Highlights of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is famous for its exquisite beaches, but behind the dazzling coastline there is a lush interior  with thick jungles, vast palm and rice plantations, cut by spectacular waterfalls and wild rivers.  In addition, there is a long and interesting history, ancient Buddhist temples, spectacular vistas, spice gardens and rich wildlife and above all, a laid-back atmosphere, friendly people and some wonderful food.  The best time to go to Sri Lanka are from December to March for the west coast, the south coast and the Hill Country, and from April to September for the ancient cities region and the east coast.  Read on to learn more about the highlights of Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka is affected by two monsoons.  As the south and west coasts and the highlands are by far the wettest, the dry season here, December to March, is considered the best time to visit Sri Lanka.  For the ancient city region and the east coast, April to September is the best.  April and September offer the best odds for good weather across the country.

Most people start their journey through Sri Lanka in Negombo, an historically interesting town and a great place to get into the spirit of seaside of Sri Lanka by observing the fishermen at work, watch them auction off their catch and try some fresh seafood in a local restaurant.  Around the town is a network of canals and you can get a good sense of rural Sri Lanka but venturing out by bicycle. 

The ancient city of Anuradhapura, built in the 3rd century BC, was the capital of the Sinhalese people for 1000 years and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.  It is still the most important historic site in Sri Lanka, with a treasure trove of palaces, temples and Buddhist monuments and statues.  One of the most important pilgrimage sites for Bhuddists here is the Bodhi tree, said to be a direct descendant of the tree where Buddha gained enlightenment.

At Ritigala Mountain you will find the ruins of a monastic complex, lesser known but excellent nevertheless.  Much of the site has been restored helping you imagine the grandeur of the place.

Trincomalee, a beautiful village on the east coast, is worth a sidetrip.  Explore the Temple of a Thousand Pillars and Fort Frederick or mingle with pilgrims at the famous Hot Springs of Kanniya.  The coast of Trincomalee is well known to be a migratory route for Blue Whales and Sperm Whales, while the countryside around town makes for a great place to get out by bike.

Before reaching Polonnaruwa, you may want to engage in a journey through authentic Sri Lankan villages, to spot wildlife, cross streams, meet villagers busy in their day-to-day life and perhaps sample a local meal.   At Polonnaruwa itself there are some beautiful temples, palaces and stupas, but the highlights are the enormous stone Buddhas. 

Next, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka's largest Rock Cave Temple located high up in a stone cliff face.  It is home to magnificent Buddha images and rock paintings spread over five caves.

One of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka is the food.  Although Sri Lankan cuisine has been being influenced by the traditions of India, Portugal, Arabia and Holland, it has a style uniquely its own.  Enjoy complex, fragrant curries, indulge in seafood on the coast, discover street food like hoppers, paratha and roti, or discover Tamil cuisine in the Highlands.

Built as a royal citadel on top of a 200m high rock mass, Sigiriya is an impressive fortress.  You climb to the top via a series of steps and walkways.  Enjoy lovely water gardens and 5th-century frescoes and the remains of a summer palace.

Nearby Minneriya National Park is home to a variety of fauna, including purple-faced langur and toque macaque.  Elephants use it regularly as a watering site and there is a huge variety of birdlife.

The royal city of Kandy is pleasantly set on the edge of a lake surrounded by hills. In the heart of town is the Temple of the Tooth, the most important shrine in Sri Lanka, which houses a relic of a tooth of Buddha taken from his funeral pyre.  Each evening, the day's worship culminates with the casket containing the tooth relic being put on display to pilgrims from all over the Buddhist world.  Be sure to visit the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, with their immense fig tree and exquisite orchid collection.  Alternatively, go for a walk around town and enjoy the bazaars, visit monasteries or see an evening performance of the famed Kandyan dancers and fire-walkers.

In the highlands of Sri Lanka there are a range of things you can do.  Go white water rafting or hike to waterfalls, visit a tea plantation or spice garden, swim in refreshing mountain streams, explore the quaint countryside town of Nuwara Eliya, go for a jeep safari at Uda Walawe National Park, visit World's End', one of the most stunning sights in Sri Lanka where the ground drops 1050m to the plains, or take a stunning train journey into the highlands disembarking at Bandarawela or Haputale.

Further south you reach Yala National Park, home to deer, elephants, bears, crocodiles, wild boars and birdlife. The park also has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world.

After having done this much travelling, it is time for some serious R&R.  The beautiful south coast with long sandy beaches and lovely calm waters, is perfect for swimming.  Base yourself in Marissa or Tangalle and if you feel like more exploring, go whale watching, visit Unawatuna with its famed stilt fishermen, check out a seafood market or try a drink made from palm tree sap (toddy) or coconut arrack.

Before heading back to Colombo, visit the colonial port town of Galle, home to an impressive World Heritage-listed Dutch fort with extensive walls and many interesting old buildings. Walk around the fort and watch the sunset from the ramparts, or while having dinner. Alternatively, explore the maze of backstreets and market stalls in town.

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