Sri Lanka
Wonder of Asia
Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka is a stunningly beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, with an interior of dense tropical jungles framed by sandy golden beaches. The teardrop-shaped island is made up of a mountainous landscape with more than a hundred picturesque waterfalls and innumerable hiking trails leading to breath-taking vistas like the famous World’s End. Sri Lanka is also home to diverse wildlife, including leopards, monkeys, crocodiles, and many species of birds; it is most famous for its elephant population however, and tourists flock to the elephant sanctuaries to get an up-close-and-personal experience with the majestic creatures.
The ancient culture of Sri Lanka is just as fascinating as its natural attractions, and sacred Buddhist cities like Anuradhapura and Panduwasnuwara give visitors the opportunity to visit temples and other sacred sites dating back thousands of years.
A holiday in Sri Lanka isn’t for travellers looking for gleaming cities and sophisticated nightlife, but cities like Colombo and Kandy offer plenty of shopping and dining opportunities, as well as excellent museums that give unique insight into the captivating culture of Sri Lanka. A holiday in Sri Lanka is an enticing adventure for travellers willing to go off the beaten track.
What to see and do in Sri Lanka
- See the remains of an ancient royal fortress atop the giant rock at Sigiriya.
- Visit the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura.
- Wander through the busy markets of Pettah.
- Get a taste of modern Buddhism at Wewurukannala Temple.
- Visit baby elephants at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.
- See monkeys, leopards, crocodiles, elephants, and other wildlife in Yala National Park.
- Go on a pilgrimage to the summit of Adam’s Peak.
- Hike to World’s End in Horton Plains National Park.
- Enjoy the superb beaches in Mirrisa, Hikkaduwa and so many more.