Sri Lanka Travel Review: Kingdoms, Hills, Beaches & Wildlife

Sri Lanka, an island nation gleaming in the Indian Ocean, it’s almost like a shining jewel, that’s truly packed with a surprisingly varied bunch of experiences for just about every traveler. From old kingdom ruins whispering stories of years gone by to cool hill stations wrapped in mist, sandy beaches fringed with palms and wildlife parks brimming with exotic animals, Sri Lanka seemingly has it all. You know, in this review, we’re gonna be checking out just some of the main attractions this country has to offer, while offering some, like, insight and, possibly, helpful hints to make your trip all the more awesome.

Ancient Kingdoms: Echoes of the Past

The ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, as you may have already gathered, that showcase the island’s fascinating history, that really goes way, way back. Anuradhapura, the old capital dating all the way back to the 4th century BC, features some quite remarkably well-preserved ruins, very much including huge dagobas (dome-shaped monuments), age-old temples, as well as detailed sculptures.

As a matter of fact, one cannot just skip over visiting the Sri Maha Bodhi, you might have heard of it, and its an ancient fig tree grown from a cutting of the very same tree that Buddha achieved enlightenment under. The place radiates this palpable sense of history, maybe even a tiny amount of something spiritual if you believe in that kind of stuff. Afterwards, in Polonnaruwa, so expect to get a look at a fantastically planned city from the medieval times, with way cool buildings such as the Gal Vihara, it features some actually stunning rock-cut Buddha statues, and also the intricately sculpted Audience Hall.

I mean, a little something to know, very consider hiring yourself a local guide at each location, just to enrich your experience that tiny bit, since they very often can tell some stories and fun facts that you won’t find inside any guidebook, really. Take into account that, temples may require you to cover your shoulders and knees out of respect. Plan around it!

Hill Country: Tea, Trains, and Breathtaking Views

Heading on up into Sri Lanka’s hill country, it’s very akin to entering an altogether another world. Nuwara Eliya, it’s often described as “Little England,” a term which seemingly is not inaccurate in its cool climate, really stunning green tea plantations, as well as colonial-era architecture. You could swing by a tea factory in order to discover precisely how Ceylon tea, well, the stuff Sri Lanka’s so very famous for, is processed, and don’t you dare leave before enjoying a refreshing cup right at the source.

Ella, this village with charm bursting at the seams, might actually feature some quite spectacular hikes, the ones that includes Little Adam’s Peak plus Ella Rock, really, these offer you like panoramic views of the valleys and mountains that goes on forever. A genuinely unforgettable experience involves a train ride right through the hill country, I swear the vibrant greenery that zips past your window could honestly keep your eyes glued there for days.

I suggest that you bring warm clothing if you actually plan on staying up there, I promise you’ll use them since it gets surprisingly chilly, primarily around the evening. Make reservations well in advance for train tickets, just because those sell like crazy especially during the height of travel seasons.

Beaches: Sun, Sand, and Serenity

Sri Lanka is home to an array of appealing beaches, like perfect for either lazing under the sunlight or partaking in exciting water sports. Down on the south coast, that includes places such as Unawatuna and Mirissa, with those golden sands, crystal-clear waters, as well as those vibrant nightlife scenes. This really is perfect for just kicking back, getting a bit of sun, as well as sampling just some of the super local cuisine from those beachside shacks.

Arugam Bay, lying in the eastern portion of the coast, this is a true surfing haven, for all the surfer dudes that might happen to be checking this out, with perfect breaks drawing surfers right from across this big planet. It is my professional opinion that you shouldn’t pass up on visiting Bentota if water sports kind of sounds like it’s right up your street. The amount of things you can do there are vast, everything from jet-skiing, windsurfing, or just enjoy a boat ride along that quite serene Bentota River, as a matter of fact.

Anyway, I would say that the ideal time for your beach trips is typically the dry season, the kind where the seas stay pretty calm, with there being a really slim amount of rain. Be cautious if swimming, more specifically on those beaches you’re not too knowledgeable about, do make sure you give some time for observing any of those warning flags and those potential undercurrents.

Wildlife: Encounters with Nature’s Wonders

Wildlife aficionados are genuinely gonna be like right at home inside Sri Lanka, that actually features some various of national parks, that actually brimming with animal biodiversity. Yala National Park is arguably among the best place where one can get to sightsee some leopards, the regal elephants, including also several other species. As a matter of fact, Uda Walawe National Park this also provides pretty stellar chances for you seeing a load of elephants right in their natural environment, it’s an awesome experience to watch those groups doing stuff like bathe and feed.

If you happen to be quite in to bird watching, so it’s almost essential to head on over to either Bundala National Park, which also serves a hot-spot when it comes to a load of migratory birds. Those boat trips on Madu Ganga, as well as the safaris in Minneriya National Park during the famed “Elephant Gathering,” those truly offer experiences that you probably can’t even put into words. It is important to also consider visiting the Turtle Conservation Project, it may give you just a look into the efforts focused on preserving that stunning marine life.

It is advisable to arrange for safari trips from tour operators whom are experienced and ethical, in order to ensure safety plus minimal amount of disruption when it comes to the local animal habitat. Keep in mind that you should follow those guidelines inside the parks, which actually involves keeping quiet and keeping a reasonably safe distance, basically do whatever to respect nature, that’s kinda the goal.

Planning Your Trip to Sri Lanka

The best time for traveling to Sri Lanka that actually depends upon those parts of the island that you intend checking out. This western, as well as southern coasts typically experiences the drier times running from December and March, simultaneously as those eastern coast is often in its best during somewhere around April to September. Now, securing your visa on-line and prior to just when you arrive, makes things quite easier, and simultaneously considering getting transport possibilities that’s available; there actually is the option to get trains, busses or getting hold of one’s private car alongside its chauffeur.

Kandy, being the island’s culture heart, you should spare maybe a couple of days out there to visit some sites for example Temple associated with Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) along side the lovely Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Get ready and prepare yourself towards experiencing tastes associated with Sri Lankan foods and I also indicate sampling classics being kottu roti, hoppers, plus fish curries, they actually are so yummy! Don’t just overlook a place’s traditions and habits just like dressing small discreetly while at locations to praise plus preventing people present at community that shows associated with affection.

When you feel like visiting to this island, there’s certain safety tips. I may advise you to get up-to-date towards most existing travel advisories through your place plus secure just about all appropriate vaccinations prior. While taking advantage of all neighborhood’s generosity and friendly behaviors and staying informed really does go as some tips inside going out, take advantage inside going through any local tour business and it’ll present an incredible excursion along, or even that most, going round along small-grouped can just assure just your wellbeing. Finally just a useful guide: constantly ensure simply to enjoy Sri Lanka just to show for amazing get-aways to come along.