Just south of India, connected by a narrow land bridge, is the tranquil island country of Sri Lanka. Half a decade after the devastation caused by the 2004 Tsunami, the country is back on its feet and the golden sand beaches of its coastlines have regained their vibrant energy.
Chic accommodations are plentiful and a plethora of places to visit and things to do are waiting to be discovered in Sri Lanka. Whether you are looking for pristine beaches, verdant forests or rich cultural experiences you will not find this country wanting.
Aficionados of long lost civilizations will find the ancient archeological sites of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura and Sigiriya exciting. If you don't have time to visit all three locations, head to Anuradhapura for a satisfying exploration. In the middle of the jungle, seemingly hidden from the rest of the world, are the remnants of what was once a great empire that dates back to the 3rd century BC. Hire a bicycle and pedal your way around its ancient domes, palace ruins, shrines and baths. If you want a more dramatic excursion, venture out to the ancient fortress of Sigiriya whose grand entrance is no less than the colossal jaws of a stone lion.
Visitors pining for the romantic colonial atmosphere will be surprised to find a lingering presence of the Dutch, British and Portuguese in some of the Sri Lanka cities. A visit to the bazaar district of Pettah will not only sate your shopping impulses but also treat you to impressive colonial architecture. It also features a 17th century mansion that now houses the Dutch Museum. You may also want to visit the many centuries-old ports scattered around the island and gain insight to Sri Lankaํs strategic significance to the then superpowers of the 16th to 18th century.
If you fancy a commune with nature, Sri Lanka's lush forests are perfect for easy hikes and wildlife viewing. Follow the footsteps of the pilgrims to Adam's Peak and ring the bell at the summit after the arduous climb. Check out the enigmatic footprint in Saman Shrine that draws the crowd of pilgrims to the mountain's peak. The panoramic view that it affords is also something special to behold. Also, wildlife enthusiasts will not regret stopping by Yala National Park and Sinharaja Forest Reserve for a wild safari experience.
Of course, the beaches of Sri Lanka are not to be missed. Palm fringed and sun-kissed golden beaches are plenty in the area. Whichever side of the country you decide to stay, you'll wake up not far away from the cool ocean breeze and tranquil turquoise waters. Unawatuna is popular among tourists; Arugam Bay is sought after for surfing while Mirissa is a haven among those who wants to chill out in peace and quiet.
An exploration of Sri Lanka's major cities should also not be missed. There is the picturesque lake city of Kandy, the ancient port town of Galle and the bustling capital of Colombo to name a few. They offer a sundry of exciting experiences that are unique to the country. Finally, although most parts of Sri Lanka are relatively safe to visitors, it is wise to get updated with the current political and security scenarios in the area before visiting the country to ensure a tranquil visit.
Sunee is author of this article on Hotels in Thailand. Find more information about Phuket Hotels here.
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