A nirvana for beach fanatics, Sri Lanka has a lot to offer to millions of tourists that visit the island country every year. One or two weeks are definitely not sufficient to see the entire country but enough to get the real feel of the country.
Begin your journey from the bustling capital of Sri Lanka, followed by Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and the Southern Coast respectively.
-
Colombo:
The capital and the largest city of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is probably the only place in the country that has the hustle and bustle of a big city like New York or Mumbai.
Stroll across the ancient artefacts of the colonial era at the National Museum, wander through the Viharamahadevi Park and ramble through the mazes of Pettah Market. In the evenings, try out some great seafood restaurants in Mt. Lavinia Beach, one of the city's most laidback suburbs.
-
Kandy:
The train journey from Colombo to Kandy through central highlands is spectacular and will be a major highlight of your entire trip. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake and British Garrison Cemetery while in Kandy.
The Royal Rock Temple at Dambulla, which is a 2-hour ride from Kandy, will take you back centuries in time with its cave monasteries and idols of Buddha. Later, get a glimpse of ancient architecture in Sigiriya, a UNESCO world heritage site and probably the most dramatic in the country that features a rock fortress set starkly against a lush green background.
-
Nuwara Eliya:
Nuwara Eliya is the tea capital of Sri Lanka. You will easily find rooms to relax in the Heritance Tea Factory. Book a safari at the Yala National Park; if you are lucky enough, you may spot a few elephants and leopards!
-
Southern Coast:
The Southern Coast is dotted with some of the best beaches in South Asia. Be it Tangalla, Mirissa or Unawatuna, they are perfect peaceful getaways. Finally, spend a day or two in Galle and take an exhilarating ride along the Indian Ocean from Galle to Colombo.