Colombo

Crowded streets, noisy traffic and people on their way to work - Colombo is every bit the bustling, modern metropolis. If you are an international traveller, then this is also your entry point to Sri Lanka. This important port is also the commercial and financial capital of the country.

The city still retains several influences of its colonial past, dominated by the British, Portuguese, and Dutch. It is a quaint mix of the old and the new. Infamous for its unruly traffic and erratic power cuts, the city has several beautiful Buddhist and Hindu temples that are worth a visit.

Negombo

Galle

The story of Sri Lanka's colonial past is narrated in the Dutch and Anglican influences evident in this city. Located on the south-western tip of the country, Galle was the main port of transportation in ancient times. A fortified city built by Europeans, Galle is a classic example of blending European architecture and South Asian tradition.  The Fort has been declared a World Heritage Site. The city is also famous for the Galle International Stadium, a pious site for all devout cricket fans!  

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a very popular beach destination just a few hours from Colombo on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Tourists can enjoy days relaxing at the beach and dining on delicious Sri Lankan and western food. Fresh fish is the specialty. Glass bottom boats offer fantastic views of coral reefs just off shore. For thoses interested in diving, complete diving facilities are available.

Bentota

Lavishly spacious old-world Sri Lanka architecture evokes an aura of ease and relaxation inviting you to this humble city of lush coconut palms and fragrant frangipani. Its golden tropical beach lies just 2 ¼ hours from the Colombo Airport. The Bentota Ganga curves to the south before turning to flow northward into the Indian Ocean where river and sea form a narrow spit of land.
The wide Bentota River and its lagoon-like hinterland are ideal for boat trips. The Bentota Art Center introduces tourists to the intricacies of local handicrafts.

Kandy

Also known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy (at an altitude of 488 m and 115 km from Colombo) is steeped in history. Located in the centre of the country, Kandy is also one of Sri Lanka's most scenic cities. This beautiful town comes to life during the vibrant and colourful ‘Kandy Perahara', a cultural festival held during the months of July and August. During this festival the tooth relic of Buddha is taken out in a grand procession through the streets of the city. The sacred relic is carried in a beautiful casket by a majestic tusker which leads the way, while pilgrims line the streets to pay their homage. Traditional dancers, dancing to the beats of several drummers, bedecked elephants and flag holders are all a part of this magnificent parade. The procession moves along the streets for seven consecutive nights and concludes on the day of the August full moon.

If you are visiting this city at any other time of the year, you can visit the several ancient shrines that abound this city. About 5 kms from Kandy, surrounded by the Mahaweli River, are the Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya. Lined with verdant palms and fragrant spice trees, these gardens boast of an enticing collection of tropical foliage.

Kandy, originally known as Senkadagala pura, was named after a hermit, Senkada, who lived there. Many Sinhalese refer to it as Mahanuwara, meaning the Great City. The name Kandy comes from the word Kanda in Sinhala, meaning a hill, and was derived by the colonial rulers. The Sinhalese kings of Kandy promoted and protected the local culture. The city fell to the British in 1815.

Reminiscent of a colonial past, Nuwara Eliya (at an altitude of over 6000 ft) is the most famous hill resort in the country. Also known as the tea heartland, this city overlooks Mount Piduratalagala, the highest peak in Sri Lanka. The cool temperatures here make for a great escape from the hot and humid summer.

The Horton Plains National park is a must see for nature lovers. Catch a glimpse of the leopard or other wild animals, explore the many beautiful waterfalls or trek through the mountainous region. Peer through your binoculars to identify various species of birds in this area, stroll through the rose garden at the Hakgala Botanical Gardens (also known for its rare ferns) or just savour the fresh, crisp air. Whatever you may choose, Nuwara Eliya makes the perfect summer getaway.

Polonnurawa-located at a distance of 216 km from Colombo-was the capital of Sri Lanka in medieval times. Used by the Sri Lankan kings as a 'country residence' from the 7th century, Polonnurawa became Sri Lanka's capital in the 11th century AD.

During its time the city was fortified with three concentric walls, beautified with parks and gardens and sanctified by many a shrine and sacred place. The city and the surrounding area were watered by a unique irrigational complex known as the Sea of Parakrama (Parakrama Samudra).

Sigiriya

Sigiriya, which means the "lion rock" offers a glimpse into the urban planning and designs of the 5th century AD. A world heritage site, Sigiriya essentially comprises the ruins of an ancient city and palace complex atop a huge rock shaped like a lion, which rises 200 metres above the ground. Several murals line the stairs that wind to the top of this huge rock. From here you can spot ruins of the ancient palace complex. The lush green forests and mountains that surround this area make for a panoramic view.

The town of Dambulla forms one leg of the cultural triangle and is famous for the world's largest statue of Buddha and the Dambulla Rock temple. You can view exquisite artistic skill and detail reflected in the collection of statues and paintings that date back several centuries. Spread over five caves, this collection is a combination of art done over numerous different periods. If art is not for you, then the eighty caves that surround this area are yours to explore. Better still, you could rest your tired feet and sit down for an introspective session, while you soak in the serenity of the caves.

Dambulla is also the nature lover's delight. Deep in the jungle a little away from Dambulla is the oldest garden in Sri Lanka, the Iron Wood Forest.  Dambulla is also home to a beautiful quartz mountain range called the Rose Quartz Mountain Range, famous for its multi-coloured quartz deposits.

Yala

Yala is the largest national park in Sri Lanka and is the home of wild elephants, wild boar, buffalo, leopard, bear, deer and crocodiles. You can also see large flocks of migratory and indigenous birds.