It is said that renowned explorer Marco Polo once remarked that the island nation of Sri Lanka was the most beautiful island of its size on earth. Indeed the tear drop shaped island truly packs in a punch in terms of touristic value for a geographic space so small. Surrounded by breathtaking beaches all around and with the ability to travel anywhere within the country in less than 10 hours Sri Lanka is a holidaymaker’s dream come true in the Indian Ocean. With a rich history, a Buddhist heritage that dates back centuries and a multi-faceted culture to match visitors will find much to write home about when exploring this nation of diverse attributes. Although naming the country’s top 5 attractions among hundreds is no easy feat, the following points of interest are iconic hotspots no trip to the island would be complete without.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site the Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a truly Sri Lankan icon of cloud gracing proportions. Constructed in 5th century A.D to serve as a royal palace cum fortress the 200m high rock complex is an engineering marvel for the ages. Heaved out of solid rock the centuries old graffiti, ancient paintings of damsels, panoramic views, massive lion paws and sprawling water gardens are the chief highlights of this towering culmination of nature and culture.
History buffs should also experience the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s Hill Capital Kandy as it home to the sacred temple of the tooth relic or Dalada Maligawa. Housing the country’s most precious religious relic, the holy tooth of Lord Buddha, the venue also hosts to the grandest annual spectacle in the island known as the Kandy Perahera in the month of August. The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and the Udawattakelle Bird Sanctuary are other points of interest in this mountainous city which once served as the nation’s capital.
Wild life enthusiasts on the other hand must head down to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage where guests can feed, interact and observe the daily rituals of the gentle giants like never before. Elephants, deer, leopards and other wild life can also be observed in national parks located in Yala, Wasgamuwa and Udawalawe where jeep safaris are equally popular.
Beach lovers should head down to the southern coastal areas of the island and its southern hub Galle where colonial remnants such as the Galle Fort are also found. Hikkaduwa is another touristic wonder as Sri Lanka’s most popular beach resort with coral sanctuaries and shipwrecks lining the ocean floor.
Travellers on the lookout for Sri Lanka car rental services should look no further than Malkey Rent A Car for all their vehicular needs. Offering guests a wide range of services including airport transfers Sri Lanka tourist operators rely on the chauffer driven and self driven vehicles under this renowned rental conglomerate.
