.00 to 6.00 p.m. daily (except from June Fullmoon Day)
|
|
