Sunday, January 5, 2014

From Relics to Religion: The Explorer's Guide to Sri Lanka


The spectacular beauty of Sri Lanka is evident in its natural attractions, and a good place to start your amazing trip is at TheTourmaline Hotel in Kandy. A patch of beauty among the hills of the sacred city, it's a prelude for the wonders that await you in this Asian country.

Get your bags and cameras ready; here are 5 of the breathtaking tourist spots you must visit:

Sigiriya
The former capital of the ancient kingdom, Sigiriya is the most visited historic attraction in all of Sri Lanka. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of the impressively preserved relics and remains of ancient urban planning.

A massive column of rock stands high in the middle of the Sigiriya field. What is left of the king's castle is found on top of it. You can climb the rock through the Lion Gate at the foot. As proof of the excellent urban planning done for the area, gardens, pools, and a moat that dates back to the 10th century surround the rock, allowing the king to look over his domain without obtrusion.

Royal Botanical Gardens
Located just a few minutes from some great hotels in Kandy is the Royal Botanical Gardens. This popular attraction boasts over 4,000 species of plants, including a collection of various types of orchids, medicinal plants, and palm trees.

Fall in love with the timeless floral decorations set up as far back as the early 19th century. You can capture memories by snapping photos with your partner or family with a rich and colorful natural background.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Since most of the Sri Lankan population follow Buddhism, the locals revere elephants as sacred animals; and to care and protect these creatures, The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has been established.

Located in the town of Kegalla, the Pinnawala village has the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. At the orphanage, you can observe handlers feeding these gentle giants with grass, jackfruit, and corn and you can also enjoy the view of these animals bathing in the Maha Oya River.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Another significant place to visit is the Sinharaja Forest Reserve. This national park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is known around the world for its diverse flora and fauna. Some of the species in this vast rainforest include leopards, langurs, medicinal plants, and endemic trees.

If you want to experience the beauty of the forest scenery, the ideal time to visit is around January to April, as these are the drier months.

Adam's Peak
This conical mountain located in the Sabaragamuwa Province became famous among different religions because it is said to have the "sacred footprint" of Adam. For Buddhists, it is Buddha's footprint, while the Hindus refer to it as Shiva's.

Trekking the mountain is ideal from December to May, so plan your accommodations in Kandy or nearby provinces on these months. Aside from the sacred footprint, you can also visit the Sama Chatiya and Bhagava caves.

This list has mentioned only 5 exciting attractions in Sri Lanka, and there's a dozen more for you to explore. An easy way to experience a worry-free travel is by booking early at The Tourmaline Hotel in Kandy to avoid the rush during peak seasons.

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