Sri Lanka offers so many beautiful destinations to explore. The island is filled with serene beaches with white-capped waves and golden sands, rainforests holding many secrets and untouched beauty, charming villages, and misty tea estates sitting atop hills. Here are some of the most unique places on this island to visit on your next vacation.
Kandy
Located right in the heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy is an ancient city known to be the last kingdom of the Sri Lankan dynasty. The city itself is shielded by a mountain range circling the city. The route to Kandy falls through these mountains and forests, making it a most enjoyable journey. It’s even better if you can take the train here.
Polonnaruwa
This is one of the oldest ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka. The old city and palace are lovingly preserved, and the gardens are well maintained; you can explore the ruins and learn about the country’s rich history. You can stay in the city, but if you’re in the Pasikuda beach hotels area, you can easily get here. It’s only an hour’s drive from hotels in Pasikuda such as The Calm Resort & Spa.
Tangalle
If you’re more into beaches and catching a good tan, head to the southern coast of Sri Lanka to Tangalle. There are so many beautiful beaches here, and there’s something fit for everyone. You can find beaches with endless stretches of sand and miles of water with no human in sight or beaches that are popular with the locals. There are food stalls, vendors and various activities every evening.
Ella
Ella is a small town located among the lush tea estates down south. You can take the train from Kandy to Ella, which is the main purpose of visiting here; this train journey is known to be one of the world’s most scenic routes. Ella is filled with so many little guesthouses and inns run by friendly locals. You can eat homemade authentic food and experience the Sri Lankan lifestyle.