What to do and see in Sri Lanka …
What to do and see in Sri Lanka ...
Temples, ancient cities and most important holy places in Sri Lanka
Below we detail in order of importance the monuments, ancient cities and sacred places that you can not miss on your vacation to Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya Rock
The fortress of Sigiriya (5th century AD) is a practically rectangular rock 360 meters high which houses the ruins of an ancient complex of noble palaces on its cusp.
It is considered one of the 8 wonders of the ancient world.
This work of King Kassapa dates back to the 5th century AD. and hides a story of betrayal and revenge.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s main tourist attractions.
Sigiriya Rock is a place of extraordinary beauty.
No one, be it locals or tourists, remains indifferent to the vision of this huge rock on a vast plain of several kilometers in extension.
Sigiriya is said to give off a very particular energy that attracts and regenerates.
Anuradhapura
Founded in the 4th century BC, it was the first capital of Sri Lanka and remained active until the 10th century AD.
Anuradhapura is one of the largest archaeological sites in the world and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition to the ancient temples and stupas, we will see above all how the inhabitants of Sri Lanka visit and venerate this sacred place.
It is very common to see smiling people dressed in white with flowers and other offerings.
Many people feel moved by the meetings of hundreds of Buddhists around the Bo tree.
Do not miss the image of children and adults who worship this sacred tree where Buddha achieved divine enlightenment in Northern India.
The highlight of Anuradhapura is the huge Dagoba Ruvanvelisaya or stupa raised in white 55 meters high.
The culmination of the stupa is a “minaret” of precious stones valued in millions of Sri Lankan rupees.
Polonnaruwa (s. XI-XIII)
Founded in the 10th century AD, Polonnaruwa was the second capital of Sri Lanka and remained active until the beginning of the 13th century.
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this city preserves the remains of some buildings and temples of the time.
The statues of the Buddha and King Parakrama carved in the rock itself stand out for their beauty and grandeur.
Interesting is to visit Alahana Pirivena University.
In the so-called “era of Polonnaruwa” agriculture, commerce, education and health flourished and, therefore, this era is considered the most radiant in the history of this country.
Tips for visiting Polonnaruwa:
Do it at sunset and by bike.
Whenever the weather permits, this visit must be made, like many others in Sri Lanka, in the late afternoon.
The warm light at that time gives a very special shine to the ruins of the wonderful Ceylon.
In addition to cycling, it is possible to visit by tuk-tuk or by car as the distances between the most interesting points are large.
Additional recommendation: Watch how macaque monkeys play in the ruins without feeding them and avoid leaving our properties close at hand.
Dambulla Golden Temple
It consists of a large cave with different compartments converted into temples.
Inside you can see 153 Buddha statues, some statues of Sri Lankan Kings and some Hindu gods and goddesses, in addition to the murals that cover the entire ceiling and walls of the cave.
Dambulla’s story:
It dates back to the year I B.C. and had its greatest splendour in the XII century.
Today this temple is still very active and again we will have the opportunity to see Sri Lankan Buddhists giving offerings such as flowers, incense, oil lamps …
In our opinion, the Golden Temple is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
It is a short and intense, but absolutely essential. It is the jewel in the crown …
Again, we will find macaques in the Dambulla surroundings.
They are part of the immense spectacle that can be seen from above the temple with rice fields, views, coconut trees and mountains.
Tooth Temple in Kandy
The Temple of the Tooth or Sri Dalada Maligawa.
In this sacred place is the relic of the Buddha Tooth.
Since ancient times, this relic has played a very important role in the life of Sri Lanka, it was believed that whoever owned it would gain power.
Once again we will check how Sri Lankan Buddhists crowd this temple with flowers and offerings to worship the Buddha.
It is a very important temple for Buddhists, but you will like it too, you can breathe an atmosphere of peace and where you will meet many points of meditation.
This visit is also interesting when the offers or “pooja” are made at the following times:
from 5 to 7 in the morning
from 9.30 to 11
and from 18.30 to 20
Mihintale
According to ancient chronicles Buddhism entered Sri Lanka through Mihintale in 237 BC.
In this sacred forest we will find the ruins of what became a large monastery which housed up to 3,000 monks.
There are still remains of life from that time: the dining room, the clinic, and a long granite staircase of 1840 steps surrounded by majestic frangipani.
This visit can be made perfectly after the visit to the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
Aukana
A 14 m high Buddha which was carved in the 5th century in great detail directly on the rock.
Buduruwagala
Buduruwagala is an ancient 10th century Buddhist temple, where we will find 7 statues of Buddha and aspiring monks carved in the rock itself.
In addition, it is an activity to be carried out as a small rest or a stop after descending from the Ella mountains towards Yala National Park.
You will have time to visit it and on the same day participate in the Yala safari.
Both the path and the surroundings of Buduruwagala are very mystical and relaxing.
Adam's Peak
You can stay in Hatton or Kandy for this visit.
Curiously, this excursion is performed at dawn.
This means that you have to make a transfer from Kandy to the slopes of the Peak at 11pm to arrive at 2am and start the climb.
You will reach the top to observe the magical sunrise from this sacred mountain.
And then in the descent we will appreciate the beauty of the forest and mountains surrounding Sri Pada.
Lankatilekka and Embekka
In Sri Lanka Eden Travels we call these temples “alternative” because they are very different from the rest of the Buddhist temples in the area, especially Ambakke which is entirely made of wood.
Kataragama
A set of sacred pilgrimage temples for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and even Veddhas natives.
This synchrony of different religions makes Kataragama a very special place.
Definitely worth going to Kataragama on full moon nights.
The full moon procession of July or Perahera of Kataragama, bringing together all the spirituality of Asia in this small site of southern Sri Lanka.
Pidurangala Rock
From the top of this rock Sigiriya Rock is contemplated from another perspective.
In Pidurangala there is a temple that was donated by King Kassapa to Buddhist monks in return for their transfer from Sigiriya fortress to Pidurangala to do their activities and meditations.
Many people love Pidurangala more than the Sigiriya Rock itself.
The truth is that it is less crowded and it is a peaceful excursion which, if you have enough time, is worth doing.
Aluvihare
It is a sacred Buddhist temple.
The history of Aluvihare dates back to the third century BC until the reign of King Devanampiyatissa.
The king is believed to have built the dagoba, planted the Bo tree and founded the temple after the introduction of Buddhism into the country during his reign.
The Rock Temple of Aluvihare was the historical place where the Canon Pāli was for the first time completely written in the text of the palm leaves.
Nalanda Gedige
They say this temple is exactly in the center of the island.
Nalanga Gedige is a Hindu temple also used by Buddhist monks.
This stone temple was built between the 8th and 10th centuries.
A beautiful lake and the surrounding environment make Nalanda Gedige a magical place where you can reconcile with everything …
An essential stop after leaving Dambulla in the direction of Kandy.
You can see the endemic cock of Sri Lanka, mountain monkeys, different species of colored birds …
As always, the sacred places are located in the most beautiful site of the island.
Matale Hindu Temple
Also called Sri Muthumariamman (1852), it was built in Matale for tea operators from southern India.
We would definitely recommend making this small visit to check out the variety of religion and culture of Sri Lanka.
Hindu temples are so different from Buddhist temples!
The latter are immaculate white.
On the other hand, the Hindus use thousands of colors, for the figures that decorate these “kovil”, we will meet them in many parts of the country, especially in the north: Jafna and Trincomalee where the Tamils come from.
Also, of course! in places where the British used them on the tea plantations of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale and Ella.
Gangaramaya
This is one of the most important temples in the capital.
Located on the edge of Lake Beira, it is built by mixing different types of architecture from Sri Lanka, Thailand, China and India.
National parks, nature reserves, safaris and lots of nature
It is perfect to combine cultural visits with safaris, natural parks and places where nature abounds in a 10, 12 or 15 day circuit.
These are the most important not to miss during your visit to this pearl of the Indian ocean
Safari Yala National Park
Yala National Park is the most visited reserve in the country and the second largest.
You can see deer, pelicans, wild boars, crocodiles, herons, wild buffalos, kingfishers, elephants, peacocks, black bears … and with a little luck we will also see the leopard.
To all this we must add that it is relatively easy to see leopards in Sri Lanka.
The reason is that it is the country with the highest concentration of leopards in the world also due to having no predators.
Safari Wilpattu National Park
It is the largest extending National Park in Sri Lanka.
The peculiarity of this national park is the existence of “Willus”, natural lakes in the local language, around 60.
In this park you can observe, in addition to the leopard, elephants, wild buffalos, bears, deer, different types of heron, ducks and endemic birds such as the jungle rooster.
Among the reptiles we will meet crocodiles and different types of turtles.
And as a Wilpattu poster says: “Don’t be sad if you haven’t seen the leopard.
” He certainly saw you “
Safari Minneriya National Park
The safari in Minneriya National Park is famous for the large herds of elephants that inhabit it.
Everyone is impressed to see such a large number of elephants together.
It is true that the Asian elephant is smaller than the African elephant.
But sighting 600 or 700 specimens in Minneriya is worthy of any African Savannah safari.
In the area of the Cultural Triangle there are several natural parks where elephants can be observed.
We will also meet them in Kaudulla National Park and Eco Park.
In any case, our drivers and guides will always take you to that park where the herds are spotted, as the elephants move around the park to drink.
Safari Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park was created to provide a sanctuary for wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe reservoir on the Walawe River, as well as to protect the reservoir.
The reserve activated in 1972 covers a total of 30,821 hectares, approximately 308 square kilometers.
The habitat surrounding the reservoir includes swamps, the Walawe River and its tributaries, forests and grasslands.
The dead trees in the reservoir are a visual reminder of the extension of the forest cover before the construction of the Udawalawe dam.
Udawalawe is located on the edge of the wet and dry areas of Sri Lanka.
The plains dominate the topography, although there are also some mountainous areas.
Peradeniya Botanical Royal Gardens
Many people feel unattractive when they hear or read about this botanical garden.
Well, the truth is that this place has nothing to do with what we call a botanical garden in Europe.
This is a green place full of fantastic trees and wonderful plants where Sri Lankans come to spend Sunday with their children, family and friends.
Here they eat, play and relax.
In addition, couples often find a place for their privacy in this romantic garden.
It has its origin in the fourteenth century. This huge extension of trees and plants is one of the best visits to make on a trip to Sri Lanka.
We will see from ancient trees to the strangest forms of palm trees, from Ayurvedic plants to the famous collection of orchids.
This vast 60 hectare area is a place of relaxation and recreation for Sri Lankan people who come to stroll and spend the day with families, boyfriends, groups of friends, etc.
Horton Plains National Park
This natural park is a large plain covered with mountain pastures and rainforest.
It is an area very rich in biodiversity where, with a little luck, we can see the Sambar deer, the jungle rooster or the white-eyed bird, the latter two endemic to Sri Lanka.
The visit to the park is a walk along a path of about 9 kilometers (about 3.5 or 4 hours walk) where you can see the famous end of the world precipice and the Baker waterfalls.
Ideally, you will get to this park very early.
Otherwise, it is very likely that it will cloud over, thus preventing the vision of the “End of the World” precipice.
The most advisable thing is to spend the previous night in the city of Nuwara Eliya or Bandarawela.
There is a transfer by car of more than an hour, but the road is absolutely beautiful.
Pigeon Island Marine National Park
This is one of the two marine parks in the country and consists of two small islands, a bird sanctuary since 1963.
In this park, which houses one of the best coral reefs in Sri Lanka, you can snorkel where we will see turtles, goldfish, seahorses …
The truth is that in the months of July and, above all, August, this small park is full of people who bathe and swim.
June, September and October are perhaps the least crowded recommended months to visit this place.
Adam's Bridge Marine National Park
It is a National Marine Park that surrounds the called Rama’s Bridge, which almost unites northern Sri Lanka with the Indian Continent.
Many migratory birds follow the Pamban Island-Adam’s Bridge-Mannar Island route when flying to or from Sri Lanka.
Maduganga Safari by Boat
We call it Safari but in reality it is a boat excursion through the mangroves of the Maduganga river, where we will visit an island with a short visit to a Buddhist temple and to the island of cinnamon with an explanation of the cinnamon process from the tree to ours. table.
It is a very relaxed and pleasant visit.
You will enjoy a foot massage made of small colored fish.
Whales Watching
You will see blue whales, sperm whales and common whales migrating through southern Sri Lanka.
It is also possible to see several species of dolphins.
These cetaceans migrate from the beginning of November until the end of April each year.
Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Sinharaja’s name derives from the shinhala language; Sinha means lion and raja means king.
This tropical and mountainous jungle was saved from deforestation thanks to its inaccessibility.
It was designated “biosphere reserve” in 1978 and “world heritage” in 1977.
Ritigala Sanctuary
In the reserve there are the ruins of an ancient 1st century BC temple.
The mountain of 766 meters above sea level is the highest in northern Sri Lanka.
This reserve is protected because sacred and healing herbs are believed to exist.
It’s a couple of hours walking tour where it’s convenient to be prepared for mosquitoes and sweat and sweat …
In this place we will meet many birds and the shy purple-faced langurs, a species of huge monkeys present in different places in Sri Lanka.
Moon Plains
The main attraction of Moon Plains is the mini End of the world “Worlds End”, it offers a 360 degree view of the surrounding peaks and villages.
It is an open area with the possibility of spotting wild boars, cows, buffaloes, deer.
A total of 105 bird species are registered in the area of which 16 are endemic to Sri Lanka.
You will be able to see in a clear night the 9 important mountains of Sri Lanka as Pidurutalaga, the highest peak in the country.
Activities for children and teenagers
Las Actividades y aventuras ideales para jóvenes, niños y no tan niños!
Rural Village
In this small village they will teach us what and how they cook in this part of the country.
To reach this site we will take a tuk-tuk, cross a lake in a canoe and then travel on an ox-drawn carriage as was done until recently.
From the lake we will have the opportunity to have another perspective of the Sigiriya Rock.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
This center was created by the Sri Lankan government to house injured orphaned puppies found in the jungle.
It is the largest captive elephant reserve in the world.
The interesting thing is to arrive early in the morning to attend the daily visit to the river of the “herd”, passing through the village adjacent to the orphanage.
Train on the Tea Mountains
Travel by train from Nanu Oya station near Nuwara Eliya to Ella.
It’s more than 3 hours of a winding walk between tea mountains and high forest.
The Sri Lankan rail network began operating in 1864 and some old trains of the time are still preserved, functioning perfectly.
Whales Watching
You will see blue whales, sperm whales and common whales migrating through southern Sri Lanka.
It is also possible to see several species of dolphins.
These cetaceans migrate from the beginning of November until the end of April each year.
Pigeon Island Marine National Park
This is one of the two marine parks in the country and consists of two small islands, a bird sanctuary since 1963.
In this park, which houses one of the best coral reefs in Sri Lanka, you can snorkel where we will see turtles, goldfish, seahorses …
The truth is that in the months of July and, above all, August, this small park is full of people who bathe and swim.
June, September and October are perhaps the least crowded recommended months to visit this place.
Maduganga Safari by Boat
We call it Safari but in reality it is a boat excursion through the mangroves of the Maduganga river, where we will visit an island with a short visit to a Buddhist temple and to the island of cinnamon with an explanation of the cinnamon process from the tree to ours. table.
It is a very relaxed and pleasant visit.
You will enjoy a foot massage made of small colored fish.
Zipline (Flying Ravana)
Now in Ella you can embark on a zipline that stretches over half a kilometer above the tea plantations and the lush vegetation of the area.
Kitulgala Rafting
It is an area of extraordinary tropical vegetation, absolutely wonderful where we can practice rafting, the duration is about 2 hours and is almost 7 kilometers, with 8 rapids of level 1 and 2.
Hiking and easy walks ...
Horton Plains National Park
This natural park is a large plain covered with mountain pastures and rainforest.
It is an area very rich in biodiversity where, with a little luck, we can see the Sambar deer, the jungle rooster or the white-eyed bird, the latter two endemic to Sri Lanka.
The visit to the park is a walk along a path of about 9 kilometers (about 3.5 or 4 hours walk) where you can see the famous end of the world precipice and the Baker waterfalls.
Ideally, you will get to this park very early.
Otherwise, it is very likely that it will cloud over, thus preventing the vision of the “End of the World” precipice.
The most advisable thing is to spend the previous night in the city of Nuwara Eliya or Bandarawela.
There is a transfer by car of more than an hour, but the road is absolutely beautiful.
Little Adam's Peak
It is a simple excursion to Ella that surrounds the tea fields to enjoy the vast mountains of this part of the island.
Udawattakele Reserve
This visit is a couple of hours walk and you can see above all impressive trees and tropical vegetation that amazes everyone, locals and tourists.
The origin of this forest was for the joy of the royal court and for feeding (wood) the kitchens of the palace.
Today it is a walking place for the inhabitants of Kandy, since it is located in the heart of the city.
Hantana
It is a protected area and is part of the mountains that surround the south of the city of Kandy.
You can take a one, two or three hour walk where you will have the opportunity to get to know the tea fields of this part of the country with the particularity that, very close, we will also contemplate rice fields and we will see what workers’ life is like and small villages.
In Shinhala Hantana means seven peaks.
Adam's Peak or Sri Pada
You can stay in Hatton or Kandy for this visit.
Curiously, this excursion is performed at dawn.
This means that you have to make a transfer from Kandy to the slopes of the Peak at 11pm to arrive at 2am and start the climb.
You will reach the top to observe the magical sunrise from this sacred mountain.
And then in the descent we will appreciate the beauty of the forest and mountains surrounding Sri Pada.
Demodara Nine Arch Bridge
This simple excursion is carried out through the train tracks in a very easy and pleasant walk, also safe for the passage of a few trains and at very fixed times.
Cities of Sri Lanka
A pesar de que las ciudades de la antigua Ceylón no se parecen en nada a los centros urbanos y hay pocas oportunidades de disfrutarlas andando y comprando, no os podéis perder, aunque sea un poco por encima las siguientes …
Galle Fort
Galle is the third most important city after Colombo and Kandy.
It was a Portuguese city in the 16th century and Dutch in the 18th century, the height of its peak; the British also inhabited it in the 19th and 20th centuries.
All these colonisers left a mark, which is why it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Fort of Galle is the best preserved colonial historical centre in the country and Buddhists, Muslims, Catholics and Hindus live in perfect harmony in it.
It is very nice to get lost in its shady streets and colonial squares.
Habarana
Located in a strategic position for visits and activities within the so-called “Cultural Triangle” in the heart of Sri Lanka.
Kandy
World heritage recognized by UNESCO, Kandy is one of the most sacred places in the Buddhist world.
Last capital of the kings of Sri Lanka and second most important city, after Colombo.
Kandy is also considered the capital of the Buddhist world due largely to the Temple of the Tooth or Sri Dalada Maligawa.
Nuwara Eliya
In little England as the English colonisers called it, you can see old buildings where you can breathe the atmosphere of that time.
An example of this is the Golf Club or the Hill Club.
You can also visit a tea factory or stroll along Lake Gregory, something that all Sri Lankans love.
Jaffna
It is the northernmost city on the island of Sri Lanka.
Home to the majority of the Tamil population and full of beautifully ornate Kovil (Hindu temples) and ancient Buddhist temples.
Negombo
The visit to Negombo usually consists of visiting the fish market and the bay to contemplate the curious boats that we meet in this part of the island.
Adventure activities
Kitulgala Rafting
It is an area of extraordinary tropical vegetation, absolutely wonderful where we can practice rafting, the duration is about 2 hours and is almost 7 kilometers, with 8 rapids of level 1 and 2.
Fly in a hot air balloon
Live the experience of sunrise hot air ballooning in the Dambulla area.
From above you can see the Sigiriya Rock, the Dambulla area with the beautiful Kandalama lake, the rice fields …
The duration of this walk in the clouds is one hour, enough time to admire the immense nature of this small town.
The output of the hot air balloon depends on the wind and is not guaranteed.
For this reason, in SRI LANKA EDEN TRavels the activity is optional, therefore it is not necessary to pay for an activity that is not always possible.
Flying Ravana Mega Zipline
Now in Ella you can embark on a zipline that stretches over half a kilometer above the tea plantations and the lush vegetation of the area.
Other activities and visits
Lighthouse of Dondra
This lighthouse was built by the British and the paradox is that all the materials for its construction were brought from England and Scotland.
It started being built in 1887 and completed in 3 years.
It has 7 floors and 47 meters in height, but climbing is not allowed.
This lighthouse, like that of Galle, still works.
Ayurveda Massages
In Sri Lanka we can enjoy an Ayurvedic massage session, a practice that dates back over 3000 years ago.
It is based on the application of oils extracted from medicinal plants.
