Exploring the Tropical Paradise of Indian Subcontinent: Sri Lanka

Dec 03, 2021

By Debasree Chakraborty

The Indian Subcontinent is nothing short of wonderful. From the mightiest mountain peaks of the Himalayas to the deep blues of the Indian Ocean, from the vast Thar Desert to its backwaters, jungles to thriving cities, there is so much to discover. When it comes to a tropical paradise, the Indian Subcontinent is blessed with Sri Lanka. The pearl of the Indian Ocean, the beautiful island country of Sri Lanka offers a glimpse into the beautiful beaches, tropical weather, heritage, culture, Buddhist traditions and more.

Explore the many mesmeric charms and the places to include in your itinerary. Sri Lanka tours has lots to suit your interest.  Whether its the cloud-piercing mountains, tea covered hill slopes, verdant greenery, diverse wildlife, sandy beaches, and amiable hospitality, there are lots of reasons that you must explore Sri Lanka, the tropical paradise of the Indian Subcontinent.

1. Colombo

The bustling capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is one of the best places to visit in the island. Famous for its rich colonial heritage, shopping centers, stylish eateries, and beautiful art galleries. Leisure travelers can pamper themselves with Ayurvedic massage. Seek to explore the underworld world at the certified diving sites.

2. Sigiriya

An iconic attraction of Sri Lanka Tourism, Sigiriya is a true treasure. Many written manuscripts record that Sigiriya has ancient roots and is actually the place described in the Indian epic Ramayana. Though mostly in ruins, the site still displays unmatched grandeur. Reach the top of this ancient rock fortress by climbing around 1,200+ (approx.) stairs in three phases. UNESCO has titled Sigiriya as a Heritage Site of Sri Lanka because it proudly sits in the middle of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, including Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura. During the hike with locals guides to understand the terraced gardens and cave temples. 

3. Nuwara Eliya

Feel like you are vacationing in the mini version of England without actually going there. Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka is the extension of the beauty of Munnar, Coorg, Ooty, Wayanad, and Darjeeling because it is the tea capital of Sri Lanka. Suppress all your stress with a hot piping cup of Dilmah chai from the colonial-style accommodation in the middle of the tea plantations. Dilmah, the world’s famous tea brand, originated from Sri Lanka, which is enough to measure the hype of this cool climate place in Sri Lanka.

Located in the central province of Sri Lanka at an elevation of 6,199 feet (1,889 meters) above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is one of the best romantic places to visit in Sri Lanka for couples due to its cool climate, like in the Munnar. However, what is icing to the cake at this tea capital of Sri Lanka is the scenic train rides that run to Kandy.

The Battered Victorian Railway Engines crawl up into the hill country through undulating tea estates, and you must stand at the open doorways and watch the sweeping views of the manicured greenery. All you just need to do is keep a tight grip on the handrails while soaking the breathtaking lushness.

Dambulla

In the fertile valley of Matale district of Sri Lanka, Dambulla is located, which is famous for its 5 cave temples that are a treasure trove of Sinhalese Buddhist Architecture. Dambulla is one of the most impressive places to see in Sri Lanka with family where several elements of Buddhism in Sri Lanka could be traced.

Here there is a Pidurangala Rock where you will enjoy the staircase hike to enjoy the commanding views of the Lion’s Rock. A hot air balloon ride in Dambulla at Kandalama Lake is a great chance for couples to exchange promises amidst the heights overlooking Sri Lanka’s top cultural and heritage attractions like a bird.

You can also go to Minneriya National Park near Dambulla for wildlife safaris. And if you are lucky and ICC events are going on, don’t miss celebrating the evening at the live-action at Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Watch the largest herd of captivating elephants in the world at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. It is one of the best tourist places to visit in Sri Lanka with kids where they can cuddle and feed friendly elephants. At Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, these giant creatures take a bath in the River and watching them getting pampered with the tourists is one of the best experiences to cherish in Sri Lanka.

Yala National Park

Put on your binoculars, charge your cameras because Yala National Park in Sri Lanka in the southeastern corner of Sri Lanka has the highest degree of leopards in the world. Yala National Park is, without doubt, one of the best places to see wildlife in Sri Lanka for couples, families.

One must spend their half-day at Yala National Park to witness the other flora and fauna flourishing in the park. The park remains closed for maintenance from September to October first week.

You must hire a guide to understand the zones in the park because a few of the drivers speak less frequent English. Did we mention you can stay in cocooned-shaped tented logs and inhale the raw wildlife experience?

Kandy

Backpacking through Sri Lanka and missing Kandy in your itinerary is a sin because bio-diverse rainforests and tea plantations embrace the beauty of this hill station snuggled at an elevation of 500 m (approx.). The unique Temple of Tooth is the highlight of Kandy tourism which is supposedly known to house the tooth of the Buddha.

However, UNESCO has decreased Kandy, a heritage site, back around two decades because Sri Lanka Tourism considers Kandy the cultural capital of the teardrop-shaped nation.

Couples will love a romantic stroll at the shimmering Kandy Lake in the night. Behold the roaring sound of the Hulu River Waterfall cascading from the height of 75 m (approx.) if you want to enjoy some time amidst the cooling drizzles.

We forget to mention that the Kandy to Ella train ride is a rewarding train journey that takes you through the narrow tunnels and lush green tea plantations. Kandy is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in July or August because the Esala Poya Perahera is Sri Lanka’s most extravagant festival at its full hype.

Galle

Lace up your sneakers and drive around 2.5 hours (approx.) to Galle from Colombo via the country’s first modern superhighways. Galle, famous for its 17th century Galle Fort built by dutch colonists, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortified city has plush resorts and hotels influenced by the Dutch style of architecture. If you are looking to enjoy some good time in Sri Lanka with your near or dear ones, Galle is a modern town bestowed with charming eateries, trinkets, shops and art galleries to explore.

Although the largest remaining European building is Sea Fort, Gale Fort is the major pull of tourism in Galle. Apart from it, couples will love to laze around the secluded beaches in Galle, including Pitiwella Beach, Jungle Beach, Unawatuna Beach and Mihiripenna Beach. Family travelers would love taking a day trip to National Museum Galle and excursions to the Sea Turtle Hatchery. A visit to the Galle in late January or early February will be an icing to the cake because Galle Literary Festival attracts locals and like-minded tourists.

With 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites under its belts, Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island nation by size, not by the encounters. You will gain larger than life experiences no matter which province in Sri Lanka you will drift.