SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is an island country south of India, in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is known for its’ rainforests, highlands, sandy beaches and ancient Buddhist ruins, including the 5th-century Sigiriya Lion Rock, with its palace and frescoes.

Lion Rock

Places to visit in Sri Lanka

The modern capital, Colombo, is a gateway to beach resorts, such as Mirissa, which is a great spot for whale watching safari.

Mirissa beach

Whale Watching safari, Mirissa, Sri Lanka

 

In the south-western side of the island, you can visit Galle and its colonial old town and Fort and the Galle lighthouse.

Galle lighthouse, Sri Lanka

 

In the inland, the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a cave complex adorned with Buddhist paintings and statues.

Dambulla cave

Golden Temple of Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Inside the Dambulla cave

In the Central Highlands there are biodiverse rainforests and tea plantations. The vibrant city of Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth shrine.

Temple of tooth

Inside the Temple of tooth

Pilgrims climb 2,243m-tall Adam’s Peak, well known for the “sacred footprint” rock formation, which is near the summit, and the incredible Nine-Arch Bridge.

Adam’s peak, Ella, Sri Lanka

Train passing the Nine-arch Bridge

Ella’s Nine-arch Bridge

To the southeast, Yala National Park shelters elephant herds and leopards.