Sri Lanka is the best. The best places to travel in sri lanka What to bring from this country

Beaches and ancient artifacts, emerald tea plantations, elephants and just a great place to relax ... Sri Lanka is waiting for you!
Sri Lanka is considered the pearl of the Indian Ocean, and for good reason. Given the small size of the country (Sri Lanka is slightly larger than Lithuania and smaller than Georgia), the variety of recreational opportunities is striking: golden beaches, endless tea plantations, a rich world of wildlife and ancient temples. The so-called "cultural triangle" combines ancient capitals and Buddhist sights, nestled in the thickets of tropical forests, and the business center located on the lakeside - the city of Kandy - attracts pilgrims to the Temple of the Tooth.
Huge artificial lakes have irrigated the area for millennia and continue to provide water for rice paddies, as well as elephants and other wildlife. Tea is grown in the mountainous area in the center of the country, and on the southern coast is the fortified fortress of Galle, where the walls erected by the Portuguese served as protection for Dutch churches. The country has excellent opportunities for eco-tourism: Sri Lanka became one of the first countries in the world to establish national parks, and more and more travelers come to the island to watch whales, see wild elephants, and see with their own eyes the record number Leopards living here, we have selected the best cities and places for those who want to go on an independent trip to Sri Lanka and not miss the most interesting.

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9 reasons to go on an independent trip to Sri Lanka

CULTURAL TRIANGLE
In this territory, which is the historical center of Sri Lanka, there are at least four monuments included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list.
CANDY
The second largest city in Sri Lanka, where the sacred Temple of the Tooth is located.
TEA COUNTRY
In hilly tea plantations, Tamil women grow tea in colorful saris.
YALA
The national park is home to the sloth bear and Asia's largest population of elusive leopards.
UDA-WALAWE
In the national park, travelers have a unique opportunity to get to know the wild Asian elephant.
GALLE
A gem of the colonial era and one of the finest examples of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and Southeast Asia.
GOLDEN BEACH
Palm-lined beaches and azure waters for an unforgettable stay
TRAVEL BY TRAIN
A comfortable way to admire the gorgeous views of the tea country.
PERACHERA
One of the most exciting festivals in Sri Lanka, featuring colorful elephants and Kandyan drummers.

How to get to Sri Lanka

The most popular and very convenient way to get to Sri Lanka is by plane. Flights of airlines fly to Colombo from Moscow Emirates, Etihad and even AirBerlin... Depending on the chosen flight, the travel time will be from 11 hours, taking into account 1 transfer, for example, in Dubai or Doha.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka

Fortunately for most travelers (and for the economy of Sri Lanka, for which tourism is the main source of income), there are no extreme temperature extremes throughout the year in the country, the climate is mild and the average temperature rarely rises above 35 degrees and drops below 16 Celsius ( in the Central Highlands during the coldest season).
The ideal time to travel to Sri Lanka is from December to March if you are going to relax on the south and west coast or in the mountains. In the event that you are going to spend a vacation on the east coast, then planning your trip is best between May and September.

Visa to Sri Lanka

Russian citizens need a visa to visit Sri Lanka. The easiest way: getting e-visas on the ETA website.
A mandatory requirement for crossing the border is the presence of a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of the end of the trip. They may also be required to present hotel reservations and round-trip flights.
A visa can also be obtained upon arrival at the Visa on arrival counter. The process is long and dreary. Therefore, it is much safer to take care of obtaining a visa in advance.

Ways to move around Sri Lanka

Traveling in Sri Lanka is possible only by land transport. Most affordable: trains and buses. Of course, the quality of transportation cannot be compared with the European one, but it is still possible to achieve the desired goal on them.
Another option is to rent a car and drive around the island on your own.
In cities, you can always use the services of a taxi, rickshaw, or, if you do not want to deal with the peculiarities of public transport on the first day of arrival, you can book a transfer service from the airport to the hotel in advance from Russia.

• ONLINE CAR BOOKING FOR TRAVELING IN SRI LANKA

Colombo

In Colombo, the travel route in Sri Lanka begins and ends for any journey, if only because the only airport in the country is located here. This is a small capital, which most of the island's guests simply overlook, immediately heading either to the beaches or inland. The city's main attractions are the stately colonial-era buildings, parliament, parks and wide streets. Overlooking the pacific Galle face green Is an amazing holiday destination that is very popular with local residents. District Downtown abounds in shops selling local handicrafts, textiles and jewelery; there are also many restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS IN COLOMBO
Overlooking the promenade Galle face green overlooking the Indian Ocean hotel The galle face Since 1864 Architecturally, the hotel consists of two wings, Classic and Regency, in which there are 81 rooms. The wing of the Regency Hotel is of 19th century architecture; it combines the best of the past and the present. In addition, this wing houses a museum, where you can see the personal car of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and an art gallery. All of the hotel's rooms are furnished in a colonial style, with fine fine wood furnishings, wonderful linens and spacious bathrooms. Until the end of 2014, the hotel is undergoing restoration work, which mainly affects the Classic wing. The Regency wing is open to guests and has its own restaurant, pool and spa.
Younger, but no less adorable boutique hotel Wallawa located in well-tended gardens, just a 15-minute drive from the Bandaranaike International Airport. The building still retains the charm of classic buildings in Sri Lanka. There is a modern spa-salon, a fusion restaurant and a cozy pool in the garden - in short, this is a wonderful place to relax, where you can spend your first or last day on the island.
Surrounded by a luxurious garden, took refuge Horathapola Estate- a small estate, built in the 20s of the XX century, which has retained its charm. The bungalow in which travelers are invited to spend their vacation is truly wonderful: huge windows, antique furniture and many old photos. The gardens are lavish and the lovely salt water pool surrounded by a huge coconut plantation is beyond praise. The hotel rooms are spacious, each with a balcony or terrace where you can dine and relax.

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Halle

The fortified area of ​​Sri Lanka's southern city of Galle is a colonial-era treasure trove and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city owes its existence to the development of trade and to several successive generations of merchant-seafarers. Over the past 500 years, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have lived here, and all of them have left a noticeable mark on the area. Huge ramparts and ramparts surround the old fort city, which is quite small in itself and can be easily explored on foot. Sleepy streets are dotted with colonial-era buildings, including churches, warehouses, a lighthouse and the former governor's house. There are many restaurants and boutiques here, and every year the Halle Literary Festival is held here, which attracts famous authors from all over the continent.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS GALLE In the 18th century within the walls Fort Printers housed a small printing house, and today it is a small boutique hotel located in the heart of Fort Galle. The hotel has only five rooms, the atmosphere is very cozy. Each room is decorated with colorful textiles and antique furniture. Guests can enjoy delicious food in the shaded courtyard, and there is also a small swimming pool for those wishing to cool off after exploring the fort.
The oldest hotel in Sri Lanka has carefully preserved many of the original features and atmosphere of the colonial era. In the evenings on the terrace, the pianist plays the piano. If you like a more relaxing holiday, go to the library, which contains a collection of photos of the former owners of the hotel, which until 2005 (until the hotel was acquired by the hotel group of Aman Resorts) was called New Oriental. Behind the hotel, away from the bustle of the fort, is the pool and gardens.

Kandy

The second largest city in Sri Lanka is located in the center of the country, and it is quite easy to get here from the city of Colombo, the "Cultural Triangle" and "Tea Country". This wonderful city is located on the shore of a lake and is best known for the sacred "Temple of the Tooth". The temple contains a relic - the tooth of the Buddha, and at night many pilgrims come here to perform the "puja" ceremony. It is also worth spending your time attending a vibrant acrobatic performance in the Kandan area, which involves watching a noisy carnival with colorful costumes and demon masks. Every summer, Kandan hosts one of the most vibrant festivals in Sri Lanka, Perahera, which is ten days long. This holiday is timed to coincide with the lunar calendar, there are dozens of elephants in colorful decorations, many dancers and musicians perform in the streets.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST KANDY HOTELS
200 year old bungalow Richmond kandy house located in the countryside near Kandy, has evolved over time into a wonderful boutique hotel. The hotel has nine rooms, each guest room design is individual. In the gardens, surrounded by trees, there is a swimming pool, so it is a great alternative recreation opportunity for those who want to escape from the bustle of the city.

Nuwara Eliya

Sri Lanka is well known for growing tea and tea plantations everywhere. Since the tea plantations are located high in the mountains, here you can take a great break from the scorching heat. In dense tea plantations here and there you can see the bright saris of women busy with tea picking; this is a great opportunity to explore the area on foot. As an alternative to the plantations of the "Tea Country" - Nuvara Eliya, you can take a train ride. From Kandy, the train leaves early in the morning, and slowly goes up the hills. The cars are quite comfortable, with large windows and a good view, so you can enjoy the enchanting views of the countless tea plantations passing by.
But the impressions of your visit will be incomplete if you do not visit at least one of the many tea factories and stop at some wonderful house belonging to the owner of the tea plantation.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS IN NUWARA ELIYA
Jetwing warwick gardens Is one of these factories. It is originally a former tea planter's house, built in the 1880s. Although the building is located in a secluded area, there is easy access to the nearby highland resort of Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains National Park. In five rooms Jetwing warwick gardens many original features and devices have survived, including, for example, fireplaces in working order. The small, elegant lodge has a grand piano and candelabra, which are used for dining in the common dining room.

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Land of kings

Once known as the Land of Kings, the Cultural Triangle is a rather unusual region, home to at least four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the territory north of the city of Kandy are the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the cave temples of Dambulla and the powerful fortress on the Sigiriya rock. For any visitor to the country interested in the history of Buddhism, it would be nice to stay at any of these three places for at least three days and get acquainted with the area. There are many good hotels here, all of them with swimming pools where you can enjoy the coolness after a day's excursion. Against the backdrop of other cultural treasures of the country and wild elephants that inhabit the area, this area is usually overlooked by most tourists.

ANURADHAPURA
The city of Anuradhapura, the first capital of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, is not just an ancient relic for tourists; to this day it remains a sacred city, whose life is centered around the sacred Bodhi tree, which is believed to have grown from the offshoot of the very Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. White-robed pilgrims mingle with a crowd of colorful Buddhist monks, and restless, thin-bodied monkeys play in the ruins. Attractions are scattered over an area of ​​several square kilometers, which includes huge dagobas (Buddhist mausoleums) in the form of a bell, which contain Buddhist relics.

MIKHINTALE
Nearby Mihintala is believed to have originated Buddhism in Sri Lanka. This place is still extremely significant for Buddhists in spiritual terms. Most of it is located on the top of the mountain, so it is difficult to get there, but it is worth it.

SIGIRIA
One of the most famous landmarks in Sri Lanka, known as the Lion Rock, Sigiriya Rock sits 200 meters above the plain - an ideal location for a fortress. However, when the invader - king Kasyapa built a fortress here in the 5th century, he created not just a fortress, but also a beautiful palace on the top of the mountain, with magnificent gardens below. If you climb to the top of the mountain, you can see one thing that has hardly been touched by the past centuries: it's majestic views of miles of jungle and wooded hills. Until now, only the ruins of the palace have survived, but some features, for example, massive lion paws and frescoes depicting a handsome man, still allow visitors to imagine at least part of the former luxury of these places.

POLONNARUWA
The second largest Buddhist capital after Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa is more accessible and better preserved than its predecessors. The many attractions are grouped into clusters, making it easy for visitors to imagine life in the ancient city. The palaces, royal buildings and Buddhist tombs are masterpieces of art, the most famous of which are the beautiful images of the reclining and meditating Buddha in the Buddhist temple of Gal Vihara Tervada, carved into the rock. The details of these rock paintings are so beautifully preserved that it is hard to believe that they are about 1000 years old.

DUMBULL CAVE TEMPLE

For followers of Buddhism, these temples are of great importance. It is believed that the earliest of them originated in the 1st century BC. Each of the subsequent emperors over time added some element to them, resulting in a complex of five separate temples today. The cave temples house numerous statues and images of Buddha, including the classic reclining Buddha in the largest cave. As a historical monument, these temples are also visited by numerous pilgrims. Travelers are guaranteed an unforgettable experience by mingling with the crowd of pilgrims bringing symbolic offerings to Buddha statues while the air is filled with incense.

WHERE TO LIVE. BEST HOTELS IN THE LAND OF KINGS
When visiting Sigriya, it is worth staying in the place of Habarana, where the hotel is located Jetwing vil uyana, which offers travelers luxury and comfort, and all the attractions of the "cultural triangle" are within reach. This is the first hotel in Sri Lanka, consisting of 25 houses on stilts in the middle of nine hectares of rice fields. The main focus in Jetwing vil uyana devote to open spaces and nature. Chalets located in the rice paddies are raised on stilts; they have several levels, and some even have small pools. All rooms are very comfortable, they have cozy bathrooms, and on the balconies you can dine and sunbathe. The hotel has the feeling that you are not in Sri Lanka, but somewhere in Thailand or Bali.

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Another great hotel in Sigiriya - Cinnamon Lodge, located in lush gardens of four hectares. The forest and lake near the hotel are home to many rare species of flora and fauna. 137 rooms Cinnamon Lodge - two-storey chalets - built in the traditional architectural style of these areas - with columns and verandas, cool terracotta floors and clay roofs. The hotel offers many opportunities for recreation and entertainment: boat trips, tennis and badminton, bird watching, as well as live music concerts, which sometimes take place here in the evenings; this is a good place to start exploring the Cultural Triangle.

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When traveling to the cave temples of Dambulla, it is best to choose a large hotel complex for overnight stays. Amaya lake by Lake Kandalam, surrounded by hills. Travelers are offered 106 individual air-conditioned chalets, a restaurant and bar; there is also an impressive swimming pool. In the two Ayurvedic centers, you can get a variety of therapies and advice from nutritionists, in order to further convey your wishes to the hotel chef, who will offer delicious vegetarian dishes from organic products prepared in accordance with the canons of Ayurveda.

• DISCOUNTS AND SPECIAL OFFERS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN DAMBULLA HOTELS

The best beaches in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has long and not without reason considered one of the best countries for a beach holiday. The island's golden beaches are easy to get to, and living conditions are varied, from small bungalows to luxurious five-star hotels. The easiest to get to the beaches of the south and west coasts; they are perfect for relaxing on a cultural tour of the island, such as the excellent combination of beaches and a visit to the colonial city of Galle. The beaches of Sri Lanka are a wonderful place to relax, whether at the beginning or at the end of a trip around the country; you can even spend your entire vacation on the coast, you choose.

As for the beaches in Trincomalee on the east coast, due to the civil war, access to this region was simply impossible for a long time. The development of tourism in this region of Sri Lanka only began in 2010, when cities and beaches on the east coast of Sri Lanka were finally opened for safe travel by travelers. Trincomalee is one of the main cultural centers of the Tamil community; here is the ancient temple of Koneswaram, built on a cliff with a breathtaking view of the harbor. Tourism in this part of Sri Lanka is still in its infancy, but the main argument to choose the east coast for a vacation in Sri Lanka is that the best beaches of the island are located there, and excellent weather is guaranteed for you, at a time when the southern beaches Sri Lanka is influenced by the southwest monsoons.
WHERE TO LIVE. BEST BEACH HOTELS IN SRI LANKA
If you decide to spend your vacation on the south coast, then choose a hotel located near Galle Jetwing lighthouse, built by one of the most talented and influential architects of Ceylon - Jeffrey Bava. The hotel is located on the top of a mountain with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean and green terraces leading down to the sandy beach. The 63 bedrooms are very comfortable and spacious, all rooms have balconies overlooking the ocean, and you can listen to the lapping of the waves crashing on the shore all day long without leaving your cozy retreat. Additional hotel services include a choice of dining options, two large swimming pools with sun decks, a fitness center and spa, where guests are offered various types of relaxation and treatment.

In the beach area, north of Galle, is a charming boutique hotel Aditya, named after the sun god. It is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a luxurious vacation. And thanks to the fact that the hotel has only 12 rooms, privacy and peace are guaranteed here. The interior of the hotel is designed in an Asian style, and each room claims to be individual. While relaxing in this hotel, you can spend the whole day by the pool or on the beach, or have some fun with benefit. For example, join a hotel chef to learn the secrets of the local cuisine, or ask the hotel staff to arrange a turtle tour for you.

To the south of Galle is the small fishing village of Weligama, which opened a beach resort in 2008 Weligama Bay Resort... The resort consists of suites and standard rooms in the main building, bungalows in a cozy garden; even closer to the beach and pool are six villas. The hotel has created a very cozy atmosphere for a luxurious stay at affordable prices. This place is ideal for those who would like to relax for a short while on the beach. In addition, there is one of the best whale watching spots in the country nearby.

50 kilometers from Weligama is the southernmost point of Sri Lanka - Tangalle with a kind of "icon" - a model of modern luxury relaxation - a beach resort Amanwella... According to the owners of the hotel, this is the only place where travelers are guaranteed a unique beach experience that cannot be experienced at any other resort. And this is true of pure water: excellent service, perfect design, only complementing the beauty of nature and not drawing all attention to yourself, a clean beach in the shape of a sickle, stretching several hundred meters on both sides of the hotel, a huge infinity pool and a spacious terrace from where you can watch stunning sunsets.
If you are interested in a beach holiday in Trincomalee, then in 2010 a boutique hotel was opened in this region. Chaaya blu... If you want to try on the image of a modern Robinson Crusoe, book a hotel room Jungle Beach Resort... And when traveling in a large company in Trincomalee, the best place for a free life is a cottage Top Travel Agent. This does not oblige you to anything, different travel agents will send you answers and you will get an objective picture of prices. Also, it makes sense to contact Top Travel Agent for those who do not have time to organize their trip.

Sri Lanka is the island of Sun and Sand. More than one thousand kilometers of sandy beaches with palm trees surround Sri Lanka. Until 1972, this country was called Ceylon. And although its name has changed, the best black tea in the world, "Ceylon", is still grown there. In addition to beautiful beaches and tea, Sri Lanka has a large number of historical attractions, ranging from Buddhist and Hindu monasteries and temples, to orchid gardens and colorful festivals.

Geography of Sri Lanka

The island state of Sri Lanka is located in the northern Indian Ocean off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent in South Asia. Sri Lanka is washed by the Pacific Ocean on all sides. In the northwest, it has a maritime border with India, and in the southwest with the Maldives. The total area of ​​this country is 65,610 sq. km

In the center and in the south of Sri Lanka there are foothills and mountains, and the rest of the territory is plains and coastal lowlands. The largest local peak is Mount Pidurutalagala, whose height reaches 2,524 meters.

The longest river in Sri Lanka is the Mahaweli, with a length of 335 km. Mahaweli flows through the central, northern and eastern regions of this country, and flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Capital

Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the capital of Sri Lanka. More than 120 thousand people now live in this city.

Official language of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has two official languages ​​- Sinhalese and Tamil.

Religion

More than 70% of the population professes Buddhism (in particular, Theravada Buddhism), more than 12% - Hinduism, almost 10% - Islam, and about 7% - Christianity.

State structure

According to the current Constitution, Sri Lanka is a presidential-parliamentary republic. Its head is the President, elected for 6 years by universal suffrage. The president is the supreme commander in chief, he appoints the ministers.

The unicameral parliament of Sri Lanka is elected by popular vote every six years, 225 deputies. The President of the country has the right to dissolve the Parliament.

Sri Lanka is administratively divided into 9 provinces and 25 districts.

Climate and weather

Due to its proximity to the equator, the climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and warm. The average annual air temperature is + 28-31C. In hilly areas and foothills - + 20C, and in the plains and coastal areas - + 27C.

The monsoon (rainy) season lasts from May to July in the central, western and southern regions of the island. In the northern and eastern regions, the rainy season occurs in December and January.

The best time to visit Sri Lanka is November to April (southwest coast and mountains) and May to September (east coast). Thus, you can visit Sri Lanka all year round, because there is always a dry season on some part of this island.

Sea in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is washed by the Pacific Ocean on all sides. The coastline is 1,585 kilometers long. Local beaches are surrounded by palm groves. The average sea temperature in January is + 28C, and in July - + 27C.

Rivers and lakes

There are over 100 rivers in Sri Lanka. The longest of them is Mahaveli, its length is 335 km. Mahaweli flows through the central, northern and eastern regions of this country, and flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Story

The history of civilization in Sri Lanka is more than 2.5 thousand years old. In the old days this country was called Ceylon. The first settlers were Veddas. Around the 6th century BC. the Sinhalese arrived on this island and founded their kingdoms there. From the 3rd century BC there Buddhism begins to spread. Until the 11th century, Anuradhapura was the capital of the most powerful Sinhalese kingdom, and then it was moved to Polonnaruwa.

In 1505, the Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka and monopolized the spice trade. By 1658, the Sinhalese kings, with the help of the Dutch, were able to expel the Portuguese from the island.

The Dutch were more interested in trade and profit than in governing this country. Therefore, they did not really resist the British when the British sailed to Sri Lanka in 1796. In 1815, Britain defeated the Sinhalese kingdom of Kandy, and thus established control over the entire island.

Only in 1948 did Sri Lanka achieve independence. In 1972, this country received its modern name - Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan culture

Sri Lanka has a multi-cultural society made up of Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Therefore, the culture there is very interesting and varied. Travelers will be able to see colorful unique festivals and holidays in Sri Lanka.

In January, Sri Lankans celebrate the New Year, Duruthu Perahera (held in memory of Buddha's visit to this island), Pongal (Hindu harvest festival); in February / March - the Buddhist holiday Navam Perehera and Maha Shivarathri Day; April / May - Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, Eid ul-Adha; July / August - Kandy-Perahera and Vel festival; September - Kite Festival, Navarathri Hindu Festival; October / November - Ramadan, Lilawali ("Festival of Lights"); December - Sangamittha Perehera.

All these festivals are colorful processions, they are necessarily accompanied by parades of elephants, musical and dance performances, fireworks and theatrical performances.

Kitchen

Sri Lanka's cuisine reflects the multinational composition of the island's population. The main food of the locals is rice and curry, made from a mixture of spices, herbs and coconut milk. In general, almost all local dishes are prepared on the basis of coconut milk and use spices.

Samba is pearl rice and is eaten on special occasions. During festivals, yellow rice is made, cooked with coconut milk and a little spiced. Another popular rice dish is Kiribath (milk rice).

In addition, Sri Lankans are real experts in fish and seafood dishes. Fried fish is served with fried potatoes and salad, while curried fish is served with rice.

Popular dishes are Mallung with curry (finely chopped dried vegetables, shrimp with grated coconut and spices), Sambol (a spicy hot dish), Pol Symbol (grated coconut, onion, red pepper, lime and salt), Seeni Sambol (fish with spiced onions ), Lamprais (curry, cutlet, shrimp paste, curry eggplant, rice wrapped in a banana leaf and baked), Buriyani (rice in broth), and Thalaguli and Wattalapam sweets.

The traditional soft drink in Sri Lanka is black tea, which is most often drunk with sugar and milk. Sometimes crushed ginger is added to tea. In addition, the inhabitants of this island love coffee, fruit juices and coconut milk.

In Sri Lanka, alcoholic beverages are also made - low-alcohol "toddy" (from the juice of a coconut tree) and "arrak" (30-40%, from the juice of a coconut tree).

Sri Lanka landmarks

According to official figures, there are several hundred Buddhist and Hindu monasteries in Sri Lanka. And if you add to this and temples, palaces, mosques, cave complexes, then the number of local attractions will reach several thousand. The top ten attractions of Sri Lanka, in our opinion, may include the following:

1. Dalada Maligawa Buddhist Temple (it houses the tooth of the Buddha)
2. Fort in Colombo
3. Sigiriya fortress
4. Davatagaha Mosque in Colombo
5. Cave Buddhist Temple in Aluvihara
6. Kochikade Hindu Monastery in Colombo
7. Ruin of the city of Anuradhapura
8. Palace of King Cassiapa on Lion's Mountain
9. Cave Buddhist temples of Dambulla
10. Footprints of Buddha on Mount Sri Pada

Cities and resorts

The largest cities in Sri Lanka are Kandy, Tricomali, Kurunegala, Galle, Ratnapura, Kurunegala and Colombo.

Sri Lanka has many miles of beautiful beaches. Many of these beaches are located in picturesque coves surrounded by palm groves.

The best beach areas are Colombo, Trincomalee, Bentota, Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Kogalla, Negombo and Kalutara. Many tourists believe that the best beach in Sri Lanka is Mount Lavinia near Colombo. All local beach resorts have good infrastructure for recreation. There are also great opportunities for surfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, swimming, diving, fishing, spearfishing and diving.

There are hot springs near some beach resorts (for example, Trincomalee), and therefore tourists can take medicinal baths there.

Souvenirs / shopping

From Sri Lanka, tourists usually bring handicrafts, ceramics, jewelry, masks, leather goods (for example, bags), batik fabric, coconut shell souvenirs, spices, and, of course, local (Ceylon ) Black tea.

Opening hours of institutions

Ceylon tea- this is the first thing that visited my head after a friend called me to visit this distant country. As far as the distance, I had a very rough idea.

Where is Sri Lanka located

And she is vIndian Ocean. It is a lonely island near India. It is noteworthy that the island was once connected with India by land, but that was a very long time ago, however, it left an imprint on Sri Lanka itself, local residents and their way of life.

Locals

The bulk of the local population is divided according to religious views of Catholics and Buddhists. In this connection, the island is dotted with Catholic and Buddhist temples.

Local residents are divided into Tamils ​​and Sinhalese. Tamils ​​are slightly lighter than Sinhalese, which is a source of pride for them.

Advantages of voucher and non-voucher vacations

Based on personal experience, I would note several points in favor of« wild» recreation:

• We managed to see several cities, visit on different sides of the island, this is unlikely to be done on a voucher.
• You can hire a local, some speak Russian, to ride around the island... We did just that and did not regret it.
• In our budget the vacation on the voucher would not have met, and we would have seen much less.
• We visited places where tourists rarely visit, or do not call at all, judging by the rounded eyes of the locals at the sight of us. :)

Now in favor of the trip:

• A distant country, its own rules, its own mentality. Take a voucher, anyway,safer.
• If you are taken on an excursion, they will bring and show everything in the best possible way... We, while resting as savages, used the services of local residents. A funny incident happened: they took us to show the elephants and, as promised, they showed us, they only brought us to the dump. :)

Separately, I would like to advise you to visit the most beautiful place that stands out on the whole island - this is .

This is a small town located at an altitude of 1884 meters above sea level, the locals call this town - New England. Having visited many places in Sri Lanka and, periodically, exhausted from the heat, we arrived in Nuwara Eliya and plunged into the coolness. The clouds are walking around the city, very beautiful and unusual. This town sunk into my soul, but we did not have time to enjoy its beauties, and we drove on.

We visited tea plantations and a huge botanical garden, in the cities of Anuradhapura and. Were in the huge market in Colombo. All these places are not alike.

So where is. Omitting the geographical side of the issue, I will say: where everyone should visit!

Since Sri Lanka is a fairly large island with many beaches and resorts, you should not ignore the issue of choosing a vacation spot on this island. It is important to remember that at the same time in different areas of Sri Lanka, the weather can be very different. So if you are thinking about where it is better to go in Sri Lanka, then you should not forget about the climate. Even if you find a resort in Sri Lanka that suits you completely in everything, do not be lazy to look at what the climate is in this resort in the month in which you plan to travel.
The most popular resorts in Sri Lanka are located in the west and south of the island, but there are also some good resorts located in the east and north of Sri Lanka. Since the west and south of the island were not so badly affected by the civil war and the 2004 tsunami, tourism development here went much faster than in the east and north of Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is not surprising that most of the popular resorts are located in the south and west of the island, despite the fact that the north and east of Sri Lanka has great tourism potential.
If you are thinking about where it is better to go in Sri Lanka, then our article about the resorts of Sri Lanka may be very useful for you. In this article, we will provide short descriptions of popular resorts in Sri Lanka, but you can always get more detailed information on a particular resort on our website. After reading all the information, you can already understand which resort in Sri Lanka is better to choose for a vacation at one time or another of the year.

Sri Lanka map with resorts

Beruwela resort

This resort is great for couples, although all tourists can find good facilities to stay in Beruwela. When it is winter in Russia, in the area of ​​the Beruwela resort in Sri Lanka, the weather is warm and relatively dry. This time is the peak of the tourist season. From May the weather begins to change, as the southwest monsoon comes here, which brings strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The Beruwela resort owes its great popularity among tourists to its beach. It is a gorgeous sandy beach, one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka, with countless palm trees and a colorful birdlife. Another plus of Beruwela is a wide selection of housing for every taste and budget. There are both simple guest houses and luxury villas for rent. But large hotel complexes are especially popular here, which offer not only the possibility of all-inclusive meals, but also numerous sports and entertainment events.
It is worth noting that the Beruwela resort in Sri Lanka has a focus on wellness holidays. Several hotels in this resort specialize in Ayurveda. Therefore, if you want to immerse yourself in the world of traditional Indian healing, Beruwela is definitely the right place for those looking to combine a beautiful beach experience with Ayurveda.
Beruwela Resort is located approximately 56 km south of the capital Colombo and 90 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. Typically, the taxi journey from the airport to this resort is about two hours.
Beruwela Beach, 1.2 kilometers long, pleases with its light fine sand. If you also think about the crystal clear ocean and countless coconut trees that provide shade on the beach, it is not difficult to understand why Beruwela is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. Families with children will appreciate the shallow waters around this beach, which offer good swimming and swimming conditions. Thanks to the reef, Beruwela is also a good spot for snorkeling and diving.
In the southern part of the beach, the Bentota River flows into the Indian Ocean. The diverse flora and fauna of the river and its valley invites you to explore in more detail. Boat trips lasting three or more hours pass through beautiful mangrove forests to Little Adam Peak.

Bentota Resort

Over the past 40 years, Bentota has grown from a sleepy fishing village to a first-class resort. Large hotels with spacious pools, specialty restaurants and luxurious wellness centers are no longer able to accommodate all those wishing to relax in these resorts that fit perfectly into the beautiful landscape. Like many other West Coast resorts in Sri Lanka, Bentota has several all-inclusive hotels. Guests from all over the world appreciate the concept of hotels, not only for the many included services, but also for the fact that they do not need to think about spending during their holidays and do not have to constantly count money.
In addition to the large hotel complexes, Bentota also has guest houses for tourists with a small wallet. Typically, these guest houses are located a few steps from the beach.
The undisputed trump card of the Bentota resort is the magnificent sandy beach. It is a 4 km long beach with light and very fine sand, bordered by a strip of palm trees. Water sports enthusiasts will appreciate the good conditions for surfing, sailing, diving or snorkeling at this beach. But those who just want to swim in the calm waters of the Indian Ocean will find a place for themselves as well. In the northern part of the beach, the ocean is usually quite calm, so this area is ideal for swimming. Higher waves can be seen at the southern end of the beach.
Bentota is located right at the mouth of the river of the same name, about 62 km south of the capital of Sri Lanka. The international airport is located about 100 kilometers from Bentota. It can be reached in about an hour and a half.
The Bentota Ganga, which flows into the Indian Ocean near the resort, is home to countless birds and other diverse flora and fauna in Sri Lanka. We recommend taking a boat trip through the mangrove forests along this river up to Little Adam Peak.
An interesting place of peace and serenity is located 10 kilometers from the resort of Bentota. It is a garden designed by Bevis Bavoy in 1920 with beautiful tropical plants to be seen in a paradise with small ponds and winding paths.
If you want to get an idea of ​​the life of the locals, then you must visit the weekly market in the neighboring village of Aluthgama. While walking through the market, you can see a lot of interesting things, including unique products that are sold only in Sri Lanka.

Hikkaduwa resort

If you are interested in the most popular resorts of Sri Lanka among Russian tourists, then you simply have no right to ignore the resort of Hikkaduwa.
Initially, there was a small fishing village on the site of the Hikkaduwa resort, but later a secret place for the "chosen" tourists appeared there. Today Hikkaduwa is one of the most famous resorts in Sri Lanka. Despite the many hotels, this place has retained its charm.
The beach resort of Hikkaduwa in the far southwest of Sri Lanka is a popular destination, especially for active tourists. During the day, most of the tourists here are engaged in water sports, and in the evening they spend time in the bars. The Hikkaduwa resort is especially popular with young people. Divers and surfers appreciate the good nightlife in Hikkaduwa, which is mainly concentrated in the southern part of the resort.
Recently, in addition to small hotels and guesthouses, Hikkaduwa has also received large resort hotels that offer all the necessary amenities so guests don't have to leave the hotel grounds.
The sandy beach of Hikkaduwa is covered with fine light sand and countless coconut trees. Surfers can look forward to good waves at this beach. Both beginners and pros alike will be satisfied with the surfing conditions here. Generally, Hikkaduwa is considered the best surfing spot in Sri Lanka, with many surf schools, board rental stations, and shops offering everything you need to surf.
The coral reef in the Hikkaduwa area is one of the most famous diving spots in Sri Lanka. Moreover, it is located close to the coast. Many of the corals are unfortunately dead, but the variety of colorful fish will satisfy even seasoned divers.
The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is approximately 115 kilometers from Hikkaduwa, and the international airport near Negombo is 147 kilometers. Therefore, the taxi ride from the airport to Hikkaduwa will take 2.5 to 3 hours.
Galle, the most important city on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is about 25 minutes' drive from Hikkaduwa.
Nature lovers are advised to take a boat trip to the lagoon near Dodanduwa, which is just five kilometers south of Hikkaduwa. You can also go to the lake of the same name, where there is a beautiful temple on an island in the middle of the water. To the north of the city is the Moonstone Mine. On a tour of the site, you can get an idea of ​​how popular jewelry is created.

Kalutara resort

Tourists who are interested in only the best resorts of Sri Lanka, for some reason, often overlook the resort of Kalutara, which, together with Wadduwa, Beruwela and Bentota, forms the most important resort region on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. This is due to the long, beautiful beaches, excellent water sports facilities and a great hotel industry. These premises are also complemented by magnificent surroundings that boast of their lush nature and countless coconut palms. The Kalutara area is also famous for its mangosteen fruits, which are considered the best on the island.
There are many hotels along the beautiful Kalutara Beach that offer a high level of comfort and service. Spacious resorts blend harmoniously with the tropical environment and are fully adapted for international guests. Spacious pools, good restaurants, and exclusive wellness centers, which often host Ayurvedic treatments, are found in many of these hotels. As in other resort areas of Sri Lanka, hoteliers in Kalutara are increasingly using the all-inclusive concept, which is especially popular among guests from Russia and Europe.
The vibrant city center of Kalutara has small markets and shops that offer a wide range of souvenirs. Choices range from textiles or small pieces of art to the palm or coconut bedding for which Kalutara is known.
The quiet, kilometer-long Kalutara Beach is one of the most popular in the country. The northern part of the beach is especially pleasant, where the sandy beach has remained almost untouched. Kalutara Beach offers ideal conditions for walking, swimming, surfing and snorkeling.
The Kalutara resort is located at the mouth of the Kalu Ganga River, about 45 kilometers from the capital and 80 kilometers from the Bandaranaike International Airport. To travel from the airport to Kalutara, you will need from 1.5 to 2 hours.
The main attraction of Kalutara is the Gangatilaka Vihara temple complex. In the center of the temple is the impressive Dagoba, whose white dome is visible from afar. Although the temple has no historical significance, it is still a popular pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists. The reason for this is the 2000-year-old Boddhi tree under which the Buddha was enlightened. For visitors, the fact that Dagoba is the only one available in Sri Lanka is a special reason to visit the temple. Also a popular destination for excursions is the Kalu Ganga River, along which boat trips take place. The flora and fauna on the lush river banks, as well as the opportunity to observe local fishermen as they work, have made this excursion very popular with tourists.

Marawila resort

If you are thinking about which resort in Sri Lanka to choose, then it is important to understand how you want to spend your time. If you are a fan of outdoor activities and water sports, then the picturesque fishing village of Marawila, which is located north of Negombo, is most likely suitable for you. However, you can find a peaceful place here, away from the crowds of tourists.
Only a few hotels in the Marawila area have been carefully integrated into nature in order to preserve the originality of the surroundings. The hotel buildings have no more than three floors and offer a high level of comfort. Luxury hotels with spacious pools, international restaurants and a variety of sports and leisure activities often offer an all-inclusive concept to their guests. But in the resort area of ​​Marawila there are both comfortable middle-class hotels and simple guest houses.
The three-kilometer-long Marawila Beach is washed on one side by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, and on the other side it is bordered by a strip of countless coconut palms, which provide the shade necessary for sunny days. Families with children and those tourists who cannot swim will appreciate the shallow waters of this beach. Like all beaches in Sri Lanka, Marawila Beach is also open to the public. Water sports enthusiasts and anyone looking to become one can find good diving and surfing conditions at this beach. Reef diving tours with many colorful fish and coral reefs are recommended for all diving enthusiasts.
Marawila Resort is located in the Gampaha area, north of the famous tourist resort of Negombo. About 30 kilometers is the distance you need to cover to travel from Colombo airport to Marawila. Typically, the journey takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Although Marawila does not have a dream beach, this resort is a famous destination in Sri Lanka because the village is the center of batik in Sri Lanka. The exclusive company Budhi operates here, which has branches in the capital, as well as numerous small family businesses. Although the art of batik originated on the island of Java, the inhabitants of Marawila have been practicing the craft for many years. Art lovers should visit one of the companies where they can observe the production of colorful fabrics and get information about the complex manufacturing process. If you want, you can buy some of the fabrics, which are much cheaper than the souvenir shops, especially in other parts of Sri Lanka.

Negombo Resort

Once a small fishing village, Negombo has grown into the fifth largest city in Sri Lanka with a population of under 150,000. Today the city, although one of the most important fishing ports on the west coast, is a renowned holiday destination. Already in the 1970s, tourism began to develop in this region of Sri Lanka.
A beautiful beach, good opportunities for water sports, as well as historic buildings and various cultural influences have made Negombo a popular holiday destination. Along the long sandy beach of Negombo, there are large and small hotels of different levels of comfort and in different price categories. Large hotels are especially popular among travelers, offering comprehensive services and a high level of service. Almost every major hotel has its own wellness center offering massages, treatments and Ayurvedic treatments.
There is some regularity in Negombo related to the level of hotels when moving from north to south. Hotels in the north are generally more luxurious but also more expensive than those in the south of the city. Behind the beach is the main road of Negombo, where there are numerous restaurants, cafes or souvenir shops. It is also worth adding that Negombo has a rather vibrant nightlife.
Negombo Beach is well suited for families with children, as the entrance to the water is shallow. The eight-kilometer-long beach has tall palm trees that provide shade, but such palm trees are not everywhere. An interesting coral reef with colorful marine life stretches off the coast. In addition, there is a Kudapaduwa shipwreck in the waters near Negombo.
Negombo has an excellent location: the capital of Sri Lanka is just 40 kilometers south, and Colombo International Airport is just six kilometers south of Negombo. Due to its proximity to the airport, Negombo is ideal not only for a long beach holiday, but also for a stopover at the beginning or end of a trip to Sri Lanka.
The Portuguese, Dutch and British played an important role in the history of Negombo. Numerous buildings and churches, as well as the colonial old town, bear testimony to the city's interesting past. The most impressive site here is the Cinnamon Canal, a 100 km long canal from Colombo to Puttalam. It was created to facilitate the transportation of the popular spice.

Wadduwa Resort

The fishing village located next to the Kalutara resort is well known for its fantastic beach and charming surroundings. Lovers of relaxation and water sports will appreciate the beautiful sand and clear ocean at this place.
Wadduwa is a popular destination for foreign tourists, but it is also a popular holiday destination for locals. So it comes as no surprise that there are a lot of people here on weekends. But on the rest of the week, the atmosphere in the resort is quite calm.
Wadduwa has accommodations for all tastes. Many hotels here operate on a proven and straightforward all-inclusive concept, which includes meals and numerous sports and leisure activities. The large resorts on Wadduwa Beach have been intelligently integrated into the lush landscape. Therefore, they are characterized by low, usually only two-storey buildings.
There are several shops selling traditional wood carvings and other souvenirs in Wadduwa, as well as several restaurants and bars. Also worth a visit is the original Wadduwa Village, home to local fishermen and rice farmers.
If you choose Wadduwa as your holiday destination in Sri Lanka, you will be rewarded with a beautiful beach and a relaxed atmosphere. The golden yellow sandy Wadduwa Beach is one of the most beautiful places on the west coast of Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by fine sand, countless shady palms and a sparkling ocean. Moderate waves offer good conditions for windsurfers. Moreover, the beach is relatively safe for bathers for most of the year.

Koggala resort

To the east of Galle you will find beautiful beaches that have not yet been hit by mass tourism. One of these beaches is Koggala, which belongs to the resort of the same name. Despite the fact that the resort offers good tourist infrastructure, there is no feeling of overcrowding on the three kilometers long beach. Koggala Beach is wide and covered with fine sand, as well as countless coconut palms and quaint rock formations.
Koggala is especially popular with couples who value a peaceful and tranquil environment. At Koggala Beach, ocean walks provide the relaxation and rest you need. Families with children also occasionally choose this destination because the gentle ocean entrance is ideal for children.
There are several hotels and guesthouses in Koggala that offer simple and comfortable rooms. The all-inclusive concept is not as common here as in the popular resorts of the west coast of Sri Lanka.
The main town on the southern coast, Galle, is just 15 kilometers from Koggala, while the charming town of Matara is just 30 kilometers east of the resort. True, the distance to Colombo International Airport is quite impressive, because it is 175 kilometers. Therefore, it will take you about three hours to get from Colombo airport to Koggala.
The Koggala resort is famous for its pole-mounted fishermen. In many other fishing villages in Sri Lanka, this traditional fishing technique is already history. However, in Koggala during the morning and afternoon hours, guests can see fishermen sitting on poles.
The big lake Koggala is located a few kilometers from the resort of the same name. Although it is actually a natural lake, the water in it is salty due to the fact that the ocean water still flows into it. There are boat trips along this lake, during which you can admire the mangroves and tropical plants growing along the shores, as well as a variety of animals and birds that live in the area. There are several islands in the lake, such as the island with the temple of a Buddhist monk or the cinnamon island, where one family of cinnamon grows and processes.
Another interesting place is the Koggaly Folk Museum, which is located in a beautiful garden. The museum is located in the homeland of the most important Sinhalese writer of the 20th century, Martin Wickramasinging. Numerous exhibits provide insight into the culture and traditions of Sri Lanka as well as the work of a renowned author.

Tangalle resort

Situated away from the main tourist centers of the western and southern coast of Sri Lanka, the small fishing village of Tangalle has not yet been touched by mass tourism. Although there are several guest houses and small hotels along the coast, their number is still small. Small but sophisticated boutique hotels on Tangalle Beach offer a decent level of comfort.
The Tangalle resort attracts with its calm atmosphere: here tourists enjoy relaxing on a picturesque beach during the day and calmly spend time in restaurants and cafes in the evening. Tangalle is also a stopover for some travelers during trips to the famous Bundala and Yala National Parks, which are located to the east of the city.
The 2 km long Tangalle beach is covered with golden yellow sand and is good for swimming. Not far from this beach you will find other picturesque coves and deserted beaches such as Rekawa Beach, located ten kilometers from Tangalle.
Tangalle Resort is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, about 37 kilometers west of Matara and 80 kilometers from Galle. To the east is only the larger city of Hambantota, which is located about 50 kilometers from Tangalle, in close proximity to the Bundala National Park. The famous Yala National Park, which is also east of Tangalle, can be reached in about two hours. The taxi ride from the international airport, which passes through the hinterland of Sri Lanka, usually lasts between 3 and 3.5 hours.
An interesting place near Tangalle is the "Howling Hole", which is a hole in the rock with a diameter of about one meter and a depth of 20 meters. She "shoots" strong fountains of water every 10-15 minutes. During the southwest monsoon, from May to September, the height of such a fountain can reach 15 meters.

Trincomalee resort

Now is the time to introduce the best Sri Lanka holiday destinations on the east coast. The most popular of these are Trincomalee and Batticaloa. We will talk about them below.
Beautiful beaches and a photogenic harbor are found in the coastal town of Trincomalee, in northeastern Sri Lanka, on the peninsula. Trincomalee is the capital of the eastern province, often referred to as "Trinco". Particularly noteworthy here are the beaches in the north of the city, the natural harbor surrounded by hills, the ferry port and idyllic suburbs.
The Trincomalee resort attracts mainly beach lovers and nature lovers, as well as people who just want to get acquainted with the bustling life of a typical Sri Lankan city. However, if you are looking for interesting sights, then you will be disappointed with this harbor city, as there is not much to admire here. The main attraction of the city is the so-called Frederick Fort with the Hindu sanctuary of Koneswaram, which is located on Swami Rock, at an altitude of about 130 meters above sea level. Here, next to the main Shiva temple, there is a small Ganesha temple.
Fort Frederick is certainly worth seeing, but today it is mainly used as a barracks by the Sri Lankan military, and therefore only a small part of it is open to the public.
There are several small islands off the coast of Sri Lanka in the Trincomalee region, one of which is Pigeon Island. This island has a very beautiful coral reef that attracts snorkelers and divers. The island can be reached in just 10 minutes by boat from Trincomalee.

Batticaloa resort

On the shores of the Bay of Bengal on the east coast of Sri Lanka is the little-visited and small town of Batticaloa. It has retained much of its original charm. Half an island in a lagoon, the city was only slightly affected by the tsunami. The 54 km long salt water lagoon has some truly scenic spots to explore with a boat trip.
The resort area of ​​Batticaloa is mainly known for its "singing fish" phenomenon, which has yet to be proven. However, he is even mentioned in the Encyclopedia Britannica. To experience this phenomenon, one has to submerge the paddle in water on a moonlit and quiet night and keep an ear on the other end of the paddle. In this case, you can hear different subtle sounds. This natural phenomenon has not yet been scientifically proven, but it is still the main attraction of the area.
More tangible landmarks are the many Hindu temples of Batticaloa, as well as the magnificent 17th century Dutch fort. It is located right on the shores of the lagoon. Many remains of the walls are well preserved.
Also of interest in Batticaloa is the Lady Manning Bridge, which connects the land to the island. The steel bridge dates from the colonial period of Britain and is one of the longest bridges in Sri Lanka.
Off the coast of Batticaloa, the Japanese air force sank the British aircraft carrier Hermes in 1942. The sunken aircraft carrier lies at a depth of 55 meters and is one of the most interesting diving spots in Sri Lanka.
If you are interested in the beaches in the Batticaloa area, the best of them, in our opinion, is Kalladi Beach. It is not very crowded and is therefore recommended for those looking for a quiet place to stay.

Hello friends!

Today I took a ride on my furious Anfield, from Arambol to Kerim beach. And after that he passed out like decimated: neither the strength to work, nor to cook. I can only listen to music. This is not the first time I notice such a feature as I go out into a crowded place. Either I grab someone else's bad energies, or sausage from the heat and climate ...

Please write in the comments if you have encountered this? And how did you manage? So far, only a cool shower brings me to my senses, and then every other time.

I remember the island of Ceylon, where we spent 2 months last year. And I remember that also within the bazaars and noisy streets I fell with a similar "pass out". Therefore, if you, like you are looking for peace and solitude, I will tell you where it is better to go in Sri Lanka not only to the bustling beaches, but also to the cold with fogs. There, by the way, it was very cool for me to work remotely.

Mountains are my favorite landscapes in all ages

In general, all the sights of Sri Lanka can be roughly divided into 3 large groups (by interests, let's say): beach, mountain and cultural. The latter include not only ancient cities such as Kandy or Anuradhapura, but also such legendary psychedelic places, such as the grave of Adam and Eve or the Rama bridge.

But I'll start with the most popular.

In general, the beaches of Sri Lanka are wildly popular among our tourist brother. What are the Sinhalese, who have learned to babble in Russian on the narrow streets of Negombo. The sight, on a par with vacationers numbed from beer, is not the most pleasant, of course, but all this is more than paid off by the stunning nature and the benevolence of the local population (albeit with a huge share of absolutely stupid desire to dilute it for a rupee or two). About the latter in the country.

So, resorts. The best time is winter, especially in January and February, the weather is very hot in summer, and it can rain in early September. You can visit them calmly and on your own!

Negombo

The closest beach town to the capital and the airport with a wide tourist infrastructure and a huge number of hotels for every taste and budget. You can also easily rent a motorcycle for a long trip around the island or lie down while waiting for your next visa to India.

Among the obvious advantages of Negombo, there is one significant disadvantage. Especially for the female half of humanity: the number of spermotoxic degradants is simply off scale. I am frankly lost in conjecture about the reasons for this alignment, but the fact is on the face. It is impossible to move away from your girlfriend for a minute: immediately some creature with an obligatory hand in his pocket starts to stick. Therefore, I would advise to stop here only for those who have nowhere else to go. Better to head south to Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna.

Hikkaduwa

A large beach resort with an even wider selection of all the tourist attractions. You can get here in 3-4 hours from Colombo by bus or in 2 hours by train. But, in the latter one must manage to squeeze in, because in Sri Lanka, trains with reservation of seats go in very limited directions. But upon arrival - a long beach with soft and fine sand; and the sea, in which the sun sets every day in incredible colors.

Here it is, the sunset sea of ​​Hikkaduwa

An incredibly strong Tsunami wave struck here in 2004, as a result of which a huge number of people died. I already wrote about the Tsunami Museum earlier in a small one.

It is crowded and bustling, but if you live in a small apartment aside, then it is quite tolerable. And everything is there: supermarkets, Saturday market, diving, snorkeling and surfing. And the prices are more than adequate.

Unawatuna

Unawatuna is even more party and youthful place than Hikkaduwa. A picturesque area for a long stay next to a very beautiful fragment of colonial architecture - the Galle Fort. Especially if you live away from all the hustle and bustle, behind the railroad.

Here, according to National Geographic, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

People often ask me which is better: Hikkaduwa or Unawatuna? I cannot give such an answer, you need to come yourself and see everything for yourself. It seemed to me that Unawatuna is somehow more comfortable. Most of it lies below the main road and is not so hectic there. But in Hikkaduwa, the beach with the awesome ocean right next to it.

Arugam Bay

A small and very village nych with huge stone piers. It is located on the east coast of the island, therefore, on the beach, unlike Hikkaduwa, it is better to meet the sun than to see it off. Suitable for longsters and those looking for rural silence.

Trincomale (Trinco)

Almost the best place in Sri Lanka, where you can hang out in May and August. Either cyclones swirl like that, or some other typical local mysticism. The beaches in Trinco are also in complete order, and if in Hikkaduwa you are attacked by a mad ocean with waves, sunsets and wild surfers, then here there is relaxation and silence, because all the beaches are located along a large and cozy bay.

In addition to the typical beach attractions, there are also WWII bases and even hot springs in the jungle. Of course, I doubt the relevance of the latter against the background of eternal summer.

Tea, mountains and fogs

If you, like me, prefer fogs, the smell of taiga, waterfalls and coolness, you should go to the central highlands. For a very cool story is going on here. Quiet, measured and very fresh. Especially warmly I remember Haputalla and Ella, where it was especially high.

Kandy

The ancient capital of Ceylon. There are at least a minimum of fogs here. But the surrounding forests, tea hills and Buddhas are very mesmerizing. There are also several tea factories in the neighborhood, where there are some super-old-school tea machines (or whatever they call them), which are shown right there in the city in a museum to enchanted tourists.

The lake in Kandy is wonderful

People have different opinions about Kandy. Someone considers it vain, but I really liked it. But for any length of time I would not hang out here (stupidly nowhere).

Ella

I am talking about this wonderful place on the very edge of the Ceylon Highlands. Ella is a very small village, permeated through and through with a tourist orientation, coolness and thick fogs. Around there are several awesome observation points, tea plantations and extremely picturesque waterfalls. This is probably one of those places where I could hang for months.

By the way, in Ella during one of the events I was actively chasing cats in order to 100% capture the delights of the surrounding space.

The highest mountain resort in Sri Lanka at an altitude of about 1800 m above the level and one of the coldest places on the island. It is located at the foot of the highest point - Mount Pidurutalagala (barely spoke). Here, with tourism, everything is on a grand scale: a bunch of Alpine-style hotels, a bunch of expensive cafes and a bunch of those who want to spend a few days away from the heat of the plains and coastal zones. Around - it is very beautiful: mountains, all the same tea, which in Nuwara Eliya is considered one of the best and even coniferous forests.

Here it is - the highest point of Sri Lanka

And in winter, as legends and locals say, sometimes frost falls at night. From myself I will say that in the absence of heating, it is very oak here, especially when it is raining. But all this is more than compensated by the chic surrounding beauties.

A very small village, located, like Ella, on the very edge of the highlands and rightfully considered the coldest place in Sri Lanka. With the tourist infrastructure, it is completely dull here, as well as with more or less adequate housing options for a long hang-out.

We celebrate the New Year in Haputale with Ippolit and Zhenya Lukashin

But he who seeks will find. Therefore, we found a wonderful place Bawa Guest House with a cute elderly couple of Muslim jewelers. So they began to call this place: at Uncle Bava's. Around - full expanse for walking in the jungle and tea fields, and at night the clouds literally flow from one window of your home to another. Sit and watch!

My favorite Sri Lankan photography is the view from Haputale to the south

From here, you can also organize a trip to the Horton Plains - mountain shrouds with insanely clean air and an equally insane 30 USD per person for entry.

Ohiya

Another place to relax and wrap around in the heart of the eucalyptus forests. If even Haputale seems noisy to you, go to Oia. For it is very quiet here, and according to the locals, even water here can be easily taken in a stream and drunk without boiling. She's so clean.

Eucalyptus forests near Oia

Bandaravella and Badulla

Quite large transport and tourist hubs of the central highlands. From Badulla, for example, you can take a direct train to Colombo or Kandy. The branch of the stunningly beautiful mountain railway ends here.

Around all those tea fields, serpentines and a night oak tree. Except that it is much more hectic and crowded, so my definite favorites are Haputale and Ella. Where, in spite of the size, everything is there that is needed for a long hang.

Cultural and archaeological sites

I finished my favorite part about mountains and nature. Now I will touch on the cultural wealth of the island. And with some degree of regret, I will inform you that I knew absolutely nothing about him before coming here. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is one of the main nurseries of Buddhism, where it has not only survived for 2 millennia, but has multiplied and spread its tentacles wide enough. At the beginning of our era, the teachings of the Buddha fell into decay and only thanks to the efforts of the traveling monks, it was carried to the most remote corners of Asia.

Sri Lanka seems to have got the most significant piece. Where else can you find Buddhist temples that have been operating for more than 2000 years? Where can you touch the antiquity, the developments of which are still used today? I haven't found such a place yet ...

The only downside to all these cultural fossils is the cost of entry. In Sri Lanka, in general, with pricing - a complete Achtung. Drive into the Horton Plateau - $ 30. Go outside the gate of Anuradhapura - 35, etc. Sigiriya, which generally has nothing but aesthetic beauty, asks for 40 bucks. Well, etc.

And again Kandy

As I wrote above, this is a fairly picturesque place, rightfully considered almost the cultural capital of the island. But the most important attraction here is the Temple of the Tooth of Buddha. No more and no less! I will say right away that you still will not see the tooth itself, it is hidden from prying eyes somewhere in the depths of the temple, but you will be able to fully feel the ancient energy. Entrance price 1000 rupees (exchange rate 1 dollar = 145 rupees)

Temple of the Tooth Buddha

Dambulla

Ancient cave temples, about 2000 years old. The most important artifact of the place is a small stream of water, which suddenly starts running up the walls during the rainy season. Either a miracle, or a trick ... But for me, the place is very touristy, and in order to somehow feel the energy and character of the place, you have to hide in the farthest corners. Entrance price 1,500 rupees (exchange rate 1 dollar = 145 rupees)

cave temples of Badulla

Anuradhapura

If there are places where antiquity is simply off scale, then after the city of the dead Varanasi, I can only name Anuradhapura. A huge old city, a living archeology of stupas dating back to 2,300 years, and a Mahaboddhi tree grown from a branch of the Boddhi tree in Bodhgaya (India), where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Mahaboddhi Anuradhapura is considered the oldest tree in the world with a documented history.

Entrance price is 4500 rupees.

Pollonaruwa

Another place where travelers in Sri Lanka strive to get. The ancient capital of the island with a large temple, Gal Vihara. If you are a fan of antiquities and cultures - welcome. If not, then let's go to Ella.

Sigiriya

The strangest, in my opinion, attraction. For, apart from her psychedelic-photogenic disposition, she is not particularly remarkable for me. Well yes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Well, yes, it's beautiful ... But around you can find at least a couple of places, from where the view will be even steeper, and you don't have to pay money for the entrance. Unless the fact of the presence of Buddhist monasteries at the top makes it something significant. The rest is a place promoted by the tourism industry, where packets are transported by huge buses.

Entrance - $ 30.

Mannar Island

But this is a completely different matter! North of Sri Lanka. There are no tourists at all, all villages, Christians, churches and tuk-tuk drivers who are completely indifferent to our white mugs. It is from here that the legendary chain of islands goes to India, called the Rama bridge and a few kilometers from it are the graves of Adam and Eve themselves, who after the fall decided to go to Sri Lanka for a season. Not a bad option for an earthly paradise?

Rama Bridge Islands

But all around is chaos, worthy of the best examples of India. Heat, dust and donkeys. The sea and beaches are deserted and inaccessible.

Jaffna

The far north of Ceylon, which for a long time remained the center of the LTTE separatist fighters, until they were finally defeated by government forces in 2010. Until 2012, the city was closed to foreign tourists, apparently it was being actively cleared of mines, stretch marks, undocumented groups of Tamil tigers and unexploded ordnance. And today you can even find KFC here.