The Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

The tiny tear drop shaped island in the Indian ocean has become the latest hotspot for tourists. After the end of the 30 years civil war, and all the travel advisories lifted, tourists just can't wait to head out to the exotic island of Sri Lanka. The friendly and hospitable people of Sri Lanka, in their turn, with hands folded and 'Ayobowan' on their lips are ready to make your holiday the most memorable you've ever had.

Tourism in Sri Lanka can, broadly, be divided into three categories. The beaches, the cities of cultural, historical and religious importance and last but definitely not the least, the nature reserves. Do not be fooled by the size of the country. The tiny island is rich with places to visit from all these three categories. Join me as I unravel the wonders of Sri Lanka.elephant donation

The bustling city of Colombo is the largest in Sri Lanka. It is about an hour's drive from the Bandarnaike international airport. Just like other metropolitan cities, Colombo is a hub of activity. There are many places worth seeing. It being a coastal town, you can enjoy stunning views of the sea along with the throngs that head to Galle Face greens in the evening. If deserted beaches are what you are after, then you can head to other places, which shall figure later in my list. Other than that, you can visit the National museum, the National zoological gardens, and the Independence square which was built to mark Sri Lanka's freedom from the British. You can shop your heart out at Majestic City, Liberty plaza or Odel. It is easy to commute around the city, with buses, radio taxis and auto rickshaws called tuk-tuks locally, readily available.

Sri Lanka isn't just about beaches. If you travel inland there are many treasures to be discovered. If you are a fan of the cooler climate, there aren't many places in Sri Lanka but Nuwara Eliya would definitely be one of them. Nuwara Eliya is a hill station located in the centre of Sri Lanka, just a little to the south. When Sri Lanka was under the rule of the British, this is where most of the British came for an ideal summer getaway. The impact of the colonial era can still be seen in the city, whether it may be in the nickname 'Little England' or in the architecture or in the various activities that you can immerse yourself in while there, such as boating, golf or horse riding.

Another very important aspect of Nuwara Eliya is that it is one of the most important towns as far as tea production is concerned. So be prepared to see endless stretches of tea plantation on both sides while you are approaching Nuwara Eliya. Don't forget to drop in on one of the many tea factories dotted along the way there, such as the Labukele Tea estate. The people there will gladly talk you through the process of making tea from picking the leaf, to processing it, while they show you around their estate. Prepare to be baffled by the variety and flavours of tea you can buy there.

As far as tourist destinations are concerned, Nuwara Eliya has many. For those who are familiar with the Hindu mythological epic of Ramayana, the 'Seetha Kovil' or the Sita temple would be a place of interest. According to legend, king Ravana of Sri Lanka abducted queen Sita from her kingdom in North India and brought her to Sri Lanka. It is believed that it was here, where this temple is located, that he kept her. There is a giant foot mark there as well, believed to be of Lord Hanuman. Even the direst non-believers will experience a strange and outlandish sensation overcome them as they stand there watching the lush green mist-covered hills, wondering what all this place must have been witness to for so many centuries.

Just a little ahead of the Seetha Kovil is the Hakgala Botanical Garden, which is another interesting place to visit. Spread over a large area, it is enough to keep the nature lovers out there occupied for hours.

After Colombo, the city of Kandy (called Maha Nuvara locally) is the most important in Sri Lanka. There is no shortage of things to do and places to visit here. Historically, Kandy is important as it was one of the last kingdoms to remain independent from colonization. On the way from Colombo, it will be the first major town that you encounter while travelling towards the Central Highlands.elephant money

The first thing you will notice about Kandy will probably be the huge lake in the centre of the town. Bordering this lake on one side is one of the most important pilgrimage places for Buddhists, the temple of tooth or Sri Dalada Maligawa. It is believed that, along the duration of many centuries, the holy relic of Lord Buddha's tooth after travelling many miles from India, and then within the island itself for the sake of protecting it from the people who wanted to destroy it, found its final resting place in this temple. It was declared a UNESCO world heritage site. You can see the various rituals that are performed in the temple three times a day, roughly around 5.30 and 09.00 in the morning and 06.30 in the evening.The elephants Sri Lanka

The annual festival of the Esala Perahera, which falls on the full moon around July or August, is in honour of this relic. This whole pageant is a sight to see with the traditional Kandyan dancers, beautifully decorated elephants, fire acts and what not. It is also interesting to note that whenever the tooth relic has been taken out for public exposition, it has almost always rained.