Sri Lanka is a small island nation in
the Indian Ocean that offers a wealth of experiences for travelers who are
looking for something different. Whether you are interested in exploring its
ancient heritage, its diverse culture, or its stunning natural beauty, Sri
Lanka has something for everyone. Here are some of the highlights of this
amazing country that we covered in our trip.
The
Landscape of Sri Lanka
Sri
Lanka is a land of many contrasts, with its diverse landscapes ranging from
sandy beaches and coral reefs to lush rainforests and misty mountains. You
can enjoy the tropical climate and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean
along the coast, where you can find some of the best surfing spots in the
world. You can also visit the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that are
home to hundreds of species of animals and plants, including elephants,
leopards, monkeys, birds and flowers. If you are dharmic, you have many ancient
temples/stupas spread across the country. If you have taste for adventure, you
can hike or take a train ride through the hills and tea plantations of the
central highlands, where you can witness the breathtaking views of waterfalls,
valleys and lakes.
We tailored our trip on the theme
"Ramayana trial" - the key places that are depicted in our national
Epic Ramayana. Our guide said to cover all the places depicted in Ramayana it
would take over a week of dedicated time. But we decided to include some other
famous tourist places. Hence, we could focus on only the main places in
Ramayana. Some of the most popular places that we visited in Sri Lanka where
the highlight was landscape were:
Sigiriya: This ancient rock fortress is one of the most iconic landmarks of Sri Lanka. It was built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century CE as his royal palace and capital. The site features a massive rock that rises 200 meters above the surrounding plains, with a palace complex on top and a series of gardens, ponds and frescoes at its base. Sigiriya is also known as the Lion Rock because of the huge lion-shaped gateway that leads to the summit. It is also said that Ravana's kingdom existed in & around this area. To go to the top, one needs to climb 1200+ steps, I reckon it's totally worth the effort.
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| Spectacular view before the climb |
Our guide of the day in Sigiriya 
At the top 
The climb
Yala National Park: This is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka.
It covers an area of 979 square kilometers and hosts a variety of ecosystems
such as forests, grasslands, wetlands and beaches. Yala is famous for its
wildlife diversity and density, especially its large population of leopards. It
is also home to elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, deer, monkeys and many
species of birds. Yala has the highest population density of leopards in the world, making
it a great place to spot these elusive cats.
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| Elephant - most common sighting |
Nuwara Eliya:
This is a picturesque town in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country. The British
colonial experience is strong as still retains its major influence in
architecture. Nuwara Eliya is surrounded by green hills and tea plantations
that produce some of the finest teas in the world. It is also a popular
destination for hiking, golfing and enjoying the cool climate.
We also witness Ashoka Vatika where Sita Devi was held captive by the demon King Ravana - there is a temple dedicated to Devi Sita.
Sri Lanka is a melting pot of
cultures that reflects its long and rich history. The country has been
influenced by various civilizations and religions over the centuries, from
ancient Buddhist kingdoms to colonial powers such as Portugal, Netherlands andc1
Britain. Today, Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society that
celebrates its diversity and harmony. You can experience the different aspects
of Sri Lankan culture by visiting its temples, mosques, churches and monuments
that showcase its architectural and artistic heritage. You can also enjoy its
vibrant festivals, music, dance and cuisine that reflect its unique blend of
traditions and influences.
Some of the popular places we
visited in Sri Lanka with a focus on its culture were:
Trincomalee: Trincomalee is a town and port in the Eastern Province of
Sri Lanka and has a rich history and culture, dating back
to over two millennia. It is home to the
famous Koneswaram temple, which is one of the five abodes of Shiva and a
major Hindu pilgrimage site. Trincomalee is also known for its
beautiful beaches, such as Uppuveli and Nilaveli. Trincomalee
is a hidden gem in Sri Lanka that offers a unique experience for travelers.
Kandy:
This is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka and the last royal city of the
Sinhalese kings. It is located in a scenic valley surrounded by hills and
forests. Kandy is famous for its sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic , which
houses a tooth believed to belong to Buddha himself. The temple is also the
venue for the annual Esala Perahera festival , which is one of the most
spectacular religious processions in Asia. It features thousands of dancers,
drummers, elephants and torchbearers parading through the streets in honor of
Buddha.
Galle:
This is a historic port city on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It was
founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later fortified by the Dutch
in the 17th century. Galle is known for its well-preserved colonial
architecture and atmosphere. The Galle Fort , which covers an area of 52
hectares , is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains many buildings from
different eras. On the way from Galle to Colombo we would get the coastal city of Bentota where you could see a large chunck of European tourists because of availability of hosts of watersports. There is a spectacular watersport activity around mangroove forest where Madu river meets Indian ocean. 
Colombo: Colombo is a bustling and vibrant city that offers a mixture of modern life, colonial buildings and monuments, and natural beauty. It has a rich and diverse history and culture, influenced by various colonial powers such as the Portuguese, Dutch and British, as well as the local Sinhalese and Tamil communities.
