Places of Interest in Sri Lanka 

One of the most important and extensive of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, Anuradhapura is still scattered with remnants of the ancient Sinhalese architecture and culture.

The traces of Buddhism flourishing are revealed by the presence of The Sacred Bo-Tree and old temples like the Thuprama Dagoba. The Sacred Bo-Tree is a tree of the same type under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. The Thuprama Dagoba is the oldest temple and enshrines Lord Buddha’s collar bone. The lake on the South eastern part of the city is as old as 11th century and is still in a good state. The remains of the vast tank, which was part of the irrigation system of the ancient city, indicates to their advancement in technology in that age itself.

Located at a distance of 115 km from Colombo, Kandy is the second largest city of Sri Lanka. The town center of Kandy is best defined by its numerous old shops, antique specialists, gem specialists and its bustling crowd. With countryside full of greenery, it is an ideal place for ecotourism.

The main attraction of Kandy apart from its town center is its lake and the Temple of Tooth which stands on the northern side of the lake. The train station, market places and bus stands are located at walking distance from the lake.

Ratnapura is the city which has made Sri Lanka famous for Gems. 100 kms south east of Colombo, stands the ‘City of Gems’ or Ratnapura. Getangama, the Gem museum on the Pothgulvihara Mawatha exhibits a good collection of gems in addition to providing a wealth of information on mining and polishing. Ratnapura is also famous for being the best place to get a good view of the Adam’s Peak.

A cone shaped mountain with an altitude of 7353 feet, stands in Sri Lanka by the name of Adam’s Peak. Considered sacred by both Buddhists and Christians, this peak offers a fabulous view of sun sets and sunrise.

The Buddhists know this peak by the name of ‘Sri Pada’, due to their staunch belief that, Buddha left his footprints on the summit of this mountain. The peak was named “Adam’s Peak” by the Christians as they believed that Adam and Eve resided here.

Currently the commercial hub of Sri Lanka, Colombo was once just a small trading port. The Portuguese, the Dutch and then the British realized the importance of this small port and developed it. The canals were connected to the lakes and lagoons around Colombo, and the number of spice plantations was increased. As they developed the port, they also left behind reminders of their rule. Churches, Buddhist Temples, Hindu Temples, and Mosques are all a reminder of the past and are part of the architectural heritage of Sri Lanka.

This is the city where the presence of the British rule is most highlighted. It is an English country-side in Sri Lanka with the architecture ranging from the Georgian style to Queen Anne style. Beautifully manicured lawns, Beautiful parks, an English Church and a famous golf course all combine to give the city definite English look.

At an altitude of 1890 meters, Nuwara Eliwa provides the relief from the fast life of a city life. With the air fresh and cool, it is a dream destination for nature lovers.

Rising to fame after the fall of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa was the capital of the Island during the time period of 11th to 13th century. At a distance of 216 kms from Colombo stands this city with the largest artificial reservoir – the Parakrama Samudra. This man made reservoir is even larger than the Colombo harbour.

Here you can experience the feeling of awe the huge sculptures of Buddha carved on one single boulder of rock surface – the Gal Vihare inspire. The other places of interest are the ruins of the Royal Citadel, the Royal Pavilion, the King’s Council Chamber and the Vatadage Relic House amongst others.