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Sri Lanka is located in the southern part of Asia. It is a country located on an island and this makes it to appear like a lonely planet. The country has some of the best tourist attraction sites in the world. Some of the sites include: Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Pinnawala elephant orphanage and Colombo (capital city). The following are the top 10 places to visit in Sri Lanka.
Colombo
Colombo is the capital city of Sri Lanka and is the first of the places to visit in Sri Lanka for most people. It is an amazing city full of various forms of transport, luxurious hotels, cafes, restaurants and trading centers. Here you can also visit the national museum of Colombo. This museum has regalia of the Kandyan kings of the 17th century. There is also the Casa Serena Art Gallery where you can view a variety of art, sculptures, craft, video installations and photography. The modern and traditional items in there are works of both local and international artists. In addition to that, you can drive around the city to have an amazing view of the beautifully designed buildings.
Polonnaruwa
This is the old-fashioned capital of Sri Lanka. In this city there are stone sculptures of the 12th century. There is also Gal Vihara which consists of 3 huge Buddha statues. One figure is reclined (13m long), one is in a sitting position while the other remains in standing position. These sculptures are one of the most sacred monuments in Sri Lanka. Moreover, there are friezes and palace ruins in this town.
Kandy
In this Hill Capital, there is a man-made lake (Lake Kandy). It is a very beautiful Lake. There is an island in the middle of the lake which houses the royal summer house. Sri Lanka’s best annual spectacle (Esala Perahera festival) occurs in Kandy every August. During this festival, many people from within and abroad come to witness the amazing spectacle.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
This is one the most visited sites in Sri Lanka. It is home to orphaned or abandoned baby elephants from all over the world. There are approximately 60 elephants in this orphanage. In this orphanage, they are fed, treated and bathed. It is particularly enjoyable to see how the elephants soak themselves in rivers.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Sri Lanka. It is located on top of a rock plateau (about 660ft high). It was built by King Kasyapa to serve as his palace. The sides of the rocks were colored with beautiful paintings. It is a wonderful place to visit. Moreover, it has been recognized as a world heritage site.
Nuwara Eliya
This beautiful hill country is one of the more cooler places to visit in Sri Lanka. There are numerous tea plantations in the south west of the town. The region also houses the Hakgala Botanical Gardens.
Unawatuna Beach
Being an Island, Sri Lanka has some stunning beaches. When you are on a short vacation, Unawatuna beach is a must visit and is easily accessible. On this beach, you can walk from one end to another in just 15 minutes. Unawatuna is the ideal place for snorkeling.
Yala west National park
It is located in the south east of Sri Lanka and it hosts the best mammals in Asia. Some of the mammals include: Sri Lankan leopard, buffalo, wild pig, toque monkey and the golden jackal.
Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak is a sacred mountain (about 7362 ft.). The world’s four major religions; Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Buddhism pay allegiance to it.
Temple of the Tooth
This temple is roofed with gold. It is home to Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic (tooth of the Buddha) and is one of the must see places to visit in Sri Lanka. During prayers, the room is open to tourists and devotees.
Sri Lanka is an interesting country with so much to offer visitors. Where are your favourite places to visit in Sri Lanka?
About the author: Scott Archer is a professional content writer and blogger from the UK who shares his travel experiences. His hobbies include travelling, trekking and cooking.
