Negombo is known for its long sandy beaches and centuries old fishing industry. There are many things to see in Negombo which include the Negombo Lagoon, the fish market which is the second largest market in the country, St. Mary’s church and more. Despite it being a popular beach destination, there is significant history behind the town.
Reach the ancient royal fortress of Sigiriya, Lion Rock, one of the most spectacular sites on the island. Walk through the royal gardens and follow the central path leading up to the stairs of the imposing ochre-colored rock. Start the ascent, and halfway, contemplate the famous gallery of Sigiriya. Then reach the platform suspended on the side of the cliff, famous for its huge lion’s paws. Once you reach the summit, discover the ruins of the old palace and enjoy an exceptional panorama of the surroundings, over 370 meters high.
This village tour gives you a memorable experience in a countryside rural village in Sigiriya. You will enjoy the sightseeing of paddy fields, bullock cart ride, traditional catamaran ride in a lake, visit to a chena cultivation, traditional cooking demonstration in a rural village house and enjoy authentic Sri Lankan foods during this tour.
The ancient city boasts of many archaeological relics and monuments and is one of the best planned sites in the country. Some of the well-known attractions of this stately city include the Statue of King Parakramabahu, the Polonnaruwa Vatadage, the Rankoth Vehera, the Gal Viharaya and its statues.
Minneriya is a small town in Sri Lanka that is famous for Minneriya National Park which is a hot spot for safari lovers because of its abundance of elephants. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. The reason for declaring the area as protected is to protect the catchment of Minneriya tank and the wildlife of the surrounding area.
Dambulla Cave Temple
Dambulla Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the central part of Sri Lanka. It is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the country and is renowned for its beautiful and intricate cave paintings and statues.
Herbal and Spice Garden
The “spice gardens” should not be confused with spice plantations. These gardens are better described as “show gardens” with a primary focus on retailing indigenous Ayurveda medicine and small quantities of a variety of spices. The Ayurveda oils and medicines are derived from a mixture of the spices and herbs which are grown locally.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. The temple of the tooth is a World Heritage Site mainly due to the temple and the relic.
Today, the Royal Botanical Garden is home to a stunning collection of over 4,000 species of plants, including many rare and exotic varieties. The garden is particularly famous for its collection of orchids, which includes more than 300 different species.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of the most alluring places in Sri Lanka for the wildlife enthusiast out there. Visit these gentle giants as they indulge in a playful bath by the river.