Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? You’ve come to the right place. In this blog, Hotel MaRadha will cut your hours of research short and present Sri Lanka’s top 1- must-see attractions on a silver platter.
Sigiriya
One of the most iconic attractions in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is an ancient fortress built on top of a 200-meter high rock. The fortress is also known as the “Lion Rock” because of the massive lion’s paws that used to be at the entrance. The fortress includes an elaborate network of gardens, pools, and fountains, as well as the remains of a palace. The highlight of the visit is climbing the steep staircase to the top of the rock to see the ancient frescoes and enjoy the panoramic views. The frescoes are a group of paintings that were created by the king’s concubines, and some of these paintings survive till today and can be seen on the rock face. Sigiriya is also an UNESCO world heritage site and a must-see for history and archaeology enthusiasts.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Another ancient attraction, the Dambulla Cave Temple is a complex of five caves containing 157 statues of the Buddha. The caves were used as a monastery from the 3rd century BC, and the frescoes and statues inside are considered some of the best examples of ancient Sri Lankan art. The temple is located on a hilltop and is one of the best-preserved cave temples in the country. The temple is adorned with intricate details and vibrant colors, and it’s a great place to learn about Buddhism and the importance of religion in ancient Sri Lanka. Visitors can also enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding area from the top of the hill.
Kandy
Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cultural capital of Sri Lanka. The city is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist shrines in the world, which houses the tooth of the Buddha. The temple is an architectural masterpiece and its intricate carvings and golden stupa are a sight to behold. Visitors can also enjoy traditional dance performances, such as the Kandy Esala Perahera, which is a grand parade held annually in honor of the tooth relic. Additionally, take a walk through the bustling local market and get a taste of the local culture and traditions.
Tea Plantations
Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, and visiting a tea plantation is a must-do for any visitor. The tea-growing regions of Nuwara Eliya and Ella offer beautiful views of the lush green hillsides, and the chance to learn about the tea-making process, as well as taste some of the country’s best tea. Visitors can take a tour of the plantation, where they’ll learn about the history of tea in Sri Lanka, the different types of tea produced and the production process. You’ll also get to see the tea pickers at work and sample the tea straight from the factory. Many plantation offer accommodations and visitors can stay in colonial-style bungalows and enjoy the serene surroundings.
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is another ancient city that was the capital of Sri Lanka in the 12th century. It is home to many well-preserved ruins, including the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya statues of the Buddha, and the Parakrama Samudra, a large man-made lake. Polonnaruwa is also a UNESCO world heritage site and is considered one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the country. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins, including the Palace of King Parakramabahu, the Gal Viharaya statues of the Buddha, and the Parakrama Samudra, a large man-made lake.
Yala National Park
For wildlife enthusiasts, a safari in Yala National Park is a must-do. The park is located in the Southeast region of Sri Lanka and is the country’s second-largest national park. It’s home to a wide variety of animals such as elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and over 200 species of birds. It’s also one of the best places in the world to spot leopards in the wild. Visitors can take a jeep safari through the park, where they’ll have the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat and learn about the conservation efforts in place to protect them.
Bentota
Bentota is a popular beach destination on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Known for its beautiful beaches, watersports, and luxury resorts, Bentota is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and sea. Visitors can indulge in various water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing, and parasailing, or take a boat trip to explore the nearby mangroves and see the colorful marine life. Bentota is also a great place to try traditional Ayurvedic treatments and massage, which are popular in the area.
Udawalawe National Park
Another great place to see wildlife in Sri Lanka, Udawalawe National Park is located in the southern region of the country and is home to a large population of elephants. Visitors can take a jeep safari to see the elephants and other animals in their natural habitat. The park also offers excellent opportunities to see a variety of bird species and reptiles. Udawalawe Dam is also a great spot for bird watching, with the park being a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Colombo
Colombo is the capital and largest city of Sri Lanka. While it may not have the ancient ruins of some other destinations on the island, it is still a must-see for its mix of modern and colonial architecture, as well as its cultural and historical significance. Visitors can visit the Colombo National Museum and the Gangaramaya Temple to learn about the history of the city and the country, or take a stroll through the colorful Pettah Market to shop for souvenirs and sample local street food. Visitors can also take a walk along the Galle Face Green, a long stretch of beach that’s popular with locals and tourists alike, and enjoy the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is another ancient city that was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th century BC to the 11th century AD. It is home to many important Buddhist shrines, including the Sri Maha Bodhi, the sacred fig tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The city also has many well-preserved ruins, including palaces, temples, and stupas. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins, learn about the history of the city, and see the sacred Bodhi tree. The city also offers a great opportunity to see how the ancient civilization lived and thrived for many centuries.
Conclusion
While ten is a hefty number, these are just a subset of the top attractions in Sri Lanka. The island nation is a country with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, and there are many other destinations to explore, such as the beaches of Unawatuna, the cave temples of Dambulla, or the colonial-era town of Galle.
Hotel MaRadha
With an enviable location in the heart of the financial district Hotel MaRadha – Colombo provides a comfortable stay for all business and leisure travellers, with easy access to your shopping, entertainment, and business needs. Hotel Maradha – Colombo overlooks the Indian Ocean and is truly one of a kind, featuring 35 premium hotel rooms, suites, and apartments. We will ensure your stay in Colombo is truly perfect.
