Colombo
Colombo has been the capital of Sri Lanka since independence in 1948 and is located on the west coast. You should visit the National Museum, but a walk through the Pettah district is also recommended to experience the colorful diversity of the city. The Gangaramaya Temple is also worth seeing. Here you can marvel at countless donations to the monastery from all over the world. The pavilion with its Buddha statues on Beira Lake and the new buildings of an Asian metropolis in the background show the dense diversity.
Kandy
The youngest Royal City (1469–1815) is located in the heart of the island on a plateau surrounded by beautiful mountains. The sprawling city is located in densely forested hills around Lake Kandy. The Palace of the Sacred Tooth Relic Buddha is located in Kandy. Kandy is not only attractive because of the ceremony during the important Esala Perahera Festival. The busy little city is also ideal for strolling around and shopping.
Sigiriya
This is probably the most famous and impressive monument in Sri Lanka. King Kassapa chose the approximately 200 m high rock of volcanic origin as his seat of government in the 5th century AD. The former fortress is located on the rocky plateau, which can now be reached via numerous steps at a lofty height. The view is majestic. In the middle of the steep rock face are the fresco paintings of the cloud girls. These can be reached via a small spiral staircase. The radiance of the colors is impressive.
At the foot of the rock there is a park with a water basin. The structure of the complex is remarkable, which has a symmetrical structure and is reminiscent of Roman buildings from this period due to its design and irrigation systems.
Galle and Fort
Galle is one of the most attractive tourist cities on the island. It combines the influences of the colonial era with contemporary Asian life. The impressive Fort with its enchanting old town is set out in the ocean. Galle was also declared a World Heritage Site in 1988. A walk along the fortress walls to the lighthouse offers fantastic views. When strolling through the city, you can discover some well-renovated buildings from the Dutch and British colonial era.
Anuradhapura
The history of Anuradhapura goes back to the 8th century BC. From the 4th century BC it is said to have been the first Royal City on the island and thus the capital of the empire for well over 1000 years. The ´Holy City´ of Anuradhapura has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1982. The present city is divided into two parts: the ´Holy City´ with the archaeological sites and the New City. The magnificent temple complex and the Bodhi tree in the ´Holy City´, which is considered to be one of the oldest trees in the world and is said to be an offshoot of the Indian Buddha tree, are impressive. Numerous pilgrims also visit this place.
Trincomalee
The largest city on the East Coast was once a strategic location for the colonial powers. It is worth visiting the small Fort Frederick and the Thiru Koneswaram Kovil Temple, which is located on Swami Rock at the end of the bay and offers a wonderful view. The bustling center attracts visitors with colorful shops from all the cultures and religions that live here.
Polonnaruwa
A stroll through the enchanting ´Holy City´, capital of the second kingdom (1017-1235), reveals numerous ruins set in beautiful natural surroundings. Here you can admire numerous temples, stupas and palaces, as well as beautiful Buddha statues.
Dambulla
The history of Dambulla goes back 2000 years. The place is home to a monastery. In the rock caves you can see numerous Buddha statues from different centuries and there is a tablet Brahmi inscription testifying to the origin of the complex before Christ. This very impressive place has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.
Dondra
Dondra is a village on the southernmost tip of the island with a very nice atmosphere. It is home to the country’s tallest lighthouse at 52 m. The village has an interesting past dating back to the 7th century. Today, the place is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and Hindus. Both the Vishnu Devale and an oversized standing Buddha statue are located on the temple grounds.
Arankele
On the way to Sigiriya, a little away from the main traffic stream, we reach the excavation site, which only gives an idea of the beauty and size of this monastery complex. Enchantingly intertwined with lianas and other plants, the 6th century complex presents itself in harmony with nature. One even thinks that one is walking the meditation paths together with the monks. There are also some monks’ cells, an infirmary and stone tubs for herbal baths.
Mihintale
On the way from Anuradhapura to the east coast you can visit Mihintale, a monastery complex with two stupas, a Buddha statue and a magical viewing rock that needs to be conquered. The view makes up for the many steps and the small climbing section. You should definitely make a small donation here. Then you will be blessed by name over loudspeakers so that it can be heard throughout the entire temple complex.
Ella
The charm of Ella is mainly due to the fantastic landscape. This includes Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak, but also the Nine Arch Bridge and the tea plantations. You can always enjoy fantastic views. A visit to the Rawana Ella Cave and the Rawana Waterfall can be made from Ella and you can listen to the Ramayana epic.
Nuwara Eliya
The highest town on the island has a cool climate. Here you will find the horse racing track, the venerable Grand Hotel and the photogenic post office building, which are reminiscent of the Colonial Empire. The small market and Victoria Park are perfect for a stroll.
Bentota
Bentota is a well-developed tourist resort on the southwest coast of the island. Here also lies Lunuganga, the estate and gardens of architect Geoffrey Bawa. Bentota Beach is known for its long sandy beaches and palm groves. It is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. There are also resorts for Ayurveda treatments as well as yoga and meditation sessions.
Mirissa
Mirissa is considered one of the most beautiful bays on the island. It is located in the Matara District of the Southern Province on the south coast. There are numerous water sports options, whale and dolphin watching tours, as well as lovely little restaurants and an exciting nightlife.