
Sri Lanka may have been underrated for years as far as tourist spots go, but the country is fast gaining ground as one of the premier exotic destinations in the world. Visitors to Sri Lanka will not be disappointed, and it has a lot to offer in terms of food, sights and attractions, beaches, mountains, waterfalls, wildlife, and so much more. Additionally, visiting Sri Lanka is not expensive, especially when you compare it to other similar spots in the region. So, what does Sri Lanka have to offer? If you’re thinking of a holiday in Sri Lanka, here’s a list of the top sights and attractions you shouldn’t miss.
Sigiraya
There are unarguably a lot of World Heritage Sites spread around the globe, and Sri Lanka’s Sigiraya has made it on the list. The rock fortress has a long history, dating back all the way to the 5th century. Even though it is classified as a fortress, Sigiraya has had different functions – it was once used as a royal palace, and it also functioned as a Buddhist monastery at a certain point in time. Sigiraya is also home to the oldest, most beautifully landscaped gardens. Don’t forget to check out the mirror wall – a special wall made by masons that is polished so well that the Sri Lankan king was able to view his reflection by merely looking at it.
Uda Walawe National Park
If you love elephants, then you’ll be enthralled with a visit to Uda Walawe National Park. The place is teeming with elephants of all sizes. Uda Walawe National Park was established to protect the Uda Walawe Reservoir, and the park itself plays host to about 400 elephants. If you like birds and would like to do a bit of bird-watching, Uda Walawe National Park is the ideal spot as well.
Nuwara Eliya
As you may already know, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s leading producers of tea, and you can sample authentic Sri Lankan tea at one of Nuwara Eliya’s tea plantations. You can walk through numerous tea estates and watch the tea pickers, and you can even buy some excellent tea to take back home. Make it a point to visit the Haputale Mountains in the Hill Country, as this is where tea legend Sir Thomas Lipton began his endeavour into the tea industry.
Arugam Bay
What’s a visit to Sri Lanka without experiencing at least one of its beautiful beaches? If you’re raring for some time to relax on beautiful shores, visit Arugam Bay. This popular tourist spot has everything those tropical beach ads showcase: coconut trees, sugary sand, and beautiful turquoise waters. Arugam Bay is a favourite spot for surfers, but even if you don’t surf, you’ll certainly appreciate the laid-back vibe of the bay.
Sri Lanka has so much more to offer, and this includes the Mahaweli River (where you can go kayaking and rafting), secret waterfalls in the Nuwara Eliya, and the majestic Hasalaka Village. If you want to explore Sri Lanka and experience some unique Sri Lanka experiences, it’s best to seek a local guide who can show you sights and attractions off the beaten path. Have a great Sri Lankan holiday!
Image attributed to Pixabay.com