The little island of Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean. Due to the soothing nature and its biodiversity, Sri Lanka is known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Since the civil war that conquered almost three decades has now ended, the country has been able to develop in every sector proving its success on tourism by being named The best place to visit in 2013. Sri Lanka is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region as it is blessed with sun-kissed beaches, unique breath-taking landscapes, a rich cultural and historical heritage. Sri Lanka is the ideal place for a holiday getaway as it has a diversity of nature, luxury affordable hotels, and hospitable people who offer help with no hesitation.
Following five destinations are Sri Lanka’s one of the most exotic and eye-capturing holiday destinations.
Unawatuna Beach
This golden beach is located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, close to Galle which possesses a variety of historical values. Unawatuna beach was voted as The world’s best tropical beach by the Discovery channel for its natural beauty and intimacy. The caramel coloured coastline of Unawatuna has been able to capture many hearts. It is considered as one of the safest beaches in Sri Lanka for its clean and unspoiled nature.
The construction of Colombo-Galle expressway made it easier to travel to the southern side of Sri Lanka within 45 minutes. The beautiful Unawatuna beach is now urbanized and steaming with yummy street food, restaurants, hotels and affordable yet luxury inns making a holiday vacation much easier and reasonable.
Nuwara Eliya
The amazing hill countryside Nuwara Eliya is also called as Little England for its cool and rather moist climate resembling England. Located in the midst of the country, Nuwara Eliya holds remarkable historical events for centuries back. During the British Colonization in the 1800s, Nuwara Eliya was a prime sanctuary for the English civil servants and planters in engaging in their past time sports.
The city’s soothing climate and tranquil nature combined with its picturesque landscapes attract many locals as well as foreign tourists. Holiday Inns and bungalows in this little hill country retreat are quite unique compared to other places, for it maintains Elegant Victorian architectural designs which were built in the 19th century. Nuwara Eliya’s Gregory’s lake is a popular destination for romantic boat rides and the famous Victoria Park is well known for bird watching.
The splashing milky waterfalls and lakes, surrounded by eye-catching green hills and haunting mists with exotic eat-outs are able to find here. Though the travelling from Colombo to here is a bit hectic, the experience is worth it. Those who adore antique living and peaceful nature, this would be the ideal place.
Hikkaduwa Beach
The very famous Hikkaduwa beach is located in the southern coast of Sri Lanka capturing many hearts around the country and the globe. Being situated next to southern s hub – Galle, Hikkaduwa is well urbanized and recognized by many. Tropical beach lovers are attracted to its palm aligned coppery coastline bearing the turquoise ocean. The Hikkaduwa beach is popular for its vividly unfurled coral reefs, dolphin and whale watching, surfing and scuba diving. It is also well reputed for its unique, vibrant nightlife.
Thanks to the southern expressway, Hikkaduwa is now reachable within a 1 hour’s drive from Colombo. Though it’s a small coastal area, Hikkaduwa plays a great role in Sri Lankan tourism. Most of Sri Lanka’s highly developed hotels and resorts are located here.
Hikkaduwa is jammed with affordable resorts, spas, exotic food points and pubs. For those who enjoy nighttime beach parties and the view of a golden shore, Hikkaduwa is the best place for a vacation to be worth the money.
Kandy
Located in the Central Province, Kandy is the last Royal capital of Sri Lanka. The city is well known among all Sri Lankans for its famous tooth relic of Buddha, preserved in the holy temple, Dhalada Maligawa. Kandy owns a rich history and a heritage that lures travellers from all around the world. This hill country is a gateway to a plain, surrounded by giant green mountains, gushing crystal waterfalls and exotic botanical gardens. Kandy is the proud home ground for Sri Lankan tea plantation and is the birthplace of Ceylon Tea.
In a visit to Kandy, experiencing Perehera is a must. It is annually conducted in the mid-year season. Kandy Perehera is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular religious event. It involves many cultural segments and presents various inter-related traditions in Sri Lanka. The urban side of Kandy is known for golfing and car racing among the high-class community. There is no difficulty in finding resorts and eating places in this vastly urbanized city.
Touring around Kandy is a great experience for those who adore both nature and history.
Arugam Bay Beach
The east coast of Sri Lanka is a fascinating destination recognized only by few. Due to the cruel civil war in Sri Lanka, the northern and eastern parts of the country were underpopulated. The Arugam Bay beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. Its natural unspoilt nature, the golden coast and its blue dazzling waves are able to capture many hearts.
The little village of Arugam Bay is home to many communities in Sri Lanka. It has been able to lure in surfers from all around the world for its attractive waves which are reckoned to be some of Asia’s best waves. Though it is a place blessed with natural beauty, the chances to visit it is a bit low due to the lack of resorts and inns located here. However, for those who enjoy calm rather laid-back nature, this is the most ideal place.