Top destinations in Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura

The site Located at 200km from Colombo. The history goes back to the 9th century B.C. Anuradhapura is the most important early kingdom and Principle city of Sri Lanka for nearly 1500 years, which is featuring some of the most ancient archaeological treasures and impressive reminder of an ancient civilization. Also it was the centre of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.

Sri Maha Bodi

In the 3rd century BC, it was brought to Sri Lanka by Sangamitta Thera, the daughter of Emperor Asoka and founder of an order of Buddhist nuns in Sri Lanka. It was planted in Mahamevna Royal Park; it is considered the oldest Recorded Tree in the world.

Galle Fort

The site Located at 130km from Colombo. Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, which also known as the Dutch Fort or the "Ramparts of Galle", was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 400 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.
The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

Central Highlands

Central Highlands consist of Hoton Plains, Knuckles Mountain range and Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. Central Highlands, the comprising the peak Wilderness Protected Area, the Horton plains national park and the Knuckles conservation Forest had been declared as a world heritage site.

Kandy

The site Located at 120km from Colombo. Kandy is one of the major cities in Sri Lanka, located in the Central Province; it is the second largest city in the country after Colombo. Temple of the Tooth Relic one of the most sacred places of worshiping in the Buddhist world also located in Kandy. It was the last capital of the ancient kings' era. The city located in the Hills, which crosses an area of tropical plantations, mainly tea. Kandy is both an administrative and religious city. Villages around kady are the centre of the islands handicraft industry (Specially the spool work and other items of wood, Lakshsa – Laqer works, brass & silver items provides to the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple and the Procession) Peradeniya Botanical Garden, which is well known for its large number and varieties of plants, and home to one of the world’s best collections of Orchids. Also ornamental and decorative trees, useful for medicine. In total there is more than 4000 species, including indigenous and introduced plants. The highlight of the city’s calendar is the Esala Perahera, The most colourful pageant of Asia is held in July - August each year when a replica of the casket enclosing the Tooth is taken in procession for ten glittering nights, exotically costumed dancers, drummers and hundred or more colourfully dressed and decorated elephants.

Polonnaruwa

The site Located at 225km from Colombo. The history goes back to the 9th century B.C. The second most ancient and medieval capital of Sri Lanka and One of the world Heritage sites of Srilanka, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu the 1st, who defeated the Chola invaders in 11th century AD to reunite the country once more under a local leader. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, the most famous Parakrama Samudra. The monuments are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka’s past. Remains of Royal Palace complexes including the Kings Palace and Audience Hall, Stupas, Masterpieces of sculpture and paintings, Gal Vihara - The four Buddha statues which are in a perfect state of preservation, Some of the best examples of the Hindu influence – the Temples of Shiva, intricate statues of Hindu Gods, remains of a former Temple of the Tooth are other impressive sights.

Sigiriya

The site Located at 180km from Colombo. The history goes back to the 5th century AD One of the world heritage sites of srilanka which is a unique combination of 5th century urban planning, landscaping, hydraulic management, engineering, architecture, painting, sculpture and poetry. It is centered on a massive rock rising 180 metres above the surrounding plain and above 350 meters on sea leval. This site was selected by King Kasyapa in 5th century for his new capital. He built his palace on the top of this rock and decorated its sides with colourful frescoes, on a plateau about halfway up to the summit a side of this rock he built a gateway in the form of lion. The name of this place is derived from this structure sihagiri - The Lion Rock.

Sinharaja

Sinharaja forest is a topical low land rain forest or tropical wet evergreen forest. The forest at its lowest is 270m above the sea level, which has Rich treasure trove of nature with a great diversity of habitats. Last remaining virgin rainforest in Srilanaka and one of the few virgin forest left in the world. A national park and biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka, The Sinharaja rain forest is of global importance and has been named a World Biosphere Reserve as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Part of Sri Lanka's lowland rainforests, this reserve is a goldmine of endemic species including reptiles, birds, mammals, insects and trees. It is difficult to part from these magnificent forests with their exceptional ensemble of flora and fauna. In order to truly embrace the natural beauty of Sri Lanka it is essential that you undertake a forest trek through these incredible rainforests.

Dambulla

The site Located at 150km from Colombo. The history of Rock Temple goes back to the first century B.C., commenced by the King Vattagamini Abhaya, It’s a complex of five natural caves; at Dambulla is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in the world with its great number of Buddha statues and more than 20000 square feet of paintings. These painting on the inner surface of the caves give a magnificent look to the temple. These caves contain one of most impressive collections of Buddhist art in the world and most important collection of cave paintings in Srilanka. The temple with its historical, archaeological and artistic significances had in the year 1991, been declared one of the world heritage sites by the UNESCO.

Gadaladeniya Temple

Gadaladeniya Temple was built in during the 14th century during the time of the Gampola Kingdom. At the entrance you can see the stupa by your right hand side. Actually this consists of one main stupa and four small ones. The main stupa is covered with a roof. There are four small shrine rooms around it, each surmounted by a small stupa . The main shrine room has a seated Buddha Statue under a dragon arch and four standing Buddha images. The Gadaladeniya Temple also contains a beautifully painted giant wooden chest holding paintings and sculptures of great historical and artistic importance. The Bo tree is located in front of the stupa and there is an old inscription located by it and now protected by a fence to prevent damage.