Colombo  – Colombo  is the   Commercial Capital of Sri Lanka. Your  tour will begin from the  Pettah   of Colombo which has been named Fort because of it being a fort during the times of Portuguese and Dutch colonial era.   You will go  through Galle Face Green which  is a beautiful stretch of land of around  half kilo meters by the side of the  sea, that is mostly used as a public walk way, located at the heart of Colombo. It is situated  in front of the old Parliament building  and most of the best star class hotels can be found around  Galle Face Green. The commercial areas has a colorful oriental bazaar, bargains, mosques and temples. You have a chance to see a Hindu Kovil, Buddhist Temple and the  Jumma Mosque  in Colombo.  Continue your tour of Colombo through the Wolfendhal Dutch Church, Hulftsdorp,  Law Courts as you travel  along the Cinnamon Gardens  residential areas,  the Independence Square and Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall.

 

Dehiwala Zoo  a  place full of exceptional charm and attraction.  Nature lovers will be delighted with a visit to  Dehiwala Zoo. Dehiwala Zoo is the preservation and conservation of various forms of animals. A large number of diverse animals can be seen  here including hundreds of  species of mammals,  birds and   reptiles. You will be able to see  various fish, reptiles, butterflies etc.   You will have the  opportunity  to walk through an area which  is filled with various plants and herbs.  Reptiles that can be found here  in many of the coastal rivers and lakes in Sri Lanka. There is an aquarium and this attraction is not only limited to fish species but also features a collection of corals. There is a special garden which  also provides the opportunity  to walk through shrubs, flowers and trees that are grown here. Lovers of butterflies will  be delighted  that the Zoo as it is home to  enchanting collection.

 

Kandy  –  You will be able to see  the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. It is located  in the hill country amidst picturesque surroundings at an altitude of 488 meters  and  115 km  away from Colombo.   Kandy was the stronghold of the ancient Sri Lankan  kings, who promoted and protected the local culture until the city fell into the British in 1815.At present Kandy is  a  commercial city and  famous for the Kandy Perahara, a cultural pageant that takes place in the month of   August in every year. It is one of the most colorful processions of the world and has emerged as one of the most preferred tourist festivals in Sri Lanka. Thousands of drummers and dancers accompanying a parade of decorated  elephants walk in the streets of Kandy.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Sri Lanka is famous all over the  World   for its wild life, particularly elephants. Pinnawela elephant orpanage has  the largest herd of elephants in Sri Lanka and  is  a  popular tourist  destination   in Sri Lanka. Pinnawela elephant orphanage is a  twenty four  acre land  in extent  and  is also a breeding ground  of this animals. It is visited by local people as well as   tourists. Pinnawela is situated approximately  80 km northeast of Colombo.  It is among  the  green hills of Kegalle, in  between the Colombo  – Kandy Road. This destination is a must for tourists who visit  Sri Lanka and never to miss.  People  feel much pleasure here as animals are allowed to roam freely during the day.   You will have the rare opportunity to  enjoying adventure of wild life watching take photographs of these mammals to make your stay in  Sri Lanka memorable.

Sacred Tooth Relic  a tooth of the Buddha.  The tooth came to assume more and more importance as a symbol of sovereignty of Sri Lanka. It was believed during the era of kings, that who ever had  the custody of the tooth relic had the right to rule the island.

Dalada Maligawa is  a two-storey rectangular building.  The eye-catching gilded roof over the relic chamber was added in the recent past. The tooth shrine itself receives a constant flow of worshippers and flocks of tourists.  You have to wear clothes that cover your legs and your shoulders and remove your shoes in respect of this sacred place. During offerings   the heavily guarded room housing the tooth relic  is open to devotees.  However, you don not actually see the tooth relic. It is kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba  which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size and eventually the tooth relic itself. Most visitors are only allowed to view the stupa casket from distance.  Behind the shrine stands the three storey new  Maligawa, a newer and larger shrine hall displaying dozens of bronze sitting Buddhas donated by  devotees.

Peradeniya Botanical  garden is situated in the serene hill capital of  Kandy. Located just  four  miles off Kandy this  garden dates back to the reign of king Vikrama Bahu III in the  14th century.The Royal Botanical  Gardens of Peradeniya are said to have been built during the reign of King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha during 1747–1780, where an adjoining  forest gardens was made into a temporary palace. Peradeniya  Garden has  a large variety of ornamental plants and other creepers which  produce the special spices. There is a flourishing growth of huge tropical trees along the lawns. The orchid house is the key attraction of this garden. More than three hudnred  varieties of exquisite orchids blooming in abundance. The spice garden sustains trees and plants used for the traditional Ayurveda medicine. The Mahaweli river which is the longest river in Sri Lanka  flows through its borders. The sheer variety and majesty of some of its flora amaze tourists, and they can find the most exotic  collections that continue to grow and flourish on the grounds. Peradeniya  Gardens had undergone many changes in the recent past, including a much larger collection of indigenous flora and numerous sub-species in this 147 acres of  land.  The Peradeniya Botanical  Gardens today is  a beautiful and scenic attraction where tourists can go exploring many varieties of flora and take long walks through the walkways.

 

Dambulla – Key  attractions of the city include the largest and best preserved cave temple complex of Sri Lanka, and the  Dambulla International Stadium.  It  is located within three  kilometers of the cave temples giving  evidence on presence of local civilizations long before the arrival of Aryan  to the Island. 

Dambulla cave temple  is a World Heritage Site  in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of Sri Lanka.This site is situated in 148 km east of Colombo and 72 km  of Kandy. There are more than 80  caves in the surrounding area. Key  attractions are spread  caves, which contain  paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life.

Kandalama Lake is an artificial creation  which date back  for thousand years.  Commencing from  dry zone of the country which is in extent 2000 hectares. The lake is  significant to  this area   supplying water for agriculture. It is being used for fishiing and  and famous  among tourists   for wildlife   from elephants to bird  species. 

Seegiriya Fortress is the topmost tourist attraction in Sri Lanka.. Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient paintings frescos which are reminiscent of the Ajanta Caves of India. It is one of the eight World Heritage Sites.   It is popularly known as Lion’s rock  which  is a place with a large stone and ancient rock fortress and palace ruin in the central Matale District of Central Province.  It is  surrounded by the remains of an extensive  gardens  and reservoirs.  It had been  used as a monastery from about the 5th century BC.   As per chronicles of Mahavamsa the entire complex was built by king Kashyapa and after the king’s death, it has been  used as a Buddhist monastery until 14th century.

Polonnaruwa – At present  the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the  well organized  archaeological relic sites in Sri Lanka. It is a  standing testimony to the discipline and greatness of the ancient rulers.  Polonnaruwa has been declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.  Near the old city, there is a small town with several hotels for tourists and some shops  to fulfill day-to-day requirements. In  new town  you can find  government institutions.  Polonnaruwa is the second largest city in North Central Province. Iit is known as one of the cleanest and more beautiful cities in Sri Lanka. The green environment, amazing ancient constructions, Parakrama Samudraya  a huge lake  and attractive tourist hotels can be seen.

Anuradhapura – Historical mouments and  natural surrounding have made Anuradhapura is a significant  tourist destination in Sri Lanka.  It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.  It  clearly show the   artichectural knwoledge and capabilities  in ancient people of  Sri Lanka. Specially Buddhists   from all over the world visit this  city as  temples, relics  of  historical  sturctures are in plenty. The most  ancient   tree  Holy Bo tree or  well known as the Sri Maha Bodhi  can be worshipped at Anurahdapura. 

Guardstone at Thuparama – Thuparamaya is a dagoba in Anuradhapura. It is a Buddhist sacred place of veneration. The guardstones or “muragal” in Sinhalese language  are one of an association of three aspects of sculpture that adorned the entrance to Buddhist temples  in ancient times.  The guardstones, which gives a support to the heavy stone balustrade, are  plain in the beginning. Subsequently  they came to be sculptured with symbols  representing  prosperity and protection.

Aukana Buddha Statue  Another   important  toursit attraction is Aukana Buddha Statue which dates back to the 5th centruy.  It is amazing as this  statue has been carved out from a rock.If you visit Aukana Buddha Statue you will come back with beautiful memories.

 Ruwnaweliseya–  This is another significant tourist  attraction in Anuradhapura  which is renowned as the  shrine of a Lord Buddha’s sacred collar bone. The Ruwanveli Seya that was created during the reign of the famed Emperor Dutugamunu is said to be the most eminent of Buddhist stupas.

Isurumuniya Lovers is also an interesting tourist attraction which is said to be crafted during the 3rd century. It   is well known for its impressive rock carvings, is a amazing art of early craftsmanship provides insight into the skills of the ancient Sri Lankan people.   

 

Nuwara Eliya  – Attractions of Nuwara Eliya  include the golf course,  streams, Victoria Park, and boating or fishing in Lake Gregory.  It is popular among  birdwatchers at quieter times because of the good opportunities it gives to see various bird  species. The city is a base to go  to Horton Plains National Park.   The plains also has a well-visited tourist attraction at World’s End, a sheer precipice with a 1050 m drop.  One of the distinctive features of Nuwara Eliya’s countryside is the widespread growing of vegetables, fruit and flowers usually associated with temperate Europe. This “Little England” is covered with terraces growing potatoes, carrots, leeks, and roses, scattered with tea bushes on the steeper slopes.The slowgrowing tea bushes of this highland region produce some of the world’s finest  tea.

Kitulgala Rain Forest  –  which attracts  tourists  for its natural splendour.  There are lot of leisure and adventure  activities    are there to engage in Kitulagla.  Jungle walks, beautiful rivers and water falls, mountain biking  or  forest , river bathing,  visit to remote water falls and streams,   bird watching are some of them.

Bentota beach  is the key beach  of the south-western and southern coastal belts  in  Sri Lanka. South of the city of Colombo, the city of Kalutara with its fine beach is the gateway to south western and southern beaches.  The Beruwala Beach that is just before reaching Aluthgama at the Bentota Bridge and Bentota  Beach just over the bridge are the most popular two  beaches in the coast.

 

Madhu River Scenic beauty  in Madhu River is a relaxing experience with plenty of interesting things to do and  see. You pass dozens of isles covered with mangroves and can appreciate the  natural ways  of rural life. You can tour in a boat pausing to view an old temple and  to watch the local farmers at work. You may also see traditional fishing  and  can view demonstrations of coir manufacture and rope making.  There are various species of bird reside in the area.  You can also spot huge water lilies & colourful butterflies and  it is an interesting location   for tourists.

 

St. Clair’s Falls is one of  the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka and it  is well known as  the “Little Niagara”. Location of it is  west of the town of Talawakele on the Hatton  Talawakele  main road in the district of Nuwara Eliya. St.Clari’s Water  Falls  is eighty meters  high and therefore  twentieth  highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

Bawa’s Brief Garden – A wonderful little estate garden  situated in  coast in Bentota  Brief Garden was  owned by Bevis Bawa. Bevis was a Sri Lankan architect and artist. The hilltop, the pond and the stone steps make it seem artistic.   The main gates open up to a large car park. The roof is concealed by magnificent white bougainvilleas.  The walls and ceilings are plain and  there is an absence of softness yet  is an overwhelming sense of comfort which radiates from the artistic work  throughout the house. The sculptures of beautifully created  male nudes are the most amazing. This artistic  place  has become a tourist attraction at present in Sri Lanka.

Galle is the capital  of  the Southerne Province in Sri Lanka and  this  city has  been declared by the UNESCO as a World Heritage.  Magnificent Dutch Fort is the  most popular  toruist  attraction in Galle.  Three years old Dutch  atmosphere  can still be seen in  and around fort and  its  various historical buildings   are  still to be seen there. The picturscue  Unawatuna beach is   approximately  six kilo meters  south east of the city. Tourists are  very much interested  for the costal belt  in the Southern Province.  Galle  was the  administrative   town of Sri Lanka  during the   foreign rule.

Galle Fort or Dutch Fort in   Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, has been  built  in 1588 by the Portuguese, Subsequently  it was re-constructed  by the Dutch during the 17th century.   Galle Fort  is a historical, archaeological  heritage   which even after more than 400 years maintains a refined appearance, due to widespread reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department.  The old  value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural  heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kosgoda Sea  – Kosgoda is famous for its turtle hatchery  operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka.  In order  to see turtles visiting the South Western and South Eastern coastal areas  you can do this at night from a distance with the aid of binoculars. 

Negombo city is an ideal place  for tourists  to enjoy  very close to Sri Lanka’s international airport. The 100 km long canal  running through the city is still used.  Still remains of colonization include the Dutch fort constructed  in 1672,  centuries old Portuguese  buildings, Churches and the  frescoes of St. Mary’s cathedral church. Protected mangroves of the Negombo lagoon, is home to  variety of species of wildlife. Negombo offers some of the best  beaches in  the west coast.  Water sports and diving are also popular among tourists, with a few well preserved coral reefs and a old shipwreck that serves as an artificial reef for many varieties of fish.

Habarana – Elephant back riding is an attraction in Habarana   for tourists. Habarana is a small town  in the District of  Anuradhapura  in  Sri Lanka.  The city is famous  for its tourist hotels  and  resorts. It is a popular tourist destination for safari lovers as well. It is the starting point for safaris in the nearby Habarana jungle and the Minneriya sanctuary which  has  lot of  wild  elephants.  Habarana is situated nearby to the ancient rock fortress and castle   ruin is situated in the main road from Colombo toTrincomalee.

Spice Gardens  – In order to promote and uplift spice growing,  a Spice  Council was established with all key stakeholders of the  industry private as well as public  sector. Sri Lanka is famous for its spices and spices gardens. Spice Gardens in the hill capital Kanady,  Matale and Mawanella give interesting insights into spice production.  They  offer tourists unforgettable memories.  During early historical times Sri Lanka known as Taprobane, was world famous  for its Quality Spices.   

Batik Factory at Matale where you can see the manufacture of beautiful Batik prints. The shop contains a wide variety of Batiks.Over the past several decades the art of batik making has become firmly established in the island. Certainly, it is now the most visible of the island   Galleries and factories, large and small  in many  areas.  The material created by the batik factory  is used to produce distinctive dresses, shirts, and beachwear ideal for tropical  whether.

The National Museum of Kandy is  next to the Temple of the Tooth Relic.  It was earlier Royal Palace of Kandy. The primary exhibits are housed in the Palle Vahala building. A secondary exhibit location is found in the  palace building. It  has been  preserving  by the Department of National Museum of the Sri Lankan government. There is a statue of Sir Henry Ward a former Governor of Ceylon.The Palle Vahala was used as a depository for historic artifacts made by the Kandy Art Association which was established in 1832 and artists of Matale.

Botanical Gardens of  Hakgala  lying in the hill country  midst tea plantations in the District of Nuwara Eliya. You can find  it  along the Badulla Road,  approximately 9  k.m   from South East of  Nuwara Eliya.  It is situated at an elevation of about 1700  meters above mean sea level.  It is  28  hectares in extent  under the   Elephant’s Jaw Rock.   The climate is cool and fresh  and this is a very popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka

Horton Plains National Park is a protected area in Sri Lanka and is covered by  grassland and forest.   This area is designated as a national park in 1988. It is a popular tourist destination which is situated 32 kilo metres  from Nuwara Eliya.

Baker’s Falls is a popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka  which is situated  in Horton Plains  National  Park.  The height of the Baker’s waterfalls is 20 metres. TheBaker’s falls were named after Sir Samuel Baker, who was a popular  traveler. Many varieties of  bushes and plants  can be seen around the waterfall.

The Ravana Falls  is well known as  Ravana Ella is a extremely  famous  sightseeing   tourist  destination.  During the  wet season, the waterfall turns into  look like an areca flower with withering petals. In the dry season, where the flow of water reduces intensely. This water fall is a branch  of the Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary. It presently ranks as one of the widest falls in Sri Lanka.

Ramboda  water Falls is very popular water fall in Sri Lanka and  it is a famous  tourist detination. It is  109 meters high.  It is  ranked as 11th highest waterfall of the country. It is located  in Pussellawa area, on the A5 highway at Ramboda.  It starts from  Panna Oya which is a branch  of Kothmale Oya. Altitude of the falls is 945 meters above sea level.  

Tissamaharama  was  the capital of  one of the kingdom in ancient  time Ruhuna. At that time   the country was divided into three  areas for  the purpose of administration as Ruhuna, Pihiti and Maya, It was  during the  3rd century B.C. The large artificial Tissa Wewa lake, which was a part of a refined irrigation system, which was prevailing at that time. Presently Tissamaharama town is the starting point to  go  to Yala National Park and sacred city of  Kataragama. Tissamaharama is a town in south-eastern Sri Lanka.

Yala National park is  very popular  tourist attraction and destination in Sri Lanka.  A tourist who visit Sri Lanka should never miss this location. Yala National Park  consists of five blocks.   Each block has separate name.  Block one is known as  Ruhuna National Park  and Kumana National Park.   The park covers 979 square kilometers   and is located about 300 kilo meters from Colombo. Yala is a wildlife sanctuary  and, along with Wilpattu it is one of the first two national parks in Sri Lanka. The park is very popular  for various types of   wild animals. It is significant  for the conservation of Sri Lankan aquatic birds and  Elephants.   Yala harbours  various  bird species including six endemic species.  The area around Yala has hosted several ancient civilizations.

Safari in Yala  is a most exciting and  unique way to explore Yala National Park.

Tea Estates and  factories  – Tea plantiation  is a tourist  attraction    in Sri Lanka.  Sri Lanka is a  tea producer to the World market. It is also  a main source of foreign exchange earnings for the country.  Thousands of people are employed in  tea estates and tea factories. Tea production in Sri Lanka  is of high importance to the Sri Lankan economy and also significant to the  tourism industry as  tourists are visiting tea factories and tea estates on their tours.

Weligma  – Weligama is situated in  quiet area and it is attractive location for tourists  to visit  and see  fishing. Weligama town  is 23 km east of Unawatuna beach.