Here are 20 of the best things to do in Sri Lanka:
- Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress: This ancient rock fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks.
- Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura: This historic city is home to ancient ruins and important religious sites, including the sacred Bodhi tree.
- Go on a safari in Yala National Park: This beautiful park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and birds.
- Visit the Temple of the Tooth: This important Buddhist temple in Kandy is home to a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.
- Explore the old town of Galle: This historic city on Sri Lanka’s south coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to beautiful colonial architecture.
- Take a train ride through the tea country: Sri Lanka is known for its tea, and a scenic train ride through the hill country is a great way to experience the country’s natural beauty.
- Visit the Dambulla Cave Temples: This complex of five caves is home to ancient Buddhist statues and paintings, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Go whale watching in Mirissa: Sri Lanka’s south coast is a great place to spot blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins.
- Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa: This historic city is home to important ruins and religious sites, including the famous Gal Vihara statues.
- Visit the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage: This sanctuary is home to rescued elephants and offers visitors the chance to interact with these majestic animals.
- Go surfing in Arugam Bay: Sri Lanka’s east coast is home to some of the best surf breaks in the world.
- Take a tour of a tea plantation: Sri Lanka’s hill country is home to some of the world’s best tea, and a tour of a tea plantation offers insight into the country’s history and culture.
- Visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home: This sanctuary is home to orphaned elephants and offers visitors the chance to see these majestic animals up close.
- Explore the city of Colombo: Sri Lanka’s capital city is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity.
- Visit the Horton Plains National Park: This beautiful park is home to stunning landscapes, including the famous World’s End cliff.
- Take a boat ride on the Madu River: This scenic river offers the chance to see mangroves, wildlife, and traditional Sri Lankan life along its banks.
- Visit the Pinnawala Open Zoo: This zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, lions, and crocodiles.
- Explore the ancient city of Kataragama: This important pilgrimage site is home to important religious sites and festivals.
- Take a dip in the natural hot springs of Kanniya: These hot springs are believed to have healing properties and are a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
- Visit the Negombo Fish Market: This bustling market offers the chance to see local fishermen bring in their catches and buy fresh seafood straight from the source.
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country located in South Asia, in the Indian Ocean. It is situated to the southeast of the Indian subcontinent and is separated from it by the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar.
The history of Sri Lanka dates back over 2,500 years, and it has been influenced by various cultures, religions, and empires. Buddhism was introduced to the island in the 3rd century BCE, and it has had a major influence on Sri Lankan culture and society ever since. Other major religions practiced in Sri Lanka include Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.
Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot, with a variety of ecosystems ranging from rainforests and grasslands to coastal wetlands and coral reefs. The island is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, including several endemic species, such as the Sri Lankan elephant, leopard, and purple-faced langur.
The economy of Sri Lanka is primarily based on agriculture, with tea and rubber being major exports. The country also has a growing tourism industry, with visitors attracted to its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and beautiful beaches.
Sri Lanka has a rich cultural heritage, with a diverse population that includes Sinhalese, Tamil, Muslim, and Burgher communities. The country has a long tradition of arts and crafts, with intricate wood carvings, handloom textiles, and elaborate jewelry being some of its most famous exports.
Sri Lanka is a democratic republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The country has a multi-party system, and its constitution guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all citizens.
Despite facing challenges such as ethnic tensions and natural disasters, Sri Lanka remains a vibrant and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
