Heavenly Views & Wildlife Wonders: A Guide to Sri Lanka

2019/08/05

Heavenly Views & Wildlife Wonders: A Guide to Sri Lanka

There are many beautiful sights to see in Sri Lanka. It is a small country, which has experienced a civil war that lasted for more than 25 years, but now, it has a lot to offer to its visitors. You will not only enjoy the stunning destinations but also appreciate the people who are hospitable, kind, and proud of their culture. Here are some of the things you can do when you visit this country.

Visiting Elephant Orphans in Pinnawala

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is located in Kegalle, a town situated between Colombo and Kandy. The place was originally established to provide protection and care to the orphaned elephants in the Sri Lankan jungles. Later on, they launched a captive breeding program for elephants and has simulated natural habitats for them. They also take the elephants to the river two times a day and babies are bottle-fed. The orphanage is known worldwide to have a large herd of captive elephants, which is why many tourists come to see them bathing or getting fed. If you’re looking for a more meaningful holiday, Sri Lanka has plenty on offer and the elephants are a great place to start.

elephant bathing at Pinnawala – photo by Kevin_Lavorgna on Flickr CC

Spot a Leopard in Yala

Yala National Park is a nature reserve that is divided into 5 blocks, with a protected area of about 130,000 hectares. The land consists of grasslands, light forests, lagoons, tanks, and scrubs. As of now, only two blocks are open to the public. The reserve is home to 215 species of birds and 44 varieties of mammals. Some of its residents include elephants, crocodiles, sloths, jackals, peacocks, sambars, and spotted deer. The most famous of them all is the Panthera pardus kotiya, a leopard endemic to the country. The best time to visit the place is between the months of February and July since water levels are low and the animals are out in the open.

Check out the Temples

It may be difficult pulling yourself from your luxury beach hideaway but there are too many Sri Lankan discoveries to be had to stay at the beach all day, as tempting as it may be. Temples are a big part of Sri Lanka and are home to the art, history, traditions, and customs of the people of a certain place. Each of the temples shows wonderful and interesting insights into Sri Lankan culture. Some of them are over a thousand years old, and those who visit them are left with a sense of wonder and mystery. The Dambulla Cave Temple or the Golden Temple of Dambulla is the largest cave temple in the country. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site – the sight of over 80 caves in the area is something you check out.

Relaxing on the Stunning Beaches

Sri Lanka has been known as a popular beach destination for many years. It offers miles of beautiful coastlines and several resorts, perfect for whether you are travelling alone or with a group. Beaches are a great place to have an amazing time and not have to spend $100 in the process. Some of its famous beaches are Bentota on the west coast, Hiriketiya on the south, and Arugam Bay on the east. All of which are perfect for spending the day relaxing with a large gin and tonic and that book you’ve been meaning to read for the last year.

Head to Viharamahadevi Park

The Viharamahadevi Park is open to the public and is formerly called the Victoria Park. It is situated near the National Museum in Sri Lanka and in front of the Town Hall building. The place is Port of Colombo’s largest and oldest park and is named after the mother of King Dutugamunu. It has a number of water fountains and a huge Buddha statue.

Visiting Sri Lanka is definitely unforgettable not only because they have the best tourist destinations but also because it has a great history and culture – something that you shouldn’t miss.

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