Best vacation places in sri lanka
Vacation is the time for rejuvenation of your mind and body. Everyone looks forward to it at the end of a hectic week. Vacations helps you to relax, refresh and rejuvenate yourself after a tiring week at work. Sri Lanka is one of the tropical vacation destinations in Asia which attracts tourists from across the world with its beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes and historic monuments. It is popular among honeymooners as well. Sri Lanka being an island country offers a number of tropical beaches to relax, sail, sunbathe
Sri Lanka is a paradise and a dream destination for most of the tourists. This beautiful Island nation is blessed with lovely scenic and picturesque views, amazing beaches and hills, prosperous wildlife and ancient monuments. Anyone who has ever visited this place will be fascinated all their life by visiting this land.
Visiting Sri Lanka is a dream come true. And fret not, you can afford your dream vacation in this land of beauty. Sri Lanka has several islands, natural reserves, pristine beaches, and stunning views of mountains.
Sri Lanka is a dream destination for many, with its breathtaking beaches and tropical weather. It is also home to some of the most beautiful cities in Asia, such as Colombo and Galle. While you can spend your entire vacation in one of these cities, there are many other places to explore.
The best part about Sri Lanka is that it has something for everyone. Whether you love adventure or relaxation, there are a number of activities available to suit your needs. The following are some of the best vacation places in Sri Lanka:
- Yala National Park: This national park is famous for its wildlife, including elephants and leopards. You can also visit nearby towns and villages to see how Sri Lankans live.
- Sigiriya Rock Fortress: This UNESCO World Heritage Site features some impressive rock paintings that date back thousands of years ago!
- Nuwara Eliya: This town sits at an elevation of 6200 feet above sea level, making it ideal for skiing during winter months (December – February). There are also plenty of hiking trails nearby if you want to find adventure outside town limits!
- Galle Fort: Built by Portuguese colonizers over 400 years ago, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts beautiful architecture
The best vacation places in Sri Lanka are its beaches, which offer crystal-clear waters, warm weather, and a variety of activities.
Sri Lanka’s beach resorts are world-famous for their cleanliness and hospitality. There are also many historical sites that you can visit during your stay, including temples and museums.
If you’re looking for a tropical paradise that offers something for everyone—from families with young children to couples looking for a romantic getaway—then Sri Lanka is the destination for you!
1. The Dambulla Cave Temple – The Largest Temple Complex In Sri Lanka
The most popular among the best places to visit in Sri Lanka is the Dambulla cave temple. It tops the Sri Lanka tourist destinations. The largest temple complex in Sri Lanka, its statues and paintings date back to the 12th Century AD. The temple complex has five rooms of different sizes; all rooms have Buddha in a different position looking calm and peaceful. The temple is built on a black rocky mountain which serves as a nice contrast with the white walls of the temple. Don’t miss the view from the top. The temple can be easily accessed from both Colombo and Kandy.
Famous For: Historic significance
Things To Do: Architectural tour, Sightseeing
Must Read: 31 Reasons Why You Should Never Visit Sri Lanka For A Vacation!
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2. Yala National Park – Home To A Host Of Wildlife And Birds
Missing Yala National Park while Sri Lanka sightseeing might bring regret to wildlife lovers. It is home to a host of wildlife and birds you are bound to run into a group of elephants bathing in streams, tossing their trunks wildly or leopards nestling lazily on tree branches. You could opt for the safari drives or a nature trail among the thick green foliage of the forest. Some tourists also camp at Yala and enjoy a barbeque under the stars. With so much to see and do here, Yala is indeed one of the best tourist places in Sri Lanka. Yala is the perfect place to try your hand at wildlife photography.
Getting to Yala National Park is quite simple. All you will have to do is drive down to the Park from Colombo. Another way is by taking a bus to Tissamaharama.
Famous For: Wildlife, Flora & Fauna
Things To Do: Wildlife Safari, Trekking
Location: Katagamuwa, Yala, Sri Lanka
Timings: 6 am to 6 pm
3. Arugam Bay – Turquoise Heaven For Adrenaline-Junkies
Sri Lanka has a coastline of over 1600 km and is ideally suited for windsurfing, speed boating, and other water sports. Arugam Bay has azure skies and slanting coconut trees. If you are looking to surf in turquoise waters, Arugam Bay must be in your list of must-see tourist places in Sri Lanka. It is on the southeast coast around 320 km from Colombo.
It is the ideal place to sip coconut water, take in the scent of jasmine and allow the southern sun to tan your skin.
Besides Arugam bay, other beaches among best places to visit in Sri Lanka are Unawatuna in the South; and Tangalla again in the south around 195 km south of Colombo.
How to get there- Colombo has an international airport and is strategically located. So if you fly to Colombo, you are pretty much in close proximity to the best beaches.
Famous For: Seashore Destinations
Things To Do: Surfing, Snorkeling
Flight Charges from India: INR 15,000 for an adult if booked two months in advance
Best beaches around Colombo: Benota, Mirissa, Koggala, Trincomalee, Pasikudah, Unawatuna, Tangalla and Arugam Bay
Best time to visit: Between November and March
Best Hotels to stay: Weligama Bay resort, The Fortress Resort Galle, Palace Mirissa, and Number One Mirissa
Suggested Read: Sri Lanka In August 2022: A Guide To Treat Yourself With The Magic Of Monsoon!
4. Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa – Ruggedness Amidst The Greenery
Sigiriya or the mount of remembrance is a World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning places to see in Sri Lanka. This giant formation of rock rises out of nowhere towering over everything in its vicinity. It is quite a climb to the top but once up there you will get to see a panoramic view of the nearby sights and the Sigiriya fort. The rock fortress is a slice of history perched on a rock and is really worth a visit.
Not much is heard and said about Polonnaruwa, but this ancient city is no less than the Petra of the south. A gem among Sri Lanka tourist attractions, this ancient ruined city stands amidst its erstwhile sturdy columns and architecture. The best way to explore this ancient city is to hire a bike and zoom around the ruins. The site is well maintained and is a telling example of Sri Lankas history and culture. Polonnaruwa can be easily accessed via Sigiriya. You can take a tuk-tuk or a bus from Sigiriya. Or you can take a bus from Dambulla to Polonnaruwa.
Best Hotels to Stay: Jetwing Vil Uyana, Camelia Resort and Spa, Hotel Sigiriya, Camellia Resort and Spa, and Lal Homestay
Suggested Read: Ramayana Tour In Sri Lanka 2022: Exploring The Religious Trail In The Island Nation
5. Galle – A 16th Century Marvel
Galle is an important city in Sri Lanka and is a one-stop destination wherein you can take in all sights and sounds. One of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka is the Galle Fort. The Galle Fort area has wide cobblestoned roads and a number of eateries and cafes. Try and catch the sunset while you are there. There are a number of trinket shops and galleries that you can visit. It is among the most visited places in Sri Lanka.
Another picturesque destination for sightseeing in Sri Lanka is the Japanese Peace Pagoda. Quite close to the Unawatuna beach, it is a white dome of serenity.
Best Hotels to Sty: Jetwing Lighthouse, Amangalla, Tamarind Hill, Apa Villa Thalpe, and The Fortress