Sri Lanka famous for

Kandy

Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhala monarchy, is a captivating blend of contemporary urban life and sacred Buddhist sites. The city's crown jewel is the awe-inspiring Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a revered Buddhist shrine.

The ancient city, embraced by Lake Kandy and the verdant slopes of Udawatte Kele Sanctuary, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant spiritual pilgrimage site.

The city is embraced on three sides by the majestic Mahaweli River, adding to its scenic charm. Kandy is also home to a wealth of historic landmarks, including ancient shrines dedicated to the city's guardian deities.

The city's colonial past is evident in its architecture, with notable examples like Hotel Suisse and Queen's Hotel. The sprawling Royal Botanical Garden, a living testament to nature's beauty, celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2021.

Yala National Park

The park, in south-eastern Sri Lanka, lets you discover the wild side of nature and learn about wildlife. Spotting a leopard in Yala National Park is a common and exciting experience. While exploring, you might find faint cultural ruins, showing you a glimpse of history.

Yala National Park is near the Indian Ocean and is a popular tourist spot that attracts many visitors yearly. A safari in this park is a must-try. You can see Sri Lankan sloth bears, leopards, and elephants in large groups, which will amaze you.

The Cultural Triangle

The Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka contains four of the country's eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temples, and the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura.

Besides these famous sites, many lesser-known locations in the area offer just as much value with a peaceful and untouched atmosphere.

Interestingly, the Cultural Triangle also features two great places for safaris. The well-known 'elephant reserves' around Minneriya are located east of Dambulla.

Near Anuradhapura, you will find the often-overlooked but possibly superior Wilpattu National Park.

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka's top surfing spot and a favourite hangout place for backpackers. The beautiful coastline is lined with palm trees and stretches south from Pottuvil Point.

Today, it is one of the best Sri Lanka places to visit, but its journey to fame hasn't been easy. Arugam Bay began to catch the eye of travellers in the 1970s.

While some early visitors floated on tyre tubes, they didn't surf much. They were drawn to the beach's peaceful and untouched atmosphere.

Sri Lankan Cuisine

Sri Lanka's famous food offers various flavours and textures, creating an exciting culinary experience. It is known for its unique blend of spices, herbs, vegetables, rice, and fruits.

Sri Lankan cuisine often features a variety of rice dishes, and coconut, due to its abundance in the country, is a common ingredient. Seafood plays a significant role in Sri Lankan cuisine.

Sri Lanka's strategic location along the historic oceanic Silk Road opened doors to foreign traders. These traders brought with them new ingredients and culinary influences, which, combined with rich local traditions, have shaped Sri Lanka's famous food.

Sri Lankan food clearly influences Indian, Dutch, and Indonesian cuisines. For example, Sri Lankan dishes often include lentil dhal, spicy curries, and roti. The cuisine also shares similarities with other South and Southeast Asian cuisines, such as spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cardamom.

Traditional meals are often served with side dishes like pickled vegetables and coconut sambal.

Galle Fort

Galle's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the top Sri Lanka places to visit. The area is filled with colonial architecture, interesting museums, and charming restaurants and hotels that have been restored to reflect their historical roots.

Galle's history centres around its historic fort, with its imposing stone walls. The walls were originally shipped from abroad and built by enslaved Africans. They stand strong against the blue sky. The walls guard the harbour and enclose a small peninsula. This area is just a short walk from the modern railway and bus stations.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for nature and wildlife lovers. It's one of the top Sri Lankan tourist attractions due to its high number of endemic bird and mammal species.

About 95% of Sri Lanka's endemic birds and over 50% of endemic mammals live in this forest. The forest is lush all year, often covered by rain clouds.

It is a great spot to visit near Galle. You can enjoy the calmness of wildlife and the beauty of dense, evergreen rainforests.

Bentota Beach

Bentota Beach, situated 65 kilometres from Colombo, offers an extraordinary experience amid a typical setup. The ordinary golden sand and the mesmerising sound of the mighty Indian Ocean waves create a breathtaking escape. This Sri Lanka tourist place is a must-visit for its popularity among tourists.

The scenic view of the sea will leave you in awe. For those seeking adventure, try various sports available alongside the palm trees.

Highlights of the area include visiting the Kasgoda Turtle Hatchery and taking a boat cruise on the Bentota River. Bentota is easily accessible from nearby cities, either a short ride from Galle or a drive from Colombo.

The beach is located around 101 km south of the Colombo airport. Soaking in the beauty of Bentota Beach is the perfect way to break the monotony of daily life.

Colombo National Museum

Sri Lanka's Colombo National Museum holds a vast collection of 100,000 items showcasing the island's history, architecture, and culture from prehistoric times to the Kandyan era. Governor Gregory founded it with 800 exhibits, then quickly grew into a grand Neoclassical building on large grounds next to Viharamahadevi Park. The museum also contains the island's most significant library. Its green gardens include the National Art Gallery, a natural history museum, and a statue of Queen Victoria from her diamond jubilee in 1897.

Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue

This spot offers a stunning view of the entire town of Kandy. The 88-foot-tall statue of Buddha is a must-see Sri Lanka tourist attraction. Positioned on top of Bahirava Kanda (devil’s) hill, the white statue can be seen from any part of Peradeniya city.

You can climb the steps to reach the viewpoint or hire a tuk-tuk for a quicker journey. Once there, you will enjoy panoramic views of the city below including the lake, tea factory, and football stadium.

There is also a gallery with exhibits about the life of Buddha and a souvenir shop with lovely goods at affordable prices. The statue is especially beautiful at night when illuminated by lamps.

The best times to visit are early morning or after sunset. This location is one of the top places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a famous Sri Lanka tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its significance soared with the arrival of the Bodhi tree, known as the tree of enlightenment, brought to Sri Lanka by Sanghamitta.

This historic tree, protected from wild elephants by King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha, stands as a living testament to the rich history of the region.

Visitors can also marvel at the magnificent Ruwanwelisaya stupa, a symbol of spiritual devotion, beside the Bodhi tree. The best times to visit Anuradhapura are in April and September when the weather is pleasant.

Anuradhapura is conveniently located a few hours from the Anuradhapura-Padeniya highway, making it easily accessible. The entry fee is around $25.

Anuradhapura is a must-see Sri Lanka place that will leave you in awe of its historical importance.

Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is a must-visit Sri Lanka tourist attraction. It offers an incredible experience surrounded by herds of elephants. The park's amazing jungle backdrop will leave you mesmerised and feeling closer to nature.

This park was created to protect wild animals displaced by the construction of the Udawalawe reservoir. Located southeast of Colombo, it is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Highlights include the Elephant Transit Home, which shelters 25 baby elephants who have lost their parents. You can get up close to elephants, especially at Pinnewala, where they are often bottle-fed.

The best time to visit is July and August, ensuring an unforgettable wildlife experience.

The Golden Temple

For over 22 centuries, this temple has offered a calming religious and cultural experience, making it one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka.

The temple's main attraction is its 2,200 murals depicting Buddha's life and teachings in explicit detail. Additionally, don't miss the impressive 15-metre-long reclining Buddha statue, a captivating sight.

The temple is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing ample time to explore its rich history and serene atmosphere. Visitors are encouraged to take their time to appreciate the beautiful murals and peaceful surroundings.

Herb and Tea Tour in Colombo

Sri Lanka is famous for its rich selection of teas. In Colombo, the green landscapes of tea plantations offer an exciting experience. The aroma of tea and herbs fills the air in these estates, creating an enchanting environment. For tea enthusiasts, this paradise is where you can taste tea from the factory.

Tea tours start in the Bogawantalawa Valley and extend to plantations at altitudes of 1500m above sea level. The tours allow you to witness the tea-making process in factories and taste a variety of teas.

You will discover the subtle differences in each type and find a range of price options. These tours are available year-round through reputable tour operators, making exploring the world of tea at any time easy.

Travelling to Sri Lanka offers a wealth of stunning experiences, from exploring lush rainforests to enjoying golden beaches. Before you embark on your adventure, securing a reliable travel insurance plan is essential.

International travel insurance can provide peace of mind and protect you against unexpected situations, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.

A key aspect of a good travel insurance plan is flight ticket insurance, which can cover you in case your flight is delayed or cancelled. With Tata AIG's travel insurance online, you can easily compare and choose a plan that suits your needs.

These plans can include coverage for trip interruptions, lost belongings, and other travel inconveniences. The best travel insurance plans ensure you are financially protected and can enjoy your trip without worry.

So, when planning your trip to Sri Lanka, include Tata AIG's travel insurance plans. This way, you can explore Sri Lanka's beauty and culture with the confidence that you are well-protected.

What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

The peak season to visit Sri Lanka ranges between December to mid of April.

What are the languages spoken in Sri Lanka?

The primary languages spoken in Sri Lanka include Sinhala and Tamil. However, English is widely spoken.