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Sri Lanka
- Overview
- The Basics
- Attractions
- Events
- Public Holidays
- Travel Health
- Useful Contacts
- Airports
- Climate
- Currency
- Visa & Passport
- Flights to Sri Lanka
- Tour Operators
- Sri Lanka Map
-
Cities
- Colombo
-
Regions
- Cultural Triangle
- Matara
What to see in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Attractions
Attractions in Sri Lanka have grown from a long and vibrant history leaving many things to do and see including seven UNESCO heritage sites. Sri Lanka's history can be experienced at the ancient sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Panduwasnuwara. The National Museum houses artefacts and explains Sri Lanka's complex culture. This complexity is also apparent in the capital city Colombo where exotic smells and goods are traded in the Pettah bazaar district. Calmer attractions include the seafront in Galle or the peaceful lake town of Kandy.
To leave the city and towns altogether attractions include treks into Yala National Park and up Sigiriya or Adam's Peak. Of course many leave the exertion of historic discovery in favour of sandy beaches stretching hundreds of miles. These are best visited outside of two rainy seasons May to August and October to January.
Adam’s Peak
The legendary mountain peak towering 7,297 feet (2,224m) over the island of Sri Lanka is known as Sri Pada or Adam's…
Anuradhapura
The remains of the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura are sited about 130 miles (205km) north of Colombo, standing majestically…
Colombo Zoological Gardens
Colombo's zoo has a fine collection of animals, birds, reptiles and fish from all over the world, but in particular showcases…
Galle
The port town of Galle, about 60 miles (100km) south of Colombo and a short distance west of Matara, is steeped in the…
Kandy
The relaxed and peaceful atmosphere of the town of Kandy in the heart of Sri Lanka's hill country, about 75 miles (120km)…
Pettah
Colombo's bazaar district, the Pettah, presents a real treat for shopaholics who can wander through the hustle and bustle…
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
Among the green hills of Kegalle, about 50 miles (85km) from Colombo on the road to Kandy in the hill country, a herd…
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is an important Buddhist site in central Sri Lanka, about 100 miles (161km) northeast of Colombo. The remains…
Sri Lanka National Museum
Sri Lanka's oldest museum was established in 1877 and today boasts a massive collection of antiques and objects d'art,…
Trincomalee
The ancient port of Trincomalee on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka has a perfect natural harbour, which has made the…
Wewurukannala Temple
Not all Buddhist temples are ancient, nor are they all conservative affairs. The colourful, somewhat garish, modern Wewurukannala…
Yala National Park
Elephants are the most often-spotted inhabitants of the vast Yala National Park in the southeast of Sri Lanka, east of…
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Intrepid Travel is one of the world's leading suppliers of small group adventures focused on getting off the beaten track and having real life experiences in Sri Lanka.
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