Sri Lanka’s tropical climate, sandy beaches and incredible cuisine are just
among the many reasons to include this beautiful South Asian country on your
travel bucket list. This tiny island nation, otherwise known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’,
has fast become a popular tourist destination for holidaymakers
Despite being a relatively small island, Sri Lanka is endowed with a diverse collection of landscapes, climates and natural features. Sri Lanka’s infamous beaches have been enticing visitors for many years. However, the rest of the island harbours many more idyllic vistas.
The central highlands are carpeted with emerald tea plantations interspersed with occasional waterfalls. Cool climates, misty views, and quaint estate bungalows are a throwback to bygone eras.
Despite its small size Sri Lanka boasts of one of the highest rates of biological endemism in the world whether in plants or animals and is included among the top five biodiversity hotspots in the world. Of the ninety-one species of mammals found in Sri Lanka Asian elephants, sloth bear, leopards, sambar and wild buffaloes engages the majority of the attention of wildlife enthusiast. Yet the rarest mammals of Sri Lanka are the red slender Loris, Toque Macaque, and Purple-faced Langur, who according to IUCN clarifications are endangered due to habitat loss.
With a history expanding over 3000years, Sri Lanka holds some of world’s ancient cities including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Digamadulla; their once glorious townships, palaces, temples, monasteries, hospitals and theaters intricately carved and modeled out of stone lay and abandoned and forgotten with time amidst the soaring jungles.
This is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka.Yala is home to Asian elephants, leopards and variety of beautiful endemic birds.
The Sacred Tooth Relic, which is the Buddha’s left canine was brought here during the reign of king Kithsiri Meghavanna (301-328 B.C.) by Prince Danta and Princess Hemamala from the Kingdom of Kalinga, India.
The orphanage was originally founded to provide care and protection to the many orphaned elephants found in the jungles of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world
Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence.