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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