A lustrous pearl cast adrift in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, is a land of shimmering coastline, dense forests, exotic wildlife, ancient ruins, and welcoming people. The charming visions along with the fragrance of the Ceylon tea, the heady scent of cinnamon and a taste of spicy mouthwatering food; make Sri Lanka a potpourri of delicious sights & sensations.

Don’t just travel & see, but explore & experience the spirit of this beautiful country. Explore the timeless ruins, hike the hilly terrain, soak in the rich culture, walk bare feet on the soft sand, get up close & personal with the elephants, surf the waves or ride an open jeep safari- the choices are limited only by your imagination.

Sri Lankan History

Sri Lanka’s illustrious heritage goes back to the rule of Sinhala kings who embraced Buddhism in the 3rd century BC. The emergence & surge of Buddhism in the country reshaped its cultural & religious traditions. In the coming centuries, Sri Lanka emerged as a trading hub chiefly for spices, precious gems & ivory; setting in motion the history of colonial rule in Sri Lanka. Invaded by the Portuguese, colonized by the Dutch and later ruled by the English, its heritage European style structures depict the tales of the colonial era.

Sri Lankan Culture

A patchwork of cultures, from powerful Sinhalese lineage to spiritual Buddhism and from Tamil Hindu traditions to the colonial imprints of the Europe, Sri Lanka is a land of converging diversities. Majestic forts, timeless monasteries, mystical ruins, colossal stupas, Hindu temples and, quaint churches & colonial structures create the alluring cultural core of Sri Lanka.

Tourist Attractions of Sri Lanka

A beautiful country, with countless spectacular sights & experiences, Sri Lanka is high on the travel radar of the global tourists. Rich cultural heritage, sacred temples & monasteries, ancient relics, pristine beaches, lush tea gardens, fascinating wildlife and sizzling Colombo nightlife holds a constant appeal for travelers across the world.

Heritage Sites
An illustrious legacy, dating back centuries, where shades of mythology blend with ancient history, defines the essence of Sri Lanka. Eight of the famous ruins, forests & highlands of Sri Lanka have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites:

• Ancient city of Polonnaruwa.
• Sacred city of Kandy.
• Ancient City of Sigiriya.
• Sacred City of Anuradhapura.
• Golden Temple of Dambulla.
• Old Town of Galle & its Fortifications.
• Central Highlands.
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

Wild Life in Sri Lanka
Wildlife in Sri Lanka is rich & varied. An assortment of wild animals living in their protected natural habitats, make Sri Lanka a much sought after travel destination for the wild life enthusiasts. Here are some of the preserved natural sanctuaries in Sri Lanka, known for exciting safaris:

• Yala National Park.
• Udawalawe National Park.
• Kadulla National Park.
• Wasgamuwa National Park.
• Minneriya National Park.
• Bundala National Park.

Beaches in Sri Lanka
Turquoise Ocean, golden sands and relaxed ambience describes the beaches of Sri Lanka; where leisure & action go hand–in hand. Surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, and whale & dolphin watching, are some of the fun activities that may be enjoyed at various beach locales in Sri Lanka. Here are some of the appealing beaches of Sri Lanka:

• Trincomalee Beach
• Arugam Bay Beach
• Kalpitiya Beach
• Mirissa Beach
• Hikkaduwa Beach
• Bentota Beach

Pilgrimage in Sri Lanka
A major seat of Buddhism & home to various ancient monasteries, stupas and relics, Sri Lanka is an important pilgrimage for devotees & disciples from all across the globe. Some of the major pilgrimage sites are listed below:

• Anuradhapura
• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Bogoda Bridge and Temple 
• Adam’s Peak
• Golden Temple of Dambulla
• Buduruwagala
• Dhowa Cave Temple
• Pada Yatra
• Gangaramaya Floating Temple

Cuisine of Sri Lanka

The delicious Sri Lankan food is simply a culinary fiesta on a platter. The influence of Indian & Malay flavors blended with the unique spices & traditional cooking techniques of Sri Lanka, is just a delight for the senses. Savory hot curries, rice, lentils, spicy chutneys, coconut, vegetables and sea food form a vital part of food habits in Sri Lanka. The spicy & flavorful “Kothu” and a cup of hot Ceylon tea are a delight for every tourist in Sri Lanka.

Shopping in Sri Lanka

The vibrant city of Colombo is a perfect place for some retail therapy. Pettah, the shopping district, is just the place to shop for aromatic spices, precious & semi-precious gems, artistic souvenirs, religious artifacts, Ayurvedic oils, traditional masks and handloom stuff.

Best Time to Visit

The diverse landscape of Sri Lanka is perfect to travel in all seasons. Rainfall at one coast ensure fair-weather on the other. The pristine beaches on its eastern coast & the northern belt make a great travel destination from April to September while the west coast & hilly terrain are most enjoyed from December to March.