Destinations

My Holiday Srilanka travel destinations and attractions include world heritage sites and variety of travelling locations to give you the best for your tour.

Anuradhapura

Located in the North-Central part of the island, originally founded by a King's minister named Anuradha in 500 BC. Anuradhapura is acclaimed as the greatest monastic city of the ancient world and has served as the royal capital of 113 kings.

In 1073, Anuradhapura was fought over and abandoned when the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa. Explorers re-discovered the crumbling ruins in the 19th Century and an effort to restore and re-build this city has since begun.

It is an important historical and archaeological site and continues to attract both Sri Lankan and foreign visitors as well as pilgrims.

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th Century AD. In its time, a 6 km (3 - mile) rampart protected the city. Even during the Anuradhapura era, this was an important city because it strategically commanded all the crossings over the Mahaveli River and acted as a buffer against the invading armies.

Dambulla

Dating back to the 1st Century BC, this is the most impressive cave temple in Sri Lanka. It has five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry.

In 1938 the architecture was embellished with arched colonnades and gabled entrances. Inside the caves, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images, following the contours of the rock.

There are images of the Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya was created by King Kasyapa who reigned between 477-495 AD. The summit of this almost inaccessible rock is 180 m (600 ft) above the surrounding jungle, and was the setting for a courtly paradise of elegant pavilions amid gardens and pools.

The rock was transformed into a recumbent lion by the addition of a brick-built head and foreparts of which only the paws remain. The rock's natural defences were augmented by broad moats and stone perimeter walls.

In the event of an enemy approach, the outer moat was built so as to flood the entire area between the two moats.

Kandy - The Last KIngdom of Sri Lanka A Word Heritage City

Kandy is the famous city of Sinhala history, culture, religion and pageantry. The Kandyan Kingdom was the last independent state in Sri Lanka. It withstood the onslaught of three invading European armies for over two centuries. Kandy can be explored on foot, with the higher altitude making the climate conducive to long walks.

The city is visually rich with its narrow streets lined with old buildings full of character, and crowded with people.

The Municipal Market has colourful displays of fruit and vegetables, textiles and clothing. The Kandy Lake provides an attractive focal point to the town.

Galle Fort - World Heritage Site

The port town of Galle is Sri Lanka's fourth biggest town with 80,000 people. The history of Galle dates back to 1505 when a Portuguese fleet bound for Maldives was blown off course and took shelter in the Galle Harbour.

This arrival drastically changed the course of Sri Lankan history. In 1598, the Portuguese built a small fort which was later extended. However, when the Dutch took over in 1640, they destroyed all traces of the Portuguese presence.

In 1663, the Dutch built the 36-hectare Fort, which is now a World Heritage Site.

Sinharaja Rain Forest - World Heritage Site

One of the world heritage sites, seconded only to Amazon virgin forest. Original extent was 111100 hectares. Now only 11000 hectares remaining. Best example for Sri Lanka’s biodiversity. Day excursion could be arranged on Prior reservation.

Mihintale

Cradle of Buddhism, and the world’s first recorded sanctuary with 1658 steps to climb. Mountainous monastic settlement including 63 caves with Brahmin letters which were used 2500 years back , also with stupas, rock, pillar, and slab inscriptions. Remains of the ancient hospital complex, which was used for Buddhist monks 2500 years back.

Aukana Buddha Statue

Colossal granite Buddha statue of 13 mts in height, precisely measured statue, made to collect water on the head, dripping down to the middle of the foot, without disturbing the body.

Nuwara Eliya

Known as little England among the most of the foreign travelers because of it’s landscape Cool climate and the and the buildings. It’s elevation above mean sea level is 1889 meteres. and established by the British governor Sir Edward Banes in 1828.

Sri Lanka’s highest mountain Pidurutalagala 2509.4 meteres situated in a corner of the city. British period race course, and Hakgala Botanical Gardens and some of the best tea plantations and factories and waterfalls are the attractions of nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya has the best 18 hole golf course in south East asia which spreads everywhere in the city, with many barriers. Horton plains biodiversity national park is also in the close proximity of Nuwara Eliya.

Thissa/Hambantota/Matara/Galle/Bentota

Situated in the southern part of the country, along the coastal belt. Most of these cities having pre and post historic evidences of ancient civilizations, Buddhist monastic settlements, remains of ancient, iron and steal productions, national parks, bird sanctuaries reservoirs, irrigation systems , salterns, Buddhist and Hindu temples, catholic and Christian churches, Portugese and dutch period fortresses turtle farms, coconut toddy industry, Coirmaking , and masks industry.

Elephant orphanage

First of it’s kind in the world and established in 1975 by the department of wild life reservation, The baby Elephants who lost their parents in the jungle and also, who got injured because they came to village areas to destroy farms, are captured and fed on milk, till they are five Years of age. Big elephants who also got injured and chased from the herd, are here in captivity.

A baby elephant is fed with 5 litres of milk at a time, for five times a day, and the Daily ritual of bathing two times a day, in a nearby river, is a very interesting event, for a visitor.

Present population of elephants including young and old living here are more than 60 in number, and the baby elephants whom are born in captivity which was only a dream earlier, increased up to 38 at present.

National parks

Villpattu,Yala ,Udawalawe, Wasgomuwa, Kaudulla and Minneriya are some of the most popular out of the 18 National parks in Sri Lanka, are ideal for day and night Safari Tours, camping over night stay in park bungalows etc; Animals that can be seen in these often are wild buffaloes, Elephants, deer ,stag, jakal, wild rabbits wild pig, crocodiles, and many varieties of colorful birds.

Nuckles mountain range, Beragala and Ritigala Mountains

Nuckles is best for it’s bio diversity, with most attractive views.14 out of worlds superior soil groups could be seen in these mountains. Special explorations, visits are possible with advance reservations, Ritigala mountain has three climatic regions, in different elevations, and also has ruins of an ancient monastic complex.

University Complex of Peradeniya

First University in Sri Lanka built during the British period, designed by Mr. Thomas Abecrombe the designer of London City. Buildings are designed according to the Kandyan architectural patterns.

Botanical Gardens Peradeniya

Originally pleasure garden of the Kandyan kings and queens, Later converted to botanic garden by the British. Similar to Kew garden in London. More than 10,000 plant species and considered as one of the best botanic gardens in South East Asia. It’s extent is 64 hactares. and surrounded by Sri Lankas Longest river Mahaweli.

Batik Factory

To see creative free hand Sri Lankan patterns made into designs on cotton cloth using different colour baths and wax.

Arts and Crafts Centre

With wooden, Ivory, Silver, Brass, lace, and straw handicrafts. Some of the items are demonstrated, the way they are made. Gem Museum and lapidary, to see how the gems are dug, from the ground and varieties of gems, and their effects and processing for jewelry.

Elephant Museum

Which includes the stuffed body of (Raja ), the elephant who carried Buddha’s sacred relic casket, for over fifty years, in the world famous Kandyan cultural Procession, which is held in August Each Year.

Ancient Aluvihare Temple Matale

Famous Buddhist temple on a rocky summit, Ola leaf (a palm leaf) converted to a leafy paper, and wrote like on a book using a special pen. This book can be used for many thousands of years. This temple was the first place, in the world, to write Buddhism on Ola leaf categorizing Buddhism into a triple basket.

Spice Garden Matale

Situated in Sri Lanka’s Spice zone. The plants. fruits and flowers of large number of spices and medicinal plants could be seen here. Also they demonstrate the herbs which has medicinal effects and their effects on the body. An optional free massage also is given, to show, how the effects of herbal medicines and oils on human body.

Wood Carving Centre

To see how the ancient people made natural colours, out of different types of wood, also very impressive carvings of various types of wood, which are hand made by skilled craftmans ,whose techniques are coming from generations.

Ratnapura

Gem city of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is world famous for it’s quality gems. Most of the kings and queens in the world, and most emperors preferred to wear Sri Lankan gems on their thrones, and jewelry, because they are very rich in quality. Gems are dug the most difficult way, in mines. Visitors can see the different varieties of gems, in gem museums and mines.

Madunagala Hot Springs

The only hot springs in the southern Sri Lanka. There are many hot water sprouts, in different temperatures. People believe, the water in these springs, has a medicinal effect, on the body, to cure arthritis and many other sicknesses.

Fishing Village and Stilt Fishing Site

There are number of fishing villages existing along the coastal belt of Sri Lanka. many varieties of small and large fish, harvested daily and fish auctions could be seen in these places. stilt fishing is one of the traditional fishing systems.

Turtle Hatchery and Farm

To see, how the turtle eggs are collected, and hatched , and small ones are reared in ponds, before putting them to the sea, to protect from dangers. Turtles are important to Sri Lanka, to protect the coral reef barrier, because they eat, the star fish, who destroy corals. one can see, six out of seven species, of turtles found in the world, in these turtle farms.

Trincomalee & East Coast

Main city of the East coast, with one of the Finest harbors and 5th Largest natural harbor in the world. Consist of Buddhist – Hindu shrine on the peak of The Swami rock (Fort Federick) mountain bordering the sea.

Trinco is the ideal beach resort, with all the water sports including fishing and sea angling. Whale watching in the sanctuary is a specialty here.

Located at the mouth of river Mahaweli, Sri Lanka’s longest. A Stupa at the Thiriyaya temple. Enshrining the Buddha’s Hair Relics, dating back to 8th century A.D. is in close proximity of Trinco‘s coast.

Nilaveli Beach

Situated at the center of the 30 km long beach which runs from North of Trinco. The ‘Red Rock Beach’ with Pinkish colour Boulders is close to Nilaveli. Blue sperm whales have made their habitat off the coast. And the shallow water Near the beach have some finest Coral formations.

Arugam Bay Beach

Ranked 3rd among the best 20 Surfing destinations in the world by the British Surfers Association.

Lahugala National Park is also closeby, famous for Elephants. Kumana Bird sanctuary, Pottuvil lagoon – a Bird watcher’s paradises are within few kilometres. A long beach so remote, not crowded even at the peak tourist season.

Batticola/Kalkudah/Passekudah Bay

Batti is the marketing hub of the South-east coast, is famous for its "Singing Fish" and its attractve lagoon. Kalkudah is with a bay, crystal clear water especially for bathing, which is protected by calm reef. Passekudah – a fine bay with clear waters and offshore reef, ideal location for windsurfers and water skiers.