Sunny beaches, ancient cities, mesmerising fauna and flora, vivid handicrafts, world famous gems, colourful festivals, sumptuous cuisine and welcoming people – that’s Sri Lanka in a nut shell. Better known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka despite its small size manages to offer a wide array of landscapes, climates, cultures and wildlife.

Surrounded by the wide expanse of the Indian Ocean, the picturesque teardrop-shaped nation is a veritable gem on earth. The country, that is a popular destination for global travellers, is endowed with natural beauty beyond compare – wide beaches, dense forests and a flora and fauna to boast of – and has a culture and heritage that is rich and multifarious.

Heritage sites: Anuradhapura – one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Sri Lankan civilisation – is a must-visit for those who love exploring places off-the-usual-map. The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies north of capital Colombo in the North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka.

Mountain magic: The Nuwara Eliya, a breathtaking Sri Lankan hill station, lying amongst lush green fields of tea plantations, is a sleepy town worth at least a night’s stopover. Overlooking the Pidurutalagala – the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka – the town can be reached after an exciting train ride that trundles up through 19th-century railway stations. You can bring out your adventurous side here as it offers many activities including visits to tea plantations golfing, horse riding, boating, hiking and, of course, exploring the beauty of the landscaped gardens, waterfalls and plateaus.

Storehouse of history: Kataragama, situated in the Moneragala District of Uva province, was once the seat of government of many Sinhalese kings but is now a well known pilgrimage town popular for the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya – a shrine dedicated to Skanda-Murugan. With a venerable history dating back to the last centuries of BCE, it also houses the ancient Kiri Vehera Buddhist Stupa.

Walk on the wild side: For those seeking a reprieve from the stress and strain of urban living, Sri Lanka offers ample opportunities to explore its terrain and view the varied wildlife. You can feast your eyes on animals ranging from elephants, leopards to egg-laying turtles and a huge variety of birds.

In fact, since a part of the country has been designated for wildlife protection, it is easy to experience slices of Sri Lankan wildlife. Safari parks and sanctuaries provide convenient ways of seeing the animals in their natural habitats. Keep your eyes open and you are bound to catch a sighting of the endangered leopard; take your time to enjoy watching the behemoths feeding and washing in a tank or lagoon or just see the elephants ambling across the landscape or stroll quietly to where the turtles are, waiting to see when they stop to lay their eggs. Nature loves could not have it better!

Signature spa rituals: If all the bumpy roads and dusty safaris have left you tired and weary, kick back and relax at one of the many emerging plush spas across the country. In their serene environs the discerning traveller can relax amidst the delightful settings, signature treatments and also avail of the local mouth-watering local fare.

The island nation is an attractive jewel in the ocean. One visit is not enough to explore its many delights. You will return, wanting to go back...again!

FOR MORE INFORMATION,
Explore: www.srilanka.travel

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