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The fabled island of Sri Lanka has been called by many names over the centuries. The British used to call it ‘Ceylon’ others called it the ‘Teardrop of India’. However, it is best known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’. The island of Sri Lanka offers a picturesque landscape that feels like something right out of a dream. There are several places one can explore when travelling to Sri Lanka. But we have taken the liberty to compile a list of places that may be the hidden gems of the country. Discover where to travel when you are on a holiday in Sri Lanka.
Where To Travel In Sri Lanka?
10. Fly High At The Air force Museum
Sri Lanka’s National Museum of Aviation offers a deep dive into the history of the Sri Lankan Air force (S.I.A.F). The establishment speaks of unique insights and techniques in use in earlier avionics and the latest technology’s in use worldwide. The museum is a comprehensive collection of events and operations which showcase the involvement of Sri Lanka during World War II. It was built in 1993, but it was only in 2008 that it was given a modern facelift. The museum offers a calm environment to soak in all the aviation fun.
Location: Ratmalana
Best time to Visit: Any time during your visit
Entry Fee: $ 15
Other sites of Interest: Mount Lavinia, Suba Gaman, Mount Lavinia Beach, Boralesgamuwa
9. Enjoy The Calm Of Delft Island
Neduntheevu Island is also known by its Dutch name, Delft Island. The island lies in the Palk Strait towards Northern Sri Lanka. The remote island has beaches, shallow waters and corals on all sides. Due to its proximity to mainland Sri Lanka, the island houses a limited number of people. The minuscule mass of land is a perfect one-day visit away from mainland Sri Lanka. Gaze upon some marvellous wonders that house the Island while enjoying the peace and serenity of your solitude away from the crowd.
Location: Jaffna
Best time to Visit: December to April
Entry Fee: $ 0.30 (for the boat ride from Kurikadduwan pier at Pungudutivu island)
Other sites of Interest (on the island): Growing rock, Adam’s footprint, Dovecote, coral walla, Vedi Arasan Fort (ruins), Baobab (tree from East Africa)
8. Witness Royalty At The Richmond Castle
Built between 1900 and 1910, the Richmond Castle is an Edwardian mansion located close to Kalutara. It was formally the country seat of Padikara Mudali Nanayakkara Rajawasala Appuhamilage Don Arthur de Silva Wijesinghe Siriwardena, a philanthropist who built the castle. Moreover, the castle is an exact replica of a castle he had his heart set on but had to replicate the designs in secrecy just before calling it his home. The raw materials used to make the castle were all imported from Italy, Burma, Scotland, England and more.
Location: Kalutara
Best time to Visit: December to April
Entry Fee: $ 2.54
Other sites of Interest: Kalutara Bodhiya, Thudugala Ella Waterfall, Fa Hien caves, Batik Museum, Asokaramaya Buddhist temple, Bodhinagala forest hermitage
7. Visit The Wewurukannala Vihara
The 18th-century Buddhist temple is a marvel built to depict the various phase of human life on earth. Furthermore, the temple also has statues and murals depicting the life of Buddha. Also, the temple is quite popular for its 162 feet tall statue of Buddha, waiting to greet devout pilgrims. The temple is split into 3 parts, of which the most intriguing part is the tunnel of hell that one has to take to enter the temple. The other two parts of the temple speak of various Buddhist teachings through sculpted statues and paintings donning the walls of the temple.
Location: Dikwella
Best time to Visit: December to April
Entry Fee: $ 1.52
Other sites of Interest: Unawatuna Peace Pagoda, Galle Fort, Udawalawe National Park, Buduruwagala
6. Experience Calm At The Brief Garden
Brief Garden is the result of the hard work put in by the late Bevis Bawa, the elder brother of the famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. It all started when, Bevis inherited a rubber plantation when he was still young, which he converted into this beautiful jungle themed garden. He began working on it back when he was serving the army in the late 1920s and kept at it till he passed away in 1992, at the age of 89. The garden is a reminiscence of what Bevis had envisioned the garden would look like upon completion. To this day with every season the garden grows more and more vibrant with colours of nature,
Location: Kirantidiya
Best time to Visit: December to April
Entry Fee: $ 11
Other sites of Interest: Kande Vihara, Isipathanaramaya temple
5. Reach For The Sky At Lakegala Peak
Located at about 175 km from the capital city of Colombo, Lakegala mountain is an extremely popular destination with trekking enthusiasts. The mountain is located in the Meemure village and situated on the border of the Kandy and Matale districts. There are several access points to reach the base of the Lakegala mountain. Nevertheless, the safest route to the rock is through a road that crosses through Meemure village.
Location: Border of Kandy and Matale
Best time to Visit: December to April
Entry Fee: N/A
Other sites of Interest: Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Helga’s Folly
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4. Be Amazed At The Bambarakanda Falls
This location is a must-visit for anyone looking to get close to the natural beauty of Sri Lanka. Undoubtedly, the falls are one of the most tranquil places that you can visit when in Sri Lanka. The waterfall starts from a height of almost 263 meters, which makes Bambarakanda Falls the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. The waterfall is in the Badulla district between the lush green forest of the Kalupahana area.
Location: Badulla
Best time to Visit: December to April
Entry Fee: N/A
Other sites of Interest: Old Welekade Market, Dhowa Rock Temple, Fox Hills
3. Escape Crowd At The Unawatuna Beach
The Galle district of Sri Lanka is home to a mesmerising coastal town known as Unawatuna, well known for its beach. In addition, the Unawatuna Beach is particularly popular for its blue waters and the pure landscape among tourists. Even though, the town has seen significant development over the last decade. In spite of this, it is still home to the purple-faced Langur, which is a species of monkey only found on the island of Sri Lanka.
Location: Galle
Best time to Visit: December to April
Entry Fee: N/A
Other sites of Interest: Galle Dutch Fort, The National Museum of Galle, Galle Fort Clock Tower, Sea turtle Hatcheries, Dutch-style churches
2. Enter Into The World Of Sigiriya
The archaeological marvel of Sigiriya is a sight to behold, the natural and man-made structure known as the ‘The Lion Rock’. The palace sits atop a giant rock, built by a king of Sri Lanka to hide from his brother’s attack. The remains of what looks like a network of reservoirs and gardens surround the palace. A climb to the top is nothing short of an adventure and is a must-try.
Location: Dambulla, Matale
Best time to Visit: December to April
Entry Fee: $ 30
Other sites of Interest: Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, Pophams Arboretum, Buddhist Museum & Museum of Wall Paintings
1. Marvel At The Weather At Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya or the ‘city of lights’ is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country of Sri Lanka. The city is located on hilly terrain with an altitude of 1,868 meters above sea level, making it the coolest area on the entire island. Apart from this, the city’s location and cool temperate climate is the perfect place for the cultivation and production of tea. Without a doubt, it is one of the most important locations for Tea production in Sri Lanka.
Location: Nuwara Eliya
Best time to Visit: December to April
Entry Fee: N/A
Other sites of Interest: Mackwoods tea estate, Bale bazaar, Seetha Amman Kovil, Ramboda Falls
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