A Perfect Sri Lankan Holiday
Sri Lanka has been called a host of different names throughout its diverse history - Ceylon, Taprobane, Serendib and the Pearl of the Indian Ocean; to name the most famous - and these are all synonymous with a certain feeling that you get from the island; one that draws you in with its beauty and warmth (literally and figuratively) and doesn't let you go even after you leave. When you step foot on Sri Lankan soil, you won't just be going on sri lanka holidays there - you will surely find it to be a second home.
A few kilometers off the tip of India and a short distance northeast of the Maldives, Sri Lanka is a great location to visit at almost any time of the year. It has a rich and abundant biodiversity, which is highly concentrated in the Sinharaja Rainforest; a UNESCO Protected World Heritage Site, and even more so in its spectacular coral reefs that line much of the coast and accommodate scuba divers and snorkelers every year. Its beaches are beautiful and facilitate almost all forms of famous water sports including surfing.
Sri Lanka's history as a colonial nation began centuries ago. The island was at least once under the rule and governance of the British, the Dutch and the Portuguese. Ceylon finally gained its independence in 1948. Before independence, the country had a dynamic history and captivating culture that is evident in its friendly population and built environment. Centuries-old dagobas and intricate wall paintings illustrate its colourful past, and skillfully constructed reservoirs display the engineering mastery of the country’s ancient civilizations. All of which have helped shape modern society.
Below are some of the famous sites that are well worth the visit for sri lanka vacations:
- Anuradhapura - The capital of the north central province of Sri Lanka was once the royal capital of the country from as far back as 380 B.C. Centuries ago a branch from the holy bo-tree under which the Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment was conveyed here and marked the spread of Buddhism across the land. Many Buddhists today make a pilgrimage to this sacred city to pay homage to the Lord Gautama Buddha.
- Polonnaruwa - This was where the Chola kings of Southern India built their capitals and homes while they fought against the Sinhalese for power in the north. The ruins stand on the east shore of a large artificial lake, the Topa Wewa (Sinhala for ‘Lake’), created by King Parakramabahu I, whose reign was Polonnaruwa's golden age. Within a rectangle of city walls stand palace buildings and clusters of dozens of dagobas, temples and various other religious buildings.
- Sigiriya - A World Heritage Site and another revered religious relic, this giant rock is climbed by tens of thousands every year. Sigiriya is also known as the Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World according to some books and magazines, and every traveler to visit can’t help but bring to life the epic tale of this ancient fortress that stood against some of the mightiest armies to siege these sacred lands. The ancient irrigation systems installed over a thousand years ago still function to date. Along the way, one can find several temples and other rocks to climb, and hiking is very popular in the area. The moat around Sigiriya is a beautiful place to go for a walk, and the hotels nearby are very convenient for this.