Sri Lanka: An undiscovered paradise

Sri Lanka: 5 Places to visit in this undiscovered paradise

MF editorial team

20 Mar 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:15

1/5
Colombo
Colombo is the entry and exit point for international tourists travelling to Sri Lanka. Despite being a small capital, the city is packed with upscale hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes.
Colombo is a historic blend of Dutch, Portuguese and British colonial buildings. Downtown Colombo is filled with shops selling crafts, textiles and jewels for the urban shopper.
2/5
Galle
Located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, is the fortress area of Galle. Now a World Heritage Site, Galle is a great destination to wander and visit the small antique-looking shops.
The fort was constructed by the Portuguese, later fell to the Dutch and was finally occupied by the British.
Off the north end of Galle Road is the famous fort that was once a colonial stronghold. It is now home to several government residences and offices. Outside the fortress area, Galle is a bustling city surrounded with sandy coves.
3/5
Srigiya
Sigiriya (Lion's rock) is an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin located in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka. The rock plateau overlooks a verdant jungle and empty plain.
Built during the reign of King Kassapa I (AD 477 – 495), Sigriya is also famous for its ancient paintings (frescos) that are similar to those in the Ajanta Caves of India. This popular tourist destination is now one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. This archaeological site is the most unique of the ancient sites and a place of pilgrimage for Sri Lankans
4/5
Kandy
The hill city of Kandy was the last bastion of the Sinhala kings. This idyllic and serene beauty offers a living record of the past.
Kandy is home to the famous Temple of the Tooth that houses Buddha’s sacred relic in a well-guarded casket.
The annual event, the Esala Perahera festival (Kandy festival) takes place in August at the temple. During this festival, thousands of Sri Lankans arrive at Kandy to witness the magnificent affair. Elephants are paraded in the courtyards of the temple during Esala Perahera.
5/5
Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a beach resort, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The resort is a short drive away from Galle. Unawatuna is home to one of the best Scuba diving Locations in Sri Lanka.
One can simply relax on the beach, scuba dive, surf and indulge in fresh seafood with a Sri Lanka flavour.
Eeither stay in Galle or hop over to Unawatuna for a beach retreat.

Marco Polo called it “the finest island of its size in the world” so it’s definitely time to discover what this little gem has to offer.

Located right above the Equator, Sri Lanka was once described by Marco Polo as “the finest island of its size in the world”.

Travellers around the world have flocked to this pristine destination to visit the spectacular beaches, rock fortresses and magnificent monuments with their naked eyes.

This South Asian gem boasts over two thousand years of recorded history with chronological achievements of early civilisations well preserved in historical cities and religious monuments. Parts of the north and east are refreshingly undeveloped, giving you a look into natural, unfettered beauty.

While the early Buddhist civilisations laid a foundation and sense of national identity for the predominant Sinhalese population, there’s a lot more to Sri Lanka than Buddhism. It is ultimately legendary for its diverse landscapes and breathtaking charm.

Roshni Kapur

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Sri Lanka: 5 Places to visit in this undiscovered paradise

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