Marco Polo once described Sri Lanka as the finest island of this size on the Earth. Its palm-fringed shores, availability of rare spices, precious stones and Asian elephants continue to attract tourists from around the world. Owed with an abundance of natural magical beauty, this island of Indian Ocean has always inclined geologists and tourists. It was given the name ‘Serendib’ by Arab traders, which gave rise to the word ‘Serendipity’. Tourists return back from a trip to Sri Lanka with oodles of good memories and we bring to you the best destinations across Sri Lanka which are enchanting visitors since ages.
1. Sigiriya
• Sigiriya is a World Heritage Site listed by UNESCO. It is a palace of historic significance situated in the district of Matale.
• The place has a huge rock, approximately 660 feet high, which has a gateway shaped like an enormous lion.
• It has lush green surroundings, and is decorated with ponds, fountains and colorful pavilions. • Earlier it was used a Buddhist monastery.
2) Temple of the Tooth, Kandy
• This 17th century temple is a center of Buddhism; it is believed to have Lord Buddha’s left upper canine preserved.
• The interiors of the temple are beautifully carved & decorated with ivory, lacquer and inlaid woods.
• The white stone wall surrounding the temple is carved with openings which give it a filigree effect.
• Kandy Lake outside the temple also attracts a lot of tourists. The Octagon Tower, which was once a prison, adjoins the temple and houses ancient palm-leaf manuscripts.
3. Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)
Adam’s Peak is a 7,359 ft. tall mountain situated in central Sri Lanka. It is famous for the “sacred footprint”, which is a 1.8 m rock formation near the summit. It is associated with many different beliefs-
•Some believe it to be the place where Adam first set his foot after being casted out of heaven.
• Some believe it to be the place where Lord Buddha left his footprint when he headed to paradise.
• And some others refer to it as Butterfly Mountain, the mountain where butterflies go for dying.
4. Yala national Park
• It is the most visited national park of Sri Lanka. Two of its five blocks are open to public.
• It provides an opportunity to see Sri Lanka’s wide variety of wildlife- lovely peacocks, colorful painted stork, crocodiles, monkeys, elephants, and the star attraction: the leopard.
• A total of thirty-two species of mammals are recorded here.
5) Jaffna
• It is the cultural capital of Sri Lankan Tamils.
• Jaffna Library was one of the best in Asia before being burned by some extremists. It is now mostly restored and open for public viewing.
• Jaffna Fort, situated at the Southern side of peninsular is the second largest fort on the island. It was earlier used for trading activities.
• 1km away from the Jaffna town, the Nallur temple is one of the most prominent Hindu temples in Sri Lanka.
If you are looking for some place with endless beaches, oodles of elephants, fun trains, flavorful food, then head straight to Sri Lanka. Get your Sri Lankan Visa approved and enjoy the times of your life.