We invite you to visit our gorgeous island of Sri Lanka; attractions of great historic significance like the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the Dambulla Cave temple and the Galle Fort await you! Unwind and experience our natural landscapes in our national parks, hill country tea plantations and beaches; each sight offering you a unique and unforgettable experience!
Needless to say, one of the prime features of the island, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, are its beaches of golden sand that surround the island and have gained popularity over the years with visitors. These include the beaches of Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Pasikudah, Weligama, Mirissa and Tangalle.
Sri Lanka is an island that is teeming with flora and fauna with a large number of endemic species. This island will truly delight nature lovers. There are currently 61 sanctuaries which include Maduganga, Wilpattu North, Yala, Minneriya, Udawatta Kele and Rummassala.
Every year in the month of May, Buddhists across Sri Lanka joyfully celebrate Vesak- the Festival of Lights. Buildings are illuminated, homes and gardens are decorated with colourful lanterns and lamps and beautiful pandals depicting stories from the Jataka tales adorn the streets. Free food is offered in the way of alms.
The Kandy Esela Perahera, which is also known as The Festival of the Tooth is a unique religious and cultural event that takes place every year in July. The procession features many dancers, drummers and elephants, who parade through the streets paying homage to the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha which is housed in the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy.
The Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is known as the Sri Dalada Maligawa is in the sacred city of Kandy. It houses the tooth relic of Lord Buddha and is an important shrine of Buddhist worship. The annual procession known as the Kandy Esala Perahera marks an important day in the Sri Lankan calendar.
A visitor to the idyllic Hill Country of Sri Lanka will be greeted by vistas of sloping green tea plantations and misty mountains. Tea production which was introduced to the island by James Taylor in 1867, has grown into a giant industry, creating one of the main sources of foreign income for the country.
The stunning island of Sri Lanka has many waterfalls especially in and around the Hill Country. The most famous ones among these are, Diyaluma Falls, Bambarakanda Falls, Bopath Ella Falls, Hunnas Falls and Devon and St. Clair’s Falls. With a height of 263 metres, Bambarakanda Falls is the tallest waterfall on the island.
This beautiful temple is located amidst the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya, approximately a kilometre away from the famed Hakgala Botanical Gardens. Seetha Amman Temple has interesting legends woven around it. The Ramayanaya states that Sita was held captive at this temple by King Ravana when she was abducted by him.
Sri Lanka is famous for its colourful and exotic spices which add flavour to the local food. From cinnamon, pepper to turmeric and lemongrass, walk through the aromatic spice garden before feasting on scrumptious meals served at the restaurant. Customers who shop at the store receive a complimentary 10-minute massage.
The Sinharaja Rainforest is one of Sri Lanka’s only remaining pristine forest. It has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many species of endemic birds can be spotted here in mixed breeding flocks. It also holds a rich variety of trees, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Established in 1975, with the noble intention of providing care for orphaned elephants, today it serves as a nursery and a captive breeding ground for Asian elephants. Countless visitors from all over the island and the world visit this charming attraction throughout the year.
Koneswaram Temple is an ancient pilgrimage site that is quite popular among the Hindus in the country. Located in Trincomalee on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, this beautiful shrine has been regarded as one of the Pancha Ishwarams of the Hindus since ages past. Koneswaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been founded before 400 B.C.
Adam’s Peak, which is locally known as Sri Pada, is the fifth tallest mountain peak of Sri Lanka. The “sacred footprint” that is found at the peak is believed to be that of Lord Buddha’s. Many devotees ascend the mountain to pay homage to the sacred footprint during the Sri Pada season.
The stunning Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, commonly known as Peradeniya Gardens, is one of the most popular attractions on the island, visited by two million visitors every year. The gardens nurture over 4,000 species of plants which include a famous collection of exotic orchids, making it a must visit place in Sri Lanka.
Galle Dutch Fort is a proud structure that still stands tall and mighty in southern Sri Lanka. Built by the Portuguese over 400 years ago, the fort was fortified by the Dutch, upon their invasion of the island. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visited and admired by many, all through the year.
Polonnaruwa became the capital of the island after the fall of the Anuradhapura kingdom. The kingdom prevailed from the 11th century till 1310 CE. Many famous ruins can still be found near Polonnaruwa that date back to its glory days. The Hindu influence on the island started taking prominence during this period.
Kataragama Temple is a prominent pilgrimage site in Sri Lanka. Every year immeasurable numbers of Buddhists and Hindus flock to the temple’s premises to pay homage to the Buddhist Kataragama deviyo and the Hindu war god Kathirkamam. The annual pageant that takes place celebrates the ancient marriage of God Kataragama to Valli; a Vedda princess.
Built by King Kasyapa (477 to 495 CE), the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress stands as a testament to the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s glorious past. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it features stunning boulder and water gardens and world-famous frescoes. At the summit, you’ll find the ruins of the king’s palace and a breath-taking view of the surroundings.
The Dambulla Cave Temple is known to be the best-preserved and largest cave temple complex that is found in Sri Lanka. With over 80 documented caves spread across the vicinity, the Dambulla Cave Temple has rightfully earned its name as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 153 statues of Lord Buddha can be found in this temple which is also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla.
The glorious Anuradhapura kingdom was the very first empire that was established on the island. Gallant kings who are still revered in the island today ruled the whole country from this proud city. Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka during this era, which was formed by 377 BC and fell after an invasion in 993 BC.
