Basking on the Southern coast of India, just off the Indian Ocean, beautiful Sri Lanka is a biodiverse arcadia for seamless retreats. The several spots and fascinating history make this island an impeccable country to visit during your upcoming holidays. What is so special about this country? The miles of white sandy coasts, verdant jungles, alluring backdrops, wealthy world heritage sites, green tea gardens, foggy hill countries and friendly people are so inviting and have much to offer.
Have you ever wanted to visit the pearl of the Indian Ocean? We have listed out the finest Sri Lanka tour and beach holiday for you to explore this charming country in 2019.
- Explore the fascinating history at a glance
With a history spanning over 3000 years, the country has an array of historical spots to display. The ancient Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla golden cave temple, the sacred city of Anuradhapura, the sacred city of Polonnaruwa, the temple of sacred tooth relic in Kandy and Galle Fort are some of the most significant examples of Sri Lanka’s historical wonders, and UNESCO listed world heritage sites. Indulge in a history rich Sri Lanka tour packageto stumble upon the ancient heritage of superb Sri Lanka.
- Go in search for Festivals
Being a culture infused island, Sri Lankans strongly believe in festivals and strictly follow them as a rule. Kandy Esala Perahera, Vesak Poya, Poson Poya, Sinhala Tamil New Year are the well-celebrated festival by the Buddhist people of Sri Lanka. Deepavali, Mahasivaratri, Thai Pongal, Vel festival and Jaffna Nallur festival are the important festivals celebrated by the Hindus of Sri Lanka. The Christians mark Christmas and Madu festival; the Muslims of Sri Lanka conduct Eid celebrations. Doesn’t that look like cultural heaven? Indeed, you will be lost in a land filled with vibrant ethos.
Kandy Esala Perahera is such festival joined by most of the individuals in spite of their religion. The Perahera usually held between July and August, embellished with elephant parades sparkling in gold, fire acrobats, traditional Kandyan instrumentalists and classical performers. The entire festival brings you the essence of Sri Lankan culture.
- Run wild with the wildlife
Wildlife tours take you to the next level of holiday experience in Sri Lanka. The country is home for various wildlife sanctuaries and rainforests comprising Sinharaja, Yala, Kaudulla, Kumana, Minneriya national park, Horton Plains national park and many others that are not listed here. Catch a glimpse of leopards, watch elephants bathing in rivers and being fed, birdlife roaming freely, crocodiles lazing in swamps and mischievous monkeys leaping over trees. Many tour operators offer wildlife safari tours to leading national parks, so make it an opportunity to sight the animals through your bare eyes.
- Relax by the Indian Ocean
As you are aware, Sri Lanka is surrounded by the Indian Ocean. The country encompasses multiple beaches that will bring you the best beach holiday experience through the stay. Something to add – Sri Lanka’s beach is not only about water or serenity, but also owns various marine life. While talking about beach vacations, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, Passikudah, Arugam Bay, Nilaveli, Koggala, Galle, Bentota, Weligama, Midigama and Unawatuna are not to miss coastal areas.
Finding the secret beach, whale watching, visitthe coconut island: a palm-fringed beach island (save your head from coconuts falling from a height), sunset dinner beside the beach, a walk to parrot rock, never-ending parties at night and beach wanderings are the top things to do in Mirissa.
Take a glass bottom boat ride, avisit to Boxing Day tsunami education centre (see the photographs of the year 2004 tsunami disaster), discovering the colourful underworld beneath the sea, pampering in a Spa treatment, shopping for handicrafts and enjoying nightlife are the best to do’s in Hikkaduwa.
If you love fishing – then, a visit to Weligama beach village is a must include in your travel journal. You will learn the art of balancing; the fishermen steadily balancingquite skilfully on a 20-60 meter wand in the shallow seawaters, which is knownas stilt fishing.
- Boost your adrenaline
The turquoise seashores of Sri Lanka are not only ideal for scenic vacations yet offer a range of water sports opportunities for adventure seekers. Mirissa, Bentota, Passikudah, Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa are the most renowned locations for water activities in Sri Lanka. Favourably, travellers will get the opportunity to engage in thrill-filled recreational activities including swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, wreck diving, cruising, sailing and surfing. The high waves of beaches make this island a perfect surfing spot during the peak season. Or, if you are not an expert, stop worrying and relax –you will find few beach-side camps providing surfing and PADI diving course lessons at a reasonable charge.
You will also find water rafting in Kitulgala – the famous spot for white water rafting in Sri Lanka. This includes 5 kilometres or further guided rafting tours, running along the Kelani River. The adventure does not conclude by that; you can also take part in waterfall abseiling, bungee jumping, rainforest trekking, bird watching and overnight camping at the jungles of Kitulgala.
- Look for nature trails
Nature trails aren’t new in Sri Lanka. With the plentiful locales and dramatic atmospheres, the country has many hiking and trekking destinations. Ella rock, Adam’s Peak, Horton Plains, Knuckles Mountain range, Sinharaja, Belihuloya, Kirigalpoththa and Pidurangala are some of the main hiking points. If you prefer short trails, then go for a tea plantation hike in the tea country. Through these trails, travellers will meet the exotic biodiversity and natural exquisiteness of the country.
- Tour across the brisk cities
Your tour to Sri Lanka wouldn’t be complete without discovering its city beauty that should be included in best Sri Lanka holiday packages. Colombo is one of the most visited cities by the travellers and the heart of the county. The capital of Colombo has so many attractions to showcase- theme parks, museum, Galle Face Green, crowded streets, prestigious temples, shopping arcades, classy restaurants for elite feasting, street food stalls for economic dining and night-time galas. Take a tuk-tuk ride or city cycle tour to witness the magnetism of Colombo.
Author Bio: Philipp Muller,the director of GetGo tours, is sharing his travel stories through travel articles.