Sri Lanka, the name conjures up an alluring image of golden beaches, lush tea gardens, mystical ruins, rich wildlife, aroma of tea & spices, and serene Buddhist monks. This beautiful island country, where ancient ruins blend with colonial architecture, where exotic elephants mesmerize the soul and where teeming bazaars offer mouthwatering delicacies; is rightfully known as the Wonder of Asia. Whether you are a leisure traveler or an adventure junkie; a history buff or a wildlife enthusiast; a nature lover or a casino high-roller- Sri Lanka is just the place to be!

Historical Legacy of SriLanka

Sri Lanka, with a glorious legacy of a recorded civilization dating centuries BC, is a place where history is shadowed by the realm of mystique. The famous Adam’s Peak of Sri Lanka, on which three major religions of the world stake their claim, epitomizes the historical & religious significance of this island nation. Ruled by the Sinhala Kings in the 3rd century BC, Sri Lanka welcomed the Buddhist preachers in its folds and soon flourished as a key landmark of Buddhism across the world. In the later years, Sri Lanka, with its fragrant spice plantations, became a important port on the Ancient Spice Route ; leading to its colonization by the Portuguese, the Dutch and then by the English, who all left their indelible footprints across the country.�

Cultural Legacy of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka boasts of a rich cultural heritage which is a seamless blend of its Singhalese ancestry embracing the Buddhist traditions, followed by the foray of the European colonizers. Ancient relics, artistic cave frescos, magnificent stupas, quintessential colonial architecture and modern cricket grounds, all entwine together to create the ageless tapestry of Sri Lankan culture.

Tourist Attractions

Glorious heritage sites & timeless ruins, sun-kissed beaches, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, fascinating wildlife and a rich legacy of Buddhism, makes Sri Lanka an irresistible travel destination. The tourist attractions in this beautiful country are various & varied:

Heritage Sites:
Sri Lanka is home to eight, well-preserved historical ruins & forest reserves that have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO:

• The Medieval Capital of Polonnaruwa
• The Ancient City of Sigiriya
• The Royal city of Kandy
• The Sacred City of Anuradhapura
• Old Town of Galle & its Fortifications
• Golden Temple of Dambulla
• Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Wild Life in Sri Lanka
Exotic wild life sanctuaries & reserves, especially elephant reserves are a major tourist attraction of Sri Lanka. Here are some of the well known & well maintained wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka:

• Bundala National Park
• Kumana National Park
• Minneriya National Park
• Udawalawe National Park
• Wilpattu National Park
• Yala National Park

Beaches in Sri Lanka
Set in exotic locales, the beaches of Sri Lanka are full of possibilities! Indulge in water sports like jet skiing and surfing & snorkeling to romantic river cruises and exotic whale & dolphin safaris. Or just stretch out on the golden sands, sip a cool drink & enjoy a book of your choice. Some of the beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka are as follows:

• Unawatuna Beach
• Negombo Beach
• Hikkaduwa Beach
• Bentota Beach
• Trincomalee Beach
• Nilaveli Beach

Pilgrimage in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has been a major center of Buddhism since 3rd century BC. A site of ancient monasteries, glorious stupas and important milestones in the Buddhist culture, Sri Lanka is a major pilgrimage for believers all over the world. Here are some of the important pilgrimage sites of Sri Lanka:

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

Cuisine of Sri Lanka
The scrumptious cuisine of Sri Lanka, shaped chiefly by the flavors from India & neighboring South-East Asian countries, is marked by a twist of aromatic spices and fresh local produce. Flavorful curries, tempered with fiery spices & cool coconut milk, variety of fish, vegetables, fruits, lentils, spicy chutneys, hoppers & string hoppers, form an integral part of the Sri Lankan cuisine. However, when in Sri Lanka, don’t miss “Kothu”, the famous street food of Sri Lanka- spicy, aromatic & delicious.

Ceylon Tea
Ceylon Tea is known across the globe for its distinct color and flavor. The tropical climate of Sri Lanka with its twin monsoon contributes to its delicate aroma & flavor.

Shopping in Sri Lanka

No trip to this island nation is complete without a shopping spree. Ceylon tea, fragrant spices and precious & semi- precious stones, especially sapphire & moonstone are a must buy in Sri Lanka. Artistic souvenirs depicting aspects of Buddhism, traditional Rakshas masks, Ayurvedic natural oils & beauty products and handlooms textiles are also quite appealing.

Best Time to Visit

Sri Lanka with its varied topography is certainly a land of all seasons. The pristine beaches on its eastern coast & the northern seaboard make a great travel destination from April to September while the west coast & the hills are a much preferred destination from December to March.